World Tour Pedigree Bikes
What is the World Tour?
World Tour is the top division of professional cycling. The UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) federation introduced the World Tour in 2019 with points available at credited events throughout the season. World Tour consists of 18 teams and 38 of the biggest road cycling events throughout the road season. These events include all three of the Grand Tours, the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta Espana, aswell as all five monuments including cobbled classics the Tour of Flanders and Paris Roubaix.
How close are consumer bikes to World Tour bikes?
Ever wondered how different the pro’s bikes are, compared to those on the market. Let's take a deep dive into the bikes that 11 out of the 18 World Tour teams are using to find out. At the top level of cycling with the support of best bike brands, World Tour teams have numerous bikes at their disposal. For example, each rider will receive a minimum of 6 bikes for the season. A race bike of each Aero, Endurance and Timetrial models, and then a training bike of each aswell. We are going to take a look into the most popular models the teams are using.
AG2R Citroen - BMC Teammachine SLR01
French World Tour Team AG2R Citroen have raced on BMC bikes since 2020. The teams bike of choice is the BMC Teammachine SLR01, equipped with full Campagnolo 13 Speed Super Record EPS groupset, and rolling on Campagnolo Bora Ultra Wheels. AG2R are the only World Tour team who will use Campagnolo in 2023 and BMC's easily recognizable red cockpit continues for this season, added with a bright blue frame paint finish.
With a recent shift in targets from purely Grand Tour success, AG2R wanted an emphasis on the Spring Classics, racing over cobblestones and in wet/cold conditions, so disc brakes and additional tyre clearance is a must.
The BMC Teammachine is BMC’s compliant road bike. Lighter than other models in the range, the Teammachine is the number one choice for those mountain stages but also the cobbled classic’s with additional compliance built in.
Inspired by the Teammachine SLR 01, the Teammachine SLR is the more accessible option in the Teammachine range. The geometry and tubing shape of the SLR follows the SLR 01. The main differences between the SLR 01 and the SLR, is that SLR does not include the one-piece carbon cockpit like the SLR 01 and the components and groupsets are tailored down for a more accessible price point.
BMC Teammachine
Arkea Samsic - Bianchi Oltre RC
Another French World Tour team, Arkea Samsic have chosen to race aboard Bianchi bikes for the 2023 season. Bianchi have a rich heritage at the top level of pro cycling and have been bike manufacturing since 1885. In 2023, Arkea have chosen the recently launched hyperbike that has revolutionised the world of aero racing bikes, the Oltre RC.
Arkea’s Bianchi Oltre RC race bikes will be equipped with full 12 Speed Shimano Dura-ace Di2 groupsets, Shimano & Vision wheelsets, Continental tyres and Vision/FSA finishing kits. With its aggressive aero shapes and Formula 1 inspired ‘air deflectors’ on the head tube, the Oltre RC is primed for those sprint stages or less hilly one day races.
The Oltre RC is designed for those who want to ride fast. For cyclists who are looking for the best performance possible, the Oltre RC is the most aerodynamic and responsive machine in the Bianchi road range. Whether it is in sprinter territory or flat breakaway days, the Oltre RC was made to ride fast.
If you want to ride or race the same bike as Arkea Samic Pro team, you can. The team race aboard the Oltre RC, however the lower models such as the Oltre PRO and Oltre Comp are available on the market. The main difference between these models is fewer weight savings, and equipped with groupsets and wheelsets further down the pecking order which are friendlier in price but equally as high performing.
Bianchi Oltre
Bahrain Victorious - Merida Reacto Team
Bahrain pro cycling team, Bahrain Victorious have been partnered with Merida bikes since 2017. Like previous seasons, the team will be racing onboard the Merida Reacto in 2023, which has already propelled the team to major victories in previous seasons such as one day classics, Paris Roubaix and Milan San Remo.
The team has equipped their Reacto machines with full Shimano Dura-ace Di2 electronic disc brake groupsets, Prologo saddles, Vision finishing kits, and are rolling on Continental tyres and Vision metron wheelsets
The Merida Reacto is a proven race-winning machine. Not only is the Reacto made for all-round speed with its aerodynamic tubing and responsive handling, but the latest version of the Reacto also demonstrated its versatility when Sonny Colbrelli piloted this aero bike to a win in an epic, wet and muddy edition of the Paris-Roubaix.
You can have the same speed and versatility with your own Reacto. Bahrain Victorious use the top-level Reacto Team frame with CF5 carbon, however lower models such as the Reacto 7000 with CF3 carbon has fewer weight savings but keeps the same tubing and geometry. With similar performing groupsets and wheelsets, you can ride just as fast for less cost.
Merida Reacto
Bora Hansgrohe - Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7
German pro cycling team, Bora Hansgrohe have been racing Specialized bikes since 2017. The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 is the teams bike choice for the 2023 season for all road racing following a successful 2022 season, particularly with victory at the Giro d’Italia.
