2019 UCI MTB Rulebook Fixes DH Finals Start Order, Allows For Mismatched Wheel Sizes & More

Oct 2, 2018
by Pinkbike Staff  
The UCI keeping count.

Changes are afoot at the UCI - the amended rulebook allows for the inclusion of enduro, pump track racing and alpine snow bike competitions, an exemption for eMTB 'mechanic doping', permitted mismatched wheel sizes, reverting back to the old finals start order system.

Highlights include:

- After leaving the track, riders now have to re-enter the course between the two course markers where they exited rather than at the exact same spot.

- eMTB races are exempt from the no electronic bike rule.

- In DH and enduro events, riders are allowed to run two different wheel sizes on the same bike.

- In the DH qualifying round, riders will start in reverse order using their most recent World Cup standings.

- In DH finals, start order is the reverse order of qualifying results (fastest last).

- Inclusion of eMTB events.

- Inclusion of pump track events.

- Inclusion of Alpine snow bike events.


Check out the changes in the new 2019 rulebook here:



The 2018 rulebook is here:



We've reached out to Chris Kilmurray, a coach for multiple top-level DH and enduro athletes, for his opinion and analysis on what these rule changes will mean for the sport going forward. Keep tuned for more.

Posted In:
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290 Comments
  • 558 0
 Break out the Big Hits boys, 24" rear wheels are back in
  • 7 1
 Ahaha, sorry I didn't see your post before writing a new one ! Sounds like being Back to the Future !
  • 29 0
 Exactly my thought when I saw the headline! Let’s dust off the IRC Kujo DH tires and get those 26/24 rigs back on the track!
  • 22 2
 Finally. See kids, hang on to a single bike for 12 years like me and you too can smoke Gain etc al. *drags on crack pipe
  • 4 0
 @padkinson This made my day 10/10
  • 13 3
 The spesh bighit was a copy anyway...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny-farthing
  • 3 1
 the Big Hit with Monster T's never ridden a sofa like that since, ate everything up without a hassle, i miss the one i had Frown
  • 38 0
 29 in the front, 24 in the back, what a time to live in !!!
  • 6 2
 2019 predictions: "Penny-Farthing" (giant front wheel bikes) will make a come back. "Monster trucking" capabilities with a super slack head angle!
  • 28 0
 Penny farting alpine slopestyle eBike throw down
  • 5 1
 But guys! Alpine snow biking! Someone get Andrew Shandro a racing license ASAP!
  • 7 0
 Bah. Until they have a Kettenkrad Klass with 29" in front and tank track in back, I'm out.
  • 7 2
 26" front and 29" rear
  • 5 1
 @chyu: AKA the return of the 69er, if indeed it ever left the scene???...

or is it 96er...
  • 2 1
 Winner
  • 2 0
 @l0key: there some big hits on buy/sell for 500$
  • 1 0
 what about tracked bikes for them snow events Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @number44:

If it's electric, the UCI will have a class for it next year.
  • 1 0
 @Foes2001: n+1 and all ????
  • 2 0
 @chyu: Kinda like a mullet for a bike, business upfront, party in the back
  • 1 0
 @ShempHoward: already an event in France...
  • 2 0
 @benjyboy: That was a great idea for a bike! Liteville do this on their bikes.
  • 290 3
 Glad to see that eBikes are now allowed to enter the eBike events... last years eBike races were rubbish.
  • 9 0
 lol
  • 96 18
 E bikes huh? I can't wait for the first wattage busts, secret batteries and overide switches etc.

So I can be disqualified for having my saddle too far forward on my road bike but I can have a motor on my mountain bike? UCI priorities? Got it.
  • 27 2
 Besides 25km/h motorcycle races being a joke, I think they forgot a maximum battery capacity rule.
  • 41 16
 @iamamodel So you're complaining that you got in trouble for breaking a promulgated rule in road cycling and think criticizing rules in different categories of racing amounts to the UCI not having their priorities straight? I'm no fan of the UCI, but I fail to see how having eBike rules for eBike races is in any way related to you not being able to follow the rules for road racing.
  • 24 4
 @SickEdit: i would watch a val di sole uphill race on the dh course where riders are not allowed to tab
  • 4 3
 @K1maxX: YES !
  • 19 1
 This is really just the first step in a plot by the uci to move into the more lucrative world of motorcycle racing
  • 20 0
 how are they going to make sure nobody has hacked their system to get more than 250W or 25km/hr out of it? they can barely find a motor on a regular bike.
  • 27 2
 I'm not an ebike hater. I think they are fun and can serve a lot of riders well, especially to avoid shuttling with a vehicle, but an "ebike race" just sounds stupid, especially one organized by the UCI.
  • 7 2
 E-bike racing will be meaningless until they wake up to the fact that they all need to be derestricted for racing, or what's the f*cking point?
  • 21 3
 @deadmeat25: And undo ALL the pretense that they're 'bicycles?' Nah the fake limitations on them are essential for the charade.
  • 10 50
flag deadmeat25 (Oct 2, 2018 at 10:04) (Below Threshold)
 @scottzg: No dude, they're definitely bicycles, you having some waking up to do too...
  • 28 5
 @deadmeat25: Oh yes they are bicycles, they are motorised bicycles, usually described with the portmanteau motorbike.
  • 5 0
 @chize: Until the FIM's cousins from Naples come and break everyone in the UCI's legs.
  • 2 2
 @deadmeat25: yes! That way Josh Hill can show up on his Alta Redshift and break people.
  • 1 0
 @dthomp325: ohh man it's uci, they're bound to be stupid!!!
  • 4 1
 @ka-brap: when I said "I", I was using it hypothetically to illustrate the irony of caring about the minutiae of saddle placement and at the same time allowing motors into, what has up until now been, a sport based purely on human power.
  • 72 2
 29" in the front, 650b in the rear could become the winning formula in DH, especially for smaller riders. It is hard to see any disadvantage of a 29er front wheel, but the tire rub in the rear is a real issue for some riders. For sure I would ride it!
  • 4 3
 I'm really curious too - might try it on my trailbike some time
  • 87 1
 Why don't you ride it? You're not governed by the UCI on your own bike.
  • 62 0
 Penny Farthings for all
  • 6 0
 ive been on that setup for awhile now and love it
  • 12 0
 @Samokeefe: because before dropping cash for a 29 fork and wheel you want to hear from people who tried it. I want to try it on my patrol but I will not do it because it would be a pretty expensive test
  • 10 4
 @zede: ever heard of liteville ? They are doing it for a looong time I heard no complaints about this on their bike's.
  • 19 2
 29/24 for the win in 2019!
  • 12 4
 @Serpentras: that’s just cause no one rides them.
  • 15 0
 Been riding 27.5 front/26 rear on my DH rig for a while. Didn't like the tyre buzzing my arse on steep stuff anyway; then busted some spokes on my rear wheel so put a spare 26" on the rear, and it just feels better.
  • 4 1
 @KiwiXC: well maybe not near you but my Home-trails are packed with them.
I wouldn't buy them for the price and also not for their weight what is too light/fragile for my stupid riding quality.
For that price I get a Zerode ...
  • 3 0
 I wonder if there might be a few issues with BB height? How much would a 29 front Jack up a 27.5 bike? How low would a 29er bike be with a 27.5 in the rear? I really like the ideas of a 29 front on my Enduro bike but don't want a higher bottom bracket.
  • 6 1
 @Kickmehard: solution = angle headset
  • 1 0
 @cru-jones Totally agree and the same applies for Enduro as well. This is definitely an advantage for any tracks that include steep or rough downhill sections. I've been rocking this combo on my previous and current trail / enduro bikes. Tried to get away from it with the current bike but had to go back immediately as I missed it so much.
  • 23 0
 29er in the back, 26 up front for me. Get that nose down Tron style!
  • 14 0
 @Kickmehard: manufacturers will be glad to offer specific 29/27,5 frames
  • 1 3
 @Serpentras: yeah heard of them, they are ugly and heavy bikes, I've never tried one and the only people I see riding them rides super slow, or super technical steep stuff. So that doesn't really help ?
  • 2 1
 @Samokeefe: you are so right Sir, cant believe the industry hasnt dared to sell bikes like this, like everybody is racing under UCI rules!!!
  • 2 2
 @Samokeefe: Because manufacturers didn't think the bikes' geometries with unmatched wheel sizes maybe ?

I'm half happy because it seems like common sense, motocross has been running smaller larger rear wheels and big and thinner front wheels forever, and every single test says it's 100% better, but on the other hand I see manufacturers laughing from the top of their ivory towers "héhéhé a new way of creating the need for frame replacement"
  • 3 1
 @zede: I dunno what your talking about because they are super light weight . Search for the 901 MK3, 220mm travel , 14,3 kg size S.
  • 3 0
 @Serpentras: i have my zerode set up 29f 27.5r
  • 11 1
 @ktm87: gearbox+different wheel sizes on the same bike, you won today sir!!
  • 2 0
 @panchocampbell: haha its the dream, bike rides amazing!
  • 1 2
 @Serpentras: cool? It's still ugly. And still not really helping. Also where do you put the water bottle
  • 1 0
 Have many friends veen doing that with trail bikes and having great success! Need to start off with steep seat angle though.
  • 1 1
 @zede: comment section on PB is helpful? What's that?

I don't like them either ;-)

I have the most sexy bike ever so I don't care about anything else really, haha.
  • 5 1
 Foes mixer gets good review - people are doing it.

I have a friend who just bought an older intense SS frame, 26" wheels. Frame was mint, for $400. We are building him a mixed set of wheels. The bike calls for up to 160mm front, so we will set up 150 or maybe 140 with 27.5 front, and 26 rear. Fum rear at 150mm. Because why not - should be fun!
  • 1 0
 @Serpentras: I was thinking offset bushings
  • 1 0
 @Kickmehard: more travel in the back.
  • 2 0
 I've been doing this on my trail bike for a couple of months and it has a lot of merit. Front 29 gives most of the rollover of 29ers, but the 27.5 rear keeps the bike more nimble and poppy than a 29er would.
  • 3 5
 I have ridden 29/27.5 when it was popular few years ago.... it did not catch on for a reason... the bike is unbalanced.
Wondering what is going to be next “innovation” in dh... they would already moved into gear box if sram had one in production (do they?)... probably they are just waiting for them to catch up and release to public their usual “beta”.

