<\/p>
By Paul Norman\n \t\t<\/p>
Published: Monday, 04 October 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>
\n<\/p><p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Paris-Roubaix is the toughest one-day race on the pro cycling calendar and a feast of tech, with the world\u2019s best riders pitting their bikes and bodies against the brutal cobbles of northern France.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">With last year\u2019s <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/events\/paris-roubaix\/"\">Paris-Roubaix<\/a> cancelled and this year\u2019s pushed back six months, we\u2019ve had two-and-a-half years of bike development since the pros last took to the race\u2019s notorious pav\u00e9.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">And that was reflected in the choice of bikes and equipment for the 2021 Hell of the North, in both the men\u2019s race and the first-ever edition of the Paris-Roubaix Femmes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">That, coupled with bad weather and cobbles caked in mud through the weekend \u2013 the first properly wet Paris-Roubaix since 2002 \u2013 meant there was a marked shift in equipment on display at this year\u2019s race (take a look at our <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/race-tech-wheel-and-tire-choices-at-paris-roubaix-2011\/"\">round-up of Roubaix tech from 2011<\/a> for more evidence of that).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Here are our top 5 tech trends from the 2021 edition of Paris-Roubaix.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\""font-weight:\">Disc brakes<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648856\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-7-cb0a4f8.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""BMC\" bike=\"\" with=\"\" a=\"\" disc=\"\" brake=\"\" rotor=\"\" at=\"\" paris-roubaix=\"\" title=\""BMC\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Every team used disc brakes at Paris-Roubaix in 2021.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Reports of the death of rim brakes have been greatly exaggerated over the years \u2013 at least in the pro peloton. But the 2021 Paris-Roubaix was the race to finally kill them off, with the last hold-out of rim brakes, Ineos Grenadiers, now <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/team-ineos-grenadiers-disc-brakes\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">finally switched to discs<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">With a flat parcours for Paris-Roubaix, any weight penalty gained from switching to discs isn\u2019t an issue, while the consistent stopping power and better modulation of <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/road-disc-brakes-everything-you-need-to-know\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">road disc brakes<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> are significant pluses on the slippery cobbles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648849\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Bikes-at-Paris-Roubaix-ad33a4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Bikes\" with=\"\" disc=\"\" brakes=\"\" at=\"\" paris-roubaix=\"\" title=\""Bikes\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Mud, mud and more mud.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">The fact that disc calipers don\u2019t get clogged up with mud and the brakes are a sealed system are real advantages, too \u2013 not least in conditions like those that affected Sunday\u2019s race.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Plus, disc brakes don\u2019t interfere with tyre width and clearance, as we\u2019ll come on to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?quality=90&resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=403%2C269"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?quality=90&resize=403%2C269"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=553%2C369"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?quality=90&resize=553%2C369"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=406%2C271"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?quality=90&resize=406%2C271"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C370"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?quality=90&resize=554%2C370"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648900\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Cantilever-brake-at-Paris-Roubaix-fe09d82-e1633374499252.jpeg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Cantilever\" brake=\"\" at=\"\" paris-roubaix=\"\" title=\""Cantilever\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Cantilever brakes were common at Paris-Roubaix a decade ago.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>James Huang \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">In years gone by, you\u2019d sometimes see pros <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/video-pro-bike-lars-booms-giant-tcx-advanced-sl-paris-roubaix\/?image=12&type=gallery&gallery=1&embedded_slideshow=1"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">opt for cantilever brakes<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> on cyclocross bikes to up their tyre clearance when running extra-wide tyres at Paris-Roubaix. But as in cyclocross races, disc brakes have taken over, giving riders the same advantage of plush tyres, with decent stopping as a bonus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">And that brings us on to the next trend\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\""font-weight:\">Even wider tyres<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648853\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-4-6d020b3.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Dugast\" by=\"\" vittoria=\"\" tubular=\"\" tyre=\"\" at=\"\" paris-roubaix=\"\" title=\""Dugast\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The latest disc-equipped road bikes provide clearance for 30mm tyres.