Sam Hill Signs With Team CRC/Nukeproof

Dec 23, 2012 at 12:16
by Mike Levy  
Team CRC/Nukeproof are proud to welcome legendary Australian rider Sam Hill onto the roster, joining Matt Simmonds and Joe Smith as they look forward to success in the upcoming 2013 RockyRoads UCI Mountain Bike World Cup season. A five time downhill World Champion and with numerous World Cup podiums under his belt, Sam Hill is widely regarded as one of the most skilful riders on the circuit, often showing disregard for and picking apart the most loose, steep or gnarly courses in the world.

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Joe Smith, newly signed Sam Hill, and Matt Simmonds make up the Team CRC/Nukeproof roster for 2013.



I'm very excited about riding for team Chain Reaction Cycles/Nukeproof. They are very positive towards downhill racing and I know they are going to put in 100% just like me. I'm really looking forward to getting to the races under the Chain Reaction Cycles tents and hanging with the team. 2013 is going to be a good year.
- Sam Hill
Matt Simmonds and Joe Smith, who both had their most successful professional season in 2012, are hoping to push themselves even further this year with the help of their new teammate. Matt said: “To have a rider of Sam’s calibre on the team will be awesome for us! Placing 16th overall in last year’s World Cup was great for me and gives me the perfect platform to improve my times this year and get closer to podium finishes.” Joe Smith, who took 19th overall in last year’s World Cup rankings, is stoked on what the future holds for the team, saying: “Finishing seventh at Fort Bill last year was a definite highlight, and to end up in the top-20 overall was fantastic. With the help of the team and some tweaks to my riding, this year should be amazing for us all.

Team CRC Nukeproof during qualifying for the 2012 World Cup in Val D Isere France

Nukeproof's 210mm travel Pulse at last year's Val D'Isere Word Cup stop. We have it on good authority that Hill we be aboard a SRAM-equipped version for the 2013 season.


Team Manager Nigel Page said:
bigquotesI'm delighted Sam has decided to join our team! I have been a big fan of Sam throughout his successful downhill career. He's had amazing results in the past winning five World Championship titles and is a fantastic ambassador for any company involved in downhill and mountain biking in general. We have worked hard on developing a great team and great bikes over the last five seasons and I believe having a rider of Sam's pedigree will step the team up to that next level and also bring on the results of Matt and Joe, who had very promising seasons in 2012. We are all really looking forward to having Sam on board helping the development of new Nukeproof products and hopefully helping Sam achieve his goals in racing in the next stage of his career. I can't wait for the 2013 season to begin!


www.chainreactioncycles.com

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

611 Comments
  • 426 10
 Whaaat!?!
  • 200 7
 daaa fuq?!
  • 174 5
 i didn't see that coming!!
  • 128 5
 This is... well... quite a surprise.
  • 120 1
 I really want to see an interview with Sam Hill about this!
  • 57 1
 Team rumours was right.

So who does Matti liehikoinen ( spelling ) ride for now?
  • 23 1
 Ahhh now it makes sense, #teamrumors
  • 61 29
 think hes just made a mistake
  • 112 8
 That guys is the name of Specialized demo 8s. What is this world coming to?
  • 41 4
 and Spesh is trying to buy Gwin out of his contract, lol
I love the off season rumor mill/new team announcements
  • 94 8
 I like change, and this is a good one! stoke for CRC (we all buy from them, lets love them and their team)
  • 27 4
 Bit of a brainf*ck? wasn't spesh good enough for him?!
  • 86 28
 more like he wasnt good enough for them
  • 7 1
 Wow. Really wasn't expecting that.!!!!!
  • 27 3
 More than likely it just came down to $$, if one company pays more than the one your at then you will more regardless of product.
  • 23 8
 NOOOOOO, the worlds coming to an END....AGAIN!
  • 22 90
flag biking247 (Dec 23, 2012 at 12:57) (Below Threshold)
 I saw this coming from a mile away!
  • 28 7
 best of luck to my man Sam Hill !!!...I'm so happy for him and CRC,,, it will be refreshing to see him on a single pivot and Marzo...
  • 100 7
 Due to the Sam Hill effect this is what a conversation among downhillers will be like in 12 months time: "You have a Demo 8, lame everyone knows the Pulse is where it's at".
  • 8 19
flag samminett (Dec 23, 2012 at 13:10) (Below Threshold)
 No just No whyyy
  • 154 1
 the mayans were right
  • 43 7
 finally!!! I tired of Specialized... so what's next? 50 percent more Nukeproofs in the world aahhaahahah
  • 15 2
 They already are thousands of them in the UK! Razz Scalps that is
  • 7 20
flag dakillerpeyton (Dec 23, 2012 at 13:58) (Below Threshold)
 I think him and gain were playing truth or dare...gwins an evil little bastard
  • 36 2
 first schumacher changes to mercedez, now this?
  • 14 2
 Supporting the nukeproof, I like this!
  • 15 1
 I had to read that twice just to make sure my mind wasn't playing tricks on me.
  • 36 2
 "Damn, I just replaced my Sunday with a Demo. Now I have to change it for a Nukeproof. FML" is what a lot of fanboys will be thinking now
  • 4 1
 Bro remember that rumour from last year I told you ???? it was so close to coming true , trust me ! Just a shame that company went cold .
  • 4 5
 Defo good to see moves like this, keeping the sport fresh!
Isn't the nukeproof team SRAM though? And therefore running rockshox?
  • 5 1
 My bad....just seen the pic of the bike properly and yeah, marzocchis!
  • 12 1
 Guess he got tired of all the Demo hype. Haha
  • 5 52
flag danb396 (Dec 23, 2012 at 16:12) (Below Threshold)
 I did actually know this but didn't want to believe it. Hope he smashes it now and everything yeah but..

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO end of an era. Wish the world had ended now :'(


bring on the neg props
  • 28 79
flag zyzz (Dec 23, 2012 at 16:26) (Below Threshold)
 Why would you go from ironhoce to CRC??? Dave weagle makes really good bikes technology and is probably pissed about this!! He desgned the bike for steve hill and now he just throws it right back in his face!? I can't stand sam hill and his dog shit unibrows. Like what is he trying to prove? Should of stayed on the big horse/mad catz. *puts pants back on*
  • 47 4
 Trollin like a boss^
  • 20 0
 It dosent matter what bike sam is on, its all about a paycheck for him, hes got a family to take care of now. Someone at his level of racing will only need 2 runs to become one with the bike. I still support him.
  • 11 0
 I really think this is exciting news. Many of us love to see Sam Hill win, hopefully this move produces good results.
  • 4 14
flag BikeNERD007 (Dec 23, 2012 at 18:28) (Below Threshold)
 Wtf! Why man :'( now who rides specialized that's any good?...... Specialized stocks will drop now!
  • 7 1
 Now everyone is going to start saying specialized sucks. I agree when people say that specialized's stocks will go down, Sam Hill is the biggest marketing influence in the DH world, what ever he says is good, people for it.
  • 7 0
 CRC must have had a big cheque book to get Sam Hill. big question is who is on Specialized next year, McDonald? Brayton? rumours of they trying to snatch Gwin, sheet just got real.
  • 7 14
flag SHARK555 (Dec 23, 2012 at 19:25) (Below Threshold)
 What next, Gwin leaves Trek, Stevie leaves Devinci, Peat leaves Santa Cruz, Atherton leaves GT?
  • 3 0
 Well that took me by surprise to say the least..
  • 10 0
 Atherton already left Commencal! That was one of these moments!
  • 21 1
 Ropelato, Norbraten/Coastal Crew, Hunter, Berrecloth... Spesh will be fine.
  • 19 23
flag jaame (Dec 23, 2012 at 21:23) (Below Threshold)
 Isn't Bronsnan still on Spesh? He's faster than Hill anyway. This is the same as Rossi leaving Yamaha because Lorenzo was younger, faster and better. Couldn't handle being given a downgraded contract when his teammate was given an upgrade. Hill was going to have to pay Brosnan's wages if he stayed at Spesh.

Could be a bad move for them though, because I know four guys who bought demos because of Hill, and that's in Taiwan where there are only about 300 MTBers.

As for Hill, good on you son, having kids isn't a joke. You're not going to win any more races anyway so it doesn't matter what team you're on. You've lived the dream, now it's time to chase the paper.
  • 5 1
 Not a huge surprise. Sam could only stay with a big company so long. Really want to see him do what he did for Ironhorse!
  • 3 11
flag dhcba (Dec 23, 2012 at 22:05) (Below Threshold)
 unless specialized broke, this should ever happen.... sick just... sick... byebye childhood Frown
  • 10 6
 nukeproof are a much better brand than specialized, its about time they pushed their team with an elite rider. cant wait to see how they evolve with hill on the team.
  • 8 1
 Willing to be specialized is pretty pissed about the whole "Sam Hill room" now!
  • 6 2
 Well I still like this guy very much... but I don`t give a f*ck, I`m keeping my demo. It`s still rocks!!
  • 9 0
 Rossi is back on Yamaha
  • 26 0
 Lets hope his speed will rub off onto CRC's parcel dispatch area !
  • 10 4
 With a shitload more cash falling out of his pockets.

Three years ago Rossi was on 15 million euro, Lorenzo was on 6, something like that. Then Yamaha decided to offer Lorenzo 9, which meant they could only offer Rossi 12, so of course he went to Ducati for 30, even though he knew it was a piece of shit bike that no one could win on.

My guess is a similar thing has happened at Specialized. Brosnan is the future, he wanted more money but they didn't want to spend any more on overall salary. Hill was made a reduced offer to accommodate Brosnan's increase. Hill didn't like it so he went to CRC for more, even though the bike isn't as good (or is it?).

I think Sam Hill is awesome, I'm not bagging him iut, but I don't think he's got any more race wins in him.
  • 7 1
 You have to remember berrecloth
still ride specialized Smile
  • 9 0
 It was claimed to be a match made in Heaven. The worlds greatest Italian Moto GP rider on an Italian bike. At first they were talking it up like he was going to break records on the bike. And don't say no one could win on that bike because Casey Stoner won a world championship on that bike by 125 points. Thats 5 victories. including 4 wins in a row on the Ducati alone. Everyone who follows it knows the pressures of winning a home GP. Rossi just couldn't ride it plain and simple.
  • 2 0
 where does it say he gets more money
  • 5 18
flag jaame (Dec 24, 2012 at 3:50) (Below Threshold)
 That year that stoner won it was a fluke. They hit the ground running with that bike, the tyres, their GPS fuel mapping and traction control. Stoner was killing it and everyone else was running out of fuel on the slowing down lap. It was the bike that won the championship in 2007, not Stoner's riding. Then the bike went nowhere and everyone else caught and passed them. Everyone who isn't an Aussie knows Rossi is a class apart from Stoner. Rossi wouldn't ride it, plain and simple. With nine world championships in your pocket, are you going to take the same risks as a hungry 21 year old? Good riddance Stoner. In ten years no one will remember you.

