Amgen tour of California 2012

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Roubaix tech: Cancellara's race winning rig

  • Omega Pharma-Lotto riders were supplied with team-only 28mm-wide tubular tires from Continental.

    Omega Pharma-Lotto riders were supplied with team-only 28mm-wide tubular tires from Continental.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The fat seat stays on Tom Boonen's (Quick Step) Eddy Merckx is a strong contrast relative to the spindly used by many manufacturers today.

    The fat seat stays on Tom Boonen's (Quick Step) Eddy Merckx is a strong contrast relative to the spindly used by many manufacturers today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tom Boonen (Quick Step) used Ambrosio Nemesis box-section aluminum tubular rims today.

    Tom Boonen (Quick Step) used Ambrosio Nemesis box-section aluminum tubular rims today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A Deda Elementi Superzero carbon fiber seatpost is secured within the stout-looking seat cluster on Tom Boonen's (Quick Step) Eddy Merckx.

    A Deda Elementi Superzero carbon fiber seatpost is secured within the stout-looking seat cluster on Tom Boonen's (Quick Step) Eddy Merckx.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Rabobank hoped team leader Lars Boom would land a high finish today but he only managed to secure 76th place after a tough day of racing.

    Rabobank hoped team leader Lars Boom would land a high finish today but he only managed to secure 76th place after a tough day of racing.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tacx Taco aluminum cages were a popular choice today.

    Tacx Taco aluminum cages were a popular choice today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The extra-long fork blades provide Rabobank's Giant TCR Advanced SLs with enough clearance under the crown to run fat tubulars.

    The extra-long fork blades provide Rabobank's Giant TCR Advanced SLs with enough clearance under the crown to run fat tubulars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Clearance is similarly adequate out back as well.

    Clearance is similarly adequate out back as well.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Rabobank riders were about evenly split between standard Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 and Di2.

    Rabobank riders were about evenly split between standard Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 and Di2.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The internally routed wiring on Rabobank's Giant TCR Advanced SLs exited quite cleanly here.

    The internally routed wiring on Rabobank's Giant TCR Advanced SLs exited quite cleanly here.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The rear derailleur wire on the Rabobank Giants exits right at the end of the chain stay.

    The rear derailleur wire on the Rabobank Giants exits right at the end of the chain stay.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tweaked dropouts on Rabobank's special Giant frames effectively lengthen the chain stays and add tire clearance up near the seat stay bridge.

    Tweaked dropouts on Rabobank's special Giant frames effectively lengthen the chain stays and add tire clearance up near the seat stay bridge.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The standard Giant TCR Advanced SL fork legs are cut a bit longer to gain more tire clearance under the crown.

    The standard Giant TCR Advanced SL fork legs are cut a bit longer to gain more tire clearance under the crown.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Giant provided the Rabobank riders with the same formula TCR Advanced SL that they used last year.

    Giant provided the Rabobank riders with the same formula TCR Advanced SL that they used last year.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tom Boonen's (Quick Step) Eddy Merckx includes a custom chain watcher.

    Tom Boonen's (Quick Step) Eddy Merckx includes a custom chain watcher.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Just a shade of extra tire clearance was built into Tom Boonen's (Quick Step) Eddy Merkcx.

    Just a shade of extra tire clearance was built into Tom Boonen's (Quick Step) Eddy Merkcx.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Leif Hoste (Omega Pharma-Lotto) eventally came in eighth in this year's Paris-Roubaix.

    Leif Hoste (Omega Pharma-Lotto) eventally came in eighth in this year's Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Milram mechanics added a zip-tie to the riders' Tacx cages to get a tighter fit.

    Milram mechanics added a zip-tie to the riders' Tacx cages to get a tighter fit.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Milram riders used their usual Focus Izalco machines instead of the Mares 'cross bikes they had prepared in case of bad weather.

    Milram riders used their usual Focus Izalco machines instead of the Mares 'cross bikes they had prepared in case of bad weather.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Milram team mechanics add a zip-tie to ensure the Garmin Edge 500 computers don't rattle out of their mounts.

    Milram team mechanics add a zip-tie to ensure the Garmin Edge 500 computers don't rattle out of their mounts.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Milram's carbon forks have reasonably good clearance at the fork for their fat tubular tires.

