Prior to the the Amgen Tour of California's first stage we were treated to an impromptu gathering at the Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team truck where mechanics Kenny Latomme, Guido Scheeren and Glenn Fant walked us through the bikes of Tom Boonen, Bert Grabsch and Levi Leipheimer.
One of the recurring themes was that it really is all about power. Bikes and training are constantly changed to stay at the front and the changes are always evaluated using a power meter.
Bert Grabsch, current German and former World time trial champion, has an optimum cadence of just 65rpm, so his TT bike is equipped with a huge 58 tooth chainring.
Grabsch is extremely aerodynamic, with a big drop from saddle to handlebar.
Lower in the front means better aerodynamics. In this case it's not at the expense of power.
Grabsch typically uses a rear disc wheel and carefully chooses between Zipp 303, 404 and 808 front wheels based on the prevailing conditions - calm or windy and flat or hilly. Grabsch is an advocate of carbon clinchers and low tyre pressures. Guido wouldn't, however, reveal those tyre pressures.
Guido and SRAM's Alex Wassmann explain wheel choices
Grabsch on the bike about to head out for a training ride (1)
Grabsch on the bike about to head out for a training ride (2)
One of Quarq's duties at the Amgen Tour of California was using Qalvin to calibrate Grabsch's power meter for the 58 tooth chainring.
Quarq's Troy Hoskin explains the calibration process to Omega Pharma - Quick-Step's team mechanics.
Does 65rpm seem low to you? Quadrant Analysis, a tool in Training Peaks, WKO+ and Golden Cheetah, helps you understand pedal velocity, cadence and the neuromuscular requirements of your own racing and training performances.
Levi Leipheimer's attention to detail is unmatched. He works closely with his mechanic, Glenn Fant, who's based at NorCal Bikesport in Santa Rosa and close to Levi's home base, on equipment, position and performance.
Glenn revealed that Levi carefully monitors his training and racing. He uses his power meter to gauge his performance from year-to-year and it reassuringly tells him he should keep racing! It's also an invaluable tool when returning from injury or layoff, like he is now.
Glenn says Levi notices even the smallest change
Levi's attention to detail extends to set-up. His SRAM RED-2012 brakes are adjusted so he can ride in the drops with the levers in his hands when he's in the middle of the peloton on twisting or unfamiliar courses.
The brakes and drivetrain on Leipheimer's Specialized Tarmac SL4
Tom Boonen's early season results are a combination of natural ability and meticulous preparation. Kenny Latomme explained that the build up for the Classics included test days where Boonen's aerodynamic profile was evaluated using a power meter. One of the outcomes was a change in Boonen's Zipp Service Course SL handlebars to reduce frontal area.
Kenny demonstrates that even the smallest change can make a big difference
Boonen's trio of Specialized racing bikes - the Roubaix, SL4 and Venge - each serve a specific purpose. When it comes to the Venge, its sleek shape delivers a definite advantage at high speed.
Boonen's S-Works + McLaren Venge (1)
Boonen's S-Works + McLaren Venge (2)
The changes to Boonen's equipment are designed to do one thing: make him faster for the same power output. When asked how much power he puts out in a sprint, Kenny coolly answered, "more than 1000 watts".
Thank you to Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Pro Cycling team for their generosity and insight at the Amgen Tour of California.
