meet the mechanics

# 01
FREE
THE
MAINTENANCE
ISSUE
A publication by Madison & Sportline
TEAM
SKY
ALAN WILLIAMS
INTERVIEW
MEET THE
MECHANICS
SAM HAYES & ALEX LOVETT
PLUS CHANCE TO WIN A TOOL KIT WORTH £100!
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Pr o u d t o o l s u p p l i e r to th e s e to u r te a m s a n d thei r m echani cs :
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WELCOME
A new beginning
1
“WELL
HELLO,
ISSUE
ONE”
Welcome to the very first issue of
Sports Etc.
This bimonthly paper will be covering a
range of sporting subjects and trending
topics across the cycling spectrum as well as
featuring exclusive interviews, and behindthe-scenes content from some of the biggest
brands, teams and events.
There’s nothing quite like the feel of a printed
paper between your fingers as you take in the
latest news and whether you flick through and
check out some imagery or take your time
and read through some of our more in-depth
features, we hope this will sate your appetite
for some two-wheeled news.
Pioneered by Madison and Sportline, two of
the largest cycling distributors in the UK &
Ireland, each issue will be showcasing specific
brands based on a theme. As such, we’d very
much like to once again welcome you to
Sports Etc, the Maintenance Issue…
˜
INTERVIEW
TEAM SKY MECHANIC
Quizzing the Team Sky mechanic Alan Williams.
Alan Williams has been a bike technician to
the pros for over six years. Sitting down with
him gave us a unique opportunity to get his
opinion on all things maintenance.
What’s the best way to become a bike mechanic?
The best way to become a mechanic I think is
to do a course so you know the fundamentals
then work in a good bike shop because the shop
I worked in (NWMTB) taught me everything.
You need to try and get to some races and get
you’re head around, I worked for free for around
half a year before I got noticed.
What part of your job do you like the most?
What I like most about my job is the people I
work with and I don’t just mean the riders, the
staff we have in the team are amazing and you
learn everyday.
How many mechanics go to the Tour de France
with Team Sky? Well we have four mechanics
on the Tour but we also have a Jaguar mechanic
and for the Roubaix stage this year we have one
mechanic looking after all that side.
How many bikes does each rider have for the
Tour? Each rider will have 7 Pinarello bikes, 3
x F8, 2 x K8-S (for the Roubaix stage) and 2 x
Bolide (TT bike).
EXPLORE
PEDAL
A BIKE
AWAY
One for your bicycle bucket-list.
Based in the beautiful and historic Forest of
Dean, Pedalabikeaway is tucked away at the
heart of a thriving trail network.
It may not seem like much; a small red bricked
building containing a café serving organic and
locally roasted coffee, a shop with the latest gear
and a workshop space filled top-to-bottom with
equipment, but beyond the dusty car park is
miles-upon-miles of fantastic natural singletrack.
Take a trip round the award winning blue
Verderer’s Trail (11km) and the newly extended
red graded Freeminer’s route (10km) or ask the
shop hands at Pedalbikaway for a nugget of
legendary local trail knowledge that will keep
you smiling for miles. If you’re heading into
Wales for a weekend of riding, be sure to stop off
on the way and explore.
˜
Which rider requires the most mechanical
adjustments? All of the riders are good actually,
we do most of our changes in the training
camps. But obviously when coming to big races
we do change a little but nothing major.
“I worked for free for
around half a year before
I got noticed.”
How long does it take to prepare the bikes every
morning/night? Well to prepare the bikes in the
morning doesn’t take too long as we are usually
just pumping the tyres, applying chain lube and
making sure the Stages power meters are paired
with the Garmins. All the work is done in the
evening after the stage and that usually takes
around 30 minutes per bike. We have specific
riders to look after, usually three riders each as
the fourth mechanic is washing the bikes but we
rotate throughout the Tour.
What do you think of disc brakes on road racing
bikes? I think it has to go to disc brakes because
we want the equipment to get better and better.
It certainly will change it from a mechanics point
of view when in the car because I don’t think
there will be wheel changes anymore when there
is puncture it will be a straight bike change. But
for me coming from a MTB background I think
its great that they are doing it!
What’s the secret for a fast wheel/bike change
during a stage? Secret for a wheel change is just
to stay calm and remember ‘you can only do
what you can do’, even if the rider is stressed it
won’t help you being stressed as well. But you get
used to that with experience.
