For the 2018 Giro D’Italia, the UAE Emirates Team brought their collection of Colnago K.One TT bikes, the V2-R monocoque road bike, and the all-new C64 lugged carbon bike that launched a few months ago. Here’s a closeup look at the components, tech and hacks they’re using in their bid for the Trofeo Senza Fine!
The three road bikes being assembled for the main stages were the V2-R and Concept, both existing models, and the new top-of-their-line lugged C64, depending on rider preference.
The Concept is their aero road bike and is available in rim or disc brake versions. Only rim brake bikes were on their truck, though.
Their flagship C64 will also come in a disc brake version eventually.
Chainring combos also varied by preference (or the day’s course). Here, the Campagnolo carbon cranks with a 53/39 combo bolted to the Power2Max power meter.
Better safe than sorry…brakes are labeled front and rear.
A Deda Elementi cockpit with Prologo saddles holds the K-Edge Race Mount…here in stock form, but keep reading to see how they modified it to fit their TT bikes.
The Colnago K.One debuted last year and has some interesting features. A front brake fairing and stem cover keeps everything out of the wind.
A clear cover hides a Di2 or EPS junction port from the wind, but not from view.
Grip tape was a popular substitution for bar tape. Lighter, and less bulky.
When you don’t want to mount your K-Edge mount on the aero extensions, you can always hack it. Zoom in (click to enlarge) and you’ll see the grind marks from having the clamp section cut off. Then they drilled a bolt hole through the front and screwed it directly into the stem.
Without their usual support vehicles in Israel, all of the teams were using rented box trucks as makeshift storage rooms and workshops.
Italian bicycle care products brand Walbike kept their bikes clean and lubed. Check the team out at UAEteamemirates.com
Check out all 2018 Giro team bike coverage here!