Features Road Same, but different By James Huang published 10 December 2007 Just as in the world of auto racing, one umbrella sponsor can support several teams of different... Image 1 of 43FSA's aluminum OS-115 stem and Energy bar(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)There's no carbon in the frame(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)The light and reliable drivetrain(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Johnson and Bessette are man and wife(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)fi'zi:k's Microtex bar tape(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Everyone knows that red bikes(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)A SRAM Force front derailleur(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)The carbon top tube flows gracefully(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Another SRAM Red rear derailleur(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Mavic's new TraComp technology(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Tim Johnson speeds around the cyclo-cross circuit on his signature Cannondale XTJ.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)FSA's aluminum OS-115 stem and Energy bar provide a light-yet-safe perch for Johnson's hands.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)SRAM's Red group makes use of the coated, but unsealed, version of Gore's recently reintroduced cable line.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Carbon fiber TRP CR950 cantilevers clamp down on Mavic rims with SwissStop pads.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)There's no carbon in the frame but there's plenty of carbon elsewhere.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)The new Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate is a decidedly premium selection for a 'cross bike.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)The light and reliable drivetrain is a mix of Cannondale, SRAM, and Shimano bits.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Johnson runs with 39/46T chainrings.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)A purposeful component selection gets the job done.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)The new SRAM Red group is already making the rounds in the professional racing ranks.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Clean cable routing keeps the rear brake running smoothly.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Titanium saddle rails offer a safer failure mode than carbon fiber…(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)…but the flexible carbon fiber shell offers plenty of comfort for remounts.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Cannondale's oversized and integrated BB30 system is claimed to be both lighter and more rigid than conventional setups.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)The new SRAM PowerDome cassette design includes a press-fit aluminum plate to seal up the innards.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Man and machine ready to hit the barriers.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Johnson and Bessette are man and wife and sponsored by the same umbrella, but Bessette races on a Ridley X-Fire.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)fi'zi:k's Microtex bar tape offers a perfect match to the saddle.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Everyone knows that red bikes are faster.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Online retailer Cyclocrossworld.com has fast become a fixture in the cyclo-cross racing scene.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)A SRAM Force front derailleur moves the chain from ring to ring.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Bessette runs a slightly smaller 39/44T combination.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)FSA's 'cross-specific headset includes a cable hanger for a clean build.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)The carbon top tube flows gracefully into the wishbone seat stays.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Another SRAM Red rear derailleur can be found back here.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Ceramic bearing pulleys are already fitted as standard equipment.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Mavic's new TraComp technology exercises the tubular carbon fiber spokes in both compression and tension.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)There's no carbon in Johnson's frame, but plenty of it in Bessette's Ridley.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)The rear R-SYS wheel uses aluminum spokes on the driveside.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)A setback FSA K-Force seatpost clamps on to fi'zi:k's Aliante saddle.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Bessette's bike is also equipped with TRP's carbon fiber CR950 cantilever brakes.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Lyne Bessette warms up before the race.(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Smile for the camera, Lyne!(Image credit: Mitch Clinton)Pro Bike, December 10, 2007Tim Johnson's Cannondale-Leer-Cyclocrossworld.com Cannondale XTJ & Lyne Bessette's Cyclocrossworld.com Ridley X-FireGet The Leadout NewsletterThe 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 Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*Join now for unlimited accessEnjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 Join now Already have an account ? Sign in here *Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resetsAfter your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59 Join now for unlimited accessTry your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 Join now Already have an account ? Sign in here James HuangSocial Links Navigation LatestUSA Cycling lifts team rule, allows 27 former NCL riders in Pro Road NationalsLotte Kopecky to skip Tour de France Femmes after Olympics, SD Worx confirmAbsence of Cyclocross World Cup in US 'a step back' but could boost USCXSee more latest ► Most PopularArdennes Classics - Could SD Worx's distraction over Demi Vollering's future prevent a triple crown repeat?Ashlin Barry pursues family racing tradition, 2028 Olympics already a goalNothing to lose: What can Mathieu van der Poel achieve in the Ardennes Classics?'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-RoubaixBehind the scenes at Paris-Roubaix: What it’s like to report on the most chaotic race of the yearItzulia crash changes everything for Vingegaard and Evenepoel - Philippa York analysisSport's strangest hall of fame: Inside the Roubaix shower blockBreaking the ‘vicious cycle’ – The how and why of Australia’s new ProVelo Super LeagueCancellara's Classics column: After Flanders-Roubaix double, Mathieu van der Poel should ride Liège-Bastogne-LiègeTech trends from Paris-Roubaix: Nine things we learned10 conclusions from the 2024 Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes