Red Bull Rampage 2012 - Thursday: 33 Bikes

Oct 5, 2012
by Sterling Lorence
 
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2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Everyone is looking forward to seeing Brendan Fairclough bring his one of a kind style to Rampage. He'll be doing just that on his mega-slack Scott Gambler. He looks to currently have it setup in the short wheelbase mode.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Trek's Brett Rheeder is rocking a Session 9.9 fitted with a single crown FOX 180 up front. We're betting that we'll be seeing more than just bar spins from Rheeder... Check out those seat stays; what's going on there?

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Zink guinea pig'd the 60ft canyon gap yesterday aboard his Hyper. He's been talking about some big moves for this year's contest, but what could trump that monster 360?

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Knolly's new Podium will be under James Doerfling. The bike is equipped with a Cane Creek DBair rear shock and SR Suntour's new RUX downhill fork. Talk about putting it through its paces...

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Kyle Strait and his carbon fiber GT Fury. Wasn't Strait 15 years old when he entered his first Rampage?

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  This is one bike that we expect to see completely sideways throughout the next few days. Thomas Vanderham is using Shimano's prototype chain guide on his Rocky Mountain Flatline.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Mike Hopkins' machine won't be easily misplaced out in the desert. His day-glo Norco Aurum is running Marzocchi suspension front and rear.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Another GT Fury, this one from Tyler McCaul. Like many other riders at Rampage, his bike is spec'd with an air shock.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Brandon Semenuk and Aaron Gwin both seem to like it black. Semenuk's custom painted Session is equipped with BlackBox suspension front and rear - note the prototype Vivid out back and the 'BlackGold' treated stanchions of his BoXXer fork. Just like Rheeder's Session, his 9.9 also seems to have slightly different seat stays than what's found on the stock bike.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  No one knows how Crankworx winner Thomas Genom is going to take to the vastly different setting of the Rampage site, but we wouldn't bet against him. Check his rear shifter that is mounted to the Merida's seat collar, as well as the extra rear brake housing.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Best looking bike of Rampage? Kenny Smith's Specialized Demo gets the BlackBox suspension treatment.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  The Claw is rocking Specialized's Status, a slightly shorter and taller option compared to the Demo. He's also using a Mozart chain guide, not a brand that we see a lot of. While most riders have gone with downhill-dedicated brakes, Darren runs Shimano's XTR stoppers paired with an eight-inch rotor up front and a seven-inch in the rear.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Sorge will likely be sending it over the 60-foot canyon gap aboard his Giant Glory.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Geoff Gulevich and his Green Machine, a Rocky Mountain Flatline with Marzocchi suspension.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Do red bikes go bigger than black bikes? We'll have to wait to see if Cam McCaul can outride his Trek teammates at the Rampage venue. Another single crown FOX 180 fork as well...

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  The Coastal Crew's Kyle Norbraten with his Specialized Demo.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Which one of these is not like the other? Casey Groves' Morpheus Loki is likely the shortest travel rig at Rampage. Will he be going for a more technical but smaller line, or is he going to send it on the little bike?

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Pierre Edouard Ferry and his Commencal DH Supreme. Yet another air shock.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Kelly McGarry poses behind his prototype Diamondback. We're bummed to see that he's injured and likely out of the competition.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  We don't know what Mick Hannah has planned, but it's fair to say that it will be fast as all f*ck given that he's on his Morewood Makulu race bike.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  One of the original big mountain senders, Mike Kinrade is looking to take his Transition 450 to new heights.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Messere is aboard the other Morpheus Loki at Rampage. Check the RockShox Monarch Plus shock and Spank Spike wheelset.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Garett Beuhler's 2013 Knolly Podium with a Suntour air sprung RUX fork.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Martin Soderstrom is another Specialized rider who is aboard a standard production Status frame, albeit with some rather non-standard parts - another 'BlackGold' equipped BoXXer fork. Soderstrom was on a flyer of a run at Crankworx until a massive spill on the final move, so expect him to unleash the Kraken here in the desert.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Antoine Bizet and his Kona Supreme Operator.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Lacondeguy will be wanting to make some big moves aboard his great looking YT Industries Tues. YT has shown a new carbon version of the bike, but Andreu is aboard his aluminum rig for the event.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Greg Watts' Haro would be considered a big-travel bike anywhere but here at Rampage. What sort of combos will we see from him?

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Another single crown fork, this one a Marzocchi 66 on Sam Pilgrim's NS Soda. Sam is a rider who we usually see on either a hardtail or short travel slope bike, so it will interesting to see him throw down on the bigger Soda.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Brendan Howey with his stealth-looking Commencal FR.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Chris Van Dine is on Yeti's carbon fiber 303wc, a machine that we saw Graves using at World Cup races this season. The carbon front end features very similar lines to the 'standard' 303wc. Hidden up against the seat tube is the bike's vertical rail that the swingarm-mounted shuttle travels up and down on.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Ramon Hunziker is on a production Trek Session 9.9 frame. Note the standard seat stays compared to the ones found on the team bikes.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Talk about flashbacks... Wil White is representing on his Karpiel DiscoVolante, complete with Spinergy DH wheels.

2012 Shimano Saint launch in Whistler BC
  Nico Vink may be better know for his World Cup antics, but we think that he'll surprise those who aren't familiar with him.


341 Comments

  • + 760
flag colincolin (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:07)
 Pinkbike would you please do an article called "33 bikes AFTER Rampage" with fotos of the destroyed bikes?

Cheers!
  • + 93
flag sachamtbdhrida (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:53)
 Hahaha such a great idea. I'm thinking Mesere and Grove's bikes aren't looking suitable for big hucks and gaps.
  • + 27
flag nation (Oct 5, 2012 at 3:02)
 ^^^ Vote for this!
  • + 24
flag ziggyzuggy (Oct 5, 2012 at 3:19)
 mesere's bike is actually an autobot dont worry guys
  • + 33
flag davemit (Oct 5, 2012 at 3:19)
 Neither Greg Watts Haro....
  • + 29
flag bigburd (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:00)
 Would be great to see all the wrecked stuff but I expect the manufactures don't want photos of thier wrecked products on the front page of an international website Razz
  • + 53
flag gdr-inc (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:46)
 ...however it would be cool to see a bike company be honset and say... ' well we found our limit for our bike this year at rampage, now we know what to work on for next year ' Smile
  • + 3
flag bigburd (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:14)
 Thing is it would probably take a unique frame to actually stand up to the rampage , most people would rather have some thing that is 500g lighter than some thing that is built to last.

But yeah , the honesty would be nice at least Smile
  • + 20
flag feardabeast (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:21)
 Kenny Smith's bike looks sick!
  • + 5
flag sweet-bike (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:01)
 Now someone add up what all those bikes are worth combined!
  • + 8
flag KTownRoyster (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:07)
 yep youll see a lot of broken bikes because that Karpiel will crush them all.
  • + 3
flag adamdigby (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:08)
 Wil's bike isn't heavy, it's under 40lb. Kill it Wil!!!
  • + 1
flag Jack90 (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:18)
 good idea, would love to see this
  • + 3
flag lmbngtracer7975 (Oct 5, 2012 at 9:21)
 Kenny Smith's rig is by far the sexiest
  • + 1
flag industrymike (Oct 5, 2012 at 12:57)
 Check out Brandons "spider-less" chainring setup on his XO cranks!....XO (XX1 styled) 11 speed, or is it fewer for Rampage?

