Frame mods and cobble-specific tweaks - massive gallery
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Saxo Bank riders were mostly on Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4s at Scheldeprijs, with one or two Venges tossed into the mix.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The welds are so well finished on Katusha's Canyon Ultimate AL frames that it can be hard to tell them apart from the carbon fiber ones. The head tube mounted housing stops are the dead giveaway, though.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
A sad reminder on Tom Boonen's (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) spare Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The new linkage-activated single-pivot SRAM Red brake on Tom Boonen's (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
SRAM PG-1070 cassettes on the bikes of Omega Pharma-QuickStep.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) runs 177.5mm-long crankarms. That guy is tall, you know.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Safety tab-free alloy fork tips on the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 bikes of Omega Pharma-QuickStep.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Tom Boonen's (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 is equipped with an older SRAM Red front derailleur (the matching Specialized-compatible chainrings apparently aren't done yet) but the chain catcher from the new group.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Look KéO Blade pedals for Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-QuickStep).(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) is one of the only riders in the pro ranks currently on the new SRAM Red group. It's trickling out slowly but surprisingly so.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Subtly tasteful paint and graphics on Tom Boonen's Omega Pharma-QuickStep Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Specialized does have its own range of road tubulars not but these are rebadged 25mm-wide Paris-Roubaix tubulars from FMB.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Needless to say, it was tough getting anywhere near the Omega Pharma-QuickStep team bus at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
SRAM road PR man Michael Zellmann tells us Omega Pharma-QuickStep team mechanics wrap the SRAM levers in electrical tape to keep them free of dirt and debris when mounted atop the team car.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Rabobank riders used a mix of Giant TCR Advanced SL and Defy Advanced SL bikes at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
A mix of Trek Madones and Domanes for Radioshack-Nissan at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Radioshack-Nissan was one of few teams at Scheldeprijs using non-metallic bottle cages.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
This was as close as we could get to the primary race bikes of Omega Pharma-QuickStep today. Perhaps it's time to add a long lens to the kit…(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Team NetApp's Simplon Pavo machine.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Big chain stays and skinny seat stays like these are typically found on carbon frames but Canyon adapts the concept for Katusha's Ultimate AL bikes.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Alloy Elite Ciussi cages for the Katusha team at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Katusha's fleet of Canyon bikes prior to the start of Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Most of the Katusha team used Mavic's Cosmic Carbone Ultimate at Scheldeprijs save for this one set of 90mm-deep carbon tubulars.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Lotto-Belisol riders used a mix of Ridley Helium and Noah bikes at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Once again, Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) sports a custom paint scheme paying homage to his nickname.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
SRM's new Campagnolo-compatible power meter on Andre Greipel's (Lotto-Belisol) Ridley Noah FB.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Andre Greipel's (Lotto-Belisol) Ridley Noah FB features integrated linear-pull brakes that are molded right into the structure - these aren't add-on bits.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Andre Greipel's (Lotto-Belisol) Ridley Noah FB is set up for pure speed here.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Not exactly the picture of warm fuzziness here, but then again we're pretty sure that's exactly what Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) is going for.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Heat shrink tubing seals up the noodle on Andre Greipel's (Lotto-Belisol) Ridley Noah FB integrated front and rear brakes. Check out the little graphic on the back of the integrated seatmast, too.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Deep-section Campagnolo Bora Ultra 80 carbon tubulars for Lotto-Belisol sprinter Andre Greipel.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Very cleanly executed cable and wire routing on Andre Greipel's (Lotto-Belisol) Ridley Noah FB.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Campagnolo Record EPS for the riders of Lotto-Belisol.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Double-wrapped Lizard Skins DSP bar tape for the riders of Lotto-Belisol.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Tire clearance is generous on Radioshack-Nissan's new Trek Domane frame.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
White Nokon housing on Gregory Rast's (Radioshack-Nissan) new Trek Domane.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
_V6O7031 - Yellow jersey for Hossein Alizadeh of Tabriz(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The Argon 18 Gallium frames of Team Spidertech p/b C10 are notable for their unique head tubes. Extensions can be added or subtracted from the top instead of using comparatively flimsy headset spacers.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Even pros don't get brand-new stuff all the time as evidenced by this scuffed-up Team Spidertech Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 rear derailleur.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The stout front end of UnitedHealthcare's NeilPryde Diablo frames.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