Buy people, buy stuff! It’s neu, it’s better!
  • 2 1
 @ktm87: I have my Brooklyn Machine Works Race Link set up 26" R / 27.5 F Smile
  • 1 1
 @dubod22: lol
  • 1 2
 @Kickmehard: Raises BB by about 5-6mm @insignificant.com
  • 4 0
 @Kickmehard: You would use a shorter travel fork. For example, if I was to throw a 29er front wheel on my Mach 5.5 (160 front, 140 rear 27.5), I'd probably run a 140mm fork. Works best on bikes that are over-forked so that the travel isn't too mis-matched.
  • 3 1
 @zede:i'm a small rider (167 cm tall). i've built a 2016 patrol with 26 wheels because i was broke and i couldn't afford to buy new components. Put on a 180 mm RS Domain coil simply love the bike as it is. Now i've upgraded the fork to a Yari RC 170 mm and while i wait for my new rear wheel i tried the patrol with 27 front and 26 back, honestly didn't liked it at all, feel ankward and really hard to lift front wheel, same feelings of 13 years ago when i start riding on a Specy P2 with 26 front and 24 gazzaloddi rear. I think that 29/27 could be good for small riders but i think also that for exploiting the real potential of that configuration you need a bike designed to work with that wheelsizes. Otherwise i feel that you gonna screw up geometry and suspension kinematics ( that i think are the 2 most important factors in today's bike performance).These are my 2 cents Wink
  • 1 0
 @Kickmehard: the front would come up 3/4" and the bottom bracket about 35-40% of that. so roughly 1/4". if you could tell me the diffence in ride characteristics, I would be highly impressed. lol
  • 3 0
 I run my 29" Enduro 2017 with 27,5" on rear. Upper link is 2018 but extension 2017 equipped with flipchip. BB height 340mm. Best bike ever.
  • 1 0
 I ran 29 front 27.5 rear but with a fatter tyre on the back (2.6) and recommend it. The tricky bit is adjusting for geometry. If I still raced I would have kept the 29/27.5 set up.
  • 1 0
 @FLATLlNE: That sounds like a rad machine. Post pics when it's complete!
  • 1 0
 +1, my thought exactly
  • 2 0
 Mx bikes have different wheel sizes, but approximately the same outer diameter tyres, because the back one is fatter
  • 1 0
 @Serpentras: first check whether your frame can take the extra stress
  • 1 0
 @Mac1987: my frame alone weight 3,3kg for a Enduro that is not fragile or light. HA 64,5° I wouldn't bother with a higher BB anyway. I couldn't fit any more travel SC fork anyway. 170mm upfront for the 29"
  • 1 0
 The long chainstays of 29" are also, or can also be a disadvantage. For me that would be a major factor. Tire rubbing in backside can happen but hasn't really bothered me yet. For smaller riders it sure is different, and it's a valid reason for many to stay away from 29". And of course that a smaller wheel is lighter and stronger.
  • 2 0
 @conoat: You also have to account for the longer axle-to-crown of the 29er fork. A 160mm Fox 36 has an A2C of 549mm in 27.5 and 567mm in 29, so between that and the increase wheel diameter, you're looking at the front end coming up about an inch and half to two inches. It makes sense to drop around 20-30mm in fork travel under those circumstances.
  • 1 0
 @ChristophColombo: the difference is 18mm which is approx. two thirds to three quarters of an inch. Run a bit more sag on the 29 and the overall difference isn't that much.
  • 1 0
 @tremeer023: And a 29er wheel is, in theory, about 3/4" taller at the axle than a 27.5" wheel. Add the two together and you get a height increase of about an inch and a half (~40mm). Definitely a good idea to use less travel in that situation, especially if your bike is up-forked to begin with.
  • 1 0
 @ChristophColombo: oh yeh with the wheel difference as well, fair point.
  • 1 0
 @ChristophColombo: generally true, but it will vary by the frame design. The only way to be sure is to measure clearance from a known travel and then determine it from there.
  • 1 0
 @TheUnknownMTBR: Not significantly. Using the fork lengths for the 36 and assuming that the wheels (with tires) measure true to size, you get an difference of 37mm on the front end. With a 65 degree head angle, that means the bars come up 33mm.

Going by the generally accepted rule of not changing stock travel (i.e. fork length) by more than 20mm in either direction, that means you'd want to go for at least 20mm less travel when switching from a 27.5 front wheel to a 29er front wheel.
  • 1 0
 @ChristophColombo: in a general sense yes, but again you’re assuming what the clearance is, which again can vary by frame design; head angle, downtube shape/angle, etc. Just speaking from my own experience of having done same. If there is little clearance at the current fork travel then you’re correct. That’s not always the case though.
  • 1 0
 @TheUnknownMTBR: Plus the variance of sliding the fork legs lower in the crowns. Mind you, I haven't measured how much can be lowered or raised per brand (Fox, RS, etc.)
  • 1 1
 @TheUnknownMTBR: I'm not talking about physical clearance. I'm talking about preserving geometry. Physical clearance is unaffected by changing your fork travel anyways - a 160mm fork at full compression is exactly the same as a 140mm fork at full compression (dual-crown DH forks aside). If your frame doesn't have the clearance for a 29" wheel, the only solution is adding an extended lower headset cup (a la Pivot with the Switchblade)
  • 2 0
 Well perhaps you should go over to the Fox website and review fork lengths on the specification drawings to understand why that’s another generalization that “just depends”. I’m done though. Believe whatever you want
  • 42 0
 No sandals on the pumptrack Frown
  • 20 0
 NO YELLING ON THE BUS!!!
  • 36 2
 Glad they ditched the race/qualifying thing. Now we can all go back to bitching that we didn't see Gwin's race winning run because he had a puncture in qualies.
  • 6 1
 You're wrong. Nothing says redbull can't record gwin s run and show how he got on the hotseat before to show the top 20-30 or whatever they will show.
  • 4 0
 Actually, from page 8 in the 2019 rulebook (item 4.5.033):

"The start order for the final is determined on the basis of the reverse results of the qualifying round (the fastest rider starting last), except for the protected riders (defined in art. 4.5.031) who will start as the last riders by race number reversed and the fastest 5 men elite [...] non-protected riders, who will start as the last group of riders by order of qualifying result, reversed".