GO KEN! Bring the hein!!!!
  • + 1
flag The-Medic (Oct 5, 2012 at 13:43)
 Brilliant idea...
  • + 1
flag scheufler (Oct 5, 2012 at 15:53)
 yes please do this idea!
  • + 1
flag Boschinator (Oct 5, 2012 at 22:00)
 industrymike, Brandon Semenuk is running an MRP Bling Ring. Pretty nifty little rings that have the same spine fitting as the standard 4-bolt spider.
Check it out: www.mountainracingproducts.com/mrp/bling-ring
  • + 1
flag ahembomb7 (Oct 5, 2012 at 23:22)
 I take it that Saint and XO cranks are good?
  • + 1
flag bigburd (Oct 6, 2012 at 1:19)
 I can't talk for the XO's but Saints are the best cranks I ever used.
  • + 1
flag JojoHD (Oct 6, 2012 at 4:39)
 Yeah... Hoply nobody get hurt... I have never seen anthony messere ride a big bike and than the red bull rampage? ( sorry for my bad grammatic)
  • + 2
flag industrymike (Oct 8, 2012 at 18:22)
 Boschinator...you are correct sir. Forgot you can remove the 10spd spiders, was thinking they made him a trick new 83mm setup.
  • + 4
flag rmtrailshredder (Dec 16, 2012 at 0:22)
 I definitely NEVER saw a comment with so many props as this one Big Grin
  • + 1
flag The-Medic (Dec 16, 2012 at 0:56)
 ^^^^^ seriously aye... this is by far the most I've ever seen. And not only that it's actually a pretty awesome idea along with being funny... I'd LOVE to see a rundown on everything that failed and what survived cause there were some EPIC wrecks this year (SO glad nobody got too seriously hurt too...) and I would be interested to see what the bikes looked like afterwards. The massive over-shoot on the Norco Aurum is tops on my curiosity list aye.

Anyone know what the actual "record + props."number is just curious out of curiosity??? I'm guessing that Protour holds the Neg pr record Wink Where is that guy??? I miss him. It was like having a crazy racist grandfather with Alzheimers: you never know what he's gonna say next, you just know it's gonna be painfull and you'd rather not be in the room when it goes down. (Edit: ww I just scrolled down and to my surprise, he's got sme positive props!!!! Cinderella Story comin outa NOWHERE!!!!!)
[Reply]
  • + 120
flag henryfitzgerald (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:17)
 Holy shit how is Anthony Messere not going to die on that bike.
  • + 15
flag newtoDH (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:27)
 I'm thinking the exact same thing. That looks 10 years old
  • + 131
flag randybadger (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:29)
 So does anthony Smile
  • + 27
flag swearmouth (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:39)
 Its not how old it is, its the fact that loki's have a maximum of 125mm of travel... Just stupid really.
  • + 13
flag kylepape (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:40)
 his face says it all
  • + 14
flag randybadger (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:48)
 Casey groves looks pretty happy with his. Its clearly not how much youve got but how you use it!
  • + 6
flag Freerideguy14 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:59)
 Why is everyone mostly running air rear shocks?
  • - 8
flag ercover (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:00) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Show some respect people! Btw Casey Groves rides with the same frame too.
  • + 59
flag Circes (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:00)
 Dude, how is Greg Watts not going to die. Look at that POS Haro.
  • + 17
flag Pabail (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:16)
 hopefully no deaths, that would properly screw up the future of freeride
  • + 12
flag dbox123 (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:51)
 no v10's??? guess they cost so much you dont wanna throw them off a cliff.

I may be a bit behind here but is Gee not taking part?
  • + 14
flag vonichi (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:52)
 you guys tell it like you know better.
they're the one's in competition not you Big Grin
  • - 91
flag Auxx (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:03) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Freerideguy14 because coil shox are only used by poor guys who can't afford air ones.
  • + 50
flag dbox123 (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:10)
 Auxx^^^ Let me be the first to say, "you are a knob" what a stupid comment.
  • + 1
flag gravityhelps (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:34)
 speaking of messere and groves using the loki, doesn't seem like the downhill prototype morpheus is working out as planned. If they were going to use it anywhere it'd be here. they're scared thay sketchy shock linkage will snap i bet, but hey i could be wrong maybe their individual lines will make a slopestyle bike work
  • + 5
flag bigburd (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:45)
 Probably more to do with the fact that you can pump an air shock up for bottom out much more than you can with a coil.
  • + 12
flag BadgerPineMax (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:50)
 F*ck you Auxx! Hate it when riding becomes money based.
  • + 12
flag xieper (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:37)
 Don't worry, he is just a child with a hard tail, probably jealous Razz
  • + 8
flag Protour (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:44)
 At least Messere is running dh tires. I'm surprised nobody is running real big tires, like 2.8's or so. Seems like it might help traction, but I guess everyones a weight weenie these days.

Look how high the bb is on that crap Haro, especially considering it only has 6"or so of travel....Haro is so behind the times.
  • + 1
flag compaqnc6340 (Oct 5, 2012 at 3:53)
 got the skillz to pay the medical billz i guess...haha
  • - 14
flag bikounet (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:40) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Best looking bikes: GT's !!! definetly!
  • + 5
flag taletotell (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:42)
 A small light bike with less suspension is going to be easier to throw around. The primary point of suspension is to keep you wheels on the ground and in control, not big jumps. A 4x or slope style bike can work just fine if they pick the right line.
  • + 27
flag roast-dinner-pinner (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:06)
 You can tell Will White is trying not to shit himself whilst holding that Karpiel up
  • + 4
flag ElOzwaldo (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:44)
 Can anyone tell me how old Will White's Karpiel is? I have no idea and am intrigued cause it looks retro and badass.
  • + 2
flag roast-dinner-pinner (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:50)
 Think she's a 2009 frame
  • + 2
flag dhmad (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:02)
 Come on boys!
The Legend is reborn ! : )
www.karpiel.com
  • + 5
flag stinky-deluxe-smith (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:22)
 kelly mcgarry has a nice bent spoke ..
i bet gregg watts has already hit some massive stuff on that haro and its still going .. i bet he kills on that and shows everyone up on there carbon rigs (everyone loves the underdog!)
  • + 5
flag smike (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:00)
 I wouldn't ever call Watts an underdog... no matter what bike he rides!
  • + 3
flag stinky-deluxe-smith (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:03)
 i mean the disadvantaged bike is the underdog lol not watts i think what all these guys do on 2 wheels is insane and how they have massive brutal accidents and just get back up! shows footballers how to be a man!!
  • + 4
flag doorknob100 (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:39)
 I know everyone and their mother is riding a Session 9.9 in this thing, but does anyone agree that Cam's is the best looking? I like the black but the Red and Golf is dialed
  • + 2
flag tysonb (Oct 5, 2012 at 11:17)
 when your as small as groves or messere you dont need that much travel
  • + 6
flag brycepiwek (Oct 5, 2012 at 15:42)
 ^ exactly. comes down to how much you weigh. if you're as light as anthony you don't absolutely need a full-on dh rig. I don't know why everyones questioning why the best riders in the world are using the components they chose (Air shocks, single crowns, Freeride/slope frames over DH rigs). They know what they're doing and how they plan on riding the terrain to best suit their riding style.
  • + 2
flag bigburd (Oct 6, 2012 at 1:20)
 Oops ! Sorry dude I ment to positive prop you ^^
[Reply]
  • + 30
flag ercover (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:52)
 Thank you Pinkbike! Great riders out there. I hope nobody gets hurt badly.
  • + 5
flag Schy (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:02)
 I agree, crazy stuffs gonna go down! The depressing thing for me is that I have school tomorrow, and I live less than 30 minutes away from the event... Frown
  • + 41
flag steezysam (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:20)
 are you serious?! skip school and GO!! when you look back on your life, chances are you're not going to wish you'd gone to school more
  • + 9
flag Pabail (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:22)
 Schy listen to this guy^ your so lucky.
  • + 14
flag Schy (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:23)
 College midterms. No way around it. I'll still make it Saturday and Sunday though so i'm happy!
  • + 7
flag si618 (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:53)
 Wise approach Schy Smile
www.videobash.com/photo_show/why-education-is-important-60101
[Reply]
  • + 27
flag darkmuncan (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:18)
 KENNY SMITH'S BIKE!

