KRISTIAN HØGENHAUG V-PRi BIKE CHECK: IS THIS THE FASTEST BIKE AT KONA?
Danish triathlon superstar Kristian Høgenhaug is no stranger to speed. He calls himself a “proud sports science nerd,” and he is relentless when it comes to aero-optimizing his bike and equipment. In fact, he decided to partner with Quintana Roo after aero-testing several options in the velodrome and discovering that the V-PRi was the fastest bike.
On board his new bike, he had a breakthrough year in 2025, with major highlights including winning The Championship in Samorin and a 2nd-place finish at the IRONMAN Frankfurt European Championships, where he set a new IRONMAN bike course record. Now, he's brought his latest rig to the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. Let's take a closer look at the bike and setup he hopes will help him dominate on the Queen K.
Høgenhaug's Studio NEXT V-PRi
Since the latter half of 2025, Høgenhaug has been competing on a special pro-only Speedcoat V-PRi, which utilizes a proprietary surface treatment that protects the frame called “Speedcoat.” Eliminating paint reduces weight by 150 grams, which was ideal for events like last year's Men's IRONMAN World Championship in Nice. But now that the World Championship for both Men and Women has returned to Kona, weight isn't the primary concern, and paint is back on the menu.
Høgenhaug has still gone the weight-weenie route with the phenomenally lightweight Studio NEXT V-PRi. Not only is the Studio NEXT V-PRi one of the most aerodynamically efficient triathlon frames on the market, but it's also one of the lightest at 1,900 grams for the frame and fork. Høgenhaug's bike is painted in one of the exclusive Studio NEXT paint schemes, complete with a color-matched Quintana Roo Intelligent Integration Cockpit basebar.
At 6′1 (186cm), Høgenhaug rides a Large Quintana Roo V-PRi. He actually asked for various sizes to test and was originally planning to ride a Medium. But with the V-PRi's wind tunnel-tested aero design, which includes the Shift+ downtube and Leading Edge Absent non-drive chainstay, he discovered the Large was actually significantly faster in his preferred riding position.
A V-PRi Build Full of Aero-Optimized Components
Høgenhaug's aero obsession led him to the V-PRi, and it has driven his build decisions when setting up his bike for the demands of Kona. Every aspect of his position is refined to the millimeter through extensive testing, and this year, he has optimized his V-PRi with help from Drag2Zero, an aerodynamic cycling and triathlon optimization company established in 2007 by former Formula 1 aerodynamicist Simon Smart.
Starting at the front of the bike, Høgenhaug is using the Drag2Zero.66 Pole System. This is Drag2Zero's flagship cockpit system, which claims to provide 10-13 watts of aerodynamic gains over standard extensions. It is extremely adjustable to achieve a custom fit, and it mounts directly to the V-PRi’s Intelligent Integration Cockpit using Drag2Zero's V1 Mono Conversion Plate Kit.
The extensions are capped off with Drag2Zero's Gen2 Grip for Shimano SW-R9160 Shifters. His cycling computer rests on Drag2Zero's Tower Computer Mount Add-On. Interestingly, he's using the lower half of an AeroGain Aero BTA system combined with what appears to be a DIY mounting plate. Knowing Høgenhaug, he likely chose this solution over a complete BTA system from Drag2Zero or Quintana Roo to position his bottle exactly where he wanted it.
At the rear, Høgenhaug is perched on a carbon V8 saddle from Wove, which has quickly become one of the most popular options among top pros for its comfort and weight. It features an integrated bottle cage mount where Høgenhaug has attached an EZ Hydro-Gains rear bottle mount, which is designed specifically for the Wove V8 and claims to save up to an additional 12 watts over a bare saddle.
Høgenhaug has stuck to a tried-and-true setup for his drivetrain, with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. He is a fan of 1x drivetrains, and his Dura-Ace drivetrain is modified with a massive 60-tooth Drag2Zero 1x aero chainring. A bigger chainring means less chain articulation, reducing friction for more efficiency, but you have to be strong enough to push it, which Høgenhaug certainly is.
Høgenhaug usually runs a Drag2Zero Aero Chain Catcher, but seems to have removed it for Kona. Running no chainguide perhaps saves a watt or two, but every bit counts at the pro level. He's even added a set of 3D-printed Aercovers to his Shimano SPD-SL pedals. These close the cavity on SPD-SL pedals and claim a 3-4 watt gain at 45 km/h. It's clear that Høgenhaug is trying to eke out every last aero saving he can.
To that end, Høgenhaug almost always runs a rear disc for maximum aero, but since discs are banned at Kona, he has gone with the all-new Dura-Ace R9370 carbon wheels. The defining innovation of the new R9370 series is Shimano's newly engineered carbon spokes. Of course, Høgenhaug has chosen the wider "Super Aero" spoke profile. The other big change was the introduction of the 99mm deep C99 rear wheel, which Høgenhaug has paired with a C60 front. These wheels are aero-optimized for 28-30mm tires. Høgenhaug runs Continental's super-fast GP 5000 TT TR tires in 28mm, set up tubeless.
Høgenhaug's V-PRi is definitely one of the most aerodynamically optimized triathlon bike builds in the pro ranks. He will be battling against the world's best next weekend on the Queen K, and if I had to bet on a QR athlete capable of nailing the fastest bike split, my money is on the big Dane. You can follow Kristian Høgenhaug before, during, and after Kona on Instagram!
