Tech Randoms: Maribor Downhill World Cup 2021

Aug 12, 2021
by Ross Bell  
Maribor plays host to the third round of the Downhill World Cup in 2021. It's been a sweltering start to proceedings in Slovenia with super dry and dusty conditions lying in wait for the racers tomorrow, so the mechanics were busy prepping bikes for what's likely to be a fast and rough race track. We've gone for a lap of the pits to see what was going down.

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Little details on Loris Vergier's latest build, but we're not allowed to show anything else just yet!

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The Canyon boys have some fresh colour schemes.

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Matt Walker's Saracen Myst sitting pretty in the pits.

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Pirelli's latest prototype features an updated profile and new side knobs with a more consistent leading edge.

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We'll give you one guess as to whose bike this is...

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There was plenty of brake bleeds going down in the pits today.

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Final touches being made to David Trummer's race bike.

Can t be forgetting Brook MacDonald s settings.
Can't be forgetting Brook MacDonald's settings.

Benoit preps the Bulldog s Summum.
Benoit preps the Bulldog's Summum.

The World s second fastest lady-bike right now as modelled by her lumber-mechanic Jake.
The world's second fastest women's bike right now, as modelled by her lumber-mechanic, Jake.
Phoebe Gale and her number 1 plate - equipped Canyon Sender.
Phoebe Gale and her #1 plate-equipped Canyon Sender.

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The Commencal 21 Team is running the Hayes Dominion brakes this season.

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Flo Payet is running a custom stem from Syncros that is 60mm in length with a low rise.

Loic Bruni s Demo has got a new paint job.
Loic Bruni's Demo has a new paint job.

A big Merci from Bruni.
A big Merci from Bruni.
Loic gives a big shout out to the fans with his new colours.
Loic gives a big shout out to the fans with his new colours.

Finn Iles fresh paint.
Finn Iles' fresh paint.

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Not often the Ohlins get a custom touch.
It's not often the Ohlins parts get a custom touch.

Finn Iles 3D printed Magura.
Finn Iles' 3D printed Magura.

Bruni wasn t the only one with new colours over at the Specialized tent.
Bruni wasn't the only one with new colours over at the Specialized tent.

These two Canadian legends gracing the seat tube on Finn s bike.
These two Canadian legends gracing the seat tube on Finn's bike.
Crazy ice crystal details featured in Finn Iles new paint scheme.
Crazy ice crystal details featured in Finn Iles' new paint scheme.

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Fresh decals on the ENVE wheels in the Commencal Muc-Off pits.

Sram has got a cool new toy in the shape of a fancy piston spreader.
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SRAM has a cool new toy in the shape of a fancy piston spreader.

The two wedges working in unison as you turn the dial.
The two wedges work in unison as you turn the dial.
The device helps pushing back the pistons evenly and simultaneously.
The device helps to push back the pistons evenly and simultaneously.

New hoops being laced up over at DT Swiss. This track is hard pack and laced with square edge hits ready to eat.
New hoops being laced up over at DT Swiss. This track is hard pack and laced with square edge hits ready to eat.
New hoops being laced up over at DT Swiss. This track is hard packed and full of square edge hits ready to eat.

A fresh batch of raviolis being made from scratch in the Norco tent.
A fresh batch of ravioli being made from scratch in the Norco tent.

Everything gold over at Fox.
Everything gold over at Fox.

Seth Sherlock shows off his fresh prototype Intense.
Seth Sherlock shows off his fresh prototype Intense.

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photo

Boxxers abound at the Propain pit.
Boxxers abound at the Propain pit.

Time to clean up some shocks that saw all the action from the IXS cup last week.
Time to clean up some shocks that saw all the action from the IXS cup last week.

New Sixpack clip pedals.
New Sixpack clip pedals.

One bike that sadly won t be seeing any action this weekend.. Dak Norton s Tues gets the weekend off thanks to a positive Covid test.
One bike that sadly won't be seeing any action this weekend. Dak Norton's Tues gets the weekend off due to a positive Covid test.