:O
  • + 4
flag Steevo3030 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:22)
 looks badass!
  • + 21
flag chyu (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:49)
 Felt sad and sorry for what's Greg Watts riding, such a good rider on a 2002 design bike.
  • + 6
flag Lolo-the-frenchie (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:39)
 2002 was a great year for rampage. And bike weren't that bad !
  • + 4
flag bigburd (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:45)
 Yep , kennys bike is fucking hot !
[Reply]
  • + 23
flag csucsnowman (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:04)
 Semenuk's is the sickest... Karpiel wins for still not being bankrupt... but f*ck's sake, Greg Watt's Haro - that looks EXACTLY like a 2005-era Santa Cruz Bullit. WTF is going on there?
  • - 1
flag Protour (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:31)
 Except for the time Intense built them a DH bike, Haro has failed miserably every time they tried to make a sophisticated DH bike. So they just settled on keeping expectations low. They really are the worst somewhat big brand out there when it comes to full suspension bikes...quite simply, a terrible legacy that lives on somehow.
  • + 2
flag taletotell (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:52)
 These guys aren't doing DH. It is epic level FR. It necessitates a different king of build.
  • + 10
flag neimbc (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:08)
 Haro no longer makes full suspension bikes. They discontinued the line and only sell HT's. Watts bike, must be something they had left hanging around.
  • + 1
flag saamiam21 (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:14)
 Watt's Looks like an old Werx 7. I remember landing to flat and shearing the pivot pin on a bike like that.
  • + 0
flag natalot (Oct 5, 2012 at 8:02)
 Watts' Haro is a joke, hahaha, just laughably poor looking. That sexy Fox fork can't even make it look nicer. I also think Semenuk's bike looks terrible. Maybe just cause of the red dust but something looks off. Maybe because Rock shox need to get rid of that terrible black Boxxer. It looks god awful. I thought we learned that black stanchions are no good from Marzacchi. Kenny's bike would look so much sicker without the Zellers looking fork.
  • + 4
flag deeeight Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 8:07)
 Watts is riding a shift series frame, and yes Haro did abandon all their full suspension bikes, and all their upper level hardtails as well as fired longtime brand manager and former Pro DH racer, Jill hamilton a few years ago.
  • + 1
flag randybadger (Oct 5, 2012 at 11:46)
 How could they get it so right with the porter and make so many ugly looking/functioning machines
  • + 3
flag deeeight Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 12:29)
 Firing the brand manager and deciding they wanted to be a BMX brand primarily and seeing the mtb/hybrid lines as merely another source of income is how. They were also one of the first brands to offer production 650B bikes, and then when they fired Jill (who had pushed for their development), they were amongst the models axed. I see Haro becoming the next Walmart brand at the rate they're running the company now.
[Reply]
  • + 22
flag sntcrz340 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:29)
 anyone else a bit upset not seeing Gee Atherton?
  • + 1
flag huck-lover (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:34)
 Is he still competing?
  • + 1
flag bigburd (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:46)
 Whats happened to him is he injured or some thing ?
  • + 6
flag chaza (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:28)
 He's tweaked his ankle in practice and is sitting out saturday in the hope he'll be okay for sunday, but it doesnt look good....
  • + 11
flag taletotell (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:44)
 And yet Kelly McGary was in the pics. . .
  • + 0
flag bigburd (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:12)
 And?
  • + 3
flag taletotell (Oct 5, 2012 at 9:16)
 Just that Kelly might not get to ride at all and he still represents. Gee has his reason I'm sure but I'd like to see his build.
  • - 1
flag tsukuyomi (Oct 5, 2012 at 12:32)
 Wrong post.
[Reply]
  • + 20
flag michealcain (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:05)
 where is Romo? cant have big air senders with out the god father of big air
[Reply]
  • + 16
flag oakleymtb (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:28)
 What's with the big specialized guys riding on the Status?
  • + 4
flag bolmaing (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:31)
 I want to know the answer to this question as well
  • + 18
flag sewer-rat (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:40)
 Gotta be marketing - If all the kids see these guys launching the Status then they might be able to persuade mom and dad to blow the £2k on a Status instead of £4k on the demo
  • + 24
flag hoggan (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:41)
 Better geo for stunts
  • + 26
flag masterbailer (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:44)
 They are more freeridish. Not as slack, and not as low as the demo, should make it better to spin and whatnot. Marketing too.
  • + 18
flag mattantico (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:47)
 martin soderstrom said on his facebook page he picked the status over the demo because it has a higher BB and a shorter rear end which makes it a better bike to trick
  • + 2
flag blitz66 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:54)
 it's unlikely to be a stock frame for these guys anyway, but mttantico took the words right out of my mouth! status is just a shorter wheelbase too, should make it a less unruly bike to trick... besides, when you stick the gear these guys have on there the weight difference would be negligable! they'll be running a really progressive shock rate too, so the quality of the linkages isn't exactly as important for control... just needs to suck up the hits so their nuts don't have to
  • + 5
flag nzstormer (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:55)
 ^ Exactly, check out this review from a few weeks back which basically raves about the geometry of the bike. www.pinkbike.com/news/Specialized-Status-II-Tested-2012.html I don't believe for a second that anyone would ride this terrain on anything other than the bike they think they are going to do best on (provided it's made by the guys that pay them of course). Plus, it's not exactly the status that you and I could walk in to a shop and buy, it's a status frame with s werx parts.
  • + 5
flag Pabail (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:02)
 they are stock frames for sure...just with better shocks and bearings.
  • + 3
flag ir0cks (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:27)
 According to Martin, the status has a shorter chainstay and tighter geometry allowing for easier tricks i guess, but to me nothing they does seems easy for an average joe..
  • + 4
flag sidermang (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:39)
 The status is the perfect bike for this, not only does it handle quite similar to a demo, but it floats, and pops much better then a demo, it may be a cheap frame, but it sure doesn't ride like one, I'm actually happy I chose the status over the demo since I was going to build a demo instead, the status is much funner to ride, it's just a bit slower in super rough flat out sections, but it handles better at slower speeds then a demo, plus the status ramps up quite a bit towards the end of the travel making big hits more manageable compared to the demo.
  • + 3
flag taletotell (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:49)
 Truth is the big DH rigs aren't every really designed for this kind of stuff. They are designed to be fast over rough terrain. That is why there is no v10 in these pics and why so many guys sacrificed travel for weight and wheel base.
  • + 8
flag savmeister (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:19)
 no santa cruz riders , thats why theres no V10,s !!
  • + 3
flag Kieran-Young (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:43)
 Anybody seen Soderstrom's link on his facebook page? The guy 3'd the status on a normal pumptrack roller,I can't even 180 my trail bike haha!
  • + 3
flag tsukuyomi (Oct 5, 2012 at 12:32)
 The thing is, that Martin Söderström is wrong about the Status having shorter chain stays. Look at the bike specs and you'll notice that the Status has 426 mm while the Demo 8 has 421 mm. Thank's to Jon Bokrantz being the first to point this out over at the discussion on Vital.
  • + 1
flag Lilshredman (Oct 7, 2012 at 9:15)
 I have ridden the status 2 before, and it shreds really hard 4 dh. i don't 4 rampage though
[Reply]
  • + 16
flag ridedownahill (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:18)
 semenuk has a lot of black box secret parts on his bike!
[Reply]
  • + 10
flag ParabellumShane (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:15)
 Some killer rides there.
Who are the 12 to survive the qualies out of this list???

