More Bike Checks From the Albstadt XC World Cup

May 27, 2017
by Richard Cunningham  

Annie Last s Silverback Storm.
Annie Last's SILVERBACK STORM


More Bike Checks From the Albstadt XC World Cup
Annie Last

Ritchey WCS components up front.
Ritchey WCS components up front.

Full SRAM setup for Annie with an Eagle groupset and a RockShox SID fork.
Full SRAM setup: Eagle transmission and a RockShox SID fork.
Ligtweight carbon seatpost providing the necessary setback for an optimum riding position for Annie.
Ultra lightweight set-back carbon seatpost.

SRAM Level Ultimate ESI grips.
SRAM Level Ultimate brakes with integrated hydraulic fork lockout.

Knight composites wheels matched to DT Swiss 240s hubs. 22.5mm internal width.
Knight Composites carbon rims on DT Swiss 240-S hubs.
Schwalbe s Racing Ralphs are a popular choice among riders.
Schwalbe Racing Ralphs are massively popular on the WC XC.

Sleek lines.



Simon Gegenheimer s Rose Psycho Path. Whilst most racers choose to ride 29ers the explosive rider prefers his 27.5 bike for the course.
Simon Gegenheimer's
ROSE PSYCHO PATH
Simon chooses 27.5" DT Swiss wheels and DT Swiss suspension.

More Bike Checks From the Albstadt XC World Cup
Simon Gegenheimer

Syntace provides the stem handlebar and seatpost. Lightweight and very well tested.
Syntace provides the stem, handlebar and seatpost.
No remote control for Gegenheimer.
No remote control lockout for Gegenheimer.

More Bike Checks From the Albstadt XC World Cup
Syntace negative-rise stem

SRAM X0 Eagle.
SRAM X0 Eagle drivetrain to accelerate and....
SRAM Level provides the necessary stopping power.
...SRAM Level brakes to slow down



The Ghost Lector teambike is one of the most tricked-out bikes in the World Cup circuit.
Malene Degn's
GHOST LECTOR
This Ghost Lector is one of the most tricked-out bikes on the World Cup circuit.

More Bike Checks From the Albstadt XC World Cup
Malene Degn
The Tune W rger seatclamp. Minimalist redefined. 4 5 grams.
The Tune Wurger seatclamp: Minimalist redefined. (4.5 grams.)

125mm Reverb.
125mm-stroke Reverb dropper post.

Malene runs the Reverb control on the right hand side.
Malene runs the Reverb control on the right-hand side.
Lots of bling bling with SRAM s XX1 Eagle.
Lots of bling: SRAM's XX1 Eagle drivetrain.

Crankbrothers Eggbeater triple Ti.
Crankbrothers Eggbeater Triple Ti pedals.

Tune Prince Boost hubs weigh in at 192 grams.
Tune Prince Boost hubs weigh in at 192 grams.
Tune providing the quickrelease.
Tune quick release and SRAM Level Ultimate brake.

Internal cable routing and aggressive lines.



Reto Indergands BMC Teamelite 01 is equipped with Shimano s XTR Di2 with a 11-40 cassette. The frame provides the option to mount different elastomers to provide harder or softer compliance on its rear end. The Fox 32 Stepcast can be locked out on the handlebar via electronic lockout which draws its power from the Di2 battery.
Reto Indergands' BMC TEAM ELITE 01

More Bike Checks From the Albstadt XC World Cup
The Team Elite frame provides the option to mount different elastomers to provide harder or softer compliance from its rear end.

Kashima
Kashima beaming from the electronic lockout Fox Step Cast fork.

More Bike Checks From the Albstadt XC World Cup
Shimano XTR Di2 shifting and 11 x 40 cassette.
A KS Lev Integra dropper post with some added ducttape to limits its travel. Many riders opt to use less travel on their dropper posts.
KS LEV Integra dropper with duct tape to limit its travel.

More Bike Checks From the Albstadt XC World Cup
Shimano XTR one-by crankset with carbon top guide.

Dropper post and suspension on the left.



