Amgen tour of California 2012

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Spic-and-span: How the mechanics keep Tour team bikes clean

  • Garmin-Slipstream team mechanic Tom Hopper gets to work making sure the bike of Martijn Maaskant is clean and shiny for the next of service.

    Garmin-Slipstream team mechanic Tom Hopper gets to work making sure the bike of Martijn Maaskant is clean and shiny for the next of service.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • High-pressure washers blast off dirt and grime but unless you plan on adopting a ProTour-like maintenance schedule, consumers should exercise caution in where they direct the hose when washing their own bikes.

    High-pressure washers blast off dirt and grime but unless you plan on adopting a ProTour-like maintenance schedule, consumers should exercise caution in where they direct the hose when washing their own bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Soapy sponges are used for the rest of the bike, including the frame, fork and all components.

    Soapy sponges are used for the rest of the bike, including the frame, fork and all components.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Wheels and tires are carefully scrubbed so they can be inspected for cracks and cuts.

    Wheels and tires are carefully scrubbed so they can be inspected for cracks and cuts.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Even the spokes are scrubbed clean.

    Even the spokes are scrubbed clean.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Don’t forget about the back of the chainrings and chain!

    Don’t forget about the back of the chainrings and chain!

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Solvent is poured into a cut-off water bottle, which is conveniently placed in the seat tube-mounted cage. A simple paint brush is used to apply the solvent to the drivetrain.

    Solvent is poured into a cut-off water bottle, which is conveniently placed in the seat tube-mounted cage. A simple paint brush is used to apply the solvent to the drivetrain.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • After its bath, each bike then moves to the next station where it's inspected and tuned with parts replaced as needed. Garmin-Slipstream's standard protocol calls for chain, cable and housing replacement for every bike at each rest day.

    After its bath, each bike then moves to the next station where it's inspected and tuned with parts replaced as needed. Garmin-Slipstream's standard protocol calls for chain, cable and housing replacement for every bike at each rest day.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tools of the trade: a tub full of soapy sponges and brushes, a pressure washer, and the legs of a Euro-style repair stand.

    Tools of the trade: a tub full of soapy sponges and brushes, a pressure washer, and the legs of a Euro-style repair stand.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • This isn't new bar tape on Alberto Contador's (Astana) Trek Madone; it's just what it looks like after mechanic Faustino Munoz is done with his washing procedure.

    This isn't new bar tape on Alberto Contador's (Astana) Trek Madone; it's just what it looks like after mechanic Faustino Munoz is done with his washing procedure.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Not a single nook or cranny is left untouched.

    Not a single nook or cranny is left untouched.

    Photo credit © James Huang