EWS round 4

[Headshot]

http://www.vitalmtb.com/videos/features/Vital-RAW-Enduro-World-Series-La-Thuile,31870/sspomer,2

 

Steep like only the Alps can deliver.

 

Sam Hill has found his new home coming in second.

 

Some of the stats are amazing - Rude took 30 secs out of the top riders on one stage.

 

Keene (on an Enduro) is doing far better for Specialized now with a 6th. Graves rode a Stumpy 29er and DNF'd after a puncture. Wonder if he'll revert to 650b, DH tyres and an Enduro next round? 

 

Oh ya - Martin Z came in 150th. An indication of the standard of riding in the EWS...

[Odinson]

Apparently Spez couldn't find Enduro frames for Graves and Bronsan. That's why they were both on Stumpys.

 

Looking at the terrain and how long the stages are, I think they got shafted by the "Big Red S" by not having the right bikes for the race.

[Headshot]

Ya its a bit weird - there must be frames somewhere... 

 

The last time Graves really performed and dominated - he was on a 26er. Makes you think :-)

[NicoBoshoff]

Apparently Spez couldn't find Enduro frames for Graves and Bronsan. That's why they were both on Stumpys.

 

Looking at the terrain and how long the stages are, I think they got shafted by the "Big Red S" by not having the right bikes for the race.

Well now that's an enlightened and informed view if I've ever seen one. 

 

Brosnan only rides a Stumpy when he's not on his DH rig and he did just fine (16th) and I strongly suspect that's what he'd have chosen even if he had the choice.  As for Graves, I suspect it's the awkward model duldrums right now and they'll hook him up with whatever he prefers once the new model is announced.  They're obviously dumping inventory before launch.  It's a business first after all.

 

Besides, Graves had plenty crap luck earlier this year on the SWorks Enduro.  Seriously doubt the Stumpy and Satan's Brand of Choice is to blame for him getting a flat en then getting run over by Ms. Ravanel.

[NicoBoshoff]

Graves on the Stumpy:

 

""I had one at home since January, and I had been meaning to try it out. When I got home from Ireland, I had a couple of days off. I was sort of pissed off with the trip in general and just decided to push the reset button on the season, so to speak. My bike was still sitting in the box, and I wanted to go for a bit of a spin, and this was sitting there, so I jumped on it and, honestly, from the instant I first got on the dirt on it, I absolutely loved it. I wanted to hate it. I've always been kinda’ against 29ers. But, I think there are all sorts of stereotypes about 29ers - they don't corner well and they're not good in the tight stuff - but that was from years ago when geometry was not figured out yet. I can honestly ride it just like a 650 or 27.5, or whatever you call them. It's fun, its playful and the sizing of this bike in particular - it just fits me really well. It's spot on and I'm loving it right now."
 

[NicoBoshoff]

Plus, he getthoed the crap out of his wheels because he was struggling with pinch flats, and he still pinched.  Clearly he needs to reconsider tyre choice.  And perhaps sacrifising some lump kit to appease the gods of enduro to stop this crap luck.

[Headshot]

He is on Specialized tyres too - so it was a Spaz issue :-). He flatted at one of the previous rounds too I think. Keene was apparently on dh casing tyres - I wonder if Graves was? 

[Odinson]

Well now that's an enlightened and informed view if I've ever seen one. 

 

Brosnan only rides a Stumpy when he's not on his DH rig and he did just fine (16th) and I strongly suspect that's what he'd have chosen even if he had the choice.  As for Graves, I suspect it's the awkward model duldrums right now and they'll hook him up with whatever he prefers once the new model is announced.  They're obviously dumping inventory before launch.  It's a business first after all.

 

Besides, Graves had plenty crap luck earlier this year on the SWorks Enduro.  Seriously doubt the Stumpy and Satan's Brand of Choice is to blame for him getting a flat en then getting run over by Ms. Ravanel.

 

Well now that's an enlightened and informed view if I've ever seen one. 

 

Christ, dude. Read the article on PB. You're entire post is conjecture speculation.

[NicoBoshoff]

Well now that's an enlightened and informed view if I've ever seen one. 

 

Christ, dude. Read the article on PB. You're entire post is conjecture speculation.

I did.  I even quoted it for you.  Both were plenty happy to be on the Stumpy.

 

And what is speculative about Brosnan riding the Stumpy as his usual bike?  It's pretty public knowledge.  And Graves having equally crap luck on the Enduro?  Also confirmed bud.

 

And seriously, yeah it's not been confirmed why there are no Enduro 29's available, but it's new bike season, he's (on his own version) been loving the Stumpy and training on it, so just maaaaaaaybe they decided he'll ride out a few events on the Stumpy and then move to the new Enduro when it's out.  Speculative, sure.  But more probable than Spez trying to purposefuly dicking their flagship riders just to turn a quick buck.

[Headshot]

This is allegedly the new Enduro spec - not that it says much and may just be an educated and safe guess. I find it strange that we haven't seen their top riders out testing the bike...

 

Specifications of The new ‪#‎Specialized‬ ‪#‎Enduro‬ 2017 : 
- FACT 11m, full carbon chassis and rear end
- Same Geometry with more Head Tube Angle
- SWAT™Door integration
- fully enclosed internal cable routing
- Rear Shock and Fork : Öhlins (STX and RXF36)
- Bottom Bracket BSA
- New SRAM XX1 Eagle 12-speed
- SRAM Guide RS and Ulimate
- Command Post IRcc 12 position micro-height adjustable,