Video: Pinkbike Hot Lap with Mike Levy

Jul 2, 2019
by Pinkbike Originals  


The formula doesn't get any simpler; one racer, one track, and a stopwatch. In our case, the racer is a mountain biker, our track is a rooty and rocky descent, and the clock is a Freelap timing system that doesn't lie. Last year saw Sam Hill and Miranda Miller, along with a bunch of other really fast people, throw down Pinkbike Hot Lap times, and we're back for the second season with a new track and new racers for 2019.

This year, the first racer to throw down a Hot Lap time is actually a local to the area, which you'd think would give him an advantage of some kind, but we use the words "racer" and "throw down" in the loosest possible sense...


The Track

The second season of Hot Laps sees us move to Cakewalk, a classic Squamish descent that has a good mix of roots and rocks, as well as plenty of different lines to choose from. And just to keep everyone honest, there are even a few brief climbs to keep the mountain in mountain biking.






The Hot Lap

''Levy, you have to race the Pinkbike Hot Lap tomorrow,'' read the Slack message from my boss. And because I still hadn't figured out how to turn off the notifications on yet another way he can get ahold of me, I kinda had to do it. "That'll be fun," I thought for a few moments, until a second ding alerted me of another message from the padrone. Two dings are never, ever a good thing. ''And you have to do it on that old Brodie 8-Ball from 2002,'' he typed out before adding something about how I needed to be safe despite my long history of folding like a lawn chair under pressure. I mean, he's not wrong, but he didn't need to word it like that.


photo
You're looking at the 2002 Brodie 8-Ball, AKA 47.5lb and 26'' of pure freeride.


With an afternoon to prepare, I sacrificed an entire bottle of Stan's sealant to the shop floor while trying to tubeless the 26" Sun Mag 30 rims and expired rubber. My arms and fingers got a great workout, but both ends of the bike ended up keeping their tubes. At that point, it was all I had in me to do a quick bolt-check; besides, what could go wrong with a well-used 17-year-old freeride bike bought on the Buy-and-Sell?


photo
photo
While the tiny Fox shock is still full of oil, the 190mm-travel Marzocchi Shiver has about as much compression damping as I remember: none.


While I'm convinced that the primary reason for me racing the Hot Lap on the 47.5lb 8-Ball was to make my life difficult, it also presented an interesting opportunity to compare a long-travel bike from 2002 to more contemporary machines. Back then, I'd have traded both of my nipples for the big Brodie and its 203mm of travel, and the Hot Lap course is the type of thing I'd have wanted to ride it down. These days, it's a trail that most riders enjoy on bikes that can weigh 20lbs less and have 120 to 150mm of squish, bikes that let them have more fun and go faster than ever before.

Some more numbers for you: the 8-Ball's head angle is somewhere around 68-degrees when its 190mm-travel Shiver is at full height, which means it's roughly 107-degrees when the fork is bottomed and my eyes are closed. For some perspective, Yeti's SB100 sports pretty much the same head angle but with a 120mm fork, it has a bottom bracket that's a few feet lower, and it literally weighs more than 22lbs less.

The 8-Ball's reach is somewhere around 400mm, which is a full 100mm shorter than the Pole Stamina that I'm currently testing. We have it so damn good, people.
photo
This looks reliable...

So, how'd the Hot Lap go? About as well as you'd expect if I'm honest. My first attempt ended with a double pinch flat (how the f*ck did I ever ride with tubes?) and a trip over the handlebar that brought back a lot of good memories while also rearranging my organs. EWS racers don't get a second chance and that same rule is supposed to apply to the Hot Lap, but I have a few connections at Pinkbike and was able to finagle another attempt that went better-ish, aside from the chain falling off a few seconds after I dropped in, but that just made it feel more authentic.