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Wider tyres have long been a feature of Paris-Roubaix. The chance to run lower tyre pressures helps take some of the sting out of the cobbles, while the larger contact patch gives the advantage of improved grip over the pav\u00e9.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">So it was no surprise to see the pros running wider rubber than in the majority of races. What\u2019s changed is that the modern crop of pro-level road bikes can easily accept those tyres, without compromising clearance or component choices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">That means pros can ride their standard <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/pro-bike\/2021-worldtour-bikes\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">WorldTour bikes<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> at Paris-Roubaix and still get a spec to handle the cobbles.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648863\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Sonny-Colbrellis-Merida-Reacto-1-15f9644.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Sonny\" colbrelli=\"\" merida=\"\" reacto=\"\" for=\"\" paris-roubaix=\"\" title=\""Sonny\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> That additional width made all the difference in Sunday\u2019s race, with the worst conditions at Paris-Roubaix in decades.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Merida Europe<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Take, for example, the bike of men\u2019s winner Sonny Colbrelli. The Italian used his regular race-day machine, the <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/road-bikes\/merida-reacto-team-e\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">Merida Reacto<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> \u2013 an <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-aero-road-bike\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">aero road bike<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> that can take a 30mm tyre, and Colbrelli took full advantage of that clearance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">In years gone by, tyre width at Paris-Roubaix maxed out at 28mm, but we expect most riders at the 2021 races were on 30mm rubber as a minimum.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Add tubeless into the mix and this year\u2019s tyre choices looked very different to what we\u2019re used to seeing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\""font-weight:\">Tubeless<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648851\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-2-177ec20.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Continental\" grand=\"\" prix=\"\" tr=\"\" s=\"\" tubeless=\"\" tyre=\"\" at=\"\" paris-roubaix=\"\" title=\""Continental\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Continental\u2019s newly-launched Grand Prix 5000 S TR tubeless tyre was used by a number of teams. Will the 2021 Paris-Roubaix be a watershed moment for tubeless tech? Note the TyreWiz pressure sensor fitted here. It will have provided the Movistar team with real-time pressure data.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/tubeless\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">Tubeless tyres<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> are another of those road bike trends that have received a mixed response from the pros, many of whom still seem to love their tubular tyres.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">With someone else paying for their tyres and mechanics to <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/workshop\/how-to-glue-a-tubular-tyre\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">glue them to their wheels<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\">, there\u2019s a lot for pros to like about tubs \u2013 the technology has been reliable for decades and they are less prone to pinch punctures, both of which are good things for Roubaix.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">But again, the tide seems to be turning and the Hell of the North provided the ideal battleground to prove the potential advantages of the newer technology.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">We\u2019ve already seen tubeless tyres <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/pro-bike\/2021-pro-bike-tech-trends\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">used in early-season cobbled races<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> and they\u2019ve cropped up in time trials too, where the lower rolling resistance can give an edge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Continental\u2019s new <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/continentals-grand-prix-5000-s-tr\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">Grand Prix 5000 S TR<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> tubeless tyre was used by Filippo Ganna to retain his title in the individual time trial at the recent road World Championships \u2013 and Conti\u2019s revamped tubeless tyre was used widely across the peloton at Paris-Roubaix, including by Colbrelli en route to winning the men\u2019s race.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648859\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-a1bdb9b.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""A\" team=\"\" sky=\"\" mechanic=\"\" prepares=\"\" some=\"\" tubular=\"\" tyres=\"\" for=\"\" riders=\"\" on=\"\" the=\"\" second=\"\" rest=\"\" day=\"\" of=\"\" tour=\"\" de=\"\" france=\"\" title=\""A\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Are the days numbered for tubular tyres?<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">The winner of the Paris-Roubaix Femmes, Lizzie Deignan, was also using <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/tyres\/road-bike-tyres\/pirelli-p-zero-race-tlr-28mm-tyre-review\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">Pirelli P-Zero Race TLR<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> tubeless tyres. Case closed, then?