I think he should have also done an interview with the mechanic behind him on gluing tubular tires. I noticed the mechanic in the back was doing a real meticulous job on gluing those tubulars. He was pre-stretching the tubular, apply the glue, checking the fitment of the tubular, and cleaning the excess glue runoff.
Wow, that's a Park Tool HHP-2 headset press... I was thinking it would be too specialist a tool for the home mechanic, but I guess for the times when you do have to swap out a press-fit bottom bracket it's really useful. Nice video, and contrary to what I've read about pro mechanics, Alan seems pretty happy to talk about his tools and let Simon touch them :)
Still riding my GP4s with Spidel helicomatic hubs, built by Alan in 1984. Chances are if he was building bikes in the Cannondale factory, they wouldn't need a mechanic on the tour ;-)
Alun seems like coolest down to earth mechanic out their wish he seemed to love talking about his career and tools should of made this video longer si.
Great choice to.do a video.about these are the cooks behind the scenes we cant see cooking it up but yet have a major major role of the whole game so good GCN cheers
thanks for the vid, I've got a vision to become a road bike mechanic, it's enjoyable for me to 'play' with tools. but i don't really think to make it as my job tho, just like gaining mechanic skill and knowledge to benefit myself and to be useful haha.
@@007-Bond it's quite a long journey for me, i worked as shop mechanic for almost 2 years since mid 2017, things happened then i jump to coffee world and ended up became a head barista, covid strikes i decided to spend more time at home trying to do things like making and selling cookies, now back to cycling profession as a bikefitter and currently planning to open a bike workshop.
I wish the camera would focus on the mechanic, in the background, installing the tubulars. Then Simon should ask Alan if he could get the mechanic to talk a bit about the tires.
@Allesio Fondressi because you've disabled replies: there's nothing wrong with promoting self-reliance when it comes to looking after your equipment and i don't know why you're complaining because it's bringing custom into your business.
when you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, hundreds of miles from the nearest shop, the knowledge inside your head, whether the problem can be fixed by a bodge or the correct method, can be a life saver.
***** not sad more disappointed as it demonstrates blind ignorance on the part of the owner. a reason why manufacturers began printing torque values on their products was to absolve them of covering improper use under warranty. its part of the learning curve. i made plenty of expensive mistakes early on but i only made them once. besides when i was learning there was no internet to refer to, nowadays you can more or less build your own bike with a bit of research. im not a tech any more but i still work in a public facing environment. standards of intelligence seem to be on the decrease so i can guess the stories you have :)
altern8ive Agreed. I haven't found a bike shop i've been 100% happy with (and i've used 5/6). As long as you're careful and have the tools, I think you should be doing it yourself. Things always go wrong and/or need adjusting, you can't take it into the shop every time.
Rob Chambers yea it's difficult to find a shop who'll treat your property to the level you expect never mind finding one with any mechanical sympathy. a shop can still repair bikes efficiently and carefully without going at it like a bull in a china shop, banging the paintwork with tools. it's a methodology i prided myself on, i had standards and a reputation i wanted to keep intact regardless of who i wrenched for.
Once again the 50FPS option on either 720p or 1080p reminds me of a carry on scene sped up... Guys try the 50FPS on your laptops/computers does it not look weird???
I used to use Alan's bike shop he ran with his old man in Long Eaton years ago. Great guy and said it how it was.
Me too in the 1990s when I lived in Nottinghamshire. Loved to watch him work on bikes.
Cool! He seemed really happy to talk about his stuff, nice video
Love these types of behind the scenes videos, plus a mechanic that is passionate about his tools.
This has got to be 1 of THE best vids on gcn - talented mechanic..plenty of experience etc.. ;)
I can't help myself watching the guy at the back installing tubular tyre - something I really enjoy when I used to be a bike mechanic
Being a bike mechanic myself I love these videos
I think he should have also done an interview with the mechanic behind him on gluing tubular tires. I noticed the mechanic in the back was doing a real meticulous job on gluing those tubulars. He was pre-stretching the tubular, apply the glue, checking the fitment of the tubular, and cleaning the excess glue runoff.
I could watch him work all day long, probably forgotten more than I will ever know LOL
Wow, that's a Park Tool HHP-2 headset press... I was thinking it would be too specialist a tool for the home mechanic, but I guess for the times when you do have to swap out a press-fit bottom bracket it's really useful.
Nice video, and contrary to what I've read about pro mechanics, Alan seems pretty happy to talk about his tools and let Simon touch them :)
It'd be great to watch a longer and more in-depth interview with Alan.
