Pit Walk: EWS Round 3, Ireland

May 12, 2016
by Matt Wragg  
Apparently these glasses are some kind of big deal in the states. If that is the case it s probably about time Americans stop making fun of European bike style...
  Apparently these glasses are some kind of big deal in the states. If that is the case, it's probably about time Americans stop making fun of European bike style...

Matthieu was out early this morning prepping some fresh wheels for the weekend for the Rocky Mountain team.
  Matthieu was out early this morning, prepping some fresh wheels for the weekend for the Rocky Mountain team.

Rene Wildhaber is experienced enough to buck the trend for larger chainrings at the EWS. He says this 30t is enough for training and he might consider a 32t in race - which is small considering that most of the top men are rarely seen with anything less than a 34t.
  Rene Wildhaber is experienced enough to buck the trend for larger chainrings at the EWS. He says this 30t is enough for training and he might consider a 32t in race - which is small considering that most of the top men are rarely seen with anything less than a 34t.

A quick straw poll of Shimano riders shows that nearly all of them are giving up the carbon titanium weight saving sexiness of XTR for the chance to go up to a 42t cassette with XT.
  A quick straw poll of Shimano riders shows that nearly all of them are giving up the carbon/titanium weight saving sexiness of XTR, for the chance to go up to a 42t cassette with XT.

Rene also runs a Stages power meter during both the race and training - during the race it helps to keep his power output at the necessary level and afterwards it helps him understand the exertions needed to race at this level and refine his training.
  Rene also runs a Stages power meter during both the race and training - during the race it helps to keep his power output at the necessary level, and afterwards it helps him understand the exertions needed to race at this level and refine his training.

It was a busy day for Fox today - with a quiet day until racing starts tomorrow it was the perfect time to get your suspension freshened up.
  It was a busy day for Fox today - with a quiet day until racing starts tomorrow it was the perfect time to get your suspension freshened up.

The Fox boys didn t set foot out of here much all day long.
  The Fox boys didn't set foot out of here much all day long.

Over at SRAM it was much the same story freshening up the kit before things get hectic tomorrow.
  Over at SRAM it was much the same story, freshening up the kit before things get hectic tomorrow.

Gary Forrest was in a relaxed mode this morning. While his teammate hiked up the hill he opted to chill out and save his legs and energy.
  Gary Forrest was in a relaxed mode this morning. While his teammate hiked up the hill, he opted to chill out and save his legs and energy.

A touch of blue bling for Nico Lau s Shimano XTR pedals.
  A touch of blue bling for Nico Lau's Shimano XTR pedals.

This isn t a mod most people who pay the 600 Euros or so for a 100 Aircraft are likely to have the stomach to try but Nico Lau has pulled the mesh out of his to help the air flow.
  This isn't a mod most people who pay the 600 Euros or so for a 100% Aircraft are likely to have the stomach to try, but Nico Lau has pulled the mesh out of his to help the air flow.

Nicola Casadei is the only rider on the circuit to race on the rare EXT Storia shock.
  Nicola Casadei is the only rider on the circuit to race on the rare EXT Storia shock.

This is not just any Marin. Although it may look familiar at first glance their UK-based team are running prototype aluminium frames to try out some new geometry changes - making the holy trimvirate of modern geometry longer slacker and lower. They say they haven t gone Mondraker long but the racers are really enjoying the roomier bikes.
  This is not just any Marin. Although it may look familiar at first glance, their UK-based team are running prototype aluminium frames to try out some new geometry changes - making the holy triumvirate of modern geometry: longer, slacker and lower. They say they haven't gone Mondraker long, but the racers are really enjoying the roomier bikes.

Bonus points to Marin for their neat little bottle opener.
  Bonus points to Marin for their neat little bottle opener.

With some downtime Martin Maes was quite happy to hang out with his mechanics and cut down his own tyres ready for the race.
  With some downtime, Martin Maes was quite happy to hang out with his mechanics and cut down his own tyres ready for the race.

As a Schwalbe-supported team GT were ready for the cutting this weekend with the must-have tool of the season Schwalbe s precision tyre cutter.
  As a Schwalbe-supported team, GT were ready for the cutting this weekend with the must-have tool of the season: Schwalbe's precision tyre cutter.

Wyn is back After his pre-season injuries he s here in Ireland ready to go. He says he s not 100 yet but if nothing else pushing hard to race here is good preparation for Fort William.
  Wyn is back! After his pre-season injuries he's here in Ireland ready to go. He says he's not 100% yet, but if nothing else, pushing hard to race here is good preparation for Fort William.