Antoine Bizet
Garett Buehler
James Doerfling
Brendan Fairclough
Pierre Edouard Ferry
Thomas Genon
Casey Groves
Mick Hannah
Mike Hopkins
Brendan Howey
Ramon Hunziker
Mike Kinrade
Cam McCaul
Kelly McGarry
Anthony Messere
Kyle Norbaten
Sam Pilgrim
Brett Rheeder
Curtis Robinson
Nick Simcik
Martin Soderstrom
Chris Van Dine
Nico Vink
Greg Watts
Wil White
  • + 0
flag ParabellumShane (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:16)
 I'm voting for...
Garett Buehler
James Doerfling
Brendan Fairclough
Mick Hannah
Mike Hopkins
Mike Kinrade
Cam McCaul
Kelly McGarry
Kyle Norbaten
Curtis Robinson
Nick Simcik
Chris Van Dine

BTW, where's Nick's bike?
  • + 7
flag JoseMPM (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:34)
 Thomas Genon and Martin Söderström are pretty sure going to be in. They better try their best to do so, otherwise Semenuk has 2012s FMB crown all to himself without even trying.
  • + 5
flag FuriousGeorge (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:54)
 You're missing the Claw.
  • + 1
flag Lolo-the-frenchie (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:57)
 I vote for :

Antoine Bizet
Pierre Edouard Ferry

The french team !

and 10 others...

Garett Buehler
James Doerfling
Mike Kinrade
Cam McCaul
Kelly McGarry
Nico Vink
Brendan Fairclough
Mick Hannah
Brendan Howey
Kenny Smith
  • + 2
flag Joeypalmer (Oct 5, 2012 at 15:16)
 @parabellumshane ... Nick is riding a Transition TR250 with a FOX 40 fork. I rode with him three weeks ago at Trestle/Winter Park and he told me then. Doubt he went with his smaller bike.

Good Luck Nick!
[Reply]
  • + 8
flag randybadger (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:26)
 Interesting to see some of the brands we dont associate with "big bikes" in the uk. Haro, Diamond back and Merida. Are they popular in the states?
On another note im a big mick hannah fan, looking forward to seeing how he does.
  • + 3
flag taletotell (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:51)
 DB is making a comeback. I can't speak for the others.
  • + 2
flag togood2die (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:11)
 Haro? Not anymore... I'm shocked to see Watts doing this on that frame...
DB is pretty big, I guess. I'd take a Mission of you gave it to me.
  • + 2
flag Sidor666 (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:20)
 Merida is very popular in Poland. They make good reliable bikes and you can see a lot of those driving around here.
  • + 2
flag randybadger (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:19)
 Merida are pretty big. I believe they own a massive part of specialized. If they did big travel bikes though they are well of my radar
  • + 2
flag deeeight Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 8:05)
 Merida owns 49% of Specialized, so yes, they are very big. As part of their ownership agreement, they don't market their own bikes in the USA.
[Reply]
  • + 11
flag Gora (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:21)
 I am proud of two Polish bikes in the good company of large companies bicycle
  • + 1
flag Steevo3030 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:25)
 which two are the Polish bikes?
  • + 15
flag karl-burkat Mod (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:32)
 NS Bikes and Karpiel I believe.
  • + 1
flag DragRider (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:42)
 true, true Wink
  • + 2
flag Protour (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:26)
 Yeah, that's an awesome point!
  • + 2
flag wujozbujo (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:56)
 Yep, one of the lads is using Mozartt too... ;-)
Good stuff, not sure if I was more proud than than...;-)
  • + 3
flag Sidor666 (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:23)
 Yup, I can't wait to see what Pilgrim's gonna do with his Soda. btw Soda's are good bikes and inexpensive too
  • + 1
flag Kieran-Young (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:44)
 Soda's are expensive actually,But apart from the wheels and other little tweaks,Sam's is almost stock! He runs Halo Chaos wheels,and the rest is standard stuff I think?
  • + 1
flag Sidor666 (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:34)
 I can see some NS and OCTANE ONE components so yes, almost stock.
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag jaame (Oct 5, 2012 at 19:37)
 THOMAS GENON!

It looks like he bought this bike himself, look how shit it is! I bet 90% of Pinkbike users wouldn't ride a bike that cheap down to the shops! When was the last time you saw someone that good riding the not gold fox forks? And Alex rims... get some!

First he wins Crankworx on a hardtail with a flat tyre, now he's riding rampage on this...

Thomas, you're a f*cking hero!

I notice almost all of them are using Saint brakes, and quite a few guys using Spank rims. I've heard a lot of guys saying that Spank stuff is really good, and that their rims are actually better than the big names because the alloy used in the Spike rims is the shiznit.

I'm loving the black Demo, and Lacondeguy's YT - both totally pimp looking.

Kyle Strait still looks 15 to me, and Greg Watts looks like Warney!

Can't wait to see Brendog tearing this course a new arsehole, and come on Pilgs!
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag poozank (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:27)
 Cool to see so many riders competing this year, good mix of people from all different backgrounds should make this an awesome rampage
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag superbikes (Oct 5, 2012 at 3:44)
 Havent air shocks come such a long long way to be able to take this king of redbull abuse. I remember when they first came out they said they would never be used in DH and FR.
  • + 2
flag randybadger (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:32)
 They are the future. Relatively light with versatility to tune for anyone with a pump
  • + 1
flag dangdang (Oct 5, 2012 at 9:13)
 hell yeah they are the future!
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag btownbiker12 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:35)
 Very surprised to see both Soderstrom and Berrecloth riding a Status. It's also really cool to see such a big popularity in both the Vivid Air and CCDB
  • + 1
flag betsie Plus (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:58)
 There were lots of air shocks in Whistler this year at Crankworx also. Great to see.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag Jester1826 (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:42)
 What the Fu*k is that gearing all about on Thomas Genom's bike...... Shifter on the seat post!! :/
and Kenny Smiths demo looks Wicked!!
So many nice bikes here but the ones that stand out most for me has to be the GT Fury's I just love them bikes!!! Smile
  • + 2
flag randybadger (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:28)
 Its a slopestyle thing, keeps the shifter (and cables) away from the handle bars,
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag The-Medic (Oct 5, 2012 at 13:44)
 The Norco Aurum and the two Commencals are simply the BEST looking to my eyes. I'd love to own either one of those frames...
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Samarius (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:41)
 **CAN ANYONE HELP?** what knee brace/protection is Brendog wearing in that very first picture? I'm just coming back from a shattered knee cap and major surgery and that looks hella sturdy and the kind of protection my knee is guna need. if any one has a link/info please be so kind as to let me know? Cheers PB. its appreciated.
  • + 2
flag Joeypalmer (Oct 5, 2012 at 15:18)
 Check TLD, they make a knee brace/pad combo. Very pricy but I heard good things...
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mcarswell (Oct 6, 2012 at 9:17)
 Kyle Strait deserves a handicap for riding that GT fury IMHO that bike has horrible geometry for a freeride bike of race bike for that matter ..such an odd feeling throwing a whip on one its like they have a anti whip gyroscope.id hate to be on that bike at rampage..kyles one of my favorite riders too bummer...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag deeeight Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 8:10)
 Ok... where are the other folks who'd pre-qualified for rampage ? Logan Binggali, is riding for KHS on their prototype DH-650 and already has video up on youtube of him riding at Rampage.