The 8-Ball performed... Well, it also performed about as well as you'd expect. It was as nervous and twitchy as I am in a church, way too high off the ground, and why are the wheels so small? But none of that is surprising, of course. What will be surprising, though, is if any professional racers are able to beat my Hot Lap time of 6:26. As of right now, I'm the official leader of the Pinkbike Hot Lap series, and I'll be surprised if any of those EWS types are able to usurp my reign as champion.


2019 Pinkbike Hot Lap


Regions in Article
Diamond Head

Trails in Article
Cakewalk

Posted In:
Videos Pinkbike Hot Lap Pinkbike Originals Mike Levy


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216 Comments
  • 270 1
 Everyone should have to ride the 8-Ball that does the challenge
  • 55 1
 I fully agree. does a modern EWS racer have the skills to ride such a beast?
  • 43 0
 Same course same bike, only the strong will survive
  • 100 0
 Why not the 8-ball and their regular ride... (Mike included) just to see the (time) difference all that technology makes?
  • 43 3
 @Grmasterd - I agree, but I doubt the pros would be into that haha
  • 32 0
 @trillot: I'll have to do a lap on a modern trail bike and see what happens. I suspect it'll be more than a minute, but it's not really fair as the 8-Ball's chain fell off at the top.
  • 19 0
 @mikelevy: you were obviously distracted by how sweet those Shivers ride Big Grin
  • 6 0
 @mikelevy: well chain drop was big part of the game, so it must be taken into account, if you want to compare an old timer!
  • 17 0
 @mikelevy: Rebuild the 8-Ball with all modern components (new bearings/bushings, DC fork, shock, 26" carbon wheels, tires, etc. The works!) Then see how the geometry just sh!ts on all of it.
  • 1 6
flag rippermago (Jul 2, 2019 at 11:09) (Below Threshold)
 @mikelevy: Please take SOME OLD COLLECTABLE LEGENDARY
  • 1 6
flag rippermago (Jul 2, 2019 at 11:10) (Below Threshold)
 @mikelevy: TAKE SOME OLD LEGENDARY BIKE down that. Like an old Karpiel Armageddon with super monetrs t's hahah
  • 3 1
 @mikelevy: I have a 05' Kona Stinkey I'd donate to the cause...old school bike shoot out
  • 2 2
 Why an 8ball? Why not a Norco team DH made for racing?
  • 19 0
 @mikelevy: Chris Kovarik has been riding an old intense M1 at NW Cup downhill races for seeding and killing it. I believe it was an 03. get him to do it!
  • 11 0
 Haha, these are the bikes all of us on hardtails used to say "it's easy to go fast with."
  • 11 1
 Mike on a reasonably priced bike!
  • 8 1
 @makripper: really even when this bike came out is was considered a piece of shite. There are much better bikes from this era. Better brakes like Magura Louise . Better dive train set ups. Twin bash rings. Hell the Fox 36 was out
The Bodie 8 ball was never a bike that people got excited about.
  • 1 0
 and wear old school shin pads / pressure suit / etc.
  • 1 1
 @mikelevy: so you are claiming your are no Aaron Gwin on the 8-ball?
  • 9 1
 No water bottle mount. I'm out.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: Question is would you choose the Stumpy 150 or the Stumpy Evo?
  • 3 1
 @Sshredder: you nailed it. Intense had some great bikes, Santa Cruz had their first v10 in 2002 even! Lots of amazing choices and they chose that flaming pile. Cane Creek db was out and I think the progressive 5th element came out then too. The boxxer just had a rework as well as the Dorado was dialled. Those shimano xt (magura patented system) were in full force too and amazing brakes for the time....
  • 4 0
 @makripper: my old orange patriot lt was an '02 model and had about a 64° head angle with 160mm single crowns, bottom bracket was higher than everest and seat angle had the saddle right over the rear axle, but I still hit some of the biggest jumps ever on that beast
  • 3 0
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/1977270
  • 1 0
 @ctd07: that looks sick! I'd ride that
  • 1 0
 @makripper: yeh so much of bagging out old bikes has a marketing angle to it, that old Orange was a size small and wasn't more than 15mm different to any dimension on my size medium giant trance, 13 years later. I still reckon I'd be about the same speed on that old bike down most trails, it railed!
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: sure they wouldn't be into it.. but it would be a hell of a lot more fun to watch!
  • 1 0
 @red720: Yes! I've always wanted to see a series like that. Even if it was a current bike, have pros set lap times on a basic bike and see who really has the skills.
  • 1 0
 Not the most esthetic bike.
  • 143 1
 If you had the pros ride an old bike like this, it would be a very fun and similar format to the "star in a reasonably priced car" with F1 drivers on the Top Gear of old. I would love to see Sam Hill racing against Nino Schurter on an early 2000s hardtail with an 80 mm fork!
  • 22 1
 take notes this is a great idea
  • 16 1
 I wouldn't miss an episode of that.
