Orica-GreenEdge mechanics have a custom tool for replicating cleat position on multiple pairs of shoes for a rider - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
First, the old pair of shoes is clipped into the pedals, and a system of Allen bolts are dialed in - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Along with a set of calipers, the mechanics set points of reference fore, aft and laterally - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Then new pairs of shoes are mounted up with cleats, with the bolts not quite tight - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
We weren't the only ones interested in watching the process - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Then a new pair of shoes are clipped into the pedals, and once all the reference points line up, the cleats are tightened down - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
While this system does assume that multiple shoes will have identical outsoles, it seem to be a great way to replicate cleat position - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
While some riders like to double check mechanics' work with a tape measure… - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
…most mechanics prefer more exacting measurement tools - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
When it comes to brand of tools, teams are split. Some have tool sponsors for everything, and some allow or require mechanics to furnish their own tools - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
At Tinkoff-Saxo, there is no tool sponsor, which mechanic Rune Kristensen says is a great thing because he can use what he wants, like this Feedback Sports Sprint stand - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Kristensen shows off a common tool for measuring from the bottom bracket - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Kristensen's favorite tools? That's easy: his preset torque wrench - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Tinkoff-Saxo is sponsored by SRAM, but keeps FSA rings on hand, too - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Although not used as commonly as cycling-specific tools like Allen keys or air pumps, the vice has clearly seen plenty of service over the years - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
The Tinkoff-Saxo grinder? Kristensen can't remember the last time it was used, but it's bolted to the truck's workbench, so there it stays - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
When you are airing up dozens of tubulars a day, a floor pump just doesn't cut it - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Color-coded Allen keys help maximize efficiency - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Mechanics are tasked with top visual presentation of the machines as well as top mechanical performance, so a mobile washing station is a must - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
From 34 to 56t, FDJ.fr mechanics have rings for every type of course - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
A BMC mechanic's Park Tool box - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A box of spare Shimano cassettes - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A Cannondale mechanic's individual tool bag - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A case that looks like it's been around for some years - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A rather more old school angle finder and a hole punch for fitting frame numbers - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A Ritchey Torque Key and rear derailleur hanger straightening tool are everyday essentials - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Amongst this Astana mechanic's tool case is a fork dropout on a wire for setting the QR gaps on spare wheels and assisting a faster change - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A neatly laid-out tool case - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
BMC's Bikesettings jig ready for action - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Checking the angle of a rider's drops - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A clever folding tool kit beneath a map of this year's Tour on AG2R's truck - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A Lotto-Belisol mechanic's bike setup bible - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A no-nonsense torque wrench and traditional chain checkers - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A part-glued tubular rim on Astana's truck and vast selection of stems - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A plastic bottle for applying a thin bead of glue, and a paint brush to spread it evenly - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
A pro mechanic's setup for bulk tubular gluing - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Close up of the Lotto bike fitting jig - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Giant-Shimano use their Bikesettings.com jig to fine tune rider's setup - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
It appears Astana even polish their bikes - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Just in case you were in any doubt. BMC's Ian Sherburne doesn't plan to lose this wrench - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Lotto Belisol's mechanics have a freestanding bike position jig - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Mechanic's musical taste - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Movistar had yet another variant of position-setting jig - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Only the finest natural sponges for bike washing - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Plenty of bike wash - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Specialized work requires specialized tools - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Want to venture a guess at the retail value for these stacks of Shimano Dura-Ace casssettes? - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
BMC's Ian Sherburne dials in the lever position - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Gluing tubulars is a job best done outside in fresh air - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Movistar mechanics have a tidy solution for organising Campagnolo cassettes - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Spare Campagnolo chain rings on Movistar's truck - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
The rear seat of Movistar's team car. Just add a mechanic - although we're not sure where - and you're all set - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Top mechanics even keep notes of every rider's preferred saddle angle - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Two more Cannondale mechanics display highly individual customised tool cases - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
Two Park Tool cases, two completely individual outfits - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
When you need to dial every setting correctly in to each one of these, a laptop can come in handy - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
At the Tour de France, team mechanics’ roles require a few skills: logistics, presentation and, yes, wrenching quickly and competently on scores of bikes.
As with tactics for a race, each team cooks up its own strategy for dealing with the seemingly endless array of moving parts. Most teams mix a blend of old school and new school techniques, from storing rider measurements and parts inventories on digital spreadsheets to applying tubular glue by hand.
Some of the most interesting tools are those custom-made for particular jobs, such as the jig Orica-GreenEdge uses for replicating cleat positioning on multiple pairs of shoes for a given rider. If you have ever been frustrated by getting a new pair of shoes and struggling to get the cleats just right, then you can sympathise with a pro rider not wanting to deal with this scenario mid-race.
Even relatively straightforward tasks like measuring saddle height have dedicated tools. While most amateur riders — and even some pros — will settle for a tape measure, pro mechanics need something more exacting, so metal rods that anchor at the bottom bracket and clamp down atop the saddle are used.
Kristensen shows off a common tool for measuring from the bottom bracket: - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
You might be content to measure saddle height with a tape measure. Tinkoff-Saxo's Rune Kristensen is not
BikeSettings.com makes a few frame jigs that are popular with pro mechanics for measuring X and Y axis points on a bike.
At BMC, mechanic Ian Sherburne uses digital angle gauges, among other tools, to dial in riders’ exact preferences, and ensure that the spare second and third bikes match the primary bikes in every way.
Checking the angle of a rider's drops: - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
BMC's Ian Sherburne doesn't 'eyeball' angles; he measures them
For the more straightforward tools, such as Allen keys, chain whips and the like, Tour de France mechanics fall mostly into one of two camps: use everything provided by a sponsor, or pack their own.
“For Tinkoff-Saxo, we choose not to have a tool sponsor so we can choose our own based on what we need and what we prefer,” said mechanic Rune Kristensen. “Each mechanic has his own private tools.”
For Kristensen, whose toolbox contains a mix of brands, his favourite tool is easy to name: the preset torque wrench.
Some mechanics always have a tidy organisation for their toolboxes; others are a bit more jumbled. But one universal rule always applies: never touch the mechanic’s tools.
Check out the huge gallery above for a detailed look at many of the tricks of the trade employed at the Tour de France.
Just in case you were in any doubt. bmc's ian sherburne doesn't plan to lose this wrench: - Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
What type of tool is this, you ask? Not yours, that's what
Ben Delaney is a journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for and editing some of the biggest publications in cycling. Having studied journalism at the University of New Mexico, Ben has worked for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, VeloNews and BikeRadar. He has also previously worked as Global Brand Communications Manager for Specialized. Ben covers all things road and gravel, and can be found logging big miles in the Rocky Mountains that nestle alongside his home in Boulder, Colorado. He has covered the most important bike races in the sport, from the Tour de France and Tour of Flanders, to the Unbound gravel race, and specialises in tech content, showcasing what the pros are riding and putting everyday equipment through its paces.
This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
