Criterium Bike Prep With L39ION

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In criterium racing, you’re in a game of millimeters, where precision is everything and tolerance for error is next to nil. This is very much the case when it comes to perfecting the bike tune, too. Rotor clearance, tire PSI, chain health, hood angles … everything has to be perfect at the startline to go for the win.

L39ION’s Chief Mechanic Zack Foley is well aware of the importance of a pre-race bike tune, especially when you’re as competitive as the lionhearted team from So-Cal. At the iconic criterium weekend in Tulsa, Zack gave us the details on how he gets the team’s fleet of S-Works Tarmac SL7s dialed and ready for the startline.

Tune your ride for primetime with our curated selections of elite tools and bike maintenance gear, and then head over to The Lion’s Den where you’ll find everything L39ION including exclusion fanwear, gear, and more.

The Lion’s Den: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/sc/legion?tabNav=0

Tools & Maintenance: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/bike-tools-maintenance?fl=true

Lubricants & Maintenance: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/lubricants-maintenance?fl=true

Bike Pumps & CO2: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/pumps-co2-inflators?fl=true

Chapters

0:03 – Intro
0:24 – Drivetrain Degreasing
3:30 – Full Bike Clean
8:46 – Race Day Tune
15:35 – Outro

Connect with a Gearhead: 1.888.276.7130 Or Email: [email protected]

Competitive Cyclist delivers the most premium bike shopping experience. A curated collection of cycling’s standout brands, hands-on expertise from our Gearheads, an assembly operation unrivaled in the industry—we offer the knowledgeable service of the best bike builders and in-house mechanics, along with selection and convenience only possible online.

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38 thoughts on “Criterium Bike Prep With L39ION”

  13. This guy is a hack. Don't use petroleum-based lube in the first place and you won't need to do all that cleaning. What about the grease points in the derailleurs? The degreaser just cleaned that away… Sheesh! Spraying a road bike with a garden hose? Really…??? Couldn't watch.

    Reply

  16. Downtube, inside of fork & insides of chain/seat stays…they get so much grime under there. Oh, and especially the BB junction at the crank arms. That's just a distillery of crud & abrasives picked up from the road.

    Reply

  21. Worked at a bike shop around bikes for a decade previously. A minute in and he’s already making me feel like an idiot. Cut the top off a water bottle? Goodness. Now why haven’t seen that before? Bravo 👏

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  25. Degreaser with the wheels on? Yikes.

    If you want to rebuild your hubs and BB every week, you can just use a pressure washer.

    If not, don’t put degreaser near them either.

    It’s 1000x easier and better to clean your chain off the bike.

    Reply

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