As for the 2022 season, Specialized confirmed a great commitment in terms of technical sponsorship. Two World Tour teams, Soudal-Quick Step e Bora Hansgrohe, to which is added Sagan's team (the TotalEnergies) which however has a professional license.
All teams will be provided with the Tarmac SL7 model, a confirmation (waiting for the new version?) where some new components stand out and the confirmation of tubeless, a category where 28 is becoming a sort of standard.
New integrated handlebar?
In addition to what has already been seen on the bike of Jacobsen, on some models of Tarmac supplied to women, makes a good show of itself “new” Roval full carbon and integratedThere is no confirmation or denial, but in all likelihood, as happens in these cases, some first-production handlebars were provided for the teams to test. Our analysis continues with the help of Giampaolo Mondini.
What are the main new features?
In this very first part of the season, where we also include the team withdrawals, there is no big news to report, or rather, we can say that all the teams have the Tarmac models that we have already seen in 2022Details aside, of course.
One of the new important entries in the Specialized family, Tim Merlier, did you make any special requests?
They tell me from the staff Soudal-Quick-Step of a very good rider fussy, quite precise and to which likes to try different solutionsSince joining the company, he has tried three different types of saddles. The latest is a Mirror versionHe asked for some small changes to his footwear.
And what can you tell us about the 3D saddles with Mirror technology?
Over 70 percent of our riders use this category of products.in the three versions, Romin, Phenom and Power, so between short and traditional saddles. It's a success, considering that the3D technology applied to saddles is a gem.
Can we also talk about the confirmation of tubeless for all levels of riders and a 28 that is almost a standard?
Definitely yes, tubeless finds confirmation and gains ever-increasing consensus, considering that our athletes can also use clincher tires with inner tubes. Yes, 28 is a kind of standard, but here the choice of the athlete himself also comes into play. For example, climbers and lighter riders, or for the most important uphill finishes, we will also see a lot of 26" tires.
Looking at TotalEnergies bikes, we still see 11-speed drivetrains. Why?
One could write of a forced choice. Sagan and his teammates are not directly sponsored by Shimano., although as you can easily imagine there is a close collaboration. It is also about a supply that Specialized does not directly handleDue to widespread delays, Shimano has guaranteed full support even with the use of the old 11-speed Dura-Ace drivetrains and here is the choice of the old drivetrains.
Regarding the Shiv time trial bike, are there any changes?
The the Shiv time trial is the same model as the 2022 one, no changes have been made. We provide two or three for specialists, and generally one for those not aiming for time trials.
