Fort William - Moto vs DH

[Capricorn]

Several times I pondered the question whether a dirt bike or mountain bike would be faster down a single-track downhill course. Atherton revealed that he and hardcore European enduro ace, David Knight will answer my question in the near future. The two will race the downhill course of Fort William, Scotland to see who is the fastest. Atherton will be putting his legs and gravity against Knight’s gasoline-fed KTM for the ultimate two-wheel bragging rights.

 

“No one is really sure who is going to get it,” admitted Atherton. “I can’t really decide. It will be interesting to see.”

 

My link

 

this is gonna be interesting..

[TNOSE_E]

My prediction on a pure downhill course would be the MTB. The dirt bike would be carrying too much momentum and weight into the turns and need excessive braking. But the minute there is a flat pedal section the bike will catch up. So would depend largely on the course layout.

 

Would be good to watch.

[Pappa Bear]

Can't wait!

[Kranswurm]

In the August edition of Mountain Bike UK Steve Peat dices a trials motorbike and won on a slalom kinda course.

Will dig it out.Mampara will remember as well

[Capricorn]

i've seen teh debate raging on another forum, and it seems the slight majority is betting the moto dude rips Gee a new one.

I dunno hey, going down a hill at speed is a far cry from laying down the smack going up on a motobike. I'm laying my money on Gee taking it, simply because i've never really seen a moto course that's only downhill, with g-outs, drops and step downs all over the place.

[Capricorn]

from the moto rider David Knight:

You’re also going to be racing downhill against Gee Atherton soon on an Enduro bike against Gee’s mountain bike. Tell us about that…

It will be really interesting. It’s something I’ve thought about for years when I’ve watched the downhill mountain bike boys. I’ve only ever seen it on TV but when you see the top boys going so fast it’s scary really. When you watch it they seem to go much faster than I think I do on an enduro bike so it’s one of those things. A lot of mountain bikers say that a motorbike will win and the motorbike guys say the opposite so there’s only one way to find out. I think it will be brilliant, but I haven’t a clue who will win. I’m looking forward to it – it’s something different.

 

The rest overhere

[Capricorn]

Happening later this week! more pics from dirtmag:

 

http://cdn2.static.mporatrons.com/site/dirt/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/gee-david-fort1.jpg

 

http://cdn2.static.mporatrons.com/site/dirt/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/gee-david-fort2.jpg

[Capricorn]

very short clip of what looks like a training session

VitalMTB

[deanbean]

"The reason there is a ‘bit of an information blackout’ is that we want to try and get it in the mag first before it is all over the internet!

Mike." from DirtHQ.

and some Photos

Atherton Knight Photos

Edited November 4, 2010 by deanbean

[patches]

I watched some enduro DVD's over the weekend...

 

Hell's Gate and Enduro at Erzburg...

 

My mind was opened up as to how tricky and tight those extreme enduro races are. and Endurocross... that stuff is sick...

 

As much as I think Gee is a legend and how I'd love the DH guy to take this challenge... David Knight is insanely agile on his KTM. (I've heard his background is as a trials rider)...

 

so yeah... unfortunately I think the petrol is gonna trump the pedal on this one.

[Capricorn]

i dont think so. a bike going uphill is not equivalent to that same bike going downhill. The physics is just different. I'd say Gee will take it.

[patches]

true... gravity and that heavy steed aren't gonna work in David's favour on the downhill... I was just saying that I'm not gonna underestimate how nimble he can be... uphill or down (as observed in that 5sec clip where he undercuts Gee on the wall ride)...

 

But yeah! totally holding thumbs for Gee

 

Off topic... but check this out for a rock garden (from Erzberg):

 

 

Even though it's a climb... not a descent... still pretty insane hey?!

[Pappa Bear]

What was the outcome?

[Capricorn]

no one seems to really know. rumor milling churning out a 5sec win to Gee, but we'll have to wait for the official redbull movie to get to the truth of the matter. Sucks for the lack of info

[Capricorn]

seems the 5sec win rumor by Gee over Knight persists, and the interesting bit is that Gee's winning time was 20sec off his WC time!

Edited November 25, 2010 by Capricorn

[Guest Omega Man]

I would bet horse power over leg power every day of the week. I reckon Knight smoked it.