Amgen tour of California 2012

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Tour time trial speed gear

  • Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) is hoping his time trialing ability will earn him another chance at the top step of the podium in this year's Tour de France.

    Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) is hoping his time trialing ability will earn him another chance at the top step of the podium in this year's Tour de France.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The two-piece clamshell-type stem clamps to the middle of the steerer tube.

    The two-piece clamshell-type stem clamps to the middle of the steerer tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A shallow aluminum dummy cap makes for an extremely shorter steerer tube length and allows the mechanics to properly preload the headset bearings.

    A shallow aluminum dummy cap makes for an extremely shorter steerer tube length and allows the mechanics to properly preload the headset bearings.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Evans stands an average 1.74m (5' 9") tall but his time trial bar position is extraordinarily low, prompting team sponsor Canyon to specially modify one of its Speedmax frames to suit.

    Evans stands an average 1.74m (5' 9") tall but his time trial bar position is extraordinarily low, prompting team sponsor Canyon to specially modify one of its Speedmax frames to suit.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The cutout in the head tube doesn't allow for a huge range of motion but given the speeds involved in time trialing we don't expect Evans will ever have to turn the bars very far.

    The cutout in the head tube doesn't allow for a huge range of motion but given the speeds involved in time trialing we don't expect Evans will ever have to turn the bars very far.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Evans' Canyon Speedmax CF Pro frame also features an interesting bottom bracket construction that lets the frame designers widen the down tube and spread apart the chain stays for more rigidity but still allow for a standard threaded bottom bracket.

    Evans' Canyon Speedmax CF Pro frame also features an interesting bottom bracket construction that lets the frame designers widen the down tube and spread apart the chain stays for more rigidity but still allow for a standard threaded bottom bracket.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Andy Walser's time trial frames have been long considered some of the best of the breed but it'd be interesting to see how its drag figures compare to some more contemporary designs recently introduced.

    Andy Walser's time trial frames have been long considered some of the best of the breed but it'd be interesting to see how its drag figures compare to some more contemporary designs recently introduced.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A small square of tape also covers up the rear derailleur hanger mounting bolt.

    A small square of tape also covers up the rear derailleur hanger mounting bolt.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • There's also another bit of tape up by the rear section of brake housing where it exits the frame, but what for?

    There's also another bit of tape up by the rear section of brake housing where it exits the frame, but what for?

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Milram bicycle supplier Focus has apparently given their time trial frames a bit more room out back so they can now accommodate the sponsor-correct SRAM Red brake caliper.

    Milram bicycle supplier Focus has apparently given their time trial frames a bit more room out back so they can now accommodate the sponsor-correct SRAM Red brake caliper.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A team mechanic seals up the valve access hole with white tape then draws in the spokes with a marker. Not a shabby job, either, considering he was doing the work freehand and with an upside-down view.

    A team mechanic seals up the valve access hole with white tape then draws in the spokes with a marker. Not a shabby job, either, considering he was doing the work freehand and with an upside-down view.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Milram mechanics looked quite as ease prior to the start of the team time trial with all bikes fully prepped and ready to go.

    Milram mechanics looked quite as ease prior to the start of the team time trial with all bikes fully prepped and ready to go.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The rear of the helmet is fully enclosed (proven in the wind tunnel by several teams to be faster than an open bottom) and the dial-type retention system looks easy to use.

    The rear of the helmet is fully enclosed (proven in the wind tunnel by several teams to be faster than an open bottom) and the dial-type retention system looks easy to use.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Agritubel switched its helmet sponsor this year to French outfit Ekoi, who provided the team with these surprisingly economical Chrono lids.

    Agritubel switched its helmet sponsor this year to French outfit Ekoi, who provided the team with these surprisingly economical Chrono lids.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The bolt spacing matches up perfectly with a standard Ritchey faceplate.

    The bolt spacing matches up perfectly with a standard Ritchey faceplate.

    Photo credit © James Huang