  • 27 2
 The awesome thing about guys like Nino or Sam, is you'd be surprised both ways. You would be blown away at how fit Sam is up a hill, and you'd be wondering how Nino managed to match his time when it points downhill. The guys at their level of the disciplines are so well rounded its amazing.
  • 6 1
 ^^ This. So much this.
  • 21 1
 @rbarbier12 - Excellent idea.
  • 6 2
 @gooutsidetoday: I think if there was an "overall" mountain biking class that took into account all the disciplines, Nino would rule the roost. Dude's a true mountain biker.
  • 4 2
 Yes, but not such an old bike. Star in a car is always a relatively modern, but cheap, car.
  • 1 2
 @mikelevy: Until someone dies
  • 3 0
 @MTBrent: Nino for rampage!
  • 60 2
 Could you take a timed lap for every bike you'll review fron now on? That would be cool in my opinion
  • 5 1
 I like this
  • 41 0
 Yup, I could do that. I know that the times wouldn't tell a lot of the story, though. Regardless, it'd be interesting.
  • 13 1
 The problem is that if I ride my own bike on a trail I know 3 times the times will be different all three times. Then add in weather conditions, rider fatigue levels, how practiced the rider is right now, how risk averse or not they're feeling today etc you have so much variation the time is pretty much meaningless. I think that's why that concept hasn't caught on with any of the major bike review platforms.
  • 1 1
 @mikelevy: ya this would be really cool!
  • 1 1
 @tom666: I think the times will be pretty repeatable. Maybe off by a few seconds, but within reason.
  • 3 0
 @mikelevy: One thing that would be super interesting is to take a bunch of riders from average through to pro level and get them to ride the same track on a full 200mm DH rig and then again on a 170mm super Enduro bike. See if the DH rig is still faster for most people. I assume it would be so long as there's no uphill, but it would be interesting to see the times!
  • 3 0
 @tom666: Yes indeed. You need 20 people to ride the track 10 times on the same day, or something like that, to really get to the differences between bikes. Too much time and effort for a magazine. Real science is just too much work for most people.
Anyway it would just go to show that the riders make so much more difference than the bikes. Certainly when talking about similar types of bikes. Hardtail vs downhill sled can make up quite some difference but I would be surprised if any bike (even a commuter) that doesn't break can keep a top pro from beating me down a hill.
  • 2 0
 @tom666: yeah, rider fatigue/motivation can make a huge difference. In similar conditions I could be 5 seconds slower on a 2 minute track if I'm not up to par that day. That is an enormous difference.
  • 31 0
 @mikelevy: I’d like to see you do this again with a bike of your choice
  • 23 1
 Agreed, same here.
  • 5 0
 @mikelevy: what is bike of your choice for this trail?
  • 25 0
 This made me laugh. Top marks to Mike for crash test dummying himself in the name of entertainment.
  • 26 0
 hahaha that was amazing! Thank's Mike for setting the benchmark.
  • 8 0
 When you're back in action you're next up on the Brodie. Heal up fast!
  • 23 0
 Watching Levy suffer is so satisfying.
  • 5 48
flag laxguy (Jul 2, 2019 at 9:32) (Below Threshold)
 hes being a giant bitch about it too.. lots of people ride "old" bikes and get along just fine
  • 31 0
 @laxguy: I do whinge quite a bit.
  • 5 29
flag laxguy (Jul 2, 2019 at 9:44) (Below Threshold)
 @mikelevy: its not just you.. many people act like one can't ride a bike if its more than 3 years old.
  • 12 5
 @laxguy: except this one is fricking 15yrs old...
  • 9 3
 @laxguy: If someone rides an old bike- good for them. But it's one thing when they're used to that geometry and riding style. For a rider spending time on new bikes to go back to that old outdated geometry it's very difficult and feels a lot more scary being bunched up and pitched over the front end.
  • 4 20
flag laxguy (Jul 2, 2019 at 10:58) (Below Threshold)
 @timbrewolff: thanks for explaining that, i had no idea.
  • 18 0
 The new Shitbike challenge !!!
  • 4 1
 Yesss. That old Allsop suspension buckaroo banzai was a mess.
  • 2 0
 I forgot about that series. So much fun.
  • 2 0
 @leelau: Are you referring to the suspension beam combo toptube and seatstay? Today we can call it the "no dropper, tip lopper catapult". Ouch!
  • 2 0
 Here come the glory days www.bikemag.com/shtbike-challenge
  • 2 0
 @dlford: for sure. I took a spin on the shit bike. It was terrifying
  • 2 0
 @leelau: Throw on a Girvin Flexstem and you're happening
  • 13 0
 Haha, no wonder I used to wear so much armour back then... you needed it!! People forget... back then a couple mechanicals and a roll through the trees per trail was all part of a typical ride if you were trying to go fast. Haha, man bikes really have come so far...
  • 12 0
 Is there UCI sanctioned drug testing following the event?