Rossi is going to be a force again next year, unlike Sam Hill who unfortunately is over the hill (no pun intended). He's got a kid and a shiela nagging at him to be safe. He can still get paid from the occasional podium and a top ten overall. If he was going to win again he would have done it this year. You get slower, not faster. Hill's time at the top is long gone. I'm a big fan of his, I'd love to see him win again instead of that boring bastard that's monopolised the podium these last two years, but realistically that's not going to happen. Very unlikely anyway.
  • 4 4
 I apologise for the Casey Stoner rant. He was a fast, excellent rider. I tried to draw a parallel between Rossi, Lorenzo, Hill and Brosnan. Nothing to do with Stoner. But that bike is a POS that no one can win on. Discounting 2007, the Ducati had about 15% of race wins. It is shit, it ruined Melandri's career, almost killed Capirossi, it's why Stoner left, and it's why Rossi left.
  • 8 0
 about Stoner,you are kidding arent you?
  • 2 1
 @zyzz ... can't stop trolling rite about now
  • 1 0
 So strange to see Hill on a Nukeproof!
  • 3 0
 In 2007 he crashed that Ducati once in practice and ran wide on a corner and dropped it in the kitty litter rather that pushing for it and taking Rossi out. Rossi doesn't have that sportsmanship. And that was it for the season. No more cock ups on that bike. The problem isn't so much the bike, its the people just don't know how to ride it. Look at Casey's style, hes very loose pushes that bike until it doesn't exactly what he wants it to do.

Please watch this and then tell me people will forget him in 10 years.

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=PWda0Ez7bGs&NR=1
  • 4 7
 I DON'T want to see him in those shitty CRC/Nukeproof jerseys... Please god
  • 2 0
 Gwin is staying with Trek for 3 more years, they are offering Brook and Stevie contracts when there respective contracts end with there current teams.
  • 1 4
 Nobody could win on that ducati! not even stoner, he won on an older easier bike look how he was just before he came to honda "crap"
  • 1 0
 Brook to Trek!!
  • 1 0
 Wonder is Sam is bringing his wrench, Jacy, with him??????

If so, hopefully CRC/Nukeproof won't provide matching flat brims and douchy Michael Jackson jackets for them.

If someone has the photo of Hill and Jacy wearing the matching jackets, please post up. Think it was an old Mountain Bike Action pic from some stupid Troy Lee party out in Whistler.
  • 2 0
 "That guys is the name of Specialized demo 8s"

Just like he was with the Sunday.

Now he'll be the 'name of' the Pulse.
  • 1 0
 Maybe so. But he was in that way because he was ill, he didn't use the bike as an excuse.
  • 3 2
 Sorry Hoolydooly. You're obviously a Stoner fan. I am a fan of his riding, but I can also objectively say he isn't as good as he thinks he is. The only people who think he's better than Rossi are him, his dad and his wife (and she's only saying that because she has to).

I'd be surprised if Spesh go for Brooky. I think he's awesome, but I'm not a bean counter, and I can't see them dropping big coin on someone from a country with a small market. I think they want a Yank, a Canuck or a Pom so they can shift more units. Having two Aussies would never have pleased the bean counters either I'll wager.
  • 5 1
 And what about talking about motoGP in an appropriate section? Smile
  • 138 4
 And nukeproof sales just shot out the roof...and demo 8s on the for sale forum.
  • 122 2
 great! demos just became lame, so i'm hoping to buy one quite cheap Smile
  • 5 2
 Same here!
  • 41 4
 last team he left went bust...
  • 48 0
 I doubt Specialized will go bust any time soon! Being one of the biggest cycle manufacturer!
  • 2 2
 dave hayden casually handing it out as usual... beef
  • 2 1
 jus' throwin it out there... haha
  • 12 2
 I wouldn't swap out an s-works demo for a nukeproof but if the team/money is better then fair enough
  • 6 1
 Come on guys! It's ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!!!!!!! CRC would have laid a very heavy cheque on the desk in the meeting. Fair play to him. He'll get whatever he wants from the team and company. He'll do what he did when he went to spesh. He'll carry in his old frame and tell them to build his new bike with those geo settings and characteristics.

Will this mean that HILL will be seen in the UK racing more over the summer months??????
  • 13 2
 Gaz, when you say "He'll carry in his old frame and tell them to build his new bke with those geo settings and characteristics." I bet the frame he carrys in will be his old Sunday.
  • 37 2
 I think he should just ride his old Sunday.
  • 1 0
 Yeah I reacon look how many people use there suspension design still to this day spesh are not going anywhere
  • 3 7
flag BikeNERD007 (Dec 23, 2012 at 18:27) (Below Threshold)
 Wtf! Why man :'( now who rides specialized that's any good?...... Specialized stocks will drop now!
  • 2 1
 New carbon Demo 8's have been snapping CCDB shock stancions because they not build true. how long before a nukeproof has a carbon frame..
  • 8 3
 Specialized doesn't manufactuer anything, they are a marketing machine; they third party their manufactuering.
  • 9 0
 BikeNERD007 Troy Brosnan and Mitch Ropelato are both pretty talented rides.
  • 20 19
 " Specialized doesn't manufactuer anything, they are a marketing machine; they third party their manufactuering."

Does Intel build their processors anymore? Does Apple make their ipads or iphones. Does Chevy make their Camaros, Does Canon make their cameras, Does go pro make anything themself? It's capitalism. No one makes their own shit these days.

Only a few true companies make their own bikes these days. Intense, foes, BCM, and a few others. The rest are shipped out of house. Heck, rider owned means crap. Who cares if rider owned exists as long as they are sending their crap to Asia to be made. None of that means anything. Unless it says MADE IN USA, or MADE IN CANADA, or MADE IN ITALY etc, who cares if some rider baddass owns the company, because all it means is they are sending shit overseas to be made, rather than have the capacity to do it in house.

Now specialized is NOT a marketing machine only. I have been in their R&D shop, where they design all their stuff they get made cheap overseas, and it's on par with the aerospace industry. Top end. BUT, they don't go they 2nd step and have shit made here. Price this and that is bogus. There was a time cars were made entirely in the US and it was affordable. Inflation, and stupidity have caused everything to be made anywhere but here. Heck, even Tomac, yes, TOMAC is not made in Asia. Last time I would ever get even close to a brand that charges major money for their stuff. Demos...crap. Tomac... crap. GT crap. Why, because it doesn't help local families put food on the table each night. Sure maybe the ones designing, or marketing, but outside of that... nada.

Even still, point got mislead, Specialized is not just a marketing machine in the end, they design stuff, but that is not enough for most of us, which is what the above rant is for.
  • 12 6
 Nice to hear an intelligent user comment here, I actually enjoyed reading that commet rffr, good points you made
  • 17 1
 Um actually yes, Intel still makes their chips
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_manufacturing_sites

and yes GM still makes the Camaro in Canada
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oshawa_Car_Assembly

So....yeah....
  • 1 0
 Look Specialized is still a multi million pound/dollar business - that's the fact, it's not going bust.
  • 1 0
 Pretty sure the local shops that sell all those Specialized bikes are still making money.....
  • 12 0
 I also fucking love boobs. along with beer and babes. mmmm, beer, boobs and babes, yum.
  • 3 2
 RFFR your point is pretty good, but yeah, using examples should be more carefull so the point you made is more solid....I worked at Intel, and they do still make their processors....just as apple makes their processors, but the case to decide if is a Ipad or Ipod or whatever they do, is done by subcontractors...

Anyhow, I do believe in that too...and just as we say in our country, is not the arrow or the bow...is the indian who makes the things worse or better....so, SH can even ride on a Huffy and still be a kickass rider, as for the marketing comments...well, is a company, if your company does not want to make proffits, then you should re-think your goals...that is where marketing is a one of the key elements on the companies...lets check for example GoPro in their early days, if marketing should have not being so awesomely good, then Nikon, Canon, Fuji,ect should had not (and still should not being) worried about...but with the excelent marketing done, plus their low cost geo assembly facilities and final product so amazing at such a low cost, Nikon, Canon, Fuji, ect are worried about the pocket action sport cameras, and not even going to the mobile......so then GoPro could have never made it to the point where they are...

Also, Spec is not only about gravity DH, they still have kick ass riders in their lines, the Claw rides a Demo as well, they road program is pretty big too, their XC lines are as well...so, loosing one rider does not mean their down the drain, and to be honest, Demo design will be as good as they are with or without SH....is now up to marketing to come up with something to keep this model in people´s head...
  • 1 0
 Dirt team rumours hinting that gwin could be off the spesh and bulldog to trek...
  • 1 0
 Im almost certain that warner let it slip at the last round that bulldog was going to trek, taking leovs place
  • 1 0
 No bikes?
  • 86 1
 *Checks date* Nope, it's not April fools.
  • 29 2
 Team Turbospoke all da way
  • 39 2
 Specialized team has been taking some pretty big hits in terms of losses of team members recently. Brendawg then Hill? Sheesh.
  • 10 2
 yeah, seems like its only troy on the "big" specialized team now
  • 25 0
 I'm hoping Mitch will get to stay on.
  • 10 0
 ^ Pretty sure Rope-a-dope will be factory now, and I hope they get another rider in the Monster Energy-Speciaized team. I CANNOT wait for 2013. Jesus racing starts on June or something? Too looong! Frown
  • 12 0
 the rumor mill is a'spinning. I'm sure specialized already has its eyes on someone else Wink
  • 2 0
 ^ Dog Im very curious which big gun they're getting to take Hill's place...
  • 8 3
 Hopefully Stevie Smith or Minnar!
  • 11 13
 nop stevie should stay with devinci! I would really like to see minar ride a more exotic brand, like de labyrinth minotaur or stuff like that!
  • 29 0
 Minnar won't be leaving Santa cruz any time soon!
  • 14 1
 brook mcdonald is going to be a specialized rider in 13
  • 92 3
 Looks like the Specialized team is *puts on sunglasses* going down Hill.


YEEEEAAAHHH!!!
  • 2 28
flag a-r-c (Dec 23, 2012 at 14:01) (Below Threshold)
 You mean you want a exotic brand to slide into oblivion, the syndicate might be the exception, but remember minnar rode for global, haro, and honda, where are they now? Minnar is a brand killer, bad luck, black cloud!
  • 7 1
 Stevie Smith?! Bahahaha, now that's just nonsense...
  • 4 3
 I wouldn't be surprised...he's top 5 right now. If spesh was smart they would offer him the big bucks that devinci couldn't cover.
  • 5 1
 That's definitely a move Spesh would do. Would not be at all surprised. I agree with an earlier guess that maybe Brook McDonald could move on to Spesh also. As far as SH , maybe the pressure of being on such a high profile team after just becoming a Dad this year isn't something he is interested in. Maybe CRC is more a comfortable fit money wise and schedule wise. Just a guess...
  • 12 1
 A-R-C MInnar is not a brand killer at all, Haro just stopped paying for the publicity because the bikes where intense m1 at that time, they just wanted a team for visibility. Team Honda was pure R&D, the prototype they developped on the circuit was so freaking good, but Honda never wanted to produce MTB (anyway you can't kill one of the biggest japanese constructor). Minnar is Boss.