    Milram's carbon forks have reasonably good clearance at the fork for their fat tubular tires.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Milram rider Niki Terpstra set off from Compiegne with a lugged steel fork mounted to the front of his Focus Izalco.

    Milram rider Niki Terpstra set off from Compiegne with a lugged steel fork mounted to the front of his Focus Izalco.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Clearance around the tire was pretty good for Niki Terpstra's (Milram) lugged steel fork.

    Clearance around the tire was pretty good for Niki Terpstra's (Milram) lugged steel fork.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • As the standard Focus Izalco fork uses a tapered steerer, a big reducer is needed to fit Niki Terpstra's (Milram) lugged steel fork.

    As the standard Focus Izalco fork uses a tapered steerer, a big reducer is needed to fit Niki Terpstra's (Milram) lugged steel fork.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tom Boonen (Quick Step) ran double-wrapped bars on his Eddy Merckx.

    Tom Boonen (Quick Step) ran double-wrapped bars on his Eddy Merckx.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tom Boonen (Quick Step) ran typically tight gearing on his Eddy Merckx on his way to fifth place today.

    Tom Boonen (Quick Step) ran typically tight gearing on his Eddy Merckx on his way to fifth place today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tom Boonen's (Quick Step) Eddy Merckx fork was built with a little extra clearance to fit bigger tubular tires.

    Tom Boonen's (Quick Step) Eddy Merckx fork was built with a little extra clearance to fit bigger tubular tires.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tom Boonen (Quick Step) passed over his Belgian national champion bike in favor of this one, which was specially built with extra tire clearance at both ends.

    Tom Boonen (Quick Step) passed over his Belgian national champion bike in favor of this one, which was specially built with extra tire clearance at both ends.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • We still haven't found out where European mechanics find these little rubber bits to protect the frame's paint from housing rub.

    We still haven't found out where European mechanics find these little rubber bits to protect the frame's paint from housing rub.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 wiring harness enters Rabobank's Giant frames underneath the top tube.

    The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 wiring harness enters Rabobank's Giant frames underneath the top tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Rabobank's special Paris-Roubaix Giant TCR Advanced SLs are hard to spot relative to the standard version so mechanics mark them with decals.

    Rabobank's special Paris-Roubaix Giant TCR Advanced SLs are hard to spot relative to the standard version so mechanics mark them with decals.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Spoke washers on Rabobank's rear hubs prevent excess movement in the flange to reduce stress on the spoke elbows - and reduce the chance of breakage.

    Spoke washers on Rabobank's rear hubs prevent excess movement in the flange to reduce stress on the spoke elbows - and reduce the chance of breakage.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Fabian Cancellara's (Saxo Bank) bike was all black save for a couple of Specialized logos and this badge on the top tube.

    Fabian Cancellara's (Saxo Bank) bike was all black save for a couple of Specialized logos and this badge on the top tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The machine that Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) used to win his second Paris-Roubaix.

    The machine that Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) used to win his second Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Baden Cooke (Saxo Bank) was running an unmarked chain in today's race. Looks to us to be some other SRAM chain prototype with carved-out inner as well as outer links.

    Baden Cooke (Saxo Bank) was running an unmarked chain in today's race. Looks to us to be some other SRAM chain prototype with carved-out inner as well as outer links.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Having enough spare wheels - and placing them at enough locations - along the course is one of the keys to winning Paris-Roubaix.

    Having enough spare wheels - and placing them at enough locations - along the course is one of the keys to winning Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Skil-Shimano rider Robert Wagner ran double-wrapped tape on his PRO bars.

    Skil-Shimano rider Robert Wagner ran double-wrapped tape on his PRO bars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Skil-Shimano bicycle sponsor Koga provided the team with these custom Cobble Crosser rigs just for Paris-Roubaix.

    Skil-Shimano bicycle sponsor Koga provided the team with these custom Cobble Crosser rigs just for Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Michelin doesn't offer tubulars to the public but it does make them special for teams on occasion.

    Michelin doesn't offer tubulars to the public but it does make them special for teams on occasion.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • As the newest big team on the block, Team Sky's bus is not surprisingly one step above those of other teams.

    As the newest big team on the block, Team Sky's bus is not surprisingly one step above those of other teams.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The ridged base tape on these FMB Paris-Roubaix Pro tubulars make them easier to mount and center.