Posted In:
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74 Comments
  • 90 4
 Whats the point of a setback post if you just slam the seat forward anyway?
  • 12 9
 Not sure mechanical aptitude is present with all bike mechanics. Common sense is a curse.
  • 50 4
 Presumably more flex and thus a more comfortable ride?
  • 6 3
 Looks to me like the seat would not be able to be mounted far enough back with a zero setback.
  • 13 2
 It's all about saddle position. I think @JohanG is probably right. With a zero setback post they couldn't get the seat far enough back so they switched to a setback post with the seat forward.
  • 10 2
 On the subject of seatposts, can someone please explain in what circumstances one would wish to reduce the travel of a dropper post ? Maybe I'm just being dumb but I can't really think of an advantage- surely you would just run a smaller drop post? Or is it a sponsorship situation.
  • 10 8
 Maybe the sponsor says "use this seat post", and that's what you do. Look at all the riders using di2.
  • 17 0
 @tremeer023: To make sure it only drops to a position to where you can still pedal. A lot of them only want like 4 cm of drop or something like that.
  • 2 2
 @seppe80: Thanks.
I guess if you are racing that makes sense but I have a KS Lev dropper and it can be set to any height. I suppose the duct tape is there more as a safety net so as not to drop too far.
  • 3 1
 Compliance maybe? I feel a difference in saddle flex when mounted forward/ backward. Plus, if the saddle and post were designed as a system, you'd want the ranges to link up tidily with minimal overlap.
  • 13 2
 @OperateEng: I downvote you I am a skilled mechanic common sense is a blessing
  • 10 2
 @lutetium: What of it? di2 is far superior than mechanical, especially in a racing situation where you can still shift under power
  • 10 0
 @lutetium: they actually have a choice to run mechanical or electronic. Yet I know no one who goes back to mechanical after riding with Di2.
  • 3 4
 All of you take another look - the clamping bolts are hanging loose and the top clamp isn't even there! The seat has been merely placed in position for the photo.
  • 1 1
 @properp: Why so serious? Lol...
  • 4 1
 @tremeer023: I could see limiting the travel if the SA is such that the bike feels odd with the seat too low. My Fuel is like that, when slammed the seat is so far ahead between my legs that the bike feels shorter... like too short.
  • 5 0
 @PAmtbiker: Correct - imgur.com/tAfPBNc
  • 1 2
 Cause it's more fun when you're descending and the saddle tickles your nuts / lady-bits
  • 1 1
 Yes one of the only tuneable parts on modern bikes, being of old, feel that slaming the seat right back makes bike feel normal.
  • 2 0
 @robwhynot: my Spec Enduro was like this. I ended up buying a shorter drop post so it didn't feel so weird.
  • 1 0
 Exactly
  • 3 0
 @iamamodel: It has 2 smaller top clamps, one for each bolt.
  • 3 1
 The setback post offers a level of compliance ans she can still run the saddle where she wants it. A streight post would be harsher. And let's not forget that racers and their mechanics do not have to be "real world" practical. They can get away with doing things for minimum gains and ot worry about ruining parts as long as they last the actual race. Most parts are swapped out after each race.
  • 1 1
 ..
  • 3 1
 @OperateEng: because turning wrenches is a serious business to me do it right or don't do it at all
  • 3 0
 @SpetsesRider: You are right. I should have looked at it on a laptop instead of my phone. Please all of you carry on arguing about seat position.
  • 14 0
 At my weight it's just best not to ride XC bikes... I have a titanium eye socket as a lifelong reminder of what happens when you push XC bikes beyond their capabilities. I think "aggressive trail" is as light-duty as I'll ever go again. But damn, they're beautiful to look at. Glad someone can ride them. Smile
  • 14 0
 So every SRAM racer is on the SID yet the RS-1 is supposed to be the superior fork?

