Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Gallery: Time trial bikes at the Tour's opening prologue

Cyclingnews.com
  • Ag2r-La Mondiale's Kuota Kalibur time trial bike.

    Ag2r-La Mondiale's Kuota Kalibur time trial bike.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Tidy internal cable routing on Liquigas-Cannondale's Cannondale Slice time trial bikes.

    Tidy internal cable routing on Liquigas-Cannondale's Cannondale Slice time trial bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Omega Pharma-QuickStep rider Bert Grabsch prefers an extra-low handlebar position so Specialized had to make a special batch just for him.

    Omega Pharma-QuickStep rider Bert Grabsch prefers an extra-low handlebar position so Specialized had to make a special batch just for him.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Tony Martin's (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) bars look to be particularly grippy.

    Tony Martin's (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) bars look to be particularly grippy.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Tony Martin's (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) Specialized S-Works Shiv sits on the work stand a few hours before his start in the 2012 Tour de France prologue.

    Tony Martin's (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) Specialized S-Works Shiv sits on the work stand a few hours before his start in the 2012 Tour de France prologue.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The threaded bit on the bottom of Tony Martin's (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) Specialized S-Works Shiv stem acts as a barrel adjuster, pushing a piece of housing that's embedded inside.

    The threaded bit on the bottom of Tony Martin's (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) Specialized S-Works Shiv stem acts as a barrel adjuster, pushing a piece of housing that's embedded inside.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) had a fleet of Zipp aero clincher wheels at his disposal for the prologue, including these carbon-rimmed flat clincher discs - which aren't even listed on Zipp's web site.

    Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) had a fleet of Zipp aero clincher wheels at his disposal for the prologue, including these carbon-rimmed flat clincher discs - which aren't even listed on Zipp's web site.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • A digital clock lets all of the Rabobank riders keep track of time while warming up.

    A digital clock lets all of the Rabobank riders keep track of time while warming up.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Rabobank brought its own misting machine to help keep riders from overheating during warm-up.

    Rabobank brought its own misting machine to help keep riders from overheating during warm-up.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Rabobank's Giant Trinity Advanced SL handlebars debuted four years ago but they still look modern.

    Rabobank's Giant Trinity Advanced SL handlebars debuted four years ago but they still look modern.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Giant's rear-mounted front brake was a novel idea when they were introduced but we expect the next generation to be better integrated.

    Giant's rear-mounted front brake was a novel idea when they were introduced but we expect the next generation to be better integrated.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Team Movistar's Pinarello Graal time trial bike.

    Team Movistar's Pinarello Graal time trial bike.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Lotto-Belisol's Deda Elementi time trial cockpits.

    Lotto-Belisol's Deda Elementi time trial cockpits.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Vincenzo Nibali's (Liquigas-Cannondale) Cannondale Slice had a standard Mavic Cosmic Carbone 80 front wheel fitted instead of the newer Cosmic CXR 80.

    Vincenzo Nibali's (Liquigas-Cannondale) Cannondale Slice had a standard Mavic Cosmic Carbone 80 front wheel fitted instead of the newer Cosmic CXR 80.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Lotto-Belisol's Andre Greipel sported the new Campagnolo Bora Ultra aero cranks on his Ridley Dean.

    Lotto-Belisol's Andre Greipel sported the new Campagnolo Bora Ultra aero cranks on his Ridley Dean.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The non-driveside Campagnolo Bora Ultra aero crankarm is notably deep.

    The non-driveside Campagnolo Bora Ultra aero crankarm is notably deep.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Lotto-Belisol captain Jurgen van den Broeck had a new Campagnolo disc wheel fitted to his Ridley Dean today. We don't have specific details on it at the moment but the full carbon construction is certainly lighter than the antiquated model Campagnolo currently offers and the freehub body is finally properly sized for an 11-speed cassette.