On another subject. Stevie stay on the canadian made bike, please! Rep this country, don't be a sell out! (Devinci should put the money to keep him)
  • 11 0
 ^^ even if stevie ends up with a bigger brand for more money, i still wouldnt call him a sellout. Riders making money for their skill make me feel all warm and fuzzy. stevie deserves whatever he can get.
  • 3 1
 I see either stevie or gwin on specialized next, although it'd be nice to see stevie stick with devinci or any other canadian brand
  • 3 2
 mitch ropelato is gonna be their big gun.
  • 3 0
 "Big hits" Pun intended?
  • 7 3
 Troy Brosnan is going to be the next Gwin/Hill. He is going to to be on the podium all season I bet.
  • 3 0
 One name Brook "Bulldog" McDonald
  • 6 0
 Brendog made way for Brosnan, now Hill is also making way for Brosnan. I think Troy is fast, cool and marketable, but I don't see him getting the same following as Hill has. I could be wrong, but I think as far as an image driving sales goes, Hill has it over Brosnan. Maybe that will change though when Troy rips the world cup a new arsehole next year...
  • 2 0
 Winning makes everything change. Troy B. is a future WC hopeful as of yet ...that's it. If he can ride fast AND stay on his bike to win a WC, then he might be viewed as a SH. Until then......
  • 37 10
 nobody is talking about the most important facet of this whole thing........ SAM HILL ON MARZOCCHI SUSPENSION!!!!!!!!!!! crap.
  • 5 4
 He obviously doesn't think that.
  • 1 7
flag EuanBisset145 (Dec 23, 2012 at 13:11) (Below Threshold)
 I didn't like my 888rc3 ti, the stroke was too linear, but I'm sure the marzocchi works 888 has better big hit support.
  • 7 2
 Oh maybe it was linear because it uses a coil spring?
  • 5 0
 He isn't on marzochii. Still with rock shox.
  • 4 10
flag fedz (Dec 23, 2012 at 14:33) (Below Threshold)
 @kianesmailproductions

The second he signed on the Nooookproof contract I think you'll find he'll be using what he's told to use ... and that's marzocchi !
  • 4 0
 a coil sprung fork can still be progressive....
  • 8 0
 He will ride things from companies he got sponsorhip from. If he got the deal whete CRC is fine with RS or DT Swiss coming in, then why not? Then it plays no role for top riders results what brands they are on. Gwin would win on Marzo as well as on Fox. It's all top notch these days. It is about the money they get: how much financing allows them to focus on training not on getting funds. It is amazing to which level Tracey Hannah stepped up to given the financial situation
  • 11 1
 CRC are on rockshox next year..
  • 2 0
 dougies is correct, fox 40 hybrid air is probably progressive and I know from experience that if you turn up the VA on a 888rc3 evo it gets progressive
  • 1 0
 It's not just the Va chamber it only does so much, if I could have made them take the hardest of hits I would still have them, I was right up to the extra firm spring. Also i may have been more inclined to persevere had the coating not started flaking off, just to clarify these are 2012 rc3 evo and they're still away after I sent them in october.....
  • 2 0
 i will agree on the 888's being quite linear, a mate runs them and its exactly what puts me off them.
  • 3 1
 888s are a whole lot less linear than any boxxers ive ridden, you can even fiddle with the oil volumes a little if you want to make them even more progressive, not that i ever found it necessary, Sam hill will be rocking marzocchi kit, the team sorts out the bike sponsorships so unless the wholce crc team are adjusting sponserships sam hill will be rocking 888s next year
  • 3 0
 ''Nukeproof's 210mm travel Pulse at last year's Val D'Isere Word Cup stop. We have it on good authority that Hill we be aboard a SRAM-equipped version for the 2013 season.'' Read more guys , he's gonna stay on BOXXER
  • 2 0
 If its a SRAM equipped bike then im pretty sure its gonna be rockshox... im sure he will have quite a say about the frame design too just like he did at specialized
  • 1 2
 He isn't going to drop blackbox, or they aren't going to drop him, to move to a small crappy team like CRC.
  • 1 0
 SRAM = Rock Shox this means Boxxer. Besides until the announcement is made we will just have to speculate to the moon and back
  • 5 0
 Do you have 888 to talk shit? The 888 work great man and they are reliable! IIn my point of view they are much much better than a disposable rockshox or a fox that need service every 2 weeks...
  • 1 5
flag ErwinR (Dec 23, 2012 at 23:39) (Below Threshold)
 I seen 3 Marz 888 break in half at rampage, as well as seen some local riders break those forks.
  • 1 4
 How can your forks be too linear ? all forks move in a linear motion so if yours move in another way id be worried !
  • 1 2
 linear rate..?
  • 1 0
 @sylwhistler: I suppose that was directed at me, yes I do own a set of 888 rc3 evo ti v2 forks. I don't have them right now as they are away to marzocchi because the coating started to turn black and flake off, also I didn't say they were crap just that I didn't like them.
Basically they were fine on small bumps as they are renowned for but when things started to get a bit rougher and there were big hits it was like there was little to no resistance so they'd just blow through the travel (I weigh 150lb). I switched up to a harder spring and ended up on the heaviest spring available to me all this did was to make it harder to get it started into the travel but once it got going it'd blow through the travel as before.
I have no doubt with a bit of time and tuning, with oil levels and possibly the shim stack they'd be right for me but as I stated before the coating started to flake off. Maybe it was a one off occurence, I just don't want to take another chance with it.
  • 4 0
 Suggestion: Read the article BEFORE posting comments.

"We have it on good authority that Hill we be aboard a SRAM-equipped version for the 2013 season."
  • 5 0
 People need to learn what these shiney dials and knobs do on their forks from the sounds of it , the shit these idiots complain about is a non-event if you actually adjust your forks rather than just spinning random dials.
  • 6 1
 Hands up if you think it makes a difference what forks the top guys are on. You just buy the one you like the look of because the top model from any manufacturer is excellent. Sam Hill on Rockshox = Sam Hill on Marzocchi = Sam Hill on Fox. Doesn't matter what he's on. He's still going to pin it all the way to 6th place.
  • 1 1
 Haha that makes me laugh bigburd, I know plenty about compression damping and what each adjuster does, I see you have a slightly older version which has both high and low speed compression adjusters does it not? The newer 888 evo forks only have a low speed compression adjuster and the Volume adjust, I've spent 6 months on my 888s first of all I don't know what kind of riding they expect us to be doing, the medium spring is a long way off being stiff enough for steep and rocky terrain, for me a firm spring would have been good had there been better support on the harsher hits. I was running the gold compression adjuster (low speed) at 10 out of 12 clicks and the Va adjuster almost full on can't remember off hand exact setting.
Just to quote someone from ride monkey..: 'I've found in the past that all the adjustments in the world don't make up for a crappy fork'. I'm not the only one some guys are changing to avalanche cartridges but my coating f*cked up so I'm not taking another chance as I mentioned earlier.
  • 1 0
 i found this with my 888s, only cos im light i was stuck between soft and medium, they need to make more "in between" spring weights
  • 1 0
 Too soft spring = really good "plush" feeling out of the box and around the car park.
  • 1 0
 yeah, I like firm good big hit absorption so ran the extra firm spring after trying both the medium and firm springs, those settings I listed were on the extra firm spring.
  • 4 0
 ''People need to learn what these shiney dials and knobs do on their forks from the sounds of it'' I have an avalanche cart in my boxxers that ive spent the past year reshimming and playing with oil heights to get them to exactly my preferences...shiney nobs arent really to much strain on my mind. also, word to spoony and euan
  • 26 2
 Specialized wants results - you don't get them, you don't get the contract renewed! Brendog - now Hill. These guys don't jump to other teams because of any other reason other than they were let go, or got a better deal at the end of their contract. What amazes me, is that a bigger factory team didn't pick him up. I hope he rails it and makes Specialized see their Big Ass mistake! Success is the best revenge. Hell, Rocky Mountain doesn't have a team - they should have hired him as their sole rider and let him rip on a Flatline!
  • 4 0
 You're correct neimbc! Flatline would be a good choice.. also Turner DHR, Yeti 303, Intense M8.
  • 2 0
 Troy didn't get any results - shouldn't he have been dropped? And while Sam may have wished for better, it's hard to believe Spec doesn't understand the rebuilding game. Hill is still pretty young and you can't argue that he is not at least the caliber of Peaty and Minaar, who have both won into their 30s. Just speculation though. Maybe they were able to get a young up and comer like Brook for half the price of Sam so they went for it.
  • 4 0
 As if CRC Nukeproof isn't a a big factory team. They have all the money in the world.
  • 1 0
 Troys contract probably hasn't run out you have to honour the contract that they signed. I also doubt he will be racing BDS and other British events due to him probably wanting to spend as much time as possible at home with his kid
  • 22 1
 so wait, does that mean demos are actually going to be affordable for an average rider?
  • 2 0
 keep a eye out on ebay for some good deals..
  • 1 0
 nope they still got troy rocking them haha
  • 19 1
 HOLY ASS f*ck! Don't care what anyone says! No one seen this coming! Does this make Troy the big dawg on the Specialized monster team??
  • 9 42
flag JoeyBratten (Dec 23, 2012 at 12:36) (Below Threshold)
 knew this last month
  • 26 2
 Ye Joey knew this last month! God.
  • 13 2
 want a cookie?
  • 4 3
 well done mate
  • 6 5
 Free cookie? Yes please!!!
  • 2 1
 did someone say cookie?
  • 16 1
 ok since joey won't take it, Dave can have the complimentary retard comment cookie. i hope you're happy
  • 2 0
 JOLO? What does the J stand for?
  • 27 1
 Joey only lives once
  • 4 1
 haha, joey, your getting destroyed.
  • 8 0
 joey knew it all along
  • 2 0
 F*** you joey why didn't you tell anyone else?
  • 1 0
 Joey's been getting destroyed since last month
  • 5 1
 joey knows when the worlds going to end as well
  • 2 1
 Joey knows 3/8th of fk all
  • 2 3
 I knew the night before this was posted. errmaahhhhgawwwwddd
  • 2 0
 I knew after it was posted!
  • 3 0
 nice comment jervis. Also joey told me a month ago, i just didnt care that much. lebron paul 2012
  • 3 1
 amazing!
  • 1 1
 HAHAHA
  • 2 0
 Hey guys! joey is back! how have you been?
  • 18 2
 The majority of you lot are marketing muppets... A top level dh racer is no faster on a demo/scalp/pulse/session/v10...

