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Fabian Cancellara’s Saxo Bank Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2

  • Photo credit © James Huang

  • A bit of electrical tape around the valve stem keeps it from rattling.

    A bit of electrical tape around the valve stem keeps it from rattling.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • One of the Tarmac SL2's distinctive features is its tapered head tube, which is also slightly shorter on Cancellara's 'Pro' version geometry.

    One of the Tarmac SL2's distinctive features is its tapered head tube, which is also slightly shorter on Cancellara's 'Pro' version geometry.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The integrated bottom bracket design allows for a narrower, lighter, and stiffer crankset.

    The integrated bottom bracket design allows for a narrower, lighter, and stiffer crankset.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Even with all that power, Cancellara is happy to use Speedplay Zero Titanium pedals instead of their stouter stainless steel version.

    Even with all that power, Cancellara is happy to use Speedplay Zero Titanium pedals instead of their stouter stainless steel version.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Photo credit © James Huang

  • Saxo Bank recently switched from Shimano to SRAM componentry.

    Saxo Bank recently switched from Shimano to SRAM componentry.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cancellara's bike rolls on prototype Zipp 303 carbon tubular rims which use a new wider profile and toroidal shape similar to that of the deeper 1080.

    Cancellara's bike rolls on prototype Zipp 303 carbon tubular rims which use a new wider profile and toroidal shape similar to that of the deeper 1080.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Specialized are sticking to a conventional seatpost design for its greater convenience over integrated designs.

    Specialized are sticking to a conventional seatpost design for its greater convenience over integrated designs.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The top tube flows smoothly into the seat stays.

    The top tube flows smoothly into the seat stays.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The seat tube starts out round up top but transitions to a rectangular profile down by the bottom bracket.

    The seat tube starts out round up top but transitions to a rectangular profile down by the bottom bracket.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Even with the shorter head tube Cancellara has his adjustable Specialized Pro-Set stem set as low as it will go.

    Even with the shorter head tube Cancellara has his adjustable Specialized Pro-Set stem set as low as it will go.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Wrapped around the rims are Veloflex tubulars with the badges conspicuously concealed.

    Wrapped around the rims are Veloflex tubulars with the badges conspicuously concealed.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The 1 1/2" lower bearing stiffens up the fork but also provides a stouter union between the head tube and down tube.

    The 1 1/2" lower bearing stiffens up the fork but also provides a stouter union between the head tube and down tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Zipp attach their new 303 rims to their newest set of hubs which now have threaded outer collars for easy bearing adjustments.

    Zipp attach their new 303 rims to their newest set of hubs which now have threaded outer collars for easy bearing adjustments.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • SRAM Red DoubleTap levers are mounted high on Cancellara's FSA Energy New Ergo aluminum handlebar.

    SRAM Red DoubleTap levers are mounted high on Cancellara's FSA Energy New Ergo aluminum handlebar.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The down tube measures roughly 65mm in width through nearly its entire length all the way down to the bottom bracket shell.

    The down tube measures roughly 65mm in width through nearly its entire length all the way down to the bottom bracket shell.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tacx Tao cages keep the bidons at the ready.

    Tacx Tao cages keep the bidons at the ready.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The innovative SRAM Red PowerDome cassette is machined from a solid block of steel to form a hollow cone, which is then sealed with an aluminum backplate.

    The innovative SRAM Red PowerDome cassette is machined from a solid block of steel to form a hollow cone, which is then sealed with an aluminum backplate.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Saxo Bank mechanics switched the chains on team bikes from SRAM to Shimano Dura-Ace the Monday after Cancellara's unfortunate mishap on the Koppenberg.

    Saxo Bank mechanics switched the chains on team bikes from SRAM to Shimano Dura-Ace the Monday after Cancellara's unfortunate mishap on the Koppenberg.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A Sigma 1106 computer tracks the kilometers for Cancellara.

    A Sigma 1106 computer tracks the kilometers for Cancellara.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Filling the shell is Specialized's own S-Works carbon crankset.

    Filling the shell is Specialized's own S-Works carbon crankset.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Carbon fiber is used for most of the structure but aluminum is used for high-wear items such as the dropouts.

    Carbon fiber is used for most of the structure but aluminum is used for high-wear items such as the dropouts.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • SRAM Red brake calipers are installed both front

    SRAM Red brake calipers are installed both front

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The stiffer steel cage of the second-tier Force front derailleur presumably provides snappier shift performance than the lighter - but softer - titanium one of Red.

    The stiffer steel cage of the second-tier Force front derailleur presumably provides snappier shift performance than the lighter - but softer - titanium one of Red.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Gore sealed derailleur cables and housing keep the muck from gumming up the shifting.

    Gore sealed derailleur cables and housing keep the muck from gumming up the shifting.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cancellara makes the switch from Cerv

    Cancellara makes the switch from Cerv

    Photo credit © James Huang