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0M7H85x_Fyk
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag twowheelfury (Oct 5, 2012 at 10:39)
 Watts' bike looks like a Walmart special.... Seems like Haro is going to end up like Schwinn.... junk sold in big box stores. They must pay him a lot to keep him riding there bikes.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag finnrambo (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:40)
 is that ns soda cromo? most of their bikes are I hope this ones alloy being a full sus, and that karpiel! looks scary as hell but so cool and retro, as for messere I'm a bit sketched out he tends to push too hard and crash and this isnt the place for crashing
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag yozer13 (Oct 6, 2012 at 2:24)
 will be pretty interesting too see how the status cope dose anyone know if they are using a bolt thru on them or if its the standard qr style?
i mean if one of these frames is gonna break here is the best chance of seeing it, as ive been looking at getting one but thought may be not as strong as others in the price bracket. weather its easyier to ride than the demo ect. or just a showboat of what the frame is capable of after reading the negitive comments about the standard qr back end, its got people talking about it.
same for that new sr suntour RUX fork. again interesting to see how they cope
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag SintraFreeride (Oct 12, 2012 at 9:08)
 So I take it no one noticed the Minion DHR II on Mike Kinrade's bike or the prototype michelins on the blue Commencal (I saw these tyres on a Ginger haired riding buddy of Brendan Fairclough at Morzine this summer. This are similar to Specialized Hill Billys aka a cut spike).
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag tom666 (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:55)
 The great thing about the world tour results being so close between Soderstrom and Semenuk is that both riders are going to be forced to ride at the peak of their ability, because neither want to lose. Shit is going to go down with those two going at each other on one of the biggest, gnarliest courses ever assembled. Cannot wait!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag freeride-forever (Oct 6, 2012 at 22:00)
 Mountain bikes are like ab machines. At frequent & regular intervals someone has come up with some new, goofy, gimmicky contraption just to push a shock in & out & move a wheel up & down, just to sell something new. Some of these things are ridiculous, like the Podium, Gambler & Demo & what's with the beer belly trend in recent years? Some of them look like their down tubes have been bent by the load applied through the shock. In the list above, my least favorite rider is on what I'd say is the nicest bike. Morewood wins it for me (or maybe the Status). I miss the days of the Intense M-1. So sleek, & elegant. Lean, clean & mean.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag hansdewantara (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:30)
 yannick would be use this

id.polygoncycle.com/index.php?pgid=d_bike&bikeid=676&par=8

id.polygoncycle.com/index.php?pgid=d_bike&bikeid=679&par=8
  • + 2
flag eFKa (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:00)
 yannick has injured..
Yannick granieri (Official Fanpage)
Surgery done....back to sleep now ..!
operation terminer....sieste maintenant
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag mserko (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:42)
 Pretty rad to have big free ride guys, slope style guys and wc racers all in one comp. so stoked for Sunday.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag OTehNoes (Oct 5, 2012 at 3:51)
 Mother of God I don't know which demo is sexier, Kenny Smith's or Kyle Norbraten's.

One thing is for sure though: I want one.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jgottya1 (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:45)
 All very sweet rides ! The sickness of this event is only magnified by the guys who are running air shocks......can you imagine dropping 40-50 foot and have that thing blow an air chamber ? Best of luck to everyone !!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag PHeller (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:32)
 Where is Logan Binggeli? I saw a video of him riding the KHS DH650b off the sender, but no mention of him in the event? Did he just show up to show off the tweener?
  • + 1
flag TheStig04 (Oct 5, 2012 at 20:41)
 was just thinking the same thing. i was hoping to get a close up of that bike!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Hwulex (Oct 5, 2012 at 11:01)
 Good to see Marzo getting rep'd. I know they had some fork problems a couple years ago under a couple riders, but I do love their suspension and good to see them back in the desert.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag FuriousGeorge (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:51)
 Semenuk, Kenny Smith and Cam McCaul have the hottest rides for sure. Mick Hannah and Wil White's bikes are inspired by Mad Max. I can't wait to see this shit go down.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag psychopete13 (Oct 5, 2012 at 11:09)
 Not only is Kenny Smith's bike the best looking bike at Rampage... It's the best looking bike I have ever seen!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag treymotleyDH (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:21)
 Why are so many people switching from coil to air for the rear suspension?
  • + 1
flag superbobob (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:27)
 Weight, mostly.
  • + 1
flag theden (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:30)
 +1 to that. soo many vivid airs and ccdba-s...would be nice to check how my shox is doing for really big s#*t
  • - 3
flag crogers (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:36)
 Air feels better for landing jumps because you can't feel the rebound as much as on coil without having to set your rebound rediculously high
  • + 1
flag MrMJM3 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:45)
 that is what i though to, so meany air shocks
  • + 0
flag baca262 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:51)
 progressiveness (bottom out resistance) maybe?
  • + 2
flag randybadger (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:35)
 Think they have evolved to a level where they are as durable and effective as a coil, with the added benefits of weight and adjustability
  • + 1
flag Piks-Liks (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:28)
 I'm guessing that the sponsors also had a big say in it. What better way to address consumer questions over toughness / durability than surviving rampage..
  • + 1
flag dom69foco (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:56)
 I think it's simply that you can pump them up really hard! And extra air weighs less than an 800lb spring
  • + 1
flag treymotleyDH (Oct 5, 2012 at 14:18)
 Thanks. All though is weight really a factor when you're not racing?
  • + 1
flag dom69foco (Oct 5, 2012 at 16:35)
 It changes moment of inertia, i.e. how easily something is moved. In racing that means braking and accelerating. In freeride competitions it means whips, 360s and backflips!
  • + 1
flag treymotleyDH (Oct 5, 2012 at 17:51)
 Oh yeah! Well thanks for the answers!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag falla08 (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:39)
 does anyone know something about Lacondeguy's bike? is it allready the new tues carbon?!
  • + 1
flag Nygaard (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:19)
 Looks like the aluminium version to me.. I don't think the carbon will be out before next year.
  • + 1
flag falla08 (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:29)
 www.yt-industries.com/shop/index.php?page=product&info=268
yeah aluFrown
  • + 4
flag Nygaard (Oct 5, 2012 at 8:51)
 I can live with that.. My bike for 2013, no doubt! The BOS RaRe suspension alone is almost as much as YT asks for a COMPLETE bike with insane components all the way through!
  • + 1
flag jaame (Oct 5, 2012 at 20:00)
 Peep the carbon tues here:

fstatic0.mtb-news.de/f/cf/w9/cfw9lglmk2ql/large_p4pb8451044.jpg?0

They say on the website to contact them to arrange delivery to non-eu countries.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag yamaha41 (Oct 6, 2012 at 10:08)
 Notice alot of riders running the rock shock vivid rc2 air. Are they suitable for downhill big drop event over the coil option
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Patsplit (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:32)
 Anyone notice that Sick Mick riding CLIPS!! at Rampage???!!! WTH? The only one too. Crazy!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag jackdirtjumping7 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:23)
 this is going to be the hardest redbull rampage yet!!!
  • + 1
flag ercover (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:50)
 For sure. So many big names...
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag beshop (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:23)
 Wil White on Polish prideSmile
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag chyu (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:15)
 Finally.
  • + 1
flag ButtonPusher (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:25)
 yup...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag MTBsherpa (Oct 9, 2012 at 15:41)
 The claw and storm must have been forced to ride entry level dh bikes to promote sales. Either way it put them both at a disadvantage just not as bad as will whites.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag TotesRidic (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:17)
 So good to see everyone's setup. Bikes are cool.
  • + 1
flag stumper21 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:46)
 hey what happen to gee
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag jasdh (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:09)
 wow, i wouldn't want to be hitting that oakley sender without triple clamp forks and what not
  • + 3
flag dom69foco (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:50)
 I'm not sure some bigger forks would make me feel any better about it!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag patmills (Oct 5, 2012 at 12:06)
 The three thing I am looking forward to the most;

