Professional Mechanics Community

Check Out These New Tools

Chris — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:15:28 +0000

Its show time and that means new tools are being debuted. Though the show is still a couple weeks away, we are starting to receive some tool announcements:

XTools - aimed toward fishermen, these tools are a great option for those who could use a floating wrench. You might not need it now but the next time it rains or your buddy asks you to help with his boat…

Calipers, ruler and pen in one - The Messograf is this and more. Check them out at Passion4Pens.

BucketVac - turns a 5 gallon bucket into shop vac.

New Inner/Outer reemer - Its time to unload my trusty red barrel reamer for one of these from Ridgid. More cutting surfaces and they don’t look as ‘cheap’.

It-Clips - not a tool but a way to turn used tubes into a tool, such as a strap to hold your gear together or keep your pants from falling off.

Spring loaded small parts holder - working on smaller parts, need an extra hand? Give this product from Micro-Mark a try.

NC crit week coming up

Bernard — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:32:53 +0000

Here are more opportunities for licensed mechanics to get some experience…The CrossRoads Classic (04-08 Aug) is a series of 5 criteriums around the Charlotte, NC/Winston-Salem, NC areas.The Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Crit is the evening of Saturday, 08 Aug in Charlotte, NCwhich is followed on Sunday, 09 Aug by the Hanes Park Crit in Winston-Salem, NC.Do a little Googling, find the start line and come see me! Look for the Red SRAM NRS Volvo XC70. Please don’t wear competing component manufacturers apparel if you want to work the pits! Looking forward to seeing a bunch of enthusiastic mechanics!!CheersBernard

Is your team ready for a ProTour license?

Chris — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:13:23 +0000

Five ProTour licenses expire this year. Think your team has the money and influence to earn one of those spots?

Now’s the time to find out. Send your application in to the UCI.

UCI offers Bicycle Technical Regulation Guide

Chris — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:05:39 +0000

The UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) just added a Practical Guide to Implementing the Technical Regulations for Bicycles to their website. What does this mean for you? They are hoping this will solve all your questions regarding frame dimensions, wheel sizes, aero profile shapes and the appropriate positions for aero bars.
So, now that this is out, we are assuming that the UCI is hoping that we can all:

stop producing bikes that are too aero
stop tilting your aero bars upward
stop placing your saddles too far forward
stop riding bikes that fit if you are very short or very tall
stop our bitching and just obey the rules

Let’s not dissapoint them. Download your copy, read the rules and OBEY!

Hurray for Team Mechanics pt 2

Chris — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:49:12 +0000

Many consider the ‘09 Giro was saved by Menchov’s team mechanic as seen in this video. Quoting VeloNews, “…every once in a while a team mechanic has an opportunity to shine on a large stage, and never has that been more apparent than during the final stage of last month’s Giro d’Italia.”
VeloNews recently posted an interview with Vincent Hendricks, the team mechanic for Rabobank who quickly jumped from the car and presented Menchov with a new bike allowing him to reduce the potential time loss and retain his overall lead in the Giro.

Rumor from Philly re: Regional Mechanics Clinic…

Bernard — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:10:21 +0000

Heard an interesting rumor while in Philly last week for the big race, there’s talk that a film crew is attending the upcoming NE Regional USA Cycling Mechanics Clinic (29-30 June 2009) to include footage of the Clinic for a documentary on race mechanics….might be a good reason to sign up!! I think there are still a few places open for the class.If this proves to be true, you don’t want to be the one who misses out….do you?!

Hurray for Team Mechanics!

Chris — Sun, 31 May 2009 20:08:03 +0000

.Today was the last stage of the ‘09 Giro and Menchov held a slight lead over Di Luca coming into the final time trial. Menchov is the last rider out on the course, a course with cobbles that are wet from periodic rain. With 1km to go, Menchov hits the deck. Knowing how important every second is to his rider, the team mechanic is out the door and pulling the spare bike off the roof before the car has stopped. Menchov barely has time to pick up his bike before the new bike arrives. He jumps on, the mechanic provides a great push and Menchov is able to save his race.
Though we don’t condone jumping out of the car, this was very smooth. He was even able to get the door closed during the process.
Check out the whole incident on YouTube

Reminder: Regional Mechanics Clinic coming soon…here’s the flyer again!!

Bernard — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:40:52 +0000

2009 Eastern Race Mechanics Clinic

Providence Rhode Island June 29^th and 30^th

9:00am to 5:ish pm

InstructorsMerlyn Townley – Category One Race MechanicButch Balzano – SRAM Neutral Race SupportJustin Koch – USA CyclingBernard Kocis - SRAM Neutral Race Support Some but not all of what you’ll learn• Neutral/Road/Mountain/Cyclo-cross support • Gluing tires • Washing • pit set-up • Working with athletes and staff • Wheel changes • Responsibilities of the team mechanic • What to expect on the road • Driving in a bicycle race Apply what you learnApply what you learn at the clinic working for the SRAM Neutral Race Service in the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic Stage Race 7/3 thru 7/6. (This is not part of the clinic but an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, experience and exposure at one of New England’s premiere cycling events.)Cost$200 for this two day clinic. Price includes Race Mechanics Guide and lunch both days. It does not include the cost of the license itself. Payments for the clinic are to be made in advance and are non-refundable. Directions3 Steeple Street, 125 Canal St, Providence, RI 02903 www.3SteepleStreet.com For more information and to sign up, please contactMerlyn Townleywhereismerlyn@gmail .com All students must have a minimum of 3 years shop experience.

Philly gig…

Bernard — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:58:46 +0000

This notice (below) came to me through a Director reading this site, anyone able to respond please deal directly with the team, good luck, good racing!!Bernard I am looking for a race mechanic to work for Team Lip Smacker for the upcoming Liberty Classic in Philadelphia, PA. It would involve looking over bikes on the evening of Sat., June 6th and then working the race on Sunday, June 7th. We have a small budget so we are hoping to find someone local so that we can limit travel costs, but we would consider bringing someone in for the race as well. Pay would be $100 (I wish I could offer more) for the weekend and there is the potential to work with the team at future races.Could you pass this on to anyone who you think might be interested?Thanks,MissyMissy ThompsonDirector SportifLip Smacker Professional Women’s Cycling Team720-938-3973missy_thompson@mac.com

Link: Tools of the ProTour Mechanics

Chris — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:13:26 +0000

Lennard Zinn of Velonews provides some insight on the types, size and layout of team trucks at the Giro.