Their S-Works Tarmac SL7 machines will be built up with 12-speed Shimano Dura-ace groupsets, Specialized and Pro finishing kits, Specialized tyres and saddles, and they will be rolling on Roval wheels.
The Specialized Tarmac SL7 is an all-in-one race bike. With a super lightweight frame, legendary Tarmac ride quality and handling, and aerodynamic profiling make the SL7 45 seconds faster over 40km than the previous Tarmac SL6 model. With the SL7, you can ride fast everywhere.
The S-Works Tarmac SL7 may be the pro’s choice, but if can be yours too. Bora Hansgrohe use the SL7 frame with FACT 12r carbon, however lower Tarmac models like the SL7 Comp use FACT 10r carbon with fewer weight savings but keep the same ride qualities and tube profiling. The main difference also comes with lower specification wheels and groupsets, which add a few more grams in weight but do not take away the Tarmac’s lightweight characteristics.
Specialized Tarmac SL7
DSM - Scott Foil RC
Dutch World Tour team, DSM have raced onboard Scott bikes since 2021 and are continuing their partnership for another two seasons. In 2023, DSM will be riding the Scott Foil RC for most stage races and one day classics. With multiple victories in 2022, including stage wins in both the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta Espana the team are hoping the Foil can take them to more in 2023.
DSM’s Foil RC’s will be kitted out with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupsets as well Shimano wheels rolling on Vittoria tyres. Scott subsidiary Syncros will take care of the finishing kit including saddles and handlebars etc. With its aero tubing and stiff frame, the foil is the teams number one choice when pinning a number on.
The Scott Foil RC Pro is the ideal choice for sprint stages and flat breakaway days, but has most recently shown its versatility in Paris Roubaix, with John Degenkolb finishing 7th after an unfortunate crash out of the lead group. With Disc brakes and additional tyre clearance, the Foil is a versatile road race bike made for riding fast.
You can also get your hands on a Scott Foil RC. DSM’s Scott Foil RC Pro frame uses HMX carbon, and so do the other models in the Foil range like the RC 30. You will have the same frame the pro’s are using, however components such as wheelsets and groupsets will be lower down the hierarchy to save cost but will still perform just as well.
Scott Foil
EF Education Easy Post - Cannondale LAB71 SuperSix EVO
For American pro team EF Education Easy post, 2023 will be seventh year of partnership with Cannondale bikes. However this season the team will be racing aboard a brand new model, the LAB71 Supersix EVO. And this bike has already taken the team to numerous victories including multiple national championship titles.
Like the majority of World Tour teams in 2023, EF’s LAB71 bikes will be kitted out with Shimano Dura-ace Di2 groupsets. They will be rolling on Vision Metron wheels paired with Vittoria tyres, matching the Vision finishing kit throughout the bike. However components such as cranks and chainrings are supplied by FSA.
The LAB71 Supersix EVO is the fastest, most versatile and ultralight race bike Cannondale have made so far. The LAB71 has been the bike of choice for the EF team in most road races so far this season, and even one day classics such as Paris Roubaix and Strade Bianche on the gravel roads of Italy.
The Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 bike the team use, is also available for the consumer. However, as the price point is so high for the LAB71 there are other models in the SuperSix EVO range which have been inspired by the LAB71. All SuperSix models use the lightweight Evo carbon frame, but are equipped with different groupsets depending on the price point.
Cannondale LAB71
Groupama FDJ - Lapierre Aircode DRS
In 2002, Lapierre became official partner of French Team FDJ. Ever since then, Lapierre bikes have taken the team to major victories such as stage wins in all three Grand Tours, multiple National road titles and most recently a 5th place finish in the 2023 Paris Roubaix.
The chosen bike for the Groupama FDJ riders is the Lapierre Aircode. These Aircode bikes are equipped with full Shimano Dura-ace 12-speed groupsets, paired with Shimano C Series wheels rolling on Continental tyres. Finishing kit components are from Lapierre and finished with Prologo saddles.
The Lapierre Aircode DRS is a lightweight, aerodynamic and comfortable racing bike suitable for a variety of road races. Whether it is sprint stages, breakaway days or even the odd bit of gravel or cobble stones the DRS will be in its element. With a top 5 finish in this years Paris Roubaix, this goes to show just how versatile the Aircode is.
If you want a Aircode DRS of your own, then you can get one. The Aircode DRS frame the team uses, is the same throughout the Aircode range. However, groupsets and components such as wheelsets will differ depending on the price point. This means you can ride fast, just like the pro’s.
Lapierre Aircode
Intermarché Circus Wanty - Cube Litening C:68X
Belgian team Intermarché-Circus-Wanty have been partners with Cube bikes since 2015. The Belgian team reached #5 in the world ranking in 2022 and was victorious at some of the biggest races on the calendar including victory at cobbled classic Gent-Wevelgem and a stage in at the Giro d‘Italia.