What’s your favourite part of the TdF? The Tour
is very special to do, but for sure the best part is
being in Paris with all the team knowing you’ve
finished - haha!
˜
What is your most useful tool? The most useful
tool I would say is the new Park Tool torque keys
we just got - they make the job a lot quicker!
DEBATE
DON’T BUY
CHEAP TOOLS
Real world testing from the toolbox.
Once bitten, twice shy; most of us can relate to
rounded off bolt heads, bent chain whips and
swathes of cheap metal embedding themselves
in your fingertips as you battle with the
“supermarket special” tool kit. Does paying
extra really make a dramatic difference though?
Yes and no it would seem… in a recent article by
Bikeradar, a wide range (20) of 5mm hex keys
from different brands were put to the test with a
micrometer to measure the spacing of each tool.
The findings threw up some interesting (read: not
good!) surprises from trusted brands however for
the most part the cheaper Chinese options are the
clear losers whilst the US made and European tools
are often superior. Park Tool was one of the standout winners with a mean average tolerance of
4.994 mm and this is reflected in the history and
passion that goes into making each and every tool.
You can check out the rest of the results and
conclusions that Bikeradar came to here:
www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/article/home-wrenchdont-buy-the-cheapest-tools-44468
˜
#01 THE MAINTENANCE ISSUE
CLASSIFIED
PARK TOOL FACTORY
An inside look at the industry’s largest, and bluest, tool manufacturer.
Park Tool has been manufacturing bicycle specific tools since 1963. Based out of St. Paul Minnesota, they are the world’s largest
bicycle tool manufacturer. A long-term dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service has made Park Tool the first
choice of professional and home bicycle mechanics around the world. Park Tool still produces most of its tools, (85% to be exact)
right in its 45,000 square-foot facility.
Q&A
HANK KRAUSE
˜
| The world famous
spoke wrenches being
hand ground and
individually inspected
in the factory. Next step
plating then dipping.
Our pick of
the latest new
products from
Park Tool &
Finish Line.
CEO of Finish Line USA
What is your all time favourite Finish Line
Product? It has to be our Teflon® Dry Lube.
When I formulated this product, I knew it
was special, and to this day, it is still our bestselling lubricant. For two years Teflon Dry
was our only product.
~ The first production
repair stand model PRS-1
circa 1963. Made in
various forms until 1980.
Park Tool were granted
the first U.S. patent on
the clamp. Notice the cast
iron base that says: Hazel
Park Cycle Center, later
shortened to Park Tool.
CP-1
Cassette Pliers
| Author Calvin
Jones poses with
the first shipment
of the BBB-3
Big Blue Book of
Bicycle Repair.
~ Building and
calibrating the TS-2.2P,
a powder coated version
of the world famous
chrome truing stand.
| The Park Tool
warehouse - you can
see the bikes hanging
from the ceiling.
E-Shift Electronic
Groupset Cleaner
Is Finish Line still a family business? I started
Finish Line 27 years ago. In our fifth year,
I hired my Dad. He was a great guy but
unfortunately, he passed away four years ago.
Then in 2014 I hired my daughter who now
works in our product development team.
How do I work out what lube is best for
me? We have an interactive tool on our
website, but please know that no one bike
lubricant can do everything perfectly. The
considerations include: miles per application,
water repellency, attraction & absorption
of grit & grime, rust and corrosion control,
ease of applying, ability to dampen drivetrain
noise and shifting feel.
Do you still own a 1876 Hodgson High
Wheel? Yes it’s a collector’s item. My kids
will one day inherit it and perhaps they will
sell it and throw a big party to celebrate.
~ Park Tool vending machine
TIMELINE
AS TIME GOES BY
Red cap evolution.
We take a look back at the iconic Finish Line Dry Lube and
how the packaging has visually evolved over the years against a
comparision of iconic bikes from the same eras.
˜
Who is your favourite bike racer of all time
and why? Greg LeMond, he won his first
tour in 1986 and I began Finish Line in
1988. We were lucky enough to get our logo
on his jersey in 1990. Greg really helped the
bike industry in the US gain traction and by
extension, he did the same for Finish Line.
“Don’t be a
fool, use the
right Tool!”
IR1 - Internal Cable Routing Kit
Take the guesswork out of installing internal
cables, wires, and housing with Park Tool’s
Internal Cable Routing Kit.
