{"id":62205,"date":"2024-04-10T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-10T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/5621da6a-0827-4113-b9cc-ccad555cb59d"},"modified":"2024-04-10T18:59:52","modified_gmt":"2024-04-10T16:59:52","slug":"what-defines-a-modern-paris-roubaix-bike-10-unique-pro-setups-from-the-queen-of-the-classics","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/what-defines-a-modern-paris-roubaix-bike-10-unique-pro-setups-from-the-queen-of-the-classics\/","title":{"rendered":"What defines a modern Paris-Roubaix bike? 10 unique pro setups from the Queen of the Classics"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the going gets tough, what kit do the pros rely on? <\/p>

By Simon von Bromley\n <\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 10 April 2024 at 16:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Paris-Roubaix is one of the few WorldTour races that still requires riders and teams to bring out rarely seen specialist equipment, so it\u2019s one marked on every bike nerd\u2019s calendar.<\/p>

With 55.7km of cobbled roads over 260km of racing, the unique parcours pose significant challenges for bikes designed to be as light and aerodynamic as possible.<\/p>

While the tech that defined past editions of the race<\/a> has largely disappeared, no rider or team takes for granted how hard this race is on equipment.<\/p>

We sent our beady-eyed photographer, Matt Grayson, to scour the pre-race team pits of both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s races for the most interesting pro bikes<\/a>, and \u2013 as always \u2013 he delivered.<\/p>

In this mega gallery, we\u2019ve got Lotte Kopecky\u2019s race-winning Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8, Alison Jackson\u2019s custom-painted Cannondale SuperSix EVO Lab71, Tom Pidcock\u2019s Pinarello Dogma F, Mads Pedersen\u2019s Trek Madone SLR, and much, much more.<\/p>

Before we get to those bikes, though, if you\u2019ve come looking for Mathieu van der Poel\u2019s Paris-Roubaix-winning Canyon Aeroad CFR<\/a>, fear not \u2013 we\u2019ve got a full gallery of images delving into that bike in greater detail in a separate article.<\/p>

Lotte Kopecky\u2019s Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8<\/h2>
Lotte Kopecky’s race-winning Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8. – SRAM<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The winner of the 2024 Paris-Roubaix Femmes, Lotte Kopecky, rode an all-black version of Specialized\u2019s flagship all-rounder road bike, the S-Works Tarmac SL8<\/a>.<\/p>
It was a choice echoed by the other riders on Specialized-sponsored teams, with the S-Works Roubaix SL8<\/a> nowhere to be seen at this year\u2019s race.<\/p>
$\"Lotte$
Kopecky opted for a two-piece cockpit, rather than the bike’s stock integrated option. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Eschewing the brand\u2019s Roval Rapide integrated cockpit, Kopecky opted for a separate bar and stem, with a round handlebar.<\/p>
The stem comes from the previous-generation Tarmac SL7<\/a>, but the bar may have been non-sponsor-correct because the team wrapped it with handlebar tape<\/a> all the way to the stem clamp.<\/p>
$\"Lotte$
Kopecky’s saddle isn’t sponsor-correct, but you’d only know by looking very closely. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Kopecky\u2019s saddle appeared to be a Syncros Belcarra \u2013 from the component brand owned by Scott. Naturally, any offending logos were covered up carefully.<\/p>
Elsewhere, the current world road race champion had a SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset<\/a> set up 1x with a K-Edge chain guide for added security.<\/p>
$\"Lotte$
Kopecky opted for a 1x drivetrain with a 50T SRAM Red AXS aero chainring up front. – SRAM<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Contrary to many riders, Kopecky opted for a relatively small 50t chainring paired to a 10-33t cassette. It\u2019s worth bearing in mind her 50x10t top gear is \u2013 in terms of gear ratio \u2013 equivalent to a 55x11t, though.<\/p>