Does not matter though Mr. Levy is disqualified for not wearing turn of the century clothing......... As I recall that's the full lycra skin suit - no dimple fabric.
  • 10 0
 I swear it didn't help my performance... but it didn't hurt it, either.
  • 23 0
 I did want him to wear a vintage helmet, but in hindsight I'm very glad he didn't.
  • 14 0
 Comment of the Day: "I didn't even crash hard enough for my shoes to come off..."
  • 9 0
 Having all the pros ride the same bike for this years hot lap would be bloody brilliant. #8ballchallenge
  • 25 0
 Agreed, that'd be so good. I doubt they'd be into doing that, though. Those pros aren't as brave as I am, I guess.
  • 7 0
 @mikelevy: At least make a rule "Bikes must be over 15 years old and have era-specific parts"
  • 4 0
 @mikelevy: shots fired!
  • 6 0
 I had that bike in tan/khaki with the gold shiver and a custom risse rear shock with a remote piggy back! I think it was sitting around 52lb all in. Such a beast. I miss it, don’t miss it...
  • 4 0
 I remember that color! What a monster.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: only redeeming quality on that bike was a rad color...
  • 9 5
 Plenty of people still ride with tubes. Don't miss the short top tube. Shivers can be dialed in to work the way you want them to. Funny they had a port that you could open. To let out trapped air so the fork stayed super plush.
When this bike came out you had fun on what you rode. 8 ball was always a heavy cumbersome pig of a bike. Bullit was a far more popular trail bike at the time. Any one remember twin bash rings? Ancient one by drive train and the chain could not fall off.
Sorry you had to ride that cumbersome old pig Mike.
  • 1 6
flag WAKIdesigns (Jul 2, 2019 at 9:29) (Below Threshold)
 Shivers can’t be dialed to not dive under braking. I have one. Try to land them off a drop into a steep or brake late into a berm followed by steep. They will fold.
  • 2 0
 Fox 40's have had the burp valve in various model years as well. Not uncommon.
  • 3 0
 No. They didn't have a valve. You had to undo a circlip on the top of the fork leg & unthread the entire top cap. Then it would go "pshhhhh!" & be supple again.
John Kirkcaldies mechanic showed me this trick at Deer Valley.
I posted on the Instagram feed that if they all rode an old school bike JK would smoke em all. Hah
  • 1 0
 it was the last gen monsters had the burp screw on top not the shivers, shivers where one of best forks I ever had including avalanche upgraded ones.. Just bit twitchy on big bottom outs.. Think new intends will be next as fox have shat on marzocchi now..
  • 5 10
flag WAKIdesigns (Jul 2, 2019 at 12:09) (Below Threshold)
 @bat-fastard: when did ANY marzocchi with any upgrade sit next to Fox 36RC2 (especially Van) or CC Helm or Öhlins RXF36 Coil or DVO Diamond. Never. Shivers, monsters, Super Ts were divey, over built, heavy things that were shining only because at the time they came out, everything else was utter sht. You had Marzocchis and... the 32 Boxxer with hydra bloody coil “damper”. Dorado at least had damping that was made for something else than hucking or doing weird stuff that nobody is doing today. But Dorados were flexy as hell. Nostalgia can be blinding, and is often a sign of inability to appreciate own life and the world around. What proof does one need, other than this video. Whatever Fox did to Marzocchi, it made it better than it has ever been.
  • 4 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Woah so much hate lol. I've had marzocchi for ages on old bikes. My top favorites were my 888rc2x, 66rc2x and my 888sv. Very sold forks and felt awesome! My 2002 dj1's were a bit divy until i got a different spring.
  • 1 0
 @bizutch: Read under "Air Release Button":
www.ridefox.com/fox17/help.php?m=bike&id=823
  • 3 0
 @mammal: Read the whole thread. Was responding the Marzocchi Shiver comment. Not fox
  • 3 0
 @bizutch: Yep, I did, but looked like you were responding to me. My bad, cheers Bud.
  • 2 0
 @bizutch: My 03's had a small hex screw on the top cap to burp the forks.
  • 1 0
