Human Powered Health will race across the 20 cobbled sectors of Paris-Roubaix Femmes atop the Factor MONZA road bike. Two of the bikes, those of Lily Williams and Maggie Coles-Lyster, carry a spectacular special-edition paint job from Belgian graphic artist, the world-renowned VEXX.
MONZA reflects its racing pedigree through a refined, streamlined design built for elite performance in the toughest conditions. Engineered for high-speed efficiency, it combines WorldTour-level handling, aerodynamics, and stiffness with exceptional durability. Nowhere is this more critical than Paris–Roubaix, where unpredictable cobbled sectors demand both power transfer and control.
Some may say it’s a gimmick to go with this profile of road bike, but those people haven’t been paying very close attention, as Human Powered Health riders quickly identified it as the fastest option across the cobbles during recon rides.
“Having some experience with the cobbles of Roubaix myself, I can confirm that the compliance of the MONZA in the right areas, combined with its stiffness and aerodynamics, gives even me a completely new experience of what the cobbles of Roubaix feel like,” said Magnus Bäckstedt, Head of Race… also he won Roubaix in 2004.
This Roubaix-specific edition features a striking collaboration with Belgian artist VEXX, known for his intricate, energetic doodle style. Inspired by cycling’s cultural roots and iconic races, his design transforms the bike into a dynamic visual expression of the cobbles’ intensity to blend motion, chaos, and precision.
The project brings art into professional cycling in a rare and meaningful way, aligning creative iteration with engineering excellence. The athletes will carry this design, and a few more modifications, so that they are totally Roubaix-ready.
1. The right bike for the right occasion
The MONZA still covers the needs of our Women’s WorldTour riders, but balances it with a balanced carbon lay-up that delivers stiffness where needed while maintaining composure and compliance over rough terrain. Its ability to absorb harsh impacts while preserving speed offers a distinctly improved experience, even for seasoned Roubaix veterans.
2. Chainring
Immediately obvious is the SRAM RED AXS E1 Aero front chainring. Using a 1x chainring at Roubaix is all the rage. With one single ring at the front, SRAM has built chain retention features into the system, and losing the small ring improves weight and aerodynamics. Simply, the cobbles, not the hills, are the challenge at Roubaix, so a smaller inner ring is just not needed. Also, it looks great.
3. Wheelset
A Black Inc FIFTY EIGHT wheelset will be used with durable 24 Aero Butted straight pull spokes rather than carbon, to better cope with the infamous rough conditions.
4. Tires
Vittoria Corsa Pro Control 34mm tires with a medium insert ensures maximum puncture protection. The size and rolling resistance mean that the bike can perform at its best on both the cobbles and the important road sections that connect each sector.
5. Tire pressure
Shhh, we can’t tell you. However, tire pressures are paramount. Unique to each athlete, finding the perfect line between comfort, puncture resistance and rolling speed on the tarmac, is a question we answer after months of preparations and recons.
6. Pedals
Running Wahoo Speedplay-style pedals means it’s easy to clip in and out, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Whether you find yourself needing a bike change or unclipping to navigate a crash, the design helps keep things smooth and hassle-free.
7. Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V3
The Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V3 is the nerve center of the bike. Mapping, watts, heart rate, distances, pop-up messages and more are all readily accessible to the athlete. It’s great for the mindset too. Sometimes, when you need that extra push, that extra per cent to get you through a lactate-biting sector, controlling your controllables with accessible live data can make all the difference.
8. Chain Guide
A K-EDGE chain guide gives added assurance that the chain will not slip. It ensures that no chain falls off between the frame and the 1x front chainring. The chain guide is attached to the bolts of the water bottle and pushes a derailed chain back in place when you pedal, even if you have had an untimely dropped chain.
9. The effect
The power of VEXX’s beautiful design has been noticed by its pilots.
“I’m so motivated to show this special frame; it’s such an honor to ride with a piece of art, and I want to let it shine on Sunday,” says Lily Williams. “Having a specific Roubaix bike with the Monza is something special. The team has done many tests, and we can confirm that it’s the perfect bike for this race. It’s so comfortable, which pays dividends at the end of such an attritional race, and it rolls over the cobbles with ease.”
Full specifications
Frame: Toray®, Nippon Graphite® Pan-Based Fiber
Fork: MONZA Wide Stance Fork
Drivetrain: SRAM RED AXS E1 Aero
Power meter: Sram Quarq
Wheelset: Black Inc FIFTY EIGHT
Spokes: 24 Aero Butted straight pull
Barstem: Black Inc Integrated Barstem Reach 75mm, drop 116mm
Seatpost: 2026 Factor MONZA
Handlebar tape: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush – Star Fade – Neon Blue
Pedals: Wahoo Speedplay Zero
Tires: Corsa Pro Control 34mm with insert
Chain guide: K-EDGE 1x Race Chain Guide
Bottle cages: Black Inc integrated
Headset: CeramicSpeed SLT 1.5″ bearings
Front axle: 12 x 100mm thru-axle
Rear axle: 12 x 142mm thru-axle
Max tire clearance: 34mm Measured
Computer: Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V3