Like most of her teammates, Kopecky opted for Specialized’s S-Works Mondo endurance tyres<\/a> set up tubeless on a set of Roval Rapide CLX II wheels<\/a>.<\/p>
$\"Lotte$
Kopecky put the power down via a set of custom Time XPro 12 pedals. – SRAM<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Kopecky used a set of custom world-champion themed Time XPro 12 pedals \u2013 another option from the SRAM stable of brands.<\/p>
Marianne Vos\u2019 Cerv\u00e9lo Soloist<\/h2>
$\"Marianne$
Marianne Vos finished just off the podium at the 2024 Paris-Roubaix Femmes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Although Cerv\u00e9lo said it was targeting amateur racers with the recently revamped Soloist<\/a>, that hasn\u2019t stopped the brand\u2019s elite sponsored riders selecting it for cobbled classics.<\/p>
We suspect this is because the riders feel it strikes a better balance of low weight, comfort and aerodynamic efficiency than either the more aero-focused S5<\/a> or climbing-friendly R5<\/a>.<\/p>
$\"Marianne$
Vos was another of many SRAM-sponsored riders using 1x drivetrains at this year’s race.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
That aside, wider tyres, a non-integrated cockpit and a 1x drivetrain mark out Marianne Vos\u2019 Soloist as a Paris-Roubaix bike.<\/p>
Like Kopekcy, Vos used a SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset in 1x form with a K-Edge chain guide. Vos, however, opted for a slightly bigger, 52t chainring, paired with what looked like a wide-ranging cassette.<\/p>
$\"Marianne$
Vos used Resevre’s new 42|49 wheelset, with chunky Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR tyres. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The three-time world road race champion used a set of as-yet-unreleased Reserve 42|49 wheels. Based on Reserve\u2019s previous naming conventions, these almost certainly have a 42mm-deep front rim paired with a 49mm-deep rear.<\/p>
These were paired with a set of Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR tyres<\/a>, set up tubeless, in a size 700x32c.<\/p>
$\"Marianne$
Vos also opted for a two-piece cockpit, although she still used a carbon bar. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Vos used Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals<\/a> and a Fizik Vento Argo 00 saddle<\/a>.<\/p>
Her cockpit came courtesy of team sponsor FSA, with an SL-K alloy stem (adorned with notes about each cobbled sector) paired with a round FSA carbon handlebar.<\/p>
Alison Jackson\u2019s custom-painted Cannondale SuperSix EVO Lab71<\/h2>
$\"Allison$
Alison Jackson\u2019s custom-painted Cannondale SuperSix EVO Lab71 features a stand-out paintjob.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Last year\u2019s winner of the women\u2019s race, Alison Jackson, is also the reigning Canadian national road race champion. As such, she took to the start of this year\u2019s edition aboard a beautifully painted custom bike.<\/p>
The frameset features a striking red and white paintjob, complete with maple leaf motifs and a \u201cDon\u2019t think, just dance\u201d note on the top tube (referring to Jackon\u2019s famously sharp moves off the bike).<\/p>
$\"Allison$
“Don’t think, just dance.” – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Perhaps due to the fact it can accommodate slightly larger tyres and makes more concessions to comfort, Jackson opts for Cannondale\u2019s all-rounder SuperSix Evo<\/a> (with the flagship Lab71 carbon layup) rather than its aero road bike<\/a>, the SystemSix<\/a>.<\/p>
Expecting a fast race, though, Jackson\u2019s Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset<\/a> was set up with 54\/40t FSA chainrings, mounted to an FSA PowerBox power meter<\/a> spider, with FSA carbon cranks.<\/p>
$\"Allison$
Jackson’s EF Education-Cannondale team uses FSA PowerBox cranksets. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Jackson used Vision\u2019s Metron SL 45 wheelset paired with Vittoria Corsa Pro Control TLR tyres<\/a> (a heavier, grippier variant of the standard Corsa Pro), in a size 700x32c.<\/p>
Unlike Kopecky and Vos, Jackson stuck with an integrated cockpit, opting for Cannodale\u2019s own R-One SystemBar.<\/p>
$\"Allison$
