Tour Pro Bike: Johnny Hoogerland’s Ridley Helium

By Caley Fretz
Published Jul. 22, 2011
Updated Jul. 22, 2011 at 4:55 PM EDT

The Ridley Helium of former polka-dot jersey wearer, France TV car crash victim and all-around aggressor, Johnny Hoogerland. Photo: Caley Fretz
Ridley uses integrated posts on all its frames, largely to save weight. The Helium frame, with post, weighs only 950 grams. Photo: Caley Fretz
Vacansoleil uses KMC chains, which we have found work impressively well with both SRAM and Shimano drivetrains. Hoogerland's chain is still dripping from the pre-race application of lube and a special grease. Photo: Caley Fretz
The Helium has a tapered head tube, with a slammed-down Deda 100 stem on top. Photo: Caley Fretz
No powermeter here, just a regular computer by BBB in Vacansoleil colors. Like most pros, Hoogerland uses an aluminum bar and stem. His Helium still sits right at the UCI weight limit. Photo: Caley Fretz
Deep drops on Hoogerlands Deda bars. Hoogerland has them wrapped up with Lizard Skins tape, which is nice and tacky both dry and wet (important for Tuesday's wet stage) and comfy, too. Photo: Caley Fretz
FFWD wheels are hand built in Holland. Photo: Caley Fretz
Bit of a mutt of a drivetrain on Hoogerland's bike: KMC chain, SRAM derailleurs and cassette, Rotor crankset and rings. Photo: Caley Fretz
Hoogerland uses Rotor Q-Rings in the most common "three dot" position. Photo: Caley Fretz
The Helium's seatstays are designed to provide a bit of comfort through flex. Photo: Caley Fretz
Another chain catcher, and another steel-cage Red front derailleur. Photo: Caley Fretz
With off-and-on rain forcasted for the whole day, mechanics made sure to apply plenty of lube to the chains. Vacansoleil mechancis went a step further and applied Morgan Blue Aquaproof Paste (grease) to the chains. Photo: Caley Fretz
Hoogerland talks with fans prior to stage 15. He's still covered in bandages from his incident with vehicle during stage 9. Photo: Caley Fretz
To prepare for the day's rain, lube first. Then... Photo: Caley Fretz
Apply the Morgan Blue paste after a wet lube to Hoogerland's chain. Photo: Caley Fretz

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FILED UNDER: Bikes and Tech / Pro Bikes / Tour de France TAGS: Johnny Hoogerland / Ridley / Tour de France

Caley Fretz

Caley came on board with the VN tech department in September 2010. Beyond his journalistic pursuits, Caley is a category 1 road, 'cross and track racer, and pro mountain biker.