Steve Smith's One-Off Prototype - 2013 World Champs

Aug 29, 2013 at 3:28
by Mike Levy  

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Stevie Smith's
Devinci World's Bike

WORDS Mike Levy
PHOTOS Paris Gore

World Champs. One race, just a few minutes long, that determines who wears the coveted rainbow stripes. And we're not talking about having the stripes for only one season - you get to own them for all time, a message to others that on the big day you were the fastest rider in the world, bar none. It is true that some racers don't put as much stock in the single day event as they do an overall championship that spans an entire season of racing, but for most it is the ultimate win that will be the crowning jewel on their résumé. It is also fair to say that more effort is put towards this single race run than any other during the season, with year long training regimes tailored to the course, and special on-off equipment provided by sponsors willing to invest heavily in their racer's chances of taking the big win. Never has this been more true than for this weekend's pedal heavy track in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, a unique course that calls for some very unique equipment. This fact is highlighted by Stevie Smith, the Canadian Chainsaw Massacre, and his radical, one-off Devinci race bike that has been designed by Dave Weagle especially for this event. True, the top racers often have access to some special equipment, most often frames that are lighter than production models, or prototype suspension that consumers won't have access to for years to come, but never before has a machine been designed solely for one track, on one day, for one rider. This is as Formula 1 as it gets in the mountain bike world, folks, and we're here with an inside look to explain it all.
bigquotesOne track, one weekend, and a couple of closely matched riders to design for, that's a really fun challenge, one that I really love being in a position to tackle. If I can help these guys take even a tenth of a second off of their time, then I'm ecstatic. In this case, I'm hopeful for seconds. - Dave Weagle, designer

n a Photo by Paris Gore

Here are the facts: This is a one-off bike, manufactured by hand in Devinci's Chicoutimi, Quebec, factory. It has been designed to use 650B wheels, and Stevie is one of only a few select BlackBox program riders who will have access to the very special 650B-compatible RockShox BoXXer that is pictured below. Travel sits at 165mm in the back and 175mm up front. Saying that the bike is light would be stating the obvious, although an exact number proved to be elusive. A guess in the very low 30s would be a good place to start, though, especially given that the aluminum frame is likely among the lightest in action. Geometry? Slack and low. ''In this case I closely matched certain parts of the geometric and ride feel of the existing Wilson,'' Weagle, the bike's designer, explained. ''This bike is made to keep Steve in his comfort zone, while letting him carry more speed in certain areas, and gain speed where a full DH bike may be more cumbersome.'' In other words, special geometry tailored exclusively to the South African track.

The trick is to understand what each rider’s strengths and weaknesses are, and to try to predict what combination of bike setup, rider fitness and style, and track conditions all add up to the least amount of elapsed time on the course. Steve and I spent a good deal of time last fall and winter talking about the current Wilson, this year’s schedule, and places that we felt that we could take time out of the course. South Africa was one track where I felt that we could make substantial gains with a different approach than normal.
- Dave Weagle

The question in our minds, and probably yours as well, is why put Stevie on a completely new machine when he is obviously getting on quite well with his current Wilson Carbon, with wins at both the last World Cup stop at Mont Saint Anne, Quebec, and the Canadian Open race during Crankworx. And it looks as if many of the top racers within a shot of the win are doing just that - sticking to what they know, albeit with a featherweight build - while Smith will be aboard a completely different bike. Wouldn't a special, lighter weight Wilson Carbon make sense? ''Possibly,'' says Weagel, ''And initially this was an approach that we considered, but in the end Devinci decided that they wanted to design a longer travel all-mountain bike in the future, and this World's Bike could be a great test bed for new ideas.'' There is always a lot of talk about racing relating to real world products, but it doesn't get any more clear than that.


n a Photo by Paris Gore

The Design: Gone is the Wilson's relatively high main pivot, massive carbon swingarm, and 'Control Link' rocker arm that rotated around the bottom bracket. As one might expect, Split Pivot is still used, with a concentric axle pivot that allows Weagle to separate braking and acceleration problems during the design phase. The bike's RockShox Vivid Air RC2 shock, likely hiding some BlackBox tuning within its unassuming body, is driven directly off of the seat stays, with a compact two-piece, bolted together link adding rigidity to the frame by tying the seat stays and the seat tube together. There are the same amount of pivots as the Wilson, but it is fair to say that this prototype carries a more traditional appearance.


