Wrenching at Lapierre is definitely not a standard blue collar gig. Many of the lead mechanics have been here for over 3 decades. Only the most deft of these mechanics are allowed to do the final assemblies. It's a task that requires speed, attention to detail, and precision. These 'ace' Lapierre men are capable of taking the exactingly pre-assembled components, and building a bike that is quite literally "good to go" in roughly twelve minutes. Nor is this assembly something that needs to be double checked as is all to often the case with other pre-assembled brands: everything--literally every assembly step--is torqued to spec. Top left, clockwise: the badge of honor--a Lapierre Work shirt; Victor Fernandes working over a bike in the assembly area; The factory--all things considered--is spotless... Roger Pascal sweeping up at the end of shift; work orders stamped as "done" at day's end; senior mechanic Philippe Prandi working over a bike build--Prandi has been working in the factory for Lapierre for over 35 years; Roger Pascal checking shifting on a bike build.