After many years racing for Kona, Helen Wyman kicked off 2018 with her own cyclocross program. Partnering with organizations that share her outlook on women’s racing, she announced a sponsor list that included Verge Sport, UK chemical distributor Xypex and bike manufacturer KindHuman.
Wyman rode a red Küdü in early 2018 and showed off a flashy Kensuke gravel bike for the Paris to Ancaster gravel race in April. With 2018/19 marking her first full season riding a Kindhuman, Wyman and the company had extra time to get her new bikes ready for the season.
Helen Wyman's Kindhuman Küdü, 2018 Trek CX Cup, Waterloo. © D. Mable / Cyclocross Magazine
Wyman's new bikes include components from past sponsors and new decals that pay tribute to Wyman's many ’cross accomplishments. We caught up with Wyman in Waterloo and her Küdü for our latest bike profile.
Helen Wyman's 2018/19 KindHuman Küdü
Wyman’s KindHuman Küdü used primarily Shimano components, much like another (now retired) pro’s bike. Unlike Page, however, Wyman used not only the disc version of the Küdü but also brought her bike firmly into the modern era with Di2 shifting.
As with Page’s cantilever bike, Kindhuman builds the Küdü Disc with a mix of carbon fibers from Mitsubishi and features a claimed weight of 1,000g. Wyman has three bikes, each sporting a paint job that pays homage to a region of significance to her and showcases her achievements on the top tube.
Wyman's top tube pays homage to her 10 British national championships and 2 European championships. Helen Wyman's Kindhuman Küdü, 2018 Trek CX Cup, Waterloo. © D. Mable / Cyclocross Magazine
Wyman does not have a drivetrain sponsor, she is free to use whatever brand and make she wants. Her front and rear derailleurs are Shimano Dura-Ace R9170 Di2, and the other components are a mix of products from other companies.
The Küdü uses a clamp on front derailleur, something becoming more common on frames as it leaves a cleaner frame on 1x setups. Helen Wyman's Kindhuman Küdü, 2018 Trek CX Cup, Waterloo. © D. Mable / Cyclocross Magazine
Furthering the similarities with Page, ceramic bearing specialists Kogel supplied both a BB386 bottom bracket and derailleur pulleys for Wyman’s bike. In addition to the benefits of ceramic bearings, Wyman’s husband and mechanic Stef claimed the Kogel unit saves 40g over the previous system. Since the Küdü is post mount, Wyman used Shimano XTR BR-M9000 calipers but stuk with Dura-Ace RT900 rotors.
Kogel's BB386 bottom bracket shaved 40g off Wyman's bike. Helen Wyman's Kindhuman Küdü, 2018 Trek CX Cup, Waterloo. © D. Mable / Cyclocross Magazine
Her crank was an Easton EC90 SL—another weight saving choice—and featured WickWerks 2x shifting rings in a 44/34t combination. It is interesting that Wyman chose this setup, as Easton does not claim Shimano four-arm compatibility. Also noteworthy is the Stages carbon non-drive arm supplying power readings.
Wyman swapped the Easton non-drive crankarm for a carbon arm with a Stages power meter. Helen Wyman's Kindhuman Küdü, 2018 Trek CX Cup, Waterloo. © D. Mable / Cyclocross Magazine
Easton also made an appearance in the cockpit, with an EC90 Zero seatpost and EC90 SLX handlebar. The stem is an EA90 model.
Wyman's wheels come from Dutch company Fast Forward. She ran the F3D carbon tubulars with Challenge Team Edition S tires mounted. For Waterloo, she used the intermediate Grifo tread.
Challenge Team Edition S tires feature a higher thread count casing than the brand's other, more economical tubulars. Helen Wyman's Kindhuman Küdü, 2018 Trek CX Cup, Waterloo. © D. Mable / Cyclocross Magazine
Contact points came in the form of Crank Brothers Egg Beaters pedals, Easton bar tape and a Specialized Romin Evo saddle.
Wyman chose a Specialized Romin Evo saddle. Helen Wyman's Kindhuman Küdü, 2018 Trek CX Cup, Waterloo. © D. Mable / Cyclocross Magazine
For a closer look at Wyman's Küdü, see the photo gallery and specs below.
Photo Gallery: Helen Wyman Kindhuman Küdü
While the frame routes cables internally, the Küdü fork makes use of a tie down point for the front brake hose. Helen Wyman’s Kindhuman Küdü, 2018 Trek CX Cup, Waterloo. © D. Mable / Cyclocross Magazine
