Last year we shared the Culprit Croz Blade Arsenal and how Joshua Colp of Culprit was aiming to give athletes a complete training and racing kit in a single package. This year at Kona we saw the next big thing from the Culprit camp – the Legend.
The Legend first saw the light of day back in 2013 at the Taipei Bike show. Since then, Culprit has changed manufacturing partners and went back to the design room floor. What has emerged is an updated bike with many of the same features we have come to expect from the current generation of triathlon bikes, yet Culprit has still continued to push the envelope. At Kona, Culprit brought a plastic 3D-printed prototype of the new Legend to give both the press and public a better idea of just what they were cooking up.
The new Legend is designed to be a livable superbike. While it’s easy to travel with and wrench yourself, it still retains the aerodynamics required to compete at the highest levels. The aero bars are easily removed for bike travel and the brakes are hidden behind a magnetic cover to allow for quick access.
Speaking of brakes, the Legend is designed to work with rim or disc brakes. For those looking to run disc brakes, the Culprit is designed around the flat mount disc standard. If you’re looking to run a rim brake, Culprit is working with TRP on a new rim brake up front (utilizing a different fork). At the rear, rim brake fans will be able to use a Shimano direct mount rim brake fit under the bottom bracket (which is BB386 EVO). The Legend uses alloy adaptors to switch between 130 mm OLD rim brake hubs and 142 x 12 Shimano e-thru for disc brakes.
The Legend is designed to work not only with both mechanical and electronic group sets but Culprit is working to also incorporate the needs of athletes looking to run 1×11 as well.
Culprit designed the cockpit specifically for the Legend. However, the frame can work with any standard aerobar\stem. In the event of damage in transit, Culprit wanted to be sure that a racer could buy new parts to get their bike running in times of desperation rather than not race at all.
As for your hydration and fueling needs, the Legend was designed to fit two bottles in the front triangle (and the CFD design process took this into account). And while we know this is not the preferred bottle location versus a BTA or behind the saddle, it is good to see manufacturers recognize that sometimes you do not have a choice (especially on the longest of training rides).
Immediately in front of the seatpost is a small compartment for a multi-tool featuring a magnetic cover, allowing it to be neatly hidden away.
The prototype also features a bento box for your nutrition needs. And at the rear of the seat tube is a pair of bosses for potential rear storage.
Not content to stop with the bike, Culprit is also looking to change the buying process and will be utilizing crowd funding to continue the design of the Legend. They initially plan to set their first goal at building three sizes, S(51) , M (54), L (56). Beyond that are reach goals of two additional sizes—XS(48) and XL (58). Finally, the stretch goal is a 650 C version. As with all crowd-funded campaigns, the earlier you get in, the better. The first 25 supporters will get through the checkout line with 35% off MSRP. After that, the next 25 supporters get a 30% discount, and finally the remaining supporters will get out the door with 25% off. All discounts will not include import duties paid. There will be four paint color options available at launch, with the possibility of additional custom paint colors at a later date.
Stay tuned to AeroGeeks.com for the latest details on the Legend. We’ll be sharing final details of their crowd-funded campaign (currently targeted for November), as well as results from a wind tunnel session that Culprit is planning for the Legend in the coming week. Let us know if you have any questions for Culprit as they complete the design of the Legend. And what would like to see offered as part of their crowd-funded rewards system.