{"id":48265,"date":"2023-04-11T18:45:46","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T16:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=723070"},"modified":"2023-04-11T19:36:29","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T17:36:29","slug":"13-tech-trends-from-paris-roubaix-2023-tech-mega-gallery-from-the-mens-and-womens-hell-of-the-north","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/13-tech-trends-from-paris-roubaix-2023-tech-mega-gallery-from-the-mens-and-womens-hell-of-the-north\/","title":{"rendered":"13 tech trends from Paris-Roubaix\u00a02023 | Tech mega-gallery from the men\u2019s and women\u2019s Hell of the North"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tubeless tyres, 1x, aero bikes and age-old hacks for the 2023 edition of Paris-Roubaix <\/p>

By Liam Cahill\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 11 April 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Take a fancy carbon road race bike and batter it along ancient cobblestone roads and you\u2019re going to need to make a few setup changes to survive, let alone thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paris-Roubaix<\/a> is a brilliant day for bike nerds and racing fans alike \u2013 and, in 2023, we were treated to a sm\u00f6rg\u00e5sbord of juicy new tech, as well as plenty of tried-and-tested hacks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of it made its way to the pointy end of the race, while other innovations didn\u2019t fare so well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are 13 tech conclusions from the 2023 edition of Paris-Roubaix, across both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s races.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inflated gains<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Scope Atmoz tyre pressure management system made a belated debut with Team DSM.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The most notable tech innovations to appear in the 2023 edition of Paris-Roubaix were the Scope Atmoz and Gravaa KAPS hubs, which enable riders to increase or decrease tyre pressure at the touch of a button. <\/span><\/p>\n

On the face of it, the tech makes sense for a race such as Paris-Roubaix, though the jury\u2019s out on its effectiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Heat-shrinking the air hoses to the spokes keeps things tidy.<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The men\u2019s edition of Paris-Roubaix features over 50km of rough cobbled roads, split into nearly 30 sectors. Riders use wider tyres and lower tyre pressures for these sectors to smooth out the ride, but the race starts with around 100km of paved roads and smooth tarmac separates each sector.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a way to decrease your tyre pressure just for the cobble sectors would, in theory, enable a rider to save energy on the rough stuff, improving grip and comfort, and potentially lowering rolling resistance in the process.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Check out the handlebar tape under the controls to help keep them in place on the flat-top cockpit.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

We\u2019ve already taken a closer look at the Scope Atmoz<\/a>, used by Team DSM\u2019s Nils Eekhoff and Pavel Bittner. <\/span><\/p>\n

Team DSM\u2019s mechanics did <\/span>a neat job of integrating the system: note the strips of bar tape under the control buttons to help fit them onto the flat-top carbon bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This is a counterweight to balance the effect of the proprietary stem.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

You can also see a counterweight opposite the valve to improve ride feel, while heat-shrinking the air hoses to the spokes keeps things tidy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Dylan van Baarle, Christophe Laporte and Edoardo Affini used a similar system in the form of the Gravaa KAPS.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Meanwhile, three Team Jumbo-Visma riders \u2013 Dylan van Baarle, Christophe Laporte and Edoardo Affini \u2013 were using the Gravaa KAPS.<\/p>\n

Laporte fared best but suffered a rear-wheel puncture on the infamous Arenberg sector and never saw the front of the race again, despite going on to finish 10th.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Christophe Laporte suffered a puncture on the Arenberg sector, but went on to finish 10th.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tim de Waele \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Aero rules once again<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Mat Hayman\u2019s Scott Foil from 2016 made headlines as a Roubaix-winning aero bike. Wind-cheating machines are now commonplace at the Hell of the North.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Ever since Mat Hayman won Paris-Roubaix on a Scott Foil in 2016<\/a>, aero bikes have dominated at Paris-Roubaix \u2013 and that proved to be the case once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Peter Sagan was among the Specialized-sponsored riders on the Roubaix endurance bike<\/a>, the disc brakes and wide tyre clearances of the best aero bikes<\/a> mean that, for most riders, there\u2019s no need to swap from the usual race-day machine, even if it does need a few spec tweaks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Alison Jackson won the Paris-Roubaix Femmes on the new Cannondale SuperSix EVO Lab71.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tim de Waele \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

