Tom Boonen takes to the Roubaix cobbles one last time on board Specialized's S-Works Roubaix. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
Tom Boonen takes to the Roubaix cobbles one last time on board Specialized’s S-Works Roubaix. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
Electrical tape is for amateurs. A paint pen marks Boonen’s seat height. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
His Specialized Romin saddle has a cut-out to keep pressure off sensitive areas — an all-important feature over the teeth-chattering cobbles. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
Boonen runs his saddle slammed as far back as possible to accommodate long femurs. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
Zertz inserts on the fork and seat stays help dampen vibration before it hits the rider. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
Roval CLX40 wheels mated to 28mm tires should make for some stable riding over the uneven pavé. Boonen will likely run fairly low pressures — 60-70 psi isn’t out of the question — to take some of the sting out of the cobbles. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
Still plenty of clearance in there, but that could change if the course is wet and muddy. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
An 11-25 cassette provides plenty of push for the flatter parts of the course. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
Up front, Boonen runs a 54/44 chainring combination in preparation for sprints and high speeds. A 4iiii power meter will keep track of Boonen’s watts. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
Everything vibrates over the extended portions of pavé, so Boonen uses a K-Edge chain catcher to prevent dropped chains. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
Check out the crank length. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
CeramicSpeed bearings are everywhere on race bikes at the Spring Classics. They’re supposedly smoother and stronger, and hub bearings roll faster to help save watts. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
After riders hit a section of pave, it’s not uncommon to see a litter of water bottles and computer head units strewn across the race course. Boonen hopes to avoid that with a K-Edge Garmin mount. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
Many riders opt for double-wrapped bar tape for extra cushion. Even the most compliant bikes send vibrations to the handlebar, which can lead to muscle fatigue and blisters. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
Tacx water bottle cages wrap around the bottle for a snug grasp on otherwise-wayward bidons. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews
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