Jared has been working through these changes with RockShox's Jon Cancellier, a name that might ring a bell to those familiar with SRAM's BlackBox program that's reserved for only their top riders. One thing that hasn't changed is Graves' preference for quite a lot of ramp-up through the fork and shock's stroke.
''I like my front and rear end set up with volume spacers to the point where I rarely even get full travel out of them, so that's what I've done with both the fork and the rear end.'' You can imagine how progressive his setup must be if a guy as fast and aggressive as Jared isn't hitting bottom that often, all thanks to a handful of Bottomless Tokens.
That also includes the new MRP SXg chain guide and its no-contact lower element that he'll bolt on when the course demands a bit of extra protection. Don't expect the close-ratio X01 DH seven-speed cassette to be on his bike when it's time to race enduros, though, as he'll likely mount up a much wider range XX1 block for big days on the bike.
Graves was coy when it came to anything else he might be changing up, saying ""We also have the Stumpjumper as well, and we've got a few sneaky things in the works that I guess we can't talk about right now. I think it's going to be pretty cool, the things we have planned for the start of the EWS," but he stopped short of giving up any hints.
Once you go downduro, you alwaysduro...
Nice write up, always interesting to read about pro bike set up.
It feels like saying Fox and Rock Shox are being produced by RST.
I know it's true about CST, it just sounds weird to me.
Also, Specialized had a tent for the three Aussie riders (McMillan, Davis and Atkinson). They had one mechanic from Sydney to work on their bikes. Definitely not the support you think Jared received here. I didn't see Keene in the pits at all, he only rode the flow trail, and the downhill course as a sweep rider. After that he was working on his bike in the exact same spot as you see Jared in the above photo.
Good insight into some of the comparisons to his old set up though. I'm with him on carbon wheels for sure.
It also sounds like those bikes ride very differently which is also not a surprise. I hope he has a good season, last year was one to forget (except the end!)
Also, I'd think that would be why he'd be quick to ride the stumpjumper with the longer frame available??? But IDK?
SO, my guess is we'll see new geometry numbers on the probably soon to be released 2017 models..
It will be interesting to see how Graves rides this season being on all new sponsorships. He's literally starting over from the ground up!
Bike shop said DT dont have thicker gauge straight pull spokes
I'm actually thinking about giving them a try.
The Vivid Air in the pictures however is custom... Keene and some other sponsored riders had a proprietary one just like it for several years now.
(honest question, not baiting. I'm still on 26" and beginning to plan for my next bike. I was under the impression that 29rs were now getting to the point they are better at gravity-oriented riding. But I'm wondering why we aren't seeing more of them at EWS style events? Is it simply that the burly tires and rims required at those events would be too heavy in the 29" declination?)
loL
But Im not just a hater... I am rooting for him. Jared is a top notch racer and professional. One of my faves!
loL
From Fox to Rockshox: if you want to...
From Maxxis to Specialized: not a good idea in my opinion but okay...
From Shimano to SRAM: OH GOSH PLEASE NO! NO! OH HELL NO!!
I wish I picked one up, he is easily my favourite rider to watch, he just seems so damn genuine as a bloke.
Cheers