GT are one of the few teams to run Schwalbe s ProCore at the EWS - combining it with a new mid-weight casing that they are testing.
  GT are one of the few teams to run Schwalbe's ProCore at the EWS - combining it with a new mid-weight casing that they are testing.

The final finishing touch - rubber tape to quieten down the bike.
  The final, finishing touch - rubber tape to quieten down the bike.

If you want to be the boss you have to put the work in. This is a trick Jerome Clementz learned from the great Nico Vouilloz - to weigh your tyres. With production tolerances there are always going to be some small differences even in tyres from the same batch so you get the scales out to find the lightest. He also casually dropped into the conversation that he isn t sure he will contest the full EWS next year. It s something he s thinking over and he certainly did not use the R word but at the moment he seems to like the idea of taking it a bit easier.
  If you want to be the boss, you have to put the work in. This is a trick Jerome Clementz learned from the great Nico Vouilloz - to weigh your tyres. With production tolerances there are always going to be some small differences even in tyres from the same batch, so you get the scales out to find the lightest. He also casually dropped into the conversation that he isn't sure he will contest the full EWS next year. It's something he's thinking over, and he certainly did not use the "R" word, but at the moment he seems to like the idea of taking it a bit easier.

Curtis Keene s Rockshox Super Deluxe in all it s metric glory.
  Curtis Keene's RockShox Super Deluxe in all its metric glory.

One of the features that really stands out on the new Super Deluxe shock is the rebound - rather than a puny little dial you have this big chunky dial around the top of the shock that feels like a bigger version of the bezel on a watch.
  One of the features that really stands out on the new Super Deluxe shock is the rebound - rather than a puny, little dial you have this big, chunky dial around the top of the shock, that feels like a bigger version of the bezel on a watch.

Spikes or not spikes That is the question. Joe Nation was rolling a 2.5 Maxxis Shorty this afternoon but with the ground here drying fast it s unlikely we ll see many come race day.
  Spikes or not spikes? That is the question. Joe Nation was rolling a 2.5" Maxxis Shorty this afternoon, but with the ground here drying fast it's unlikely we'll see many come race day.

Don t call it a comeback. It you ask Tracy Moseley about her decision not to defend her title this year she doesn t actually use the R word and stopping racing cold turkey was never in her original plan. Despite no longer having a training plan as such she has instead been having fun by riding an insane amount of miles on any and every bike. Which happens to be quite good training to race one of these...
  Don't call it a comeback. It you ask Tracy Moseley about her decision not to defend her title this year, she doesn't actually use the "R" word and stopping racing cold turkey was never in her original plan. Despite no longer having a training plan as such, she has instead been having fun by riding an insane amount of miles on any and every bike. Which happens to be quite good training to race one of these...

On the Nukeproof CRC stand this prototype tyre from Mavic was hiding in plain sight. It s got 2.5 marked on the side in big letters with a very round profile and this unique tread pattern.
  On the Nukeproof CRC stand this prototype tyre from Mavic was hiding in plain sight. It's got 2.5" marked on the side in big letters, with a very round profile and this unique tread pattern.

There s only one man who runs his signature flat pedals at an EWS race Sam Hill. He s back racing here again this weekend.
  There's only one man who runs his signature flat pedals at an EWS race: Sam Hill. He's back racing here again this weekend.

Fortunately we have the adult of the Pinkbike EWS media team Matt Delorme back with us this weekend...
  Fortunately we have the adult of the Pinkbike EWS media team, Matt Delorme, back with us this weekend...


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129 Comments
  • 228 2
 The bottle opener almost makes up for having to look at that seat/top tube junction on the Marin... Almost.
  • 15 1
 Almost... I thought it was a cable guide.
  • 71 2
 @racecase: ugliest thing I've see in like a week. Horrible!
  • 27 0
 It was a close battle between the Marin and Jerome's jorts for the win.
  • 7 0
 Would buy a Marin derailleur cover though
  • 30 6
 That Marin is as ugly as an Ellesworth
  • 53 2
 @angelfuk: Let's not get crazy here now...
  • 5 31
flag samoooli (May 12, 2016 at 12:50) (Below Threshold)
 I wonder if Jerome weighs the bottle opener caps..


