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Pro Bike: Fabian Cancellara's Specialized S-Works Transition

The Zipp 808 deep-section tubular front wheel offers a good compromise between handling stability and aerodynamic performance.

  • Fabian Cancellara's (Saxo Bank) new Specialized S-Works Transition
  • Specialized claim the small 'speed gussets' beneath the down tube help direct airflow coming through the fork crown and - in the eyes of the UCI - also help stiffen the front end.
  • Cancellara has to run the extra-setback 'Team' seatpost model to get far enough behind the bottom bracket.
  • Not many riders can produce power with this much handlebar drop.
  • The Zipp 808 deep-section tubular front wheel offers a good compromise between handling stability and aerodynamic performance.
  • The Zipp 900 rear disc is littered with the company's trademark surface dimples.
  • The S-Works carbon crankset is fitted with FSA K-Force TT chainrings.
  • Cancellara prefers rangy 177.5mm-long crankarms.
  • A Dura-Ace derailleur handles rear gear changes.
  • Specialized keeps the chain stays and seat stays nearly parallel to the frame's centerline before kinking them out just as they meet the dropouts.
  • The seat tube closely follows the arc of the rear wheel.
  • The Transition-specific brakes use aero shapes and pivot on frame-mounted stubs that also improve braking power.
  • The rear brake is mounted below the chain stays where the air is already turbulent.
  • Cancellara may be using a new bike this year but we anticipate that he will continue his winning ways.
  • The S-Works post requires just a single bolt for adjustments.
  • Cancellara calls a Prologo Scratch TR saddle home for much of the day.
  • The Scratch TR uses variable density foam padding for support and comfort.
  • Specialized designed the Transition to be as narrow as possible.
  • Moving the rear brake allows for cleaner lines at the top of the seat stays.
  • Bar-end shifters are fitted to Vision's R-bend extensions.
  • Narrowly set pads make for a sleek body position.
  • The brake lever blades are noticeably narrow.
  • Cancellara uses a rather unassuming Vision by FSA stem.
  • The integrated bottom bracket design stiffens things up and also sheds weight.
  • Zipp even applies its dimples to the rear hub shell.
  • These tyres wear a Specialized hot stamp but they're not listed in the company catalogue.
  • Internally routed cables enter the frame behind the stem in 'dirty' air. A fourth tube is on hand for power meter wire routing.
  • One Tacx bottle cage is all Cancellara needs.

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The Zipp 808 deep-section tubular front wheel offers a good compromise between handling stability and aerodynamic performance.

© Shane Stokes