Pro bike and kit choices
You should take note of in 2018
Sharp tan lines, athletic physiques and super human power on the bike, pro cyclists are cool. Period. Top level sportsman, whatever the sport, require the best when it comes to their equipment. This is no more important than in cycling where the difference between the top step of the podium and the back of the bunch could come down to millimetres.
We’ve taken a look at some of the leading WorldTour cycling teams and the bikes and kit they are using for the 2018 season.
Team Sky
The Real Madrid or Roger Federer of the cycling world. With grand tour wins to their name and some of the sport’s biggest names on the roster, Team Sky are back aboard their Pinarello Dogma F10s for 2018. Why change what’s not broken? Using the same race winning frameset, the main difference for this season is an updated colour scheme, with the team using Fizik Saddles and Shimano components for another year.
It’s not just the bikes that are dressed to impress. The kit also mirrors this ‘marginal gains’ attitude to the sport, with Castelli renewing their contract and bringing to the table a range of technical fabrics and race focused kit. No longer the men in black, 2018 sees a fresh new white and blue kit, with the same iconic Sky logo sitting proudly across the chest.
Bora Hansgrohe
Any team that has Peter Sagan on the books has to deliver when it comes to bikes and kit. Bora Hangrohe have stepped up to this challenge, with Specialized Bikes, Roval Wheels and Wahoo GPS Cycling Computers recording every kilometre ridden. The team will switch between the award winning Tarmac and Venge throughout the season, with the Shiv being the weapon of choice for time trial specialists including Maciej Bodnar.
After a number of years wearing Sportful at Tinkoff Saxo, Sagan will be back in the Italian clothing manufacturer’s wears for 2018. A range that will keep the team kitted out from the early season classics, right through to the mountains of the Tour de France, it is no wonder Sportful was chosen as the clothing provider for the current world champion.
Mitchelton-SCOTT
A young team with a big focus on developing and nurturing talent, Mitchelton-Scott have punched well above their weight in recent years with wins from everything from Paris-Roubaix to grand tours.
Home to climbing sensations, Simon and Adam Yates, the team will again be using Scott's fleet of bikes and helmets for 2018. The Foil is the default bike of choice. Favoured for its aerodynamic prowess and lightweight and agile characteristics, it’s no wonder sprint sensation, Caleb Ewan, has already picked up a national title out in Australia. Shimano Wheels are renowned for their smooth performance and second to none reliability, so it is no wonder the boys in blue will be back on these hoops for 2018.
Team Dimension Data
An African based team with a strong mantra for developing young African talent, Team Dimension Data are not short of firepower, with Mark Cavendish, Edvald Boasson Hagen and Steve Cummings headlining the team.
Helping to develop and refine the bikes they ride, the team will again be training and racing on Cervelos. Offering a wide range of options, the team can choose from the S, R or P Series depending on the terrain, race or rider preference.
Rotor provide chainsets and power meters, with many of the team spinning on the company’s famous oval rings. Dependable and fast, there will be no missing the riders as they roll through the season on ENVE Wheels. Sporting Oakley Helmets and Sunglasses, whether it is sprinting for the line, down the Champs-Elysees in Paris or hitting the cobbled climbs out in Belgium, the WorldTour outfit will look the part.
EF Education First-Drapac
A turbulent end to 2017 saw, what was Cannondale Drapac’s future put into jeopardy. Only a last minute backer and a passionate plea from team manager Jonathan Vaughters saw the team survive for another season, we are glad it did. Staying firmly onboard, Cannondale again provide the bikes for the team, with the Super Six being the machine of choice for the majority of the racing calendar. A new name, but the same passion for racing, we're looking forward to seeing EF Education First-Drapac in the peloton in 2018.
With a splash of pink, standing out from the sea of black kits in the peloton, there will be no missing the American team in 2018. A bold and innovative company, POC have been a long-time supporter of the team, with involvement stemming back as far as the Garmin-Sharp days of 2014. Providing the team with their trademark Octal and Cerebel Helmets, DO Sunglasses and performance focused clothing.