    Lotto-Belisol captain Jurgen van den Broeck had a new Campagnolo disc wheel fitted to his Ridley Dean today. We don't have specific details on it at the moment but the full carbon construction is certainly lighter than the antiquated model Campagnolo currently offers and the freehub body is finally properly sized for an 11-speed cassette.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The split-blade fork on Lotto-Belisol's Ridley Dean time trial bikes is said to pull air out away from the wheel.

    The split-blade fork on Lotto-Belisol's Ridley Dean time trial bikes is said to pull air out away from the wheel.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Lotto-Belisol's Ridley Dean time trial bike.

    Lotto-Belisol's Ridley Dean time trial bike.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Lotto-Belisol riders were using a new Lazer time trial helmet during today's prologue. In keeping with current trends, there are no forward-facing vents at all (likely for better aerodynamics). Two lateral ridges on the top are presumably there based on wind tunnel testing.

    Lotto-Belisol riders were using a new Lazer time trial helmet during today's prologue. In keeping with current trends, there are no forward-facing vents at all (likely for better aerodynamics). Two lateral ridges on the top are presumably there based on wind tunnel testing.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Campagnolo's new EPS time trial shifters were installed on the Lotto-Belisol team bikes.

    Campagnolo's new EPS time trial shifters were installed on the Lotto-Belisol team bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The UCI has apparently taken issue with this sort of tape.

    The UCI has apparently taken issue with this sort of tape.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Rabobank's Giant Trinity Advanced SL time trial bike.

    Rabobank's Giant Trinity Advanced SL time trial bike.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Saddles took a slight tilt upward on many bikes to help riders maintain their positions while tucked. The UCI recently decided that add-on friction material wasn't allowed unless it was built into the saddle.

    Saddles took a slight tilt upward on many bikes to help riders maintain their positions while tucked. The UCI recently decided that add-on friction material wasn't allowed unless it was built into the saddle.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Saur-Sojasun mechanics resorted to lots of electrical tape and zip-ties for this SRM PowerControl 7 computer head.

    Saur-Sojasun mechanics resorted to lots of electrical tape and zip-ties for this SRM PowerControl 7 computer head.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The Look Ergostem on this Saur-Sojasun time trial bike was noticeably unlabeled. The team's bike sponsor is Time.

    The Look Ergostem on this Saur-Sojasun time trial bike was noticeably unlabeled. The team's bike sponsor is Time.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Panaracer tubulars on the Saur-Sojasun time trial bikes.

    Panaracer tubulars on the Saur-Sojasun time trial bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The paint job on this Saur-Sojasun time trial bike was so convincing that we didn't even notice at first that it's actually a Trek Speed Concept, not a Time RXR. Saur-Sojasun had at least two of them in its pit area today.

    The paint job on this Saur-Sojasun time trial bike was so convincing that we didn't even notice at first that it's actually a Trek Speed Concept, not a Time RXR. Saur-Sojasun had at least two of them in its pit area today.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Several Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank Specialized S-Works Shiv time trial bikes had down tube water bottle holes that were never drilled through.

    Several Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank Specialized S-Works Shiv time trial bikes had down tube water bottle holes that were never drilled through.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank's Specialized S-Works Shiv time trial bike.

    Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank's Specialized S-Works Shiv time trial bike.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Castelli's Steve Smith checks in on the Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank's new skinsuits.

    Castelli's Steve Smith checks in on the Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank's new skinsuits.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The handlebar setup of Vacansoleil-DCM's Bianchi Pico Carbon time trial bikes.

    The handlebar setup of Vacansoleil-DCM's Bianchi Pico Carbon time trial bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Bianchi claims the chain stay port on Vacansoleil-DCM's Pico Carbon time trial bikes improves stiffness.

    Bianchi claims the chain stay port on Vacansoleil-DCM's Pico Carbon time trial bikes improves stiffness.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • It's funny how things that were once touted as aero are looking downright dated today.

    It's funny how things that were once touted as aero are looking downright dated today.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Saur-Sojasun riders were mostly aboard the Time RXR for Saturday's prologue.