Still riding my GP4s with Spidel helicomatic hubs, built by Alan in 1984. Chances are if he was building bikes in the Cannondale factory, they wouldn't need a mechanic on the tour ;-)
Alun seems like coolest down to earth mechanic out their wish he seemed to love talking about his career and tools should of made this video longer si.
Great choice to.do a video.about these are the cooks behind the scenes we cant see cooking it up but yet have a major major role of the whole game so good GCN cheers
Lots of Morgan blue on show, glad I discovered it a few years ago, it is the best
Never go anywhere with my bike without one of those Bontrager 4mm torque tools. Funny to see some Trek gear in a Cannondale tool box.
I like how he works for canondale and has the bontrager preset torque key
Cannondale-Garmin using some Bontrager tools. :)
thanks for the vid, I've got a vision to become a road bike mechanic, it's enjoyable for me to 'play' with tools. but i don't really think to make it as my job tho, just like gaining mechanic skill and knowledge to benefit myself and to be useful haha.
Update?
@@007-Bond it's quite a long journey for me, i worked as shop mechanic for almost 2 years since mid 2017, things happened then i jump to coffee world and ended up became a head barista, covid strikes i decided to spend more time at home trying to do things like making and selling cookies, now back to cycling profession as a bikefitter and currently planning to open a bike workshop.
@@31.8mm Nice! Goodluck!
@@007-Bond thanks!
I wish the camera would focus on the mechanic, in the background, installing the tubulars. Then Simon should ask Alan if he could get the mechanic to talk a bit about the tires.
Hey, its 11am, that's the exact time a bottle opener comes in handy.
In this toolbox almost everything is a bottle opener 😃
Amazing girth!
When is the bike helmet video coming out?
Been looking everywhere for one of those plumbing tools! Simon, can you go back and ask what they're actually called?!
Rob Chambers monumenthandtools.co.uk/monument-pipe-tools/deburring-tools/monument-internal-external-deburrer-up-to-38mm-mon365f.html
SigTech1991 Awesome! Thanks man
Hi rob, did you find out what that tube tool is called?
Hi tom, I believe it's called a deburrer. Available from your local plumbing supplier. Hope that helps
Thx @SigTech1991 for the link
No WD40? Shocked.
Eero Soralahti I know, we really couldn't believe it either.
Anyone know what the carbon tube cutter is called or where I can purchase ?
@Allesio Fondressi because you've disabled replies: there's nothing wrong with promoting self-reliance when it comes to looking after your equipment and i don't know why you're complaining because it's bringing custom into your business.
Agree 100%, messing with your bike is part if the fun and not everyone wants to spend £20 on a headset re-grease
when you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, hundreds of miles from the nearest shop, the knowledge inside your head, whether the problem can be fixed by a bodge or the correct method, can be a life saver.
*****
not sad more disappointed as it demonstrates blind ignorance on the part of the owner. a reason why manufacturers began printing torque values on their products was to absolve them of covering improper use under warranty. its part of the learning curve. i made plenty of expensive mistakes early on but i only made them once. besides when i was learning there was no internet to refer to, nowadays you can more or less build your own bike with a bit of research. im not a tech any more but i still work in a public facing environment. standards of intelligence seem to be on the decrease so i can guess the stories you have :)
altern8ive Agreed. I haven't found a bike shop i've been 100% happy with (and i've used 5/6). As long as you're careful and have the tools, I think you should be doing it yourself. Things always go wrong and/or need adjusting, you can't take it into the shop every time.
Rob Chambers yea it's difficult to find a shop who'll treat your property to the level you expect never mind finding one with any mechanical sympathy. a shop can still repair bikes efficiently and carefully without going at it like a bull in a china shop, banging the paintwork with tools. it's a methodology i prided myself on, i had standards and a reputation i wanted to keep intact regardless of who i wrenched for.
Wish it was 30 minutes long!
Once again the 50FPS option on either 720p or 1080p reminds me of a carry on scene sped up... Guys try the 50FPS on your laptops/computers does it not look weird???
Classic
everything but the pizza cutter!!!
I'd give my right pinky finger to look over that guy's shoulder a couple of weeks
I love bicycles but in racing terms don't they use a hidden motor in the seatpost to cheat
Si, torque us to the making of the video
Stretching a brand new tubular with your foot ? Tut tut, the tyre manufacturers would be cringing :)
woo first!!
someone has to be... :)