Bikes at the 2004 Milan-San Remo

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The seatpost has also been integrated to shave a few more grams off its VX R predecessor, with Mighty Mick having the flexibility to warrant a big drop between the seat and his bars, opting for a sloping top tube version that we measured at 51.8cm centre-to-centre (C-C) along the seat tube. The Canberra-born Rogers also likes a little extra leverage with his 175mm FSA carbon cranks, and was kitted for speed with Mavic's Cosmic Carbone clinchers.

When Fausto Pinarello debuted the Dogma at the Milano bike show in September 2003, it set a new paradigm for pro road bike builders with its innovative use of Dedacciai's AK61 magnesium tubes. Seldom found in bicycle construction, magnesium has greater durability than 6061 aluminium due to its superior elongation characteristics. Not only that, but magnesium absorbs shock more effectively, and according to Pinarello, is over 30 percent lighter than an equivalent 6061 aluminium tubeset.

For Milano-San Remo, Fausto Pinarello told Cyclingnews that he supplied a more rigid frame with a stiffer bottom bracket and chainstays to Petacchi and his Fassa Bortolo team-mate, Fillipo "Pippo" Pozzato. What is quite astounding, however, are the frame dimensions: Petacchi's custom Dogma is measured 54cm C-C along the seat tube and 58.5cm C-C on the top tube - a whopping four and a half centimetres longer - indicative of his amazing flexibility while positioned in the drops. (Petacchi does appear to have long-ish arms too, as this finishing shot shows.) The sprinter from La Spezia uses 175mm cranks, 140mm stem and 44cm (measured outside to outside) bars, both by Deda, Look CX7 pedals, and sits on Selle Italia's SLR Carbonio saddle.

Unfortunately for Cipo and Domina Vacanze, not even his Specialized E5 silver bullet could bring him back to the front group after being dropped on the penultimate climb of the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo. A well-proportioned frame for a well-proportioned rider (Mario's never been afraid to remind us, either), Re Leone's frame is measured 58cm C-C on the downtube and just a half centimetre more on the top tube. The E5's oversized tubes keep flex in check, not to mention Specialized's chunky, full carbon Zertz monocoque fork. Mario rolls on Mavic's Cosmic Carbone tubulars and rests on Specialized's Body Geometry saddle.

Soon to be available in America, Scott goes out on a limb and claims the their CR1 is the lightest frame in the peloton at a mere 895 grams (excluding carbon fork). Incorporating HMF (High Modular Fibers) technology that has already been used in their Strike full-suspension mountain bike, this frame has uses what Scott has named (get ready for another acronym) SDS, or Shock Dampening System, a special carbon fibre lay-up that the company says absorb road shock better than traditional layering. Combining speed with agility, Perdiguero has a Mavic Cosmic Carbone clincher wheel on the rear and Mavic Ksyrium SL up front, rolling on Conti rubber, Shimano Dura-Ace 10 speed and perched on the trusty Selle Italia Flite saddle.

Now morphed into Iles Balears-Banesto, the team formerly known as Banesto continues - with the gracious support from the Majorcan Government - the Spanish cycling dynasty that reached dizzying heights with Miguel Indurain's five consecutive Tour de France victories from 1991-95. Along with the name change comes new sponsors. Well, sort of... Opera is a sister company of Pinarello, Banesto's long-time bike sponsor, but these bikes are not just re-badged: Lastras' Opera features specially shaped, Colnago-esque carbon fibre main tubes bonded to aluminum lugs along with wishbone seat stays. Full Campagnolo Record 10 speed, some rather dated Look-ing pedals, Vittoria rubber and Deda bars and stem rounds out the package.

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