Tour bike: “The Shark’s” S-Works Tarmac

Vincenzo Nibali rides a custom-painted Specialized S-Works Tarmac. His bike's paint highlights his grand tour wins and aquatic predilections

Published
Dan Cavallari
Vincenzo
Vincenzo Nibali had a big day in the mountains during stage 7 of the Tour de France. Here’s a closer look at the Specialized S-Works Tarmac he used to animate the race in the day’s main breakaway. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
The
It’s the theme of the 2016 Tour: Custom paint everywhere. Nibbles’s paint job plays to his nickname, the Shark of Messina. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
Nibali's
An homage to Nibali’s palmares is emblazoned on the top tube. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
Jaws
More shark attacks, this time on the stem and handlebars. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
Power
Custom paint aside, Nibali’s Tarmac is essentially the same as any other Tarmac, which means it’s exceptionally stiff for the power transfer he’ll need during accelerations in the mountains. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
Stays
Stout chainstays contribute to the Tarmac’s unyielding stiffness. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
Cockpit
Astana rides an FSA cockpit Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
FSA
Like the handlebar and stem, FSA provides the seatpost for NIbali’s Tarmac. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
Mystery
Nibali’s saddle is unbranded but as a similar shape to a Fizik Antares. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
Gearing
Even the best climbers in the world need forgiving gearing. Nibali runs an 11-29T Campagnolo cassette for the steepest pitches. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
The
Just for good measure, there’s one more little shark living down by the bottom bracket. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com

Popular on Velo