# 01FREE

THE MAINTENANCE

ISSUEA publication by Madison & Sportline

TEAMSKY ALAN WILLIAMSINTERVIEW

MEET THE MECHANICS

SAM HAYES & ALEX LOVETT

PLUS CHANCE TO WIN A TOOL KIT WORTH £100!

www.parktool.com© 2015 Park Tool Co.

PARK TOOL® and the color BLUE are registered trademarks of Park Tool Co.

Proud tool suppl ier to these tour teams and their mechanics :

Prepared.The EK-1 Travel and Event Kit for optimum race preparation.• The ultimate portable tool kit• Includes over 35 shop level tools• Compatible with BXB-2 Backpack Harness

“WELLHELLO,ISSUEONE”

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 behind-the-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…

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www.parktool.com

INTERVIEW

TEAM SKY MECHANICQuizzing 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).

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 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!

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!

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EXPLORE

PEDALA BIKEAWAYOne 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.

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DEBATE

DON’T BUYCHEAP TOOLSReal 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 stand-out 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-wrench-dont-buy-the-cheapest-tools-44468

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#01 THE MAINTENANCE ISSUE

WELCOMEA new beginning

DH-1Dummy Hub

No Drip Chain Luber Combo

| Th e world famous spoke wrenches being hand ground and individually inspected in the factory. Next step plating then dipping.

Q&AHANK KRAUSE

CEO of Finish Line USAWhat is your all time favourite Finish Line Product? It has to be our Tefl on® Dry Lube. When I formulated this product, I knew it was special, and to this day, it is still our best-selling lubricant. For two years Tefl on Dry was our only product.

Is Finish Line still a family business? I started Finish Line 27 years ago. In our fi fth year, I hired my Dad. He was a great guy but unfortunately, he passed away four years ago. Th en 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. Th e 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.

Who is your favourite bike racer of all time and why? Greg LeMond, he won his fi rst 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.

Our pick of the latest new products from Park Tool & Finish Line.

IR1 - Internal Cable Routing KitTake the guesswork out of installing internal cables, wires, and housing with Park Tool’s Internal Cable Routing Kit.

Steve Goodwin, Madison Technical Manager

“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.”

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~ Park Tool vending machine

~ Th e fi rst production repair stand model PRS-1 circa 1963. Made in various forms until 1980. Park Tool were granted the fi rst U.S. patent on the clamp. Notice the cast iron base that says: Hazel Park Cycle Center, later shortened to Park Tool.

~ Building and calibrating the TS-2.2P, a powder coated version of the world famous chrome truing stand.

| Author Calvin Jones poses with the fi rst shipment of the BBB-3 Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair.

“Don’t be afool, use the right Tool!”

CP-1Cassette Pliers

E-Shift ElectronicGroupset Cleaner

2015

1988(Original Packaging)

TIMELINE

AS TIME GOES BYRed 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.

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1995 2005

CLASSIFIED

PARK TOOL FACTORYAn inside look at the industry’s largest, and bluest, tool manufacturer.Park Tool has been manufacturing bicycle specifi c 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 fi rst 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.

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| Th e Park Tool warehouse - you can see the bikes hanging from the ceiling.

Replace worn handlebar grips/tape.

Look for cracked joints in frame.

Set angle and height of saddle.

Repair loose spokes.

Inspect tyre valve.

Adjust and tighten handlebars

(6mm allen key).

Inflate tyres to correct air pressure.

Look for weak links, adjust tension and clean and lubricate chain.

Align brake pads with wheel rim and

test for stopping power.

Use a 15mm spanner to check wheel hubs are

tightly bolted on.

Tighten quick-release by hand or locknuts with a 15mm wrench.

KEEP YOUR BIKE SAFE‘Ride With Care’

CALVIN’S COLUMN

SUSPENDERSAND A BELTCalvin Jones Park Tool’s chief mechanic.Th e newer style of “Chain Retaining Single Rings” have a clever design specifi cally for use in drivetrains with only one chainring and a rear derailleur.

