Amgen tour of California 2012

powered by Performance Bicycle

TechPowered By

More tech

Alberto Contador's Astana Trek 6 Series Madone

  • Alberto Contador (Astana) is searching for his second Tour de France victory aboard Trek's new 6 Series Madone.

    Alberto Contador (Astana) is searching for his second Tour de France victory aboard Trek's new 6 Series Madone.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Contador's personal mechanic, Faustino Munoz, readies the 2007 Tour de France champion's bike after the wet stage into Barcelona.

    Contador's personal mechanic, Faustino Munoz, readies the 2007 Tour de France champion's bike after the wet stage into Barcelona.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Munoz takes a lot of pride in his work and Contador's machine is among the most impeccably prepared bike we've encountered.

    Munoz takes a lot of pride in his work and Contador's machine is among the most impeccably prepared bike we've encountered.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A steel Force cage is spliced on to a SRAM Red front derailleur.

    A steel Force cage is spliced on to a SRAM Red front derailleur.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon tubulars have moved away from paired spokes but continue to use hubs based on DT Swiss' 240s design.

    The new Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon tubulars have moved away from paired spokes but continue to use hubs based on DT Swiss' 240s design.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new 6 Series Madone fork continues to use a tapered steerer tube but the crown area trades the previous generation's cosmetic cap for carbon fiber.

    The new 6 Series Madone fork continues to use a tapered steerer tube but the crown area trades the previous generation's cosmetic cap for carbon fiber.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new 6 Series Madone uses an asymmetrical tapered steerer tube for improved handling precision without affecting overall comfort.

    The new 6 Series Madone uses an asymmetrical tapered steerer tube for improved handling precision without affecting overall comfort.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The custom paint job highlights Contador's signature pistol salute.

    The custom paint job highlights Contador's signature pistol salute.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Contador is using Look's new KeO 2 Max Carbon pedals.

    Contador is using Look's new KeO 2 Max Carbon pedals.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The SRAM Red rear derailleur is affixed to a replaceable hanger.

    The SRAM Red rear derailleur is affixed to a replaceable hanger.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • …but after Munoz removes the graphics it becomes a more innocuous all-white affair.

    …but after Munoz removes the graphics it becomes a more innocuous all-white affair.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Munoz puts a lot of time into keeping this saddle white and only in the event of a crash is he going to let it touch the ground.

    Munoz puts a lot of time into keeping this saddle white and only in the event of a crash is he going to let it touch the ground.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The carbon rails don't quite fit perfectly in the Madone seat mast's clamp but it apparently works well enough.

    The carbon rails don't quite fit perfectly in the Madone seat mast's clamp but it apparently works well enough.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Trek says the new round-profile seat mast design saves about 20g.

    Trek says the new round-profile seat mast design saves about 20g.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • These look like ultralight Tune skewers to us.

    These look like ultralight Tune skewers to us.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon stem is slammed right atop the headset for a low and aggressive position.

    The Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon stem is slammed right atop the headset for a low and aggressive position.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new 6 Series Madone can accept the clever DuoTrap integrated speed and cadence wireless sensor and transmitter but Contador has opted to go without.

    The new 6 Series Madone can accept the clever DuoTrap integrated speed and cadence wireless sensor and transmitter but Contador has opted to go without.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Contador's SRAM Red group gets a special white graphics treatment.

    Contador's SRAM Red group gets a special white graphics treatment.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Trek continues to use aluminum dropouts rather than carbon fiber, citing their supposedly better durability.

    Trek continues to use aluminum dropouts rather than carbon fiber, citing their supposedly better durability.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Contador's saddle starts out life as a standard Selle Italia SLR Team Issue…

    Contador's saddle starts out life as a standard Selle Italia SLR Team Issue…

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Munoz has been in the business for over thirty years and has definitely learned a few things during his tenure.

    Munoz has been in the business for over thirty years and has definitely learned a few things during his tenure.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The hands of one of the best bicycle mechanics in the world, Faustino Munoz, and some of his favorite tools that have accompanied him through the years.

    The hands of one of the best bicycle mechanics in the world, Faustino Munoz, and some of his favorite tools that have accompanied him through the years.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Munoz uses this silicon spray around the brake calipers to keep grit from sticking to the arms.

    Munoz uses this silicon spray around the brake calipers to keep grit from sticking to the arms.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Trek team liaison Ben Coates weighs an Astana team bike to make sure it is exactly 6.8kg - and not a gram less.

    Trek team liaison Ben Coates weighs an Astana team bike to make sure it is exactly 6.8kg - and not a gram less.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Astana team uses these clever machined lead inserts in case they need to bring a bike up to weight.

    The Astana team uses these clever machined lead inserts in case they need to bring a bike up to weight.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The plug is inserted right into the bottom bracket spindle and is securely fixed in place like an old quill stem.

    The plug is inserted right into the bottom bracket spindle and is securely fixed in place like an old quill stem.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Contador prefers the versatile VR bend of Bontrager's Race XXX Lite carbon bar.

    Contador prefers the versatile VR bend of Bontrager's Race XXX Lite carbon bar.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Munoz is not only fast when applying bar tape but also virtually flawless in execution.

    Munoz is not only fast when applying bar tape but also virtually flawless in execution.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Bontrager has added a bit of forward sweep to the latest edition of its Race XXX Lite drop bar but Contador apparently prefers the straight tops of last year's version.

    Bontrager has added a bit of forward sweep to the latest edition of its Race XXX Lite drop bar but Contador apparently prefers the straight tops of last year's version.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Contador's new Madone uses Trek's BB90 integrated bottom bracket system but a little extra massaging by his mechanic plus some Enduro ceramic bearings make it phenomenally smooth.

    Contador's new Madone uses Trek's BB90 integrated bottom bracket system but a little extra massaging by his mechanic plus some Enduro ceramic bearings make it phenomenally smooth.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Bontrager carbon-specific cork pads are fitted to SRAM Red brake calipers.

    Bontrager carbon-specific cork pads are fitted to SRAM Red brake calipers.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Munoz first applies some medium-weight oil to Contador's Shimano Dura-Ace chain then adds a layer of grease on top to help seal it in.

    Munoz first applies some medium-weight oil to Contador's Shimano Dura-Ace chain then adds a layer of grease on top to help seal it in.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Contador's SRAM Red crankset runs with a remarkably low level of friction thanks in part to Enduro ZERØ hybrid ceramic bearings but also some 'special work' by Munoz.

    Contador's SRAM Red crankset runs with a remarkably low level of friction thanks in part to Enduro ZERØ hybrid ceramic bearings but also some 'special work' by Munoz.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The custom component finish carries through to the non-driveside crankarm.

    The custom component finish carries through to the non-driveside crankarm.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Internal routing makes for a cleaner appearance but also helps protect the cables from contamination.

    Internal routing makes for a cleaner appearance but also helps protect the cables from contamination.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Hutchinson tubulars on Bontrager rims: a familiar sight and a proven combination.

    Hutchinson tubulars on Bontrager rims: a familiar sight and a proven combination.

    Photo credit © James Huang