Connor Fearon s Kona operator coming together.
Connor Fearon's Kona operator coming together.
Connor s mechinc dialling in his Sram stoppers.
Connor's mechanic dialling in his SRAM stoppers.

Connor has declared it officially warm here in Maribor even by Aussie standards.
Connor has declared it officially warm here in Maribor, even by Aussie standards.

Millie Johnset and her Atherton machine will be ones to watch this weekend after a strong finish in Les Gets.
Millie Johnset and her Atherton machine will be ones to watch this weekend after a strong finish in Les Gets.
Charlie Hatton s crazy powerful Trickstuff Maxima brakes.
Charlie Hatton's crazy powerful Trickstuff Maxima brakes.

Marshy finishing the bleed on Dean Lucas Gambler.
Marshy finishing the bleed on Dean Lucas Gambler.


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Randoms World Cup DH Maribor World Cup Dh 2021 World Cup Dh Tech


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124 Comments
  • 130 2
 FIILNENS????
  • 3 0
 Not just me who’s wondering what it means then
  • 59 0
 Finn’s bike looks amazing. Love the colors and the style.
  • 5 0
 I always assumed these ‘new paint jobs’ were brand new frames?

Are they the same frame and just new paint, or a completely new frame ?
  • 13 5
 @Waldon83: 100% will be new frames. They will be playing about with the geometry all the time and these guys will be cracking frames a lot. An alloy frame costs buttons to make and they will have loads of spares.

I spoke to Steve Peat's mechanic, and he said they can get a new bike built up in 45 mins if a frame cracks like Greg's did a few years ago on that timber post.
  • 13 1
 My daughter loves Finn Iles' paint job (yeah, Frozen)
  • 57 0
 bring the piston press to market and i will buy it
  • 15 1
 ask your gynecologist
  • 36 14
 Does that guy put on and take off all those bracelets every day? Or live in them?
If he doesn't take them off they must stink.
If you dress up every day with them its a bit try-hard.

Anyway , cool disc tool and come on Connor !!
  • 7 0
 He probably doesn't take them off, at least that would be my guess.
  • 5 0
 Bet there's a wicked tan line under them
  • 79 0
 curse you. I had to scroll all the way back up.
  • 3 0
 With that many on I wouldn't even bother asking him where he'd been traveling. Everywhere would be the answer.
  • 3 0
 Sweaty bracelets that smell like nipple lube can’t deter a Pinkbike photographer!
  • 22 0
 It's the Johnny Depp Starter Pack.
  • 4 0
 At next week’s race: “Dude, where did your bracelets go?” Response: “I decided to get rid of them.”


