Randoms - World Cup DH, Lenzerheide

Jul 3, 2015

by Paul Aston

Three Things That Make Adam Brayton a Happy Boy:

His new fish graphic on his Troy Lee D3.

His new Specialized saddle. "It's so comfy for the sitting down, pedalling, speed tuck sections!"

His Marsh Guard number board. "I just velcro the new number each week, it's the easy-life."

Sixty Seconds with Josh Bryceland

Got sixty seconds for a bike check Josh?
Tell me what to do, as soon as my bike's ready, I'm going.

Geeky details? What bar do you run? Frame?
800mm ENVE's with 20mm rise. Large size frame.

Only the large?
Yeah, standard large, standard swingarm. I was running a Buzzworks headset to make it 8mm longer. But I took it out as I was doing a bit of understeerin' need to get a bit more weight on the front wheel.

Suspension sag??
F*** knows... a bit? I got a chunky chain guide on it, because sometimes I bash that f***er.

Tire pressure?
30psi front and rear.

Pretty hard?
Yeah I hate it when the tires roll, you know on a hard pack berm when you feel the casing flex? Makes me feel sick so I pump it up.

Any changes for this week?
Not really just the headset. I don't really f*** with much, just set it up and leave it.

Hair preparation?
Lenzerheide lake.

Full natty brah?
Yeah, just wash it in the lake.

Morrocan oil?
Hmm, I need a bit of summat at some point, that's what my missus uses, is that what you use?

Yeah, just the cheap stuff from Tesco, £6 a bottle.
Does the job doesn't it! I just rock the tangle teaser really, just drag that through once a week.

Yeah I don't comb it, just wash with water.
Really, does it not dread up?

Not really.
Fair enough, it's curly as f*** innit.

Mathias Fluckiger's Upside-Down Handlebar

Stoeckli-Pro-Team cross country rider Mathias Fluckiger really wants a lower front end. Negative rise stem combined with a negative rise handlebar. I was so shocked I couldn't even focus.

Mondraker's Space Station and Ragot's Summum

MS Racing has always had a huge presence in the pits, this space station takes things to the next level.

Ragot's Summum

Plenty of soft velcro to keep things quiet. I wonder what mechanics do with the 'hook' side of the velcro?

Custom etched levers and Renthal glue and wire grips.

ER Pro.

I had a quick chat with Emmeline's mechanic Andy Ward:

Any changes for this week?
For this track we have gone with a shorter, 35mm stem and higher bars, just to get a better balance. She's feeling a lot more confident on it.

Tire pressures?
I can't divulge that kind of information!

Are you using Procore?
No we're not using Procore, but we have lowered the tire pressures a bit, just to try and get some more grip on the corners, it's pretty loose up there. That's pretty much it. We have found really good settings for her this year, but tweaked a few things since Leogang. She's feeling more lively on the bike now so will be interesting to see how things go for her tomorrow.

Commencal Supreme 20 Kid's

There was a tiny kid in the bike park last night sending 20 foot tables on one of these Commencal Supreme 20 Kids - the next generation of riders are going to have some serious skills.

Sam Dale on Flats

It's just f***ing sick isn't it. You can just go wherever you want and drift, it's rad.- Sam Dale

Mechanic Life

It's Not All Motorhomes, Mechanics and Masseurs

Not all the racers here get the luxury of full factory support. Katy Curd escapes the baking sun, while boyfriend / mechanic / chef / driver Jake keeps on top of the bike.

Miniature World Cup Pits

French XC racer Perry Aurelia and her dad's minature pit set-up.

Everything you need for a weekend at the races.

Truck, trailer and tent.

Tiny trailer bedroom.

Wanna Riot?

I wonder if these guys were at the City DH in Bratislava two weeks ago?

Elbows Out

If in doubt, elbows out.

Walking Wounded

He certainly wasn't the only guy modelling a sling this afternoon

Spaced out?

The stem spacer World Cup was happening in the next town...

Mechanic Life #2

Syndicate mechanic Tom Duncan was up a 6am to do an oil change, a full bottom end rebuild and change the reeds on the teams jet wash.

