Bikeradar gallery

Grams vs aerodynamics at Tour of California

With the SRAM acquisition of Zipp, Zipp's outside reps now also handle SRAM Red.

  • Nearly all of the Slipstream/Chipotle riders took off with Zipp's relatively shallow 202 wheels.
  • Some riders stuck with the deeper Zipp 404's, though.
  • Virtually all of Team High Road stayed with the wheels it had been using over the first two stages.
  • Rabobank was split even within its own ranks. This rider opted for shallow rims; other went deep.
  • Astana mostly went the lightweight route with Bontrager's Race XXX Lite tubulars.
  • Leipheimer went light for the climbs of Stage 3…
  • …and his particular Trek Madone was also fitted with a carbon fiber steerer tube.
  • Leipheimer and the Astana boys are using SRAM's new Red group, including the uber-light levers…
  • …and the trick new PowerDome cassette. But do these changes now make Leipheimer's bike too light?
  • The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2 of Paolo Bettini with the world champ rainbow and Olympic gold.
  • Bettini's pedals get the rainbow stripes, too…
  • …and even his saddle.
  • Look showed off this throwback paint job in its expo booth at the finish in San Jose.
  • With the SRAM acquisition of Zipp, Zipp's outside reps now also handle SRAM Red.
  • Maxxis was in the finish area expo with its usual crew of BMX stunt riders and bicycle tires…
  • …but Maxxis is also heavily involved in tires for motorized vehicles.
  • The start line was round the corner from a county courthouse where we spotted this aptly placed ad.
  • Parking was tight in downtown San Jose near the finish. Parking garages did well today.
  • What was this line for in the expo area?
  • The City of San Jose was handing out free, properly fitted helmets to whomever wanted on

Showing 14 of 20

With the SRAM acquisition of Zipp, Zipp's outside reps now also handle SRAM Red.

© James Huang, technical editor