UnitedHealthcare is now on NeilPryde for the 2012 season.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Enve carbon rims are built around Chris King hubs for the UnitedHealthcare team.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Arundel Dave-O carbon fiber cages and K-Edge aluminum chain keepers for the UnitedHealthcare team.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
This is the second Adamo saddle we've spotted in the pro ranks in Belgium this week, this time on the NeilPryde machine of UnitedHealthcare rider Marc De Maar.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Ritchey's new WCS C260 stem on the front end of this UnitedHealthcare NeilPryde Diablo.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Vacansoleil-DCM is on FFWD wheels this season.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Most of the Vacansoleil-DCM team were on Bianchi Oltres at Scheldeprijs but we spotted at least one Infinito.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The neatly integrated seatpost binder on Vacansoleil-DCM's Bianchi Oltre frame.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
A number of Vacansoleil-DCM team bikes were equipped with FSA Gossamer brakes instead of higher-end models. We're not sure why yet, particularly given they offer no advantage in terms of pad clearance or adjustments range.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Check out the tail fins on the back of Vacansoleil-DCM's Bianchi Oltre fork crowns.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The majority of Vacansoleil-DCM used Bianchi Oltre frames at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Ultra-skinny seat stays on the back end of Vacansoleil-DCM's Bianchi Oltre frames.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Somehow we get the feeling Team Sky riders don't have the time to read all of this while racing - probably better not to try, anyway.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Veloflex Arenburg tubulars for Team Sky at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Several Radioshack-Nissan riders - including Hayden Roulston and Gregory Rast - used Trek's new Domane frame at Scheldeprijs. We expect the full crew will be using it at Paris-Roubaix.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The stout integrated chain keeper on Radioshack-Nissan's new Trek Domane frames.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Time to crack out the special Speedplay Zero pedals for Paris-Roubaix! Seen on a Radioshack-Nissan team bike here.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Radioshack-Nissan rider Gregory Rast prefers the mechanical version of Shimano's Dura-Ace group.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
More satellite shifters, this time on a Radioshack-Nissan team bike.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
50mm-deep Bontrager Aeolus 5 carbon tubular wheels and FMB Paris-Roubaix tubular tires on this Radioshack-Nissan team bike at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The interesting seat stay wishbone treatment on the back end of Vacansoleil-DCM's Bianchi Oltre bikes.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
RusVelo is the development squad for Katusha. They used BMC TeamMachine SLR01s at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Saur-Sojasun used a mix of NXR and RXR Ulteam frames from supplier Time.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Top mount brake levers on this Saur-Sojasun Time NXR.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Sky soigneurs use a blue-topped bottle to denote plain water and an orange one for energy drink. Most of the Sky riders started with one of each at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The Pinarello Dogma K of Team Sky, prepped for Scheldeprijs and soon headed to the start of Paris-Roubaix.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Double Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 hoods for Sky rider Juan Antonio Flecha.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Sky's Jeremy Hunt sported one of the more unusual Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 shifter setups we've seen - sprint buttons mounted on the tops, not the drops.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Most of Team Sky's Shimano Dura-Ace satellite shifters were flipped around so that there were operated by the rider's index finger, not the thumb.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Color-matched Lizard Skins DSP tape on the bars of Vacansoleil-DCM. Unlike most foam or cork-based tapes, this polyurethane stuff is notably grippier.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Katusha riders were on a mix of Canyon Ultimate AL and Ultimate CF SLX frames at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Holy neon, my eyes! It's certainly not hard to pick out the Farnese Vini-Selle Italia team.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Valentin Iglinskiy (Astana) is using FSA and Selle Italia's new Monolink saddle and seatpost system.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Sometimes head tubes just can't be short enough.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Astana ran a mix of Specialized Venge and Tarmac SL4 frames at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
This Astana rider omitted the standard Specialized Venge headset cone in order to get a lower bar position.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Subtle paintwork and graphics detailing on the Astana team-issue Specialized bikes.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Astana bikes were fitted with a mix of steel spoked and carbon spoked Corima wheels.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
