The bikes of the Germans: The Cube Litening Aero C:68X SLT by Georg Zimmermann

Eight German racing drivers are competing in this year's Tour de France. Over the course of the Tour of France, we will be presenting their racing bikes. We start with the Cube Litening Aero C:68X SLT from Georg Zimmermann (Intermarche-Wanty), whose team-mate Biniam Girmay won stage 3 on Monday.

Equipment of the Cube Litening Aero C:68X SLT by Georg Zimmermann

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 54/40, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm)
• Impellers: Newmen Streem A.49/A.54
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT TR (28 mm)
• Handlebars: Cube ICR Aero Cockpit (380 mm/130 mm)
• Computer: Bryton Rider S800
• Saddle: Prologo Dimension
• Pedals: Look Keo Blade Ceramic
• Frame size: 56

Georg Zimmermann can choose between two models

The 26-year-old from Augsburg can choose between two bikes at Intermarche-Wanty: Cube is providing the Belgian team with the aerodynamically optimised Litening Aero C:68X and the lighter Litening Air C:68X. We scrutinised the aero model on which Zimmermann rode the difficult opening stage and crossed the finish line with the peloton.

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>> The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 by Nico Denz

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>> The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 by Primoz Roglic

The Litening Aero may be a little older, but it is one of the faster bikes in the World Tour. A simpler version impressed in the TOUR test with 207 watts. The basis for the top aerodynamics is the frameset, in particular the wasp-waisted head tube and the flat cockpit. Zimmermann, who is aiming for his first stage win in his fourth Tour participation, rides the handlebar-stem combination with a width of 380 millimetres and a stem length of 130 millimetres.

Newmen wheels on the Cube by Georg Zimmermann

The full carbon wheels with knife spokes, which also come from a German manufacturer, are a highlight: The Newmen Streem have two rims of different heights (49/54 millimetres) and are quite voluminous with a rim width of 24 millimetres. As a result, the nominally 28 millimetre wide time trial tyre from Continental on Zimmermann's bike expands significantly further and should improve aero performance in combination with the wheel.

The Grand Prix 5000 TT TR is filled with a sealant from the Swiss specialist Effeto Mariposo. As the stickers on the rims reveal, the mechanics use 50 millilitres per tyre. The valves are "hidden" in the carbon rims. There are few surprises in the drivetrain: like many riders at the start, Zimmermann combined a 54/40 racing crank with an 11-34 cassette from Dura-Ace. Including a power meter, whose data the Augsburg-based rider reads off a Bryton computer.

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