Éric Barone to Attempt to Break World Speed Record

Apr 12, 2013 at 9:54
by Tyler Maine  
Mavic Image

Image from Mavic's Facebook page.


On Sunday morning between 7-9am (GMT +1), Eric Barone will attempt to break the downhill mountain bike speed record, on a highly customized MTB.

More details here:
Learn more about Eric Barone on Wikipedia here.

Mavic's Facebook Page

French Interview with Barone.

Author Info:
brule avatar

Member since Mar 27, 2001
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137 Comments
  • 296 4
 Won't the UCI ban him?
  • 9 0
 i think its got something to do with the rolling speed of the wheels, 26" are a better choice for the type of thing this dude is trying!
  • 34 1
 scott gambler the old one??
  • 1 0
 @NorthEastern, looks like it to me
  • 2 3
 Yep no modified bikes and its probably to light
  • 21 0
 there are two dudes inside that suit!
  • 22 0
 I thought all you had to do was shave your legs to go fast!
  • 5 9
flag tornateo (Apr 12, 2013 at 15:24) (Below Threshold)
 Looks like a Trek Session. But seriously, I wonder how heavy it is?
  • 3 27
flag Biking-is-the-life (Apr 12, 2013 at 18:09) (Below Threshold)
 Ha GAYY
  • 3 0
 good call on the scott, you can tell by the adjustable head tube and ridges in the front triangle cover.
  • 7 0
 Why does he have any sort of gearing??? He obviously isn't going to pedal with those aero calves...
  • 4 1
 Can't wait to get my forks serviced by RocTool But seriously, how necessary is the bash guard on the e13 LG1 in this scenario . . . . .
  • 1 0
 If he removed all the components then he might as well not bother using a DH bike.
  • 4 0
 Good luck Eric!
  • 5 0
 Waldon83- would you want to take a chance of slipping a chain @ 120mph?
  • 2 1
 should convert it to a fixie with front brake only........way more reliable !
  • 1 0
 All the extra components are for weight! Needs to go fast downhill!
  • 1 0
 @kyphoto, you think he will pedalling at anywhere near that speed?
Its all tuck past about 30mph
  • 1 2
 looks like a trek.
  • 1 0
 I wonder what mountain hes gunna drop that nuke on...
  • 4 0
 Someone from SRAM needs to tell him that he will go much faster if he upgrades that X7 rear mech ;-)
  • 1 0
 NORBS GOT ROBBED!
  • 2 0
 What ended up happening with this? Did he break it/is there video?
  • 94 1
 That's my standard kit for a trail ride.
  • 23 0
 That integrated neck brace, full-head over-helmet enclosure saved my life many times on the North Shore.
  • 3 4
 It's my pumptrack getup. He stole the design from me. Big Grin
  • 2 1
 He only has an X7 rear mech? Ha, if I was going to break a world record I wouldget X0. lol
  • 1 0
 ampa, you made my day Big Grin
  • 75 0
 He is only running a Sram X7 derailier...which are notouriously unreliable over 112 kph He should upgrade to an XO if not an X9 at least...
  • 19 0
 and those Hussefelt cranks are gonna bend at 200. Needs some Saints to break the record.
  • 3 8
flag Adym (Apr 12, 2013 at 16:09) (Below Threshold)
 I think the drivetrain are the least of his worries! But agreed, so more bling components wouldn't go a miss!
  • 1 1
 Also he runs panarancer , do I say any more ?
  • 69 0
 don't forget the strava bro
  • 36 0
 Whether he breaks the world record or not, he will have a permanent KOM for that segment.
  • 1 0
 Lol
  • 61 0
 amazing,, no redbull at all
  • 30 1
 Lol, all that fancy tech and and look at the cranks and mech.
  • 15 1
 I think those are there just to hold the chain in place. At over 120 mph, they will not really be needed Razz
  • 10 8
 there is a scott bike under the carbon, thats why all the components are shit Razz
  • 25 2
 Please guys, pay him some respect. This guy is bad ass!
  • 7 2
 Bunch of little snotty kids, what did you expect.
  • 3 0
 don't see why he would want to do it again after his crash..... I think it's ballsy but also a bit stupid IMO, either way hope he succeeds!
  • 12 0
 anyone remember this crash Eric Barone had in Nicaragua, while going at 222 Kph (138 Mph):

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLRDRzMWIsg
  • 8 0
 yep sure do! nothing like going 138 mph and having your bike disintegrate!
  • 4 0
 Hopefully the helmet would manage to stay on should the worst happen again!
  • 1 1
 That flew off right away = fail
  • 4 0
 I always remember that crash xD
  • 1 0
 Loved that video too. First and last time of seeing a bike disintegrate
  • 3 0
 it took him two years to physically psychologically and emotionally recover from that crash, I can't believe he's doing it again so much later, a true speed legend.
  • 2 0
 Chinstraps FTW!
  • 9 1
 all these jokes, when this dude is really pushing it. Not getting coverage it deserves at all!
  • 6 0
 Agreed. This guy has bigger balls than everyone here combined.
  • 3 0
 No Fox stickers, no Redbull banners, he rides a 5 year old frame without a Trek/Spec`ed badge. All the clues are missing - Armchairbikers getting worried...and not a 29er wheel in sight.
  • 9 0
 I highly respect the come back. Go faster or die trying.
  • 10 3
 does it really count at this point? if you have to turn a bike and rider into something that they're not, what is the point?
  • 8 1
 whether he succeeds or not he'll be left with a tremendous gimp suit !!
  • 1 0
 "Bring out the gimp..." Smile
www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8kPqAV_74M
  • 4 1
 Try riding condoms in DH world cup, i hear that UCI doesn't ban you if you use one with banana taste! Anyway, good luck with breaking the record! Smile
  • 7 1
 Killer boots man.
  • 4 0
 It's a cardigan but thanks for noticing!
  • 1 1
 Senior citizens, while slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose.
  • 5 0
 Id want one of those vests on that inflate upon first impact! Good luck!
  • 4 0
 Let him pedal up to 250km/hr on a 29r in the Salt Lake and break the record
  • 2 0
 News: he had to abort at 150kph/96mph when he tested at 1/4 distance. That`s when the rear Mavic rim came apart.

