Alberto Contador (Astana) is oh-so close to his second Tour de France victory aboard Trek’s new 6 Series Madone.James Huang
Astana teammate Lance Armstrong isn’t the only rider on the team to get a custom painted frame.James Huang
The custom paint job highlights Contador’s signature pistol salute.James Huang
Contador’s new Madone uses Trek’s BB90 integrated bottom bracket system but a little extra massaging by his mechanic plus some Enduro ceramic bearings make it phenomenally smooth.James Huang
The new 6 Series Madone fork continues to use a tapered steerer tube but the crown area trades the previous generation’s cosmetic cap for carbon fiber.James Huang
Trek says the new round-profile seat mast design saves about 20g.James Huang
Internal routing makes for a cleaner appearance but also helps protect the cables from contamination.James Huang
Trek continues to use aluminium dropouts rather than carbon fiber, citing their supposedly better durability.James Huang
The new 6 Series Madone uses an asymmetrical tapered steerer tube for improved handling precision without affecting overall comfort.James Huang
The new 6 Series Madone can accept the clever DuoTrap integrated speed and cadence wireless sensor and transmitter but Contador has opted to go without.James Huang
Contador’s SRAM Red group gets a special white graphics treatment.James Huang
The custom component finish carries through to the non-driveside crankarm.James Huang
The SRAM Red rear derailleur is affixed to a replaceable hanger.James Huang
Bontrager carbon-specific cork pads are fitted to SRAM Red brake calipers.James Huang
A steel Force cage is spliced on to a SRAM Red front derailleur.James Huang
Contador is using Look’s new KeO 2 Max Carbon pedals.James Huang
The Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon stem is slammed right atop the headset for a low and aggressive position.James Huang
The new Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon tubulars have moved away from paired spokes but continue to use hubs based on DT Swiss’ 240s design.James Huang
Hutchinson tubulars on Bontrager rims: a familiar sight and a proven combination.James Huang
These look like ultralight Tune skewers to us.James Huang
Bontrager has added a bit of forward sweep to the latest edition of its Race XXX Lite drop bar but Contador apparently prefers the straight tops of last year’s version.James Huang
Contador’s personal mechanic, Faustino Munoz, readies the 2007 Tour de France champion’s bike after the wet stage into Barcelona.James Huang
Munoz takes a lot of pride in his work and Contador’s machine is among the most impeccably prepared bike we’ve encountered.James Huang
Contador’s SRAM Red crankset runs with a remarkably low level of friction thanks in part to Enduro ZERØ hybrid ceramic bearings but also some ‘special work’ by Munoz.James Huang
Munoz first applies some medium-weight oil to Contador’s Shimano Dura-Ace chain then adds a layer of grease on top to help seal it in.James Huang
Contador prefers the versatile VR bend of Bontrager’s Race XXX Lite carbon bar.James Huang