There’s no getting around it, cyclocross is a dirty sport. Course conditions that are described as ‘epic’ are often despised during a race and then remembered with increasing fondness as time goes by. At least, that’s the only logical explanation we can think of why anyone would repeatedly subject perfectly good bicycles to the mud, sand and grass that conspire to ruin them.
If you’re ever asked to work a pit for a friend, here are 10 tips to help you make sure you do it right.
- The best cyclocross bikes we’ve tested this year
- How to find the perfect tire pressure for cyclocross
1. Practice makes perfect
ADVERTISEMENT
Meet with your rider prior to race day to practice hand-offs. Just like mastering barriers and run-ups, handing off a bike is a skill that is honed with repetition. “It’s usually pretty hectic in there,” said former Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com and LUNA team mechanic Dusty Labarr. “In the bigger races there are a lot of guys [in the pit area]. The more practice you can get of getting a bike to the rider and the rider getting off the bike, the better off both of you will be.”
Brian Dallas, former field operations manager for WD-40’s race support team, agrees. “It is important to move with your rider when they are grabbing the bike and not stand still. Best to hold the bike by the saddle with your left hand and the right shifter with your right. When the rider is close to grabbing on, release the right hand and lightly push forward with saddle so as to continue forward momentum. Jeremy Powers and Tom Hopper practice bike exchanges before every race to get it dialed,” he said.
2. Time is finite
3. Communication is key
4. Have the tools of the trade
5. Dress the part
6. Powerwashing etiquette
7. Inspect and assess
8. Stay calm and carry on
9. Sweat the details
10. The real work begins when the race is over
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
via BikeRadar All the latest from BikeRadar.com http://ift.tt/2e89cOC
No comments:
Post a Comment