Instead of worrying about what's Cool this year, get out on your bike and ride it.

You bunch of kashima coated knobs.
  • 3 1
 Absolutely right, the bikes will make differences of measured in tenths of a second. It's the rider that makes the real difference, otherwise I would be riding like Barel by now on my Mondraker!
  • 4 1
 ' Kashima coated knobs ' ahaha !
  • 2 0
 "black box wankers" would have been appropriate too
  • 19 0
 Minaar to Team Lahar Pizza Hut
  • 17 3
 Maybe Specialized asked Sam to ride clipless so he could compete with the other top riders and he said "No way." It's all in the pedals.
  • 10 0
 either that or the bottom bracket on the demo just wouldn't go any lower
  • 10 0
 2013 team rumors were true, haha. Best of luck Sam, I see an awesome 2013 season even though it's short as fvck Blank Stare Most curious as to how he will tweak the Pulse to suite his riding style, and his input for future models... Making 'em carbonz soon??? Big Grin
  • 2 1
 I think he will get on with it right away , its got a super slack head angle and pedal scraping BB drop , pretty much like his Demo
  • 2 0
 Umm, not really, the demo isn't that slack anymore. The pulse has long chainstays and a really high b/b, exactly the opposite to the demo!
  • 9 0
 Now I do believe the world has ended as we know it and this is a new beginning haha.

Go Sam kick arse in 13 and show he big boys its not about the bike but the f******n rider...yeah boi.
  • 12 1
 Team rumours has been ahead of the ball again!
  • 6 0
 team rumours are the tits
  • 11 0
 What about Matti Lehikonen?
  • 15 0
 My thoughts exactly. That man deserves a ride for the season if he wants one. Who cares if he isn't getting the results, his perseverance through injury after injury is legendary.
  • 11 0
 He will make way for Brook MacDonald on Monster/Spesh
  • 2 0
 Not gonna happen being as brook rides for red bull
  • 2 0
 sam hill will take monster with him.
  • 1 0
 The team he left is monster specialized, monster sponsors the team, as well as being a sponsor for Sam Hill the individual.
  • 3 1
 now brook will be on red bull monster specialized team
  • 2 0
 Brook will be on trek I bet Wink
  • 9 2
 My guess what happened:

Specialized offered Hill $XXXXXX if he can win some WC races (i.e. money based on performance), and since the results weren't really there through the 2012 season, a deal from a team like CRC that might be less contingency and more salary seems like a better and more lucrative deal right now.

I'm sure CRC will benefit from the coverage, regardless of whether or not Hill is operating at 10/10.
  • 8 0
 Spec has no one better to choose for DH. Current WCups are about Gwin, Minnaar and Atherton. Hill is one of the most likely to break that and he has already prooved that in 2012. No other has kept close to these 3 guys conistently. He must have got a much better deal at CRC. Spec is living off greatly from Jaroslav Kulhavy and have plenty of ambassadeurs like Hunter, Berrecloth, Keene so they might have felt that Sam's increased needs due to the family might be too much. Oh and they keep Troy Brosnan. Not many companies have such broad rider fleet as Spec if any. It is also worth mentioning that Spec wasn't probably the biggest of his sponsors. Until we see the list of Sam sponsors it is a bit pointless to speculate
  • 6 0
 Dont forget about Danny!
  • 9 0
 You forget about Steve Smith? I believe he was very close to the top 3 as well. Oh right, he came in 4th, right in front of Hill.
  • 7 22
flag alazamanza (Dec 23, 2012 at 19:24) (Below Threshold)
 nobody cares about steve smith thats why, sam hill is a legend, smith is not anywhere outside of canada, the most likely to break the power 3 riders at the moment are:Sam hill, Troy Brosnan, Danny Hart.. anybody who tells you otherwise is a fool, yes other riders such as smith may have put in a good result at certain world cups but im talking about consistant performers, these are known nailers and unfortunately next years world champs isnt a very exciting track or i think we could have seen some wild rides from the names above!!
  • 1 0
 That's a good point Waki - not that I know, but Sam's Monster and TLD sponsorships may be where most of the money is. And, let's not forget wasn't Sam top 5 overall for 2012? That's still pretty good for a rebuilding season. I hope he crushes it next season
- I love comebacks.
  • 7 0
 And none of the 3 riders you mentioned placed higher overall than Stevie. Total results for a season speak louder than the results of one or two races before the guys you're putting your money on crashed and were out with injuries for the rest of the season. Call me a fool, but Steve has been progressing along just fine and is on the road for more WC victories.
  • 5 1
 People like Alazamanza make me embarrassed to be British.
  • 1 4
 Lian - is it because he celebrates ever anniversary of Battle of Hastings?
  • 1 0
 Dude the embarrassment transcends nationality. It makes me embarrassed to be a mountain biker!
  • 9 0
 Such an odd time frame to release a PR this big? Congrats to Sam on making what was undoubtedly a tough choice. Best of luck in 2013 big guy!
  • 1 0
 and nothing on respective team FB pages as at writing. Is this confirmed by pinkbike or a regurged news bit from that German site. If true good luck Sam and smack their arses in 2013 show them whats what.
  • 1 0
 It didn't appear on mtb-news.de if that's the German site you mean!
  • 6 0
 I dont understand why people think this is a step down for Sam nukeproof build great bikes and I wouldnt be surprised if there is a carbon pulse on the way . There doesnt seem to be that much of a gap between the carbon and aluminium bikes anyway. Maybe Sam wanted to be the no.1 rider in a team that will bend over backwards to give him what he needs to win, with respect to simmonds and smith there not at hills level yet so nukeproof will be backing sam 110%. Also Sam was one of the main driving forces behind making the demo what it is today I dont think they can get the same feedback from brosnan or ropo at the moment so in my book its a big loss for specialized hopefully bulldog will be over there to give them back that experienced rider. Cant wait to see Sam on a different bike hopefully he will get what he needs to put him back on the top step as lets face it another person in there to stop gwin running away with it again can only be a good thing for the sport.
  • 5 0
 I seriously hope this isn't some sort of 'Xmas Fool!' If he's signed for a UK based team hopefully we'll see him at a few Nationals like Matti Lehikoinen (probably spelt that wrong) does now and then. How long until a carbon Nukeproof then?
  • 2 1
 My year would be made if i saw sam hill at one of nationals
  • 3 10
flag WAKIdesigns (Dec 23, 2012 at 13:36) (Below Threshold)
 No the best X-Mas fool is the atheist carrols: siiilent night, eeeemptyy night, reasons quake at the sight, science stream from the books afar...
  • 3 0
 Actually, whats happening with Matti Lehikoinen? Doesn't look like he'll be on CRC Nukeproof next year...
  • 13 2
 Matti had a huge crash biking to the corner store, broke every bone in his body.
  • 1 0
 sam hill will not be at any of the nationals, i think his priority is going to be world cups and then getting back on a plane to see his kid, i doubt we will see him at any bds rounds as much as id like to say differently
  • 1 0
 Its not like he rode American Nationals while he was on spec. As far as i know anyway.
  • 2 0
 Well Gwin and a fair few others are riding Round 3 at Innerleithen this season, he'll be over for the World Cup round at Fort Bill anyway so there's a good chance he'll ride on UK soil. After all if you're in charge of marketing at CRC what better tool to drag, well EVERYONE to your stand than Sam Hill?

Number29, genius comment!
  • 2 0
 Direct from the BDS twitter feed "Sam Hill will compete at this years BDS. Which rounds remain under wraps for now" GET IN THERE!
  • 1 1
 erm yeah, america= 8 hr flight australia = 24 hr flight... i wonder why he wont be at any bds rounds??
  • 6 0
 My question is what does this do for him as a SRAM Blackbox rider? CRC Nukeproof is on different suspension. Will he stay on all SRAM products or will he conform to what they are running?
  • 4 0
 they do run some SRAM products right? maybe SRAM have stepped it up after losing Santa Cruz last year...
  • 1 0
 crc will probably ditch marzocchi in favour of having their bikes sell to fanboys worldwide. 'yer of course nukeproof are good, i always said nukeproof are good'
  • 6 4
 that would suck, I hate boxxers compared to 888/40
  • 3 0
 Sam will be Blackbox still. Every grommet will have nukeproof now, time is now to buy a cheap demo.
  • 1 1
 neg propped by the fanboys I see
  • 6 0
 Sam hill is a legend and made the demo 8 one of the coolest dh bikes there is. I would of thought they would keep him on seeing his season after injury was actually impressive.
  • 5 0
 Why do most of the people on here think that Sam grown up on a Specialized? Does everyone not understand he won around 90% of his titles on the Iron Horse Sunday? and everyone going on about Specialised been the biggest company when Giant is!

