Bikeradar gallery

Pro bike: Heather Irmiger's Subaru-Gary Fisher

Heather Irmiger’s 2009 prototype race bike rests before the rain hits in Houffalize.

  • Heather Irmiger’s 2009 prototype race bike rests before the rain hits in Houffalize.
  • Irmiger is using an aluminium frame this season but it has more complex shaping than previously
  • The downtube takes on a dramatic curve as it joins the head tube.
  • The downtube adopts a multi-sided shape along its length and a wider profile by the bottom bracket.
  • The top tube still bears some familiar Gary Fisher design cues.
  • The 68mm-wide bottom bracket shell allows a narrower pedaling stance but Irmiger prefers it standard
  • Irmiger's bike is fitted with a plethora of Bontrager bits borrowed from the corporate parts bin
  • Bontrager's new InForm saddle…
  • ...tops the new Race XXX Lite seatpost.
  • Colour-coordinated Nokon housing matches the anniversary-edition SRAM X.0 rear derailleur perfectly.
  • Irmiger says road handlebar tape delivers a better fit for her small hands than standard grips.
  • A side-oriented PushLoc remote controls the lockout function of Irmiger's new RockShox SID.
  • The formerly BlackBox-only white Avid Juicy Ultimate brakes are now available to mere mortals
  • A 40T outer chainring cuts a bit of weight, increases ground clearance and tightens the gear ratios
  • As always, Irmiger's bike is built by ace mechanic Matt Opperman.

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Heather Irmiger’s 2009 prototype race bike rests before the rain hits in Houffalize.

© Luke Webber