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Pro bikes, April 12, 2009
Tom Boonen's Quick Step Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL2 Paris-Roubaix special
Two in a row for Boonen!By James Huang in Kortrijk, Belgium
Just how much is one rider worth to a bicycle sponsor? If that rider is Belgian superstar Tom Boonen and that company is Specialized, the answer is: quite a lot. Specialized had already developed one custom S-Works Tarmac SL2 geometry late in 2007 for Boonen’s tall build with a longer top tube and shorter head tube. This not only allows him to stretch out more to develop full power but according to Boonen, also protects his sensitive lower back from injury. Unlike metallic frames, creating an altered geometry on a molded carbon frame requires more than simply adjusting miter points and weld jigs though – it entails careful engineering work to adjust lay-up schedules for the various plies and, of course, the creation of the mold itself. Add it all up and it’s not exactly an inexpensive endeavour – all for one guy (well, two if you also include former teammate Gert Steegmans who happened to need the same fit). Come Classics season 2008 and Specialized had to repeat the process again since the smoother and more relaxed handling of their Roubaix platform was perfect for the demanding cobbles but once again, the stock geometry didn’t suit Boonen’s physique. In this case, the dimensional changes of the custom front end are even more substantial since that frame normally comes with an even longer head tube than on the Tarmac but the end result is still essentially the same. All of the Roubaix’s key features carry over intact, including the vibration damping Zertz viscoelastic inserts, lengthened chain stays, slacker head tube angle, increased fork rake, longer wheelbase, and the more stable handling that ultimately results. As a result, Boonen’s custom S-Works Roubaix SL2 effectively provides the same fit as on his Tarmac – save for a slightly taller bar position owing to the slacker head tube angle – but the ride and handling of a Roubaix. In contrast to his once-custom Tarmac though – now included in the production sizing scheme – Specialized have yet to offer this geometry to the public. Boonen has now captured his third Paris-Roubaix title this Sunday on essentially the same frameset as last year, albeit with a slightly different build kit from before. Last year’s Campagnolo Record gear has now been replaced by the latest Record 11 kit, including brand-new matched 53/46T chainrings developed just for the occasion and an 11-23T cassette for tight spacing throughout the range. For whatever reason, Boonen has stuck with the 10-speed Record generation for his crankset and front derailleur though. Considering the close-ratio rings and the custom inner chain guard, it’s unlikely even Paris-Roubaix’s worst cobbles will launch Boonen’s chain off track. As is common with most Paris-Roubaix racers, Boonen’s bars are heavily padded – presumably with Specialized’s BG SuperPhat material – but only up top, which makes sense considering that is where his hands will mostly be while on the cobbles. As compared to his Tarmac SL2 though, the bars are also rotated markedly higher for a slightly more upright position. The drops are similarly large in diameter but here team mechanics have added a “secret” hard layer of material beneath the tape. The resultant “D”-shaped profile fits better in Boonen’s hands and apparently provides a better grip when it comes time to sprint. Wheels are of the usual box-section aluminum tubular variety usually found at Paris-Roubaix, built with unmarked DT Swiss 240s hubs, Ambrosio rims and Sapim spokes laced three-cross and secured with brass nipples. The corresponding 25mm-wide (actual measurement) file tread tires bear no markings whatsoever but are clearly handmade – we’re guessing FMB. Total weight for the complete bike is 8.3kg (18.3lb) – a merely average figure for a typical road racer but a good indicator of the extra strength included therein that will be needed to carry Boonen to the finish. One man, two molds, lots of time, and lots of money, but also two stunning victories at Paris-Roubaix to show for it. With three cobbles now in Boonen’s trophy case and who knows how many more are yet to come, we dare say that even Specialized’s bean counters will say that it was very much worthwhile. PhotographyFor a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
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Full specificationFrame: Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL2, custom 61cm 'Pro' geometry Critical measurements Front brake: Campagnolo Record D-Skeleton |
Rims: Ambrosio tubular 32h Bars: FSA Energy New Ergo, 440mm Pedals: Look KeO Carbon Total bike weight: 8.3kg (18.3lb) | ||||
