Skip to main content

Cyclingnews The World Centre of Cycling

Sign in

View Profile
Sign out

Search

Search Cyclingnews

News
- Racing News
Racing
- Races
  - Results
  - Live Reports
  - Calendar
  - Road
  - Gravel
  - MTB
  - Track
  - Cyclo-cross
- Teams & Riders
- How to Watch
- Rules
Women's Cycling
Premium
- Labs
- In-Depth Racing
- Tech Galleries
- Columns
- Industry
- Investigations
- Performance
- Training
- Finance
- Health
Tech
- Bikes
- Cycling Kit & Accessories
- Components
Buying Advice
Features
- Live Reports
- Quizzes
- Cycling Culture
- Forums
- Autobus
- About

Home
News
- View News
- Racing News
Racing
- View Racing
- Races
  - View Races
  - Results
  - Live Reports
  - Calendar
  - Road
  - Gravel
  - MTB
  - Track
  - Cyclo-cross
- Teams & Riders
- How to Watch
- Rules
  - View Rules
  - Safety
  - Doping
  - Motor Doping
Women's Cycling
Premium
- View Premium
- Labs
- In-Depth Racing
- Tech Galleries
- Columns
- Industry
- Investigations
- Performance
- Training
- Finance
- Health
Tech
Buying Advice
Features
- Live Reports
- Quizzes
- Cycling Culture
- Forums
- Autobus
- About

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful

An account already exists for this email address, please log in.

Trending

Vuelta a España
Tour of Britain Women
Transfers
Leadville 100
Subscribe from $1

Bikes
Pro Bikes

Light makes right

Published 3 May 2007

One could say that second-year Team Specialized rider Liam Killeen has a bit of a weight problem… at...

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email

Share this article

Join the conversation

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Subscribe to our newsletter

Image 1 of 31

The new Specialized Phenom saddle — The new Specialized Phenom saddle (Image credit: James Huang)

Skipping the paint and omitting filler materials — Skipping the paint and omitting filler materials (Image credit: James Huang)

Killeen's drivetrain is a mixed bag — Killeen's drivetrain is a mixed bag (Image credit: James Huang)

Lighter is better, — Lighter is better, (Image credit: James Huang)

Specialized's new XC-specific wheels — Specialized's new XC-specific wheels (Image credit: James Huang)

Skewers are by German company Carbon-Ti. — Skewers are by German company Carbon-Ti. (Image credit: James Huang)

The uber-lightweight wonderbike of Team Specialized's Liam Killeen. — The uber-lightweight wonderbike of Team Specialized's Liam Killeen. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Skipping the paint and omitting filler materials shaves 100-150g from the stock frame weight. — Skipping the paint and omitting filler materials shaves 100-150g from the stock frame weight. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

A custom Swiss-made carbon fiber seat clamp is reported to weigh just 5g. — A custom Swiss-made carbon fiber seat clamp is reported to weigh just 5g. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Killeen's drivetrain is a mixed bag consisting of parts from title sponsor Specialized, SRAM, Shimano, and even KMC. — Killeen's drivetrain is a mixed bag consisting of parts from title sponsor Specialized, SRAM, Shimano, and even KMC. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Team frames get a proprietary oversized bottom bracket shell to house the FACT carbon crankset borrowed from Specialized's road division. — Team frames get a proprietary oversized bottom bracket shell to house the FACT carbon crankset borrowed from Specialized's road division. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The two-piece carbon fiber arms join in the center of the bottom bracket spindle. — The two-piece carbon fiber arms join in the center of the bottom bracket spindle. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Killeen generally runs just two chainrings, and 110mm compact BCD spider allows for a wide range of gearing to suit almost any course. — Killeen generally runs just two chainrings, and 110mm compact BCD spider allows for a wide range of gearing to suit almost any course. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Crank Brothers' superlight Egg Beater 4Ti pedals are a popular choice on the race circuit. — Crank Brothers' superlight Egg Beater 4Ti pedals are a popular choice on the race circuit. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Lighter is better, and there are virtually none lighter than KMC's X-SL chain. — Lighter is better, and there are virtually none lighter than KMC's X-SL chain. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Killeen runs the SRAM X.0 BlackBox rear derailleur complete with a mid-length carbon composite cage. — Killeen runs the SRAM X.0 BlackBox rear derailleur complete with a mid-length carbon composite cage. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