 @old-banshee-rider: took a look at my Shivers . After brushing off the dust and cobwebs. Beside each adjusting knob on the top cap. A small grub screw that you remove to let air escape.
On Fox forks you can't burp the cart. All you can do is burp the air out of the tube holding the coil springs.
Air in your sealed cart means you are in need of a rebuild.
Another reason I prefer low pressure open bath damping.
  • 1 0
 My buddy had an air valve assist built into his super t’s always said it made all the difference.@WAKIdesigns:
  • 1 0
 I wish my Emerald had the burp valves. Every so often I have to remove the top cap. It's amazing how much air actually escapes when you do this and how much better the fork feels after
  • 1 2
 @makripper: I had 66RC2x, 66SL, 888RC, Z1 AM1, Shiver SC. Good memories but little to do with current state of things. That’s like saying Fore Escort Cosworth is still a great car. Yeah, by nostalgic standards yes, too bad virtually any family wagon would lap it on Nurburgring. I then rode 44 and 55 RC3 Ti, 380, yeah they were ok, just not as ok as my 2007 Lyrik, and nowhere close to 2011 36RC2 Van, 2016 36 Float or my current 2014 34 CTD. It’s not hate, it’s laughable how folks talk of old Marzocchis comparing them to modern forks. I’d rather ride a modern Suntour than 66RC2x
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Coming from a person who has mainly rode Marzocchi stuff (01 Z5, 03 Super T Pro, 04 Z150, 05 66RC, 05 Shiver DC, two 08 55's, 11 888RC3 Evo) I can agree. Marzocchi's fortune of providing forks that were almost bomb proof in a time where mountain biking was evolving rapidly, lead to complacency that ultimately was their downfall.
  • 1 0
 @nickkozak: If I am nostalgic about anything, it is 36 Van RC2 FIT. I bought Lyrik 2 straight after just that and it was a drawback.
  • 1 0
 @nickkozak: I also think their problems came together with Fox releasing 36 and RS releasing Lyrik and Totem. These forks changed the game. To the point where some folks were running Totems on DH bikes because they had better damper than Boxxers. Marzocchi came back for 2-3 years when they made new RC3 Ti dampers but then they went to sht again with 350 and 380 after they revamped the chassis and coating. RC3 Ti were excellent if you closed an eye for brake dive, not as bad as with RC2X and HSCV but still.
  • 1 0
 Marzocchi downfall was moving production to Asia. Last fork I bought from them was the 888 Air Adjust. Started my race run on an 8" fork & finished on a 6" locked out. Worst turd ever. They actually took the fork back.
  • 1 0
 @Sshredder: might have been added on later variations, but I promise you that one year 1 & 2 production models, you had to remove the circlip & entire top cap
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: have 2 sets of 380c2r2 ti ATM. Set on my bike has shim stacks and bottom out bumper tweaked. Can't fault them at all. I sold my 888's with avalanche and bought other set in sale and had money for a few pints. They on juniors dh001... As for fox sorry but you just can't beat the feel of a to spring and with they hybrid open/closed damper it's hard to beat apart maybe an intend..
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: about the escort cosworth, tecnology has evolved but not that much ya know physics vs marketing...
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I had a 2009 van rc2 fit 36 and rebuilt it every couple of days after a while. What a disaster of a fork. The bladder was just a shit design
  • 1 1
 @bat-fastard: lets not compare tweaked stuff to stock stuff, because if you spent as much money on tweaking 36 or 40 they would come out on top. I owned 2011 36 VAN RC2 and it demolishes most forks of today. You just don’t get such suppleness with so little diving as easily and defo not with RS. As to 350 and 380, I rode both and they are supple because they are underdamped and are open bath systems. I turned up compression to the max and 380 was still flying through travel under braking. Then I know of a few people who had issues with stanchion coating peeling off. Around 2014 a WC top 50 racer sponsored by MZ that I know, went through 3 sets of 380 and 2 350s because of that.