In the women\u2019s race, Allison Jackson danced into the Roubaix velodrome aboard an aero-optimised Cannondale SuperSix EVO Lab71<\/a>. Her helmet was aero. Even her sunnies were aero.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\""Alpecin-Deceuninck\"<\/picture><\/div>
Mathieu van der Poel claimed a second Monument of the season aboard his new (red) Canyon Aeroad CFR.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Mathieu\"<\/picture><\/div>
The seatpost clamp has moved to the top tube on van der Poel\u2019s Aeroad.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Mathieu\"<\/picture><\/div>
A thin layer of foam padding underneath the handlebar tape provides some additional comfort.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Matheiu\"<\/picture><\/div>
A skinsuit, aero helmet and aero socks ensured van der Poel cut a sleek figure.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tim de Waele \/ Getty Images<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

A day later, Mathieu van der Poel won the fastest-ever men\u2019s edition aboard his updated Canyon Aeroad CFR<\/a>. He wore a day-race skinsuit from Kalas, an Abus Gamechanger aero helmet, and covered a good portion of his shins in Zwift-branded aero socks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\""Matej\"<\/picture><\/div>
There were plenty of aero bikes on show, including this Merida Reacto belonging to Matej Mohori\u010d\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Q36.5\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026the latest version of the Scott Foil\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Alexandre\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026the Giant Propel\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Filippo\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026the Pinarello Dogma F\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Floortje\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026the existing Canyon Aeroad CFR\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Human\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026the Felt AR Aero\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Ceratizit-WNT's\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026the Orbea Orca\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Team\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026the Specialized Tarmac SL7\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Teniel\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026and the new Liv EnviLiv.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Elsewhere, the likes of the (updated) Scott Foil, Merida Reacto, Giant Propel, Liv EnviLiv<\/a>, Felt AR Aero, Pinarello Dogma F, Orbea Orca and Ridley Noah were all present.<\/p>\n

In fact, aero dominated across the board.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even in a race over the stones, aero rules \u2013 though there were a handful of exceptions.<\/span><\/p>\n

That most notably came in the form of three key endurance road bikes<\/a>: the Specialized Roubaix, and, for Wout van Aert and Team Jumbo\u2013Visma, the Cerv\u00e9lo Caledonia<\/a>, while the Trek-Segafredo women\u2019s team rode the Trek Domane.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Look at all those cables!<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Roubaix, in particular, looks positively retro in a pro race in 2023, with all those exposed cables at the front of the bike.<\/p>\n

Super-size chainrings<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A 56-44t setup for 2015 Paris-Roubaix winner John Degenkolb.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

It\u2019s a bit of a myth that Paris-Roubaix is a pan-flat race. The race climbs more than Gent-Wevelgem, but the nature of the dragging climbs \u2013 compared to the punchy bergs of Flanders \u2013 means some special chainrings are in order.<\/span><\/p>\n

Riders tend to fit a rather large outer ring for this rapid race. In the case of Shimano\u2019s riders, the now-standard 54t often fits the bill, but John Degenkolb swapped that for a 56t outer chainring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, we saw a number of SRAM-sponsored riders switch from the standard 52t outer ring (remember, it\u2019s paired with a 10t cassette sprocket) to a 54t dinner plate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Top-10 finisher Stefan K\u00fcng used a 54-40t double crankset.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