The only question I have is the CRC team gong to be Monster CRC as Sam has only ever rode for team Monster, and the same question with Sram?
  • 1 0
 They already run SRAM , but he will be kitted out with rockshock , but it's like how gee and Rachel atherton are both sponsored by red bull , but dan isn't , but they're still on the same team .
  • 11 6
 It's just like moto racing as a top riders star slowly fades he gradually switches from top factory racing teams to second tier teams, then eventually to teams that have to buy their bikes, then eventually they retire and become a consultant or something. Another step in a riders career.
  • 1 0
 Dead on.
  • 1 0
 I agree fully.
  • 2 1
 Commentator for DeadEndTV next ...
  • 2 0
 That sounds awefully right, but it doesn't explain Peaty and Minaar, both of whom are many many years older than Hill, and Hill schooled them both when they were in their prime.
  • 4 0
 lol Sam Hill is top 5 overall this past season, wouldn't call him faded yet
  • 1 0
 Yes because team CRC are a '2nd tier team'....... They're the biggest bike shop in the world! Agreeing with tomoostv, he isn't faded at all. Also I'd say this is an excellent comeback after 2 years of injuries and he isn't exactly old yet he's still young in the big picture.
  • 9 1
 CRC can definitely deliver the goods Smile
  • 2 0
 i see what u did there.... Big Grin
  • 8 1
 Smart move specialized, quit keeping racers and paying them with no results to prove there worth.
  • 2 1
 Yeah, no results! He sure as hell wasn't on any podiums, and he definitely didn't win a world title aboard a demo...
  • 3 1
 yeah its not like the demo has given him a world cup championship title and a world champs title in the last few years or anything...
  • 1 0
 two years is a long time in the bike industry to be paying the money they paid him. Same reason they let Brendog go. Its all about recognition and podiums/titles.
  • 1 0
 so which rider consistently in the top 5 will replace Sam hill?........... He's still getting results top 5, in the first full season after being plagued with injury he's actually had a very promising comeback.
  • 1 0
 If all goes to plan, everyone is gonna be shocked.
  • 1 0
 The team rumours person suggests it's Gwin but only time will tell, anyway whichever rider goes to spesh they won't be a disappointment. Maybe both parties thought it was time for a change but none of us here really know the real reasons why Sam has gone to crc but it definitely isn't a bad move.
  • 1 0
 That will all depend on sponsors. Just like Sams departure.
  • 4 0
 lets be honest. this is a massive move, by far the most important from a rider point of view than any other move for next season. Sam Hill is in the upper echelons of modern day riders and any move is a big shake up. its difficult to decide whether this is a huge statement of intent with CRC or a harsh cold shoulder from Specialized. I dont think specialized will see a rider with as much influence as Hill for a good while, but lets see where troy takes them. as for Sam, this could be a total renewal or the start of his decent into mediocracy...but only his next WC overall will tell. He will forever be a guarenteed top ten rider, something few companies can boast of their riders, but whether he stakes a claim to truly be a top rider in todays changing of the guard remains to be seen....flat pedal mabe dead in the new athletisism of modern DH but goddam it took some serois riding to show its inherent weakness.
  • 7 0
 Unexpected ... wish him well
  • 5 1
 Thats great news for CRC & I hope Sam does really well this next season. He was starting to look like the Sam of old towards the end of the season. Lets hope he can replicate to Hill/Iron horse status with CRC/Nukeproof.
  • 8 1
 I anticipate a BB height drop in the next version of the Nukeproof frame.
  • 7 0
 The Apocalypse came two days late.
  • 3 0
 Most likely it was not the business strategy of Spec that Trek as the big concurent got all the attention. Sam rode a really solid season. He's an amazing rider who can still pull a run out of the ordinary any time, excellent move of CRC.
  • 3 0
 I'm thinking spesh didn't put up the dollars for the new contract an CRC did ! End of story ! GREAT FOR CRC AND IT'S GOOD TO SEE A TOP RIDER ON A SMALLER COMPANY BIKE ! YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE ON A TREK OR SPESH TO WIN A RACE !!!!!!
  • 7 0
 The team rumors where right again
  • 7 0
 WTF! no way! hope you smash it next season Sam
  • 8 0
 Money talks
  • 7 0
 I guess I have to sell my s-works demo now
  • 3 0
 Always amazes me how everyone on here "knows" what goes on with team riders and "why" they left to go to other teams and "how much money" they are getting and "how much better" they are going to ride on a certain bike and "why" a certain professional dh race bike is better than the other. Lets face it you all know jack shit because you DONT know these riders personally, OR the teams OR the bikes!!! Get over yourselves!
  • 7 1
 jesus people pay more attention to team roumers
  • 6 0
 fresh team, fresh season. hope Sam gets it going this coming year
  • 2 0
 this is huge for crc but this leaves a question wath really happend at specilaized for let him go man speciallaized was nothing on the world cup championship untill sam and brendan came than troy now they let go their mos t expereince rider and winner something´s up man really
  • 3 0
 Crazy news. Hill seemed to be getting his confidence back last season. Would have liked him to continue to gain confidence riding a familiar bike. Hope this transition doesn't set him back too much.
  • 6 0
 He's a good enough rider so I don't think it will set him back too much Smile I'm sure he'll get used to the new bike after not so long and he'll soon be bombing down the tracks again! Hoping to see him on podium in 2013 and perhaps beating Gwin once or twice!?
  • 1 0
 Spesh better hope that Sam isnt a lot quicker on the nukeproof or it will make the demo look like shit. They got rid of brendan on a downward turn Sam seemed to be finally getting it together again.
  • 3 0
 It's like a when athertons leave the commencal and sign to Gt racing. It's a sport and all this people have one purpose, win the uci races and be the first!) Good luck in next season in new team Sam)
  • 6 0
 I don't want a Nukeproof!
  • 2 0
 I'm floored! but I have to admit—the real shocker would be Darren Berrecloth leaving Specialized. If the rumors are true though...I would love to see Brook McDonald riding for Specialized. Somehow I doubt Spesh would get their hands on Gwin.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, with Trek dropping their XC team, methinks they'll have the budget to keep Gwin and won't ever let him go - not after a move like that...
  • 1 0
 i'm thinking i read that gwin signed a multi year deal with gwin in 2012.
  • 2 0
 All these people suggesting the likes of Gwin, Stevie Smith and Brooke will be joining monster/specialized ... Can really see those redbull riders doing that !

Plus some good sources have stated on this thread that CRC/Nukeproof will be running RockShox/SRAM next year. So that should quash the fork debate.

It will be interesting to see if the whole team change from a royal kit to a TLD Kit, Looking forward to seeing a TLD CRC kit. They all ran d3 last year as well so possibility.
  • 1 0
 well gwin has already tied himself ti twr till at least 2014so he aint budging and stve smith is too in love with his boss at devinci, he was the only guy riding a carbon bike out of a team of three or four people for christ sake!! so thats all bull
  • 2 0
 I wonder what specialized will do with all the decorations from the "Sam Hill" room.....HEY SPECIALIZED, my garage could use some redecoration Smile hit me up I'm a local and ill pick it up!!! But I am sad to see one of my favorite riders leave one of my favorite teams. Frown
  • 6 3
 WTF specialized!!!!! How are you gonna let Sam Hill just walk away! You have the most money in the industry you let Nukeproof out bid you on SAM HILL!!!! You guys really F*cked this one up
  • 4 0
 This means that Specialized didn't find Sam resultative enough? Why would they let him go, if it was other way around?
  • 6 1
 Maybe CRC offered moar monies...
  • 2 0
 By the sounds of it he decided to leave
  • 3 0
 I can't imagine that CRC could offer bigger $ then specialized if Sam was appreciated in specialized. It seems so strange, they were just developing new carbon frame and then BOOM, Sam is out. What ever, how ever it happened, I wish him much of a success, and hope that this is not a sign off end of his career -> you know, going to smaller and smaller sponsors.
  • 2 4
 I don't think so, back in the late 90's Palmer was getting more than 1M per year at Specialized.
  • 2 0
 ^ I dont think so. One of his interviews with Rob, Palmer said 600k was the most he was paid in a year by Spesh.
  • 1 0
 Maybe he just wanted some change in his life... or maybe he wants some team with british accent Big Grin
  • 19 0
 People seem to be underestimating how big CRC are
  • 3 0
 So true Hayden my old company was doing a site for a competitor and I have seen the numbers crc push out (its in the millions) granted its not the scale of Spesh but they can more than afford to bank role Sam Hill.
  • 4 0
 What??? No!!! Specialized have sold so many bikes due to Hill, and I loved watching him and Brosnan pinn.
  • 5 1
 and now the nukeproof will sell even more Razz
  • 2 0
 This is a better matchup across the board; Specialized wadded-up the Iron Horse streak leaving Sam looking kinda like a posterboard. CRC/Nukeproof has all the gears turning, Sam looks more comfortable.
  • 1 0
 Ideas about why Spec decided to let him free??...

One about that...

"Garden Of Eden. What do you think? Specialized trying to lure Aaron Gwin into temptation with the mighty dollar? Whatever, I think @Team Rumors has hit the Christmas sherry early, the quality of the artwork, the brush stroke, the subtle tone and definition of light and dark is lacking from his sterling original work."
  • 5 0
 Dont worry about it, will be gwinnys year again lol.
  • 1 0
 I think it will be a good change for him, and i dont recon at this stage in his career he really cares about the amount of $$ he earns because he pretty much has everything he wants except the results he has been aiming for. this change should give him a new kick of drive and get him keen as ever again, i say good luck and good job Sam! yieew
  • 1 0
 I've heard that Specialized are trying to sign up Gwin and get a contract with him, which could be why they ditched Sam so easily and quickly. This could just be a rumor going around at the moment, but then it could be true.. It would sort of make sense. I just can't imagine Gwin on a Specialized... can anyone else? Could be true though, you never know after this!
  • 4 0
 Doesn't gwin have a contract till 2015?
  • 1 0
 I'm not sure, that's just what I heard from a friend. I doubt Gwin will move to Specialized though...
  • 2 0
 gwin signed multi year deal with trek in 2012
  • 4 1
 The contract could've been written a myriad of ways. It's definitely possible that he could be bought out of his current contract. But, not a snow balls chance in hell Red Bull will let their highest profile downhill racer ride for a Monster sponsored team, and Gwin leaving his TWR team so hastily would be out of his dull, bland, Christian character.
  • 3 0
 Gwin just renewed his Trek contract about 1-2 months ago, he is not going anywhere, he is under contract and it is speculated he will be testing a 27.5 prototype DH bike for Trek for the 2013 WC.
  • 1 0
 santa cruz is also roumered to be playing with 650b dh wheels for next year
  • 1 0
 everyone is acting like its the end of the world. why? this is an opportunity for an amazing rider to move on and lend his skill and insight to a much smaller company that doesn't have the same global reach as specialized, giant, trek, etc. Also, Hill made the demo the bike it is, sure, but it exists without him doesn't it? Hopefully people aren't dumb enough to buy a demo just because Sam Hill rides one....
  • 1 0
 YEEEAAAAHHHH!!! Sam Hill could ride a Huffy, and it wouldnt matter. He would still dominate. Sam doesnt need a Demo or an SG to prove that he can still throw down. He just needs to stay healthy. His "best years are behind him"??? I think Sam has plenty more in him, regardless of who he currently rides for/with. I'd love to see him team up with Steve Peat, CG, Dan Atherton, and Brett Tippie!
  • 1 0
 Why did Specialized let him go? There is always 3 sides of the story...the truth, Sams story and Specialized story. Goodluck for both them... see you Sam for the next season! Specialized, give me 2013 Demo 8 then I will believe you lol.....
  • 1 0
 guessing spesh let him go, if not it's a bit of a kick in teeth seeing as they paid his wages while he was injured. Lot of good uk riders have been switching to nukeproof, would be great to see Sam at some UK events. Good luck to him.
  • 1 0
 I have read many post asking if Hill will be using SRAM. This is a no brainer.

If Hill is under contract with SRAM, then he uses SRAM, it's that easy. It's really not a personal choice as to what he wants to use , he is contractually obligated to use SRAM for forks, drivetrains, etc etc. if contract (deal) is still active.

