In fact, the changes are deeper in the DNA of the machine.įelt’s engineering team changed the geometry of the F1-giving it handling and tire clearance perfect for the cobbles-without cutting new molds. Unchanged is the bike’s layup and stiffness, which many might guess would be the first concession made to the cobbles. How these frames differ from a standard F1 might surprise you.
For this year’s Paris-Roubaix, the Argos-Shimano team rode on a special run of the company’s F1 frames. Second, they feature geometries that include high bottom brackets (for pedal clearance) when the average Roubaix rider wants a lower BB to make the bike easier to handle over the bumps.įelt has taken a novel approach to meeting the needs of their sponsored riders. First, they’ve been chosen because the standard race bikes from the teams’ sponsors have allowed clearance for 28mm tires in some cases they won’t even allow 25mm tires. The cyclocross bikes have been a less than stellar option for a few reasons.
The efforts to tame the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix have included everything from running lower tire pressure in 28mm tires to wrapping the handlebar with foam pipe insulation and even using cyclocross bikes.