    Saur-Sojasun riders were mostly aboard the Time RXR for Saturday's prologue.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • This Rabobank rear wheel was unlabeled but it looks like a HED disc to us.

    This Rabobank rear wheel was unlabeled but it looks like a HED disc to us.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • There's a lot going on around the bottom bracket of Radioshack-Nissan's Trek Speed Concept time trial bikes, including a battery mount, hidden rear brake, and a wireless speed and cadence sensor.

    There's a lot going on around the bottom bracket of Radioshack-Nissan's Trek Speed Concept time trial bikes, including a battery mount, hidden rear brake, and a wireless speed and cadence sensor.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • This giant decal covers up the carbon 'spokes' of a Lightweight disc wheel.

    This giant decal covers up the carbon 'spokes' of a Lightweight disc wheel.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The ultra-clean front end of Radioshack-Nissan's Trek Speed Concept.

    The ultra-clean front end of Radioshack-Nissan's Trek Speed Concept.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack-Nissan) rode a Trek Speed Concept similar to this one to a victory in today's prologue.

    Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack-Nissan) rode a Trek Speed Concept similar to this one to a victory in today's prologue.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The distinctly squared-off trailing edges of Radioshack-Nissan's Trek Speed Concept time trial bike.

    The distinctly squared-off trailing edges of Radioshack-Nissan's Trek Speed Concept time trial bike.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Radioshack-Nissan runs seatposts that are slightly shallower than what's sold on consumer bikes.

    Radioshack-Nissan runs seatposts that are slightly shallower than what's sold on consumer bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The UCI doesn't allow Radioshack-Nissan to run the rear cover on the Speed Concept (saying it's a fairing) so team bikes make do with slightly exposed cabling.

    The UCI doesn't allow Radioshack-Nissan to run the rear cover on the Speed Concept (saying it's a fairing) so team bikes make do with slightly exposed cabling.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Saur-Sojasun's Vision time trial bars.

    Saur-Sojasun's Vision time trial bars.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Vacansoleil-DCM's Bianchi Pico Carbon time trial machines.

    Vacansoleil-DCM's Bianchi Pico Carbon time trial machines.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The seat stays of the Cannondale Slice hug the rear wheel until just above the dropouts while the chain stays and noticeably angled top-to-bottom.

    The seat stays of the Cannondale Slice hug the rear wheel until just above the dropouts while the chain stays and noticeably angled top-to-bottom.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • This Ag2r-La Mondiale rider needs a hinged stem to get low enough on his Kuota Kalibur time trial machine.

    This Ag2r-La Mondiale rider needs a hinged stem to get low enough on his Kuota Kalibur time trial machine.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans (BMC) runs an ultra-low handlebar position on his time trial bike.

    2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans (BMC) runs an ultra-low handlebar position on his time trial bike.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • BMC's TimeMachine TM01 time trial bikes enjoy a bake in the sun before the start of the 2012 Tour de France prologue.

    BMC's TimeMachine TM01 time trial bikes enjoy a bake in the sun before the start of the 2012 Tour de France prologue.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The Look 596 of French team Cofidis.

    The Look 596 of French team Cofidis.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Euskaltel-Euskadi's Orbea Ordu.

    Euskaltel-Euskadi's Orbea Ordu.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The UCI has recently decreed that stick-on grip tape isn't allowed. We saw lots of upturned saddles and saddles with residual adhesive from patches that had been hastily removed.

    The UCI has recently decreed that stick-on grip tape isn't allowed. We saw lots of upturned saddles and saddles with residual adhesive from patches that had been hastily removed.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Europcar's riders used a mix of the new Colnago K.Zero and old Flight time trial bikes for Saturday's prologue.

    Europcar's riders used a mix of the new Colnago K.Zero and old Flight time trial bikes for Saturday's prologue.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The new Colnago K.Zero of team Europcar features integrated brakes front and rear.

