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Video: The Race & Suspension Rebuild Challenge - Pinkbike Academy Episode 7

Nov 26, 2020
by Pinkbike Originals  

PINKBIKE ACADEMY
PRESENTED BY SHIMANO


EPISODE 7



This time on Pinkbike Academy things get technical as the contestants compete in a suspension rebuild challenge followed immediately by a race.


PREVIOUSLY

Did you miss the previous episodes from Season 1 of Pinkbike Academy? Here's the full Pinkbike Academy playlist.



Who rebuilds the Fox 38 pistachio fork the way that you would?






Official Location Partner of Pinkbike Academy @bikebigwhite

Huge thanks to the brands who made this show possible!
Shimano, Orbea, Fox Racing, Fox Factory, Big White, GoPro, Garmin,
Pro Bike Gear, Feedback Sports, Maxxis, Stan's NoTubes, Ride Concepts, and Trailforks.


Posted In:
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90 Comments

  • 118 3
 Finally some actual racing. Too bad it's so short. I wish they could have given us:
1) a course walk through
2) each riders thought and analysis on different sections of the course
3) their practice run
4) what they learned from the practice run and they changes they want to implement for the actual race
5) the whole 1.min 20.sec race runs
6) a thorough breakdown from each and one of them of their race run and if they were satisfied.

I don't mind the product placement and I applaud PB for doing this show, especially pulling it of with Covid-19. It's got some potential. However, I do feel this is too much on the drama/reality show side. It gets a little bit exhausting.

Next time, make it more in the "privateer" spirit and to hell with silly challenges. If you don't know how to service your bike, too bad - you will suffer in the races. Have it be a competition series with wildly different race courses over a prolonged and intense period of time (say six weeks), two races a week. Make it men vs men and women vs women. The two overall riders with the most points at the end gets the contract.
  • 6 0
 Interesting point about the men vs men and women vs women. I mean if it comes down to 1 guy and 1 girl at the end here and they have to battle it out head to head, it looks like the guy might win. But how close would the girl have to be to be considered having a better run? Looking at the top 5 guys and girls at the 2020 EWS Zermat race, the girls times were relatively a bit closer to the guys than they were here. I suppose the judges know what they are doing, but it would be great if they could bring in a top guy and girl racer for some perspective (or in future seasons put them in some races)? I know it's more than just speed, but that might make it objectively clearer if one of them could be competitve and the other wouldn't.
  • 8 0
 Yeah I really enjoyed Angie talking about her strategy and race lines, and Ben's analysis after his race run. I also agree as men and women don't compete in the same field in EWS or any other MTB professional competition, I'm highly shocked pinkbike didn't also categorize this competition.
  • 3 4
 @RADRUBEE: it's not only about being the fastest here it's who will be the best representative for the brand.
  • 37 2
 I think everyone should do their own fork service. The bike shop f**ked up an air spring change since I was paranoid about it. They did it twice and put the old one back in. After that the rest I've always done on my own. Don't have to wait to get my fork in, I know it's done properly and it isn't that "technical" it's super easy and the shops def overcharge a lot. (depending which one you go to)
  • 8 0
 @monkeybizz

Completely agree.
And the knowledge comes in useful for when you are on a trip and your fork/shock decide to blow up.
  • 24 1
 kudos to doing your own fork service. but it sounds like your shop just is bad or doesn't care. find a better shop for when you need it. not all bike shops are created equally
  • 9 2
 @5afety3rd: I had the same experience Monkeybizz did and the shop I went to is the "best" in my area.

Sometimes the shops near you suck.
  • 7 0
 If your shop charges more to do a lowers service than a shop charges for your car to get an oil change they’re doing it wrong.
  • 11 0
 @KavuRider: i'm at a shop and i have "regulars" who live hours away because we do good work and their local shops don't. definitely need to hunt out good service. It's a terrible thing and industry-wide problem. There's no real requirements to be a "professional" bike tech. There's a few of us out there trying to change that at least.
  • 8 3
 @gofastdrinkbeer: that has nothing to do with it. a shop in the bay area is going to charge a lot more than a shop near windrock. it's about keeping the lights on, and workers fed in the local economy a shop resides in.
  • 2 2
 @5afety3rd: I've gone to 6-7 shops locally. Only 1 I trust when I really need it. Still as I said, price is a huge factor especially since I like to do the fork intervals without having to book any service in advance. Also I'm not gonna drive a couple hours to have my bike serviced. I spent enough on it as it is. During that time they could have actually learned to do it super well themselves lol
  • 5 2
 @gofastdrinkbeer: pretty sure there's less steps in a car oil change. Hell, plenty of shops don't even drain the oil out of the sump plug.....they just suck it up out of the top. No fork removal, headset clean / grease / adjust, no brake removal / adjustment, no cleaning it so it looks as new as possible.....
  • 1 4
 @wallheater: Sorry if spritzing your fork with a bit of bike cleaner while you clean the rest of your bike at the same time anyways is too much for you.
  • 4 11
flag Chuckolicious (Nov 26, 2020 at 8:10) (Below Threshold)
 @5afety3rd: So if you work or own a shop, why are you such a screamy and cringy d-bag about Ebikes? It's a great new revenue stream for most of the shops I know. Might want to think that through, 'lil bub.
  • 4 0
 @5afety3rd: Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on shops. I just have had so many bad experiences lately that I preferred to start doing everything myself.

