Tech Randoms - Lourdes DH World Cup 2017

Apr 27, 2017
by Ross Bell  
With the dawn of a new season comes fresh anticipation of new bikes and components. Sheltering from the dusting of snow at the top of the track we’ve compiled a selection of tasty tech from the heart of the Lourdes pits as the racers gear up for the first round of the World Cup. The onslaught of 29ers has, for now, yet to materialize… There's a whirlwind of rumors floating through the venue, though, so stay tuned.

The pits nestled at the bottom of the steep Pic du Jer track.
The pits nestled at the bottom of the steep Pic du Jer track.

Brendan Fairclough is sporting a fresh Deathgrip inspired colour scheme this weekend.
Brendan Fairclough is sporting a fresh Deathgrip-inspired color scheme this weekend.

Big rotors are a common theme throughout the pits this weekend.
Big rotors are a common theme throughout the pits this weekend.
A reach adjust headset ready for SCOTT new boy Gaetan Vige.
A reach adjust headset ready for SCOTT new boy Gaetan Vige.

He s gone up to a large frame this weekend but with the bigger frame felt the need to bring the bars closer.
He's gone up to a large frame this weekend but with the bigger frame felt the need to bring the bars closer.

Any guesses as to the company behind this rear shock kicking around the Polygon UR Team pits It s not who you might think...
Any guesses as to the company behind this shock kicking around the Polygon UR Team pits? It's not who you might think...

Trick Stuff - DIOETTISSIMA lever now adjustable without needing an allen key.
Trick Stuff - Direttissima lever, now adjustable without needing an Allen key.
Trickstuff Caliper on the back of Tracey Hannah s bike.
Trickstuff caliper on the back of Tracey Hannah's bike.

The new Kenda HellKat ready for it s World Cup debut.
The new Kenda HellKat ready for its World Cup debut.
A bit of a temperature check on Tracey Hannah s rear shock.
A bit of a temperature check on Tracey Hannah's shock.

Can Gwin continue where he left off in Lourdes last year
Aaron Gwin's YT Tues ready to rock and roll this weekend.

No Fox 49 to be seen here.
No Fox 49 to be seen here.
On the back is a DHX2 primed and ready for the Lourdes gnar.
On the back is a DHX2 primed and ready for the Lourdes gnar.

Since everyone s talking 29 wheels at the moment Aaron Gwinn s mechanic decided to whip up this custom 29 er specific shock just to keep people guessing.
Since everyone's talking 29" wheels at the moment, Aaron Gwin's mechanic decided to whip up this "custom" 29'er specific shock just to keep people guessing.
Gwin is running an XL YT Tues.
Gwin is running an XL YT Tues.

Mechanic John Hall giving Aaron s bike a strip down.
Mechanic John Hall giving Aaron's bike a strip down.

Finn Iles and Miranda Miller s new rides going together.
Finn Iles' and Miranda Miller's new rides are going together.
Finn Iles has a beautifully custom painted Specialized Demo in honor of being the current Junior World Champion.
Finn Iles has a beautifully custom painted Specialized Demo in honor of being the current Junior World Champion.

Bruni s new whip ready to finally go after the result he deserves here on home soil.
Bruni's new whip. ready to finally go after the result he deserves here on home soil.

Laurie Greenland and the MS Mondraker team have a new Summum colorway.
Laurie Greenland and the MS Mondraker team have a new Summum colorway.

The World Champion s lid featuring the one and only Ruby the bulldog.
The World Champion's lid, featuring the one and only Ruby the bulldog.

GT are fresh off the back of testing in San Remo last week giving the mechanics plenty to do.
GT are fresh off of testing in San Remo last week, giving the mechanics plenty to do.

Fresh frames for the GT boys.
Fresh frames for the GT boys.
Tire choice is likely to be a big talking point this weekend with the changeable weather.
Tire choice is likely to be a big talking point this weekend with the changeable weather.

Bikes have been getting complete rebuilds so they re in mint condition to do battle this weekend.
Bikes have been getting complete rebuilds so they're in mint condition to do battle this weekend.