If he used a competitors brand fork, then he would be violating his contract.
  • 1 0
 i do not think it was sam hills own decision only. specialized does not support riders for long times if they do not deliver.

but who really cares?
for me, sam hill can ride a huffy bike as long as he will be shredding and winning like he did on his good days many moons ago.

and i am sure he will do good on crc nukeproof! Smile
  • 1 0
 Im going to get shit from the downhillers for saying this, but specialized never focoused on their downhill team as much as they do there xc team and roads teams. Sure they still put alot of money into it but no where near as much as they could. Thats why alot of the top riders left, they were riding some of the best bikes but were not having 100% support behind them.
  • 1 0
 I was checking the news on Pinkbike and I see 498 comments for a press release, holy crap what is that ?? Sam Hill is the answer, I understand now... Eventhough he's not winning as he used to, technically he is from far the best for me, good luck on CRC team !
  • 1 0
 Maybe Sam wanted a fresh challenge, getting out of his comfort zone! It's too easy to stay in the same old habits day in day out! Specialized should seize the day and sign Nathan Rennie! Be great to see him back on the circuit.
  • 1 0
 CRC are the largest bike shop in the world, they can easily afford his wages, especially as they just dropped 3 of their riders to bring him in. Best of luck to both of them though, it's just a matter of who takes his place at specialized?
  • 2 1
 I think the problem about Marzocchi are they are made in taiwan now, Thing starts gone wrong....
I owned Super-T, Junior T, Monster-T, 888 RC 2007, 888RC2 ATA 2009.......only the ATA really upsets me....
all other Italian forks are Maintenance free.!!!
I love Riding bikes...but not Fixing Bikes much especially Suspension and Hydrualic Disc Brakes....

Boxxers..? Yes I'm Using those Craps now...coz there no more support for Marzocchi here now.
in compare...Boxxers are punishing me everyride....it rarely bottom out but just becoz it got a "Dildo" in there among the spring...
Even the Extra Soft Spring...,.makes me feel sucks.....dont know if i am getting too old for Downhill Riding...
  • 1 0
 I think the NukeProof Pulse's stiffer and more responsive suspension suits Hill better than the more plush suspension of the Demo. After all, Hill achieved greater results on his Iron Horse, which also has a stiffer and more responsive suspension, than he ever did on a Demo. I look forward to see Hill back on top next year...
  • 1 0
 Money . Sam is older wiser and been hurt a few times. He has a family to consider now and making more money towards the end of your career is not a bad thing it happens in every form of sport . Making the move could also be that he needs a fresh start and a new bike. I'm sure he has more input into the big picture of things with his new team and less stress of having to carry the specialized banner . Peaty did it when he went from gt to orange and kept on winning . I for one wish him luck in 2013 .
  • 1 0
 I hope he has the heart to fight it out with Gwin next year. The poor lad has had terrible luck with injuries since 2009. This is the reason why Gwin has been out there on his own. I have no doubt that if Sam had been running at 100% in 2011 and 2012 then Gwin wouldn't have won quite so many races. Maybe Sam wouldn't have stopped him winning the overalls, but it would have been a fight at least.

I think it'll go two ways with this move. He'll either be winning or it'll be his last season at the World Cups. I hope it's the former. Sam on form is insane to watch.

Pity it's so long until the 1st World Cup!
  • 1 0
 I don't know whats up with the hate... This is similar to when Tom Wallisch signed with North Face, and Scott skis. Everyone thought "dafuq?" but It's to get a company the publicity they need. I applaud Sam Hill for helping Nukeproof get their name out there and not sign with another big brand name, why not make Nukeproof a big brand name now? Surely Sam Hill of all people can make that happen for them.
  • 1 0
 I feel that in order for Sam to push himself to his old self, he needs change and what better crew than CRC. Although it is a big loss for Specialized, CRC will be the new "blood" Sam needs and has been looking for quit some time ago! I feel a new Sam is coming!!!
  • 1 0
 More to my surprise is how many people talk trash on Sam since his injury. Goes to show you the loyalty of DH fans. He set the standards of what DH is today, and this last season he did pretty effin well for his comeback after basically 2 seasons off. Guess Gwinn has this too look forward to should he sustain a similar injury. Until more detail is given, we have no idea if Sam's leaving was

A: Contract is up, got a better deal
B: Specialized after dumping millions and reconstructing the Demo around Sam just out of the blue said, 'no contract for you'
C: Specialized dumping those millions and going into the red on returns for Demos sold Vs. money put into the DH program..share holders, not happy. Let's begin the DH phase out program..business is business, and DH is a tiny tiny sliver of the company. Why spend millions on R&D, Salaries/Teams if not enough people on pinkbike are not buying Demos.
D: Maybe, just maybe Specialized is actually a crappy company to ride for and at the end of the day, Sam just wasn't happy racing for them.

So to all the Sam haters I hope this upcoming season he puts Gwinn to shame and shows that, Sam is still the king. I ride a Specialized, but Sam is the greatest and my fav. rider, no matter who he rides for...kudos to you, and hope to see you back on top.
  • 5 0
 holy toledo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 4 0
 I announce to you the famous return of SAM HILL, after Iron Horse Broaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap
  • 1 0
 If it happens to do the same
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqokxyeHNC4
Look at the TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME
  • 4 0
 would love to see crc/intense brought back with the addition of karver(kovarik)
  • 1 0
 Sam's was injured for 2 seasons and last season was his first full season back showing he's fit and fast, surely a new bike is going to be a step backwards ? (I hope not)

And theres no denying once Sam gets on the bike tells them what he wants changed and has jacy and sram do there thing this bike will be fast it looks fast already maybe its a case of the bike needs input from one the best people in the the industry.
  • 2 1
 Really? No one else can see this? Specialized does not want Hill anymore. Trek has Gwin, Semenuk, and the legacy of Lance. Specialized is not going to settle for how great Hill used to be, heck they wont even settle for the #2 spot....
  • 4 0
 Legacy of lance? Lolol more like they don't want the bad taste that lance, road cycling, and doping debacle left in their mouths so they are pouring every resource they have into gwin, semenuk, and offroad cycling in general so they can be back into the hearts, minds, and wallets of fan boys world wide. f*ck spec, f*ck a demo, f*ck trek, f*ck a session, f*ck giant, f*ck a glory. Kudos to Sam, crc, and nukeproof. Take it the the big dogs.
  • 1 3
 umm he still won 7 tours, and put trek on the map, thats a legacy? if you're a real cyclist you won't care about his and just about everyone elses doping (looking at you froome) and realize what they do is amazing EPO or not, so yes when I get a new road bike I'll still look at a trek doping or not, I think their worst hit at the moment is that everyone from saxo bank that went to leopard-trek has had a bad season ever since
  • 1 0
 NOOOOO!!! now im gonna have to get a nuke proof aswell as a specialized Frown shatterd as that sams leaveing the specialized and leaving troy out! the unbeatibal aussie team mates are now brocken up! the myans were right the world will end in 2012! sam hill has left specialized!! life over :'(
  • 1 0
 Sam was extremely fast on the Ironhorse a few years back. Does anyone besides me wonder what he could do if he were to ride something like a new Glory or a KHS DH300? These bikes are conceptually similar to the way the Ironhorse was built, no doubt with obvious differences as well, but I've always wondered this.......... Either way, very interesting news with Sam going to CRC. Great season coming up.
  • 4 1
 CRC/Nukeproof is the team to watch I reckon!! Smile the bike is great and the team is shaping up nicely for the new season Smile
  • 9 0
 GT Factory/atherton racing is another to watch as well, especially with Taylor now on board! Nukeproof is become so much more popular in the UK now it's unreal..
  • 9 1
 I'm holding my fingers crossed for Athertons in 2013. Gee can do it, only needs some extra luck. With all respect to Gwin, but its getting little bit boring to worry only on who will be second one in race, as we already know Gwin will win. It's bigger surprise if doesn't then if he does.
  • 2 0
 Agreed!
  • 4 0
 will miss him on specialized :/
  • 4 0
 bigger news is whos going to fill his spot?
  • 2 0
 Seriously, that's a huge spot to fill. A top 10 or top 5 WC racer.
  • 4 0
 hope Sam has a year like he did with iron horse..
  • 3 0
 Matt and Joe should be pretty stoked about Sam joining the team. Talk about an awesome mentor suddenly joining your ranks!
  • 4 0
 Well that escalated quickly!!
  • 4 0
 Troy and Sam were such a good team! Faarrrrk why would he move?
  • 1 0
 I´m really excited about the season 2013 and to see him on a CRC bike in Willingen. I think there are a lot of suprises next year and hopefully it was the right decision for him.
  • 3 0
 The World Cup in Willingen in 2013 is cancelled.
  • 1 1
 Thank god !
  • 3 0
 Whats happened to Al Bond and Matti have they been dropped to make room =( Gonna miss Matti hope he gets a new team!
  • 2 0
 Nooooooooo Sam!!!!!!!!!!! Specialized is specialized because of you, what happened??? But youre always the Best for me, have a good season in your new team Wink
  • 3 1
 I really hope they paid him a lot to do this because theres not a bike out there I would have instead of a Demo. And Im sure all my fellow Demo riders would agree.
  • 2 0
 Its Monster that have finished their team not specialized. Specialized could not afford Sam and Crc are the only ones who can. Its about cash, he has a fam now.
  • 2 0
 530 comentários em um dia, esse cara é um fenômeno, chega das mesmas bikes...
530 comments in one day, this guy is a phenomenon, comes from the same bikes ...
  • 1 0
 what , that is the most wierdest news of the year , all specialized have got now is troy brosnan , shame , woder how he will cope on the pulse frame and i wonder if he will miss his demo
  • 1 0
 Really hope this change can bring his mojo back. We already saw this year that he is slowly getting back to his old ways, maybe the new bike and team can be the boost he needs to claim that top step again.
  • 1 0
 Ha ha so much speculation, bottom line Hill is still the man lets see what he has in the bag, I am a punter, I would back him for Rainbow showdown with Gwinno, anyone know a bookie who will give me odds?
  • 1 0
 I cant figure out why he switched!! Specialized has a bigger circuit of riders in it and it probably had a more promising future for him!! Why he did it i dont know......... GO FIGURE!!
  • 2 0
 woah. Im just wondering if his suspension sponsors will b the same or change? and will he still be doing the all pink bikes for breast cancer awareness? so many questions!
  • 1 0
 I love the mountain bike transfer window the amount of speculation that's thrown up in the air is hilarious there's nothing we can do to stop it and its good for team moves other wise it would get like F1
  • 4 1
 crc nukeproof need to loose those same graphics on the bike and the blue and yellow kit it looks rubbish
  • 4 0
 They know he isn't as fast as Troy so why pay him the big $.
  • 1 0
 Hill on a rocket ship will be interesting. The nukeproof is an interesting bike. Likes to be ran firm out back which should suit Sam. Interesting season ahead. I predict at least one more shocker..
  • 1 0
 so first brandon fairclougth, now sam hill. Well Troy Bronson will kill it, but who are they going to pick up... If it is Gwin, that would surprise me... this year will be very interesting.
  • 2 0
 Dayum, after all of the testing he did for the carbon demo 8 he moves team, wow. So I guess he's leaving blackbox as well?
  • 3 1
 Specialized is on a suicide mission! First they lose fairclough, now Sam! Wtf?!
  • 2 1
 Haha picking up a scalp in Jan
perfect timing to hear he's with the CrC/nukeproof team
& he's a HILL woop woop so all's good
yesh my surname is hill haha
  • 1 0
 the tool that neg propped for no apparent reason can suck my nuts tra la la laaar
  • 1 0
 This should have some effect on the sale of Demo's. So many people got this rig when Sam was racing it. Good luck to Sam for 2013
  • 2 0
 Sram and RockShox need to pick their game up lost some big names in the past year
  • 4 1
 Bad choice sam, i hope hes getting paid alot more...
  • 1 2
 My 2 cents: While his results were promising last season, his riding style was not so promising for future podium places and the further development of the Specialized DH bikes, because he does not have the technique to keep up with the top guys and the up and coming riders.
  • 2 0
 Specialized pulls the plug on LBS' in California. Sam Hill pulls the plug on Specialized. Karma, in a way?
  • 4 4
 CONGRATULATIONS SAM!! you have just left a great company to ride for one which is sending bike shops all over the world bust. and having a great hand in destroying the common bike retailer... dude we used to idiolize you!!
  • 2 0
 We have it on good authority that Hill we be aboard a SRAM-equipped version for the 2013 season.
  • 1 0
 I thin Matti do not have a problem now , I bet he will support some smaller team now , meybe medison ? but I have a bigger question , who will be a frontman in spec now ?
  • 1 0
 well thats a kick in the nuts i did not think that would happen in a million years good to sam and the rest ov the team for nextsession
  • 1 0
 well im just going to wait and see how long its going to be before the buy/sell is filled with demo 8s for sale and ads looking for pulse's...
  • 1 0
 Good to see huge rider like Sam Hill joining a smaller team, cash has got to be a big part but he must have faith in the Pulse .
  • 1 0
 Spesh wants podiums, they've lost ground against Trek and are looking to make it up. I'd say Bulldog is next star Demo rider.
  • 1 0
 One "Over the Hill" move is not going to do ANYTHING to the Big Red S...... I also think Sam will start winning again.One of the most naturally talented riders out there.
  • 1 0
 I ride -specialised but I really liked what RFFR user had to say about buying within and producing in your own country... Bravo and enjoyable to read!! Dan
  • 1 0
 the demo 8 was not enough good to win at that level......the pivot it to low near the bb and not enough chain grow ..lost speed in rock garden......the hype is over........
  • 1 0
 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF! He was fine with Specialized unless he did feel good on the team. But this is an outrage!
  • 1 0
 I`ve started on medication to accept it !!!
My psycholgist told me it`s the best thing I can do to overcome this kind of news ....
  • 2 1
 Good luck I like changes it's only like football and the transfer window every body moves on at some point good work from Nigel page
  • 3 0
 Check the Buy/Sell section in the coming weeks.
  • 2 0
 I can't imagine him without his custom demo 8s. He even helped tweak the design of it!!!
  • 1 2
 I always thought Sam had to leave Spez somehow now that Troy was bigger and more capable competing with Elite Men.. But, and I just had to say this, I didnt expect he'd go ride nukeproof.. I mean CRC is a very good team. I just hoped Sam would ride the hell out of an M8 (CRC/Intense) than Nukes.. More of bike preference here than team preference.. Anyway this is very great news!! IT would be refreshing to see an aluminum bike on top with other carbons!
  • 2 1
 this is like if Steve Peat were to leave Santa Cruz. Sam Hill is iconic for specialized and is an absolute shame they did not carry on together.
  • 2 0
 More like peaty leaving orange
  • 1 0
 my bets on Troy Brosnan and bulldog being the top guns for specialized next year, if Troys fit and injury free hes definatly in for a podium every race!
  • 1 0
 455 comments in half a day .. this is gonna be the post of the year ... Big Grin ...
So stoked to have Sam on a Nuke .... this is gonna be great ..... !!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Wow... That's crazy. Probably comes down to results. He's fast enough, still, to be on top. Might be a mental change. I'd watch out for him if it is.
  • 2 0
 Damn, I think I helped pay part of his wages for next year from all the stuff I bought from CRC this Christmas lol.
  • 1 0
 I feel like spez was like probally the top company to ride for lol. But hey maybe this will workout. He probally got tired of being compared to Troy.
  • 3 0
 Wishing Sam the best !
  • 2 0
 Awesome news!! They will kill it next year Big Grin
  • 1 0
 WTF just happened!! I sure as hell didn't see that coming, oh well best of luck
  • 3 1
 this is just super duper.
  • 3 2
 Wanted to get a Nukeproof for a while now. Looks like it will be sooner than later! SWEET
  • 3 0
 Pretty exciting news!
  • 3 0
 YES
  • 2 0
 Must be a big ass pay cheque.
  • 3 4
 I'd say specialized didn't get the results they expected when they signed him and decided to drop him and Nukeproof/CRC gave him a good deal probably not the same spesh had him on. It's unlucky because he got hit with some bad luck with injuries and couldn't stay on top of things because of it.

