Amgen tour of California 2012

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Todd Wells' Specialized S-Works Tricross

  • Todd Wells (Specialized) switches from an aluminum frame to a carbon one for the '09-'10 'cross season.

    Todd Wells (Specialized) switches from an aluminum frame to a carbon one for the '09-'10 'cross season.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • SRAM Red DoubleTap levers are set high on the anatomic bars.

    SRAM Red DoubleTap levers are set high on the anatomic bars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The front end of the bike features a straight 1 1/8" head tube.

    The front end of the bike features a straight 1 1/8" head tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Wells' white brake hoods are gleamingly clean in the late day Oregon sun but ugly weather conditions ahead will likely guarantee that they won't stay that way for long.

    Wells' white brake hoods are gleamingly clean in the late day Oregon sun but ugly weather conditions ahead will likely guarantee that they won't stay that way for long.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Crankbrothers' Eggbeater 4Ti pedals are a common sight in 'cross on account of their light weight and nearly infallable performance in mud.

    Crankbrothers' Eggbeater 4Ti pedals are a common sight in 'cross on account of their light weight and nearly infallable performance in mud.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Wells' SRAM Red rear derailleur will be put to the test if Sunday turns muddy.

    Wells' SRAM Red rear derailleur will be put to the test if Sunday turns muddy.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Wells has also made the switch to a Specialized saddle for this season.

    Wells has also made the switch to a Specialized saddle for this season.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The sculpted seat stays are notably curvier than the norm.

    The sculpted seat stays are notably curvier than the norm.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Zertz inserts are added just below the reinforced brake mounts.

    Zertz inserts are added just below the reinforced brake mounts.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The rear brake housing stop is integrated into the seatpost collar.

    The rear brake housing stop is integrated into the seatpost collar.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Wells runs his Specialized S-Works Pro-Set stem at the -13

    Wells runs his Specialized S-Works Pro-Set stem at the -13

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Wells is running a shaved-down Specialized Captain tread mated to an FMB tubular casing for now but says a proper Specialized house-brand tubular may be in the works.

    Wells is running a shaved-down Specialized Captain tread mated to an FMB tubular casing for now but says a proper Specialized house-brand tubular may be in the works.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The 34mm casing offers more cush for Wells' size and is already coated with latex from the factory so Aquaseal isn't necessary.

    The 34mm casing offers more cush for Wells' size and is already coated with latex from the factory so Aquaseal isn't necessary.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The top tube is wide and flat across the bottom for easier shouldering.

    The top tube is wide and flat across the bottom for easier shouldering.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A steel cage on the SRAM 'Red' front derailleur offers up more stiffness than the usual titanium bit.

    A steel cage on the SRAM 'Red' front derailleur offers up more stiffness than the usual titanium bit.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Wells' frame is specially built just for him with unique touches such as omitted water bottle and rack/fender mounts.

    Wells' frame is specially built just for him with unique touches such as omitted water bottle and rack/fender mounts.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • An oversized BB30-compatible bottom bracket shell is joined to wishbone-style chain stays.

    An oversized BB30-compatible bottom bracket shell is joined to wishbone-style chain stays.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Like many racers, Wells opts for TRP's ultralight EuroX Magnesium cantilevers.

    Like many racers, Wells opts for TRP's ultralight EuroX Magnesium cantilevers.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Color coordination isn't the motivation behind Wells' choice of brake pads. He says the Specialized Roval carbon-specific compound (made by SwissStop) provides better initial bite than most carbon pads.

    Color coordination isn't the motivation behind Wells' choice of brake pads. He says the Specialized Roval carbon-specific compound (made by SwissStop) provides better initial bite than most carbon pads.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Derailleur cables are run along the down tube.

    Derailleur cables are run along the down tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The S-Works Tricross chain stays start out extremely tall at the bottom bracket but quickly taper down for more rider comfort.

    The S-Works Tricross chain stays start out extremely tall at the bottom bracket but quickly taper down for more rider comfort.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A big 'white carbon' patch on the chain stay guards against chainsuck.

    A big 'white carbon' patch on the chain stay guards against chainsuck.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Wells is among the minority of riders using a carbon bar.

    Wells is among the minority of riders using a carbon bar.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Wells' ultralight S-Works carbon crank is fitted with 39/46T SRAM chainrings.

    Wells' ultralight S-Works carbon crank is fitted with 39/46T SRAM chainrings.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The massive Specialized S-Works Tricross carbon fork isn't the prettiest thing on the block but Wells says it tracks extremely well and is rock-solid under braking and yet is still very comfortable.

    The massive Specialized S-Works Tricross carbon fork isn't the prettiest thing on the block but Wells says it tracks extremely well and is rock-solid under braking and yet is still very comfortable.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The wide fork crown offers up plenty of mud clearance. Scallops on the inner surfaces also allow the brakes to open wider, too.

    The wide fork crown offers up plenty of mud clearance. Scallops on the inner surfaces also allow the brakes to open wider, too.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Mounting the brake housing stop on the fork crown is a virtual guarantee against fork chatter but Wells says that even when his bike was fitted with a standard hanger up top, the burly crown and fork legs were still vibration-free.

    Mounting the brake housing stop on the fork crown is a virtual guarantee against fork chatter but Wells says that even when his bike was fitted with a standard hanger up top, the burly crown and fork legs were still vibration-free.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Specialized Zertz elastomeric inserts are said to damp low-amplitude, high-frequency vibrations.

    Specialized Zertz elastomeric inserts are said to damp low-amplitude, high-frequency vibrations.

    Photo credit © James Huang