True answer: “My buddies saw the Pinkbike comments and gave me so much crap about it, I got ride of them.”
  • 5 0
 Some of the Bracelets are music festival entry passes. This means that he has been wearing them for many years!
  • 1 4
 @carym: "got ride of them" ? ok
  • 2 0
 @likeittacky: Big fingers, small phone. Typos happen.
  • 1 9
flag likeittacky (Aug 12, 2021 at 21:26) (Below Threshold)
 @carym: so your claiming that your fat finger added e with d? Doubt it, more like a Brain fart; lol it happens of course!
  • 2 2
 @Three6ty: Little does he know that ladies will avoid him like the plague as his nasty 3 year old wristbands scream out FREE UTI INFECTIONS HERE
  • 1 0
 Like the old lift tickets on zippers! LOLs @Mcbellamy:
  • 1 0
 @Mcbellamy: or that he did hella drugs this year
  • 2 0
 Some look like festival passes, some look like kandi (charm bracelets that random people come up and give to you at festivals) After 2020 and no live music I can't imagine looking down at all of those every day and going fuuuuuuuu
  • 21 0
 Feel for Dak!! Kids a ripper
  • 32 36
flag likeittacky (Aug 12, 2021 at 18:41) (Below Threshold)
 unless hes feeling ill, he should have got retested. So many of those test have been wrong; its a joke!
  • 5 3
 @likeittacky: i really don‘t get why you are being downvoted already man this is hilarious.
  • 5 6
 @likeittacky: lateral flow tests yes, but I imagine at an event like this it would've been more likely to be a PCR test which are way more accurate.
  • 7 3
 @hambobet: It's concerning how many of the lateral flow test given out by the government are faulty
  • 2 2
 @Jules15: not faulty - they're just inherently less accurate - have been since day one and the government still decided to roll them out and not inform the public about the accuracy levels. Can be 50% even when performed by a trained nurse. Problem is people think if they are negative that they can do what they want - instilling a feeling that riskier behaviour is fine; such as not maintaining social distancing etc. This actually means these tests can increase transmission rates. Another baffling move by the UK gov
  • 3 0
 @hambobet: At my school we all had to do lateral flow tests twice a week then when they made us do a PCR test approx 1000 came back positive that came up negative on the Lateral flow
  • 21 0
 I thought marshy had retired?
  • 4 0
 I thought so too!!
  • 12 0
 Probably just retired from dealing with a puzzling GOAT I’m guessing.
  • 1 0
 I think he got an offer he couldn't refuse
  • 1 2
 If I had to guess he is a freelancer and the Sydicate didn't treat him well during the Corona break
  • 14 2
 I notice the DT Swiss guy is taping two rims together to do a rim swap. I've found it faster to 1: tape all the spoke crosses together. 2a: use a driver to undo ALL the nipples all the way all at once. 2b: Remove the old rim. You now have a hub with all the spokes still in place, but no rim. 3: Put the new rim on, put on nipples, and do up a few turns for each spoke with the driver and finish off with the wrench. If you are really OCD you can count how many turns each spoke comes off and then do that minus 1/2 turn with the driver and then finish off with the wrench.
  • 4 4
 Excellent!
  • 2 0
 That's a great shout. I did what the DT dude is doing as a kid when I trashed a rim. But presumably if the rim's taken enough of a hit to need replacing, presumably at least some of the spokes are toast?
  • 3 0
 That’s a sweet technique but taping and Untaping every cross is a lot of work.
  • 13 3
 Piston spreader....I assumed this had to be a thing already. Surprised its not. What has everyone been using up to this point? I just use a plastic tire lever..the bend of the lever helps get in there to push the piston all the way to the back and the plastic ensures nothing is damaged.
  • 2 0
 One of the plastic pieces that comes with the SRAM bleed kits does alright but I like the look of that much better.
  • 4 0
 I modified a pair of Knipex pliers so they fit into the caliper and can push the pistons back. Works a treat!
  • 7 1
 I find it annoying how often the pistons seem to need to be "reset" on my Code Rs. I'm not sure if it's such a problem with other brake calipers, but with my SRAM's it seems to need it way too often for them to work 100%.
  • 13 0
 Pedros lever is slightly better than Parks. Also Pedros lever is a more durable beer opener. Walmart lever by Schwinn makes ok beer opener but does not lever beads or compress pistons very well. The big question remains does the piston spreader open beers well.
  • 3 0
 @ohbmxer: I have Avid XO trails from... 2014? and every pad change requires a bleed and piston reset.
  • 2 1
 @ohbmxer: The levers on those were horribly designed and they prevent the pistons from returning. You can buy rebuild kits that apparently fix it (if that is the problem you're having) but I just swapped mine for SLX and couldn't be happier
  • 3 1
 Seems like you could approximate the piston spreader using a $5 pack of composite shims from your local hardware store - just take two, slide them in the caliper from opposite ends, keep pushing til you can't see piston anymore. No fancy anodizing or dials though.

