Instead, Stybar continues to ride SRAM Red 10-speed components and Avid Shorty Ultimate cantilever brakes during his limited cyclocross racing this season.
In fact, looking back at his iconic pink Specialized aluminum CruX cyclocross bike we profiled from two seasons ago, very little has changed on Styby’s ride besides the new carbon S-Works frameset replacing the aluminum model. He’s changed his hood color, and has a silver Red rear derailleur instead of the older Red Black model, but he could have very well swapped most of his old parts over to the new frame to keep things consistent (or save someone some money).
The front derailleur says SRAM Red but it’s really pre-Yaw Force. © Thomas van Bracht / Cyclocross Magazine
Returning are the 58mm deep Zipp 404 Firecrest tubular wheels, an interesting choice because they are not the 303 wheels ridden by the Cal Giant or the Cannondale p/b CyclocrossWorld teams. SRAM Red 10-speed components, with a PG-1070 rear cassette and a Red rebadged SRAM Force front derailleur handle the shifting.
Zipp Service Course SL alloy cockpit keeps Stybar on course. © Thomas van Bracht / Cyclocross Magazine
A Zipp Service Course SL stem and bar handle the controls, while a carbon Zipp SL Speed post saves a few grams out back. Continuing the newer-is-not-always-better theme, Stybar even runs the discontinued-but-loved-by-cyclocrossers Gore Ride-On cables and housing.
Dugast Typhoon 33mm tubulars were on his rig during course preview, but the upcoming rain might have Stybar swapping them with Rhinos come race day. Shimano M970 XTR pedals, the one non-SRAM family spec, also return. Do these component choices look familiar?
Stybar is returning to a familiar setup and a familiar course. Will we see his familiar face on the top step of Sunday’s race?
Given his recent bullet-like training sessions, it certainly seems possible.
Stay tuned to our continuing full coverage of the 2014 Cyclocross World Championships and results.
Zdeněk Štybar’s 2014 World Championship Specialized S-Works CruX Cyclocross Bike Specs:
Frame: Specialized S-Works CruX FACT 11r carbon, cantilever bosses
Fork: FACT carbon
Handlebars: Zipp Service Course SL
Stem: Zipp Service Course SL
Brakes: SRAM Shorty Ultimate cantilever
Wheelset: Zipp 404 tubular
Tires: Dugast Typhoon 33mm tubulars
Shifters: SRAM Red DoubleTap 10-speed
Rear Derailleur: SRAM Red 10-speed
Front Derailleur: SRAM Force with Red logo
Crankset: Specialized FACT carbon
Cassette: SRAM PG-1070 11-26 10-speed
Pedals: Shimano XTR M970 SPD pedals
Seatpost: Zipp SL Speed carbon seatpost
Saddle: Specialized Toupé Pro
Zdeněk Štybar’s 2014 World Championship Specialized S-Works CruX Cyclocross Bike Photo Gallery:
