DI2 and mechanical mishaps-More/less?

[Oldman]

Watching the NBC coverage which is somewhat distracting due to the Narrators (another, separate thread); I've notice alot of jammed chains in key leadouts and other instances. During the recent "tacky" stage Cadel took multiple wheel replacements after the initial flat that didn't seem to be the result of another puncture. Are the riders having problems with re-calibration or are we just seeing the normal amount of mechanical mayhem?

 

[Susan Westemeyer]

Evans is said to indeed have had three or four punctures.

Susan

 

[Master50]

Evans took wheels from following riders as opposed to the car so perhaps several of the following riders had already picked up a tack or had slow leaks. he first BMC riders to arrive had flats too. I suspect had Evans got his spares from the car he would only have stopped the one time.

 

[benzwire]

I'm interested to find out if there are more problems with the electronic shifting vs. mechanical setup. It certainly seems that when there is an issue with the electronic stuff, there's not much that can be done roadside and a whole bike change is needed. That could potentially be more catastrophic in a race situation when minimizing time loss is crucial. Perhaps the benefits do not outweigh the risks?

 

[robert_c]

That could potentially be more catastrophic in a race situation when minimizing time loss is crucial.

Actually it seems to me that bike changes are MUCH faster than a tire change. I'm surprised bike changes aren't the norm.

 

[Master50]

Actually it seems to me that bike changes are MUCH faster than a tire change. I'm surprised bike changes aren't the norm.

There is always an issue with a spare bike unless it is your spare bike. What that means is Wiggins or Evans have a spare bike that is theirs. Lots of guys share spares if they ride close to the same setup More wheels on the roof than bikes so lots of spares and a few bikes. How critical is a fast change? In a TT a bike change is probably fastest and even most probable.
Oh and a mechanic can fix 2 or 3 bikes in a crash but only change 1