Cycling is so f*cked.
  • 5 0
 The RS-1 has never been the lightest fork. Still a really good (albeit expensive) fork.
  • 8 0
 It's because wheel changes are much easier on the Sid.
  • 2 0
 Also because the RS-1 flexes like a young gymnast. To me it was more a proof of concept than anything else really...
  • 14 0
 Side thought: Why doesn't SRAM have pedals on their lineup?
  • 13 0
 "...featuring the brand new Elixir series pedals."
  • 27 1
 They do. Just under the Truvativ Flag

www.sram.com/truvativ/component/pedals#sm.012mnmqw170mef8104s1znfrq7hn4

All Sram need is a frame, a headset, saddle, grips and some tyres, then they could sell the full Sram bike.
Imagine that; Super-Hyper-Boosty-McBoostFace and compatible with no other manufacturers products. I called it first.
  • 38 0
 They couldn't find a way to make them do weird noises
  • 7 1
 But I agree, odd that they don't have any higher end pedals or anything clipless. Thought they'd be all over that with a proprietary cleat interface. #notbitter
  • 2 0
 @codfather1234:

Totally forgot about the Truvativ flats. But yeah,after SRAM come up with wheelsets I thought they would be going for full components domination.
  • 3 0
 @Trailmaster12: Just cracked up at work... well done
  • 3 0
 Don't give them any ideas
  • 2 0
 @codfather1234: Specialized and Cannondale are the kings of proprietary. I think its funny that Shimano sponsors an UCI event that 90% of the riders run Sram drivetrains.
  • 1 0
 @codfather1234: A true visionary
  • 9 1
 And sram level T brakes not "ultimates" as stated
  • 9 0
 Yeah, what's up with that? Those brakes retail for $70 a brake and are heavy. Send it for us cheapo's Simon!
  • 9 2
 Ghost wins hands down.
  • 3 0
 these bike checks are pure porn!!! wee need dh and enduro ones of this standard too!!
  • 4 0
 The BMC is really nice!
  • 4 2
 Why fit a longer (heavier) travel dropper post and limit the downward travel?
  • 2 0
 Those bikes would fly on twisty, punchy trails in Ontario. I'd love to ride one of those bikes.
  • 1 0
 These bikes are so fancy, but make me sad. Semi-slicks, 2inch of travel and uncomfortable geo would make all the parts of MTBing I like feel awful.
  • 5 4
 Cool to see that 27.5 is still used in the world cup. Proves its the rider not the bike.
  • 2 1
 Any idea what the cable tie on the BMC's non-drive side fork stanchion is doing there?
  • 1 0
 It's required to get the bike up to UCi minimum weight restrictions.
  • 3 0
 Not a fan of the Ralph.
  • 2 0
 What is this sorcery!? How are those bikes upright?

(Apart from BMC...)
  • 1 1
 Have they only just started putting droppers on xc bikes. My brother is a year ahead of them and has had a dropper on his xc bike for over a year now.
  • 1 0
 Mezcal's on the BMC don't appear to be TNT.
  • 2 1
 Dropper seatposts and ESI Grips are taking over the XC elite crowd!
  • 1 0
 27.5 wheels, yay! Is he short or is it personal preference?
  • 1 0
 That's what I was thinking too. Maybe he should be rolling 26+.
  • 1 0
 Stu... stu much bike porn. whew!
  • 1 0
 That 'g-string' seatclamp looks a little sketchy.
  • 1 0
 Couldn't find the g-string clamp in the article, do you mean the Tune Wurger? I think it is clever. In fact, I think most conventional clamps (except for the integrated ones) are designed wrong. Most conventional (non integrated) clamps are designed to be loaded under bending whereas they should actually be loaded under tension exclusively. By getting that right, these modern XC seatpost clamps can actually be both lighter and stronger than what we've come to trust. And to be honest, worst that could happen is that the clamp snaps and the post slides and twists. There are loads of more critical components on these race bikes I'd trust less (with me both riding as well as handling the spanner).
  • 1 0
 @vinay: Yea, it's the Tune one. Interesting design tho.
  • 2 2
 How come Simons running X01 eagle instead of XX1?
  • 2 1
 Maybe Simon is on a budget or SRAM wants to prove their second tier is WC proven Smile
  • 21 2
 Maybe it didn't end well with his other ex.
  • 2 2
 If you're not first, your Last
  • 1 1
 With that bike, Annie won't be Last anymore
  • 1 0
 XC whips on PB! Love it!
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