Most of the Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com’s success can be traced to their riders, some to their choice of equipment, but certainly a fair share must go to the man who maintains the team’s bikes, Director Stu Thorne. If you’ve ever walked by the Cannondale team truck you will see their cross bikes lined up and all the bikes look (and perform) like new. I assure you that each team bike has been raced in brutal conditions and completely covered in mud, dirt, sand, grit, snow, and anything else that you can find on some of the harshest cross courses in America. Despite the fact that these are easily the most durable and proven machines on the circuit, without proper maintenance, any piece of equipment can fail or underperform. So it goes without saying that what Stu does week in and week out is extremely critical.

In Boulder, CO, I spent some time with Stu and uncovered some of the unique and custom tools he regularly uses. Nothing earthshattering here, but some pretty cool tools that a lot of us may not have seen and just some interesting applications of ordinary ones. All the pics look green because the Cannondale team truck is green, the color reflected onto everything.

This supercool Bosch rechargeable pump is no longer available but you can buy a similar Craftsman one. The rechargable pump is easier to carry around to the pit, etc., it has digital readouts on the back that give you exact psi, and its easy to use. Stu took a silca disc adapter and modified the hose. If fully charged the handheld air compressor lasts all day.

This is a horsehair (or China bristle) paint brush. Stu uses this to clean all the nooks and crannies of his riders’ bike. He mentions that regular plastic bristle brushes absorb grease. The brush retails for $12 – $15 at any hardward store.

Stu works the brush into nearly every gap and tight space on the bike to remove dirt, grit, and sand.

This custom welded cog wrench or cassette tool was made well before they were commonplace. Stu also stamped his initials on it. Park, Pedro’s and other brands make this, but you will have to stamp your own initials into it.

Stu’s bag o’tools – most of these are standard – but I also noted a pick, wire brushes, and permanent marker. Stu always invests in quality tools no matter how often they get used, “free is expensive if a tool doesn’t do the job.” This is the tool bag Stu uses in the pits and to travel with when he can’t bring his toolbox.

Stu sez’ the multi tool is indispensible.

For grabbing cables and a host of other small uses, this multi-tool is another must have…bottle opener, knife, file…bottle opener likely its primary use.