ToCTech

A race like Tour of California is almost comparable to spring training in baseball. Later in the season, security surrounding races and riders will dramatically tighten, during an early race like the ToC riders take a much more casual approach. These races also provide ample opportunity to view the tools of the trade as mechanics and riders use these races as a chance to test out new parts and equipment. While pro mechanics have a reputation for being a bit surly, they'll usually let you hang around close enough to snap a few pictures and maybe ask a few questions.

The best place to view equipment is at the start of Time Trials, where riders receive staggered start times. The start of road stages is another good bet, but you better get there early, because things get busy as the start approaches and tourists are NOT welcome in the pits as riders prepare to roll out.

As expected, Zipp wheels were everywhere. Even on teams not sponsored by Zipp. BMC sported some Easton branded wheels that clearly exhibited Zipp's trademark dimpled rim texture. Shimano sponsored High Road unveiled their own brand of the Zipp 404 Tubular Wheelset, shod with Schwalbe tubulars.

America's next great team, Slipstream, rode their eye-catching Felt frames equipped with Shimano components and Zipp wheels into the leaders jersey, as well as the 2nd and 3rd spots on the final podium. All decked out in their trademark argyle pattern, of course.

Shimano got their fair share of representation as Credit Agricole sported Shimano's Pro line of disc wheels, utilizing what look to be Continental's ultra-lightweight Tempo tubulars.

While tubular wheels were in no short supply, a surprising number of teams were rolling on clincher wheels. The Jelly Belly team rolled on Campagnolo Shamal Ultra Clincher Wheelset with Hutchinson tires. Their GT frames sported Campagnolo Record 11 Group Sets. Thomas Voeckler and the Bouygues Telecom team sported the same Shamal wheels, but with the early versions of the Michelin Pro3 tire, due for release in late March. Funny thing is, last year's Pro3 prototypes look a whole lot like the Michelin Pro2 Race Limited Edition Tire Set.

Team CSC is a perennial fan favorite, and definitely brought their A game to California. Their Cervelos rolled on Zipps with Vittoria Corsa EVO CX Tubular, which was the most popular tire choice at ToC. In case of a mishap, the team car was equipped with Zipp clinchers with Vittoria Rubino Pro II Road Tires. CSC also remains loyal to FSA Cranksets, with the FSA Ceramic Mega Exo Bottom Bracket.

After some much publicized sponsorship difficulties, the neon green Rock Racing team trucks unloaded a grab bag of high performance components including Lew and Lightweight wheels in addition to official supplier Cole. Rock's official frames are striking green and black carbon De Rosas, Mario Cipollini himself stuck to tried and true aluminum frames sporting nobody's name but his own. The "Cipollini" branded frames sported many personal touches, as well as a fly pair of Lightweight wheels, Bontrager stem and Deda bars. While the Rock team used Campagnolo Record drivetrains, Mario belied his Italian roots by letting Shimano Dura-Ace facilitate his shifting. Their tires were mostly supplied by Challenge, Cipo appeared partial to some Specialized tubulars that somehow lost their label.

HealthNet/Maxxis returned to their Cannondale frames, but new wheels. Previously on Reynolds, it looks like the reigning NRC cahmpions have teamed up with Mavic for 2008. The entire team looked to be outfitted with Mavic's new R-Sys wheelset. As for the all orange Maxxis Columbiere tubulars? Sorry, they're a one-off production for the team only. Maxxis does not plan on introducing a tubular line to consumers. The HealthNet boys continue to use reliable Ritchey bars and stems.

So what do you really need to ride like the pro's? Well, a big budget helps, but isn't the only factor. After looking at dozens of pro rides, it seems that simplicity and reliability should be your top concerns. Campy Record, Shimano Dura-Ace and SRAM Red spread evenly throughout the peloton. Tubular wheels were favored for time trials and climbing stages, while clinchers saw plenty of use in flatter road races.

The peloton looks firmly split on the benefit of carbon components like bars and stems. Plenty of riders have stuck with trusty aluminum cockpits. The ceramic bearing trend appears here to stay as most every bike was outfitted with, at least, a ceramic bearing equipped bottom bracket. Many of the more prominent riders were also equipped with bank account shattering SRM Powermeter equipped cranks.

In the end, putting together a pro caliber ride isn't as staggering a task as one might imagine. Pick up a stock frame, quality drivetrain and a good set of wheels (they don't have to be carbon tubulars), and you're 90% of the way there. Throw on some lightweight aluminum bars, a stem and your preferred seat, and you've got it made. If you've got some extra cash down the line, start changing out the stock bearings for ceramic.

After spending a week surrounded by the world's top pro's, you get the feeling their results wouldn't be too different if they were pushing 105 groupsets and steel frames. While bikes can always be made lighter, it's up to the rider to make them go faster.

If you are a Tour of California race fan and want in on our ToC special, enter code TOCE on checkout to get free shipping on orders of $25 or more. (Offer ends midnight February 29.) There are some restrictions for heavy or large items.

Words and photos by Joe King

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