Tire levers work too.
  • 1 0
 @ohbmxer: something is wrong then. It only should be done when you change brake pads or do a bleed.
  • 2 0
 I would like this tool. I would also like a bleed block with one quarter missing.
  • 4 0
 @ohbmxer: Uneven seal friction. Extend the pistons and coat the sliding faces with DOT grease then reseat them and clean the calliper.
  • 2 0
 Have a look at the Birzman ' Disc Brake Piston Pusher'. There has been a need for this product for decades!! www.birzman.com/products_2.php?uID=2&cID=4&Key=342
  • 3 1
 a screwdriver. for well over a decade. never had any issues. unitaskers for unitaskers sake can be fucked. all it takes is the tiniest bit of care, and not being a hamfisted dee-dee-dee.
  • 6 0
 Take a look a the the very advanced Trickstuff piston spreader:

www.trickstuff-shop.de/epages/TrickstuffGmbH44313886.sf/en_GB/?ViewObjectPath=%2FShops%2FTrickstuffGmbH44313886%2FProducts%2FWZBKWZ
  • 1 0
 @corporaltedbronson: how often do you replace your pads though?
  • 1 0
 @jaame: you need at least two of them, or some tool with sliding piston blockers, or something LEGO style, but at an absurdly high "MTB price tag", of course Big Grin
  • 2 0
 @Aptlynamed: that makes me so happy. lol
  • 1 0
 Unior makes one. uniorusa.com/products/disc-brake-piston-spreader
  • 1 0
 @runbrung: Oof! $29.99 and it doesn't do both sides at once?!....I'll stick with my plastic Park tire lever...or the wooden stick (lol) @Aptlynamed linked to
  • 1 0
 @jclnv: I have some old Castrol red rubber grease - I'll try that. Good looking out.
  • 11 0
 Marshy ? Don’t get it . I thought he is done with WC ? Can anyone refresh my memory? Pls
  • 5 0
 Matt Walker's Saracen Myst front triangle is alloy? Guessing it's a prototype. Looks great. And I'm digging the simple, clean paint job on it.
  • 5 0
 Can't say I miss the yellow Magura brakes on the Demos. I get that's an iconic colour but it really stood out and never matched with anything.
  • 2 0
 They matched perfectly with those fluo Commençals. I miss those colors a lot!
  • 6 0
 Is someone still racing in Maribor ??
  • 2 0
 For real. This might be my chance
  • 5 0
 Well I want trickstuff, but the dominion is what I'll settle with for my want
  • 1 0
 You won’t be disappointed. They’re the best brakes I’ve ridden. I weigh about 240lb and like to barge through things.
  • 3 0
 Does anyone know what Blue Loctite number that guy is using on Trummer's bike (in stead of the damn expensive loctite rebranded dt spoke freeze)?
  • 3 0
 If you were to use anything, it would be "Pink" 222
  • 2 0
 I use Loctite 222 in lieu of spoke prep
www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/en/product/threadlockers/loctite_222.html
  • 1 0
 @justinb03: I swear that ninth picture (from the top) looks like blue loctite/
  • 5 0
 @hellanorcal: I guess if the wheel is only expected to last for one race, you can use whatever you want eh?
  • 4 1
 My guess is it will be "some loctite" that the guy had already and decided would be useful to take to a wc. Honestly, most techs don't overthink these things.
  • 3 0
 Blue is most likely Loctite 243...?
  • 4 0
 @hellanorcal: I use beaver spit over loctite
  • 5 3
 Never understood loctite or spoke freeze on nipples, I don’t know many people that tune their guitar and then loctite the tuners in place. Proper tension should be all that needed.
  • 6 1
 @NielsensBicycles: This guy tensions.
  • 2 4
 @NielsensBicycles: This is world cup DH, not guitar practice.
  • 2 0
 @NielsensBicycles: I agree in theory. For most wheels, loctite is a terrible idea that makes the wheel essentially un-trueable if anything goes a bit wonky further down the line. For a WC level racer though, things are different. The wheel doesn't need to last years and years and be trued multiple times, it just needs to make it to the bottom of one run no matter what. Loctite will help everything hold together when something has gone catastrophically wrong (like multiple snapped spokes) and the rider is carrying on smashing the wheel into things anyway cos they have a race to win.