This Astana Corima MCC front wheel is lighter than Aero+ model but also less aerodynamic on account of its chunky and round carbon fiber spokes.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Champion System's Fuji SST Team bikes use press-fit bottom brackets.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Oval Concepts cockpit components and SRAM Red levers on Champion System's Fuji SST Team bikes.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The highly shaped head tubes on Champion System's Fuji SST Team bikes. Note the electrical tape covering the Deda logo on the stem on this one.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Champion System's Fuji SST Team bikes are notable for their integrated seatmasts and rather short head tubes.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Edco hubs on the bikes of Champion Systems.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Seen here on the bikes of Champion System, Edco looks to be coming back to the forefront of the wheel business after several years in the shadows.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
This Champion System stem is clearly badged as Oval Products but it's a PRO underneath.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
As it turns out, several Europcar riders are using these integrated Deda front ends, not just one.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Europcar's fleet of Colnagos rest against the team bus ahead of Scheldeprijs. All were on their usual M10 machines except for one Cross Prestige.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Rotor chain watchers on the Astana team bikes at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Slick-looking Corima carbon hubs on this Astana rig.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Ag2r-La Mondiale's Kuota KOM machines feature one of the most bulbous bottom bracket areas in the business.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Elite Ciussi alloy cages and a compact chain keeper on the Kuota KOMs of Ag2r-La Mondiale.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
SRAM may have bought Quarq but the company still supports SRM-based meters, as seen on this Ag2r-La Mondiale Kuota KOM.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Ag2r-La Mondiale raced Scheldprijs on these Kuota KOMs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Ag2r-La Mondiale hasn't upgraded to the new SRAM Red groups just yet.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Michelin still produces tubulars but only for its sponsored teams, such as Ag2r-La Mondiale.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Most of the Argos-Shimano crew opted for their usual Felt F1 machines at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Clearance on the standard Argos-Shimano Felt F1 is sparse in contrast.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The longer fork blades on Argos-Shimano's specially modified Felt F1 bikes require longer-reach brake calipers.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Clearance behind the seat tube is much more generous on Argos-Shimano's modified Felt F1s than on the standard version.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Special dropouts on Argos-Shimano's modified Felt F1s drop the bottom bracket height for additional stability.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Longer fork blades provide extra tire clearance on Argos-Shimano's specially modified Felt F1s.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Felt has adapted the tricks learned over the years at Paris-Roubaix with the latest specially modified versions of its F1 flagship, seen here in Argos-Shimano livery.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Argos-Shimano's Felt F1 frames can be run with either mechanical or electronic drivetrains with no frame modification needed.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Longer stays on Argos-Shimano's modified Felt F1s yield additional tire clearance plus a longer rear center for extra stability come Sunday's cobblestones.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
We're not sure what solvents Astana mechanics are using on the bikes but whatever it is, it's eating the anodization off of these SRAM chainrings.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
This Europcar rider certainly didn’t need this much clearance for Scheldeprijs but several riders were out today on their Paris-Roubaix bikes in preparation for the big day.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Standard Hutchinson tubulars and deep-section Campagnolo carbon rims for this Europcar Colnago Cross Prestige.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Barracuda) with his usual 3T Ergosum bars, double wrapped with fi'zi:k tape.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
We're not entirely sure what's in these Garmin-Barracuda Camelbak Podium bottles (we heard some kind of bicarbonate?) but whatever it is, it's fizzy and was making a big mess.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Barracuda) used Rotor Q-Rings mounted on a Rotor 3D+ crankset at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Tyler Farrar's (Garmin-Barracuda) Cervélo R3 just before taking the start line at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Ultra-deep section Mavic carbon fiber tubular wheels for Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Barracuda) at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Garmin-Barracuda rider Alex Howes sported one of the more unusual combinations we saw at Scheldeprijs: Cervélo's ultra-aero S5 frame paired with decidedly non-aero Mavic R-Sys wheels.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
This is how the GreenEdge Scott CR1 team bikes were transported to the start of Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Elite Ciussi alloy cages for the GreenEdge Scott CR1s. The frames aren't set up with internal routing so the team has to use electrical tape and zip-ties to run the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 wires.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Reasonably good tire clearance up front on the GreenEdge Scott CR1 fork.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
GreenEdge sprinter Baden Cooke rode this Scott CR1 at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Beefy fork tips on the GreenEdge Scott CR1s - and no, no lawyer tabs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
GreenEdge's new Scott CR1s are equipped with straight 1 1/8" steerer tubes for a softer ride over the cobbles.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Strategically flattened stays and special fiber lay-ups on the GreenEdge Scott CR1 stays yield a noticeably smoother ride over bumpy surfaces.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