DH-1
Dummy Hub
Steve Goodwin, Madison Technical Manager
1995
2005
2015
“Back in the day you would always be on the
lookout for the next idea of how to get cables
through, we would even plug every hole in the
frame and airblast a thread of cotton through!
Every bike is different and the IR1 Kit makes it
so simple and quick, any bike at any angle will
work.”
˜
No Drip Chain
Luber Combo
1988
(Original Packaging)
INSIDE STORIES
Enjoy the read...
MEET & GREET
MEET THE MECHANICS
Behind the scenes with two of the team mechanics.
Sam Hayes
Head Mechanic for Madison Genesis
No longer a fresh face with the Madison
Genesis team, Sam Hayes has been enjoying
his first two years with the UCI Continental
outfit as they travel the length and breadth
of the UK (with the occasional jaunt across
the channel). Not content with sitting back
after a long day of preparing bikes and some
of the quickest wheel changes this side of the
Thames (he’s from Henley!), Sam takes to
the roads himself, even occasionally with the
team. Here’s what Sam had to say…
winning them!) but I’m constantly washing bikes
and the MGT motor home (it’s big) so it’s not
all gravy!
My name is Sam Hayes and I’m the Head
Mechanic with the Madison Genesis Pro
Cycling Team. My role with the team is to
build, maintain, and repair the 42 road bikes
and 14 time trial/track bikes the team race on
throughout the year.
Top Tip – always carry a few Park Tool P-Handle
Allen Keys. They are fantastically accurate tools
in a wide range of sizes and you’ll be the most
popular guy around when you can provide one
in a flash.
“...but I’m constantly
washing bikes and the
MGT motor home (it’s
big) so it’s not all gravy!”
˜
Alex Lovett
Team Mechanic for Madison Saracen
Hi, my name’s Alex Lovett and I’m the team
mechanic for the Madison Saracen Factory Race
Team. I’ve been spannering professionally for
about seven years but I’ve been fixing things for
as long as I can remember!
The worst bit is not getting to ride my bike so
much in the summer but I can’t complain! I have
to do a lot of travelling and I’m really looking
forward to the Val Di Sole World Cup round, it’s
the final round of the series and a great track, so
should make for some good racing.
“...I’ve been fixing things
for as long as I can
remember!”
What else did we uncover about Alex? When
he’s not fixing or polishing something, he loves
taking his Honda CBR1000 to track days and
getting his knee down. He also plays bass in a
band… well that is when he’s not on the road!
˜
Best bit of the job is having a role in getting the
best results possible for the riders on the team.
HOW TO
KEEP YOUR BIKE SAFE
‘Ride With Care’
Replace worn handlebar grips/tape.
Look for cracked joints in frame.
Adjust and tighten
handlebars
(6mm allen key).
Set angle and height of
saddle.
Align brake pads
with wheel rim and
test for stopping
power.
Repair loose
spokes.
SUSPENDERS
AND A BELT
Calvin Jones Park Tool’s chief
mechanic.
The newer style of “Chain Retaining Single
Rings” have a clever design specifically for
use in drivetrains with only one chainring
and a rear derailleur.
It’s been four years since I started working with
professional teams and the last two have been
with Madison Genesis. The best bit really is
traveling the world, being part of a great team
and taking part in professional cycle races (and
Alex Lovett is 24 years old. Always smiling,
always working hard. Incapable of sitting
down. He Loves fixing things and has an
attention to detail second to none. He’s
spent four years with the Madison Saracen
Factory Race Team and has helped Manon
Carpenter to multiple race wins including
the 2014 Downhill World Cup title and the
World Championships. He also helped Matt
Simmonds get his first Elite Men’s podium in
a World Cup race, a first also for the Saracen
Myst DH bike, which he has been a key part
in developing with his feedback from the field.
Let’s hear from the man himself!
CALVIN’S COLUMN
ADAPT
From 20 to 1.
Introducing
the Eccentric,
Interference Fit
Bottom Bracket
range from Colorado
machine house Wheels
Manufacturing, which
allows adjustment of
your chain length on
bikes with vertical
dropouts.
They use dual-width tooth profiles, alternating
between narrow (or “normal,” as if for a double
or triple crankset) and wide teeth around the
edge of the chainring. The narrow teeth fit
between chain links with two inner plates,
while the wide teeth fit the chain links with
two outer plates.
Narrow-wide chainrings have become more
popular over time, with several companies now
producing them. The wide teeth seem to just
grab the chain - you can almost hear the chain
pop or snap into place as you pedal. In the
right conditions, these special rings do appear
to work correctly.