Must be some Aussie's

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Randoms

Author Info:

astonmtb
Member since Aug 23, 2009
486 articles

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94 Comments

182 0

cascadiac (Jul 3, 2015 at 12:42)

That conversation with Rat was awesome

160 0

ghostrider95 (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:29)

Anyone else read it in his voice?

44 1

Theeeeo (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:55)

I did. It was pretty hard, the words and sentences just rolled into one with no grammar at all and a cheeky fucking grin going on the whole time. Good old Rat!

106 0

inter71 (Jul 3, 2015 at 14:00)

Ha. Yeah, I could barely understand my thoughts.

FABIANBIKE (Jul 3, 2015 at 14:06)

Yeeeep... very funny... Ratboy idol!!

ReverseKanga (Jul 3, 2015 at 19:47)

My own voice right up until the first F***, then Rats supremely chilled out pipes just over took me.

grobi666 (Jul 5, 2015 at 11:05)

First time ever I was able to understand what he was saying.

megatryn FL (Jul 6, 2015 at 0:13)

50% bike check, 50% hair care. One gets all the things that matters with Ratty.

146 3

shr3d (Jul 3, 2015 at 12:49)

30 PSI in my minions I don't care about your opinions

18 9

Kerrypert (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:03)

are you a rapper :O

24 3

Centz9 FL (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:12)

"But I'm not a rapper"

37 0

hardyk (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:22)

when your mixtape is fire but you gotta ride your minions

15 1

timsim07 FL (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:39)

30 psi in my highrollers....

15 1

NotDannyHart (Jul 3, 2015 at 15:34)

80 psi in my Procore...

FlowMasterO (Jul 3, 2015 at 15:37)

@Kerrypert i think its spelled "w.r.a.p.p.e.e.r"

18 6

logcabm77 (Jul 3, 2015 at 15:43)

80 psi in my Procore, I don't care about all your folk-lore!!

15 1

panaphonic (Jul 3, 2015 at 19:33)

I run 30psi in my highroller 2s, cause I'm considerably faster than you's.

36 3

cuban-b (Jul 3, 2015 at 19:59)

I run 26psi front and 27.5 rear, because fuck 29

59 3

wake-n-rake (Jul 3, 2015 at 12:50)

30 psi? I thought super wide rims and 10 psi was the fastest? Has the internet been lying to me??

13 0

AGR97 (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:55)

It's all feel base in the end, when your bike is failed you'll know, numbers can't tell you otherwise, I also hate the casing roll Josh talks of, although I'm not sure I go at quite the same speed

AGR97 (Jul 3, 2015 at 14:12)

When your bike is dialed, damn autocorrect

WayneParsons (Jul 3, 2015 at 15:57)

you want to know how to set up your bike and what equipment to use? then look at WC downhillers. No super wide rims or squirrely air pressure there!

Silliker269 (Jul 3, 2015 at 18:57)

Well since you probably go about 1/3 the speed of Ratboy , no it has not

11 0

wake-n-rake (Jul 3, 2015 at 22:22)

Yeah, for the first time in history, mountain biking trends are being aimed towards pussies (I should be pleased in all honesty....I'm a prime candidate)

AGR97 (Jul 4, 2015 at 2:08)

@Silliker269 not sure I understand your comment?

FrEeZa (Jul 4, 2015 at 4:02)

I ride MTX 39 on 28-30psi. Works like a charm

Silliker269 (Jul 4, 2015 at 20:59)

@AGR97 Me neither, I was drunk last night lol

Seanyyboyy99 (Jul 5, 2015 at 4:59)

I tried running 35 in the front and 40 in the back.... Broke a few ribs...

25 1

GNARbikeparkUK (Jul 3, 2015 at 12:48)

Adam Brayton, true Cumbrian ! Always proud to display his helmet even if it is a bit fishy.

timmytuckshop (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:09)

iPad a bit fiddly especially with my fat digits. Neg props a mistake!

23 0

TranceLov3 (Jul 3, 2015 at 12:55)

Fox says you can't use high pressure washers on their kashima coat. Well f*ck the rules!