That's the game sadly . You don't do good they don't want you.

I Could be wrong though.
  • 2 0
 He was top five this year, I'd say that's still on top. I seriously doubt you have any inside knowledge as to how much riders get payed by each company, CRC isn't a little team they have the assets to provide what Sam needs and I don't think anyone here knows the real reasons as to why he changed team.
  • 2 0
 Yeh that's true I have no inside knowledge and it's all speculation. He got top 5 this year which was great But the top companies like specialized want no.1 not no.5. You can only guess until Sam or Specialized comes out with the actual reasons why they split if they ever do.
  • 2 0
 wow!!! really is the biggest story of the year!!!!
  • 2 3
 I wont belive this until i see a picture of Sam with a nukeproof because this article came from this site
www.downhiller.de/index.php/67-crc-nukeproof/428-sam-hill-faehrt-2013-fuer-crcnukeproof
  • 8 1
 The "article" is actually a press release (sent to all sites) that was not supposed to go live for a few more days but the site that you linked to above thought that the embargo applied to everyone but them.
  • 1 0
 ok now i understand
  • 2 0
 nukeproof bikes are just gonna get more popular now
  • 2 1
 he is still listed on the Specialized site....I wonder how soon thats going to change.
  • 2 0
 Will he stay on RS or switch to Zoke?
  • 2 1
 whaaat da fuukk?? specialized is in my opinion bigger en more succesfull then nukeproof, dat just came out of nowhere
  • 1 0
 Nuke is 4 years old sped is like 20 years old
  • 2 1
 CRC is bigger than both combined me thinks
  • 1 1
 ^^^ what he said, think about it, world reaching bicycle manufacturer with 30 years odd trading vs world reaching bicycle retailer with 30 years trading PLUS a successful bicycle manufacturer for past 5 years = top trumps crc me thinks
  • 1 1
 yeah crc is indeed very big, but if i was him i rather drove spesh than a nukeproof. just saying
  • 1 0
 beter money from CRC/nukeproof
  • 1 0
 Will congrats Nukeproof!!! Sure Sammie is worth every penny!!! Good luck Sam in 2013 with your new sponsor!!
  • 3 1
 love nukeproof love sam hill what a combonation!
  • 2 0
 whos gonna be on monster energy Specialized other then Troy and Mitch?
  • 1 0
 wait wait wait... its not the first of april yet?!?!?! fair play to crc though thats a right catch
  • 3 1
 I'm sure that money didn't play any part in this deal... :/
  • 2 3
 great!! Nukeproof dh bike seems as good as alu Demo, I would rather prefeer Nukeproof before demo, taking redundancy apart Nukeproof looks boombproof!!! realy clever design!!!
  • 3 2
 It's a single pivot, albeit a beautiful one, but what exactly is especially clever about it??
  • 1 0
 The way they sorted out the rocker fik pivot, the front junction and the minimalism of the design, can not tell if the geo is dialed as well as the demo's and if the ratio i'ts beter or not, but I really love how they made out so well a simple design .it would not be the rigth thing to say one of the two is a beter ride, but I really like more how they thinked out the design . and again, I said "seems" no it is beter. ..... and a clever design dosen't have to be a sofisticated one , these guys made out a simple thing really great, I admire that...
  • 2 0
 Any one heard the phrase "new bike syndrome"
  • 3 0
 So good!!
  • 1 0
 now who is going to fill in is spot that must be the million dollar question?
  • 2 0
 Good luck Sam and if you need a new PA call me!!!! Cheers leadz
  • 2 2
 good move from sam hill, he will shred on the scalp, be interesting to see how he performs with new team, new bikes and new goals, best of luck to him
  • 3 1
 nukeproof's bike sales just got boosted by 75%
  • 2 0
 i didn't see that coming!!
  • 3 1
 Just gotta a little more respect for my scalp
  • 1 3
 dont know weather you noticed but the crc team riders dont ride scalps any more...
  • 3 1
 killed the buzz dude
  • 2 0
 Yeh i did notice... But unfortunatly i dont have the cash to just swap my scalp for a pulse smart arse... But seeing as both bikes do have "nukeproof" wrote down the side of them then yeah... Like my scalp abit more now
  • 3 1
 dafuq?whats so bad about specialized?
  • 1 0
 Stoked on this, best of luck to sam and i wish CRC and nukeproof maintain the good prices
  • 5 2
 AWESOME- GO CRC GO
  • 3 1
 Is this a joke! please be a joke.
  • 2 0
 Thought there was an embargo on this till 1st Jan??...guess not!
  • 2 0
 good news! good luck SAM!
  • 2 0
 So does this mean Jacey moves to CRC/Nukeproof with Sam or not?
  • 4 2
 Will there be a Carbon Nukeproof soon??
  • 3 1
 Looks like Nukeproof's gonna have to build a stronger bike
  • 1 0
 With farclaw gone and now sam, idk what the specialized teams gonna look like.
  • 2 2
 Not to be rude, but why is it such a big deal when a rider changes to another team? Sam will just be riding on a different bike, I don't see what the fuss is about.
  • 2 2
 Not a good choice nuke proof is booty a carbon demo shits on it I rode both Horrible career decision. Sammy boy. Super bummed he was already on the best bike
  • 2 0
 I come from the land down unda! sweet
  • 2 0
 ride it like u stole it sam !!
  • 1 0
 Only thing I see is the price of the nukeproof dh frames going up. It was on my short list of next frame to buy.
  • 1 0
 What a Christmas present for Nige, Now Sam really does have his finger on the Pulse of mountain biking.
  • 1 0
 i think Sam Hill get ride of the Pink, and prefere the CRC jerseys which were so nice this season !
  • 2 0
 I recon brook mc donald will be roking a spesh 2013 Wink
  • 2 0
 Sam Hill is now part of my local bike shop !
  • 1 0
 They should drop the CRC logo n that. Brings down the look of the cool nukeproof bit... Advertising though intit!
  • 1 0
 Wow maybe 2012 really was the end of the world, for hill at least. Bad choice
  • 1 0
 My mate was looking to buy a Nukeproof for his first DH bike. Wont be now im sure the prices will rise
  • 1 1
 Judging by how depressing the specialized you tube videos were all year I am not surprised he jumped ship. It was like watching a funeral with the luck they were having!
  • 1 0
 I'm not surprised he move from specialized but why so late? Specialized bikes are rubbish ! Sam will back!
  • 1 0
 what..the..fuck deffo didnt see that coming thats gonna take a day or two to sink in
  • 1 0
 This is sick news.... but i think he should just go buy a Sunday and ride that!
  • 1 0
 Finally, a spot for me on Specialized!!! Time to take the training wheels off!!!
  • 1 0
 ooooo noooooooooooooooooooooFrown why why ... This brand was so cool "nukeproof" and now I will not be...
  • 1 0
 Wow big news, super crazy, damn who would of thought? Can't sleep now, hope Sam will be ok????
  • 1 0
 Saw it on CNN, Sam will stay full package SRAM for life! Even Bam has a contract waiting!
  • 3 1
 Might get back to his winning ways
  • 2 0
 Whoaaaaa was not expecting that :L good luck to him Smile
  • 3 1
 that is one sweet looking ride. can't wait to see one in monster green.
  • 3 2
 This will be why Specialized are trying to tempt aaron gwin... team rumors possibly spot on again
  • 10 1
 gwin signed with trek for a few more years
  • 2 1
 Yeah but he could be bought out of the contract if the right price was offered and Specialized aren't short for cash I'm sure. Seems that they're looking to buy Bulldog as well and I've heard something about Adam Brayton...
  • 1 0
 I'll eat my laptop if Brayton is on spesh. No way are they gonna replace Hill with him.
  • 1 0
 Hahaha, that's a good reply! Nahh, I don't think they'll replace Hill with Brayton, they'll replace Hill with someone like Bulldog. But Adam Brayton would be fairly cheap to buy as he hasn't had any big results as of yet but he is well capable of them so he would be an addition. I doubt that he will end up on Specialized though, I was just going off all the hints on his Twitter Smile
  • 2 0
 will he still keep monster as a sponsor?
  • 1 0
 i wonder the same thing
  • 2 0
 Does anyone know what team Al Bond will be riding for
  • 3 1
 It's the gift of Christmas Smile
  • 2 2
 I cannot believe this Eek I would never have thought Sam and Specialized would split ways. Looks great for CRC/Nukeproof though!
  • 1 0
 Will he still have his contract with troy lee??