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  • 14 1
 @samoooli: LE SHITTY MEME FACE
  • 5 0
 @samoooli: dood... does the boss know you're bashing out cool ASCII forum graffiti?
  • 7 1
 @endlessblockades: haha cheer up..
  • 2 1
 @MTBrent hahahhaha epic buddy
  • 2 1
 @JesseE: surely you meant ugliest ever EVER
  • 21 10
 I would love to be where ever it is in the world where you need a bottle opener on a bike. I just dont get it! If I rode from home I would not be carrying beers! If I drove, I could not drink beers! If I stopped at a pub, it would come in a glass! On top of which that direct mount will have dog shit or rabbit shit or some mud based shit on it - the kind of reason you have a lime in a Corona for. And this is not a Spesh with its little locker so where does the lime go. So yeah, whats the point.
  • 20 0
 does anybody else find it deeply ironic that Marin's factory team is based in the UK?
  • 2 0
 I prefer the one on the dropout on my sc jackal
  • 1 2
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/13482261
It's a guide mount...
  • 1 0
 I bet that mount would work on other rigs.. hmmmm
  • 2 0
 @bmck: Well, they have two other factory teams as well based in the USA (with riders coming from Marin county and mainly from Norcal). The UK team is Marin/Stans, the USA teams are Marin/SR Suntour and Marin/Rabobank.
  • 4 3
 @ilovedust: I agree - seems just like a stupid bro gimmick that looks cool but has no real life use (I know I sound like a cranky old man....).
  • 3 0
 @samoooli: It was meant as a compliment! - I like it - damn internet.
  • 3 2
 @JesseE: nobody better make fun of Ellsworth ANYMORE
  • 4 0
 Everyone is calling for bottle cages and now that they include a bottle opener to go with it, everyone is is calling bs. I can imagine Marin must be confused. Next year they'll include a corkscrew.
  • 6 1
 @ilovedust: why wouldn't you be carrying beers? Also, you could be camping with your bike and some beer and have beer at the camp. Or someone might throw a beer at you. Or you might find a beer lying around in the woods.
  • 4 0
 @tigen: see if they're putting bottle openers on bikes when are they going tostart putting grinders in your top cap and rolling machines by your bottom bracket?
  • 2 1
 @Theeeeo: Wasn't a bottle opener a common feature on bicycles back in the day? If I recall correctly Santa Cruz also had it near the drop out of their Heckler and/or Bullit bicycles early this century. It may be like cigarette lighters in cars. As most people nowadays only use it as a 12V socket, it just gets a cap but no lighter anymore. Back in the day it may have been common and apparently to this day there still are people who seem to need it.
  • 5 0
 @vinay: Anyone riding SPDs has a bottle opener on there bike...4 actually.
  • 1 0
 @vinay: doesnt answer my question :'(
  • 1 0
 @Theeeeo: Sorry, that previous post wasn't directed at you and I forgot to remove that "@..." bit. Sorry I can't really answer your question. Only time (or the industry) will tell, but my guess is: never.