The chosen bike for Intermarché is the Litening C:68X. Their bikes are kitted out with 12-speed Shimano Dura-ace Di2 groupset paired with wheels from Newmen, in a variety of depth options. The bikes finishing kit is Cube’s own, and the team will ride on Prologo saddles.
The Cube Litening C:68X is Cube’s lightweight carbon road bike constructed from premium C:68X material and built to offer maximum aerodynamic performance. The Litening C:68X is ideal for most road terrain and comes into its own on the flat sections and sprints. With 9 victories under its belt so far in 2023 and a top 10 in Paris Roubaix, proves the Litening C:68X is fast!
If you would like a Litening C:68X of your own, they are available for the consumer. All models in the Litening C:68X range include the same carbon C:68X frame which means you will be riding the same frame as the pro’s. However components and groupset set up will be different depending on the price point, but you will still experience the same level of performance, just at a different weight.
Cube Litening
Jayco Alula - Giant Propel Advanced SL
Australian outfit, Jayco Alula partnered with Giant in 2022 for two seasons. From the Tour de France to one-day classics and other UCI WorldTour races around the world, the Giant Propel is the teams choice of weapon which has already propelled the team to sprint and mountain victories in 2023.
Team Jayco Alula riders race and train with the Propel Advanced SL aero road, which are equipped with CADEX WheelSystems and Shimano Dura-ace Di2 drivetrain components. Components such as saddles and tyres are also supplied by CADEX. Now even lighter than previous versions, the Giant Propel is the ultimate weapon for all types of road terrain.
The Giant Propel Advanced SL was built to maximise every watt of power and transfer it to the tarmac. With multiple Tour de France stage wins under its belt already, the Propel is proven to be a race winner on all types of road terrain and was the teams bike of choice for the cobbled classics this year.
It may not be in the same colour scheme, but you can race the same bike as the pro’s. Available for the consumer, the Propel SL range uses the same Advanced SL-Grade Composite material as the team issue bike. Aswell as the same frame, the higher-end models include the CADEX 50mm carbon wheels. However further down the range, components will differ depending on the price point.
Giant Propel
Jumbo Visma - Cervelo Caledonia
Dutch team Jumbo Visma have opted for Cervelo bikes since 2021. Since then, Cervelo have taken the team to many victories including Paris-Roubaix, multiple stage races and one day victories, and a win at the Tour de France no less. With multiple bikes to choose from in the Cervelo range, the Caledonia is the choice for Tour de France winners and classics specialists.
Jumbo Visma’s bikes are equipped with SRAM Red eTap in 2023 delivering wireless shifting. The team has also opted for Reserve wheels for the 2023 season offering wider and sturdier rims for the cobbled classics. Jumbo are also using Fizik saddles and Vittoria tyres.
The Cervelo Caledonia was made for longer rides that require more comfort and when the road surface gets rough. With it’s lighter frame, the Caledonia is also responsive when the road goes up. Being the most versatile and compliant machine in Cervelo’s road range, the Caledonia is the chosen weapon for cobbled classics like Paris Roubaix.
Inspired by the Jumbo Visma Caledonia, you can have a Caledonia of your own. All models in the Caledonia range include the Cervelo All Carbon frame, however group sets will vary depending on the price point. Just like the team issue Caledonia, all models have tyre clearance up to 34mm and are all equipped with disc brakes.
Cervelo Caledonia
Soudal Quick-step - Specialized Tarmac SL7
Belgian outfit Soudal Quick-step have raced onboard Specialized bikes since 2006 and will continue doing so until 2027. For the 2023 racing season, Quick-step have opted for the Tarmac SL7 as their weapon of choice. Which has already won multiple grand tour stages, the Vuelta Espana and the World Road Race Championships.
For 2023, the Tarmac SL7 has been kitted out with 12-speed Shimano Dura-ace groupsets, Specialized and Pro finishing kits, Specialized tyres and saddles, and they will be rolling on Roval wheels. With these combinations, the Tarmac SL7 could well have another Grand Tour win under its belt in 2023.
Soudal Quickstep are one of two World Tour teams to race onboard the Tarmac SL7 and this is no coincidence. The Specialized Tarmac SL7 is the ultimate road racing bike, and will conquer most road terrain. With a super lightweight frame, legendary Tarmac ride quality and handling, and aerodynamic profiling make the SL7 45 seconds faster over 40km than the previous Tarmac SL6 model.
The S-Works Tarmac SL7 may be the pro’s choice, and it can be yours too. Quick-step use the S-Works SL7 frame with FACT 12r carbon, however lower Specialized Tarmac models like the SL7 Comp use FACT 10r carbon which fewer weight savings but keep the same ride qualities and tube profiling. The main difference also comes with lower specification wheels and groupsets, which add a bit more grams in weight but do not take away the Tarmac’s lightweight characteristics.