27 0

Fix-the-Spade (Jul 3, 2015 at 14:25)

When you get new ones for free you can.

J-McBride (Jul 3, 2015 at 14:51)

I didn't know that I always use the pressure washer on my bike, just try to avoid spraying directly on seals and bearings

16 0

bismojo (Jul 3, 2015 at 14:17)

I always use 30 PFSI (Pinch Finger System International) or 15 FPSI (Floor Pump Stroke Integrated) on my tires

11 0

emseens (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:01)

Now I can understand what Ratboy told...

10 0

LuvAZ (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:23)

What the Fluck's up with that handlebar?

blazekelly FL (Jul 3, 2015 at 14:37)

Anybody know what grip that is?

WayneParsons (Jul 3, 2015 at 15:58)

xc guys and bike set up. *shakes head

Robbo032 (Jul 3, 2015 at 18:43)

Grips are definitely ESIs. Might be their new Fit CRs.

blazekelly FL (Jul 3, 2015 at 23:09)

Thanks. I'll be looking those up. They look really soft and comfy.

Boardlife69 (Jul 4, 2015 at 13:17)

Maybe he should just throw his road bars on.

emmanuelwalls12 (Jul 3, 2015 at 16:11)

It is good to see small teams, not everything is giant tents or "space stations"

grahamt1980 (Jul 3, 2015 at 12:56)

That baby commie is awesome.
Can't wait to buy one for my kid (not born yet though.....)

Boardlife69 (Jul 4, 2015 at 13:21)

Yeah, and it has a 20mm thru axel. Cause the last thing we want is for our kids to experience the flex of 15mm.

grahamt1980 (Jul 4, 2015 at 13:29)

I'm already assuming that being small wheels the trails will feel dead for them though

kusa (Jul 3, 2015 at 12:35)

I run 32 psi and i thought they are a bit soft... eh. Maybe time to experiment a bit more

rideronthestorm1 (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:08)

yep I would drop them pressures a tad mate ! try 28f ,30 rear

chriskneeland (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:14)

I started running 27 rear 25 front this year. Grips superb, but my rims now need replacing.

rideronthestorm1 (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:23)

Yes bit of a compromise .too much pressure you loose grip and confidence ,too little pressure and you destroy rims and run the risk of punctures or burping !

japgezzy (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:27)

I run 22 in the front 28 rear on some ENVE's. No problems yet

HankBizzle (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:41)

Depends on the terrain for me, lots of swampy mud round our local trails so I run em well low, sometimes down to 20 in the front and not much more in the rear. Dry hardpack I run em higher, pretty much 30 both ends for more rolling speed.

16 0

Raggi-Boy (Jul 3, 2015 at 14:05)

It's funny people recommending pressures. It completely depends on discipline, riding style, ability, terrain, conditions, tyre... That's something you need to work out yourself or you're going to have a bad time.

blazekelly FL (Jul 3, 2015 at 23:09)

Lol I think I run 35 all around. I'll look into experimenting as well.

jlhenterprises (Jul 4, 2015 at 8:12)

@Raggi-Boy yup.
...and how much you weigh. Different tires=different pressures too.

Like rat said, the tire roll can be a problem at speed. My front had a slow leak and was down to about 20 on DHF DH tires before I noticed. Was a bit scary!

hypermoto (Jul 3, 2015 at 15:15)

I thought Bru was South Africa?

waxyfeet (Jul 3, 2015 at 15:28)

It is...Paul Aston got it wrong, along with the plural of "Aussies "

riish (Jul 3, 2015 at 16:32)

It's kiwi.

russthedog FL (Jul 3, 2015 at 16:42)

Riish is on it

panaphonic (Jul 3, 2015 at 19:39)

Kiwis say bro, bro.

russthedog FL (Jul 3, 2015 at 21:09)

Its sounds like bru to anyone other than a kiwi though

panaphonic (Jul 3, 2015 at 21:36)

That's funny. To us it sounds like we say bro and you guys say bru.

