Don’t let your bike be the weak link — Pro tips from Norseman’s mechanic
A 2024 Norseman athlete passing the glacier “Jøkulen” after 40 km.
Photo: Snorre Veggan
Every year, 250 athletes arrive in Eidfjord ready to take on Zalaris Norseman Xtreme Triathlon— but not all of their bikes are equally prepared. Marius from Velocity Sport has been the event’s go-to mechanic since 2015, keeping riders rolling with expert advice, quick fixes, and crucial pre-race checkups. In this interview, he shares the most common gear mistakes, how to avoid them, and what every athlete should do before hitting the start line.
Norseman: How did you become a bike mechanic at our event?
Marius: It started with us as a company and Argon 18 representative being present for several years to support athletes who participated with Argon 18 bikes as an extra support to our customers. The first time was as far back as 2015. But many athletes had technical problems with other brands, who begged us if we could help them too, which we did. For the last 5 years, we have been Norseman's technical service for all athletes and brands, and we are pleased to be able to contribute to it.
Norseman: What are the most common bike issues you see before or during Norseman, and how can athletes prevent them?
Marius: The most common problems are misaligned shifting systems, causing poor gear changes or dropped chains. Brake problems are hazardous on technical descents, particularly in wet weather. Loose components, like handlebars, saddles, or pedals, after travelling, tire problems, including punctures or overly worn tires. Prevention comes down to preparation: Athletes play a crucial role in their bike's maintenance. They should have a complete bike service no later than 2–3 weeks before race day, test their setups under realistic weather and terrain conditions, and use quality components maintained throughout their training.
Norseman: What should every athlete check or service on their bike in the final weeks before race day?
Marius: In the final weeks, athletes should focus on:
Gear and brake tuning: shifting should be crisp, and brakes must function flawlessly.
Wheels and tires: check for wear, ensure no wheel wobble, and verify tire pressure to use and test. Tip: check out this page.
Chain and drivetrain: clean, lubricate, and inspect for wear. A worn chain can ruin your race, and a clean bike is fast.
Lights: Front and rear lights are mandatory for the race, so check that they work.
A pre-race test ride with your full setup—including nutrition and tools—is essential.
Marius and his team on work in Eidfjord.
Photo: Sylvain Cavatz
Norseman: What kind of services do you offer pre-race in Eidfjord?
Marius: Velocity Sport has supported Norseman athletes for years. In Eidfjord, we provide bike checks, diagnostics, and a full review of gears, brakes, tires, and overall condition. On-the-spot necessary repairs and adjustments are done by experienced mechanics familiar with the Norseman course and race bikes.
Gear advice – including tire choices, gearing, and weather-related tips based on the latest forecasts. We will have a small stock of tires, tubes, lights, standard spare parts and C02 cartridges for sale, but do not rely on this as this should be in order before you arrive in Eidfjord.
We aim to ensure every athlete confidently rolls up to the start line in their equipment.
Norseman: What tools or spare parts should athletes carry on the bike leg?
Marius: We recommend athletes carry:
1. A multitool for quick adjustments.
2. Spare tubes or tubeless plugs, tire levers, and a mini pump or CO₂ inflator.
NB! If you need valve extenders for deep rims, REMEMBER to bring them with you on the bike. These essentials can make the difference between a quick fix and a long walk.
When the bike is ready, enjoy the Morning swim in Eidfjord.
Photo: Ariel Wojciechowski
Norseman: Do you recommend specific gear ratios or tire choices for the Norseman course?
Marius: There will be a lot of variation to that question, and it is very person-dependent, everything from how well trained an athlete is to what ambitions one has.
Some want a nice day to be sure they will finish, while others are going for victory. The ambition level requires completely different equipment needs.
But remember that Norseman has many hills, so consider the gear ratio and test on long and steep hills. I think it is best if you contact us if you want assistance on this occasion. We have proven experience helping the happy amateur and setting up for those who want to win.
Norseman: Many have limited time or budget, what are the top 2–3 things they must do before race day?
Marius: If you're short on time or funds, prioritise:
1. A complete safety and performance check – focus on brakes, shifting, and tire condition.
2. Gearing setup – ensure you have the right cassette for the long climbs.
Test ride with race setup – Even a short one. Ride your actual race-day configuration to catch any surprises.
Class of 2025: See you in Eidfjord soon.
