The Garmin-Barracuda team has an advantage most other teams don’t: three different road bikes at their disposal. The team trailer has a smattering of  the aero S5’s, R5 VWD’s, and the much-coveted R5ca. Dave Zabriskie may switch between the S5 and the lighter R5 VWD (pictured) depending on the stage.  


Zabriskie’s R5 VWD uses round chainrings on his Rotor crank, rather than the oval Q-Rings. Since he knows a few things about improving aerodynamics, he opts for the aero (and stiffer) spider that is found on the time trial bikes. No, the Garmin pedals are not the anticipated versions with the internal power meter.


No doubt that Di2 specific cable routing on the  R5 VWD would do visual wonders for the frame. Removing the unused derailleur cable stops would improve aesthetics and even drop a few grams in weight.


Aussie speedster Robbie McEwen and the Orica GreenEdge team make their debut at Amgen Tour of California. Their Scott Foil bikes feature Prologo saddles, with nearly everything else being from Shimano.

McEwen uses the sprinter shifters on the inside of the handlebars, just below the hoods. The satellite shifter gives him the ability to shift the rear derailleur with his thumb while sprinting in the drops.

Orica GreenEdge had a pair of prototype Dura-Ace wheels that were going on McEwen’s bike. The most noticeable update to the wheels is at the hubs, which see much of the material around the flanges removed to shed weight.
 

The rear hub uses a similar cut out flange on the non-driveside. Bladed spokes are still used, with a radial non-driveside pattern and 2x on the driveside. By the looks of the 27 tooth large cog, McEwen is a little nervous about the California climbs.

The plain wrapped Shimano carbon tubulars are mounted with Continental tires.

All of the UnitedHealthcare NeilPryde bikes had the new stainless steel number plate holders from the guys that made the chain catchers cool, K-Edge. A few of the UHC riders had the 2012 SRAM Red groups, including Rory Sutherland and Marc DeMaar.