Jackson was one of a few riders using Prologo’s new CPC handlebar tape. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
It was wrapped with Prologo\u2019s new handlebar tape featuring its CPC (Connect \u2013 Power \u2013 Control)<\/a> technology.<\/p>
This uses what Prologo says is a \u201c3D-printed polymer nanostructure\u201d to enhance its grip, meaning riders don\u2019t need to hold the bars as tightly (thus, it claims, reducing fatigue).<\/p>
$\"Allison$
Jackson uses a Nago R4 PAS 147 saddle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Jackson’s saddle also comes from the Prologo stable, with the Canadian champion picking the Nago R4 PAS 147.<\/p>
Jackson used Wahoo Speedplay Aero pedals.<\/p>
Daniek Hengeveld\u2019s Scott Foil RC<\/h2>
$\"Daniek$
Daniek Hengeveld\u2019s Scott Foil RC saw only a few changes to make it fit for Roubaix. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Team dsm-firmenich PostNL all took to the cobbles aboard the recently updated Scott Foil RC<\/a>.<\/p>
A full-fat aero road bike if ever there was one, the only concession Daniek Hengeveld made for the rigours of Roubaix was the inclusion of Scott\u2019s comfort-enhancing seatpost and wider tyres.<\/p>
$\"Daniek$
Hengeveld used 54\/40t chainrings. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Like her teammate, Pfeiffer Georgi (who finished third in this year\u2019s race), Hengeveld raced with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset with a set of 54\/40t chainrings.<\/p>
Shimano also supplies wheels to Hengeveld\u2019s team, with the Dutch rider opting for a set of mid-depth Dura-Ace C50 carbon wheels.<\/p>
$\"Daniek$
Hengeveld used Shimano Dura-Ace C50 wheels paired with Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR tyres. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
These were paired with Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR tyres, set up tubeless, in a size 700x32c (can you see a trend emerging here?).<\/p>
Like Jackson, Hengeveld opted to stick with her bike\u2019s stock front end, using the Syncros Creston IC SL Aero integrated cockpit (with the stem slammed for an aggressive riding position).<\/p>
$\"Daniek$
Alloy bottle cages are rarely seen on pro bikes these days. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In a nod to the Roubaix of old, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL used Elite\u2019s classic Ciussi Gel alloy bottle cages (in place of their standard Elite Leggero Carbon cages) to reduce the chance of losing drinks over the rough cobbled sectors.<\/p>
The Dutch rider used Shimano Dura-Ace SPD-SL pedals.<\/p>
Elisa Balsamo\u2019s Trek Domane SLR<\/h2>
$\"Elisa$
Elisa Balsamo’s 2024 Paris-Roubaix Trek Domane SLR. – SRAM<\/figcaption><\/figure>
One of the few riders still choosing an endurance road bike<\/a>, Elisa Balsamo of Lidl-Trek finished second in this year\u2019s race on board a Trek Domane SLR.<\/p>
With an eye-catching paintjob and deep aero tubes, the bike hides its comfort-enhancing IsoSpeed system on the top tube, just in front of the seatpost.<\/p>
$\"Elisa$
Balsamo’s Domane SLR sported SRAM Red AXS eTAP. – SRAM<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Like many other SRAM-sponsored riders, Balsamo opted for a Red AXS eTap groupset set up 1x (again with a K-Edge chain guide).<\/p>
Like Vos, Balsamo used a 52t chainring, although this was paired with a tight 10-28t cassette out back.<\/p>
Wheels come from Trek\u2019s in-house component brand, Bontrager, with the Italian rider opting for its Aeolus Pro 49V wheelset.<\/p>
$\"Elisa$
Lidl-Trek riders used Bontrager’s endurance-specific Aeolus Pro 49V wheels, with prototype Pirelli tyres. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
These wheels feature 49mm-deep rims with a broad, 25mm-wide internal rim width optimised for the larger tyres.\u00a0<\/p>
These use OCLV NEXT thermoplastic carbon construction. Bontrager claims this makes the rims stronger and more durable compared to other standard carbon rims.<\/p>
$\"Elisa$
Like Kopecky and Vos, Balsamo used a two-piece cockpit. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Balsamo and her teammates rolled out on prototype Pirelli tubeless tyres (we know this because Pirelli helpfully printed \u2013PROTOTYPE#\u2013 on the tyre sidewalls), in a size 700x32c.<\/p>