One of the Wilson's defining attributes was its comparatively low center of gravity, a fact that is brought about by the bike's 'Control Link' that rotates around its bottom bracket shell, thereby allowing both it and the shock to be placed as low as possible given the parameters of the design. This prototype utilizes a more conventional layout, with the shock sitting slightly higher in the frame, although the use of an air shock in place of a heavier coil-over unit likely mitigates much of this. The use of RockShox's Vivid Air RC2 shouldn't come a surprise - the track is relatively smooth compared to most other courses that the riders race on - but it did necessitate a leverage ratio that best suits how the shock's air spring ramps up through its stroke, as well as taking into account how a rider like Stevie attacks a course.

It wasn't just the choice of an air shock that determined how the suspension would behave, though, with the bike's 650B wheels factoring in as well. Even the gearing that Stevie would run on the pedal-heavy track would have an effect on Weagle's decision on where to place the pivots. ''His new bike uses 650B wheels, and gearing that's pretty specific
for the South Africa course,'' he told us. ''I was able to dial in anti-squat and the suspension feel that we were after pretty closely. The Wilson obviously uses 26” wheels and has to accommodate a wider gearing range.'' What Weagle is saying is that during the design process he was actually able to take into account the size of the chain ring that Stevie would run on race day. No compromises to accommodate the fact that a consumer might run a single, double, or triple ring on their all-mountain bike, let alone any size of chain ring on their downhill bike, but rather all designed around an exact number of teeth.


n a Photo by Paris Gore


The Build: Devinci isn't the only team sponsor who has put effort into this World Champs project, with RockShox, SRAM, Easton, and Schwalbe all providing components that are huge factors in the bike's performance. Of those four brands, RockShox has the largest presence, with an extremely special 650B BoXXer attached to the front of the bike. Yes, its insides consist of the BlackBox-level Charger BoXXer damper, as well as other tidbits that we might never know about, but it is the fork's lowers that make it so unique. See, you can't just go bolting bolting 650B wheels onto a bike and expect it to handle worth a damn because the larger diameter wheels require a different trail figure in order to restore handling to be similar to if the bike had 26'' wheels, and that is exactly what the different axle position relative to the fork lowers accomplishes. Don't be mistaken, this is a much larger investment than you might think, with the assets to create a new set of lowers likely costing in the high tens of thousands, maybe even more. This means that while Smith and a few others may be the only ones with 650B BoXXers right now, consumers will soon be able to purchase their own 'tweener wheel DH fork from
RockShox. Word is that Stevie was actually prepared to race with a 650B-compatible Pike on the front of the bike as it wasn't clear if the new 650B BoXXer lowers would be manufactured and delivered in time for the event, but sometimes the seas can be parted and the mountains moved when you're a BlackBox racer who many feel is a strong candidate for a top placing. The fork's travel has been lowered from 203 to 175mm, which is another factor that Weagle and Smith took into account when choosing the bike's angles. Stevie did tell us that would have been comfortable using a Pike if it came down to it, though, and there will surely be other racers who make the call to go with a single crown fork.


The bike's drivetrain is, without trying to sound blasé about it, fairly standard for a top World Cup racer's bike. That means a custom seven speed cassette, spoke guard, and carbon fiber X0 cranks from Truvativ. What is far from standard is Stevie's custom X01 DH derailleur that features a shorter than average cage to better suit its intentions. Easton stepped up to provide a set of 650B Havoc DH wheels for the bike, one of only a handful of such wheels in existence at this point, with them being shod with a set of Schwalbe 'First Ride' tires that go to only a few riders in the field. Expect a fast rolling rear tire installed on the rear wheel come race day, a spec that could save major time on the smooth and pedal-filled Pietermaritzburg track. The spec choice that will stand out for most people will be the RockShox Reverb dropper seat post, not something that you would expect to see on such a machine, and one that admittedly looks out of place at a World Cup race. Unlike how most riders would use a dropper post, with it raised the majority of the time and only lowering it when the trail points down, the post on Stevie's bike will likely be lowered for all but the long pedalling section that faces racers near the middle of the track.
Wouldn't it be faster to stand up and sprint? Maybe not, because with high speeds come much wind resistance, something that can feel like a brick wall when you're near your personal redline during a race run. Sitting, pedalling hard, and staying low on the bike can often make up time in certain situations, and taking that approach will also help save Smith's horsepower for the all-out sprint across the finish line. Having said all that, it isn't set in stone that we'll see it on his bike come race day, with Smith undecided as to if he'll run it or not.



