The Tour de France is a spectacle of human endurance and technological innovation, where every second and every gram matters. In this article, we delve into the world of 'marginal gains', those tiny improvements that can make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. From the seemingly insignificant to the outright bizarre, these are the eleven most comically minuscule upgrades that have graced the Tour de France.
Tape Over Every Bolt and Void: Every bolt on a bike has a small void where a tool fits, and wind can eddy within, increasing drag. Teams like Visma-Lease a Bike tape over these voids, a simple yet effective method to reduce drag. This is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the smallest changes can make a significant difference.
Aerodynamic Bottom Bracket: Tadej Pogačar's Bikone bottom bracket is a marvel of engineering. With a smooth non-drive side cup and a special proprietary tool for tightening, it promises wattage gains and a 17g weight saving. This is a prime example of how a seemingly minor component can be optimized for performance.
Special Jockey Wheel Bolts: The stock Dura-Ace retaining bolts for the jockey wheels have been swapped out for aluminium ones, reducing weight. This is a subtle but effective way to improve the bike's performance, especially in the pursuit of reaching the UCI weight limit.
Strips of Coloured Tape: Lidl-Trek's use of coloured tape on the sides of TT bikes reduces cognitive load and potentially has a knock-on aero benefit. This simple hack allows riders to slot in without changing their position, showcasing the power of a well-thought-out design.
DIY Aero Derailleur: Black electrical tape can be used to tape over the lower portions of a Shimano derailleur cage, creating a superlight aero hack. This is a cost-effective way to improve aerodynamics, even if the weight savings are minimal.
Superlight Bottle Cages: The Elite Leggero Carbon bottle cages are a mere 13g each, offering a 27g saving per cage. This is a significant weight reduction, especially when considering the cumulative effect over a three-week race.
Aftermarket Thru-Axles: The UAE Team Emirates has swapped out standard thru-axles for lightweight aluminium versions, reducing weight by 31g for the rear of Pogačar's Y1Rs. This is a prime example of how even the most unglamorous components can be optimized.
Lightweight Disc Rotor Lockrings: Lidl-Trek's fancy hubs feature Tactic-branded lockrings, machined from aerospace-grade aluminium. While the weight savings are likely minimal, the aesthetic and sponsor arrangement make this a compelling choice.
Old Series Garmin: Jonas Vingegaard's choice of the older Garmin Edge 540 over the newer Edge 550 is a practical decision. For time trials, a smaller computer is likely more than sufficient, showcasing the importance of tailoring technology to specific needs.
Aftermarket Derailleur Hanger: Pogačar's various coloured derailleur hangers promise lower weight and crisper shifting, though the actual gains are hard to quantify. This is a testament to the ongoing pursuit of perfection in cycling.
Aerodynamic Saddle: The Prologo Choice saddle, featuring side vents for 'unprecedented aerodynamic efficiency', is a bold statement. While the actual wattage figures are elusive, the €490 price tag suggests a high level of craftsmanship and innovation.
In conclusion, the Tour de France is a showcase of human ingenuity and the pursuit of marginal gains. These tiny improvements, often overlooked, can make a significant difference in the grand scheme of things. From tape to saddles, every component matters, and every gram counts.