    The ridged base tape on these FMB Paris-Roubaix Pro tubulars make them easier to mount and center.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Though they didn't end up needing them, Team Sky riders could have used these snap-on covers for their Kask helmets.

    Though they didn't end up needing them, Team Sky riders could have used these snap-on covers for their Kask helmets.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Saur-Sojasun's Jimmy Casper set off for Roubaix on this Gitane.

    Saur-Sojasun's Jimmy Casper set off for Roubaix on this Gitane.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The guide on Jimmy Casper's (Saur-Sojasun) Gitane outlined all of the cobbled sections.

    The guide on Jimmy Casper's (Saur-Sojasun) Gitane outlined all of the cobbled sections.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Fabian Cancellara's (Saxo Bank) bike was fitted with a SRAM PG-1070 cassette and PC-1091R chain.

    Fabian Cancellara's (Saxo Bank) bike was fitted with a SRAM PG-1070 cassette and PC-1091R chain.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Grip tape is applied to the inside of the Tacx Tao Carbon cages on Fabian Cancellara's (Saxo Bank) Specialized 'Project Black' (surely a prototype for the upcoming S-Works Roubaix SL3) for a better hold on the bottles.

    Grip tape is applied to the inside of the Tacx Tao Carbon cages on Fabian Cancellara's (Saxo Bank) Specialized 'Project Black' (surely a prototype for the upcoming S-Works Roubaix SL3) for a better hold on the bottles.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Rabobank was using relatively small 24mm-wide Vittoria tubulars.

    Rabobank was using relatively small 24mm-wide Vittoria tubulars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Radioshack team mechanics installed fully sealed Gore Ride-On cables on all of the Paris-Roubaix bikes for both derailleurs and brakes.

    Radioshack team mechanics installed fully sealed Gore Ride-On cables on all of the Paris-Roubaix bikes for both derailleurs and brakes.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Team Radioshack opted for SRAM's more open PG-1070 cassette in case of mud.

    Team Radioshack opted for SRAM's more open PG-1070 cassette in case of mud.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The slightly longer fork blades on Team Radioshack's modified Treks provided extra tire clearance under the fork crown and seat stay wishbone.

    The slightly longer fork blades on Team Radioshack's modified Treks provided extra tire clearance under the fork crown and seat stay wishbone.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • One Radioshack rider also requested top-mount brake levers.

    One Radioshack rider also requested top-mount brake levers.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Team Radioshack's Sebastien Rosseler runs the levers quite high on his bars.

    Team Radioshack's Sebastien Rosseler runs the levers quite high on his bars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Team Radioshack ran modified Trek Madone 6 Series machines for this year's Paris-Roubaix.

    Team Radioshack ran modified Trek Madone 6 Series machines for this year's Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Team Radioshack used traditional-style box-section aluminum tubular rims to provide a better ride across Paris-Roubaix's cobbles.

    Team Radioshack used traditional-style box-section aluminum tubular rims to provide a better ride across Paris-Roubaix's cobbles.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Most Saxo Bank riders ran traditional box-section wheels while Fabian Cancellara ran Zipp 303s - even through the Arenberg forest.

    Most Saxo Bank riders ran traditional box-section wheels while Fabian Cancellara ran Zipp 303s - even through the Arenberg forest.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • After the bike change debacle during the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Saxo Bank team mechanics installed red brake hoods on Matti Breschel's bike so they could pick it out more easily atop the team car.

    After the bike change debacle during the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Saxo Bank team mechanics installed red brake hoods on Matti Breschel's bike so they could pick it out more easily atop the team car.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • 2010 Paris-Roubaix winner Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) runs these brake pads up front

    2010 Paris-Roubaix winner Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) runs these brake pads up front

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • but SwissStop Yellow Kings in the back.

    but SwissStop Yellow Kings in the back.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Fabian Cancellara's (Saxo Bank) Specialized 'Project Black' prototype features internal cable routing - and gold anodized bits.

    Fabian Cancellara's (Saxo Bank) Specialized 'Project Black' prototype features internal cable routing - and gold anodized bits.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Jimmy Casper's (Saur-Sojasun) Gitane fork was built with an alloy steerer tube.

    Jimmy Casper's (Saur-Sojasun) Gitane fork was built with an alloy steerer tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Canyon's relatively long head tubes find many Omega Pharma-Lotto team riders on aggressively angled stems and no spacers.

