An ode to the golden era of Paris-Roubaix tech – and the oddities that made the race so special

By George Scott

Published: Monday, 08 April 2024 at 16:06 PM


Paris-Roubaix is the pinnacle of the season for Classics riders.

It’s the pinnacle of the season for tech fans, too, with the Queen of the Classics putting an intense focus on a rider’s equipment – and its ability to withstand the pavé of northern France.

However, where Paris-Roubaix once saw a complete equipment overhaul for riders, the latest aero road bikes, with a switch to wider rubber, have become commonplace on the cobbles.

The race still throws up its fair share of tech quirks, be it Israel-Premier Tech’s switch to a gravel bike for this year’s edition, or the nuances of individual setup from one rider to the next, but it’s no longer the treasure trove of tech it once was.

Over the past decade, we’ve waved goodbye to box-section alloy rims, cyclocross bikes, boutique tyres and now even endurance bikes at Paris-Roubaix.

Here, then, is an ode to the Paris-Roubaix tech oddities of old.