Pro bike: Zdenek Stybar's Specialized S-Works CruX

This article originally published on BikeRadar

Though a skilled cyclo-cross racer with two world championship victories already to his name, Omega Pharma-QuickStep rider Zdenek Stybar was thought by many to be an unlikely contender for this year's UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships. He'd participated in only six cyclo-cross races this season, clustered tightly together in late December, prior to pinning on a number for the Worlds last Sunday in Hoogerheide, Netherlands. Due to a relative dearth of UCI points Stybar's start position, critical in 'cross racing, was three rows behind race favorites Sven Nys and Lars van der Haar.

But it appears the many miles Stybar's been logging in Mallorca, Spain, in preparation for the Spring Classics, are beginning to pay off. The 28-year-old Czech racer quickly powered from his third row start position to the head of affairs to battle Nys for victory aboard his Specialized S-Works CruX.

Not the latest for the greatest

Despite his victory on the rough and rutted Hoogerheide course, cyclo-cross is no longer Stybar's focus - a fact made evident by his 'cross bikes. While most of Stybar's competitors ride bikes outfitted with the latest 11-speed groups, older 10-speed SRAM Red kits are mounted to Stybar's S-Works Crux framesets.

Stybar's carbon S-Works CruX framesets are kitted out with nearly same components as when we last profiled his pink alloy CruX in 2012.

In addition to the 10-speed SRAM Red group, Stybar runs the very capable Avid Shorty Ultimate cantilever brakes set in the narrow position for increased stopping power. His cockpit consists of a Zipp Service Course handlebar and stem with a carbon Zipp Service Course SL Speed carbon seatpost with a Specialized S-Works Toupe saddle. Wheels are also provided by Zipp in the form of the 404 Firecrests. On race day Stybar opted to run Dugast Rhino treads front and rear.

Complete bike specifications

Frame: Specialized S-Works CruX, size 54cm
Fork: Specialized S-Works CruX
Stem: Zipp Service Course SL, 130mm
Handlebar: Zipp Service Course SL, 44cm
Bar tape: Specialized S-Wrap Roubaix
Front brake: Avid Shorty Ultimate, set narrow
Rear brake: Avid Shorty Ultimate, set narrow
Front derailleur: SRAM Red w/steel cage
Rear derailleur: SRAM Red 10-speed
Levers: SRAM Red 10-speed
Cassette: SRAM PG1070, 12-26T
Chain: SRAM PC1091
Crankset: Specialized S-Works (172.5mm), 46/38T
Bottom bracket: Ceramic Speed
Pedals: Shimano SPD M540
Wheelset: Zipp 404 Firecrest
Front tire: Dugast Rhino
Rear tire: Dugast Rhino
Saddle: Specialized S-Works Toupe (143 width)
Seatpost: Zipp SL Speed Carbon

Critical measurements

Rider's height: 183cm/6ft
Rider's weight: 71.5kg/157.6lb
Saddle height from BB, c-t: 770mm
Seat tube length, c-c: 510mm
Tip of saddle to center of bar: 560mm
Head tube length: 140mm
Top tube length (virtual): 549mm
Total bicycle weight: 8.2kg/18.1lb with race-winning mud

 

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