    The new Colnago K.Zero of team Europcar features integrated brakes front and rear.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The integrated rear brakes allow for a sleek seat stay setup on Europcar's new Colnago K.Zeros.

    The integrated rear brakes allow for a sleek seat stay setup on Europcar's new Colnago K.Zeros.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Threaded bottom bracket shells on Europcar's Colnago K.Zero frames.

    Threaded bottom bracket shells on Europcar's Colnago K.Zero frames.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Vittoria Corsa EVO SC tubular tires for Marcel Kittel's (Argos-Shimano) Felt DA.

    Vittoria Corsa EVO SC tubular tires for Marcel Kittel's (Argos-Shimano) Felt DA.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The aluminum stem on Argos-Shimano's Felt DA time trial bikes features a cutout for the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 control box.

    The aluminum stem on Argos-Shimano's Felt DA time trial bikes features a cutout for the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 control box.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Ag2r-La Mondiale riders used Reynolds' ultralight RZR 92 wheelsets for the opening prologue.

    Ag2r-La Mondiale riders used Reynolds' ultralight RZR 92 wheelsets for the opening prologue.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Sleek PRO Missile Evo integrated aero bars on the front end of Marcel Kittel's (Argos-Shimano) Felt DA.

    Sleek PRO Missile Evo integrated aero bars on the front end of Marcel Kittel's (Argos-Shimano) Felt DA.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Felt builds a battery mount into the bottom of the down tube on Argos-Shimano's DA time trial bikes but the team puts them up behind the seatpost.

    Felt builds a battery mount into the bottom of the down tube on Argos-Shimano's DA time trial bikes but the team puts them up behind the seatpost.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Shimano Di2-equipped teams ran a wide range of battery mounts. Argos-Shimano places them behind the seatpost but others put them beneath the down tube, underneath the chain stay, or inside the frame.

    Shimano Di2-equipped teams ran a wide range of battery mounts. Argos-Shimano places them behind the seatpost but others put them beneath the down tube, underneath the chain stay, or inside the frame.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The integrated rear brake on Argos-Shimano's Felt DA.

    The integrated rear brake on Argos-Shimano's Felt DA.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Marcel Kittel's (Argos-Shimano) Felt DA before the prologue of the 2012 Tour de France.

    Marcel Kittel's (Argos-Shimano) Felt DA before the prologue of the 2012 Tour de France.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Marcel Kittel (Argos-Shimano) runs a clipped Selle Italia SLR Team Edition saddle on his Felt DA.

    Marcel Kittel (Argos-Shimano) runs a clipped Selle Italia SLR Team Edition saddle on his Felt DA.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The sleek seat stay-seat tube junction on Argos-Shimano's Felt DA time trial bikes.

    The sleek seat stay-seat tube junction on Argos-Shimano's Felt DA time trial bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Europcar team mechanics seem to be using the trainer quick-release to both hold the bike in the trainer and the wheel in the frame - which doesn't seem like a good idea to us.

    Europcar team mechanics seem to be using the trainer quick-release to both hold the bike in the trainer and the wheel in the frame - which doesn't seem like a good idea to us.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The seatpost clamp on Europcar's new Colnago K.Zero time trial frames comprises just a slight bump to the top tube section.

    The seatpost clamp on Europcar's new Colnago K.Zero time trial frames comprises just a slight bump to the top tube section.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Integrated brakes front and rear on the Wilier Triestina TwinFoil leave the seat stays nice and clean.

    Integrated brakes front and rear on the Wilier Triestina TwinFoil leave the seat stays nice and clean.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Vision carbon fiber aero bars on the front end of Vincenzo Nibali's (Liquigas-Cannondale) Cannondale Slice.

    Vision carbon fiber aero bars on the front end of Vincenzo Nibali's (Liquigas-Cannondale) Cannondale Slice.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The integrated brakes on Liquigas-Cannondale's Cannondale Slice time trial bikes are essentially just mini V-brakes.

