Although the frame and components are thoroughly modern, the handlebar bend is decidedly old schoolBen Delaney / Immediate Media
Many teams prefer alloy handlebars as they are perceived to be less likely to break in a crashBen Delaney / Immediate Media
28 is the magic number for Paris-Roubaix. Although a clincher was one of Specialized’s first products back in the day, getting WorldTour teams on the company’s tubulars is a relatively new thingBen Delaney / Immediate Media
The Specialized Chicane is a modern interpretation of an older Regal-like style. Terpstra uses the 155mm widthBen Delaney / Immediate Media
Etixx-Quick Step is sponsored by FSA, which does not yet have road derailleuers or shifters. Terpstra has 53/46 rings for Paris-RoubaixBen Delaney / Immediate Media
177.5 cranks for the big manBen Delaney / Immediate Media
Specialized’s Zertz viscoelastic inserts have been the calling card of the Roubaix since its inceptionBen Delaney / Immediate Media
The Zertz’ shape has changed over the years, but Specialized’s claim about the vibration-damping function has remained the sameBen Delaney / Immediate Media
K-Edge has three small but critical pieces on the Etixx bikes. This is the small company’s chain catcherBen Delaney / Immediate Media
The K-Edge XL mount can handle any Garmin Edge unit, from the little 500 up to the massive 1000. Being metal, it offers a rock-solid connection for the computerBen Delaney / Immediate Media
This K-Edge number plate will hold the enviable number 1 come SundayBen Delaney / Immediate Media
Specialized likes to name its carbon fiber types. Here, that would be Fact IS 11rBen Delaney / Immediate Media
As with the tubulars, Specialized has been pushing Quick Step to ride its wheels for years. For 2015, that became a realityBen Delaney / Immediate Media
You and I mark our saddle height on the post with electrical tape. Etixx has other optionsBen Delaney / Immediate Media
A black sleeve encases the rear brake cable and a Di2 wire for a clean lookBen Delaney / Immediate Media
Specialized’s OSBB joins with the FSA K-Force Light crank via this adapterBen Delaney / Immediate Media
On Friday Niki Terpstra and his Etixx-Quick Step teammates rode critical sectors of Sunday’s Paris-Roubaix course, a longstanding reconnaissance tradition made special for the returning champion.
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“The feelings today were really good on the cobblestones,” Terpstra said of riding his Specialized S-Works Roubaix. “It was nice to be back. I have good memories of course. It was good to get a feel for Sunday.”
In 2014, Terpstra was riding in support of team leader and multi-time Paris-Roubaix winner Tom Boonen. Boonen is out with an injury this year.
This year Terpstra is co-leader of the team along with cyclocross star Zdenek Stybar and Stijn Vandenbergh.
Standing 186cm (6’1″), Terpstra has some similarly large figures for his Roubaix bike: 28mm Specialized tubulars, a 155mm-width Specialized Chicane saddle, 177.5mm FSA K-Force Light cranks, and 53/46 FSA chainrings.
Take a look at the gallery above for a closer look at Terpstra’s Roubaix for Paris-Roubaix.
This k-edge number plate will hold the enviable number 1 come sunday: this k-edge number plate will hold the enviable number 1 come sunday
The K-Edge number plate will be holding the enviable #1 come Sunday, as Terpstra trusts his 28mm Specialized tubulars to see him through the pavé