    Canyon's relatively long head tubes find many Omega Pharma-Lotto team riders on aggressively angled stems and no spacers.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Vacansoleil riders tackled the brutal Paris-Roubaix course on these Batavus bikes.

    Vacansoleil riders tackled the brutal Paris-Roubaix course on these Batavus bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • HTC-Columbia's Scott Addicts in Paris-Roubaix feature more clearance and longer stays than usual.

    HTC-Columbia's Scott Addicts in Paris-Roubaix feature more clearance and longer stays than usual.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Bernhard Eisel's (HTC-Columbia) Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 rear derailleur shows some scars from a crash.

    Bernhard Eisel's (HTC-Columbia) Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 rear derailleur shows some scars from a crash.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • HTC-Columbia is on slightly modified Scott Addicts for Paris-Roubaix.

    HTC-Columbia is on slightly modified Scott Addicts for Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The composite insert in Bernhard Eisel's (HTC-Columbia) fi'zi:k saddle should lend a little extra cushioning over the cobbles.

    The composite insert in Bernhard Eisel's (HTC-Columbia) fi'zi:k saddle should lend a little extra cushioning over the cobbles.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Bernhard Eisel (HTC-Columbia) is using Shimano's new satellite shifter on his Dura-Ace Di2 group.

    Bernhard Eisel (HTC-Columbia) is using Shimano's new satellite shifter on his Dura-Ace Di2 group.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Now that's pro: Continental makes these tubulars just for the teams and doesn't even bother to create a real label for them.

    Now that's pro: Continental makes these tubulars just for the teams and doesn't even bother to create a real label for them.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • HTC-Columbia set off on a mix of carbon and alloy wheels.

    HTC-Columbia set off on a mix of carbon and alloy wheels.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Euskaltel-Euskadi's Orbeas sported double-wrapped bars but only on the upper section.

    Euskaltel-Euskadi's Orbeas sported double-wrapped bars but only on the upper section.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Generous helpings of electrical tape help keep the bottles in place on these Euskaltel-Euskadi bikes.

    Generous helpings of electrical tape help keep the bottles in place on these Euskaltel-Euskadi bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Euskaltel-Euskadi's Orbeas look totally stock with rather tight clearances around both the front and rear tires.

    Euskaltel-Euskadi's Orbeas look totally stock with rather tight clearances around both the front and rear tires.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Giant 27mm-wide Vittoria tubulars just barely fit in the Euskaltel-Euskadi Orbeas. Thankfully for them, it isn't likely to be an issue with the dry conditions.

    Giant 27mm-wide Vittoria tubulars just barely fit in the Euskaltel-Euskadi Orbeas. Thankfully for them, it isn't likely to be an issue with the dry conditions.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Long-reach brakes are needed to reach the rims on Francais des Jeux's Lapierres.

    Long-reach brakes are needed to reach the rims on Francais des Jeux's Lapierres.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • These Lapierre S-Lites are similar to the ones Francais des Jeux has used in years past.

    These Lapierre S-Lites are similar to the ones Francais des Jeux has used in years past.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Vittoria Pave Evo-CG tubulars sport extra protection between the rubber and casing plus a fine pattern on the tread for grip on the cobbles.

    Vittoria Pave Evo-CG tubulars sport extra protection between the rubber and casing plus a fine pattern on the tread for grip on the cobbles.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • We're not entirely sure what wheels these are on the Cofidis bikes but they're not in the current Vision catalog. Tubular alloy rims with 'Vision' and 'Arenberg' decals, 'Vision'-etched alloy hubs - maybe we'll find out at Sea Otter?

    We're not entirely sure what wheels these are on the Cofidis bikes but they're not in the current Vision catalog. Tubular alloy rims with 'Vision' and 'Arenberg' decals, 'Vision'-etched alloy hubs - maybe we'll find out at Sea Otter?

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Acqua & Sapone riders set off aboard these Bottechias.

    Acqua & Sapone riders set off aboard these Bottechias.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Acqua & Sapone appears quite confident in these shallow-section Shimano Dura-Ace tubulars.

    Acqua & Sapone appears quite confident in these shallow-section Shimano Dura-Ace tubulars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Massive tire clearance on this BBox-Bouygues Telecom Colnago Cross Prestige.

    Massive tire clearance on this BBox-Bouygues Telecom Colnago Cross Prestige.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A common sight at Paris-Roubaix: double-wrapped bar and top-mount brake levers.

