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Pro Bike: Grischa Niermann’s Rabobank Colnago CX-1

The exception to the 7900 groupset is this 7800 chainset, but those are 7900 rings which is why they look like they don't fit.

  • Grisha Niermann's new Colnago CX-1 is equipped with all sorts of Shimano prototype parts.
  • Even after all these years, this is still one of the most sought after badges in cycling.
  • The front view of Niermann's cockpit including the mounting bracket for his Polar S725X.
  • Grischa Niermann is one of those riders that prefers the old-school feel of non-anatomic bars.
  • The seat and down tubes meet in a well-reinforced bottom bracket area to create what is reputedly the stiffest Colnago yet.
  • The Dauphiné is a very hilly race and so Niermann equips himself with an all-terrain 11-25T cassette.
  • The CX-1 has large, stiff chain stays to minimise power loss.
  • The exception to the 7900 groupset is this 7800 chainset, but those are 7900 rings which is why they look like they don't fit.
  • The CX-1's top tube, seat tube and down tube have polygonal cross-sections with a flat top and underside.
  • Niermann's drivetrain is almost entirely made up from prototype versions of Shimano's new Dura-Ace 7900 groupset.
  • A replaceable derailleur hanger is fitted to minimise crash damage.
  • Niermann uses the Carbon 75 fork borrowed from his Extreme-C instead of the CX-1's semi-integrated model.
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  • There is no change to the front hub in the new Dura-Ace 7850-C24 wheels but the front rim depth has been reduced to 24mm to comply with UCI regulations.
  • Despite having no branding this is definitely Shimano, and it's definitely Dura-Ace. Honest!
  • Niermann is also using a prototype set of shallow section carbon wheels.
  • Grischa Niermann (Rabobank) sits astride his new Colnago CX-1 on the way to the start of the final stage of this year's Dauphiné Libéré.
  • The CX-1's semi-integrated headset is a first for Colnago.
  • This is still a prototype but the 7900 lever is so neat that it definitely looks production ready.
  • All numbered up and ready to race.
  • Shimano provides everything it can to Rabobank including its Dura-Ace SPD-SL PD-7810 pedals.
  • The painted-on number means something to Shimano that little decal is the dead giveaway that these wheels are not available in the shops just yet.
  • Carbon rims are brought to a halt with those bright green Kool-Stop brake pads.
  • The rear hub is also the same as before.
  • Shimano finally admits to ownership of this prototype rear derailleur by adding a simple decal.
  • The Prologo Scratch TR is taking the peloton by storm and is very popular with sponsored riders.
  • Unlike Niermann's previous Extreme-C the CX-1 is made in modular monocoque fashion instead of Colnago's more typical tube-and-lug construction.
  • The CX-1's seat stays are bonded to the monocoque front triangle. Colnago claims the upwards arch yields better braking.
  • PRO's PLT stem is a no-nonsense, stiff aluminium choice for a hard worker like Niermann.
  • Niermann rolls on Vittoria Corsa EVO-CX tubulars.

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The exception to the 7900 groupset is this 7800 chainset, but those are 7900 rings which is why they look like they don't fit.

© Ben Atkins/Cyclingnews.com