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Pro Bike: Bettini's Specialized Tarmac SL2

The stiffness of the Tarmac SL2 is aided by the massively reinforced bottom bracket area.

  • Paolo Bettini's Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2 has a special paint job
  • The frame's distinctive colours continue along Bettini's matching carbon monocoque forks.
  • World and Olympic graphics soften the lines of the Tarmac SL2's front end
  • The stiffness of the Tarmac SL2 is aided by the massively reinforced bottom bracket area.
  • The rear end of Paolo Bettini's frame allows just enough room to fit the rear wheel.
  • The SL2's seat tube also features Bettini's world and Olympic stripes.
  • Tall chainstays on the Tarmac SL2 keep the rear end stiff.
  • Seat stays on the SL2 are as straight as the rest of the frame is curved.
  • Specialized's logo features on the carbon seatpost although the post is not listed in their catalog
  • The top tube of the SL2 bows upwards to provide a little vertical give
  • Because of the extra small frame size Bettini uses a 120mm stem from FSA.
  • Even with the shorter head tube Bettini still has a bit of room to move downwards.
  • FSA's OS-115 stem comes with a carbon front cap.
  • Bettini has selected the new-ergo bend for his FSA K-Force bars.
  • Bettini uses Campagnolo's new 'Red' version of its Record Ergopower levers.
  • Tried and tested. Bettini prefers to stick with his trusty Concor Light saddle from Selle San Marco
  • The Quick.Step team will use Specialized Roval wheels for 2008.
  • The Roval wheels don't have the standard Star hub, but they have some of the reddest hubs we’ve seen
  • Roval front hubs like these usually feature on Rapide SL wheels, not Rapide Stars.
  • All Campagnolo for Bettini: the drivetrain is entirely Record.
  • You can see right through! The Campagnolo Ultra Torque axle uses a hollow bolt.
  • There were no mountains to be ridden on this day so Bettini uses a standard 11-23T cassette.
  • Unlike the frames available in the shops Bettini's doesn't have a replaceable rear mech hanger.
  • The Specialized Rib Cage Pro is new for 2008.
  • Bettini uses Look's KeO Carbon pedals.
  • Polar's CS400 is a combined bike computer and heart rate monitor.
  • A Polar wireless sensor fitted to Bettini's fork leg helps the CS400 keep an eye on the speed.
  • Bettini's tubulars feature a Specialized hot stamp (although we always wonder…)
  • Not many riders have their names written in gold!
  • After a hard day on the road Bettini's Tarmac SL2 relaxes against a tree.
  • Bettini arrives back at the team's hotel after a quick spin on his Tarmac SL2.
  • Quick.Step mechanics get the Olympic and world champion's bike ready for another day.

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The stiffness of the Tarmac SL2 is aided by the massively reinforced bottom bracket area.

© Ben Atkins