Sounds pretty complicated still!
  • 2 0
 @mi-bike: well it's more or less like last year then, right ?
  • 1 0
 @zede: My bad. I read the tracked-change doc incorrectly. It sounds like 20 protected riders will be mixed with the fastest 5 non-protected riders to make up the final 25 to come down the mountain in reverse order of qualification time:

"The start order for the final is determined on the basis of the reverse results of the qualifying round (the fastest rider starting last), except for the [20] protected riders (defined in art. 4.5.031) and the fastest 5 men elite [...] non-protected riders, who will start as the last group of riders by order of qualifying result, reversed"
  • 25 2
 Good thing the 2 wheel size thing happened! "Standards" have pretty much caught up, so their not changing weekly. I thought the bike manufacturers were going to go broke with nothing new to sell!
  • 21 0
 Nothing controversial here, the BMX worlds gone crazy today. They’ve banned clips for under 12s.
  • 1 0
 Wait what? Please elaborate
  • 1 1
 Shiit, why
  • 2 0
 @speed10 @getsomesy

Letter on facebook from BMX NZ last night.

"As of 1st of January 2019 all riders who are UCI 12 (born in 2007) and under will be required to ride with flat pedals at ALL events, this includes any organised activity held at a BMXNZ affiliated club whether it be training, a club day, a NQM, a National Series Round, an Island Titles, Nationals or any higher ranking event"

"Please be aware this is a world-wide regulation change & all of the sport will run to this regulation. At the recent BMX conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the subject was discussed by all federations & was unanimously supported for change of some kind. The recent UCI issued rule change, matches the European Confederation, which already has this regulation n place."
  • 3 0
 @getsomesy: there has been some varration of a clipless pedal rule for younger kids at a lot of local clubs. Their rational usually being along the lines of , young kids need to work on the fundamentals of riding first.
  • 1 0
 @KiwiXC: thanks for the clarification
  • 2 0
 Yeah, the BMX world has gone a bit batty over this. So many complaints over it, but to be honest its a good direction.
  • 3 0
 I think that´s a good rule, might not please everyone but I think its good for the development and safety of younger riders. Plus I´m gonna punch the next BMX jock that shows up to my trails wearing a Nascar jersey and stomping all over my rollers in plastic shoes, lets make sure yall know how to bunnyhop in flats please haha.
  • 28 6
 a motorized vehicle is NOT a mountain bike. This is insane.
  • 3 6
 I think you have not seen them, they are just mountain bikes with a chunky down tube where all the assist system and battery goes, So don't panic, no insanity, just a MTB with a little something different,
  • 16 1
 "In DH and enduro events, riders are allowed to run two different wheel sizes on the same bike."

I have no idea why this has not been allowed sooner but I'm really curious as to how many riders will do this and how it works for them.
  • 4 0
 some freeriders have been running 650 F an 26 R for a while
  • 9 0
 IIRC it was from a UCI rule on track cycling so you couldn't use a really small front wheel to reduce wind resistance. At least they have seen sense on this one.
  • 2 0
 Yeah I think they already admitted quite a few years ago already that the rule was a mistake and should be fixed. The introduction of new rules does take time as the bike and component manufacturers also need time to develop and produce their gear for next season (and bring it to the market the season after that). So yeah I think I heard this in 2017 but because I didn't hear any follow up after that I was afraid they were missing the slot and if they published the rule in 2018 it could only come into effect in 2020. Apparently they did tell the manufacturers about this a good while ago. Now way they would otherwise be able to take full advantage of it next racing season.

That said, of course it is still poorly timed. Just dump the silly rule a few years ago and there must have been a good couple of brands who wouldn't have had to bother with making their frames 29" compatible.

Of course there have been enough brands like Liteville who didn't give a damn about UCI and just built frames for the wheelsizes they see fit. But there are enough brands who stuck to keeping their bikes UCI compliant so that the small portion of their customers who would like to compete could do so on the bike they bought. So yeah, it is good to see that out of the way now. That said, I'm pretty sure I could put a 27.5" wheel in the front and keep 26" in the rear and most people wouldn't even notice.
  • 12 0
 Haha all those dollars and manhours put into development of the 29er rear end and now rides are asking teams,
"Can we put a 27.5 in the rear and keep the 29er front?"
  • 13 2
 I really just despise E-bikes. They’re fine for commuters. In fact I’d encourage that. But please for the sake of all that’s good in this world stay the F—k off our trails!!!
  • 11 3
 Guess they heard a few complaints this past year? The start order rule was a total debacle. So they’ve reverted back to what it always was. The leaving the tape thing... too many top riders getting DQ because they forget in the heat of the moment to go back to where the tape broke.
Here’s an excerpt I got from a nano mic recorder mounted on my trained fly that I had fly into a top level UCI board meeting:
“It’s time for a new rule. These DH riders are deliberately crashing and going outside the tape to gain a timing advantage. I mean honestly who crashes that much? I ride 500 kilometers a week on glass smooth paved roads and I never crash.”
“I’ve got it! If a DH rider crashes and exits the tape they need to make note of the exact spot where the tape broke and re-enter the course right there. It should be no problem considering they just ploughed into a pile of rocks going 60kph, their heart rate is going around 190, and their entire body is flooded with adrenaline, dopamine, and various other performance enhancing neurotransmitters which gives them an unfair advantage anyway. Honestly we have to inject things to gain that kind of an edge. Their cognitive and observational skills should be at peak performance. They couldn’t possibly be dazed in anyway. Have you seen the helmets these riders wear? So it should be no problem for them to get up and locate where they exited the tape. That’ll put an end to this cheating by trying to crash your way to victory!”