The rear triangle off Loris Vergier s V10.
The rear triangle off Loris Vergier's V10 29er. After the initial testing on an aluminum rear end, the team are now up and running on the carbon version.
The bottom linkage complete with some dust from the South of France.
Detail of the bottom linkage complete with some dust from the South of France.

Big wheels need big tires - Santa Cruz have had a busy winter not only producing the V10 29er but pushing partners for new components to go with it.
Big wheels need big tires - Santa Cruz have had a busy winter, not only producing the V10 29er, but pushing partners for new components to go with it.

Fabien Barel is here complete with bike but only to oversee Troy and Mark. Unfortunately Scot Ruaridh Cunnigham is starting the season nursing his shoulder back to fitness.
Fabien Barel is here complete with bike, but only to oversee Troy and Mark. Unfortunately, Ruaridh Cunnigham is starting the season nursing his shoulder back to fitness.

The linkage has given slightly more control over bottom outs but isn t wildly different to the original linkage.
Canyon are entering a milestone weekend with a fresh linkage aboard the Sender, which has given slightly more control over bottom outs, but isn't wildly different to the original.

Troy Brosnan has shown up to Lourdes with some rather monstrous 220mm disc rotors.
Troy Brosnan has shown up to Lourdes with some rather monstrous 220mm disc rotors.

Jordi Cortes servicing the Fox 49 of Luca Shaw.
The fork that's caused quite the stir this week. Jordi Cortes gets to work on the Fox 49 of Luca Shaw.

The tech supports teams have had a busy few days.
The tech supports teams have had a busy few days.
The Fox boys have plenty to keep them occupied.
The Fox boys have plenty to keep them occupied.

Trek have two new faces this year in Kade Edwards and Graeme Mudd but when will there be a new bike to go alongside
Trek have two new faces this year in Kade Edwards and Graeme Mudd, but when will there be a new bike to go alongside?

Norco aren t wanting to reveal anything about their new frame until or rather if it enters production.
Norco aren't wanting to reveal anything about their new frame until, or rather if, it enters production.

Blenki s forks getting a rebuild from the SRAM tech team.
Blenki's forks getting a rebuild from the SRAM tech team.
Cleaned of NZ dust.
Cleaned of New Zealand dust.


Connor Fearon s shock getting some TLC.
Connor Fearon's shock getting some TLC. Nothing fancy, just a standard rebuild to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Although there s an air shock bolted in for the moment its likely that Connor will try a coil shock this weekend too according to his mechanic.
Although there's an air shock bolted in for the moment, it's likely that Connor will try a coil shock this weekend too, according to his mechanic.

Unlike Connor Josh Button already has a Coil in the back of his Operator.
Unlike Connor, Josh Button already has a coil on the back of his Operator.

Bikes are getting cleaned and polished but its not likely to last long. Rain has been falling the last two days.
Bikes are getting cleaned and polished, but it's not likely to last long. Rain has been falling the last two days.

Spares and bikes arriving for the Commencal squad no 29ers just yet...
Spares and bikes arriving for the Commencal squad. No 29ers just yet...

SRAM launched the new Code brakes this week and are already plugged onto their factory team bikes.
SRAM launched the new Code brakes this week and they are already plugged onto their factory team bikes.
Remi Thirion is racing the new Codes.
Remi Thirion is racing the new Codes.

Dean Lucas s Intense M16 in the new IFR team colorway.
Dean Lucas's Intense M16 in the new IFR team colorway.



