Ceepo Mamba-R (Part 3): TT & Triathlon Beast Mode Unleashed

From Road Warrior to TT Missile: The Transformation

Here we are, the grand finale of my three-part series on the Ceepo Mamba-R, the bike that’s proven its chops on gravel and road, and now it’s time to unleash its time trial (TT) and triathlon potential. Ceepo’s 2025 return to the US market through Ceepo Bikes USA in Lansdale, PA, paired with their sponsorship of Team BIKE AID, racing the Mamba-R in road, gravel, and triathlon events, has this bike dominating conversations. 

Since 2022, the Mamba-R’s design has stayed largely unchanged—a refined, aero-obsessed classic that’s not about chasing the lightest weight but delivers unmatched value for multidiscipline riders. In this final installment, we’re diving into converting the road bike to triathlon bike and specifically testing the TT position, where the Mamba-R transforms into a precision race-day machine with best clip-on aerobars for road bikes and a dialed setup. Strap in—this bike is built to chase seconds.

Key Specs for a Speed-Obsessed Setup

Here’s a word on the specs that make the Mamba-R a TT monster. These specs are basically the same as the road or gravel setup except this time, we use the reversible seatpost for aggressive positioning and .. that changes everything.. 

You also have a Di2 battery slot for clean electronic shifting, and tire clearance for 30/32mm tires to balance speed and comfort. The BB386EVO and brake setup have minor quirks, but the aero package steals the show.

Performance Review: Is it Fast?

In TT mode, the Mamba-R is a straight-up missile, built for speed freaks who live for shaving seconds. Slap on a set of clip-on aerobars (like my Vision TFE Pro bars), flip the reversible seatpost to its forward position, and you’ve got a rig that rivals dedicated TT bikes. The truncated airfoil tube shapes and kammtail downtube cut through the wind, while the stiff BB386EVO and asymmetrical chainstays ensure every watt rockets you forward. At 1,120g, the frameset isn’t the lightest, but the explosive power transfer makes it feel like you’re cheating the wind. If you have the legs, the Ceepo delivers ! Finished the bike leg 14th/668 at the T100 Singapore among probably one of the most expensive TT bike park in Asia, if not worldwide. 

The tire clearance shines here too, letting you run 30/32mm tires for a smoother ride without sacrificing speed—perfect for rough triathlon courses or long-distance TTs. I’ve pushed this bike in sprint triathlons and time trials, and it’s a beast, holding steady at high speeds and transitioning seamlessly to the run thanks to the forward-leaning position. Ceepo’s aero DNA, honed from years of triathlon design, makes this bike a short-course weapon, as proven by Oscar Coggins at the 2022 Olympics.(https://www.ceepobike.com/mamba-r-triathlon-2023)

Metrics from aero tests: TT bikes cut CdA by 0.05-0.1 vs. road (0.376-0.389 CdA baseline), with 40W resistance penalty on gravel

The Fit: Aggressive Geometry for Aero Gains

The Mamba-R’s TT setup is all about getting long and low. The reversible seatpost pushes you forward, mimicking a dedicated tri bike’s geometry (seat angle adjustable to ~77-82°), while the low stack height (~500mm, medium size) gets you closer to the bars for max aero gains. Compared to triathlon-specific bikes like the Cervélo P5 (stack: ~485mm), Specialized Shiv (stack: ~490mm), or Trek Speed Concept (stack: ~487mm), the Mamba-R’s geometry is just as aggressive, if not more so, but with the bonus of road and gravel versatility. The carbon frame absorbs vibrations, keeping you fresh for the run leg, while the FSA SMR stem and clip-on bars let you dial in your fit. It’s a setup that begs you to tuck in and hammer.

The One-Bike Quiver?

The Mamba-R’s TT versatility is unreal. Run it with a 1x or 2x drivetrain, stash the Di2 battery in the downtube slot for a clean look, and swap between 28mm tires for pure speed or 32mm for comfort on bumpy courses. The reversible seatpost lets you switch from road to TT mode in minutes—just add clip-ons and go. It’s not a pure TT bike like a Cervélo P5, but for athletes who want one rig for triathlons, road races, and gravel adventures, it’s a quiver-killer. With an incredible power transfer, this bike adapts to your race-day vibe, whether it’s a sprint tri or a solo TT.

Drawbacks

A couple of quirks to note: While the BB386EVO bottom bracket is stiff, it's a common source of creaking, which can be a concern for riders looking for a low-maintenance triathlon bike. It'sbest clip-on aerobars for road bikes a common issue with this standard across brands like Pinarello or Scott. A skilled mechanic can sort it out. Also, the disc brakes default to 160mm rotors, so a 140mm rear rotor needs an adapter, which is a minor hassle for weight-conscious riders. These are small trade-offs for a bike this versatile.

The Verdict: Who is the Ceepo Mamba-R For?

The Ceepo Mamba-R in TT mode is for triathletes and time trialists who want a do-it-all bike. It’s ideal for short-course racers (Super Sprint, Sprint, Olympic), multidiscipline athletes who also ride road or gravel, or anyone dipping into TTs without buying a dedicated rig. If you prioritize aero efficiency and power transfer over ultralight weight, this bike delivers serious value.

User Feedback

Triathletes love the Mamba-R’s TT game. A forum user said, “With clip-ons and the seatpost flipped, it’s like a dedicated TT bike—fast and stable, with an easy run transition.” My own races back this up: the forward position feels natural, and the aero gains are noticeable. It’s a bike that makes you want to chase PBs.(https://www.reddit.com/r/triathlon/comments/1b8dw4f/ceepo_mamba_r/)

Rating

The Ceepo Mamba-R in TT mode is an aero-charged powerhouse that delivers race-ready speed and versatility for triathletes who want one bike to rule them all.

Ready to dive deeper?

• Read Part 1: The Gravel Grinder Review

• Read Part 2: The Road Rocket Analysis

• Check the Vision TFE Pro Aerobars I use.