The crc lads wear royal don't they??
  • 1 0
 also wear troy lee helmets
  • 1 0
 Sam Hill is a tld athlete, and we will be the official gear of the entire Crc team.
  • 3 0
 I am happy for Sam!
  • 4 2
 time to go...dig a hole...sit in it.. and die...
  • 1 0
 Damn just when I thought I can see if Hill can win in a Marzocchi... guess we'll never know.
  • 1 0
 Don't worry guys on who's taking his seat on spez... I am taking his seat... But just sitting ...you know
  • 2 0
 wish him victorys next year!
  • 1 0
 Hilarious! Maybe this will silence the Sam Hill/ Specialized pajama wearing cult.
  • 1 3
 Sam 2013,
is not Sam 2007.
Not a good return on investments anymore.
Fat..full armed tattoed...
Talks like a drunked hobo on a park bench...
Brosnan,thats an investment!
Ropellato yes,(Benedict or Skeen they are so fast and so kind).
so much experience and being so young,both of them.
Sam has been kicked out.
For sure.
Sam will team up with two guys that know's themselves they will never podium a w.c.
I am sad,always been a huge fan of Sam.
Never count without Sam in a race.
This deal with crc-nukeproof will be his last downhill
contract as a world cup contender.
I can only wish Sam the best.
What a rider he was.
  • 1 0
 You sound like a drunk hobo...... almost all of that comment was a bunch of crap that you are regurgitating.
  • 3 1
 was not expecting that
  • 2 2
 The same mistake as Lewis Hamilton did. I'm curious about sam's blackbox program... whole CRC on RS now?
  • 2 0
 I think Lewis will be OK with Mercedes, but i know what you mean. Those teams invested so much in their racers, now they've left to join other teams.
  • 6 0
 I think that Lewis wanted to prove himself in a different team, not to mean the chance to build a team around him like Schumi did when he left proven winner Benetton for down in the dumps ferrari. People will of course forget that it took many years of Michael at Ferrari before the things came to fruition.. I don't expect Lewis to win in 2013, and if he doesn't people will say that he made a mistake. It isn't about '13, though, but '14 and beyond.
  • 1 0
 Lewis made a great move going to Mercedes. They already have the 2014 engines in their hands for tuning and improving. McLaren won't get one until the end of next season. Expect to see Lewis winning a lot of races in 2014...
  • 2 0
 Schumi at benneton, ah, I remember seeing him race f1 in Adelaide. Back to DH, my only concern is perhaps the message that this might send to the struggling LBS industry in Aust. Hill has been bought by crc, idk of anybody that sells nuke proof here. I like the price of stuff at crc, but I hate their business model. LBS are going to go the way of video stores, everybody gets their stuff online, it will cost jobs, it will cost sponsorship and support at your local race /end rant
  • 1 0
 Except that Nukeproof is making a push into LBS's right now. This should help with creating demand.
  • 2 1
 ok if were talking about f1, lewis may still be competitive next year hes got ross brawn designing his car so dont write him off, hes been working on championship winning cars since 1991 and knows how to make a f1 car go, my guess is that half way through thhe season they pulled their resources into making the best car for next year as they said there is alot of pressure into putting lewis into a car he can win in, but if im honest i think this move for sam will be bad in the sense of the bike wont be quite as good but it will probably make a difference to his mental focus which will far outweigh any small difference the bikes make, theres no substitute for being absolutely on it
  • 3 2
 manliekas viss ir kulē, katram savs darbiņš darām Wink
  • 2 1
 sweet shaping up to be a intresting season
  • 2 1
 Well this is awesome.....
  • 3 2
 now specialized sales are death...
  • 2 2
 Great Job Hill!!!! No more Special..Ed bike!!! You have now made it to Nukeproof!
  • 3 1
 What in the Sam hill !
  • 2 1
 Holy fuck balls I did not see that one coming!
  • 1 0
 Far out did not see that 1 coming.
  • 1 0
 Now there is going to be too many Nukeproofs at races now
  • 2 0
 Sweet Smile
  • 1 0
 Sam on a Santa cruz carbon v10 .... I wish ... good luck to him
  • 1 0
 what about... CRC Pivot boosh Sam back on DW. unstopable!!!
  • 1 0
 Well, that escalated quickly...
  • 1 0
 what a surprise but good to see crc stepping up there dh team again
  • 2 0
 GO SAM HILL !!!
  • 2 1
 no way sam hill is specialized!
  • 1 0
 Samuel smoking gang .......
  • 1 0
 i hope jacy shumilak and blackbox join as well!
  • 1 0
 Well this will be interesting...
  • 1 0
 Sam + Specialized = Perfect !
  • 1 0
 nothing is better than a demo
  • 1 0
 So does this mean that Mitch will get a fulltime spot on Specialized?
  • 3 1
 Yay !
  • 4 3
 So, Rape-a-lot-o is stepping up?
I'd of thought he'd get a go in 13.
  • 2 0
 oooh yeaaaaah!
  • 6 5
 now I can say "I 've got my nuke before it was cool !!!" Smile
  • 2 1
 So, who is going to replace him at specialized? Sure it is not me!!!
  • 5 0
 Probably Mitch Ropelato... He is a young guy that has a good career ahead of him. But for Sam Hill, I wish him luck on team CRC Nukeproof.
  • 3 2
 Quick, I want a heavy aluminium "singlish" pivot DH bike.
  • 2 2
 Be prepared for the pulse to start getting lower and slacker each season , can't wait. Props to nukeproof
  • 1 0
 It's all about the money, he has a price tag
  • 1 0
 This as more posts than SANTA!
  • 1 0
 Matti gave his jawbone to CRC and he got kicked out?
  • 1 0
 happy for them good luck too sam
  • 1 0
 who´s gonna replacew him in specialized?
  • 2 1
 WTF!!
  • 1 1
 Anyone know why he left Specialized? Was it his choice or theirs?
  • 3 2
 Money talks, thats my guess.
  • 2 3
 Maybe it was the money
  • 1 2
 maybe it was the money
  • 2 1
 OMG!!
  • 2 1
 DAFUQ
  • 2 1
 'DAFUQ?!
  • 1 1
 Didn't see this coming at all!
  • 2 2
 leaving the specialized family c'mon
  • 2 2
 Holy shit he left sram he has lived around sram forever
  • 2 1
 Reed the news man their gonna make a SRAM version
  • 2 1
 Holly toledo!
  • 1 3
 This could be what Sam needs to get back on top. CRC's all about mtb when specialized is all commercial. Might have to sell my demo now.
  • 1 1
 So whats happening to matti and al bond then?
  • 3 0
 removed to make way for somebodys salary, guess who???
  • 2 1
 daa fuq D=
  • 1 1
 What happens to the Sam Hill room and Specialized?
  • 2 2
 and that was what "Sambo transitions to UK Brand" meant...
  • 2 0
 No it didn't...
  • 1 1
 Madison yo
  • 1 1
 is this April fools' day? DAFAQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 1
 whats one lead sled to another ehh
  • 1 0
 WHAAAT?
  • 1 0
 Mistake
  • 1 1
 Did not see this coming...
  • 3 2
 STOKEEDDDD
  • 1 1
 So they will be on marzocchi and double barrels?
  • 1 1
 Ali has gone because they was only allowed 3, Pagey just told me!
  • 2 3
 oohhhh come on.....all we know that the best DH team is Sam Hill+Specialized...
  • 1 1
 massive dafuq
  • 1 1
 Hum bizard move !
  • 1 1
 what.
  • 2 2
 shocked.
  • 3 3
 Disappointed...
  • 2 0
 its all about the ca$h
  • 1 1
 Unbelievable !!!!!!
  • 1 1
 what?
  • 1 3
 Danny Hart too move there.
  • 3 0
 he is going to stick with giant for a while, cant see giant wanting to see him go walking off any time soon
  • 1 3
 Well there you go, the Mayans were right
  • 3 4
 this is great news
  • 1 2
 move of the year
  • 2 3
 SPEECHLESS!
  • 1 2
 2010 demo was the shit.
  • 1 3
 mistake!
  • 1 4
 Bah humbug!!!
  • 1 4
 Noooo! r u kidding me
  • 2 1
 The athlete themed conference rooms at Specialized HQ are tributes to amazing champions, past and present. The Sam Hill room will be around for a long time.
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