1 Brendog hitting Rampage

2 Sick Mick and the way he attacks stuff

and

3 Watching the story unfold

Bring it on
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag superbobob (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:30)
 Interesting to see that The Claw and Söderstrom sport Status frames instead of the more expected Demo.
Trail SX replacement maybe ?
  • + 4
flag KCToregon (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:39)
 They're probably riding it because of the slightly shorter chainstays and the higher BB. Makes it easier to trick.
  • + 2
flag Pabail (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:10)
 superbobob...the enduro evo is the sx trail replacement. that status is the entry level downhill bike but better suited to freeride for the reasons ^KCToregon points out
  • + 2
flag JoseMPM (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:40)
 Söderström himself said it on his Twitter account that he chose the Status for the shorter chainstay and it being easier to trick than the Demo. I assume Claw did the same. But still, we've seen Claw riding Utah on an SX on WTTE, so I don't think doing so on the Status will be a problem for any of them.
  • + 1
flag OlSkoolJake (Oct 5, 2012 at 11:28)
 All's the Status frame is... Is a enlarged version of the old SX trail. Seems fitting they would choose it for this stuff. THe Demo is not really a Freeride sled anymore. More of a pure DH machine now. I think we will see a influx of the Status bikes on the trails soon enough.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag KCToregon (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:34)
 Dang you can barely see the pedals on Semenuk's bike because they're so thin! Does anybody know what pedals he's riding with?
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag dirtbikerjackson (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:19)
 kenny smith's decals are bad assss
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag general-lee (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:23)
 Notice the Trek bikes have custom aluminum seat stays with a reconfigured brace. Assuming it's to alter geometry/suspension from the DH race version?
  • + 1
flag skinna (Oct 6, 2012 at 0:04)
 im pretty sure its got altered seat stays and shortened chain stays to make it easier to trick
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Pochiemaui (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:13)
 Go Sam Pilgrim! NS soda rocks! Smile
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag geebeebee Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 3:04)
 Umm, where is Nick Simcik and his 'Pink Panther' Transition TR450?
  • + 1
flag simcik (Oct 5, 2012 at 17:24)
 Yeah, no doubt! Clearly Pinkbike does actually like pink bikes...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jonah94-bik3rb0y (Oct 6, 2012 at 11:37)
 Can't wait to see how those two Flatlines do. I'm thinking of getting one next year.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag MikeMarkov (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:42)
 I got to ride rheeders trek 9.9. He's a sick rider and I can't wait to see him shred
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag sgsrider (Oct 5, 2012 at 17:09)
 Good to see Jan Karpiel's still in the game! haha.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Goten (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:20)
 Where the hell is Agassiz?
  • + 1
flag pinkbikemysty (Oct 5, 2012 at 21:26)
 Broken leg Frown
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Enduro27 Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:17)
 oh boy I feel bad for greg on that haro, oh god it looks like a early 2000's bullit
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag machaut (Oct 5, 2012 at 12:37)
 This should be the best RBR yet! Everyone looks ready. Except Kelly, shit happens man.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag arkadius (Oct 5, 2012 at 9:01)
 I can't wait to see Pilgrim .Will be good comercial for company after competitions.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cazneaux (Oct 5, 2012 at 12:34)
 did anyone notice that none of the trek riders strayed from fox and shimano? haha
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Mariusdemo (Oct 5, 2012 at 9:18)
 why using the status when you can ride a demo?! I guess they get some extra money for that!
  • + 0
flag Kona-rob (Oct 5, 2012 at 9:20)
 Higher bb and shorter chainstay make it easier to spin and trick. Pretty damn good advert for the status really, really showing that its not a low end bike.
  • + 1
flag Joeypalmer (Oct 5, 2012 at 15:24)
 @knoa-rob ...wrong, the Demo has a chain stay of 421mm and the status 426 mm. Check Specialized.com if you don't take my word for it.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag Antoncor (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:11)
 None of the specialized riders are using the Carbon Demo??????????????
That's a Shame, It's like telling everyone that the frame is not strong enough.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag a207Freerider (Oct 5, 2012 at 13:05)
 Sam Pilgrim is going to die.
  • + 1
flag leon-forfar (Oct 6, 2012 at 20:59)
 oh he deayd www.pinkbike.com/photo/8751112
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag leannmetalhead (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:21)
 So Logan's bike is missed too just like Gee's isn't here?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag simcik (Oct 5, 2012 at 17:23)
 Wow! Way to miss the bright PINK Transition TR450...
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag watchyourfingers (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:25)
 what is Nico Vink riding?
  • + 1
flag theedon (Oct 5, 2012 at 9:52)
 Looks like a Cove Shocker?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag parker455 (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:07)
 Pilgrim doesn't look too stoked to be there, he even said he doesn't like it there.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag KTownRoyster (Oct 5, 2012 at 14:57)
 The others might look sexy but Karpiel's product testing has been Bender approved strong.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag teamdoa (Oct 6, 2012 at 1:49)
 I think if I was going to pick one bike to do this (not that I would lol) I would go with the Karpeil.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag TAridingMTB (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:46)
 This is why PB is so good. Articles like this are just brilliant.. I now really want a podium.
  • + 1
flag Parabellum Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 12:40)
 New podiums are sick, SICK bikes.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dhridernz (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:28)
 Sweet to see the specialized team riders on the status. Just shows it must be a little more forgiving...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag prateek24 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:27)
 seems like a lineup of a beauty(bike) pageant....each one hotter than the other..hahaha
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Clarry (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:24)
 Camerons McCaul's bike is soooooooo, wait..... words just cannot describe it. :p and what are Kelly McGarry's brakes?
  • + 1
flag ercover (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:50)
 Some Hopes.
  • + 1
flag sewer-rat (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:54)
 Hope team green Tech evos ...............I think
  • + 1
flag freeryde-mtb (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:01)
 when i saw cam's pic.. haha just like him... such a sick bike
  • + 1
flag OTehNoes (Oct 5, 2012 at 3:57)
 Team Issue Hope Tech Evo V2 up front and X2 at the back judging by the rotors. I could be wrong though, could be a set of either. Nice to see Hope's being used at a big event though!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag D-ponko (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:03)
 Messere's about to get squirly
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag MmmBones (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:20)
 I spy them fancy new aluminum finned rotors on Vanderhams bike.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag wuzupjosh (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:32)
 whats with the statuses i thought demo are supposed to be better personally i like the status better but idk just saying
  • + 0
flag togood2die (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:21)
 Shorter wheelbase, higher BB, easier to ride in this instance... See above...
  • + 1
flag Joeypalmer (Oct 5, 2012 at 15:26)
 wheelbase yes is shorter, chain stay is longer than demo. ALSO, wheelbase only 2mm shorter on Status in size medium
  • + 1
flag togood2die (Oct 5, 2012 at 16:36)
 Ah, got it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag airsoftesneeto (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:37)
 tmac's fork is that a unmarked 40 or is that an xfusion prototype DH FORK!?!?!??!?!!!!
  • + 2
flag Circes (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:02)
 Forty. Probably one his brothers spares. Xfusion riders usually just peel off the stickers of the triple crown forks they're riding....
  • + 1
flag freeryde-mtb (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:03)
 out of pure hope i'm going with prototype
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag reinholds Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:08)
 I feel bad for Messere already. Short travel bike + X0 carbon cranks. Something is gone snap this year Big Grin
  • + 2
flag Mariusdemo (Oct 5, 2012 at 9:39)
 X0 carbon cranks have a core thats made of aluminium, dont think, they are easyer to break then other cranks!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag sewer-rat (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:41)
 Im loving the Supremes this year - I think Commencal have got the look sooooo dialled
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag licho (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:56)
 chris we will support you from Honduras tell your friends you always remember
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag takezo (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:26)
 Martin and darren share a set of deemaxxes?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Matt-W (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:21)
 Came here for the single crowns, wasn't disappointed.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Luke224 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:48)
 sam pilgrims ride looks sick
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag RicardoES (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:17)
 Honestl this is what I don't want to see in the rampage. Best bike here is the Karpiel WITH NO DOUBT! Everyone forgot the super monster's, richis etc... Everyone forgot the 12'' front and rear suspension bikes.
In this matter, downhill back to competition for the time and less to hardcore and huge jumps, drops or 90º trails. It's a shame. 03, 04, 05 rampages were the best and I think that I won't see anything like that again.
  • + 2
flag Lolo-the-frenchie (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:50)
 Hey man, it's 02, 03 and 04... And don't forget the first one in 01 ! It will never happen again because every riders here want's to win the Rampage as another comp, and be safe at the end ! So they need to be sure to cross the finish line without falling down. And be easy to put som trix in the midle on the line, because this is what most of people are expecting to see !
  • + 1
flag Protour (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:35)
 Those were the best years without a doubt, it's great that Pinkbike has been replaying the movies from those years recently! Thanks pinkbike!
  • + 2
flag Kalshikov (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:45)
 Actually I found that Karpiel the worst bike out there, completely garbage. And Freeride has evoluted, in what concerns the bikes and de riders' prespectives and riding styles/skills. No one will rock those kind of absurd bikes no more.
  • + 1
flag Lolo-the-frenchie (Oct 5, 2012 at 3:53)
 And what's with the market... Super Monster fork and massive frames were not the bike that everyones can afford
  • + 9
flag JoseMPM (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:38)
 Todays 160-180mm bikes can eat up as much as those old rampage over 200mm ridiculous tries like Bender's forks, proof of that being on Rampage 04 when Bender almost died trying a gap with his ridiculous fork and then a 17y old Kyle Strait on a Demo 8 with a Fox 40 (none of them over today's standard 200mm) came and did the same gap and threw a suicide no hander over it, landing it clean and safe.