Too many meetings go on for the sake of having a meeting honestly.
  • 17 6
 e-bike events on a competitive level has nothing to do with cycling,.. thanks bike industry - do not blame uci for this one.
  • 1 5
flag jefe FL (Oct 2, 2018 at 14:56) (Below Threshold)
 If you're gonna place blame, put it where it belongs.... with the consumer. Companies only sell what people want to buy.
  • 4 0
 @jefe: "Companies only sell what people want to buy" .

Where are all the everlasting light-bulbs then?

Let 100 psychology graduates, better still, 100 marketing CEOs, tell you their responses to the following question and then see if you still wish to stand fully behind your statement.

"Companies cannot manufacture desire in consumers. Discuss"

I know of not one, not a single one, of my Japanese riding buddies who has bought an e-bike, or who intends to. Not until the marketing departments get to work on their psyche that is.
  • 2 1
 @orientdave: It's the same here. I live in a biking community and go to events with hundreds of riders. No ebikes in sight, no ebikes discussed. It's not a thing. But certain (Trek) shops, ebikes everywhere, posters, commercials on the radio trying to push these things.
  • 1 2
 @casman86: damn .. must mean no one is buying them then!!!

I also live in a biking community - see them all the time .. funny that aint it, maybe, just maybe the world dont revolve around you are where you live .. just a thought Smile
  • 6 0
 Alpine snow bike World Cup!?
Interested to see what set up they would use...
Fat bikes? Ski bikes? Tracks on the back ski up front?
Great now everyone will complain about the new ski, and rear track size standard.
  • 4 0
 e-Alpine snow bike races coming to a mountain near you!
  • 1 0
 @Thustlewhumber: you can make it better if you picture it with people wearing spandex and aero helmets. God I would totally watch this
  • 5 0
 This was my take away from this announcement. What is this and who lobbied the UCI to have it since no one seems to know what it is.
  • 5 0
 UCI probably looked up YouTube stats and found out that the Megavalanche Glacier Videos got a lot of views.
  • 2 0
 I'm building a bike for e-alpine snow DH races. Men's S-Works Turbo Levo with a 24-inch fat tire in the back, dual crown, with a 29er tire up front. It's gonna be sweet!
  • 1 0
 Glad I'm not the only one who has no clue what "Alpine snow biking" is.
  • 1 0
 @cyclecuse: I don't even think it exists. It's like Britney spears singing skills
  • 2 0
 @zede: My fraunds.... I present to you mucho awesomenessness:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=awm8wytQctU
  • 11 2
 So the UCI is now endorsing motorcycle racing? Don"t let FIM know.
  • 14 6
 e bike raceing no thanks uci
  • 3 11
flag zede (Oct 2, 2018 at 7:12) (Below Threshold)
 Ratboy showing up at an ebike race. Organizer see smoke coming out of "an exhaust" and disqualify him.
"Maaan that was just my frame mounted bong"
  • 4 22
flag deadmeat25 (Oct 2, 2018 at 8:29) (Below Threshold)
 They're not asking you, you're an insignificant ant with a worthless opinion and terrible spelling...
  • 4 0
 @deadmeat25: Wow dude, you alright? Need a coffee or something?
  • 7 1
 @deadmeat25: not his mother tongue so wind ya neck in, ya termite.
  • 3 8
flag deadmeat25 (Oct 2, 2018 at 12:41) (Below Threshold)
 @jay-me: He's Welsh dude...
  • 8 1
 different size wheels FK YES aboot god damn time everything is about to change
  • 8 1
 29er front 650B rear. The mullet bike with business out front and party in the back. Could be a winning combination.
  • 1 0
 Hence such smaller rear wheels are coined "party wheels" Big Grin
  • 11 7
 Let's create a new market.
How?
We can put a motor on the mountain bike.
Well call them E bikes.
Then UCI gives acceptance to these motor bikes.
Sad very sad.
UCI you endorse e mopeds. You suck.
As for the neg reps. Only UCI members would beg rep such comments.
Keep E bikes on pavement.
How about road E bikes ?
Why not?
Road bikes with motors.
How about UCI?
  • 4 0
 come again?
  • 8 0
 How about an E bike catagory for Tour de France?
  • 3 0
 Thank god the UCI has taken their head out of their a$$. Their rules have been getting worse and worse over the years, all affected by road racing. DH, enduro, XC are all different disciplines and need different rules. Never liked the UCI to begin with
  • 4 1
 This will be very interesting. It think we will see some 29-27,5 bikes on the WC and maybe this will lead more people to experiment and reuse some 26' frames putting them a 27,5 in the front. I bet some recycling will happen and it will be a cool thing.
  • 2 0
 Been there, done that, this is years and years late. Still good though Smile
  • 2 1
 A significant problem with reusing 26" frames is the straight 1-1/8 headtube found on many of them. It's very difficult (impossible?) to find forks with newer tech for these.
  • 1 0
 @kabanosipyvo: But DH bikes will be fine Smile
  • 1 0
 @kabanosipyvo: Every Boxxer I have had up to a 2017 is a straight steerer tube. Evern the new 2019 is straight. Same with Fox 40.
  • 2 1
 @bman33: Everyone knows that already dude. The only dual crown fork with a tapered steerer is the DVO Emerald, and that's pointless and stupid.
  • 1 1
 @deadmeat25: Apparently the guy I made that comment for didn't. "...frames is the straight 1-1/8 headtube found on many of them. It's very difficult (impossible?) to find forks with newer tech for these." So there is that
  • 1 1
 @bman33: Yeah, just ignore me...I had single crown forks on my mind when I wrote that. Yes, nearly every DH fork ever made has a straight 1-1/8" steerer. Good luck finding a decent single crown fork with one though.
  • 3 0
 Manufacturers are going to start marketing hybrid bikes with 29" up front and 27.5" in the rear, and they're going to claim the technology they developed in their frame manufacturing process has led to this advancement after testing it on the DH and Enduro scene.
  • 2 0
 Add: "coming from my years of moto background..."
  • 7 2
 OOoo Ooo!