However, it\u2019s at the inner ring, if a rider is using a 2x crankset<\/a>, where we often see the biggest change at Paris-Roubaix. Gone are the standard 38, 39 and 40t chainrings and in come some sizable 44 and 46t monsters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quite simply, a small inner chainring just isn\u2019t needed for the rolling portions of the course (for pros, at least). And should they require the inner ring, after a crash, for example, they\u2019re likely going to be stuck in it until the end of the cobbled sector.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shifting a front derailleur<\/a> on rough cobbles is risky business, so the larger inner ring size is there to provide a get-out gear until they can safely shift back into the big ring.<\/span><\/p>\n

1x on the rise<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Wout van Aert\u2019s Team Jumbo\u2013Visma used 1x at Paris-Roubaix.<\/span><\/figcaption> Dirk Waem \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

After Trek\u2013Segafredo\u2019s Lizzie Deignan powered away to win the inaugural edition of the women\u2019s race in 2021<\/a>, 1x drivetrains have been growing ever more popular at Paris-Roubaix.<\/span><\/p>\n

2023 saw nearly every SRAM rider using a single chainring up front, with only a smattering of riders still opting for two chainrings.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Trek\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Trek\u2013Segafredo squad also used 1x, on the Madone for the men\u2019s team and the Domane for the women\u2019s team.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Trek-Segafredo\"<\/picture><\/div>
Speaking of which, here\u2019s the women\u2019s team\u2019s 1x-equipped Trek Domane.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Jumbo-Visma\"<\/picture><\/div>
1x dominated for Team Jumbo\u2013Visma, too.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mads Pedersen and Wout van Aert (riding 1x once again having also ditched his front derailleur for Milan\u2013San Remo<\/a>) both opted for 54t 1x chainrings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, in the women\u2019s race, <\/span>Marianne Vos opted for a 50t chainring to see her over the cobbles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""54t\"<\/picture><\/div>
All of the Trek\u2013Segafredo men\u2019s team were on 54t chainrings.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""54t\"<\/picture><\/div>
This is Wout van Aert\u2019s 54t dinner plate.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Marianne\"<\/picture><\/div>
Marianne Vos used a 50t chainring for Paris-Roubaix Femmes.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

While there is a simplicity to using a 1x drivetrain,<\/a> you do introduce a risk of unshipping the chain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A chain guide helps keep things secure on a 1x setup.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

To protect against this, every rider we saw using 1x was also running some sort of retention device.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""WolfTooth\"<\/picture><\/div>
Marianne Vos used a Wolf Tooth GnarWolf chain guide.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""WolfTooth\"<\/picture><\/div>
Wout van Aert went for a more minimalist Wolf Tooth option. We\u2019re not familiar with this \u2013 is it a more aero option? If you know, tell us in the comments!<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""K-Edge\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Trek\u2013Segafredo team used the K-Edge Race chain guide.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Vos and van Aert both used different Wolf Tooth designs, with Vos on the Wolf Tooth GnarWolf and van Aert using a super-minimalist option, while Pedersen and his Trek-Segafredo colleagues opted for a K-Edge unit.<\/span><\/p>\n

From what we saw, no Shimano or Campagnolo riders used a 1x setup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wide tyres as standard<\/h2>\n

In the lead-up to our favourite weekend in the road-cycling season, we had a dig into the archives and found Lars Boom\u2019s Roubaix bike from 2012<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The cyclocross racer was ahead of his time, using a Giant TCX \u2018cross bike to run 30mm tyres for a smoother passage over the stones.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Marianne Vos was among the riders using Vittoria Air Liner foam inserts.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

While tyre sizes have been increasing over the last few years, we\u2019ve never seen so many 30mm and 32mm tyres, with a number of riders also using tyre liners to add run-flat protection, including Wout van Aert, Marianne Vos, Mads Pedersen and John Degenkolb.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
30mm and 32mm tubeless tyres were commonplace at this year\u2019s Paris-Roubaix.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Add in the trend for growing internal rim widths and there was some very wide rubber on display for the Hell of the North.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
32mm Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres maxed out the clearance on Pfeiffer Georgi\u2019s Scott Foil for Paris-Roubaix Femmes.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Pfeiffer Georgi was a case in point. The Team DSM rider used tubeless Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres in a size 32mm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A last-minute tweak to tyre pressure.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