    A common sight at Paris-Roubaix: double-wrapped bar and top-mount brake levers.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • BBox-Bouygues Telecom riders were about evenly split between Colnago CX-1 and Cross Prestige frames.

    BBox-Bouygues Telecom riders were about evenly split between Colnago CX-1 and Cross Prestige frames.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • BMC's rigs lie in wait just prior to the start of Paris-Roubaix.

    BMC's rigs lie in wait just prior to the start of Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Even the cars take a beating on Paris-Roubaix's infamous cobbles. The bottom of this BMC vehicle is armored with a steel plate to shield the oil pan.

    Even the cars take a beating on Paris-Roubaix's infamous cobbles. The bottom of this BMC vehicle is armored with a steel plate to shield the oil pan.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Caisse d'Epargne riders opted for standard Pinarello Dogmas for their attack on Paris-Roubaix.

    Caisse d'Epargne riders opted for standard Pinarello Dogmas for their attack on Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Caisse d'Epargne's 25mm-wide Continental tubulars sport reinforced sidewalls and double breaker belts to prevent flats.

    Caisse d'Epargne's 25mm-wide Continental tubulars sport reinforced sidewalls and double breaker belts to prevent flats.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • FSA K-Force brake calipers are fitted to the Look 595s of Cofidis. Interestingly, SwissStop Yellow King pads are installed even though the team is using alloy rims.

    FSA K-Force brake calipers are fitted to the Look 595s of Cofidis. Interestingly, SwissStop Yellow King pads are installed even though the team is using alloy rims.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Carbon cages generally have no place at Paris-Roubaix. These Cofidis bikes use fairly inexpensive Zefal alloy cages.

    Carbon cages generally have no place at Paris-Roubaix. These Cofidis bikes use fairly inexpensive Zefal alloy cages.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Top-mount brake lever setups vary from team to team. Cofidis opts for just one, hooked up to the rear caliper.

    Top-mount brake lever setups vary from team to team. Cofidis opts for just one, hooked up to the rear caliper.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • These Cofidis Look 595s look to be fully standard machines with no additional clearance around the tires.

    These Cofidis Look 595s look to be fully standard machines with no additional clearance around the tires.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Francais des Jeux is using 25mm-wide Hutchinson Road Tubeless tires mounted on Dura-Ace carbon-alloy clinchers.

    Francais des Jeux is using 25mm-wide Hutchinson Road Tubeless tires mounted on Dura-Ace carbon-alloy clinchers.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) is using double-wrapped bars today.

    Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) is using double-wrapped bars today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Garmin-Transitions has traded in its usual carbon fiber Arundel bottle cages today for the company's stainless steel ones instead.

    Garmin-Transitions has traded in its usual carbon fiber Arundel bottle cages today for the company's stainless steel ones instead.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) is continuing his stylistic tendencies with this blacked-out Ridley Damocles Pi with custom geometry.

    Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) is continuing his stylistic tendencies with this blacked-out Ridley Damocles Pi with custom geometry.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Fresh Look KeO Blade pedals are fitted to Filippo Pozzato's (Katusha) custom Ridley Damocles Pi.

    Fresh Look KeO Blade pedals are fitted to Filippo Pozzato's (Katusha) custom Ridley Damocles Pi.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Selle San Marco provides Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) with a special Zoncolan saddle.

    Selle San Marco provides Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) with a special Zoncolan saddle.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) looks to have carried these wheels over from last year's Paris-Roubaix rig.

    Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) looks to have carried these wheels over from last year's Paris-Roubaix rig.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Lampre's Wilier Triestina Cento 1 SL machines had traditional box-section wheels mounted up for Paris-Roubaix.

    Lampre's Wilier Triestina Cento 1 SL machines had traditional box-section wheels mounted up for Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Lampre is using the Wilier Triestina Cento 1 SL for Paris-Roubaix.

    Lampre is using the Wilier Triestina Cento 1 SL for Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) has his single top-mounted brake lever looked up to the front caliper.

    Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) has his single top-mounted brake lever looked up to the front caliper.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale provided Liquigas riders with carbon Synapses for Paris-Roubaix.

    Cannondale provided Liquigas riders with carbon Synapses for Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Liquigas mechanics have jammed in a bit of extra material to keep the seatposts from slipping.

