Riders in "The Wolfpack" will be aboard Specialized's stunning S-Works Tarmac SL7 in this year's Giro d'Italia. A racy, exciting bike which is designed to be both aerodynamic and light, it's the perfect choice for a tough edition of the Giro which only offers a few chances for pure sprinters like Mark Cavendish. Equipped with the new Shimano 12-speed Dura Ace 9200 and costing in excess of £10,000 in total, it's a bike many of us could only dream of getting our hands on.
The Manx sprinter has long been vocal about his love for Specialized bikes and made his spectacular Tour de France comeback last year aboard an S-Works. He'll be hoping for to repeat his impressive stage-winning frenzy in the Giro this year, and we got an up-close look at the whip he'll be using to do so.
In a stunning, iridescent matt blue fade, Mark Cavendish's S-Works is undeniably a good-looking bike. At 5'7" Cav is known to ride a 52cm frame and narrow handlebars to help him wiggle through the bunch in those sketchy sprint finishes.
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Helping him to get as aerodynamic as possible, Cavendish's S-Works stem is slammed low and long.
The Manxman has a customised K-Edge Mount on his bike which is aerodynamic and features the Quick-Step "wolf" emblem.
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Cavendish be opting for a 54/40 ratio at the front. The wear on the bottom of the crank suggests the Manxman has a bit of heel rub while riding. Despite the rest of his groupset being the 9200, it looks like Cav is using the older 9100 Dura-Ace power meter.
Cavendish's SL7 is equipped with the new 12-speed Dura Ace groupset from Shimano.
The new Dura Ace 9200 shifters are said to have improved hood ergonomics which can help riders stay comfortable in an aerodynamic position for longer. The added texture on the shifter buttons and more height differential reduces the risk of any accidental pressing of the wrong button in crucial race moments.
Cavendish is using the £390 Specialized S-Works Power with Mirror saddle.
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Cavendish's bike featured Roval Rapide CLX wheels with S-Works tyres. These wheels are said to perform well both in the hills and as the peloton moves across flatter lands, which is likely why Cavendish is using them in this year's Giro. He'll be targeting stage wins in the flatter stages but will need to get over some tough climbs to get to the finish line.
The wolf decal on the Cavendish's top tube is a reminder of the team's nickname "The Wolfpack."