@ReformedRoadie : I'm not really into it but in my experience the real beer drinkers don't need much to open a bottle. I'm surprised though they prefer the dirtier spots. Rear mech hanger, pedals, that front mech mount... Why has no one ever thought of just storing one in the kitchen drawer?
  • 4 0
 @ilovedust: I live in the Northeast US and a bottle opener on my bike would get used!
  • 1 0
 The excuse of that Marin being a prototype doesn't excuse how ugly it is. It's looks like it's been put together during scrap heap challenge. Poor design
  • 97 5
 Sorry but those glasses definitely aren't a big deal here.
  • 20 2
 Well,they sure ain't a big thing over here.they truly are the pits!
  • 88 2
 Unless your first name is Macho Man, and last name is Savage.
  • 7 0
 @SlodownU is a man that demands respect and authority!
  • 10 1
 Kerry king signature glasses arent they ?
  • 11 0
 If you liked pond skimming you'd be plenty familiar with them
  • 6 0
 @SlodownU: I was going to say that, or Kool Moe Dee.
  • 5 3
 you obviously don't live in a mountain town. Sucks to be you!
  • 1 0
 @jaydmf: lol
  • 1 0
 They remind me of Killer Loops.
  • 5 0
 @jaydmf: You sir win the Internet for the before-shaved-head-era Kerry King reference. f*ckin Slayer!
  • 2 2
 Those glasses are a big deal wherever they are. Demand respect and authority. Always.
  • 3 1
 @jamescmy: no they don't.theyre wank.
  • 1 1
 Thank you for all you comments reminding people to not be caught in these glasses. They should have tear offs mounted on them. It is ok to be concerned about looking like a kook.
  • 1 2
 @andnyleswillriot if this is what your mountain town consists of then I want no part of it.
  • 2 1
 @Dan255: you really are an east coast tool!! Hahahaha
  • 1 1
 @andnyleswillriot says the Colorado douche wearing his sick pit vipers.
  • 2 0
 @jaydmf: that's MISTER KING to you, boyo
  • 52 0
 When tf did this whole "euro v us" styling bullshit start? More importantly who gives a toss?
  • 9 0
 Was thinking the same. Sounds like a race war lol
  • 20 0
 I like racing.
  • 2 0
 derp double reply
  • 7 0
 About two weeks ago when pinkbike somewhat unfortunately decided to have a poll on that same topic.
  • 1 0
 @matjtom90: must be a slow time in the office
  • 3 0
 @matjtom90: 2 weeks ago? Are you guys new to this scene? Ripping on euro stylings is classic mtb!
  • 51 0
 Are you supposed to be able to store sandwiches in that triangle thing on the Marin?
  • 37 0
 seems like more and more of these guys are running power meters. The EWS is getting insane for the distances these dudes are climbing and descending that they are now making sure they arent out of their power zone on climbs. How are the privateers keeping up with these insane stages? Couldnt imagine working on the bike, prepping meals, running practice and racing at the top level without team support. Power to you guys camping it out in the rough!
  • 4 0
 As the media only really focuses on the top guys, I need to ask - are any (truly self funded) privateers doing the whole series? Or just their 'home' race in the hope of getting a ride the following season?
In the highly unlikely event any of my friends qualify for one, I'd go cook for them for the weekend.
  • 34 4
 Cutting down tire knobs... I don't know how much EWS mechanics get paid, but it can't be nearly enough for that BS. Perhaps some of these tire companies should be making stock "race only" tires with shorter knobs.
  • 20 1
 I think it's part of race spirit, has been since the 90s, trying to tweak tread for some hundredths Smile
  • 18 1
 cutting tyres happens in all sports which involve wheels, as the tyres are cut to what the rider feels is the best for that race, and no tyre manufacture could produce the infinite variations of knob size.
  • 49 0
 @ashyjay: you said knob size.
  • 10 1
 Some of the best jobs means occasionally doing something monotonous.
  • 15 0
 those glasses are an aBROmination
  • 5 0
 The first thing that came to mind when i saw those glasses was macho man randy savage
  • 11 2
 green/purple splatter-paint frames? Boy, we're just determined to mine the 80s for every single fashion moment they had, even the terrible ones. I predict we'll have a Member's Only replica rainshell before the year is out
  • 6 0
 Were there even any not "terrible fashion moments" in the 80s?
  • 5 0
 @hangdogr: There's a spectrum, & splatter paint is at the evil end
  • 9 1
 I thought it was XC racers that are the weight obsessed. I wonder how much you weight you can save doing that?
Next time I go to buy some tyres I'm taking some scales!
  • 3 0
 I bet about 80g a tire for 2.3s. Pretty substantial. Wonder what a LBS would say if you rolled up with a scale and started pickin' through 'em.
  • 45 1
 @UtahBikeMike: I'd loan you my scale because I'm stoked that you found another good reason to buy tires in my shop instead of on the internet.
  • 8 0
 @sjunker:

