I believe the chainring is a 30 tooth, combined with only 6 gears out back(the smallest gear being an 11 tooth!). There was an article not long ago about the monster engergy specialized team prototyping their new 6 speed drivetrain. On another note; amazing photo!
hmm... well it must be good. its just wierd seeing that, considering that its almost a marketing thing to not have black stantions. i doubt the color even matters anyways, its not like every coating has to have color to it.