Sam Long Bike Check
Frame: Argon E-118 Tri +
Wheels: ENVE SES 5.6 Disc (training), SES Disc rear with SES 7.8 Disc front wheel (racing)
Tires: Continental GP5000 Tubeless, 25mm
Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace DI2
Cranks: Dura-Ace Dual-Sided Power, 55/39 chainrings
Chain: Ice Friction Dura-Ace
Saddle: ISM PS 1.0
At just 24 years old, up and comer triathlete Sam Long is being hailed as a potential future winner of the Kona World Championships. This is thanks to his Ironman pro win last year that made him the youngest American full distance IM overall winner. For 2020, Sam has a new look having moved from the SUUNTO Multi-Sport team over to a group of technical partners of his choosing. Although he spent the 2019 season on ENVE, the rest of the product line-up are all new, with Wattie Ink, Argon 18, and Shimano as the most notable additions.
“I make no compromises on equipment”, said Sam. “I only use what I consider to be the best and if that brand is interested in a partnership then it is a win, win. I also wanted to be sure I aligned with the companies values and that I saw the potential for a long term relationship. I wanted them to see me as an athlete to work with and grow together.”
After a breakout season in 2019, Sam knows what needs to be done in order to continue the trajectory for his career, and ultimately become a Kona contender. “Taking things up another level is actually remarkably simple for me. I will continue working hard but I’m learning to trust my team more and just do what I’m told. This year it is less about having ‘epic training days or weeks’ and much more about being consistent and laying it all out there on race day.”
In terms of equipment, Sam will have his choice of a SES 7.8 wheelset for race day, or a 7.8 front with a Disc rear wheel when the course favors such a setup. Most of his training will be done on ENVE SES 5.6 Disc wheels since he ends up spending a fair amount of his training time riding in the mountains around Boulder, Colorado. Both his race and training wheelsets will be set up tubeless.