There you have it, a very special machine for a very special race. While the Pietermaritzburg course has taken some heat for not being as full-on as a "true" World Cup track, the bottom line is that all of the racers have to race the exact same course, regardless of what it is, and all should be capable of giving an incredible performance despite the lack of extreme terrain. These are the best racers in the world, after all, and those at the pointy end of the field should be versatile enough to place high on the results sheet. It sounds like Stevie is one of the few who might be relishing the chance to show the fans that he has been training extremely hard during the off-season, and that he is one of the racers who can excel irrespective of the conditions. He certainly has a bike worthy of the cause, doesn't he?



www.devinci.com
Photos by Paris Gore

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

207 Comments
  • 398 12
 Stevie Smith, the Canadian Chainsaw Massacre. Aaron Gwin, the American Chainstay Massacre!
  • 21 5
 Genius!
  • 11 52
flag tudorm (Aug 29, 2013 at 3:52) (Below Threshold)
 Smile ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
  • 64 12
 Canadian Moustache Massacre*
  • 88 16
 Stevie Smith you kick @$$; however, I hate to say this...LOOKS LIKE A COVE! What a SHOCKER!!!
  • 3 2
 absolutely amazing story, what an amazing way to pool efforts from suppliers to get a man on top, makes my fantasy team look so much more a better choice now - the bike looks great too. Gee preferably or Steve ftw i don't mind
  • 5 2
 love the new prototype, really sleek and simpler looking design than the wilson
  • 15 1
 Even though I'm a die hard 26" fan. I would buy this, that's one of the nicest looking bikes out there IMO. Besides the custom boxxer lowers to make it 650B compatible they must have done some tinkering internally to get it to the stated 175mm travel. Either way it's a brilliant looking bike and I'd love to see a win from Smith.
And to thefiresermon, they have their similarities in the way the shock sits in the frame, but the linkage is completely different. And the front trainangle is different as well. Pretty far off from a shocker in my opinion.
  • 13 4
 ^^^^ looks like a Devinci to me.
  • 7 0
 I hope we see some 29'er bikes run at this race if anything to see how professional racers stack up when running different wheel sizes. Could Aaron Gwin run his Enduro 29'er from Sea Otter? Jared Graves will be on his SB-66. It should be interesting!
  • 8 4
 Holy moly, this bike is pure porn, i'm sure you have to be 18+ to ride it.
  • 8 21
flag SuperBock (Aug 29, 2013 at 9:08) (Below Threshold)
 26"...26" or STFU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 5 0
 Dirty dee and they're done dirt cheap!!
  • 2 1
 :-0 You sir have been placed on the roster for comment of the year!!!!
  • 3 2
 650b is good bro . and cretin they use a similiar air cartridge to a lyric or totem just smaller for 35mm stanctions , and yess i agree nothing like a cove at all. adn for everyone that dispises 650b go out and try bronson or alitiude and then its supierior "dont know how tospell that god damn " in a 26 you guys are just scared of change
  • 2 2
 I don't think I'll ever make the change to 650b or 29" on a dh or fr rig. But for an all mountain, XC or enduro I'd go to. It's clear that the larger wheel has benefits and there is no denying that, but I still believe for more aggressive riding (like dh and fr) 26" is the way to go.
  • 2 6
flag maxhajdu23 (Aug 29, 2013 at 11:47) (Below Threshold)
 wait i didnt read the whole thing is this gonna replace the wilson?
  • 2 1
 @TheFireSermen If you look at a picture of a shocker and this it looks very a like, however if you look close at the geometry it is a lot different.
  • 3 1
 @maxhajdu23. Do you really think devinci would take out their full dh rig at 200mm+ travel with 26" Wheels and replace it with a 165mm 650b trail bike? That would be worse than rock shox trying to sell shocks to the top 3%. So the answer is no, this will not replace the Wilson.
  • 1 1
 The Bronson is a great bike. The altitude not so much. Just my opinion based on a demo, but I found it a bit harsh off the top, yet blows through the travel. Kind of on the lines of what Bike Mag found. I will say, my Mojo HD converted to 650b with Burgtech offset bushings is awesome. Same bb height as the HDR, 140mm travel, 67 HA. And for the real rough shit, back to 26" with a float 36. Probably the perfect compromise until more 650 options are on the table.
  • 1 1
 DANG! Now-a-days pro riders get their custom frames, black box and all the other bells and whistles. How can the average joe ever compete???
  • 2 2
 If it was possible for him to be any faster, he should get rid of those boxxers and get some 40's!
  • 1 1
 lay out looks like a Cotic Rocket to me.
  • 67 2
 If it's a one off for steve like the article says, why does nick beer have one too?

No disrespect to him of course!
  • 13 33
flag gab-biking (Aug 29, 2013 at 4:11) (Below Threshold)
 There is one for Beer, look at the chainstay of the second pic. Smile
  • 31 1
 "why does nick beer have one too?" he said Smile
  • 3 1
 Yeah that's what i said Gab. haha
  • 16 1
 What Nick Beer wants Nick Beer Gets lets just leave it at that Wink haha
  • 3 0
 was wondering why it said 'Switzerland', didn't notice Beer 1st up, hey it's Pinkbike ?
  • 4 2
 Great idea, I hope Smith takes the win on it. You can't get more Stacee Jaxx than that, having a bike personally designed by the master of banter and great bike designs, Dave Weagle. Every time I see an interview with him, he cracks me up. Keep the good stuff coming Dave!