Even when conditions are rough and the chain
is bouncing up and down and left to right, the
narrow-wide chainrings seem to work pretty
well. However, when these conditions are
combined with mud, the chainrings can fail to
hold the chain. This is especially so when mud
contains clay, which tends to be very sticky.
With clay and mud built up at the chainring,
the rollers rise up slightly, and if this occurs
just as a bump is hit, the chain can rise up
further and then slip off.
For the most secure riding where you want
to take no chances, these narrow-wide rings
should be used with a chain guide. Running
a traditional narrow ring with a guide is not
enough. Running the narrow-wide ring alone
may not be enough. If you want the best
chain-to-chainring engagement at all times,
run both - like wearing suspenders and a belt.
˜
˜
Inspect tyre
valve.
Inflate tyres to
correct air pressure.
Look for weak links, adjust
tension and clean and
lubricate chain.
Use a 15mm spanner to
check wheel hubs are
tightly bolted on.
Tighten quick-release by hand or
locknuts with a 15mm wrench.
#01 THE MAINTENANCE ISSUE
TEAM PAGE
The latest reports and results
MADISON GENESIS
PEARL IZUMI TOUR SERIES CHAMPIONS
A look back at the 2015 Tour Series.
After four weeks, 10 rounds and countless
hours of preparation and racing, Madison
Genesis were delighted to be crowned
champions of the 2015 Pearl Izumi Tour
Series in Bath, Somerset.
Six team wins over the series secured the overall
title but only by a handful of points from
second place team, ONE Pro Cycling who were
level on points going into the final round. The
consistency and determination of the riders saw
them rise to the challenge and secure victory in
what was a fast and frantic race in the heart of
Bath.
Team Manager Roger Hammond:
“Wow, what a series! It has been really great to
have been a part of that. Thank you to all the
spectators and fans that came out to all of the
venues and created the electric atmospheres that
makes this series so unique. It’s been a really hard
few weeks both physically and emotionally for
the entire team, but to see how enthusiastically
“I’m hugely proud
of the way the
team rode; in times
of adversity they
never gave up...”
we were supported by the public definitely made
the sacrifices worthwhile! I’m hugely proud of
the way the team rode; in times of adversity
they never gave up, fighting to the bitter end, in
what at times looked like fruitless tasks but their
passion eventually reaped the rewards they so
richly deserved.”
˜
MADISON
SARACEN
WORLD CUP
Swiss surprise.
Lenzerheide, Switzerland, a new venue for the
World Cup and a new track for the riders to
tame. We were all looking forward to this one
and it didn’t disappoint, from the drive into
the mountains to the high speed track that
had a little of everything.
In the women’s race Manon Carpenter had a
great run, crossing the line without a mistake
was a relief for the 2014 World Champion after
the Leogang mishap; she did that and more
though with a fine second place to add to her
World Cup podium tally.
For Matt Simmonds and Sam Dale it was a
tough day, fighting to carry speed as the rocks
and roost morphed into one and the fastest way
down the hill evolved through the day. Again the
times in the men were close and Matt managed
to hang on for 22nd place and despite a slide out
and meeting with a tree, Sam slipped into 33rd.
˜
INSIGHT
DAME SARAH
STOREY
And the Pearl Izumi Sports
Tours International Team.
Q&A
MATT JONES
The pro mountain biker speaks.
Aged just 20, he’s at the forefront of the
mountain bike slopestyle scene, where huge
drops, big air and technical tricks come as
standard.
How do you deal with the fear factor when
pushing your riding to the next level?
Sometimes I have mental blocks with
dialling new tricks but most of the time my
motivation to progress is enough to look past
the fear of crashing.
Who is your inspiration? Glen Coe was my
inspiration to get into dirt jumping when
I was 9 or 10, but since then Dane Searls
has been a huge inspiration from the BMX
industry to push the limits of MTB.
Are you superstitious (do you wear lucky pants
when you compete)? If I’m on the podium at a
few contests then I try to keep a consistent set
up but that’s about it!
What’s the coolest event you’ve been invited
to thanks to your RedBull sponsorship?
GoodWood Festival of Speed is an event I was
really looking forward to this year! A whole
weekend of fast cars and riding fun jumps.
Where is your favourite jump in the world?
Gorge Road trails in Queenstown New
Zealand are by far my favourite jumps! There
are countless lines and transfers and they’re all
completely perfect.