    Liquigas mechanics have jammed in a bit of extra material to keep the seatposts from slipping.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • New Schwalbe Ultremo HT tubulars are mounted to Mavic Reflex rims on Liquigas's Cannondale Synapses.

    New Schwalbe Ultremo HT tubulars are mounted to Mavic Reflex rims on Liquigas's Cannondale Synapses.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • As do most teams, Liquigas has older wheels kept on hand just for the cobbles that come out of storage only for this time of year.

    As do most teams, Liquigas has older wheels kept on hand just for the cobbles that come out of storage only for this time of year.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Omega Pharma-Lotto riders were using a mix of aluminum and carbon fiber frames.

    Omega Pharma-Lotto riders were using a mix of aluminum and carbon fiber frames.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The small aluminum seat stays provide decent tire clearance at the seat stay bridge.

    The small aluminum seat stays provide decent tire clearance at the seat stay bridge.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Campagnolo Record rear derailleur on Filippo Pozzato's (Katusha) bike is bolted to a replaceable dropout.

    The Campagnolo Record rear derailleur on Filippo Pozzato's (Katusha) bike is bolted to a replaceable dropout.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A simple plastic chain watcher is on hand on Filippo Pozzato's (Katusha) bike.

    A simple plastic chain watcher is on hand on Filippo Pozzato's (Katusha) bike.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Garmin-Transitions mechanics report excellent results from the team's AceCo K-Edge chain watchers.

    Garmin-Transitions mechanics report excellent results from the team's AceCo K-Edge chain watchers.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tyler Farrar's (Garmin-Transitions) Felt F1 boasts massive clearances front and rear - enough that a long-reach caliper is required.

    Tyler Farrar's (Garmin-Transitions) Felt F1 boasts massive clearances front and rear - enough that a long-reach caliper is required.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) is using top-mounted brake levers today.

    Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) is using top-mounted brake levers today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Garmin-Transitions' Felt F1s use the same formula as last year's bikes, Shimano Dura-Ace 7800 group and all.

    Garmin-Transitions' Felt F1s use the same formula as last year's bikes, Shimano Dura-Ace 7800 group and all.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Unique dropouts provide more tire clearance on Tyler Farrar's (Garmin-Transitions) Felt F1 and lower the bottom bracket for more stability.

    Unique dropouts provide more tire clearance on Tyler Farrar's (Garmin-Transitions) Felt F1 and lower the bottom bracket for more stability.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Slightly longer fork blades and a carved-out crown on Tyler Farrar's (Garmin-Transitions) Felt F1 provide lots of tire clearance.

    Slightly longer fork blades and a carved-out crown on Tyler Farrar's (Garmin-Transitions) Felt F1 provide lots of tire clearance.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) is coming off a big win at Scheldeprijs on Wednesday.

    Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) is coming off a big win at Scheldeprijs on Wednesday.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • 27mm-wide Vittoria Pave Evo-CG tubulars are wrapped around Mavic Reflex rims on Tyler Farrar's (Garmin-Transitions) Felt F1.

    27mm-wide Vittoria Pave Evo-CG tubulars are wrapped around Mavic Reflex rims on Tyler Farrar's (Garmin-Transitions) Felt F1.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Katusha riders set off on a mix of road and road-'cross hybrids for this year's Paris-Roubaix.

    Katusha riders set off on a mix of road and road-'cross hybrids for this year's Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Nicolai Trussov (Katusha) slapped this sticker on his head tube just before heading to the start line.

    Nicolai Trussov (Katusha) slapped this sticker on his head tube just before heading to the start line.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Filippo Pozzato's (Katusha) front brake is fitted with SwissStop Yellow King pads.

    Filippo Pozzato's (Katusha) front brake is fitted with SwissStop Yellow King pads.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) isn't using Gore Ride-On's sealed cables but apparently his mechanic went ahead and crafted a set himself.

    Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) isn't using Gore Ride-On's sealed cables but apparently his mechanic went ahead and crafted a set himself.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) is using a special blacked-out edition of his Italian national champion Ridley.

    Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) is using a special blacked-out edition of his Italian national champion Ridley.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tire clearance on the Omega Pharma-Lotto Canyon fork is tight with the big tubulars installed.

    Tire clearance on the Omega Pharma-Lotto Canyon fork is tight with the big tubulars installed.

    Photo credit © James Huang