Technique

Van Summeren proves PALLADIO seatpost in Paris–Roubaix win

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Parent Category: Technique

Category: 3T

Published on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 11:45

Written by Luca Salvatelli

Tall Belgian rode to victory on new-technology seatpost atop 61-cm Cervélo R3; Thor Hushovd and other Garmin-Cervélo team members switching to PALLADIO post with patented non-rotate DiffLock™ clamp Johan Van Summeren’s famous victory in last Sunday’s Paris–Roubaix classic was achieved atop a newtechnology PALLADIO seatpost and other 3T cockpit components.

The tall Belgian, nearly 2 meters in stature, rode a 61-cm Cervélo R3 bicycle, the largest model available.

Even so, he required as much as 35 cm of seatpost extension to support his Fizik Antares saddle at the right height for his lanky physique, the shocks of the notorious northern France pavé exerting formidable leverage at the top of the post.

The gruelling conditions also represented a stern test of PALLADIO’s DiffLock seat clamp, a fresh and radical approach to the perennial problem of saddle adjustment for rough parcours and high-stress riding.

The 3T-patented DiffLock clamp lets race mechanics set the saddle very precisely – to within a half-degree of rotation – and lock it down securely at exactly the right angle. Mechs (or riders) can adjust the saddle's fore-and-aft setting in the certainty that doing this won't compromise saddle angle. The design also ensures that the clamp won’t give way and tip the saddle forward or back, even if extreme vibration causes the clamp bolts to slacken off.

Van Summeren is not the only rider in the Garmin-Cervélo team to switch to the new seatpost. World Champion Thor Hushovd, who played a vital part in the race by marking danger-man Fabian Cancellara, also has the same PALLADIO Pro. No greater test can be imagined than the powerful, 83-kg Norwegian at full throttle on French cobbles.

3T technical director Richard McAinsh, who designed the DiffLock, commented: “We are delighted for Johan, and congratulate him on his engagement – and of course on his terrific win on Sunday. Personally I’m also very pleased that PALLADIO has proved its merit in one of the world’s toughest races. If a seatpost is going to fail, Paris–Roubaix will do it for you!”