A Dura-Ace mech handles gear shifts up front. — A Dura-Ace mech handles gear shifts up front. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Killeen swapped his Stan's wheels from last year to Specialized Roval Contróle hoops. — Killeen swapped his Stan's wheels from last year to Specialized Roval Contróle hoops. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Specialized's new XC-specific wheels sport straight-pull spokes and cartridge bearing hubs. Coated aluminum rotors from Stan's NoTubes are reported to weight as little as 58g each. — Specialized's new XC-specific wheels sport straight-pull spokes and cartridge bearing hubs. Coated aluminum rotors from Stan's NoTubes are reported to weight as little as 58g each. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Fast-rollling Specialized Fast Trak SLK tires are just the thing for race day. — Fast-rollling Specialized Fast Trak SLK tires are just the thing for race day. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Killeen is running the same Pace RC39XC fork from last year. New ones manufactured by new owner DT Swiss are coming in the near future. — Killeen is running the same Pace RC39XC fork from last year. New ones manufactured by new owner DT Swiss are coming in the near future. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

See any steel hardware here? Killeen's bike wears a mix of titanium, aluminum, and even carbon fiber bolts throughout for maximum weight savings. — See any steel hardware here? Killeen's bike wears a mix of titanium, aluminum, and even carbon fiber bolts throughout for maximum weight savings. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Killeen boldly uses aluminum hardware to secure the front brake caliper. — Killeen boldly uses aluminum hardware to secure the front brake caliper. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The rear brake is also attached with red-anodized aluminum bolts and titanium is used for the brake rotors. — The rear brake is also attached with red-anodized aluminum bolts and titanium is used for the brake rotors. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Skewers are by German company Carbon-Ti. — Skewers are by German company Carbon-Ti. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Syntace provides the handlebar and stem. — Syntace provides the handlebar and stem. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

An AX-Lightness post is adapted for use in the S-Works Epic Carbon with a custom-made carbon fiber shim. — An AX-Lightness post is adapted for use in the S-Works Epic Carbon with a custom-made carbon fiber shim. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Bar ends? Yup, Killeen still runs bar ends, and Titec's Pluto Carbon is his bar end of choice. — Bar ends? Yup, Killeen still runs bar ends, and Titec's Pluto Carbon is his bar end of choice. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The new Specialized Phenom saddle offers much of the same light weight as the road-going Toupé, but in a more MTB-friendly shape and without the harsh plastic ends. — The new Specialized Phenom saddle offers much of the same light weight as the road-going Toupé, but in a more MTB-friendly shape and without the harsh plastic ends. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Killeen's bike wore the esteemed number plate of last year's winner. — Killeen's bike wore the esteemed number plate of last year's winner. (Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The man behind the machine, team mechanic Benno Welliet. — The man behind the machine, team mechanic Benno Welliet. (Image credit: Nic Sims/Specialized)

Image 1 of 31

View Original

The new Specialized Phenom saddle

Image 2 of 31

View Original

Skipping the paint and omitting filler materials

Image 3 of 31

View Original

Killeen's drivetrain is a mixed bag

Image 4 of 31

View Original

Lighter is better,

Image 5 of 31

View Original

Specialized's new XC-specific wheels

Image 6 of 31

View Original

Skewers are by German company Carbon-Ti.

Image 7 of 31

View Original

The uber-lightweight wonderbike of Team Specialized's Liam Killeen.

Image 8 of 31

View Original

Skipping the paint and omitting filler materials shaves 100-150g from the stock frame weight.

Image 9 of 31

View Original

A custom Swiss-made carbon fiber seat clamp is reported to weigh just 5g.

Image 10 of 31

View Original

Killeen's drivetrain is a mixed bag consisting of parts from title sponsor Specialized, SRAM, Shimano, and even KMC.

Image 11 of 31

View Original

Team frames get a proprietary oversized bottom bracket shell to house the FACT carbon crankset borrowed from Specialized's road division.

Image 12 of 31

View Original

The two-piece carbon fiber arms join in the center of the bottom bracket spindle.

Image 13 of 31

View Original

Killeen generally runs just two chainrings, and 110mm compact BCD spider allows for a wide range of gearing to suit almost any course.

Image 14 of 31

View Original

Crank Brothers' superlight Egg Beater 4Ti pedals are a popular choice on the race circuit.

Image 15 of 31

View Original

Lighter is better, and there are virtually none lighter than KMC's X-SL chain.

Image 16 of 31

View Original

Killeen runs the SRAM X.0 BlackBox rear derailleur complete with a mid-length carbon composite cage.

Image 17 of 31

View Original

A Dura-Ace mech handles gear shifts up front.

Image 18 of 31

View Original

Killeen swapped his Stan's wheels from last year to Specialized Roval Contróle hoops.

Image 19 of 31

View Original

Specialized's new XC-specific wheels sport straight-pull spokes and cartridge bearing hubs. Coated aluminum rotors from Stan's NoTubes are reported to weight as little as 58g each.

Image 20 of 31

View Original

Fast-rollling Specialized Fast Trak SLK tires are just the thing for race day.

Image 21 of 31

View Original

Killeen is running the same Pace RC39XC fork from last year. New ones manufactured by new owner DT Swiss are coming in the near future.

Image 22 of 31

View Original

See any steel hardware here? Killeen's bike wears a mix of titanium, aluminum, and even carbon fiber bolts throughout for maximum weight savings.

Image 23 of 31

View Original

Killeen boldly uses aluminum hardware to secure the front brake caliper.

Image 24 of 31

View Original

The rear brake is also attached with red-anodized aluminum bolts and titanium is used for the brake rotors.

Image 25 of 31

View Original

Skewers are by German company Carbon-Ti.

Image 26 of 31

View Original

Syntace provides the handlebar and stem.

Image 27 of 31

View Original

An AX-Lightness post is adapted for use in the S-Works Epic Carbon with a custom-made carbon fiber shim.

Image 28 of 31

View Original

Bar ends? Yup, Killeen still runs bar ends, and Titec's Pluto Carbon is his bar end of choice.

Image 29 of 31

View Original

The new Specialized Phenom saddle offers much of the same light weight as the road-going Toupé, but in a more MTB-friendly shape and without the harsh plastic ends.

Image 30 of 31

View Original

Killeen's bike wore the esteemed number plate of last year's winner.

Image 31 of 31

View Original

The man behind the machine, team mechanic Benno Welliet.

Pro bikes, May 3, 2007

Liam Killeen's Team Specialized S-Works Epic Carbon

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

TOPICS

Latest in Pro Bikes

Tour de France Femmes tech wrapup

Pro Bikes Battle of the brands: Who won with what at the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift?

A spongebob-themed Factor at the Tour de France Femmes

Pro Bikes Tour de France Femmes Tech Gallery: Lightweight parts, custom paint and a host of clever tech tricks

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot on a cervelo

Pro Bikes Tour de France Femmes bikes: An equipment guide for all 21 teams

An 80th anniversary Lapierre Xelius DRS at the Tour de France

Pro Bikes Vive la France: Lapierre rolls out Bastille Day frameset at the Tour de France

Race bikes merged together

Pro Bikes Race bikes head-to-head: Pogačar's Colnago Y1RS vs Vingegaard's Cervélo S5 - Which setup will prove fastest?

Jonas Vingegaard's Cervelo S5 Tour de France race bike

Pro Bikes 160mm cranks, time-trial tyres and an aero saddle - race leader Jonas Vingegaard's Tour de France race bike sweats the details

Latest in Features

Slovenian Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates XRG pictured in action during stage 6 of the 2026 Tour de France cycling race, a stage of 186 km from Pau to Gavarnie-Gedre, on Thursday 09 July 2026. The 113th edition of the Tour de France starts on Saturday 4 July in Barcelona, Spain, and will finish in Paris, France on the 26th of July. BELGA PHOTO POOL BERNARD PAPON (Photo by POOL BERNARD PAPON / BELGA MAG / Belga via AFP)

Racing Tadej Pogačar could win the Vuelta a España by 10 minutes but total domination is unlikely – Philippa York analysis

Oscar Onley in a race, overlaid with Vuelta a Espana banner

Teams & Riders Last chance saloon – The riders and teams who need to turn their season around at the Vuelta a España

Rapha Jerseys hanging on a rail

Cycling Kit & Accessories Used bibs, £2 jerseys, and fake Rapha wares – Inside the wild west of buying second-hand cycling kit

Portrait of Tadej Pogačar

Teams & Riders 'The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej' – UAE performance head warns that nobody, not even Pogačar, will have it easy this summer in Spain

Photo of Lauren De Crescenzo riding the Life Time Grand Prix Leadville 100 MTB 2026

Teams & Riders 'The Leadville nobody knew' – Revised course eliminates final 'gut punch' of Powerline climb but Columbine and elevation keep you humble

Cycling Kit & Accessories The Rapha Summer Sale now has as much as 60% off – but you'll have to be quick to grab the 'Final Markdown' discounts

LATEST ARTICLES

1

'A shame I wasn't on Kim's wheel in the final corner' – Liane Lippert second behind unstoppable Le Court-Pienaar on Tour of Britain Women queen stage
2

New road and gravel tyres from Silca signal a change in strategy for the Italian company
3

Deutschland Tour: Alessio Magagnotti lands stunning sprint win ahead of Paul Magnier on stage 2
4

Renewi Tour: Jenno Berckmoes pulls off a heist to snatch stage 3 and the leader's jersey on Tour of Flanders-inspired day
5

Tour du Limousin: Ewen Costiou wins the overall for a second time as Noa Isadore wins his second stage of the week

Cyclingnews is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google

Terms and conditions
Contact Future's experts
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility statement
Careers
Advertise with us

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...