We can\u2019t quite make out the exact pressure, but the mechanic working on her team-mate\u2019s bike is definitely using that Fumpa pump to put them in the 3-bar region. That\u2019s around 44psi.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
3.4 bar for Matteo Trentin at Paris-Roubaix 2023.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

In the men\u2019s race, we know that Matteo Trentin of UAE Team Emirates had 3.4 bar (49psi) in his tyres.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
3.3 bar for Sjoerd Bax at the front, and 3.5 bar at the back.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Meanwhile, his team-mate, Sjoerd Bax, went for 3.3 bar (48psi) at the front and 3.5 bar (51psi) at the back.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Mathieu van der Poel used 28mm Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres to win the men\u2019s race.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

However, despite an array of 30mm+ rubber on show, winners Jackson and van der Poel both rolled in on 28mm tyres.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unreleased rubber<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The unreleased Specialized Mondo appeared at Paris-Roubaix.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Speaking of wide rubber, a new tyre from Specialized broke cover in the women\u2019s race on Saturday. SD Worx, Bora, QuickStep and co were all rolling on the new Specialized Mondo tyre<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This all-black tubeless-ready tyre gets Specialized\u2019s top-end S-Works name. We\u2019re yet to hear anything official regarding the new tyre, but it\u2019s clearly close to being production-ready given the decals printed on the sidewall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Those decals give us some key information on the construction. The Mondo uses Specialized\u2019s Gripton compound, with its latest T2 and T5 combination.<\/span><\/p>\n

This sees the central slick section made from what is claimed to be a fast-rolling T2 compound. The shoulders of the tyre are slightly textured and made from a T5 compound, which Specialized says is grippier in the corners.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The S-Works-level tyre uses a mix of Specialized\u2019s T2 and T5 rubber.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Crucially, one thing missing from the sidewall info was any form of puncture protection. Specialized usually specs its road race tyres with BlackBelt puncture protection. We can\u2019t see it here, however.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An interesting choice for a race famous for punctures.<\/span><\/p>\n

While we\u2019re talking unreleased tyres, the Vittoria Corsa Pro was a popular option among teams sponsored by the Italian brand.<\/p>\n

The Corsa Pro was first spotted late last year<\/a> and has been used throughout the early-season races, so its presence at Paris-Roubaix was hardly a surprise.<\/p>\n

An official launch must surely be around the corner\u2026<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A \u2018Cobble\u2019 prototype for Maike van der Duin.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

And finally, before we move on, we also spotted a \u2018Cobble\u2019 prototype version of a Schwalbe Pro One tyre on Maike van der Duin\u2019s bike at Paris-Roubaix Femmes.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Schwalbe is remaining tight-lipped about this one.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

We asked Schwalbe for more information on this one and got a simple reply: \u201cWith races like Paris-Roubaix, the requirements are very special, so a version of the Schwalbe Pro One was used here. We do not comment on any details.\u201d<\/p>\n

The brand did, however, confirm that it won\u2019t be released to the public.<\/p>\n

Tubeless (mostly) dominates \u2013 but not without issues<\/h2>\n
\""A\"<\/picture><\/div>
Tubeless tyres used at Paris-Roubaix 2023 included the Goodyear Eagle F1\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Race\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026Schwalbe Pro One\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Race\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026Vittoria Corsa Pro\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""A\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026Vittoria Corsa N.EXT\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Race\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026Continental GP 5000 S TR\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Race\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026and Pirelli P-Zero TLR.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Continuing a trend that\u2019s grown quickly over the past couple of years, tubeless tyres<\/a> were by far the most popular option in both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s races.<\/span><\/p>\n

