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California tech: Aero bits disqualified by new UCI rule?

The lightweight covers obscure the upper and forward vents from cold air and water.

  • How will this new UCI rule affect the Tour of California come Friday's time trial?
  • If UCI commissaires elect to strictly enforce the new rule bars such as this one belonging to Dave Zabriskie would be ineligible to start.
  • Cervélo Test Team riders such as Carlos Sastre would also be impacted.
  • These radical bars belonging to Columbia-Highroad and similar ones on Rabobank's would certainly be ruled illegal if the rule was enforced.
  • Astana riders can thankfully rest at ease since the Bontrager aerobar dimensions lie within the 3-to-1 aspect ratio rule.
  • Bontrager may have sacrificed some aerodynamic drag in designing its bar but depending on what happens with the UCI, that extra drag will actually end up paying big dividends since the team will be able to run their usual equipment.
  • And what about other parts such as aero seatposts? If the rule is rigidly interpreted, some posts would be illegal as well. This Bontrager post luckily falls within the guidelines though.
  • Ambiguities in the UCI tech rule wording leave many wondering about other components such as wheels, too.
  • Ag2r riders set off for stage 2 of the Tour of California with updated versions of Mavic's R-SYS wheel.
  • The new spokes use both unidirectional and multidirectional carbon layers for increased impact resistance and better overall durability.
  • As was the case with many riders today, Ag2r riders paired shallow-section front wheels with deeper rears.
  • Liquigas mechanics were seen setting up one of Ivan Basso's road frames with his time trial position. According to team liaison Rory Mason, this was strictly for wind tunnel testing slated for after the race.
  • Liquigas isn't content to simply use basic measurement tools in setting up its bikes. This custom jig provides rock-solid measurements for more reliably accurate setups.
  • Basso's bike is also fitted with a tidy-looking custom chain watcher.
  • All measurements are referenced from the bottom bracket spindle.
  • A bubble level is fitted to the horizontal crossbar but resting its ends on dummy axles front and rear already guarantees proper alignment.
  • Sliding fixtures up top make for easier setup of saddles and bars.
  • Basso's bars in the midst of an aero extension installation.
  • In spite of Mason's plausible explanation about Basso's setup, we still can't help but wonder: if this bike was being built up purely for refining Basso's position, why go through the trouble of installing an aero outer chainring?
  • Even pro riders like to keep their bikes looking good. This Liquigas mechanic is applying some protective film to Basso's crankarms.
  • Quick Step riders kept their heads relatively warm and dry with the help of these team-only snap-on polycarbonate helmet covers.
  • Basso's bike is also fitted with a tidy-looking custom chain watcher.
  • The lightweight covers obscure the upper and forward vents from cold air and water.

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The lightweight covers obscure the upper and forward vents from cold air and water.

© James Huang/BikeRadar.com