UCI DH World Cup 2017 #1 - Lourdes 29-30 April

[NicoBoshoff]

In contrast, Luca Shaw took straight to it. "Psychologically I think it really helped that the bike already looked refined, straight off the bat" says Luca. "The swingarm and links are custom, and they're mated to a production V10 front triangle. Loris and I are riding bikes with 190mm of travel, and Greg's got 210 because the XXL frame has more room."

Are they sticking to 200mm up front?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Are they sticking to 200mm up front?

dunno about that. No details released on the Fox 49 yet. 

[NicoBoshoff]

dunno about that. No details released on the Fox 49 yet. 

Photos of syndicate show normal 40 decals.

[NicoBoshoff]

Calling it the 49 would be silly to me.  It's not a 49mm stanchioned fork.

[jimmycool]

Calling it the 49 would be silly to me.  It's not a 49mm stanchioned fork.

I was thinking the same thing.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Calling it the 49 would be silly to me.  It's not a 49mm stanchioned fork.

that's what the FOX instagram picture showed. Decals showing 49. Could have just been a one-off though

[Headshot]

This is going to be a very interesting race. Some teams wont have 29ers while some will. It will be interesting if top dogs like Gwin are on 27.5 vs the Syndicate crew. 

 

I am willing to put money on the fact that there will be no discernible advantage for the bigger wheels  - in the results. Too many damn variables. Happy to eat my lid, but I think my intestines are safe.

 

I am sticking with my pithy quote/signature below. Its all about skill and fitness. 

[Eddy Gordo]

My guess is that it is a 40mm. 

 

"which has the not so creative name of the '49,' will use the same RAD internals as the 27.5'' 40 that their racers have been on. The 49 will have a different offset compared to the standard 40, and surely a bit less travel as well"

 

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/fox-29-dh-fork-mondraker-29er-dh-bike.html

[Duane_Bosch]

I am sticking with my pithy quote/signature below. Its all about skill and fitness. 

Yes for plebs like us.

 

But at the level those guys operate at every teeni tiny little advantage whether real or imagined is vital.

 

Greg on that bike will be unbeatable at Fort William and MSA.

 

Santa Cruz has caught everyone (Apart from Trek) napping. They have a COMPLETE BIKE! It looks like it's ready for sale. How did they do that without anyone knowing?? Incredible.

[BaGearA]

I'm not against the 29 movement ( I don't like tho) but if its faster thats what the pros will use , geometry is getting there so why not...

 

 

 

 

I'll probably be on A 29er enduro rig in A year or two anyway   * he says like A full blown hypocrite 

[BaGearA]

Yes for plebs like us.

 

But at the level those guys operate at every teeni tiny little advantage whether real or imagined is vital.

 

Greg on that bike will be unbeatable at Fort William and MSA.

 

Santa Cruz has caught everyone (Apart from Trek) napping. They have a COMPLETE BIKE! It looks like it's ready for sale. How did they do that without anyone knowing?? Incredible.

Maybe practice near Chernobyl 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

My guess is that it is a 40mm. 

 

"which has the not so creative name of the '49,' will use the same RAD internals as the 27.5'' 40 that their racers have been on. The 49 will have a different offset compared to the standard 40, and surely a bit less travel as well"

 

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/fox-29-dh-fork-mondraker-29er-dh-bike.html

it IS a 40mm stanchioned fork, but it was dubbed the 49 according to the shots I saw on Instatwat and Pinkbike. 

[Eddy Gordo]

Yes, indeed it was. even the decals are 49 most likely the combo of 40 and 29

[Duane_Bosch]

Yes, indeed it was. even the decals are 49 most likely the combo of 40 and 29

or maybe it's a 69 with a very short girl....

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Yes, indeed it was. even the decals are 49 most likely the combo of 40 and 29

your insight astounds me....

 

[Headshot]

Yes for plebs like us.

 

But at the level those guys operate at every teeni tiny little advantage whether real or imagined is vital.

 

Greg on that bike will be unbeatable at Fort William and MSA.

 

Santa Cruz has caught everyone (Apart from Trek) napping. They have a COMPLETE BIKE! It looks like it's ready for sale. How did they do that without anyone knowing?? Incredible.

I agree that these guys are on a different level, completely but there are also a host of variables that factor into an MTB DH race - far more than say a road race event or an XC race. Changing conditions from run to run, weather, 1 cm off line etc etc. 

 

I think everyone was expecting them to produce one - there were early pics of a High Tower with a 40 on it. Maybe Trek will too... 

 

I hope Greg wins, but I am also hoping its so close that it proves nothing. I just love to hate the wheel size hype :-)