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Tubeless clinchers are a smart option for wide tyres on rough surfaces. You don\u2019t need to worry quite so much about pinch flats and can therefore run them at lower pressures than a clincher tyre with an <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/bike-inner-tubes\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">inner tube<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\">. They can roll faster than tubular tyres, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">There\u2019s also the option to add an insert into the tyre, such as the <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/first-look-friday\/vittoria-air-liner-road\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">Vittoria Air-Liner Road<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\">, to give you the ability to keep riding for a while even if you get a puncture. A number of teams are thought to have been using inserts with tubeless tyres.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">One final point on tyres. Paris-Roubaix has historically seen smaller tyre brands come to the fore, namely FMB and Dugast, with super-supple handmade tubulars.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">We\u2019re used to seeing many teams ditch their regular tyre suppliers for Paris-Roubaix, in pursuit of the grippiest, comfiest rubber possible, but with the tubeless market controlled largely by the big brands, the likes of FMB and Dugast \u2013 the latter now owned by Vittoria and used by the Jumbo-Visma team \u2013 were in short supply at this year\u2019s races.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\""font-weight:\">Aero is everywhere<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?quality=90&resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?quality=90&resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?quality=90&resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?quality=90&resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648857\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-8-0a1992c.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Mathieu\" van=\"\" der=\"\" poel=\"\" at=\"\" paris-roubaix=\"\" title=\""Mathieu\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> All three riders on the men\u2019s podium rode aero-optimised bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">The talk at Paris-Roubaix may be about gains and losses on the cobbles, but the bulk of the 258km men\u2019s route is on tarmac, with \u2018only\u2019 55km of pav\u00e9. Being flat, it\u2019s always a fast race, with winners usually averaging well over 40kph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">So while all the column-inches might be taken up with talk about adaptations to the cobbles, like double-wrapped bar tape and the aforementioned wide tyres, go-faster features are also significant.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648858\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-9-9535551.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Sonny\" colbrelli=\"\" of=\"\" italy=\"\" and=\"\" team=\"\" bahrain=\"\" victorious=\"\" at=\"\" paris-roubaix=\"\" title=\""Sonny\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> An aero helmet for men\u2019s winner Sonny Colbrelli (useful in Sunday\u2019s horrendous conditions, too).<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">A lot\u2019s changed since that was first brought to the fore by <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/pro-bike\/meet-the-aero-bike-that-won-paris-roubaix-mathew-haymans-scott-foil\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">Matthew Hayman\u2019s 2016 win<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> on the rim brake Scott Foil aero bike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Now pretty much every pro team has a Roubaix-ready aero bike at its disposal, from the <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2021-merida-reacto\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">latest Merida Reacto<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> (which Colbrelli rode to victory), to the <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/road-bikes\/canyon-aeroad-cfr-di2-review\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">Canyon Aeroad CFR<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> and <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/road-bikes\/cannondale-supersix-evo-carbon-disc-ultegra-review\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">Cannondale SuperSix Evo<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\">, all of which have clearance for 30mm tyres.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Star riders are now routinely kitted out in aero clothing too, including aero helmets and skinsuits, even for a 258km race.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-291069\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C349"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Hayman's\" foil=\"\" is=\"\" remarkable=\"\" for=\"\" its=\"\" likeness=\"\" to=\"\" a=\"\" standard=\"\" road=\"\" race=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\""hayman02-1460310044431-8x62mqfakczx-7b63b4f"\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Mat Hayman\u2019s 2016 win on a Scott Foil was a major talking point. Aero bikes are now standard at Roubaix.