August 22, 2005

Cobble Conqueror

Velo News

Andrea Tafi’s Scott CR1 Roubaix Edition

With the goal of getting 1999 Paris-Roubaix winner Andrea Tafi back on the podium in April, Scott USA has redesigned its stock CR1 road frame to create a Saunier Duval-Prodir team bike specifically for the rigors of the Hell of the North.

To start with, the head angle is 1 degree less than the original at 72.3 degrees. The chainstays feature increased clearance to accommodate the larger tires used at Paris-Roubaix and to prevent the wheel from becoming blocked due to mud or a damaged rim. The fork has also been modified to fit larger tires (custom Continental 25mm tubulars with thicker sidewalls). Other component details include tied-and-soldered spokes, a 53/46 chainring combination (with Third Eye chain watcher) and top-mounted brake levers for control on the roughest sections of pave`. Armed with this impressive technology and a bit of luck, Scott USA hopes Tafi can be the first to enter the Roubaix velodrome on April 10 in the final race of his career.