From Praying Mantis to System Aerodynamics: Four Technical Observations from Kona 2026
TJ Tollakson counting equipment at Kona 2026 · Photo: Brad Kaminski / Triathlete · Article: T.J. Tollakson, Triathlete, 2026-10-13
The revealing part of Kona’s 2026 equipment count is not the brand ranking. It is how once-radical solutions—high hands, personalized aerobars, integrated hydration and ultra-deep wheels—have become familiar.
01 | An early adopter and the praying mantis position
T.J. Tollakson has helped count equipment at world championships since 2006 and was an influential early practitioner of the high-hands “praying mantis” position. Traditional extensions were relatively flat; contemporary riders often tilt the forearms upward and bring their hands in front of the head. This changes more than bar angle: hands, forearms, helmet, shoulders and torso interact as an aerodynamic system.
Higher hands may shield frontal area or improve airflow transitions, but may also expose more area or make a position difficult to sustain. There is no universally optimal tilt. Test the complete rider–bike system.
02 | Aerobars become a personal interface
The 2026 count recorded 497 Profile Design setups, 284 Canyon setups and 125 FastTT setups. Other accounted for 384, about 18.0%. This substantial category should not disappear from charts simply because it lacks a single brand name. It may contain smaller makers, custom components and unidentified equipment, but it cannot be treated as entirely custom or attributed to one manufacturer.
Forearm support length, grip angle, elbow spacing, stiffness and adjustability matter together. Monocoque carbon and 3D printing are design methods, not automatic proof of lower drag. Shoulder width, head position and posture can change the result. Personalization starts with fit; speed gains require testing.
03 | Hydration is not merely an add-on
For front hydration, Other led with 558 (32.25%); Integrated was counted separately at 148 (about 8.55%). For rear hydration, Other was 224 (about 14.4%) and Integrated was 307 (19.7%). These categories are distinct and must not be merged.
A bottle between the arms may fill an airflow gap or add drag, depending on shape, height and posture. Behind-the-saddle systems are equally context-dependent. Long-course equipment must also address legal capacity, accessibility, refilling and the ability to return to a stable aero position. A bottle is not inherently faster. Compare configurations under repeatable conditions and relevant yaw angles.
04 | Ultra-deep wheels are not identical to discs
Tollakson questions Kona’s disc-wheel ban as athletes use HED Jet 180 rear wheels and large tri-spokes. Similar silhouettes do not imply identical forces. Crosswind analysis must distinguish drag, lateral force and steering-axis torque. Front-wheel steering torque directly affects handling feedback; rear-wheel lateral forces act differently. Rim depth alone does not establish handling risk, nor does appearance alone invalidate a rule.
Conclusion | Optimize the rider–bike system
High hands, tailored supports, integrated hydration and deep wheels point to the same lesson: evaluate equipment with the rider, position and conditions. A pier-side count reveals adoption, not what is fastest for everyone. Trends generate hypotheses; reliable tests provide answers.
Data note: Component categories have different denominators. Other means not separately classified by brand; it does not necessarily mean unbranded or custom. RSTRI products may appear there, but the public data cannot establish their count. Technical analysis is RSTRI Lab’s own, not Tollakson’s endorsement.
Sources and attribution
T.J. Tollakson · Triathlete · 2026-10-13
https://www.slowtwitch.com/industry/insights-and-trends-from-the-2026-kona-bike-count/ ↗