eMTB races. SO F-ing exciting!!!!!!

(rolls eyes)

What a joke.
  • 5 3
 This is totally hilarious!! This is where you can see that the UCI is all about the sponsors and none about the riders (or the common people that loves riding bikes). So it goes:

1- We thought geometries were about done - industry pushes for different wheel sizes on the same bike! Every bike after today is now potentially outdated! And we Thought they couldn't reinvent the wheel again.

2- Racing unlimited e-bikes??? hahahahaha! WFT is that? Do even e-bikes belong in the mountains? FFS! Industry wins again - pushing and pushing and pushing e-bikes down our throats. It is like including a jetski category into surfing or driving a marathon instead of racing it!

I mean I love MTB! I love watching races, but this just smells foul .. like how can we fool these bafoons into buying more crap by 1 - feeling they have unsuitable bikes and 2- by introducing motorized bikes for lazy asses that can't be bothered to put the effort! And the added on pollution of batteries (but that is another subject).

That is what happens when you leave managers to do the riders jobs. Genuine love and authenticity is replaced by all the marketing crap and a throw away culture.
  • 2 0
 > After leaving the track, riders now have to re-enter the course between the two course markers where they exited rather than at the exact same spot.

Does this mean that now the riders can "extend" (or widen) the track to their liking at places where the poles are sparse?
  • 3 0
 Yes it does. More poles is the the solution for a properly defined course. This is s good rule change as it puts more resposability on organizers rather than some arbitrary ruling after race runs has happend. Poles set the course and tape is for marking the poles.
  • 3 0
 4.7.007 ...The downhill ranking is based purely on individual downhill events including enduro events.

Does this mean Enduro ranking counts towards DH?
  • 2 0
 @SonofBovril: Well this has been a real year showing they cross over no problem Martin Maes back to back wins
  • 2 0
 EWS associated with UCI so enduro racers will now earn UCI points which was not the case before
  • 3 0
 WOW this is a BIG rule change. Sam Hill will now easily qualify for Aus DH World Champs team for Mont St Anne World Champs, and not need to stress about doing too many DH rounds
  • 1 0
 @LOLWTF: I thought the whole point of the EWS was to show the UCI how it’s done and tell em to put it where the sun don’t shine. I just can’t keep up.
  • 1 0
 @fattyheadshok: their partnership has been announced on here a few months ago and yeah I had the same thoughts as you... Strange move
  • 5 1
 www.pinkbike.com/news/foes-mixer-trail-review-2016.html

This bike is literally 3 years ahead of its time. ????
  • 2 2
 Yeah, except their geo is 5 years behind the times. Foes doesn't even believe in the reach measurement.
  • 7 0
 archive.trekbikes.com/us/en/2007/trek/69er#/us/en/2007/trek/69er/details

11 years ahead of its time.
  • 1 0
 Lenz dh 29er... 2006-ish
  • 1 0
 @Thustlewhumber: what's the fork?
  • 2 0
 @vid1998: Maverick inverted something-or-other.
  • 2 0
 @Thustlewhumber: Ah yes, from the age when 29er was synonymous with singlespeed.
  • 6 1
 Sram is now free to try their 28.99 wheels
  • 1 0
 29f/605b rear? Ive got a custom RM Instinct 29er 140/150 and the Ride9 has a "steep" position that raises the BB considerably. I wonder if running a 2.6 minion 605b in the rear and putting it in the steep configuration (to fix BB height and headangle) would make it extra amazing (it's already dope).
  • 2 0
 It has always dumbfounded me that mismatched wheels sizes weren't commonplace in DH, especially considering all moto bikes have had mismatched wheel sizes since the 70s. Ya I'm thinking we'll see maybe 29x26!
  • 1 0
 Are there currently any belt driven bikes in DH? Technically they're still not allowed, unless you define a belt to be a "chain".

4.1.044
For Mountain Bike downhill and enduro events, as opposed to the general rule defined in article 1.3.006, the two wheels can be of a different diameter but should comply with the specifications of article 1.3.018.

1.3.006
The bicycle is a vehicle with two wheels of equal diameter. The front wheel shall be steerable; the rear wheel shall be driven through a system comprising pedals and a chain.