At the same time, I think it looks shit compared to the Wilson. I was hoping they would bring out a mini version of the Wilson, with the same looks. Rather, they look more likely to release a bigger Troy or Dixon, with the orthodox (boring) aesthetics.

A 650b Boxxer means there will also be a 650b Lyrik, yes? I keep hearing whispers that the lowers are identical between the two forks. I have to say, it would look better with a Totem (R.I.P)

Go on Stevie!
  • 1 2
 Also, there's a second frame that appears to be identical to Stevie's but with a different paint job in the background of the 9th photo from the top (where it shows the reverb bar remote).
  • 2 0
 I think beer has one too because he still has a chance of a podium which will be publicity for devnci
  • 2 0
 Maybe because it's a one off bike for PMB and was made for Smith, but if it's the best bike for the job and the other team riders like it too then why wouldn't it be made available to them
  • 5 12
flag minty1 (Aug 29, 2013 at 7:34) (Below Threshold)
 Seems to me like more money more chance of winning,seems a little unfair you ask me,what about a level playing field.
  • 5 0
 But who's to say it's any good, it says it's been developed for PMB but has it actually been tested there?? I quite like how much variety is allowed when it comes to equipment, especially when you think of how limited some sports are when it comes to development due to very strict rules (such as formula 1)
  • 2 0
 @minty1 it may seem unfair but consider this. This is the venue for technology to be showcased. As the article mentioned, this is very much like Formula 1. And it would make sense that the more money you throw at these projects and teams, that team would stand a better chance...in theory. But as with any racing, it's all up for grabs for anyone participating on race day. Unfair is subjective. I know what you mean. The way I see it, if a rider has more advantages than another, that's really reflective upon the support a team can provide. So of course, if a team has more money, then you'd expect more support. But ultimately, the rider has to have the talent to pull it off.
  • 1 1
 Think the big "Switzerland" decal really gives the game away that one is Nick beer's!
  • 2 0
 beer already raced it at crankworx air dh, i think.
  • 1 2
 "One track, one weekend, and a couple of closely matched riders to design for, that's a really fun challenge, one that I really love being in a position to tackle. If I can help these guys take even a tenth of a second off of their time, then I'm ecstatic. In this case, I'm hopeful for seconds. - Dave Weagle, designer"

Does no one read!! Jeesh... Group of closely matched riders.. help THESE guys take even 10th of a second...
  • 1 0
 The article title is misleading. It should say "Two-Off". Or are there more? What if one breaks today? Back to the carbon Willy? I'm going to go out on a limb and say I bet it's a four-off!

@Minty1. More money, more chance of winning is life itself. If it's too hard to stomach, take up footy. All you need is a ball, or an old can.
  • 1 0
 Unethical journalism.
  • 46 4
 I hope some privater brakes out a 29er and canes everyone .
  • 6 0
 Haven't you heard? A source close to Gwin said it is "probable that he will use the Enduro 29er he used to destroy the field at Sea Otter" for the world champs race.
  • 2 0
 I wouldn't be surprised. Mitch already posted pics of his enduro 29er for worlds. and troy has posted his demo pics for worlds. i guess we will just have to see how it plays out,
  • 10 0
 0.01
  • 3 2
 the field that had no fast WC racers? because they were all practising WC tracks in WC conditions rather than smooth sand like terrain that would make my sisters grandma go fast and feel good?

edit:

actually - PMB should suit him down to the ground then
  • 3 0
 @laxcarp cor some reason while propping you up I stared at 0.01 thinking it wolud become 0.02!
  • 1 0
 Is he going to ride the rampage with this?
  • 36 2
 This is why I love World Champs!
  • 29 0
 Jared Graves has been working on a custom build for PMB... his quads and calves.
  • 1 0
 Squats for breakfast makes you fast on a bike. +1 for a good finish for Graves. I'll be surprised if he isn't in the top 5.
  • 26 2
 Imagine the headlines: "Stevie Smith wins DH Worlds on 650b" which would be followed by "42,000 pinkbike.com member die in combination of blown minds and 26" sympathy suicides".
  • 12 6
 And 2750 members will probably say "we told ya", "26" is dead" , "Goldilocks size,not too big, not too small but just the right size!".... ,and then go out for a salad!, it seems that 27.5 sympathizers are constantly trying to defend their abnormal wheel size by attacking the RIGHT wheel size.

