CSC bikes in the TdF

[gmason]

I noticed that some riders in some stages - notably Piil in road stages where he escapes (413 Km so far!) - seem to be riding the new carbon-framed Cervelo bike, while others are on the "old" aluminum ones. I have looked around and can't find any info on that. Anyone have a pointer?

Thanks...Gary

[nutbag]

Not sure if this is really answering your queery, but this stuff is from the Cervelo web site.
It just talks about one of the CSC guys switching bikes during a stage.


http://www.cervelo.com/images/2004/bikechange.gif

BIKE TECHNOLOGY AT ITS FINEST
July 6, 2004
During stage 3 Jens Voigt showed how to optimize the bike for the varied terrain of the Tour. He broke away early on, using the superior aerodynamics of the Cervélo Soloist with Zipp deep section wheels. Just before the cobblestones, the team doctor was posted by the side of the road to give Jens his R2.5 with shallow box section wheels.

If you hunt around the Cervelo site, you might find what you want.

[gmason]

Thanks - I had looked there, but not closely enough apparently (or maybe too early). In fact, I saw that bike exchange happen, which is what started my closer examination during the rest of the race.

Cheers...Gary

[ed073]

I noticed that some riders in some stages - notably Piil in road stages where he escapes (413 Km so far!) - seem to be riding the new carbon-framed Cervelo bike, while others are on the "old" aluminum ones. I have looked around and can't find any info on that. Anyone have a pointer?

Thanks...Gary


Yes. there is a new Cervelo carbon model being used by some of the Tour riders now. Very tasty.

[superchivo]

They actually introduced it last year and I saw one of the frames in the cervelo tent at USPRO. All three of CSC's 03 TDF wins were on the R2.

Here's where you can buy one (http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=R2+5+Frame+with+Easton+EC90SL+Fork&vendorCode=CERVELO&major=1&minor=1):

[pgreene]

well... the soloist is aero. who would want to ride a non aero bike?

this is dangerously close to the thread i posted that's garnered no replies on the other side. the carbon one is lighter and, from what i understand, a bit more "compliant." but i wonder if the aero tradeoff is worth it?

[ed073]

this is dangerously close to the thread i posted that's garnered no replies on the other side. the carbon one is lighter and, from what i understand, a bit more "compliant." but i wonder if the aero tradeoff is worth it?

Some riders might prefer the feel of Alu to carbon.