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Kona 2014: Tim O'Donnell's Trek Speed Concept

 Oct 7, 2014 article & images by Nick Salazar


Tim O'Donnell, also known simply as "T.O.," is one of the best triathletes on the planet, and often described as America's best hope to reclaim an Ironman World Championship title in a world dominated by Aussies. Speaking of Aussies, Tim is married to defending World Champion Mirinda Carfrae, and the couple represents the best tri talent the planet has to offer. Today, we take a close look at Tim's Trek Speed Concept, and do a little comparison to Rinny's Felt IA. We can't wait to see how these two powerhouse racers do on race day.


Tags » bontrager,  campagnolo,  cobb,  epsgroup,  hawaii,  hawaii2014,  mavic,  mirindacarfrae,  rigs,  speedconcept,  timodonnell,  trek

Tim's Stars-and-Stripes Trek Speed Concept 

  • Tim O'Donnell just got this custom Kona-edition Stars-and-Stripes paint job for his Trek Speed Concept. It's smartly appointed with Campagnolo Record EPS components, Mavic wheels, and ready to fly on race day.
  • Tim O'Donnell just got this custom Kona-edition Stars-and-Stripes paint job for his Trek Speed Concept. It's smartly appointed with Campagnolo Record EPS components, Mavic wheels, and ready to fly on race day.
  • Tim O'Donnell just got this custom Kona-edition Stars-and-Stripes paint job for his Trek Speed Concept. It's smartly appointed with Campagnolo Record EPS components, Mavic wheels, and ready to fly on race day.
  • The silver parts of Tim's bike are actually chrome painted, and shine quite well in the right lighting. We shot this bike in the shade, which dulled out its brilliant appearance a bit.
  • The frontal profile of the Trek Speed Concept is absolutely flawless. Ultra-small frontal profile, and zero superfluous cabling or other material.
  • Stars and stripes are the theme of this bike.
  • Tim's front end setup is great; BTA bottle with two salt sticks ...
  • ... and a Garmin up front just behind his hands.
  • Campagnolo EPS shifting makes things easy to use both on the extensions ...
  • ... and on the base bar.
  • Tim's control box is tucked away just behind his extension mono riser.
  • As you can see, the wind sees nothing of his EPS control box, hiding neatly behind the mono riser.
  • Trek's integrated Bontrager Speed Box makes for easy and aero-friendly nutrition storage. No need for an aftermarket product here.
  • Tim's new Stars-and-Stripes paint scheme features a red logo on the drive-side and a blue logo on the non-drive-side. Slick!
  • Tim's new Stars-and-Stripes paint scheme features a red logo on the drive-side and a blue logo on the non-drive-side. Slick!
  • The beefy BB90 shell takes care of the aerodynamics down by the crank.
  • Tim's EPS battery tucked under the BB shell. This is one thing I'm not to keen on with EPS; their internal battery option is most likely too bulky to fit inside the bike, which is why Trek pros on Campy still use the unsightly standard battery.
  • Tim rides Mavic wheels and their pedals as well.
  • A Cobb JOF saddle for Mr. O'Donnell. Both he and wife Rinny have moved to split-nosed seats in recent years, along with almost every other pro on the planet.
  • A single behind-the-saddle (BTS) cage makes for a convenient and aero hydration option as well.
  • Tim will be using the Draft Box on race day, but had it off the bike for this shoot - you can see the snap-on mount here, behind the seat tube.
  • The Campy EPS rear derailleur.
  • Tim's BB cluster, with the slick integrated rear brake and the Campy battery.

Rinny, T.O., and their Rigs 

After a few sponsor changes throughout the years, Tim and Rinny have each landed at separate homes: Rinny is with Felt, and Tim with Trek. But they have something in common: their bikes are incredible. Here are a few shots showing off these impressive rigs, and their equally-impressive riders.

  • The Trek and the Felt, enjoying some peaceful time together before the storm on Saturday.
  • The Trek and the Felt, enjoying some peaceful time together before the storm on Saturday.
  • The Trek and the Felt, enjoying some peaceful time together before the storm on Saturday.
  • The Trek and the Felt, enjoying some peaceful time together before the storm on Saturday.
  • Tim and Rinny are in the best shape I've ever seen them, and I think they're going to have some very impressive races this year.
  • You'd never know it by their winning smiles and gracious manners, but these two are absolutely ferocious competitors. Good luck out there!

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