Balsamo\u2019s bike was completed with a set of Time XPro 10 pedals, a Bontrager Aeolus Pro saddle and a two-piece carbon cockpit from Trek\u2019s RSL range.<\/p>
Tom Pidcock\u2019s Pinarello Dogma F<\/h2>
$\"Tom$
Tom Pidcock’s Pinarello Dogma F saw few changes for the cobbles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The star rider in Team Ineos Grenadiers’ roster, Tom Pidcock took to the start line of this year\u2019s men\u2019s race aboard a fairly standard, team issue Pinarello Dogma F<\/a>.<\/p>
Of course, by \u2018standard\u2019 we simply mean it features few concessions to the cobbles \u2013 it was still an incredibly bling build by any standard.<\/p>
$\"Tom$
54\/40t chainrings were on the smaller side in the men’s race. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Pidcock\u2019s bike featured a complete Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset, with 54\/40t chainrings up front and an 11-30t cassette out back.<\/p>
The wheels also came from Shimano, with Dura-Ace C50s making another appearance.<\/p>
These were wrapped with Continental\u2019s highly rated GP5000 S TR tyres<\/a>, set up tubeless.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Tom$
Pidcock went for smaller-than-average 30c Continental tyres. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Perhaps because the Dogma F is only officially rated for 28mm-wide tyres, Pidcock opted for slightly smaller, 700x30c tyres (which clearly fit in the frame and fork, perhaps just with less room to spare than Pinarello would recommend).<\/p>
$\"Tom$
Having the cobbled sectors within sight helps riders know when they need to be well-positioned in the peloton. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The Yorkshireman stuck with Pinarello\u2019s one-piece Most Talon aero cockpit, with his stem featuring a printed list of each cobbled sector, its difficulty rating and where it appears in the race.<\/p>
Contrary to recent trends for pro riders getting forward on the saddle, it seems Pidcock prefers plenty of setback. His Prologo Scratch M5 saddle was slammed right back on a setback seatpost.<\/p>
$\"Tom$
Pidcock rides with an unusually large amount of saddle setback, by modern standards.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Pidcock used Shimano Dura-Ace SPD-SL pedals.<\/p>
Anthony Turgis\u2019 ENVE Melee<\/h2>
$\"\"$
Anthony Turgis and TotalEnergies rode the ENVE Melee at this year’s Paris-Roubaix. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The TotalEnergies team gave the ENVE Melee its debut at the Queen of the Classics.<\/p>
Save for a blue stripe on the inside of the down tube and some white graphics, Turgis\u2019 bike features an all-back gloss paintjob, matched with a similarly stealthy Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 drivetrain.<\/p>
$\"Anthony$
An all-black Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset matches the gloss-black frameset. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Like the race winner, Mathieu van der Poel, Turgis opted for standard 54\/40t chainrings.<\/p>
Beyond the drivetrain, though, the rest of the build was almost exclusively from ENVE.<\/p>
$\"Anthony$
Turgis made an aggressive wheelset choice. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Turgis opted for ENVE\u2019s SES 6.7 wheelset<\/a>, which features a 60mm-deep front rim paired with a 67mm-deep rear one.<\/p>
Despite the super-deep rims, this wheelset comes in at an impressively low weight of 1,510g.<\/p>
$\"Anthony$
Turgis, like many others, opted for 32c tyres. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The cockpit is also from ENVE, in the form of the as-yet-unreleased SES Pro Team One-Piece aero cockpit<\/a> developed in collaboration with Tadej Poga\u00e7ar.<\/p>
Concessions to the cobbles on Turgis\u2019 bike stretched only to a set of larger-than-usual 700x32c Continental GP5000 S TR tyres, set up tubeless, and some handlebar tape wrapped all the way to the stem.<\/p>
$\"Anthony$
