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Bike at Bedtime - Jakob Fuglsang’s 2013 Tour de France Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4

Wind down by taking a look at this bike at bedtime

Go back to 2013 and race bikes were all about low weight, high stiffness and dialled handling. There wasn’t much in the way of aero on Jakob Fuglsang’s S-Works Tarmac SL4 and this one will please the purists.

Astana - Jakob Fuglsang_s Specialized Tarmac SL4 05

While the current S-Works Tarmac is all about balancing low weight with aero gains, the SL4 was more of a mountain machine. This was the bike that the climbers like Fuglsang turned to and his build features some lovely components.

Astana - Jakob Fuglsang_s Specialized Tarmac SL4 03

Campagnolo’s Super Record EPS 11-speed groupset is a lovely choice and one detail that we love about this bike is that it uses the old 5-arm chainrings in the standard 53/39 size.

Astana - Jakob Fuglsang_s Specialized Tarmac SL4 08

These are mounted on 175mm S-Works carbon cranks and we can’t see a power meter on this bike. Fuglsang was obviously a fan of racing on feel.

Astana - Jakob Fuglsang_s Specialized Tarmac SL4 14

The bottom bracket is branded with a CeramicSpeed logo, suggesting that there are some low friction bearings down there.

Astana - Specialized Tarmac SL4 08

The wheels are from French brand Corima and feature a distinct spoke lacing pattern which, along with the shallow rim depth, kept the wheels light. The tubular tyres, from what we can see, are completely unbranded. A close inspection of the tread suggests that these are Veloflex.

Astana - Jakob Fuglsang_s Specialized Tarmac SL4 15

While we’re down at the wheels, let’s take the chance to admire these lovely hubs, glistening in the Corsican sunshine. Why did all hubs start coming in black? We’re not sure.

Astana - Jakob Fuglsang_s Specialized Tarmac SL4 06

The Campagnolo Record brakes house a pair of Corima-specific brake blocks.

Astana - Jakob Fuglsang_s Specialized Tarmac SL4 12

FSA supplies a lot of the frame’s finishing kit with a carbon seatpost, stem and handlebar. Fuglsang goes for the pro's choice of white bar tape. When you’re not cleaning your bike, it doesn’t matter.

Astana - Jakob Fuglsang_s Specialized Tarmac SL4 10

An unbranded yet distinctly Fizik saddle sits atop the seatpost. Fuglsang opts for the carbon rail version of the Aliante VS. Handily, the colour ties in nicely with the rest of the bike.

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