MENTIONS: @davetrumpore / @natedh9 / @rossbellphoto


Author Info:
rossbellphoto avatar

Member since Apr 25, 2010
145 articles

183 Comments
  • 220 2
 A temperature checker on the shock? I want that. Just to be even more confused
  • 221 4
 "Yep, my shock was running at 54 degrees for that bit"
"Cool... what does that mean?"
"... I'm not sure, but I'll give it few more clicks of low speed - should sort it out"
  • 9 3
 @Clarkeh: hahhah....dude I would give you ten up votes if i could! that made me laugh!! Wink )
  • 177 3
 220mm?!?
"203aintdead"
  • 10 0
 frustrating that SRAM doesn't make 203mm centerline rotors, but here we have 220mm centerline rotors.
  • 2 0
 @tim-from-pa: yep, it shits me too, I have one bike with shimano and 203 rotors and one with sram 200, it would nice to be able to swap wheelsets.
  • 6 0
 @tim-from-pa: 00.5018.037.011 SRAM/Avid Centerline 6-Bolt Rotor 203mm
  • 1 0
 @yourwelcome: Those aren't listed on SRAM's website, or in the spare parts catalogue. Has anyone bought these and verified they are in fact 203 and not 200?
  • 4 0
 @tim-from-pa: I believe they have been discontinued by SRAM, but you should be able to have your local IBD source. I believe from QBP or Hawley. Have them reference the SRAM part number. I purchased a set for last summer. Hope this helps.
  • 4 0
 @yourwelcome: QBP stocks them. Part #BR6919
  • 7 0
 @yourwelcome: username checks out
  • 3 0
 @Kickmehard: if you just put 1.5 mill washers under the the bike with the 200 mill rotors then u can run both sets of wheels.. its only 3 mill dif from 200 to 203 so thats 1.5 mill on each side of the rotor.
  • 69 1
 That trek is a new bike. It has the shock mounted to the front triangle instead of linked to the chainstay like the current bike. Looks like the current bike but if you look at the rear triangle and the tubing it's completely different as well.
  • 23 1
 Maybe a 29 session in carbon, looks quite similar to the slash 29.
  • 13 0
 Good eye
  • 59 0
 @src248: good eye to eye
  • 10 1
 which now looks like the exact same linkage as the old norco aurums ...
  • 8 0
 yeah well seen. looks like no full floater like the new slash. dirt was live today in the pits and wasnt allowed to go into treks team tent. pretty sure they are on 29ers too
  • 4 0
 yeap 29er
  • 9 1
 Doesn't look like a session?
  • 1 0
 Spot on.
  • 1 0
 Good eye. Just like the new slash.
  • 2 0
 Yep. At first I thought it was a Slash, but then realized the lower shock mount is slightly different, as is the top tube shape near the head tube. Definitely the new Session 29'r...
  • 2 1
 Could it just be the new slash?
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: Nope. Look at the lower shock mount. Also notice the lack of downtube protection right behind the head tube. Session.
  • 2 0
 Biggest give away to me is the rocker is linked at the back of the seat tube like all previous sessions, the rocker on the trail bikes connect in front of the seat tube.
  • 2 0
 session lost it's floating shock last year
  • 2 0
 @kkmb: but looks like a Trek
  • 64 6
 Dat tube wrap job on the norco....good god!
  • 12 1
 That is some cheapo, ghetto work there. Are they that tight on budget??
  • 12 0
 Maybe they have spent the team budget on dog food. I can only hope to be that dog someday.
  • 17 1
 It's covering the adjustable mechanism of the chainstay, which allows it to extend to accept 29in wheels...
  • 6 6
 Arghhhh my eyes! My eyyyyes...no amount of suspension-drivetrain independence is worth this...I'd rather run a single pivot and have everyone preach at me about pedal induced suspension bob...
  • 1 0
 xx
  • 2 0
 Piss poor effort by that mechcanic
  • 1 1
 @Altron: up-voted for what it's worth
  • 41 1
 not really a plus for the new code brakes, when a 70 kg rider takes a 220 rotor at the rear... ????
  • 5 4
 It's required for the new proto linkage that provides more pro gress ion, means Troy is riding so fast he needs bigger rotor for dissapation of heat, clearly you arent fast enough if you are still riding 203mm!
  • 39 0
 Daaaamn the M16 looks like straight outa Tron Legacy Big Grin
  • 4 0
 That's a good thing right? cuz I think that thing looks amazing
  • 38 0
 JESUS Brendog's new Gambler looks so SIIIIIIIIIIICK!!!! *Drool*
  • 27 0
 Gwin is 5'10" on an XL. Anyone's who is actually an XL person is SOL.
  • 6 1
 That's precisely how I read that too... Although he hits stuff an offer of magnitude harder than I can
  • 1 0
 **
  • 2 1
 Tues xl is closer to most others large.
  • 2 0
 He prob wants the long wheel base and reach, prob running a super short stem, CENTERED!!
  • 1 0
 I'm not gonna go look but I think the Tues has almost identical reach on all sizes. Sincerely, Guy Talinoutofhisass
  • 22 1
 Dean Lucas's M16 looks Intense
  • 3 0
 looks like a 1970's sofa............
  • 3 0
 @nojzilla: I like it. A lot.
  • 16 1
 "Big rotors are a common theme throughout the pits this weekend."