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Ben Delaney \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Whereas Hayman\u2019s win on an aero bike was a major talking point in 2016, fast forward five years and aero was touching almost everything at the 2021 Queen of the Classics, from integrated cockpits and barely a cable in sight to deep-section wheels free from the constraints of running rim brakes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>On that note, in years gone by, we\u2019ve seen some teams use robust aluminium wheels at Paris-Roubaix, but with rim brakes removed from the equation and carbon road bike wheels wider and more aero than ever, there\u2019s little need to rely on alloy.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\""font-weight:\">Bike choice<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?quality=90&resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?quality=90&resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?quality=90&resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?quality=90&resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648855\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Parix-Roubaix-2021-tech_-6-1f3094f.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Lizzie\" deignan=\"\" at=\"\" paris-roubaix=\"\" title=\""Lizzie\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> While Lizzie Deignan switched to Trek\u2019s Domane endurance bike, the majority of riders in both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s races stuck to their regular race bike, with a few choice upgrades for Roubaix.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Paris-Roubaix has always drawn out some <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/pro-bike\/coolest-paris-roubaix-bikes\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">unusual bike choices<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\">, from modified cyclocross bikes to Johan Museeuw\u2019s 1994 full-suspension Bianchi (which failed under the stress of the race).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">Latterly, it\u2019s become a showcase for brands to remind the buying public that they don\u2019t just make race bikes but that their endurance bikes can also mix it at the top level of the sport. Take the eponymous <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/road-bikes\/specialized-roubaix-expert-long-term-review\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">Specialized Roubaix<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\"> \u2013 named after the race and ridden to multiple victories.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648862\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-640256709-252c0d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Johan\" musseuw=\"\" from=\"\" belgium=\"\" during=\"\" the=\"\" paris-roubaix.=\"\" by=\"\" jerome=\"\" prevost=\"\" via=\"\" getty=\"\" images=\"\" title=\""Johan\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Are weird and wonderful bikes such as <span style=\""font-weight:\">Johan Museeuw\u2019s 1994 full-suspension Bianchi a thing of the past at Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Jerome Prevost \/ TempSport \/ Corbis \/ VCG via Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">However, with the rise of disc brakes and wide tyres, as well as the ever-growing importance of aerodynamics, there\u2019s now much more conformity in bike and component choice at the Hell of the North. The majority of riders across both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s races stuck to their regular race rigs in a fairly standard spec, with a smattering of Paris-Roubaix upgrades.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\""font-weight:\">That said, some teams did switch to comfort-focused bikes, including Lizzie Deignan, <\/span><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/pro-bike\/lizzie-deignan-paris-roubaix-femmes\/"\"><span style=\""font-weight:\">who rode the Trek Domane on her way to winning the women\u2019s race<\/span><\/a><span style=\""font-weight:\">. <\/span><span style=\""font-weight:\">Even if the Domane is a bike we\u2019re very familiar with by now, Deignan\u2019s machine was still a nod to the future, with a 1x drivetrain and tubeless tyres.<\/span><\/p><\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Paul Norman Published: Monday, 04 October 2021 at 12:00 am Paris-Roubaix is the toughest one-day race on the pro cycling calendar and a feast of tech, with the world\u2019s best riders pitting their bikes and bodies against the brutal cobbles of northern France. With last year\u2019s Paris-Roubaix cancelled and this year\u2019s pushed back six […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":61,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"9"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/five-tech-trends-from-paris-roubaix-2021-disc-brakes-even-wider-tyres-tubeless-more.jpg",1920,1280,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/five-tech-trends-from-paris-roubaix-2021-disc-brakes-even-wider-tyres-tubeless-more-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/five-tech-trends-from-paris-roubaix-2021-disc-brakes-even-wider-tyres-tubeless-more-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/five-tech-trends-from-paris-roubaix-2021-disc-brakes-even-wider-tyres-tubeless-more-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/five-tech-trends-from-paris-roubaix-2021-disc-brakes-even-wider-tyres-tubeless-more-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/five-tech-trends-from-paris-roubaix-2021-disc-brakes-even-wider-tyres-tubeless-more-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/five-tech-trends-from-paris-roubaix-2021-disc-brakes-even-wider-tyres-tubeless-more.jpg",1920,1280,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Paul Norman Published: Monday, 04 October 2021 at 12:00 am Paris-Roubaix is the toughest one-day race on the pro cycling calendar and a feast of tech, with the world\u2019s best riders pitting their bikes and bodies against the brutal cobbles of northern France. With last year\u2019s Paris-Roubaix cancelled and this year\u2019s pushed back six…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/60"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}