Th ey use dual-width tooth profi les, alternating between narrow (or “normal,” as if for a double or triple crankset) and wide teeth around the edge of the chainring. Th e narrow teeth fi t between chain links with two inner plates, while the wide teeth fi t the chain links with two outer plates.

Narrow-wide chainrings have become more popular over time, with several companies now producing them. Th e 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. Th is 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.

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MEET & GREET

MEET THE MECHANICSBehind the scenes with two of the team mechanics.

Sam HayesHead Mechanic for Madison Genesis

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!

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 fi xing things for as long as I can remember!

Best bit of the job is having a role in getting the best results possible for the riders on the team.

Th e 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 fi nal round of the series and a great track, so should make for some good racing.

“...I’ve been fi xing things for as long as I can remember!”What else did we uncover about Alex? When he’s not fi xing 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!

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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…

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.

It’s been four years since I started working with professional teams and the last two have been with Madison Genesis. Th e best bit really is traveling the world, being part of a great team and taking part in professional cycle races (and

winning them!) but I’m constantly washing bikes and the MGT motor home (it’s big) so it’s not all gravy!

“...but I’m constantly washing bikes and the MGT motor home (it’s big) so it’s not all gravy!”Top Tip – always carry a few Park Tool P-Handle Allen Keys. Th ey 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 fl ash.

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Alex LovettTeam Mechanic for Madison Saracen

HOW TO

ADAPTFrom 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.

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#01 THE MAINTENANCE ISSUE

INSIDE STORIESEnjoy the read...

MADISON GENESISPEARL IZUMI TOUR SERIES CHAMPIONSA 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 theteam 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.”

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INSIGHT DAME SARAH

STOREYAnd the Pearl Izumi SportsTours International Team.

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.

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Q&AMATT JONESThe 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..

MADISON SARACEN WORLD CUPSwiss 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.

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TEAM PAGE The latest reports and results

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Down1. 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. Th e Cannibal (6)12. Spanish Beefeater (8)14. Mountains (4)15. Pinot’s Jersey 2014 (5)17. Capital of Kazakhstan (6)18. Mountain Pass (3)

Across1. 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)

5 THINGSYOU DIDN’T KNOWAbout this picture...until we told you!

Later this day Voigt was presented with the polka-dot jersey by Prince Harry for his Stage 1 attack in 2014’s Tour.

Th e Belkin rider, Steven Kruijswijk is clearly working up the courage to ask for a selfi e.

Voigt is 42 here. He later retired the day after his 43rd birthday, he’s now undertaking a coaching and motivational role at Trek.

Jens has no shadow in this picture. He dropped it during the stage..

Th e Trek mechanic is confi rming Voigt cassette request 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-12.

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PARK TOOLAK40 - ADVANCED MECHANIC TOOL KITEnter 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. Th e winner will be notifi ed by the beginning of September. Terms and conditions apply, see online for further information.

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RIDER: JAMES HARDS

JOB TITLE: MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

STEED: GENESIS LONGITUDE

My fi rst ride on the Genesis Longitude was around the block at approx. 11:30pm. Th e 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.

No major incidents and plenty of adventures, time to start planning the next one…

Frame: Genesis Mjölnir Seamless Double-Butted 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 CS-HG50 11-36T, Tyres: Continental X-King, 29x 2.4” FB.

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THE

MADISONFLEET

tdf Crossword

Wheels Manufacturing produce a huge range of Bottom Bracket solutions. Th is one converts your PF30 frame to take Shimano cranks. No adaptors = no creaks!

#01 THE MAINTENANCE ISSUE

TourDe France

FACTS BY NUMBERS

solutions. Th is one converts your PF30 frame to take Shimano cranks. No adaptors = no creaks!

Get in touch: comms@madison.co.uk

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CalendarEUROBIKE 201526th - 29th August

UCI MTB World Champs31st August - 6th Sept

Aviva Tour of Britain6th - 13th September

Cycle Show 201524th - 27th September

Diffi culty Rating

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RANDOMJust a little bit of fun

RACE PROVEN BIKE CARESort Out Your Bike With The Latest Products From Finish Line ➾

RACE PROVEN BIKE CARE

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