In contrast to Pidcock, Turgis has his saddle pushed forward on a seatpost with little setback. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Turgis uses a Selle Italia SLR Boost Kit Carbonio saddle and Shimano Dura-Ace SPD-SL pedals.<\/p>
Nils Politt\u2019s Colnago V4Rs<\/h2>
$\"Nils$
Nils Politt raced the 2024 Paris-Roubaix aboard his team-issue Colnago V4Rs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Finishing just off the podium in the men\u2019s race, German rouleur Nils Politt rode Colnago\u2019s all-rounder road racing bike, the V4Rs<\/a>.<\/p>
As we\u2019ve come to expect of UAE Team Emirates bikes (given what we saw on Tadej Poga\u00e7ar\u2019s bike at last year\u2019s Tour de France<\/a>), it featured a no-expense-spared build with plenty of posh aftermarket upgrades.<\/p>
$\"Nils$
Politt also used 32c Continental GP5000 S TR tubeless tyres. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The only notable change from Politt\u2019s standard racing setup was the move to a set of wider, 700x32c tyres.<\/p>
Beyond that, the bike featured a team-issue Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 drivetrain, upgraded with a set of 55\/40t CarbonTi chainrings and CarbonTi disc brake rotors. Politt used an 11-30t cassette out back.<\/p>
$\"Nils$
Stock Dura-Ace chainrings don’t suffice for UAE Team Emirates bikes. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Both the wheels and cockpit were supplied by ENVE, with Politt opting for the same SES Pro Team One-Piece aero cockpit as Turgis of TotalEnergies.<\/p>
Politt\u2019s bar is slammed right to the head tube, giving the rangy German (Politt stands at 192cm) an extremely aggressive riding position with a huge amount of saddle-to-handlebar drop.<\/p>
$\"Nils$
If you’re wondering who\/what ‘Richard Mille’ is, it’s a Swiss luxury watch brand founded by \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 a man called Richard Mille. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
For the relatively flat parcours of Paris-Roubaix, Politt chose ENVE\u2019s SES 4.5 wheelset<\/a>. These wheels feature a deeper, 55mm rear rim paired with a shallower 49mm-deep rim at the front, which ENVE says helps balance aerodynamic efficiency and handling.<\/p>
$\"Nils$
Politt prefers his saddle pushed all the way back on its rails. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Spurning the modern trend for short-nose saddles<\/a> with pressure-relieving cut-outs, Politt uses a relatively old-school Prologo Nago C3.<\/p>
Like Pidcock, Politt prefers Shimano Dura-Ace pedals and plenty of saddle setback, with his perch fully slammed back on his seatpost.<\/p>
Stefan K\u00fcng\u2019s Wilier Filante SLR<\/h2>
$\"Stefan$
Stefan K\u00fcng\u2019s Wilier Filante SLR for the 2024 Paris-Roubaix. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
After 22 years of using Lapierre bikes, Stefan K\u00fcng\u2019s Groupama-FDJ team switched to Wilier this year.<\/p>
Rather than opting for Wilier\u2019s latest endurance bike, the Granturismo SLR<\/a>, though, K\u00fcng and his teammates chose the Filante SLR<\/a>, Wilier\u2019s all-rounder race bike.<\/p>
$\"Stefan$
K\u00fcng\u2019s 2024 bike has a few spacers left underneath his stem. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Another tall rider (in fact, at 193cm, K\u00fcng is among the tallest pro cyclists in the world<\/a>), K\u00fcng\u2019s bike features plenty of saddle-to-handlebar drop and a decent amount of saddle setback, in order to achieve his preferred riding position.<\/p>
It\u2019s not quite as aggressive as Politt\u2019s position, however \u2013 K\u00fcng has a few spacers left under his stem.<\/p>
$\"Stefan$
K\u00fcng used a set of 56\/44t chainrings. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
K\u00fcng\u2019s bike is built with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset, complete with 56\/44t chainrings.<\/p>
K\u00fcng raced with Shimano\u2019s deepest Dura-Ace C60 wheelset. As the name suggests, these wheels feature 60mm-deep rims for an increased aerodynamic advantage compared to its C50 wheelset.<\/p>
K\u00fcng used 700x32c Continental GP5000 S TR tyres, set up tubeless (of course).<\/p>
$\"Stefan$
