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LIGHTNING BOLTS AND PRO MECHANICS
Brad Roe
October 31, 2008
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I had the opportunity to head to Santa Barbara and meet Bicycle Bob's, Kenneth Acklin this week. He was helping us with a how-to story and the moment I saw him working on an RBA review bike it was obvious that he had spent some time working on a variety of bicycles. The whole experience was an education. The first thing he showed me was his new Mondonico frame that was partially built up with Super Record 11-Speed and box that contained Campy's new $160 chain tool.
The way he positioned the bike in the stand, meticulously set it up the and ran through the gears and the care he took with each adjustment got me thinking about how much I have to learn.
We were there to shoot photos on how the pros wrap handlebar tape for an upcoming issue and Kenneth is known for a unique and distinct wrap. What I didn't know was that pro mechanics often have a signature crimp, or mark that they place onto rear derailleur end caps. Kenneth's is a lightning bolt. That way, whenever a bike comes back into the shop, they will know they built it.
I'm a complete amateur wrench with a lot to learn and just being in the presence of mechanic who knew the history of each part, where it fit on the flow-chart of technology and to witness the depth of care that a pro mechanic takes with each adjustment and setup made me want to hang out in bike shops a lot more than I do now.
Comments, questions? brad@roadbikeaction.com
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