I make it a point to buy consumables from my LBS. I'm on a first name basis with everyone and get "bro" deals because of it. It's really a win-win for us both
  • 1 0
 @UtahBikeMike: I've done it all of twice for customers, but it gets requested here and there!
  • 9 0
 Martin Maes has to be one of the oldest looking 19-year olds; dude looks like he's 30 already lol
  • 21 1
 The faster you ride the quicker you age. Explains why I look so youthful.
  • 1 0
 Actually this photo makes him look older. I saw him on a local enduro race and he definitely looks like a 20year old guy.
  • 8 1
 help me, I have no idea why a shock in metric is different.
  • 13 1
 Everything you need should be in here: www.pinkbike.com/news/rockshoxs-new-super-deluxe-shock-first-ride-2016.html.
  • 4 0
 @mikekazimer: thanks for this. Kind of amazing this took so long.
  • 7 0
 Come on Wyn Masters. All time.
  • 6 0
 Tracey Mosely could win even without training !! I m sure about that
  • 3 0
 43 minutes until I finish work and head down for a pit look and check out practice....its sunny in Ireland this weekend it seems, and everyone is mad to #fillthehill and get drunk. its a great time to be alive!!
  • 7 2
 Trump will wear them during his final part of the campaign... Wink
  • 4 1
 Have you seen the red MAKE BEER CHEAP AGAIN hats? pretty rad.
  • 4 0
 Anyone else notice how thick the steer tubes are in the fox forks in the first couple pictures?
  • 1 0
 Yes, they almost look carbon-chunky, but they're not.
  • 1 0
 The BH Team also runs the STORIA shock. I gave a little push on the bike of José Borges and it feel really nice, super supple on the top and them sits on the mid travel without diving into the end of the travel.
  • 3 0
 So the arch of that Lyric is just a mud-scraper for that big fat mavic tire... like, NO daylight in that set-up !
  • 12 9
 Those glasses demand respect and authority! Love pit vipers.
  • 8 1
 Behave whipper.
  • 2 0
 The Jerome Clementz news is massive! Maybe a year off to charge the batteries?
  • 1 0
 Are those NEW Specialized Enduro Frames, or just same old..... you got any more photos?
  • 2 0
 looks like the old frame to me. and looks like another proprietary mount... i was hoping specialized would abandon that...
  • 5 0
 Probably a new shock yoke that meshes the metric sizing to the existing geo. Question is, will/when it be available to us common folk?
  • 5 0
 @strain: to me, the question is, when will I see the 2017 Enduro Frame
  • 2 1
 @strain: no sense in making them available to the public until there are enough bikes that are designed to work with the new eye to eye lengths.
  • 1 0
 @shredddr: Looks like a new yoke to work with a metric trunion shock. Trunion shocks are going to be standard options in metric
  • 1 0
 @strain: never
  • 2 0
 @SCLuke: Kinda looks like its braced/bolted on the top of the shock to prevent rotating at the Trunnion mount, a la previous Spech yokes. More pictures/details would be interesting.
  • 3 0
 @Vwise: Its an odd mount for sure, but giving you cant run the shock with the piggyback to the front the current Enduro yoke wont work as it turns the body 90 degrees so it would stick out. They have had to make up some weird mount that attaches to the yoke but also buts against the top of the shock to stop it rotating, it looks like a pretty finished design, which is odd considering its such a bodge of an idea.
  • 3 0
 @Vwise: I don't think that bolt on top goes through to the shock but rather pushes down that pad to make sure the shock can not rotate.
  • 1 0
 @strain: There are already Yokes available that can fit a 210x55 metric shock to a Spesh Enduro 650b or Enduro EVO 650b keeping original frame geometry...
  • 3 1
 Wildhaber is also not on the sharp end...just sayin......
  • 2 0
 The Storia LOK is very shiny!
  • 2 0
 Mmmm....metric...
  • 5 5
 just switched over to SPD's....so awful! I don't know how these guys do it.
  • 1 0
 What's up with that Marin rear end?
  • 1 0
 What's up with that Marin everything-end?!
  • 1 0
 Longer and slacker. No. Just for fuck sake stop.
  • 1 0
 Is that a 36 with a DI2 cable coming out of it?
  • 1 0
 Oh my friends the 80s are back Wink
  • 1 0
 The temps are staying up for the weekend too folks woohoo Smile
  • 2 1
 Ugly Marin...
  • 10 10
 It makes me sad when i look at that metric shock.
  • 1 0
 Lots of gimmicks...
  • 1 3
 That Marin - Even if the geo is spot on they'll never improve their race results with that antiquated aluminum mule - poor guys ....
  • 1 0
 Do I spy @davetrump ?
  • 1 0
 haha the 80's called
  • 3 4
 WTF is cutting down your tires?
  • 1 0
 Can help give you a better tread for racing. I believe that cut down Dirty Dans is a favourite for a thin layer of sloppy mud on top of hardpack. Can allow mud spike to rol faster and grip on roots/rocks better
  • 7 0
 It's on a par with combing your eyebrowsSmile
  • 1 2
 don't they make all sorts of different tires though for every flippin' terrain out there? This seems like an unnecessary tedious task
  • 1 0
 @chrisingrassia: racing isn't necessary
  • 1 2
 WOW nice sunglasses not please don't bring back the 80's
  • 2 4
 I need some pit vipers in my life
  • 1 0
 To hit with a hammer? Or to snap into a slim Jim?
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