You mean.... just like every other DH race? I don't think anyone is going to run 160 rotors on their DH rigs..?
  • 2 0
 Look at the Sam Hill Ironhorse rotors
  • 15 0
 I really hope Sam's Norco does well, I'm interested in how it preforms!
  • 6 0
 Same, it's such a cool frame. Really want it to be produced
  • 2 0
 Yeah. The Aurum's new suspension linkage looks almost exactly like Evil's DELTA suspension, but quite a bit cleaner.
  • 12 1
 I want to see more of that Norco, got my attention..
  • 9 0
 So what are the rumours? Surely Trek are bringing 29ers. Guess we'll know tomorrow...
  • 5 0
 I think you're correct - check out 17:44 www.facebook.com/DirtMountainbike/videos/1354320807938527
  • 3 0
 @Loamhuck: cheers for the link, maybe I need to get on Facebook, that was well worth a watch!
  • 4 0
 Really interesting vid, Minnaar and Peaty seem a little defensive on 29ers, get the feeling a lot of teams are opposed, Brendan/Page made some good points against the change.
  • 4 2
 @Loamhuck: Jeez Atherton sure gets a bit defensive about interviewer knowing he came early.
  • 1 0
 @PHeller: wait to see who else is on a 29er guys!!!!!! Santa Cruz is just loving the hype....funny that you'll see more than two 29ers at the race! Just to be clear...it was on vital but I could only get the link via Facebook. I hate that site haha
  • 1 0
 And here is the Trek 29er!!!!!!!!! Look at rear triangle. Not floating. m.pinkbike.com/news/tech-randoms-lourdes-world-cup-2017.html
  • 3 0
 @PHeller: I dunno man, I once came too soon and it really annoyed my wife, I can see why he's cagey about it... Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @pimpin-gimp: i enjoyed the hell put of that FB live feed, except the part where the Trek crew acted surprised and cagey about 29ers....when they were debuted theirs earlier this week and are working in a pit with SEE THROUGH windows.

I think GM and Peaty KNOW the big wheels are gonna help the tall guys. Will be most interesting into see how Luca (6 feet) & Loris (under 6 feet) perform. Sure, both will have wagon wheels, but their height might play a factor like Barel implied.

