Pro Bike: Jodie Swallow’s Storck Aero2
Don't be surprised if you see Jodie Swallow ride this machine into T2 in Abu Dhabi with a substantial lead.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Jodie Swallow, member of the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Team, is riding the team-issue Storck Aero2. Don’t be surprised if you see her ride this machine into T2 with a substantial lead. The 2010 Ironman 70.3 World Champion is a formidable swimmer/biker and she is finally healthy after struggling with injury through most of 2011.
Her Aero2 is equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 components, including an SRM power meter. Rather than using the steel bearing derailleur pulleys that come stock with Shimano Dura-Ace rear derailleurs, Swallow swapped to CeramicSpeed pulleys with, obviously, ceramic bearings. Other than those two unusual bits, Swallow’s Di2 kit is stock. Her battery is mounted to the back of the seatpost and the wire routes through the post, into the frame and pops out at the derailleurs and shifters. The wires connecting to the shifters dangle loosely beneath her stem.
She races on Xentis Mark 2 TT wheels. Instead of using standard tensioned spokes, these Euro-centric wheels have five solid carbon spokes connected to a deep rim that is similar in width to the Continental GP Attack tires.
Swallow rides aboard a Specialized Tri Tip SL Gel 50 saddle, even though Specialized has discontinued the product. The obviously worn saddle is slammed back as far as possible on the rails. The saddle clamp is positioned in the middle of the fore-aft adjustable clamp on the seatpost.
While almost all of her competition uses some kind of an aftermarket hydration accessory, Swallow has only two frame-mounted bottle cages to schlep her drink for the 200km bike leg. She has Speedplay Zero pedals.
Her steerer tube protrudes high above the integrated aerobar stem. Perhaps she has recently lowered her aerobars, but Swallow’s fork can definitely use a trim.