A kid that he takes care off, tetraplegic, set a new ski speed world record at 130kph.
  • 1 0
 Are you serious?
  • 4 0
 why not just make it a single speed, not like you need gears at 120mph
  • 2 3
 Cause the UCI banned single speed.
  • 3 0
 gambler can tell by the heat tube
  • 3 0
 Doing it on a evil revolt will still be cooler
  • 2 0
 Already been done man
  • 4 1
 I can't tell who his wheel sponsor is. anyone have any ideas?
  • 1 0
 mavic
+ 4kg for a wheel
+ 22 kg of "plomb" inside the frame
+ 110 kg of muscle....

brakes are avid code
frame scott gambler
fork don t remember....
  • 6 3
 Mtb LOBSTER land speed record
  • 2 0
 Should be using a Monster T for a fork. Wouldn't want it to snap like last time..
  • 3 1
 Durex is also advertising a new condom.
  • 3 0
 this is a gambler.
  • 2 0
 hopefully his helmet stays on this time
  • 2 1
 The suit isn't designed for a better aerodynamic shape, it's all about having more space for advertising!
  • 1 0
 This is what happens when a carbon road bike and a downhill bike have a very good time.
  • 1 0
 its the old scott gambler frame look at the photo of the bike alone, has the 3 bolts holding he interchangeable dropouts!
  • 2 0
 FairPlay to him if he does it
  • 2 0
 Why put drivetrain on that bike? He won't pedal at 100+ kph i guess
  • 1 0
 I would think you would want a longer wheelbase... a better helmet and a Leatt wouldn't hurt either!
  • 3 1
 Agree, and 29" wheels would also make him faster and more stable. He is riding in a straight line so no disadvantage to the wagon wheels.
  • 1 0
 damn if he would do a ten feet drop how far would he fly? if you need 15 kmph for a 10 x 10 ft drop
  • 2 0
 Why has it even got a rear mech??????????
  • 1 0
 Atleast if he dosn't get the speed record he can be sure to take the crown for looking the biggest bellend ever. XD
  • 1 0
 I seem.to.remember them quoting him saying he was done after the crash on the volcano
  • 2 0
 He's French, he might give up......!
  • 1 0
 I totally guess Gambler Smile with a boxxer ? Smile
  • 2 0
 lowered boxxer?
  • 2 0
 he needs a bigger ring
  • 1 0
 Resnick, that is why you dont break world records.
  • 1 0
 Hes fast, way faster than you =P
  • 1 0
 Ahh so that's what the next season of tld kits will look like
  • 1 0
 LOVE the batman wings on the forks!! Need them for my Nicolai!!
  • 3 2
 So the way to go faster is to wear and oversized condom... might try that
  • 1 0
 He's crazy If he gets a new record he's a biking hero
  • 3 1
 Pull a wheelie !!!!!
  • 2 1
 Looks more of a motor bike than a mtb
  • 2 2
 If i'm riding my bike at 140 mph, I don't want to be clipped in. When the shit hits the fan I would want a quick exit.
  • 12 0
 oh you'll get one either way.
  • 5 0
 at 140 I'd rather be clipped in, I'd prefer not to slip a pedal Big Grin
  • 2 0
 AGAIN?
  • 2 1
 And everyone thought Gwin was fast!
  • 1 0
 it would be funnier in one of those ballooned up sumo outfits.
  • 1 0
 why has it got gears if he's not going to pedal?
  • 1 1
 I can't tell. does it have brakes or what!?!
  • 1 1
 i can see a disk on the front wheel hope there not standard mountain bike brakes theyve got no chance of stopping him at those speeds
  • 1 0
 Did this happen?
  • 2 5
 so this is not a Gambler this is a highly customized MTB. It look like a solid carbon frame to sustain the high torsion forces. But i dont like the seat position not stable to me Smile
  • 2 1
 Look at the head tube.
  • 4 1
 Yes because your all qualified experts at riding in 200kph plus conditions. lol
  • 2 1
 Looks like a Gambler to me...
  • 1 4
 Nah a session
  • 1 1
 All that equipment and then Holzfeller cranks :O
  • 3 0
 Hussefelts,
  • 2 1
 You're right! And that is even worse Big Grin
  • 3 3
 Get on a 29er to see the speed bro.
  • 1 1
 That head tube looks like a carbon Evil Undead.
  • 2 1
 He has big calves
  • 1 1
 Do it on a hardtail brooo
  • 1 0
 Can I buy one?
  • 1 0
 i said pull my finger!!
  • 1 0
 ARE THOSE BOMBERS?!
  • 1 0
 Has he run yet?
  • 2 1
 looks like a session
  • 1 0
 why not sram xo??
  • 1 1
 looks like a session?
  • 4 7
 Red bull will sue him for his nickname "red baron" and will probably force the organisers to accept red bull as a sponsor
  • 1 4
 Hussefelt cranks? Really should have gone with something lighter...
  • 2 0
 lighter? he's going down a smooth hill
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