Because this jig locates off the front and rear axles it can be used on the workstand and doesn’t require flat ground
Astana’s mechanics not only have bikes to prep but race radios to hand out, too
Team mechanics carry their wares in a wide range of containers. Some use a soft-sided case like this
A big part of the bike mechanics’ duties is washing bikes. Wash, rinse, polish, repeat
Hard cases provide the most protection – and they can be locked for security – but they’re also heavy
This lightweight setup includes just the bare essentials
Mechanics frequently store tubular glue in big bottles with homemade, resealable nozzles
The bottle in the middle contains solvent, to keep glue brushes from hardening between tire installations
We saw more than one steerer tube being cut before the start of the Tour Down Under 2013
This aluminum sizing jig is impressively portable compared to some others we’ve seen
Quick-release clamps allow this sizing jig to be both assembled and disassembled in minutes
Saddle setbacks aren’t measured off the nose of the saddle. Instead, they’re referenced from where the saddle is a particular width
Rented minivans and roof racks meant using stepladders to retrieve bikes before the start of the stage
Number plate installation is practically an art in these circles. The ones used at the Tour Down Under are particularly thick and sturdy, meaning they’re also harder to cut and shape
Orica-GreenEdge mechanic Craig Geater preadjusts quick-release skewers on spare wheels to help ensure a fast change
Carbon dropouts supplied by Scott are the same as those used on Orica-GreenEdge team bikes, so if it fits here it’ll fit there
Race radios are given to each team by the race organizer
Team mechanics can’t always follow the team, so riders are usually equipped with kits to use in the event of a puncture
Radioshack Leopard’s tubular repair kit
Like many teams, Sky supplies its riders with a spare tubular and pump stuffed into a cut-off water bottle for training rides
This Cannondale rider uses a fully enclosed container specifically made for the task
This Euskaltel-Euskadi Orbea Orca is conveniently sized so that a full-length frame pump will fit
Another homemade, open-topped repair kit
This Sky mechanic’s toolbox is impressively neat and tidy
Note the toe straps attached to the handle of this tool box. While they’re almost never used for pedals these days, they’re awfully handy
This truing stand doesn’t look like much but it can be securely clamped to tables and works well for road wheels
Likewise, this repair stand won’t draw much attention, but it’s simple and durable
Because this jig locates off the front and rear axles it can be used on the workstand and doesn’t require flat ground
Team mechanics are the unsung heroes of the cycling world, performing their arduous and numerous tasks quietly and with little fanfare – in fact, they’re usually only noticed if things go wrong…
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BikeRadar has been at the 2013 Tour Down Under in Adelaide, Australia, this week, and as well as shooting a massive tech gallery we’ve taken a peek behind the scenes at some of the bits and pieces the race mechanics use to make sure the pros can concentrate on riding.
