The spring classics, as soon as a driver of tech innovation — or perhaps higher put a check lab for wacky or downright insane concepts — are not fairly the showcase of fascinating tech they as soon as had been. (Stick round, although, there’s great things to return, I promise.)
Bike tech has usually reached a degree the place consolation on the cobbles can co-exist with efficiency with out drawbacks to hurry, weight, or journey high quality. Increasingly more off the shelf bikes, particularly aero fashions, can tackle the cobbles with out a downside. Deep part carbon rims are ubiquitous.
However whereas there’s much less specialised tech on the Belgian classics, some classics-only gear and good-old-fashioned tips of the commerce from seasoned mechanics nonetheless have a spot right here.
We took a glance across the begin line of the Tour of Flanders, the most important day of motorbike racing of the 12 months in Belgium, to search out among the fascinating tech bits out on show, all shiny earlier than heading straight right into a muddy, wet day on the cobbles.
Gallery: Tour of Flanders Tech
Former Danish nationwide champion Mads Pedersen was on a freshly painted Trek Madone body on the race. (Picture: Will Tracy)Tubulars are much less widespread lately, however discovered a spot on Pedersen’s bike, even whereas teammates had been racing tubeless tires. (Picture: Will Tracy)Matteo Jorgenson’s Cervélo S5 earlier than the beginning. Aero bikes are the norm at this race now. (Picture: Will Tracy)Plugs over bolt holes present each potential aero benefit. (Picture: Will Tracy)Visma-Lease a Bike had each Shimano and Speedplay pedal programs in use. (Picture: Will Tracy)A group mechanic tops up each tire earlier than the race to make sure correct tire strain, which is a carefully guarded secret of every group. (Picture: Will Tracy)These Vittoria Corsa professional tires look a lot wider than their 30c due partially to the 24mm/25mm inside rim width of those Reserve wheels. (Picture: Will Tracy)Utilizing the entire S5’s clearance. (Picture: Will Tracy)Continental Grand Prix 5000S tires in 30c had been a preferred alternative amongst groups. (Picture: Will Tracy)As had been Vittoria Corsa Execs in 30c. (Picture: Will Tracy)A UCI official checks for motors with the notorious iPad. (Picture: Will Tracy)Most stems had been adorned with sheets calling out the cobbled sectors, and in some instances what to eat or drink and when. (Picture: Will Tracy)Speedplay as soon as had Roubaix-specific pedals to assist clear gunk from cleats higher, however lately Wahoo-sponsored groups are on the single-sided aero model of the pedal system. (Picture: Will Tracy)A transpoder secured to a fork with each zip ties and electrical tape. It will not be probably the most elegant resolution, however that factor ain’t going anyplace. (Picture: Will Tracy)Yep, that’s a 56-tooth chainring. No, this isn’t a time trial. Flanders is all about excessive energy output on quick cobbled climbs. (Picture: Will Tracy)We noticed a number of riders on 56T chainrings on each Shimano and Sram drivetrains. (Picture: Will Tracy)A bit of inside tube retains the cable from bouncing round. (Picture: Will Tracy)Selle Italia’s 3D printed saddles present an additional degree of consolation. (Picture: Will Tracy)The eventual profitable bike. (Picture: Will Tracy)Final second contact ups to the bikes embrace a contemporary software of chain lube. (Picture: Will Tracy)Curiously, not all riders are getting new tape on a regular basis, even at Flanders, one of many rougher days of the 12 months, as evidenced by this worn tape. (Picture: Will Tracy)Sandpaper helps preserve a head unit in place. (Picture: Will Tracy)Riders more and more have distinctive and effectively monitored vitamin packages, so it’s vital to ensure the right combination goes to the fitting rider. (Picture: Will Tracy)Gotta preserve the Garmin safe within the occasion of a crash, or simply too tough of a cobbled part. (Picture: Will Tracy)Alexander Kristoff was racing on this super-aero Dare bike. (Picture: Will Tracy)Sandpaper additionally helps preserve bottles in cages. (Picture: Will Tracy)Extra inside tube cable administration. (Picture: Will Tracy)The sandpaper trick is fairly ubiquitous. Possibly attempt it your self — in case you don’t care about scratched up bottles. (Picture: Will Tracy)Writing a rider’s title on his race quantity retains issues simpler for mechanics. (Picture: Will Tracy)That’s about as tight of a snip as you will get on a zipper tie. All within the title of aero. (Picture: Will Tracy)Your eyes don’t deceive you, that’s an Ultegra rear derailleur (*gasp*). The remainder of the Bingoal WB group was on Dura-Ace. (Picture: Will Tracy)Groups are displaying as much as races more and more with chainrings that aren’t the usual Shimano or Sram fashions. (Picture: Will Tracy)Groups are more and more displaying as much as races with chainrings that aren’t the usual Shimano or Sram fashions. (Picture: Will Tracy)(Picture: Will Tracy)Didn’t the UCI have something to say about brake hood angles recently? (Picture: Will Tracy)