show your love for 27.5 and neg prop me!
thanks,
Aibek.
  • 9 0
 The track. That is all
  • 5 0
 i doubt 26 is dead dj bikes will never change over i can almost guarantee that
  • 6 2
 downhilladdict nailed it. Wouldn't be surprised if this track was deliberately chosen as the World Champs to debut and showcase a winner on the 650B platform.
  • 5 1
 Ah yes, more conspiracy theories on the infiltration of the evil 650b. Really? Nothing to do with it performing better? Just a fixed race? Wow, that's a new one.
  • 2 0
 I think you believe I was somehow attacking the 650B yet I made no disparaging comments toward it. In fact, my comment supports the notion that it would be a better performer. Also, choosing a former and familiar course as the venue to market the bike doesn't make it a "fixed" race as much as it does a good business decision. Had you read between the lines and thought more rationally before responding, I think you would understand my point and save yourself from making misguided implications.
  • 1 0
 26 or 650b I don't care. They're both the same* anyway!

*Or close enough to make no difference
  • 24 1
 Looks like a....

Old devinci wilson :p
  • 3 1
 I was gonna say it looks like Cove. It's damn nice tho.
  • 2 0
 I was about to say the same thing! Scavenged parts from the old Wilson!
  • 7 0
 I was about to scream "I want one" but then I looked at my 2010 Wilson and screamed "I HAVE ONE!" haha
  • 15 2
 Sex on wheels
  • 1 1
 Yup that looks very very nice!
  • 12 2
 Regardless of wheel size, that is one tasty bit of metal. Keep em rolling out devinci
  • 8 1
 Steve Smith is launching Devinci into some serious brand recognition from the FR/DH crowd, and the company's adoption of 27.5 wheels also pulls in those folks who are interested in the TR/AM models. Guys like Smith ripping DH courses on 160mm bikes that are designed with support from Weagle tell a consumer like me that this is a true quiver bike.
  • 7 1
 The DH courses that Smith has been riding his Dixon on are arguably "soft core" compared to others. A Line is a smooth multi lane highway with big(ger) jumps.

Last year at Crankworx, he used the Wilson when he won the Garbo. A real DH course for which he used a real DH bike. I give more props to Justin Leov who ran that race on a 6" bike this year!

That said, this bike will make a fantastic test bed for even better all-rounders.

I just wish someone fast would show up and run a Canfield One!
  • 9 0
 I would love to see an interview with his mom now after all this success!!! Such a great legend in the making!
  • 1 0
 yeah esp after her segment in Seasons she must be the proudest mom of all time
  • 12 6
 "One off race bike..."

Strictly speaking UCI regulations require anything used in a UCI sanctioned event to be available to the public. Of course Devinci can put a price tag of a million Dollars on it being reproduced but technically if you want this bike it should be possible to have it! Smile
  • 4 4
 Like those Honda G-Cross bikes that were available to the public? Or the inverted Fox 40s? Maybe the hundreds of other parts we never see for sale? They guy eh ^^ What a plonker.
  • 1 2
 Yeah just look how easy it is to grab a Honda bike
  • 2 0
 Are the g cross gearbox bikes? If so, are they awesome?
  • 8 2
 Why does telling everyone that technically they can own a sweet looking bike get negative props? Very strange. If you read the UCI rules then everything used in competition must be available to the public. As I said, the catch is the company can put an outrageous price tag on it thus not making it actually available in practice. This is pretty stingently enforced in the road cycling world but no-one in the MTB world seems to care Wink This rule is why you can buy the frames and helmets used to wing so many Golds at the Olympics through UK Sport...
  • 2 1
 I was thinking the same thing and glad you posted up!!
  • 1 1
 I honestly would love to see this enforced. On top of that, it would be nice to give the manufacturers a "prototype" exemption that would allow them to compete with something not available a set number of times a year.