What would you do if you couldn’t ride bikes
anymore? Build jumps..
Set up by Dame Sarah Storey and Barney
Storey and run by the “not for profit”
organisation Podium Ambition, the Pearl
Izumi Sports Tours International Cycling
Team is riding in aid of and to raise awareness
for Boot Out Breast Cancer.
The team aims to raise awareness of the charity
by taking the message around the country as
they race and also aims to help raise funds by
donating from the profits of the goods the
team has designed for use by the riders, fans of
the team and supporters of the charity.
The cycling team is made up of 11 female
riders and each of them has their own reasons
to support the work of Boot Out Breast
Cancer alongside their personal goals of
furthering their cycling career.
˜
RANDOM
Just a little bit of fun
THE
MADISON
Wheels Manufacturing produce
a huge range of Bottom Bracket
solutions. This one converts your
PF30 frame to take Shimano
cranks. No adaptors = no creaks!
FACTS
BY
NUMBERS
5 THINGS
YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Tour
De France
RIDER: JAMES HARDS
JOB TITLE: MARKETING
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
About this picture...until we told you!
1
Later this day Voigt was
presented with the polka-dot
jersey by Prince Harry for his
Stage 1 attack in 2014’s Tour.
2
The Belkin rider, Steven
Kruijswijk is clearly working
up the courage to ask for a
selfie.
3
STEED: GENESIS LONGITUDE
4
Jens has no shadow in this
picture. He dropped it during
the stage..
5
The Trek mechanic is
confirming Voigt cassette
request 11-11-11-11-11-1111-11-11-11-12.
My first ride on the Genesis Longitude was
around the block at approx. 11:30pm. The
second ride was the next day at 8:00am and
consisted of 270 off road miles and approx
15,000ft of elevation over four days!
Kitted up with frame bags, a saddle pack
and enough banana malt loaf to last several
millennia, my brother and I rode from Streatly
to Swanage and then back again taking in the
Ridgeway, Avesbusy, Stonehenge, Salisbury,
Swanage, Bournemouth and the New Forest.
˜
Voigt is 42 here. He later
retired the day after his 43rd
birthday, he’s now undertaking
a coaching and motivational
role at Trek.
No major incidents and plenty of adventures,
time to start planning the next one…
Frame: Genesis Mjölnir Seamless DoubleButted Cromoly, Fork: Double-Butted Cr-Mo
Unicrown Disc, Colour: Olive Green, Weight:
13.09kg (17.5” w/o pedals), Chainset: Shimano
FC-M612 40/30/22T, Cassette: Shimano CSHG50 11-36T, Tyres: Continental X-King, 29x
2.4” FB.
Calendar
EUROBIKE 2015
26th - 29th August
Aviva Tour of Britain
6th - 13th September
UCI MTB World Champs
31st August - 6th Sept
Cycle Show 2015
24th - 27th September
tdf Crossword
˜
Difficulty Rating
2
1
3
4
5
7
6
9
8
11
13
15
18
19
20
Get in touch: [email protected]
10
12
14
16
FLEET
17
Down
1. Helpful Blue (4,4)
2. Number of Rest Days in Tdf (3)
4. Co-Title With Alpecin (5)
5. Often Blue (3)
7. Famous Red and Black (3)
10. Tdf First Director (9)
11. The Cannibal (6)
12. Spanish Beefeater (8)
14. Mountains (4)
15. Pinot’s Jersey 2014 (5)
17. Capital of Kazakhstan (6)
18. Mountain Pass (3)
Across
1. Bunch (5)
3. Sir Brad (7)
6. Elite (3)
8. Grand Depart 2015 (7)
9. Ventilateur (3)
13. 2012 Scandal (5,9)
16. Marcel Unwell (4)
19. Women’s One Day Race (2,6)
20. Belgium Team (5,6)
Win!
PARK TOOL
AK40 - ADVANCED
MECHANIC TOOL KIT
Enter online at www.madison.co.uk/sportsetc
“What is Team Sky Mechanic Alan Williams’ most useful tool?”
Supply your email address and a few other details. The winner will be
notified by the beginning of September. Terms and conditions apply, see
online for further information.
˜
#01 THE MAINTENANCE ISSUE
RACE PROVEN
BIKE CARE
Sort Out Your Bike With The Latest
Products From Finish Line ➾
F I N I S H L I N E P R O U D LY S U P P O R T S