    The integrated brakes on Liquigas-Cannondale's Cannondale Slice time trial bikes are essentially just mini V-brakes.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The integrated rear brake on the Liquigas-Cannondale Cannondale Slice time trial bike fits neatly underneath the chain stays.

    The integrated rear brake on the Liquigas-Cannondale Cannondale Slice time trial bike fits neatly underneath the chain stays.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Campagnolo marketing and communications director Lorenzo Taxis (left) and company president Valentino Campagnolo pay a visit to their old friends at Liquigas-Cannondale.

    Campagnolo marketing and communications director Lorenzo Taxis (left) and company president Valentino Campagnolo pay a visit to their old friends at Liquigas-Cannondale.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Cannondale's Si Aero crankset features a solid chainring spider whose shape flows cleanly around the crankarm.

    Cannondale's Si Aero crankset features a solid chainring spider whose shape flows cleanly around the crankarm.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The fork on Liquigas-Cannondale's Cannondale Slice features an external steerer and an integrated front brake.

    The fork on Liquigas-Cannondale's Cannondale Slice features an external steerer and an integrated front brake.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Vincenzo Nibali's (Liquigas-Cannondale) Cannondale Slice time trial machine.

    Vincenzo Nibali's (Liquigas-Cannondale) Cannondale Slice time trial machine.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Vincenzo Nibali's (Liquigas-Cannondale) Cannondale Slice is still fitted with previous-generation SRAM Red.

    Vincenzo Nibali's (Liquigas-Cannondale) Cannondale Slice is still fitted with previous-generation SRAM Red.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Lampre-ISD's Wilier Triestina TwinFoil time trial bikes are certainly hard to miss what with their incredibly loud paint jobs.

    Lampre-ISD's Wilier Triestina TwinFoil time trial bikes are certainly hard to miss what with their incredibly loud paint jobs.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The unique split fork of Lampre-ISD's Wilier Triestina TwinFoil time trial bikes.

    The unique split fork of Lampre-ISD's Wilier Triestina TwinFoil time trial bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The integrated brake gives the new Colnago K.Zero bikes of team Europcar a sleek and clean look.

    The integrated brake gives the new Colnago K.Zero bikes of team Europcar a sleek and clean look.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Colnago offers the new K.Zero with an integrated cockpit but Europcar bikes were equipped with Deda bars.

    Colnago offers the new K.Zero with an integrated cockpit but Europcar bikes were equipped with Deda bars.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • PRO Missile Evo integrated aero bars on the front end of FDJ-BigMat's Lapierre Aerostorm time trial bikes.

    PRO Missile Evo integrated aero bars on the front end of FDJ-BigMat's Lapierre Aerostorm time trial bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The Lapierre Aerostorm time trial bikes of FDJ-BigMat.

    The Lapierre Aerostorm time trial bikes of FDJ-BigMat.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Garmin-Sharp riders were almost entirely on new Cervélo P5 machines for Saturday's opening prologue. 2012 Giro d'Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal's machine is in the foreground.

    Garmin-Sharp riders were almost entirely on new Cervélo P5 machines for Saturday's opening prologue. 2012 Giro d'Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal's machine is in the foreground.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • _V6O6764 - Abbas Saeiditanha of Azad make a break away

    _V6O6764 - Abbas Saeiditanha of Azad make a break away

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • _V6O6764 - Abbas Saeiditanha of Azad make a break away

    _V6O6764 - Abbas Saeiditanha of Azad make a break away

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • Orica-GreenEdge's Scott Plasma 3 time trial bikes before the opening prologue.

    Orica-GreenEdge's Scott Plasma 3 time trial bikes before the opening prologue.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The ultra-sleek Canyon Speedmax CF of Katusha rider Denis Menchov.

    The ultra-sleek Canyon Speedmax CF of Katusha rider Denis Menchov.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

  • The sculpted stays on Liquigas-Cannondale's Cannondale Slice time trial bike.

    The sculpted stays on Liquigas-Cannondale's Cannondale Slice time trial bike.

    Photo credit © James Huang/Future Publishing

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