"The Andean Bike unlocked several aerodynamic puzzles, which has given us the experience to push even farther. With the IO we fused those innovations along with several new ground-breaking technologies into a wicked-fast, lightweight and slippery road bike", they added.
"Innovation is our playground":
"When our engineering team began to design the IO, we asked ourselves, "Can your road bike be as fast as your triathlon bike?" Having previously developed several bikes, including the Andean, with our partners, Kevin Quan Studios, we already had a solid foundation. To achieve our design goal, we needed to focus on both weight savings and aerodynamic characteristics. Using an integrated design approach, our engineering team looked at the bike as a complete system. They analyzed not only the frame but all other elements that affect aerodynamic drag", continues the company.
According to Diamondback, "Research using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling and testing in the wind tunnel indicated a need to focus on two areas of the frame: the area we call the SpeedCore, encompassing anything below the top tube, and the cockpit, which begins with the handlebars and spans the top tube to the seat".
The SpeedCore advantage:
The SpeedCore features three design elements that, functioning as a system, give the IO its competitive advantage. At its core lies the Diamondback Wake Control System, which, according to Diamondback, represents an industry first in bicycle frame design. Ultralow Seat Stays and Aero Bottom Bracket Storage provide additional aerodynamic efficiency as well as other benefits key to rider comfort and performance.
Diamondback Wake Control System:
The Wake Control System is formed by engineering strategically shaped depressions called vortex generators into the trailing edge of the truncated airfoils. These depressions set up mini areas of counter-rotating turbulent flow. When precisely placed in a specific pattern, the counter-flow areas interfere with natural airflow across the frame and significantly reduce the wake that leaves the bike. "The IO's vortex generators better control the wake and significantly improve the aerodynamic performance compared to other aero road bike designs", they stated.
Ultralow Seat Stays:
In addition to researching tube shape, Diamondback engineers wanted to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the seat stays while maintaining the desirable compliance and stiffness characteristics of a traditional road bike.
Diamondback engineers tested a number of different seat stay options. Their new Ultralow Seat Stays have been optimized for aerodynamic efficiency, lateral stiffness, and vertical compliance so that the rider does not have to sacrifice comfort for performance.
Aero Bottom Bracket Storage:
Designed to balance the characteristics of a time trial or triathlon bike with those of a road bike, the IO's bottom bracket storage area offers the greatest advantage in terms of the ratio of aerodynamic efficiency versus weight.
The cockpit - Integration + functionality:
A great aerodynamic frame design can be spoiled by a lack of attention to detail. Diamondback engineers stayed focused on the small details that make a big difference to both aerodynamics and rider experience.
Aero Handlebar:
"Our engineering team reviewed the leading bars on the market for aerodynamic performance, functionality, comfort, and fit. Based on those criteria, Zipp's SL-70 Aero handlebar was chosen", explained the company.
Covert Routing Process:
When designing the IO, Diamondback engineering team reviewed their existing internal cable routing method and sought to improve it, which led to the development of the Covert Routing Process (CRP) designed around a proprietary stem. The CRP system keeps cables nearly hidden, from the shifters all the way through to the brakes and derailleurs.
Aero Top Tube Storage:
Relying on knowledge gained during the development of their Andean, the company began looking for ways to incorporate top tube storage into the IO. The end result is a top tube storage compartment just behind the handlebar. This compartment is easy to access throughout the ride and large enough to accommodate a variety of nutrition options.
Versatility:
"The IO offers true versatility to endurance athletes. For base miles and hill training, the layback seatpost provides the geometry of a traditional road bike. For racing and race-specific training, clip-on aero bars can be attached and the seatpost can be oriented toward the front for triathlon geometry. By altering the setup, the same bike can be used for draft-legal and non-draft events", shared Diamondback.
Results:
By focusing on the SpeedCore and cockpit areas, Diamondback engineering team was able to design the IO to be 20%* more aerodynamically efficient than the Podium, and only 10%* slower than the Serios. The IO achieves their goal of offering significant, proven aerodynamic advantages along with the responsive handling of a road bike.
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