Pro Bike: Francesco Moser's 1979 Paris-Roubaix De Rosa

A closer look at the De Rosa that Francesco Moser rode to victory in the 1979 Paris-Roubaix

francesco moser 1979 paris-roubaix de rosa bike

While modern pros will often switch onto special bikes for the unique demands of Paris-Roubaix, Moser just rode the same De Rosa that he used all year round

(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

The 1990s were crazy times for bike designs, and the unique demands of Paris-Roubaix pushed bike manufacturers further than ever. Steve Bauer tackled the 1993 Classics seasons on an Eddy Merckx bike with a 60 degree seat angle and a 110cm wheelbase, while Johann Museeuw rode the 1994 Hell of the North on a full suspension Bianchi - or at least he did until the rear suspension packed up with the subsequent slow bike change taking him out of the front group.

>>> Is road bike suspension just a gimmick?

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.