Would be surprised for it to help Loris, since he's literally on a new brand, suspension and wheel size. If the larger wheel is an advantage, it may only allow him to finish similar to past results until he's used to all the changes .
  • 10 0
 Gwinn on an XL? How tall is he again?
  • 5 2
 gwin on ONZA tires ?
  • 2 0
 @RedBurn: when the surface is deep he will still riding shortys since onza doesn't have a mid-spike Wink
  • 2 3
 @RedBurn: he was on Onza last year! Nothing new, move along!
  • 5 0
 @Maverickdh00: Whats different is that hes actually riding them, not just blacked out Maxxis
  • 8 0
 I counted the number 29 exactly 29 times.
  • 5 0
 iluminati
  • 4 0
 @kanasasa: Knights Templar!
  • 9 0
 That Demo is pure sex
  • 6 1
 Bruni's colour scheme is the same as my dad's 1990 Bianchi Grizzly aka the black beauty. Two water bottle holders. Ahead of its time haha
  • 3 1
 Demos arent my favorite DH rig, but that color scheme makes me question my judgement.
  • 2 0
 From 1980
  • 1 0
 Athertons were running that frame at Nant G ,BDS Just like a slash 29er beefed up with a wider flatter top tube Bottom shock mount direct to the frame and beefier seat and chain stays with internal cable routing Had 27.5 wheels but probably designed to take 29 Why would they go to all that effort for a new 27.5 frame They will definitely be wheeling out the 29er tomorrow
  • 1 0
 Two questions: 1) What is the purpose of a FOX 49 when many people complain about the 40s being overly stiff and 2) What is up with the switch on the secret shock, is this a type of manual damping control for fast vs rough, or related to gear position i.e., taller gears have higher damping rates assuming faster speeds? I wouldn't think there are many pedally sections at Lourdes, no?
  • 1 0
 The 49 is a 29er fork . . .
  • 1 0
 @mgolder: So is it 49mm diameter tubes, I guess should be my question. If 40s are considered very stiff, why not just make a 40/29? They make 40's for 26 & 27.5 so what is the difference other than offset for rake & trail differences? My streetbike has 48mm fork tubes & it weighs almost 500#, you can't tell me a 29" bicycle requires even larger diameter tubes than my motorcycle.
  • 1 0
 @skidrumr: it is just a 40 for twenty niners... Fox didn't go with there normal wording when it comes to this beast... 49 sums up both
  • 4 0
 220mm rotors... Called it. Wheres my cookie.
  • 1 0
 250"is better!
  • 6 2
 220 mm rotors for the little troy seems weird no ?
  • 12 2
 It's sram. Compensating the lack of power with bigger rotors, they will say "it's 29er specific"
  • 4 0
 @zede: or ebikes .... anyway it's bad
  • 2 1
 big rotors keep temperatures down...more consistent braking
  • 6 3
 He's faster than u, deal with it
  • 3 0
 Brake mount stacker on brosnans canyon, wow thats tall. I wounder how much force will be on that frame under braking.
  • 4 0
 Some serious bike porn, I'm excited
  • 3 0
 U had me at porn
  • 8 6
 These bikes looked amazing, then I saw the M16. Looks like someone shit mardi gras all over it. Please stop with all the crazy color schemes!
  • 5 1
 That's interesting because I think it is the best looking bike of the lot!
  • 1 0
 @jaame: It just comes down to taste I guess. I can't stand crazy stripes with funky plaids either.
  • 4 1
 When is the UCI going to fine Intense for being so damn loud and obnoxious!?
  • 3 0
 The UCI is loud and obnoxious, they wouldn't know wth you are on about!
  • 3 0
 Polygon -> SR Suntour new shock...?
  • 2 0
 The shock reservoir looks like an adapted Dhx5. I would say its from a really small company, maybe still testing.
  • 3 0
 If the Polygon shock's not Suntour, then maybe Trickstuff?
  • 2 0
 Maybe that Naild company they licence the suspension off for the new enduro bike?
  • 1 0
 I think yes shock's from proto Trickstuff ...
  • 1 0
 @Lapache: maybe you are right... But I guess it is from their engineer and from his brand called intend...
  • 1 0
 Trek change your frame way to long same thing loosing customers because of that keep 9.9 but come out with something different
  • 3 0
 Beautiful bikes !!!
  • 2 0
 This norco look like a mix between a gambler and a commencal ..
  • 2 0
 This article is pure pornography!
  • 1 0