Van der Poel had one of the most casual bike changes we\u2019ve ever seen, but finished with no other issues on his tubeless Vittoria Corsa Pro setup. A good day for MVDP.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other tubeless options used across the men\u2019s and women\u2019s races included the Vittoria Corsa N.EXT<\/a> (as a more resilient option from the Italian firm\u2019s range), Goodyear Eagle F1<\/a>, Continental GP5000 S TR<\/a> and Pirelli P-Zero Race TLR<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s winner Alison Jackson bucked the trend, though, and won on what we believe is a set of tubular Vittoria Corsa G2.0 tyres.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indeed, as we\u2019re about to see, tubeless tyres aren\u2019t always without their issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Fred Wright suffered a tubeless failure on the Arenberg sector.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Unfortunately, we saw the usual share of nasty Paris-Roubaix crashes. Some were caused by patches of mud, others by the usual elbows-out Roubaix racing and one or two featured some tubeless failures, \u00a0including a huge crash in the Arenberg Forest for Fred Wright.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019re unsure of the cause of these crashes, but to see tubeless tyres, many of which appeared to be fitted with inserts, fail and dismount from the rim in this manner, certainly raises an eyebrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

In carbon, we trust\u2026 most of the time<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Hugo Hofstetter of Team Ark\u00e9a Samsic swapped out the Bianchi Oltre\u2019s aero cockpit for an aluminium handlebar.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tim de Waele \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

After two broken bars in the space of one race a few weeks ago, you could forgive Hugo Hofstetter for switching back to a traditional alloy stem and bar on his Bianchi Oltre.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Forgiven but not forgotten, Hugo. It looks as ugly as sin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Mathieu\"<\/picture><\/div>
Mathieu van der Poel used the Canyon Aeroad CFR\u2019s usual integrated handlebar.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Carbon\"<\/picture><\/div>
The same applies for Pfeiffer Georgi and her Scott Foil cockpit.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Aluminium\"<\/picture><\/div>
But there were also plenty of aluminium stems on show.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Aluminium\"<\/picture><\/div>
Some riders prefer an aluminium stem (and sometimes handlebar, too) at Paris-Roubaix, owing to the harsh cobbles and increased likelihood of a crash.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

But Hoffstetter wasn\u2019t alone. Numerous riders opted to leave the integrated carbon bar designs in the service course and start on components they\u2019d have more confidence in should they have a crash.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not that the fear of carbon got to everyone. Van der Poel stuck to his Aeroad\u2019s cockpit, Ineos all used Pinarello\u2019s Most front ends, DSM riders were happy with Scott\u2019s design and Mads Pedersen went as far as using his latest Madone aero bike.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Mads\"<\/picture><\/div>
Mads Pedersen and the Trek\u2013Segafredo men\u2019s team used the Trek Madone aero bike.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Mads\"<\/picture><\/div>
A debut for Trek\u2019s IsoFlow seat tube hole at Paris-Roubaix.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Carbon\"<\/picture><\/div>
Carbon wheels used to be rare at Paris-Roubaix but have become ubiquitous over the past decade.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

If you were worried about the jaunty frame shape on the Madone\u2019s seat tube being fragile, then the fact it survived Paris-Roubaix will go some way to dispelling those doubts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Satellite shifters aplenty<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Mads Pedersen\u2019s satellite shifters were neatly glued to the underside of the Madone\u2019s carbon bar.<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