GT is a great example of why the lack of enforcement sucks. Anyone that is not a GT factory rider has no access to the newest frame. In other words, any guy or gal that really is a top of the crop rider may end up held back by his/her equipment?
  • 1 2
 That a ridiculous idea. First the GT Fury will be available soon. Second developing high end products for races pushes the technology in our sport like nothing else and unlike formula 1 our sport has a pretty limited budget and third in our sport most top teams are created to MARKET the bike they are riding on. So 99.99% of race bikes on the WC circut will go into production sooner or later.
  • 2 1
 So if 99.99% of race bikes go in to production then there is no problem with a prototyping period after which it must be made publicly available. In fact I think this is how the UCI ruling works- there is some development period after which it must be available. Maybe this is also how the MTB manufacturers circumnavigate the rules- they make a one off and call it a failed prototype... not that the UCI or anyone else actually seems to care in MTB
  • 1 1
 Pretty sure that if they manufactured stuff exactly how pro racers run them, the average DH rider wouldn't have much fun. On the other hand though, we could finally get our hands on those customs 5, 6 and 7 speed dh cassettes and rear axle widths that make sense.
  • 1 1
 @Beardless - there is. Some prototypes end up NOT WORKING WELL. Why would they sell you a frame that is for example is not durable? You want that only because a pro rider had it?
  • 10 1
 I want one! Frown
  • 6 0
 That's a rather bold move from Devinci ... Changing the whole bike a week-ish before the race (I believe Smith had some time on it before), hope it pays!
  • 1 0
 They are one of the few manufacturers that are still welding their dual sus. in canada so that means they can come up with an idea and have the bike made and tested the same day (or almost). Weagle once mentionned in an interview that it's something he liked a lot. It probably also explains why they went with alu instead of carbon.
  • 9 3
 All the hating on this course. Looks like its actually resulting in some pretty cool builds.
  • 6 1
 I thought this was a 650B and 29er hating website?! All of a sudden Stevie Smith is riding a 650B and everybody loves it. People are such hypocrites.
  • 1 0
 I see it as a priority issue. Pinkbike - being fanboy and hater central - members have to decide between fanboy or hater when both Stevie and 650B are presented in the same article. It's like the robot paradox but for commenters - their programming doesn't know how to decide, so maybe they default to fanboy. After all, this is what the data suggests.
  • 4 1
 What a patetic downhill race without downhill bikes hahahahaha. Looks like south african federation is eating UCI ass... or reverse...for me worlds should be on a track that riders have to use bigger tires and increased frame and fork travel not decreasing it... shame
  • 2 0
 PIMP custom race bike. I have to say, this preparation and well executed plan totally makes a fool out of team Spesh and the 'lets borrow a large Demo demo frame from the Dirt magazine people the day before a WC race' fiasco that Gwin had to put up with.
  • 3 1
 We need bikes with more travel! Not less! Screw it, no company will ever make something I want. I will go raise millions of dollars under the guise of a charity designed to cure baldness and make my own tires, frame and suspension.
  • 1 0
 I'm just gonna go ahead and say I don't get the World Champs hype. Surely a one day event should be worth HEAPS less than a long campaign such as the World Cup? To win on a day is one thing but to dominate across a season, now that's a THING. Fine looking piece of Bike tho..
  • 3 0
 I agree but I like the way it is. I like that there are two things to shoot for. Like at this point if the year you have a handful of guys who are realistically still in the race for the WC overall title. But this one big race provides an opportunity for everyone else to race for something just as important. But yea at the end of the day, if you are going to ask which one really determines who the best in the world is, its the overall.
  • 1 0
 Dam it I picked Stevie to be World Champ a few weeks back he was on fire on his Wilson, one of the best DH bikes going, I think too much gets into they're heads sometimes and they just need to focus on sticking was is working and bringing them success and you don't change that formula look at GWiN said it would be backwards for him got slayed, but revenge is a dish best served raw! Stevie good luck, but I think you just handed the Syndicate another gold medal, those old hands no when to hold it, no when it fold it and no when to run! No BS just full V10c 26" goodness dialled to the max so they can ride to the max because they know it, thats what brings confidence not some wonder wheel drug. I do like the look of it, but Wilson hands down no contest for me. And Im damed disappointed he didn't stick with that winning grinning formula, nice interview with Jared Graves he talks about running his SB66 all kitted up with Saint and said here even though flatter than a babies bottom extra weight helps carry speed almost don't have to pedal, Can Bear ah 2009 same thing shit track top 3 all full DH rigs no bullshit gimmicks, those that run them failed tails between legs on flights home, Peaty took the gold and turned the shittiest track into one of the greatest DH World Champs ever! On a Mans bike, not a girly thingy! Thought a man with a moustache would have known better Canuck too, whats the world coming too, man keenis next!
  • 1 0
 I was looking at the images of this prototype again and it struck me that the notable feature, from a design point of view, is the roughly horizontal upper link. Everything else is in line with the common pattern for DW designed trail bikes. The consequence of a link of that orientation (and length) must be an anti-rise rate that is substantially lower than the level that is the norm for DW split pivots. Anti-rise is a kinematic force that works through the bikes rear suspension linkage to counteract any rise that results from weight being pitched forward as a result of rear wheel braking. It is good to have anti-rise (to avoid rise) and DW's split pivot trail bikes typically have plenty of it - around 70% at SAG, perhaps, and rising slightly deeper into travel. That minimises rise by counteracting it with a very solid dose of anti-rise. As it happens, however, high anti-rise levels are also said to be associated with wheel hop and loss of traction i.e. bikes with high AR levels, it is claimed, do not handle braking bumps well. The complex technical explanation of all that can be found elsewhere. The point is this is a bike, due to its linkage peculiarities and consequent forward positioning of the IC, that goes against type (as does the Devinci Wilson) - DW is not attempting to maintain bicycle geometry under braking, which is what high AR rates are all about, but presumably is aiming to limit the detrimental impact of braking on rear wheel tractability. With this bike design DW appears to be entertaining the possibility that lowered anti-rise (previously called "brake squat") does lead to improvements in bicycle handling during braking. Maybe those FSR apologists were not wrong about everything after all.
  • 1 0
 A correction and a bit of new information. AR rates on split pivot bikes are typically closer to 60% at SAG. And, while less pronounced than on this prototype bike the Devinci Troy already shows the same shift towards lower AR levels - just over 50% at nil travel to something over 60% at full travel. It will be interesting to see whether this new design orientation is a lasting one and whether the lower AR profile is something with application to all trail bikes or whether it is only to apply to models targeted towards special categories of mtb use.
  • 6 1
 Dat red black and silver Drool
  • 1 0
 This is the new color trend..ala McLaren f1 At least 4 diff bikes mfg in recent weeks as such.
  • 1 0
 After seeing the athertons world champ bike and then seeing this I thought air shocks would become the thing for dh but then I listened to the clip. Ready to race with a pike? And having a reverb? What is this! Competition is getting serious.
  • 4 1
 If a flagship dh bike is not ideal for the course, then said course has no business being used for DH World Champs... UCI you suck this year!
  • 1 0
 It is interesting that some of the riding culture from BC and PNW has been absolutely livid in its hate of non-26" wheels. Yet their love of Stevie is so deep that it seems to have overruled that hatred. If Smith wins, this could mean that the area will finally accept the existence of various wheel sizes as a totally awesome change to the bike industry.

