Trek Equinox TTX 9.9 SSL – Review

Trek Equinox 9.9 SSL

A review of the Trek Equinox TT 9.9 SSL after 2 seasons of racing.

This is my new Carbon fibre bike frame. A bit different from most of the bikes pictured on this blog. The first thing that strikes you about the frame is well – it’s orange (remember that old advertising slogan by Orange mobiles – the future’s bright – the future’s orange) . I’ve started two races on this bike and at each start, the pusher offer has got me into a conversation about the orange colour. Just when you want to be most focused – you have to fight off their comments about being blinded by the colour – and explaining why at £500 off RRP, you can’t be too fussy about the colour.  I have a feeling it won’t be the last time I get quizzed on the start line. Anyway, the colour is growing on me and at the end of the day, it’s not the colour of a bike that determines its speed and ride quality. How does it actually ride?

Ride Quality

• Carbon fibre comfort. The first big difference is that this is my first carbon fibre bike. My previous bikes have been steel or aluminium. It seems all top end bikes are going down the carbon fibre route and after riding this it’s easy to see why. The two things I noticed from Carbon Fibre frame were:
• It is a smoother ride, Carbon fibre is good at absorbing the many bumps on British Roads.
• Power transfer. The frame is stiff and rigid. You feel that the maximum power stroke is transferred through the bike into the wheels.

Trek Equinox 9.9 SSL

• The frame is very good for optimising aerodynamic drag. Cables are internally routed. The frame is shaped to smooth the airflow around the bike. It is great to clean with a cloth because the surface is so smooth and seamlessly moulded together.
• Speed it is fast. I’ve recently set a pb of 49.35 for a 25 mile TT. That’s over 30mph. It performs well at speed.

Weight.

One thing about Carbon fibre TT frames is that they are often quite heavy. This Trek 9.9SSL is comparatively light. If you are looking for a lightweigh Carbon fibre bike, it is one of the best value bikes by quite a way. I did alot of research into other frames. But, I think Trek TT frames offer one of the best value for money.

The problem is that after going from a carbon fibre super aerodynamic bike to an ordinary aluminium road bike it’s a bit of let down. It just feels more sluggish and you miss the obvious speed of this bike.

On my bathroom scales with these wheels attached the bike came in at about 7.3KG, which is pretty good.

Note: I bought just the Trek Equinox 9.9 SSL frameset which includes, frame, fork and matching aero seat post. I transferred my wheels and Dura Ace groupset over from my old bike.

Performance on Cornering and Descents

During Circuit of the Dales on fast sweeping descent into Hawes.

I often ride hilly time trials and get the opportunity to descend at upto 50mph. It feels good on corners. It is responsive and no untoward movement. This rigidity gives confidence for fast descending.

Would I buy Again?

I’m definitely happy with the purchase. I think it’s excellent value. However, I am tempted by some other time trial bikes on the market, such as the new Chris Boardman TT series. I like the idea of the brakes being hidden behind the forks.

• I bought from Evans Cycles
• Time trial bikes