With many riders opting for the tops of the bars when riding on the cobbles, satellite shifters are needed, so they can still change gear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some, such as Trek\u2013Segafredo\u2019s Mads Pedersen, had them glued neatly to the underside of his integrated carbon bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Lucinda Brand\u2019s satellite shifters needed plenty of electrical tape.<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Lucinda Brand preferred to have hers mounted on the rear face of a round Bontrager bar, with plenty of electrical tape required.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Nils Politt\u2019s satellite shifters were stuck to the cable covers of his S-Works Aerofly II bar.<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Nils Politt had his attached to the cable covers of his S-Works Aerofly II bar via what we assume is adhesive putty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Lotte Kopecky had two SRAM shifters neatly taped in place.<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As for SD Worx rider Lotte Kopecky, she had two SRAM shifters neatly taped to the front of her handlebar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Shimano Di2 satellite shifters for this SRAM-sponsored rider.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Meanwhile, we spotted a rider from SRAM-sponsored Human Powered Health, who had ditched her SRAM Blips in favour of a Shimano Di2 satellite shifter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Peter Sagan bows out with mechanical<\/h2>\n
\""Peter\"<\/picture><\/div>
Peter Sagan\u2019s Specialized S-Works Roubaix with mechanical Shimano Dura-Ace.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Peter\"<\/picture><\/div>
Sagan keeps it (relatively) old-school for his final Roubaix.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Peter\"<\/picture><\/div>
A rare sight in the pro peloton in 2023: a mechanical shifting cable.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Peter\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Roubaix\u2019s cables run through the down tube.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

You can always rely on Peter Sagan to rock a mechanical drivetrain at Paris-Roubaix and the Team TotalEnergies mechanics duly dug out an 11-speed Shimano Dura-Ace groupset to stick on his Specialized Roubaix.<\/span><\/p>\n

While electronic shifting<\/a> was feared to be delicate for use at Roubaix when it first came to the pro peloton, Shimano Di2, SRAM AXS and Campagnolo EPS have now taken over. However, Sagan seemingly prefers the\u2026 well\u2026 mechanical feel of a cable-operated shift.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the former world champion and Roubaix winner crashed out of his final cobbled classic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Allen keys for everyone<\/h2>\n
\""Race\"<\/picture><\/div>
A simple Allen key strapped to the seatpost in the event of a puncture.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Race\"<\/picture><\/div>
Removing the wheel before a mechanic arrives can speed up the change.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""A\"<\/picture><\/div>
Some teams left the thru-axle levers in place.<\/span> <\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Narrow roads and numerous small groups mean your team car can be several minutes adrift at Paris-Roubaix. Should you have a puncture, getting the wheel off yourself, before the mechanic arrives, can speed things along.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some teams either left small levers fitted to the ends of the thru-axles, or if that wasn\u2019t aero enough, they simply strapped an Allen key to the seatpost.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s just hope that they fitted the correct size.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grip tape\u2026 everywhere<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A Paris-Roubaix classc: grip tape!<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Rough cobbles mean you risk losing anything that isn\u2019t bolted to the bike. Even then, riders often take to Twitter to ask for computers back after the unit escapes or the bolt-on mounts jettison themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

The simple fix for most things is skateboard-style grip tape.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bottle cages? Grip-tape them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Using a lanyard keeps the computer attached to the bike in the event of it becoming dislodged from the out-front mount.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Computer mounts? How about some grip tape (and a lanyard to attach the computer to the handlebar).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
More grip tape for this FutureShock control dial.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

FutureShock control dial? Get me that grip tape.<\/span><\/p>\n

For all the new tech on display at this year\u2019s Paris-Roubaix, sometimes you can\u2019t beat good old-fashioned hacks that have stood the test of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Elite Ciussi bottle cage is another Roubaix stalwart.<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The same goes for age-old reliable components such as the Elite Ciussi bottle cage \u2013 a Paris-Roubaix stalwart.<\/p>\n

Made from aluminium, the metal can be manoeuvred to get a tight grip on the bottle.<\/p>\n

If in doubt, Sharpie it out<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
You\u2019re not fooling anyone!<\/span><\/figcaption> James York \/ Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Finally, while grip tape and a roll of electrical tape can solve a lot of your problems, for anything else, there\u2019s always a Sharpie.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sep Vanmarcke of Maxxis-sponsored Israel-Premier Tech opted for a set of Continental\u2019s GP 5000 tubeless tyres, with the branding rather obviously scribbled out .<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have to try harder to fool us, Sep.<\/span><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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