I am likely to buy the latest Z1 though. It’s a 36, just a bit cheaper. Best single crown fork in the history of marzocchi
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: no money was involved in tweaking the c2r2 to, just tuning the standard parts. Yes was couple of bad years for coatings, luckily I never had that in my sets from 2010. As for tuning it's a kitchen table and box of shims and know how. Wouldn't go near any of the new fox marz. The loss of ti spring and deal cartridge ended that..
  • 8 0
 @mikelevy: How come there is no brightly colored Mike Levy tag?
  • 11 0
 You ask, you will receive: Now you can find easily other cool things mike is in: www.pinkbike.com/news/tags/mike-levy
  • 4 0
 @radek: Thanks! Initially it appeared like Mike didn't quite appreciate the tags but clearly this is what was missing. I'm sure he's a fan now. Keep it up!
  • 7 1
 With everything that's wrong here, the one right thing is the Shiver. #longlivemarzocchi
  • 4 0
 Should have used a Balfa BB7 with shivers as the test bike. Arguably the best bike of 2002. The Brodie was a notorious piece of shit, jot to mention that steerer tube and stem setup. Barf.
  • 2 0
 just remember how far bikes have come in the last 15-20 years. i was just servicing my rockshox rs1 1990 with ATF not even shock oil in those 46mm travel bad boys. so that 2002 8 ball was actually progress!???!!! still looks like death on a stick i have kids bikes with longer front centers!! Lucky he didn't die to death on that!!
  • 5 0
 My chain fell off. I don't have a rear brake. Double pinch flat. Yep - sounds like riding in 2002.
  • 5 0
 @mikelevy - PURE GOLD, this. Thanks for keeping things light and fun - that's what it's all about.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy those shoes are the icing on the cake LOL. And I feel your chain pain , very common back in that era of MTB. I raced BCCup back in those days as well, and earlier. Bikes have advanced so much ,my 120mm is so much faster than my Monster T equipped Cheeta ever was.
  • 5 0
 This is so entertaining AND interesting at the same time!
  • 2 0
 Okay, I'm actually intensely curious to see how Mike would do running a modern bike of his choice on this same trail. That and seeing the pros run their hot laps on the 8-ball of course.
  • 5 0
 (Low-Key Tim Horton's ad)
  • 2 0
 I moved from my border state to the south of New England and I miss Tim Horton's so much.
  • 2 0
 In this Hot Lap, all the pros should all have to race it on the Brodie as well. Put all the legends (Wade Simmons, Richie Schely, etc) on that list of Hot Lap pros. I'm sure they could rip that Brodie.
  • 1 0
 Fun vid but jeez those old bikes were just atrocious! 1 year in MTB development equals like 4 years in MX development. You'd have to be riding late '70s- to very early '80s MX bike to take such a step back in performance from modern on an MX bike.
  • 1 0
 So if you put me on a modern bike on that trail...the video would look pretty much the same. I'm average and a new bike helps me cover up stuff. Hat's off to Levy for giving it a go. I think a pro's pro would hop on that Brodie and give it the beans. Until it broke more.
  • 1 0
 could have slid the fork out 15mm from the looks of it, sign of a crap setup imo, correct oil height was super critical on those forks! I'm glad his BB shell stayed attached, saw one of those common of one of these back in the day.
  • 8 4
 I turned it off after he passed up the drop... Cmon Levy, do or die!
  • 6 0
 I know! But I didn't think I'd be able to keep the front-end up off the drop. I don't know how we used to send it on those things.
  • 25 0
 @mikelevy: Come on mike, I remember you being cool riding skinnies to drops on a LEFTY.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/703184
  • 1 0
 @burnadette: "Do and die" is the correct phrase, I believe
  • 4 0
 Some riders are still rippin their 2000's bikes. Those are real troopers !
  • 3 0
 Shivers AND Mag 30's??? You have no excuse Levy. This was really awesome lol. Can you do a Santa Cruz Super 8 next?
  • 1 0
 I just wish I had a donk shit bike like that in 2002, I had "wallmart" dual susp bike instead at that time coils only no dampers. And you are in the needs of some shimano xt grimeca sram 4 pot brakes.
  • 9 9
 This is impossible Mike. This bike with modern super long&slack playful geo would be waaaaaay better than anything we have today. But I think ultimately, it is the seat angle that makes this bike unrideable.
  • 3 0
 Needs 4 degrees of offset triple trees.
  • 3 0
 Lol, 3:47-3:57 is a great glimpse into what MTB used to be like.
  • 1 0
 100% ????????
  • 2 0
 Resto-mod it and run it again for us weirdos! Also, I knew you couldnt do it without saying downcountry!
  • 2 0
 Thanks Mike for the morning laugh and reminding me how good we have it on our modern geo bikes ????
  • 1 0
 that was fun, kudo's to you, after the double flat and an otb on that pos i would have been in Backcountry sipping on a Widowmaker.
  • 1 0
 I think to really set a bench mark, he should have rode the bike of his choice. I did get a chuckle watching him try to ride that hog tho.
  • 3 0
 I was honestly scared for @mikelevy watching this! Crazy!
  • 2 0
 Yes, how lucky we are with the tech of modern equipment. Good job Mr. Levy.
  • 2 0
 Why no top chain guide?
And some period correct brakes like Hayes HFX would be great.
  • 2 0
 This was so much fun to watch. Thank you for putting your life on the line.
  • 2 0
 I don't think its fair that he got to do it without the accompanying 2002 full body armour!
  • 2 0
 Jesus @mikelevy! Put some freakin bar plugs in next time!!

