One ring to rule them all: Tony Martin’s Canyon Speedmax

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=480%2C624 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=640%2C832 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=570%2C741 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=645%2C838 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=590%2C767 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=693%2C900 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=544%2C707 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=465%2C604 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=45&resize=620%2C806 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-300711 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723" width="556" height="723" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="German Tony Martin is a favorite for the opening time trial of the 2017 Tour de France" title="tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-1-1498837083295-1eaaaaoyariuq-9213f23" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> German Tony Martin is a favorite for the opening time trial of the 2017 Tour de France Ben Delaney / Immediate Media

With the Tour de France kicking off Saturday in Düsseldorf, a few German riders are keen to win the 14km time trial, not least among them world time trial champion Tony Martin. We took a look at his rainbow-themed single-ring bike the day before the Tour begins.

Spotted: Giant Propel Disc prototype at the Tour de France Tour de France gallery: Mechanics’ prologue Most notable on Martin’s bike is his gearing choice. Using a 54t or 56t big ring isn’t uncommon for the world’s best time trialists, and a 58t isn’t unheard of. But those riders will still use a second, smaller ring. Martin has a single 58t ring.

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media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-12-1498837083345-npqzstuexpva-ab26968.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=556%2C315, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-12-1498837083345-npqzstuexpva-ab26968.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1112%2C630 2x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-12-1498837083345-npqzstuexpva-ab26968.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C315, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-12-1498837083345-npqzstuexpva-ab26968.jpg?quality=45&resize=1112%2C630 2x" type="image/jpeg"> No front derailleur here. Running a single large ring can keep the rear derailleur closer to the wheel, thus reducing aero drag Ben Delaney / Immediate Media At the 2003 Tour de France, David Millar used a similar set-up: a single chainring with the front derailleur removed for aerodynamic benefit. He dropped his chain during the time trial.

In recent years, however, SRAM has invested heavily in single-ring transmissions, with a clutch rear derailleur that pulls the chain taut and 1x-specific tooth profiles on chainrings.

Tony Martin is using a standard SRAM Red rear derailleur, but has a prototype X-Sync chainring .

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https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1108%2C627 2x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 589px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C314, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?quality=45&resize=1108%2C627 2x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 992px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C351, 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https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=816%2C462 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1224%2C693 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C231, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?quality=45&resize=816%2C462 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?quality=45&resize=1224%2C693 3x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=556%2C315, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1112%2C630 2x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C315, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-5-1498837083309-1lcdh5zb6cwtw-aa85e4d.jpg?quality=45&resize=1112%2C630 2x" type="image/jpeg"> Martin has a prototype 58t front ring Ben Delaney / Immediate Media Removing the front derailleur has two aerodynamic benefits. One, getting rid of the derailleur itself eliminates its aero drag. But two, by running a huge front chainring, even Tony Martin will often have to use a larger rear cog, which will pull the rear derailleur a bit closer into the bike’s center and thus slightly out of the wind, further reducing drag.

Also remarkable on Martin’s bike: Ergon grips instead of the standard handlebar tape and the straight-up grip tape Martin has long trusted on his Selle Italia Tri saddle for keeping him anchored when riding out on the nose.

Click through the gallery above for a closer look at Martin’s Canyon Speedmax CF SLX.

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media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-18-1498837083368-1jbieyfsc9um-a810de0.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=556%2C315, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-18-1498837083368-1jbieyfsc9um-a810de0.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1112%2C630 2x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-18-1498837083368-1jbieyfsc9um-a810de0.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C315, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/tony-martin-tour-de-france-tt-bike-18-1498837083368-1jbieyfsc9um-a810de0.jpg?quality=45&resize=1112%2C630 2x" type="image/jpeg"> Narrow is aero Ben Delaney / Immediate Media Full specifications Frame : Canyon Speedmax CF SLX, custom paint for 2016 world champion Fork : Canyon F32 Aero Brakes : Canyon B11, B12 integrated aero Brake/shift levers : SRAM Red eTap with Blips Derailleurs : SRAM Red eTap Cassette : SRAM, 11-32T Crankset : SRAM Red cranks — 175mm, 58T customised outer chainring and Quarq powermeter Rear wheel : Zipp Super-9 disc, custom decals for world champion Front wheel : Zipp 808, custom decals for world champion Tyres : Continental Grand Prix TT, 23mm Stem : Canyon V19 AL Aero Handlebars : Canyon H26 CF basebar Extensions : Canyon E192 Grips : Ergon Canyon base bar grips Pedals : Look Keo Carbon Blade Saddle : Selle Italia Tri with grip tape Seatpost : Canyon S32 carbon Bottle cages : Tacx Aero Computer : N/A