TyranT21 (Jul 4, 2015 at 4:48)

Kiwi's just have their vowels on shuffle and don't know it

iqbal-achieve (Jul 3, 2015 at 12:42)

youtu.be/0HtyF0jux2Q

Pixelbanger (Jul 3, 2015 at 15:20)

Is that song about tires?

waxyfeet (Jul 3, 2015 at 15:27)

The bru crew is South African

macross87 (Jul 3, 2015 at 12:39)

They make steerers that tall?

bigburd (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:09)

Good point !

AGR97 (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:56)

Mathias has this set up and I'm here trying to get my bars as high as possible....

twood92 (Jul 3, 2015 at 19:47)

What does the wire on the grips do? Have seen a couple riders with that set-up recently

aidy (Jul 4, 2015 at 0:53)

holds the grip in place, it's for traditional style grips, it allows the rider to run a thinner grip without making them hard on the hands due to the plastic locking sleeve inside the grip

Rider656 (Jul 3, 2015 at 22:54)

Good write up Paul Aston! Pics and descriptions are very entertaining!!!

dodobob (Jul 4, 2015 at 13:00)

Nice to see pics of some ordinary mortals that race. impresses me how they chace their dream

jordanneedsafork (Jul 4, 2015 at 16:12)

i wanna get that 20" supreme play with the geo a little and pop some bmx bars on it. a full sus bmx would be stupidly fun

Gfromars (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:00)

I use 30.9 psi(front) and 34.8 psi (real)in my dh minion dh f

44 1

Jimmy0 FL (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:30)

your life sounds like a struggle

deadtime (Jul 3, 2015 at 14:43)

Right!

10 1

panaphonic (Jul 3, 2015 at 19:44)

Actually, he probably uses 2.1 and 2.4 bar but converted it to psi so that you Americans could understand better.

Gfromars (Jul 6, 2015 at 4:12)

exactly

nutelladonut (Jul 3, 2015 at 20:56)

I thought high pressure washers were bad for bearings???

naptime FL (Jul 3, 2015 at 23:07)

That the Blacken jeep?
The bmx company

Blaenavonbutt (Jul 4, 2015 at 1:45)

What model Renthal grips are on Ragots bike?

teamkr (Sep 10, 2015 at 5:38)

Renthal Push On. Those ones are Kevlar.

troydon (Jul 4, 2015 at 8:15)

i'd change the last caption to "must be a south african"

chyu (Jul 3, 2015 at 12:44)

30psi front and rear ftw.

macross87 (Jul 3, 2015 at 12:45)

...depending on rider weight and terrain....

cuban-b (Jul 3, 2015 at 15:21)

And speed, ability, and gnarliness

Caiokv FL (Jul 3, 2015 at 17:59)

I ride on the safe side (for my rims) 30 front and 35 back. Grip isn't that great, but my rims last longer, and I don't ever get flats!

Below threshold threads are hidden

dars51 (Jul 3, 2015 at 16:24)

that dodge nitro though!

3 20

LeDuke (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:08)

Paul, you write some of the most inane shit I've ever read. No, Fluckinger's bar isn't upside down. We get it, you don't "get" XC. The little one-off jabs at it are tiresome.

astonmtb (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:21)

Sorry LeDuke. They genuinely looked like upside down bars, rolled around to give a comfortable sweep, and they were un-badged which made me think they were 'normal' bars.

They look like these Ritchey bars, which would make sense as they match they blurry stem:

ritcheylogic.com/mountain/bars/wcs-dive-blatte-mountain-bar.html

LeDuke (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:23)

Gotcha. I ride a similar setup on my 29er, using the Syntace Vector Carbon Low10, 740mm. Low and wide. www.syntace.com/index.cfm?pid=3&pk=2734

16 2

Ian-Collins (Jul 3, 2015 at 13:28)

LeDuke...do us all a favor and give that little white string a tug...pop a freshie in for us.

panaphonic (Jul 3, 2015 at 19:48)

I have seen a bike set up with the mythical upside down bars once before. It goes well with a flipped 110mm stem, those over shoe cover things, and a squid lid. Oh and don't forget the matching brand skinsuit.

HaydenBeck (Jul 5, 2015 at 21:42)

LeDuke was being lame. But he's right, making fun of XC riding is pretty douchey.