Prologo’s CPC tech started out on its saddles and gloves. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The Swiss rider opted for Prologo\u2019s Zero II Pas saddle with added CPC grip, though he used standard cork bar tape up front \u2013 in white, despite Paris-Roubaix\u2019s reputation as a mud-fest.<\/p>
He also stuck with Wilier\u2019s stock Zero Carbon integrated handlebar, with a modern, compact drop shape rather than the traditional bend drops we saw on Mark Cavendish’s custom Wilier Filante SLR at the 2023 Tour de France<\/a>.<\/p>
$\"Stefan$
The Groupama-FDJ team went with fresh white bar tape for the most important one-day race of the year.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Like many other Shimano-sponsored riders, K\u00fcng also uses Shimano Dura-Ace SPD-SL pedals.<\/p>
Mads Pedersen\u2019s Trek Madone SLR<\/h2>
$\"Mads$
Pedersen went all-aero for this year’s race. – SRAM<\/figcaption><\/figure>
While Elisa Balsamo secured a podium spot in the women\u2019s race aboard the Domane SLR endurance bike, the men\u2019s Lidl-Trek squad all opted for the Madone SLR<\/a> aero bike.<\/p>
One of a new generation of hyper-aero road bikes, the Madone SLR\u2019s most distinctive feature is its IsoFlow hole in its seat tube and cantilevered seatpost.<\/p>
Like many other bikes at this year\u2019s race, Pedersen\u2019s featured a mostly stock build, save for a set of chunky tyres.<\/p>
$\"Mads$
Like the women’s squad, the Lidl-Trek men also used Bontrager\u2019s Aeolus Pro 49V wheels and prototype Pirelli tyres. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Notably, Pedersen had used tubular wheels and tyres at the 2024 Tour of Flanders<\/a>, but switched to tubeless ones for the harsher cobbles of Northern France.<\/p>
As on Balsamo\u2019s bike, Pedersen\u2019s Pirelli tyres were simply marked as prototypes, so we\u2019re not sure exactly what model they are.<\/p>
Could they be an update to the already impressive P Zero Race TLR<\/a>? The tread pattern and construction certainly looks similar, but Pirelli hasn\u2019t offered any official details yet, so we\u2019ll have to wait and see.<\/p>
Like Balsamo, Pedersen used Bontrager\u2019s Aeolus Pro 49V wheelset and Time XPro 10 pedals.<\/p>
$\"Mads$
Pedersen used a 56t 1x chainring, giving him an enormous top gear. – SRAM<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Finishing in third place, Pedersen\u2019s drivetrain consisted of a SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset with a large 56t 1x chainring and a 10-33t cassette.<\/p>
This offered the Danish powerhouse a slightly larger top gear than a 61x11t.<\/p>
Did Pedersen ever use that top gear during the race? We don\u2019t know, of course, though it\u2019s certainly possible \u2013 at an average speed of 47.802kph, this year\u2019s men\u2019s race was the fastest ever edition.<\/p>
More likely, though, we suspect Pedersen and other riders who use massive chainrings are looking mostly for marginal efficiency gains \u2013 bigger chainrings, cogs and even pulley wheels are (all else being equal) more efficient than smaller ones<\/a>, due to a reduction in drivetrain friction.<\/p>
$\"Mads$
Pedersen stuck with the Madone SLR’s integrated cockpit with only a thin wrap of tape. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
While Balsamo opted for a two-piece front end, Pedersen used the Madone SLR\u2019s stock integrated handlebar with a single layer of thin bar tape covering only half of the tops.<\/p>
A long stem also provided plenty of room for information about each cobbled sector.<\/p>
Pedersen uses Bontrager\u2019s Verse Pro saddle, which the brand says is an all-rounder option for all types of riding and any gender.<\/p>
$\"Mads$
Pedersen’s preferred perch is the Bontrager Verse Pro.<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/body><\/html>\n
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Stefan K\u00fcng\u2019s Wilier Filante SLR<\/h2>Stefan K\u00fcng\u2019s Wilier Filante SLR for the 2024 Paris-Roubaix. – Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>After 22 years of using Lapierre bikes, Stefan K\u00fcng\u2019s Groupama-FDJ team switched to Wilier this year.<\/p>