This time around, we might see a wheel size love fest rather than hatred being spewed in every other post. And I say bring it on. That's the power of a mustache for you. Go stevie!
  • 8 3
 650B Haters?
  • 2 1
 With all this talk of efficient aerodynamics and riding positions maybe Steve should consider shaving his legs and hopping into a blimmin wind tunnel... Let's have Schladming for Worlds before people start getting confused!
  • 1 0
 They all look alike, after all; ) Yeti already has a fast trail bike. SB66. When I got my 575, they had just introduced it. I decided on a proven frame but dam! Shoulda coulda wouda, but didn't lol. I still love my 575.
  • 3 0
 I want stevie to do well but minnaar is going to be a hard man to beat on this track!
  • 1 0
 Anyone see this post awhile back about a new long travel devinci?

pinkbike.com/news/Prototype-Long-Travel-Devinci-Crankworx-Whistler-2013.html

Looks very similar to me (minus the a DC)
  • 7 7
 mmmm ... I think Gee Atherton's world cup bike is a touch nicer.(in the top left)

www.facebook.com/pages/Gee-Atherton/253605738020905?id=253605738020905&sk=photos_stream
  • 6 5
 Sick bike! But is Gee using a SRM power meter! First time I have seen that for a long time in DH!!!
  • 6 1
 WTF, why the negative props? Gee is using a crank mounted power meter on a DH bike- that is some dedicated level of attention to detail on a pedal heavy track
  • 4 0
 Aluminium, yesss
  • 1 2
 ......
  • 1 0
 I find it great that we get to know this in depth information before the big event. It makes the race even more interesting !
  • 1 0
 Isn't that shock way to close to the frame? It must be less than millimeters before it hits the frame in a G-out! It looks fast though!
  • 1 0
 Bit isn't a rule of downhill stating you must have atleast 7.6"s of rear rear travel ?? Surely this 167mm travel frame cannot be used in accordance to the original guidelines
  • 2 0
 I really don't see the point in Dual Crown's at 175, why not just use an AM bike or Single crowns?
  • 2 2
 Pretty sweet the way they designed the frame around which chaining the guys will use... that's some cereal engineering work by Weagle. Cool that other companies chip in too with one of bits for him.
  • 4 3
 Looks like a cool bike but to me it just reinforces the idea that the PMB track is not a proper venue to host the Downhill world championships.
  • 1 0
 By the shock layout and what little we (I...there may have been more photos elsewhere) saw, is this an evolution of the bike Beer rode at Crankworks Air DH???
  • 2 1
 amazing.. its very nice to see devinci put so much effort into this race, its nice to know all the details about this bike . Stoked to see Stevie race world champs! Good luck
  • 1 0
 split pivot lol this is effectively a normal 4bar now, guess split pivot's sell shit, after all trek has the same stuff going on
  • 2 0
 split pivot is a single pivot, the other pivots attach the shock but only one affects wheel-path...
  • 1 1
 It is the same linkage/layout as the YT DH link?