And if you're telling me that Gee's airs and line fluidity and quarter transfer grand finale or Zink's 360 or, into this year, Fairclough's own canyon gap or Zink/CamMcaul idea of flipping the pre-built canyon gap are less exciting than those old Rampages they you're just going with the trend of "old is always better" without thinking or giving new even a chance.
  • + 2
flag justridetrails (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:38)
 i ride a karpiel disco and o yea i have it set too 8.5 rear with 888 up front they made two long travel huck frames and i ride the race frame sorry but the disco had modern geomitry sinse 1999 and it seams like alot of bikes are running the suspension ideas o and i have never had a problem with anything karpiel is a good bike frame i send mine too hell and back every weekend its paint is gone but it still rides like the first day b4 you rat on em ride one first or atleast give it a good look
  • + 2
flag dom69foco (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:53)
 ^ Yeah what that guy meant to say is forget the name, this Karpiel is part of the new breed. This is no Bender hucker. In fact, it's ultra adjustable and made with downhill racing geometry
  • + 1
flag deeeight Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 10:42)
 Yeah but that's just because Bender isn't particularly skilled. Oh sure he has more balls than practically anyone else in the sport, for launching himself off ridiculous stunts he hasn't a hope in hell of sticking the landings of, which looks great on camera (the crashing after that is, everyone loves to rubberneck a crash). Years ago one of the major magazines asked the question "Do you think Bender is a skilled rider", and universally the answer was "no" from all the top freeriders and pro DH riders they asked (and there were some really big names asked). Hucking off the deck of a patio over a railing and dropping thirty feet to flat into a paved parking lot doesn't show much in the way of skill.
  • - 1
flag RicardoES (Oct 5, 2012 at 13:51)
 What I mean is, the meaning of this event, the base itself is the hucking. The start of this event was that, big jumps and etc. Now it's all about nice tricks and fast corners and etc. It's the same as UCI with little more vertical angles. I'm saying that this event was made for HUGE bikes, for a BIG BALLED guys. Everyone knows the all bender's runs and will remember the Rampage as an impossible run to do.
  • + 1
flag deeeight Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 14:19)
 You wanna put up the money for YOUR event, you can do so. But while its redbull fronting the money, they can dictate what sort of event format the riding involves.
  • + 1
flag JoseMPM (Oct 6, 2012 at 7:14)
 RicardoES, so you're saying the almost 80 footer Mike Hopkins took himself out with yesterday or Fairclough's own canyon gap or, if he ends up doing it, Zink's canyon gap flip are any less gnarly or the riders have less balls than previous Rampages? The "hughe" airs and hucks of past Rampages (aside from Bender's ridiculous hucks that almost always ended in crashes) are now the standard, mid run, "do it to fill in while you get to you real hit" features. I don't see any less balls or an array of small bikes. In fact, besides Groves' and Messere's bikes (and maybe Wats') all the rest hover around the 200mm mark front and back, which is the same or more than they used to be.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Mariusdemo (Oct 5, 2012 at 9:39)
 Black is the new black!. 3
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  • + 1
flag downhilltom2010 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:52)
 now ill have to buy all those bikes !!!!
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  • + 1
flag dhat (Oct 7, 2012 at 11:39)
 Lacondeguy's YT tues looks sick wonder how it rides Smile
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  • + 1
flag shortyslo (Oct 5, 2012 at 12:41)
 where is Graham Agassiz??
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  • + 1
flag jason745 (Oct 5, 2012 at 11:36)
 So, did Martin and Claw split a pair of DeeMax Ultimates?
  • + 1
flag dlxx (Oct 5, 2012 at 14:27)
 Headline news tomorrow: SPECIALIZED CANNOT AFFORD DEMOS AND DEEMAX'S FOR WHOLE TEAM.
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  • + 1
flag thebryson (Oct 7, 2012 at 15:10)
 What is Nico Vink riding?
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  • + 1
flag nwmlarge (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:20)
 good article nice to see all the bikes with some detail!
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  • + 1
flag drfulton (Oct 6, 2012 at 21:23)
 this coverage is why i love PB
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  • + 1
flag martinxcho (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:24)
 This year it'll be very interesting :3
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  • + 1
flag tylerthegiant (Oct 5, 2012 at 22:07)
 what fork is on Mike Kinrade transiton
  • + 1
flag Kerplunk (Oct 6, 2012 at 21:00)
 That's what I was curious about too. Never seen anything like it.
  • + 2
flag SintraFreeride (Oct 12, 2012 at 9:04)
 It's a Manitou Dorado. An upside down fork which unfortunately are some what of a rarity nowadays.
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  • + 1
flag juniorbrasil (Oct 6, 2012 at 17:50)
 Espero que o Cameron Zink mande um 360 de novo.
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  • + 1
flag KellenG (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:22)
 Kenny and Martin have bad ass looking bikes!
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  • + 1
flag hodges (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:21)
 i hope pubesy can pull off something sick.
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  • + 1
flag wakaba (Oct 5, 2012 at 19:37)
 Gambler makes me drool - me want - now.
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  • + 1
flag fifel (Oct 6, 2012 at 20:04)
 Sickest demo I've ever seen!!!!!!! Soooo jelly. Haha
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  • + 1
flag austinaw (Oct 6, 2012 at 22:16)
 keny smith has the sickest bike at rampage...
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  • + 1
flag Cirest (Oct 5, 2012 at 13:20)
 fingers crossed for Doerfling!
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  • + 1
flag jazzawil (Oct 7, 2012 at 22:39)
 what happened to vanderhams red flatline? on a white bike for finals???
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  • + 1
flag thompsy01 (Oct 5, 2012 at 15:39)
 some of the sexiest bikes of all time!
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  • + 1
flag driverfr (Oct 5, 2012 at 12:42)
 POLISH BIKE ON RAMPAGE!!! I'm proud
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  • + 1
flag roterblitz (Oct 5, 2012 at 8:08)
 what about Logan Binggeli's 650B?
  • + 1
flag deeeight Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 10:44)
 Bikerumour has pics of it in their coverage of rampage.
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  • + 1
flag kubkins (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:30)
 Add to my Favorites, Add to my Favorites, Add to my Favorites...
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  • + 2
flag manuesi (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:43)
 GO Ramon Hunziker!!!!
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  • + 1
flag spencercoloradodh (Dec 14, 2012 at 17:32)
 anny one else see the dent on the operator up by the bumpers?
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  • + 1
flag Jacko1997 (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:43)
 They are the best looking bikes I have ever seen!!!!
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  • + 1
flag PIND-IT (Oct 18, 2012 at 17:35)
 Awesome idea for a write-up...
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  • + 1
flag Marider0250 (Mar 3, 2013 at 12:46)
 Darren Bearclaw's bike is sick looking
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  • + 1
flag JoseMPM (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:40)
 Pinkbike, what's up with Geeman? Where's his bike?
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  • + 1
flag FernandoRV (Oct 5, 2012 at 2:31)
 Where is Gee Atherton and Robbie Bourdon?
  • + 1
flag pepper8 (Oct 5, 2012 at 11:38)
 Atherton injured, and does going bourdon to take part on the finals?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mikeonetray13 (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:49)
 nice to see a haro, and a disco
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  • + 1
flag theden (Oct 5, 2012 at 1:31)
 is brendog wearing moto knee protection??
  • + 1
flag JoseMPM (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:32)
 With the line and the gap he's sending he better wear some tough protection.
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  • + 1
flag chilli77 (Oct 5, 2012 at 3:37)
 cool.....very well done .... almost every rider with his bike.....
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  • + 1
flag Arin (Oct 5, 2012 at 4:01)
 waiting for that sooooo bad
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  • + 1
flag SandersB (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:53)
 The KARPIEL !!! still kick'en
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  • + 0
flag Pabail (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:13)
 seems coil is on the way out, air systems continue to get more sophisticated
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  • + 1
flag juniorbrasil (Oct 6, 2012 at 17:49)
 Torcendo para o Cameron Zink...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Stephen101 (Oct 5, 2012 at 7:34)
 Lovin the 40's on Howey's Freeride machine
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  • + 1
flag mvonhollen (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:56)
 Brendan Howeeyyyyyyy! I'd love to see him do well.
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  • + 1
flag shishka (Oct 5, 2012 at 8:36)
 This is better than interbike
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  • + 1
flag Kimbers (Oct 8, 2012 at 0:04)
 No sign of Logan Binggelis 650b KHS and he came 3rd!!!!!!!!
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  • + 2
flag cpeesel (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:58)
 Where's curtis robinson?
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  • + 1
flag haniffJ (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:02)
 Red Bull Rampage - Collect em All
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  • + 1
flag muchentuchen (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:35)
 Isn't Genon on Marzocchi?
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  • + 1
flag theriotact (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:18)
 dang, where the hell has howey been? good to see him back.
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  • + 1
flag Backdoor (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:55)
 Sorry Haro, but Greg's bike looks about 7 years behind everyone elses.
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  • + 1
flag gergely (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:11)
 I would love to a see compilation like this from the DH World Cup.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag dcm6861 (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:07)
 Kinrades 450.... all day
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ebehn (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:21)
 mmmmmm black stanchions
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  • + 1
flag AlenaBerkut (Oct 5, 2012 at 10:30)
 Viva Sorge )))
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jlp-qc (Oct 5, 2012 at 8:38)
 no romo? Frown
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  • + 1
flag elbry (Oct 5, 2012 at 9:06)
 bourdos bike??
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag reno-be (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:17)
 Poor Thomas, that bike looks so ghetto!
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  • + 1
flag lroguet (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:38)
 Go Martin. Go.
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  • + 0
flag downhillerinsf (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:44)
 thomas genom is going to BACKFLIP the Canyon Gap
  • + 1
flag JoseMPM (Oct 5, 2012 at 5:31)
 Add him then to both Cams, although I think at least one of them is thinking flip variation, ala his signature flip nac.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag haniffJ (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:21)
 nice
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  • + 1
flag Gora (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:39)
 Sam Pilgrim I mean
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  • + 1
flag BikeTrials (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:39)
 NS Soda looks hot
  • + 0
flag killboy911 (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:29)
 Agreed !
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag hobblyjig (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:23)
 Mike's Norco wins the sexiest bike competition IMO.

