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Giro tech: Saunier Duval's special parts, May 24, 2006

Saunier Duval's special parts

For a two-time Giro champion, it's understandable there's a little bit of favouritism when it comes to one's bike. Anthony Tan takes a look at Gilberto Simoni's hand-painted Scott CR1 plus a few accessories to keep the heads of Saunier Duval's riders as cool as can be.

Simoni's Scott CR1 Giro special

Don't tip over the Tower, Gibo!
Photo ©: Scott USA
(Click for larger image)

For this race only, Saunier Duval-Prodir's frame manufacturer Scott made a one-off bike for two-time Giro champion Gilberto Simoni. At first, it appears Gibo's accidentally laid his hands (or should that be legs) on one of the T-Mobile Giants, but upon closer inspection, this black and pink bike is definitely his.

Head tube detail
Photo ©: Anthony Tan
(Click for larger image)
No mistaking who
Photo ©: Anthony Tan
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The Tower of Pisa,
Photo ©: Anthony Tan
(Click for larger image)
Gilberto Simoni in action
Photo ©: Sirotti
(Click for larger image)

Featuring a drawing of the Tower of Pisa on the seat tube and his name and date of birth on the top tube, it also has the entire Giro route on the seat stays should Simoni ever find himself hors course. In addition, the frame has a 'precious stone' effect around the main triangle as well as bearing the words 'Tutti liberi ed uguali' (all free and equal).

And while the paint scheme differs, the CR1 remains unchanged: still a scant 890 grams.

Head on

As its name implies, Met helmet's new Stradivarius 199 weighs less than 200 grams and with 29 vents, it shouldn't cause too many headaches, even on the hottest days. Used by the entire Saunier Duval-Prodir team, the Stradivarius 199 uses a similar retention system to Giro's RocLoc to prevent unwanted movement, and also comes with a removable and adjustable peak for mountain bikers.

Watch out for Snipers

Riders on Saunier Duval also have a new sunglass frame to choose from: an ultra-light and aerodynamic model named the 'Sniper'. Other than an anti-fog lens and 100 percent UV protection, there's really not much more to say about a pair of sunnies, other than that they also come from frame manufacturer Scott.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Scott USA

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti