During the season, mechanics change a myriad of components to meet the riders' requests. We asked ourselves: if there are any tools or materials that absolutely must not be missing at the beginning of the new oneSo we spoke to some mechanics from some teams to find out their needs.
The caliber must not be missing
Let's start with Joseph Archetti, responsible for the mechanics of the'UAE Team Emirates and also mechanic of the Italian national team.
«I would say that work tools such as hex keys, scissors, various pliers, we don't change them often, unless they're broken – Archetti begins – but it's difficult, they usually last a few years".
The speech changes a little if the groups' brand changes supplied to the team. «In the event that the company that supplies the groups changes then you need to change some particular keys for the tightenings, because each brand has its own».
But there is a tool that just must not be missed: «It's the rear derailleur hanger gauge, because with the narrow spaces of modern gears, if you don't have this tool, which allows you to keep the chain in line with the rear wheel, then you're in trouble."
And then there's the key dynamometric: «By dint of taking a hit here and a hit there we change it every now and then because it gets a little messy, and it's important to have it for the correct tightening."
The truck must be in working order
Matthew Cornacchione he is one of the mechanics of the Team Ineos Grenadiers and he also provides us with interesting details.
«Let's say that we are in good standing with Unior – he says – which is the company that supplies us with equipmentThere aren't many keys to replace, as they usually last a few years.I'm telling you that the only ones we change every year are the 2, 3 and 4 Allen keys Millimeters, because they're the ones we use most for tightening handlebars and saddles. Those get a little worn out, so we change them at the beginning of the year to be on the safe side."
But there is a great job that the Ineos mechanics do every year before the season and that is to check that everything is working on the lorry.
«In December, the week before the meeting with the riders – he explains – we check that everything works on the workshop truckWe check the pressure washer, because if it doesn't work, we're in trouble. We check that the refrigerator, washing machine, internal ladders, and drawers are all working. Once that's done, the truck goes for a service and then we restock it with the material we need for at least a month of racing."
Watch out for the torque wrench
Passing by the house Trek Segafredo, Mauro Adobati it's more or less along the same lines.
«We don't change many keys – he explains – the only ones that wear out during the season and we prefer to have new ones every year are the 4 and 5 torx and Allen keys Millimeters, which are the ones we use to tighten the handlebars, the disc brake calipers and the seat post."
Adobati also believes that the torque wrench is a tool that needs to be kept in order.
«We don't change the torque wrench every year – he says – but we change the key connection to avoid the riskYou know, by squeezing too hard, the grafts get rounded and ruined. Then we change the most damaged easels, but more for an aesthetic question that the sponsors care a lot about, rightly so».
Mauro Adobati points out to us that: «By changing the bikes every year, we have everything new and therefore there is not a lot of wear and tear on the tools. And then we are supplied with a lot of material every year so we have everything in abundance."
If the group changes, then…
One of the most experienced mechanics of the group is Nazarene Berto who is now in force at Bardiani CSF.
«At the beginning of the year – he says – let's change some torx keys and the 2, 3, 4 and 5 Allen keys Millimeters, for the rest we have our tools that we use until they break, but it's difficult."
Berto confirms what Archetti said: «New tools are needed only when the group brand is changed., if you switch from Shimano to Campagnolo or Sram. In that case you need specific tools for each brand, especially for the hydraulic disc brake system, because each company has its own system, its own pads, hoses, fluid syringes, and different brake calipers. In that case, you need to restock and ensure everything is in order.