Also, what would Cedric be on if he was riding this year?
  • + 1
flag superbobob (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:31)
 Probably his V10, don't you think ?
  • + 1
flag hoolydooly (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:31)
 Probably a V10
  • + 1
flag pepper8 (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:36)
 His ssssuper cool custom v-10 of course..!! XD, emmm, yep, there is no Santa Cruz in the list! where is goldman?
  • + 1
flag BikeTrials (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:38)
 Santacruz V10
  • + 1
flag ShaunathinShavis (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:05)
 Isn't Watts riding a Bullit? Or do I have that wrong?

Edit: My apologies, almost the exact same style and I didn't read the name on the frame
  • + 1
flag elbry (Oct 5, 2012 at 9:06)
 its an old haro frame
  • + 1
flag deeeight Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 10:48)
 Its too bad they couldn't find a Xeon frame leftover in the warranty department for him to ride, it'd be a much better choice than the thing he's on.
  • + 1
flag The-Medic (Oct 5, 2012 at 13:45)
 @Hobblyjig: Agreed, the Aurum and the Commencals are thes best looking bikes out there IMO That Norco looks FAST standing still aye.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag randybadger (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:27)
 Wheres gees fury?
  • + 1
flag karl-burkat Mod (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:33)
 we don't have all the bikes, we missed Gee on this day..
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  • - 2
flag Wakeymatt (Oct 4, 2012 at 23:28)
 why are they all running gears and high seatposts ?
  • + 5
flag zshipowick (Oct 5, 2012 at 0:29)
 Because you'll find that you have much better control over your bike in technical terrain with the seat properly between your legs as opposed to slammed to the ground, also its easier to pinch for tricks. And would you want to run out of gears pedaling into a 60 ft gap? didn't think so...
  • + 2
flag deeeight Plus (Oct 5, 2012 at 10:46)
 Yep, need the gears to have the right speed for some of the jumps. If you've never ridden in desert conditions, sand / dry dirt will rob a LOT of speed in a hurry, even after you drop off the side of a mountain.
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag jakery69 (Oct 5, 2012 at 6:50)
 Sooo Sam pilgrims gonna die this isn't a dj park
  • + 2
flag Lilshredman (Oct 7, 2012 at 13:42)
 he did
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