 pic 3 Brendogs bike - new saint with two different size pistons? Or am I wrong?
  • 1 0
 I think this year has got to be sporting some of the mixes looking vines yet! Honestly!
  • 2 0
 Silver, black and orange seem to be a theme. Not a bad thing at all.
  • 1 0
 Bike porn everywhere, don't shoot your load till you see how fast they go lads.
  • 2 0
 29er is the new game, beer in hand!
  • 2 0
 Chainstay protection on the Norco. A piece of art
  • 1 0
 Man, downhill rigs have gotten sexy. Every one of them's just a work of art.
  • 1 0
 DH has gotten sexy and the air has gotten dirty!
  • 1 0
 Options on 29"
Not everyone needs them, certainly not me at under 5'7". 650B max.
  • 1 0
 scott rear suspension is overly and unnecessary complicated which demises it's performance.
  • 4 3
 I'll keep the 29er hate to myself. Go Aaron!
  • 4 1
 You didn't though
  • 1 1
 Is Danny on a 29er ? Haven't seen his bike yet, unless I have missed it somewhere.
  • 1 1
 yes
  • 1 0
 No
  • 1 0
 does that gambler have a new linkage? I ca't tell
  • 2 0
 #27point5aintdead
  • 3 1
 220 disc...Holly CODE Smile
  • 1 0
 New Code is shit, for that use 220mm
  • 3 0
 @torero: Saints would only need 180mm
  • 2 0
 silver is the new black
  • 1 0
 I would say that Orange is the new Blue....
  • 2 1
 So what is the coil shock on the Polygon?? Clearance looks minimal...
  • 1 1
 Likely Suntour
  • 1 0
 @rnayel: Not a Suntour, RS, FOX, BOS, Eleven 6, or....
  • 2 1
 @rnayel: or DVO, that would be neat
  • 3 1
 @davetrumpore: Öhlins?
  • 2 0
 Trickstuff? Looks like it has a lockout of some sort too.
  • 1 0
 youtu.be/ql24g0XntMk?t=1m48s
Does anybody recognize the "e"?
  • 2 0
 @whattheheel: If it was a Trickstuff it would rather be sold as an "Intend", like the forks.
  • 1 2
 Its unlike rock shox to show something so early in development, but i know they are leading the charge with on the fly coils. I'm Going for RS. Either that or it's BOS with Antidote Telemetry pissing around with something
  • 1 0
 Stendec
  • 2 0
 @dtm1: Stendec = EXT and their shocks look quite dialed in already: www.extremeshox.com/en/bikes/welcome
  • 1 0
 Can't wait to see the 29er down hill bike in action.
  • 2 1
 Ouch, that M16, BOOOOoooommmmMMMM !!!!
  • 1 0
 It's raining,you say? I'm putting my money on Thirion,then.
  • 1 1
 2929292929292929292929292929292929292929292929292929292929292929292929292929292929292929
  • 1 0
 Why there is no Dannys bike, 9er hidden in the box?
  • 1 0
 Grey Is the new black
  • 1 0
 Big brakes
  • 9 9
 That Session looks like a V10 29er
  • 9 0
 For sure not
  • 3 0
 Is that pic a Session or a Slash, because if it's a Session it has no floating shock, so is a new frame?
  • 4 0
 @zzRider: Definitely the new Session 29er.
  • 1 0
 @zzRider: it looks like a Trek
  • 3 3
 Suntour for the shock on the polygon
  • 3 0
 Nope... Not Suntour
  • 2 0
 @davetrumpore: Bilstein? Koni? or keep guessing?
  • 1 0
 @davetrumpore: How about something from NAILD? Polygon has been working with them on the R3ACT enduro bike.
  • 1 0
 Magura?
  • 1 0
 @rnayel: Why would they design a conventional shock that works with classic linkages? They explicitely said the Fox they were using had way less damping than any other damper.
  • 1 0
 @Blablablup123: Maybe the design allows for better (lighter) tuning. Honestly, your question makes sense. I wonder when Dave is going to spill the beans.
  • 1 1
 Is the polygon shock an eleven 6??
  • 2 2
 AARON ON ONZA TIRES ?? for real ???
  • 1 2
 So last year, really u are this slow
  • 1 2
 Ihttp://s2.quickmeme.com/img/cb/cb97522522c11f9c939baa614eaa41edbdfa2c76c0cbe713569c240abae4fea2.jpg
  • 2 2
 29er 29er 29er 29er 29er...blah blah blah
  • 2 2
 Gonna be tacos this weekend for sure.
  • 1 0
 and Manon ? Smile
  • 1 0
 Lourdes FTW
  • 1 0
 THAT'S INTENSE!
  • 1 0
 Sooo many nice bikes!
  • 1 3
 Come on Commencal, come out with a long travel Aluminum 29er just like the new Meta V4.2 AM Please and Thank You.
  • 1 1
 #AirShockAin'tDead
  • 1 3
 Was there a single air shock?
  • 2 4
 Breaking News: Gwin rides a 29er at Lourdes.
  • 2 0
 Braking news Gwin wins on a Jeffsey!
  • 1 3
 Suntour Shock
  • 1 0
 yes,sure. They were working on it a few weeks ago
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