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The Pros Choose Specialized!

Quick Step and Saxo Bank Choose Specialized Bicycles And Equipment

Watch Team Saxo Bank riders get a custom Specialized fit with Scott Holz and Dr, Andy Pruitt.

Known for their cutting-edge technology, it's no surprise that Specialized bicycles are the choice of two of the most powerful teams in cycling: returning Classics champions, Team Quick Step, and Tour de France heroes, Team Saxo Bank. Despite their fight over the podium, even "King of the Cobbles" rivals Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara agree on riding the same bikes (the S-Works Tarmac SL2, Roubaix SL2, and Transition) because both their teams demand the best equipment and most advanced technology to help them win races.

The Bicycles and Equipment

Known for its uncompromising stiffness and lightness, Specialized's Tarmac SL2 made its mark in 2008 with wins at both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Nice. Its feathery FACT IS (Integrated Structure) carbon frame, 1.5-inch oversize lower bearing, behemoth chainstays and massive down tube allow Specialized to make the bold claim that nothing is lighter and stiffer. Team Saxo Bank riders will benefit from the Tarmac's proprietary FACT carbon crank, the stiffest on the market weighing only 623 grams (over 100 grams less than Shimano Dura-Ace).

Smoother and faster than ever before, Specialized's Roubaix SL2 not only invented the Endurance Road bike category, but carried Tom Boonen to victory at the 2008 Paris-Roubaix. The secret to its signature ride lies in a race-winning blend of lateral stiffness and vertical compliance created by an oversize bottom bracket, custom seatstays, curved top tube and much of the same proprietary FACT carbon technology used in the Tarmac SL2.

Team Saxo Bank will also ride Specialized Body Geometry shoes, which are scientifically engineered and tested to improve pedaling efficiency and measurably increase endurance. Developed with Dr. Andy Pruitt and the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, BG shoes use unique ergonomic features to prevent numbness, deliver a customizable fit and properly align the cyclist's feet and knees.

Jumping head first into the New Year, Quick Step will ride Specialized helmets and optics. Focused on race weight, maximum ventilation and complete comfort, the S-Works Team helmet is the lightest helmet in the world to meet the stringent CPSC standards. And, since Specialized Adaptalite optics use light-sensing technology to automatically adjust to conditions outside, Quick Step can focus on the podium, not changing lenses.

Swing by the shop and we'll show you the bicycles and gear that the pros prefer.