But also...

Ride fast and take chances :-)
  • 2 0
 From all the bikes from that era they could have picked the 8-ball is one of the worst. Maybe that was the point
  • 2 0
 It was also a local favourite with them being a local company. He could have used Banshee Scream , same era and another local fav.
  • 1 0
 So sick. To echo what others are saying. Make everyone going forward take a lap on the Brodie and then on their bike of choice. This was gold.
  • 2 0
 Class Mike your the man. Why is modern DH courses not this hard.
  • 1 0
 "Coming up: in 21 hours" - Did the Twitter account tweet this early or are you just trying to build suspense?
  • 2 0
 Mike levy top of the leaderboard!
  • 1 0
 If a trail is Black Diamond, by it's very nature its trashed. If its "maintained"...its a Dark Blue at best
  • 2 1
 Dang Mike you ok?
Breathing harder than John Candy at the dinner table in that vid
  • 2 0
 Avoiding the drop because it'll "swallow your 26" wheels"?
  • 2 0
 Dude, @mikelevy That made my day!
  • 2 0
 I'll lend me giant atx one to a aussie rider
  • 1 0
 Why doesn't Levy do it on a modern bike, then Sam HILL can grab the Brodie unicycle w/ 12" wheelbase and try to beat it
  • 1 0
 and you screamed like a little bitch HAHAHHAHAH classic.. nice work, next trail do ladies only or seventh secret please.
  • 1 0
 Want revenge @mikelevy? Send RC off to Hack Bike Derby. Now that would be cool.