1.3.010
The bicycle shall be propelled solely, through a chainset, by the legs (inferior muscular chain) moving in a circular movement [...]
  • 1 0
 We may all be given the choice of watching the e-bike racing in less than a year....

The MSA worlds in 2019 has a e-bike category for the first time....
cyclingmagazine.ca/mtb/uci-announces-mont-sainte-anne-will-host-first-e-mtb-world-championships


So, Red Bull, are you going to take the bait?
  • 1 0
 AHA, this is why all the 78 degree seat posts!! So you can run a 27.5x2.6 as a back tire and still have a reasonable seat tube angle... Smile (while dragging your pedals) After all the scramble to get racers on 29er's last year they get to repeat updating rear triangles/linkages to get racers on smaller rear wheels to find out of that's faster. (I'd guess a lot of people must think so for the UCI to change the rules???)

At least most of us will have wheel sets ready this time when the new range of reverse mullet bikes start coming though... I saw FOES was pretty happy! Smile
  • 2 0
 Would this rule change for re-entering the track mean that Tahnee wouldn't have been DQ'd in Leogang? Seems like they thought that rule was kinda harsh.
  • 5 1
 going e-pro asap -i can see the rainbow
  • 5 5
 Looks like a lovely modern office building on a large plot of land in a really expensive locale. I wonder where they got all the money to build that.
hen are we getting a ten race series? Is there any reason why that's not happened yet?
  • 12 0
 Tbh road cycling turns waaay more money...
  • 4 0
 And whats with the giant concrete wall for no reason with a tiny UCI sign?
  • 4 2
 @winko: I think the cost of hosting a world cup race is prohibitively high, and I think that's a big part of the reason why we don't see more rounds. If they dropped the price to like, €100,000 in royalties to the UCI, I think a lot more resorts would be keen. But then, buildings like this don't get built for a couple of hundred k.
  • 7 2
 @jaame: I never understand the misinformation around UCI World Cup hosting fee - it's currently €32,500. Add on €12,000 for prize money that goes directly to riders and UCI accommodation costs and it's high but not "prohibitive". More info free for all to read here - www.uci.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2018_uci_mtb_wcup_bidding_guide_web.pdf?sfvrsn=960250a1_0
  • 4 0
 @Dudeclimbsrocks: That's the wall they hide behind when people come asking questions about rampant doping in road cycling...
  • 1 0
 @Point1Athletic: oh wow, thanks for that! I read somewhere it costs a million Euro in royalties. Fifty G isn't too bad at all. I wonder why there aren't more then. That guy on the interview with Warner and Minnaar at lozenge said anyone who pays can host. What do you reckon? Just no money in it?
  • 4 1
 Ive been copying Liteville for a few years now with the 27.5 in front and 26 in the rear on my Podium.Feels great!
  • 1 0
 Have thought about doing this on my Yeti. I rode a 26/24 Park Bike for years and have been curious how it would feel on a full squish trail bike...
  • 4 0
 I see the foes mixer over there, made in the USA.
  • 3 0
 Interesting the addition of Pumptrack. Does that mean we may see a rainbow jersey handed out in 2019?
  • 6 0
 eMTB pumptrack. That's the future!

Wink
  • 4 0
 There's a 69 joke here somewhere
  • 3 0
 archive.trekbikes.com/us/en/2007/trek/69er#/us/en/2007/trek/69er/details
  • 1 0
 scrolled down in the comments just to see if someone was gonna say this
  • 3 0
 I've got a 24" Intense Mag30 wheel laced to an XT hub if anyone is interested!
  • 3 2
 I dont understand ebike races motor+human makes to many variables to figure out who is the most skilled rider, Nascar can also add flinstones foot kicking to assist in the race now as well?
  • 1 1
 Mixed wheel size is more common in the ebike world. 27.5x2.8 in the rear, 29x2.4 in the front. Better climbing traktion an the rear wheel can handle sideloads better while cornering. Front rolls over stuff easier. Not sure about the benefit in normal bikes though. You dont climb stuff as steep and rocky with human powered bikes and going down fast its more about balance as we saw in DH Worlds.

But the looks is great - very MX: m.pinkbike.com/news/canyon-goes-electric-with-the-spectral-on-first-ride.html
  • 1 0
 I´m gonna buy one of these 100mph wlwctric bikes and win at Mont St Anne
electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/09/rmk-electric-motorcycle-e2-3.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1000
  • 1 0
 Why, that is a motor bike by the looks of it - it needs to have pedals on for mountain biking. ok, cool
  • 4 1
 Time to race again on your old Big Hit !
  • 3 0
 Yay, a start order I can understand. Thanks F for that.
  • 3 1
 - eMTB races are exempt from the no electronic bike rule. no shit, Sherlock!
  • 3 2
 I thought one of the highlights of Enduro was it was a form of cycling competition the UCi didn't have their fiddling fingers in.

