You’ve invested thousands of dollars in a bike, aero helmet, racing top, and hundreds of hours in training to get to the start line of a triathlon. Then the race officials hand you a couple of flimsy twist-ties to attach your number to your bike. It almost feels like a slap in the face to your investment in going fast.
That’s why we welcome Smartmount’s elegant answer. The reversible and curved mounting clip mounts nearly anywhere on your rig and keeps the number clear of the rear wheel, seat bag and water bottle cages. The number stays out of the way, doesn’t flutter around, and will need a tornado to detach it.
Today, most seriously competitive triathletes know that attaching your race number to the top tube of your bike causes drag, even if it doesn't interfere with your cables or water bottle cages. The pros’ less than ideal solution is to cut up and tape the race number on the seat post sideways. But most often, there is just not enough room to do so with today's super aero bike designs, especially for smaller athletes riding smaller frames. Compounding matters, most race rules stipulate that competitors can’t manipulate the number. Hence the development of Smartmount.
If you’re racing multiple times in a year, you can add an Aero Sleeve, a clear plastic holder that further enhances aerodynamics. For the ultimate number-holder in tough conditions (XTERRA, anyone?) try the Aero Smartmount, which uses a three-point attachment to secure your number.
The Smartmount is made from a lightweight, impact resistant polyurethane. Small steel nuts are recessed into the mount clamp. The carbon steel set screws are tightened with a Hex key (included). Just mount the low-profile attachment clip once and forget it. Then when you head to a race, you simply attach the race-number clamp and you’re good to go.
It’s a small piece of equipment, but it does provide some peace of mind, especially if you’re the kind of triathlete who sweats the small stuff such as bike cables routed through the frame, disc wheels, and a training plan that ensures you’re 100% ready for every race.
(From the company) There are three models available made to more custom fit virtually ANY shape or size race number, all work with the same universal attachment clip. Aero, Regular and the original Sticker models can be purchased separately or together in the Super Combo Pack. We also have the Smartmount Helmet Race Number Holder that fits most road helmets with front vents.
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