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Pro Bike: What’s up with the four Moors, Mr. Aru?

Fabio Aru's Specialized S-Works Tarmac is a red-and-black homage to his Sardinian heritage.

July 7, 2016 Dan Cavallari

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Pro — Astana’s Fabio Aru works his way through the team paddocks before Stage 1 at Mont Saint-Michel, France. His Specialized S-Works Tarmac has a custom paint job to reflect his Sardinian heritage and personality. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

Aru's — 2016 is the year of custom paint jobs at the Tour de France. Fabio Aru rides this custom-painted Specialized S-Works Tarmac in homage to the four Moors of Sardinia. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

Climber's — The red and white paint job also honors the Astana leader’s Sardinian roots. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

More — Maybe Aru should start wearing a headband too? Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

Hometown — The Sardinian flag features a red cross like the one seen on Aru’s top tube. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

Power — Astana’s team leader relies on the light and stiff Tarmac for most stages, especially those in the mountains. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

The Tarmac is unapologetically stiff, which will come in handy against GC rivals like Chris Froome and Nairo Quintana. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

Geared — Aru ran a 53-39 chainring combo and an SRM power meter during a slick stage 2. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

Wide — Aru’s got plenty of range with a Campagnolo 11-29 cassette in the rear. That 29-tooth cog probably hasn’t seen much action so far, but once the Tour heads up into the mountains it could come in handy. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

Take — Aru prefers a narrow Specialized Toupé saddle. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

Hoops — Corima S+ wheels top off Aru’s lightweight climber’s build. They’re stiff, but the paired spoke design helps keep weight low for long days in the mountains. The rim depth is 32mm, according to Corima’s website. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

Fastest — S-Works Turbo tires are some of the fastest in the world, and in slick conditions, Specialized’s Gripton compound offers stable cornering. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

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