Enduro is OVER. [/portlandia]
  • 2 0
 EWS announced a pertnership with UCI earlier this year. Will be doing drug testing on the athletes.
  • 1 0
 The mullet option is finally allowed! 700cRoad (business) up front....3.0 plus (party) on the rear! This is truly a Christmas miracle....and it’s only October!
  • 2 0
 Would be funny if a 10,000 watt home made ebike wins their ebike races. Braaaaap!!!
  • 1 0
 I don't get why they don't do the start order like downhill skiing where the top rider has the choice of when they want to race.
  • 3 0
 Bring the the Gazzaloddi!!!!!
  • 1 0
 So UCI bins 4X racing, which is by far one of the most exciting discipines in mountainbiking, and they ad Ebikes to World Champs????
  • 1 0
 I think I'm right in sayin that Gwin wouldn't have been on the live feed for the first race...so this is expected really
  • 2 0
 2 wheel sizes on the same bike! We are gonna needed more bottle cages!!
  • 2 0
 make Dual Slalom great again and call it a pumptrack.
  • 2 0
 face palm on the emtb stuff, thumbs up on the DH rule changes.
  • 1 0
 Haha bring on the frakenbikes!! 27+ QR in the front, and 26" Super Boost in the rear!!
  • 1 0
 Alpine snow bike, the haters are getting spoilt for choice, should take the heat off of e bikes for a while.
  • 1 0
 Oh! Well, Just let the Ebike riders charge their batteries on DH events. "Be nice to one another." Remember?
  • 2 0
 Rock up to an Ebike race on ya KTM FR X-EC......
  • 1 0
 UCI can roll into a ball or whatever and put their dick in their ass! Electric moped racing on mountains?
  • 1 0
 They should have a rule if the racer starts off with 27.5 they stay like that for the whole season and same with 29
  • 1 0
 eMTB bikes are exempt from no e bikes rule. Just imagine... there is an emtb race but no ebikes allowed.
  • 1 0
 Used to run a 69er for a hot min and loved it. 29 up front and 26 in the back, business upfront-party in the backski.
  • 5 4
 So real bikes are allowed in eMTB races!?
  • 6 3
 No, emtbs are allowed in emtb races now...
  • 3 1
 @inked-up-metalhead: Yeah my reading isn't that bad. :-) It specifically states that eMTB are not allowed in MTB but not the inverse. for eMTB races
  • 11 0
 @locoola: "hey bro that unfair you dont even have an engine"
  • 1 2
 @optimumnotmaximum: Some of the regional enduro races here have ebike categories. They have like 10 people in them, compared to 70 or 80 in master or veteran. Could be an easy(er) way to a podium if the stages dont really benefit from the engine, and you are fit enough to make the liasons. some of the prizes are pretty good.
  • 1 0
 @AyJayDoubleyou: diving deeper into the darkside, i ve been a decent dh racer but i always sucked at pedaling and following this also sucked in enduro. I did not plan to race ever again. I am getting an ezesty as company car (and for pulling my kids on trailrides)- with possibly a podium in reach, the racer in me is again drawn to the darkside.
  • 1 1
 in fact there is currently not a single e -enduro on the market that would be allowed in an ebike race
  • 1 1
 Fantic XF1 Integra?
  • 2 0
 @jollyXroger: actually i was wrong. even the bosch cx ist labeled "250" watts -but can put out up to 800 watts over a short period of time. 250 watts hence means nothing and there are plenty of bikes elegible. I initially thought because the small fazua engine of the new lapierre puts out 250 watts -the stronger bosch engines would be too strong. turns out 250watts means next to nothing. again what learned - as the germans say.
  • 1 1
 @optimumnotmaximum: The Fantic sprang to my mind because it features this 29 front, 27.5-plus rear wheels combo. I only later checked the motor power output. With these new rules in place we can expect to see even more eMTBs like it.
  • 2 1
 So no different wheel sizes in CC?
  • 2 0
 I assume you meant XC? the answer is NO
  • 1 0
 All business in the front and party in the back.
  • 1 1
 Mismatched wheel sizes... should be a fun winter of watching what the bike companies come up with.
  • 1 0
 Sanctioned snow bike racing??
  • 1 0
 I knew this day would come. Cue a 27.5 rear / 29 Front whitewash...
  • 1 0
 Can't wait to see ANOTHER v10 prototype...
  • 1 0
 Bike racing...CMON MAN!!!
  • 1 0
 "Shot to the heart..........You gave Niners a bad name." by Van Damnlen
  • 1 0
 Alpine event!!! Are the UCI going fat biking???
  • 1 0
 Did the uci just ban 29ers?
  • 1 3
 what id really like to see are Snowbike DH Contests,i think this would be really entertaining for both sides

Edit:just realized there is no other way on Snowbikes:-D
  • 1 2
 MIsmatching sensationalism
  • 1 2
 UCI enduro...getting on the band wagon I see
  • 1 3
 Whaaat? Enduro? Mixed wheel sizes? FIXED START ORDER?! The UCI is starting to be more open-minded and make sense?!
  • 1 2
 Now just bring back the top 80 for finals!
  • 1 4
 Now Redbull won't be able to "influence" the final start order to make sure that their athletes get TV time.
  • 1 0
 How did they do this? the start order, while nonsensical and complicated, was clearly defined and obeyed by the race organizers.
  • 6 8
 So this is how mountain biking dies . . . with thunderous applause.
  • 1 2
 Ebike? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahaa
  • 5 7
 Good to see UCI embracing electric moped racing. Murcia needs E mopeds!
  • 3 1
 Not just 'Merica. Ever been to Europe and the Alps? They're all over the place. The Euros seemed to embrace eMTBs way before 'Mericans.
  • 3 1
 Maybe you should bang on the Europeans not the Americans...When we were in the German alps last year eMTB's were >75% of the bikes we saw. I can count on one hand the eMTB's I've seen here in CO.
  • 2 1
 @WhatToBuy: I hope North Americans that already mountain bike reject these crutch bikes as having anything to do with the human powered sport we all love called mountain biking.
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