Not a bad thing.

just one to be remebered, when you are faaced with a $4K price tag on a 3k euro (max) original bike...
  • 1 0
 It looks similar but having riddin the YT I promise it is different.
  • 2 0
 if anything YT is closer to a Specialized given it is a 4-bar Horst link
  • 1 0
 it just seems that minus the split pivot ( though the rear pivot of a YT is very close the only real difference will be chain extension and a marginal path variation ), that the rising flat bar pivot at the top is at the same angle, and as they are both single pivots they might have a similar design.

Though that said, the devil is in the details.

@ DragontalesDH, it probabley is. there never seem to be two bikes alike, but have you ridden Mr.Smith's Prototype?

Maybe it is just my support of the underdog, but it seems that Devinci have used several other companies designs;

The Wilson.
A radical change to their previous designs, looking almost identical in linkage to an updated Sunn Radical. which had a rather long set of wins in its time.
(and also was renowned for its lightness, all but the lower chain-stays which had a tendancey to break... which I notice it the one bit they kept aluminium for longest...).

and now.... well maybe I am jumping at shadows but they do seem to know a good idea when they see one, and what to do with it.
  • 2 0
 And what size was that chainring?
  • 2 0
 So is this the bike Nick Beer was riding in the Crankworx Air DH?
  • 1 0
 I think it looks like the ks link from Banshee, but without the double pivot
  • 2 0
 canadian rainbow massacre .. Go stevie !!!
  • 1 0
 Will it be called/Is it called the "Axis"? That appears on the control link.
  • 2 2
 The rear triangle looks very MUCH better than the earlier Wilson, say YES for this prototype.
  • 1 1
 God that is one sexy steed ! Can't wait till sunday to see Smith take the win Wink
  • 1 1
 Now *this* is worth reading about! And *this* is what World Champs should be about!!!!
  • 1 0
 lovely looking bike should be epic to ride
  • 1 1
 i think one day i will love 27.5'' but never 29''!!! yeahh Steve De Vinci CODE Smile
  • 2 1
 it looks like a status i like more the other one!
  • 1 0
 One off prototype, coming to a shop near you next year.
  • 1 0
 Super machine ! C'est du beau travail bravo!
  • 2 1
 Is this for the SuperD world champs??

WTF is this course?
  • 1 0
 i bet that boxxer is xxxxtremely special indeed!
  • 1 3
 Stevie just blew his chance in my opinion,that bike is pretty much the same weight as the v10. Don't think he has the legs or power for this course anyway. Gee or gwin for the win
  • 2 1
 I will be really exited if a 26er could win this! Greg pleaseeee.....
  • 1 1
 I'm this bike is better than the old one but I am not a fan of the look of it
  • 1 1
 That VivAir is absolutely massive!
  • 1 1
 Why this "Switzerland" sticker on his frame?
  • 3 0
 Nick Beer is Swiss.
  • 2 1
 And if you look closer on the first picture, you will see "Canada" on Stevie's Machine of Hell.
  • 2 1
 1 Bike is for stevie and 1 bike is for nick! Canada and switzerland
  • 3 2
 Old devinci Looks nicer
  • 2 1
 yeah i really hope they don't switch it out with this one.
  • 2 1
 That One Looks pretty ugly
  • 2 1
 they should shrink this one and make it a slope style bike
  • 1 1
 That is some sick shit, rockstar treatment
  • 1 0
 26 to 27.5 the most
  • 1 0
 status
  • 2 2
 Kill it with fire!! This big wheel nonsense shit has to stop now
  • 1 1
 wow this frame looks perfect. good job and good luck steve.
  • 1 1
 reminds me of a Turner Highline
  • 1 1
 Excitement for Sunday now at all time high! Cannot wait.
  • 1 1
 any chance we can see a photo of it in the light?
  • 6 0
 You will this week. It got built last night and had to shoot it then. More to come.
  • 1 1
 That bottom bracket doesn't look low at all.
  • 1 1
 its like the old wilson, but new and fucking sweet
  • 1 1
 "Check it out: We've built a 2007 Frantik with bigger wheels!"
  • 1 0
 So long Chainsaw
  • 1 2
 I no big wheels will hit the downhill pronto..
  • 1 2
 my mom said: stop looking porn!
  • 1 0
 Your mother should work more on semantics next class...
  • 2 2
 I want that bike.
  • 1 2
 Aluminium? Something has to be wrong here...
  • 1 2
 God if they put this into production I will sell my first born to get one.
  • 1 2
 so freakin sick
  • 2 4
 Looks like a trek session
  • 3 1
 Looks like a boring comment...
  • 1 2
 fast.
  • 1 3
 Sweet
  • 3 6
 Specialized status?
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