  • 1 0
 @DoubleCrownAddict: really? I swore it was an iron maiden concert
  • 1 0
 @justinb03:
  • 1 0
 @NielsensBicycles: tension SHOULD be enough to keep them from backing off. If you run radially compliant wheels (likes stans) then the spoke can go totally slack during heavy hits and the nipples vibrate off. Sapim secure lock nipples have two dimples that deform the threads and make it like a lockout. Prep with triflow or wax or whatever to prevent seizing and run the locking nipples and no more issues
  • 5 0
 Another Vote for Dominions
  • 2 0
 first time to see a sixpack clipless pedal, had to do a double take because it looked like a combination of cb mallets for the frame and the clip mechanism from shimano. and nice to see Marshy again!
  • 4 0
 Spesh and Intense make lots of plastic bikes . But these aluminum sleds driven by the pros are far more sexy.
  • 5 2
 Why intense never releases this prototypes? Cmon at least they look cool and unique
  • 6 0
 Agreed. The chaotic decals can go away, but that raw alloy and those welds is so cool looking
  • 1 0
 Because they’re not working well? Haha. Just one possible reason. They should have left the m16 back when it was 27.5.
  • 4 0
 What are they doing in the "ravioli" photo?
  • 4 0
 I think they are making a chain stay protector with Specialized-esque lumps for quietening the chain slap. First the lumps, then comes the tape.
  • 2 0
 @iamamodel: ohhh. I thought they were on a different section of frame. Honestly. I know these are world cup level mechanics, but thats a pretty genious idea. That game has to be softer and quiter than any other frame protector
  • 1 1
 Moto foam.
  • 1 0
 @Grantma: nearly Wink
  • 4 0
 Frick I want some hayes dominions
  • 2 0
 So wait, Pinkbike cannot show the new Trek bikes, only an adapter but Vital has all the bikes online? Gold Ghrome, Silver chrome and green chrome?
  • 3 0
 Ready for some racing action! Can't wait!
  • 3 0
 How do I get my hands on one of those piston spacers!?!
  • 2 0
 btw, these are my favorite posts. I love seeing the pro tech that we wouldn't normally see
  • 2 0
 Great to see dominions being used in dh racing. They’re spectacular brakes.
  • 1 1
 I love the sun rod stem. I would love a longer direct mount stem on my downduro bike. I’ve got a design in solidworks for a 55mm stem but don’t have the time to do the cam side and fixturing.
  • 1 1
 Obviously autocorrect doesn’t like syncros. It remembers the shit rims they made back in the 90’s.
  • 1 0
 What in tarnation, Marshy wrenching for Scott now... Now I really want to know wtf happened
  • 2 0
 Walkers bike looks wicked
  • 2 0
 So I guessed but whose bike was it?
  • 1 0
 Why does there appear to be grip tape on the crank showing the new Sixpack pedals? What would that be for?
  • 3 1
 grip
  • 2 0
 Piston spreader looks good!
  • 1 0
 The photos are so beautiful, again!
  • 2 1
 Carbon Session being released in
3…
2.5…
2…
1.5…
1…
  • 1 0
 Naaaa... just chrome colors
  • 1 0
 Who uses a pair of grips on a nut??
  • 2 0
 I should have added, fantastic pics though, big thumbs thingy
  • 1 0
 Someone who hasn’t had a chance to get the right size socket or wrench that has enough pit clout.
  • 1 0
 What are the spaced out foam pieces for?
  • 1 0
 Mechanic will stick a length of mastic tape over the top of them. They are installed along the chainstay and are used to quiet down chainslap.
  • 1 0
 @riderseventy7: Ah, interesting. Thanks.
  • 1 0
 Yes I am a tool whore, and I want one of those SRAM piston spreaders.
  • 1 0
 Dominions for the win. These brakes are excellent
  • 1 0
 sick photos
  • 1 0
 flo payet back?
  • 4 6
 DH where water bottle fixations are non existent and bike performance is priority... shocks mounted horizontally. \m/
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