www.hackbikederby.com
  • 1 0
 One thing that comes across loud and clear:
What a nice bloke he is! ????????????
  • 1 0
 Actually brings great memories of good times and wipe outs back in the day. Need to get back to that pure fun factor !
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy any vid that starts with a timmies cup in hand you know is going to be good. Double double? Beer
  • 1 0
 Balls of steel Mike, Balls of Steel.

Everyone needs to do the challenge on the Brodie 8-Ball. )))
  • 1 0
 Favourite HOT LAP to date.
  • 1 0
 The new trail should be Somewhere Over There. Has everything!
  • 2 0
 Bring it on!!!!
  • 2 0
 this is great
  • 2 1
 Whats the strava record on that track actually like ?
  • 3 0
 www.strava.com/segments/cakewalk-5280787?utm_campaign=segment_share&utm_content=5280787&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=www.trailforks.com
  • 3 0
 @cxfahrer: is that Adam the Privateer #2?
  • 1 0
 Doesn’t work on my strava. Can you post it please?
  • 2 0
 Only twice as quick.
  • 1 0
 @Flunt: 3:58 KOM
  • 9 0
 @Kickmehard: Strava is life!!
  • 1 0
 @adamprice: you going to be having a crack at the hot lap?
  • 4 0
 @Kickmehard: I might have a crack at it later in the year. But that benchmark looks pretty unbeatable from here...
  • 1 0
 Cheers man! Much appreciated @Kickmehard:
  • 1 0
 That stem tho. Thought you shouldn't shuttle that road?
  • 2 0
 pure gold!
  • 1 0
 My old RMX 250 was quieter than that thing.
  • 1 0
 This was as good as wyn tv. Love it. Mike your funny.
  • 1 0
 "Hot Lap" brought to you by horse piss flavoured coffee.
  • 1 0
 It’s like watching Into the Gnar, in the year 2000.
  • 1 0
 Back then that bike was the tits!
  • 1 0
 LOL TRP's..... Use authentic brakes.... Get some Hayes Mag's on there
  • 2 0
 Those were budget Shimano brakes - about $50 a brake (caliper, lever and hose). I'd say performance wise a wash for Hayes Mags! Besides - every set of Hayes i come across are completely FUBARd. No parts for years!
  • 1 0
 I wannasee a super-8. With monsters and an avvy rear shock. Woo hooo !
  • 1 0
 With the floating rear brake set-up. Killer combo , my buddy had one with the Avy fork.
  • 1 0
 who sized that RD cable housing?
  • 1 0
 This was properly entertaining!
  • 1 0
 get a reusable cup
  • 1 0
 class
  • 4 4
 dont blame tubes for your shitty lines Smile
  • 1 0
 Best Hot Lap EVAR.
  • 1 0
 Delete
  • 1 0
 Haha, good sheet Smile
  • 2 1
 45lbs...
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