This isn't exactly the most ideal way to run Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 wires but given that the Scott CR1 isn't equipped with internal routing, GreenEdge mechanics have to make do.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
A top-mounted Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 satellite shifter for this GreenEdge Scott CR1.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
GreenEdge mechanics wrapped some electrical tape around the computer-mount interface before the start of Scheleprijs to keep the SRM PowerControl 7 head units from flying away on the cobbles.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Who needs a repair stand? This Garmin-Barracuda mechanics hangs the saddle on the back of his neck for a quick pre-race checkup.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 batteries are neatly mounted beneath the bottom bracket shell on the Radioshack-Nissan team bikes.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The back of the Farnese Vini-Selle Italia team bus has a little backup camera that pops when reverse is engaged.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The fork is well integrated into the rest of the frame shape on Farnese Vini-Big Mat's MCipollini RB1000 bikes.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Double bar tape on this FDJ-Big Mat Lapierre Sensium in preparation for Paris-Roubaix.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
FDJ-Big Mat's Lapierre Sensium forks feature more room beneath the crown than their usual Xeliums. Note the position of the brake pads in the caliper slots.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
FDJ-Big Mat's Lapierre Sensium forks feature more room beneath the crown than their usual Xeliums. Note the position of the brake pads in the caliper slots.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Not that the team will use them but just in case, FDJ-Big Mat's Lapierre Sensium forks are fitted with fender eyelets.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Flatlander gearing on this FDJ-Big Mat Lapierre Sensium in preparation for Paris-Roubaix.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The Lapierre Sensium is built with a slightly longer head tube than FDJ-Big Mat's usual Xelium frame. Note the tapered dimensions and internal routing.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
FDJ-Big Mat's Lapierre Sensium rear end is longer than the Xelium model for stability but also much softer courtesy of the small elastomeric shock situated above the brake.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Lapierre refers to this as its "Comfort + elastomeric connector". FDJ-Big Mat doesn't care what it's called, though - they're just hoping it takes the sting out of the cobbles. (Image credit: Jonny Irick)
A zip tie provides some added insurance for the battery on this FDJ-Big Mat Lapierre Xelius.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
FDJ-Big Mat used a mix of Lapierre Xelius and Sensium frames at Scheldeprijs.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
See that little black oval tucked inside the 'L' on this FDJ-Big Mat Lapierre Xelius? That's the unused port for the internal routing, plugged up for use with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
FDJ-Big Mat uses these tidy number holders.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Custom mounts like these aren't practical for most household applications but they're just the thing for transporting a lot of bikes to a race start in the cargo area of a big team bus.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Mid-week Flanders Classics race Scheldeprijs is a worthy feather in the cap for sure but from an equipment standpoint, it also serves as the final opportunity to shake out gear for Paris-Roubaix in a race situation. We've seen teams on a mix of special and standard equipment in the past at Scheldeprijs – keep in mind the cobbled sections aren't terribly demanding here – and this year's running was no different.
Making a debut appearance was Argos-Shimano's new Felt F1, slightly modified in preparation for Sunday. Changes were similar to what Felt has done for sponsored teams before, including longer fork blades with more rake, special dropouts to lower the bottom bracket, longer chain stays, and slightly tweaked seat stays that all combine to produce a more stable and more comfortable bike with extra tire clearance than the standard F1.
RadioShack-Nissan unfortunately lost its Classics star, Fabian Cancellara, during the Ronde van Vlaanderen but three other riders still set out at Scheldeprijs aboard the new Domane cobbles bike. We expect most – if not all – of the riders will be so equipped come Sunday. Also worth noting is that it looks like it's not just Cancellara that gets a shorter head tube than on the consumer version. If that's indeed the case, that's something we believe Trek should offer to regular buyers as well as it'd make the Domane's impressively comfortable ride more suitable for racing, too.
Other teams breaking in frames for Paris-Roubaix included FDJ-Big Mat (Lapierre Sensium), Team Europcar (Colnago Cross Prestige), Saur-Sojasun (Time NXR), Rabobank (Giant Defy Advanced SL), and Garmin-Barracuda (specially modified Cervélo R3s).
Riders were also sussing out ways to cushion their hands. The usual double-wrapped bar tape was in full effect on several riders' bikes but potential Paris-Roubaix winner Juan Antonio Flecha of Team Sky also sported double hoods on his Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 levers. We spotted Lizard Skins' impressively grippy and squishy DSP polyurethane tape on at least two teams as well – a brand we're certainly not accustomed to seeing in these circles.
Top-mounted brake levers and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 satellite shifters were rife in the peloton today but Team Sky's setups were perhaps most interesting. Shimano intends those shifters to be mounted such that they're thumb-actuated but most of the team's Pinarello Dogma K bikes had them flipped around for use with the riders' index fingers. Most intriguing was Jeremy Hunt's configuration – he used sprint shifters normally intended for the drops mounted up next to the stem.
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