I also think, even if you don't do the work yourself, that having at least a passing knowledge of how different components on your bike work means that you are more likely to identify when something is wrong or how to fix it in an emergency/last minute situation.

Also...some of us are in the situation of spending what we can scrimp/save on our bikes and do not have the extra money to pay a shop to maintain it. Shops always have the triathlon geeks! They love to spend money...
  • 3 1
 @monkeybizz: you've totally lost me with that comment. I like to clean the fork as well as possible when it comes in. My minivan doesn't get valeted when it gets an oil change LOL
  • 3 4
 @KavuRider: Yea, it's tough out there. One way to know if you have a good mech in a shop is if they are open and honest about using YouTube to figure out a lot of stuff. But gear these days is pretty damn Swiss Watch like, and almost needs a Clean Room to do it right. I do everything myself, and the opportunity to introduce contamination into a critical area like anywhere inside a shock, or anywhere in/near bearings, is just too easy. And shops gotta move fast, while I can take 4 hours to do a lower service just so I know not a micron of contamination was introduced. Oh, ha! Another way to tell a good shop/mech, ask to see that tub of grease or SRAM butter they have. See anything that's not grease in it? Some black spots maybe? Heh...
  • 1 1
 @wallheater: apples to oranges my man. You go spend that 100 and whatever on getting your fork serviced Big Grin be my guest!
  • 3 0
 @monkeybizz: I've literally never had anyone else work on my fork.
  • 4 0
 @gofastdrinkbeer: not all lowers service are done equally. Find a true suspension shop in your area and see what their pricing looks like and how they do it. A lot of shops do just drop your lowers and and change the seals. Lowers are put back mostly dirty and you're not really getting bang for your buck. If they know what they're doing they clean it well and inspect the whole chassis, spring, and damper assemblies too.
  • 1 0
 @Chuckolicious: yup! Gross!
  • 3 2
 @Chuckolicious: You are pinkbike's loudest "screamy and cringy d-bag about Ebikes".

Might want to think that through, 'lil bub.
  • 3 3
 @thegoodflow: Ahh yes, the "I know you are, but what am I?" gambit. I acquiesce to your superior 5th Grader stratagem.
  • 9 1
 @Chuckolicious: Not really though... there was a lot of irony in you applying that label to someone else, when you are very much "that guy". Nobody was even talking about e-bikes until you brought them up just to pick another fight. The cringe is real, and the butthurt is not subtle.
  • 1 9
flag Chuckolicious (Nov 26, 2020 at 12:47) (Below Threshold)
 @thegoodflow: Yea, really doe. Backpedal to your heart's content, aint gonna change things, but maybe get you a bit more in shape for the climbs?
  • 4 1
 @Chuckolicious: who's backpedaling?

Yeah, maybe I should get an e-bike so I can get fitter for the climbs... makes sense. It's cool if you're stoked on your moped, but you don't have to be such an aggressive cringey weirdo about it.
  • 1 6
flag Chuckolicious (Nov 26, 2020 at 13:18) (Below Threshold)
 @thegoodflow: Oh man, I feel bad now. Figured you would have discovered why I made that remark to him and then kind of just faded away, but guess I gave you too much credit. Look, brah, have a great Thanksgiving!
  • 4 1
 @Chuckolicious: your mom's having a great thanksgiving Wink
  • 1 2
 @thegoodflow: Hahaha! Bringing the beat back. I salute you sir!
  • 2 0
 @TheShockHowse: that's true. It also seems like most people here are ignoring that suspension service charges are based off of an hourly.
  • 1 0
 @Zimbaboi: yup. Wouldn't question it if they were getting the same news from their auto or motorcycle mechanic...
  • 27 2
 TBH, Angie should have been eliminated. Also the fork service test is BS because once you’re sponsored you don’t need to service by yourself. Well done to Evan for taking 1st place in both challenges though
  • 35 0
 In a shocking turn of events, Evan gets eliminated next round for a slightly less amazing video even though he crushed both previous rounds of actually important stuff; decision making and racing.
  • 18 0
 @danielstutt: evan gets eliminated because he did a poor job color coordinating his helmet to his jersey to his shorts to his socks to his shoes to his ano chainring, stem and grip lock rings.
  • 23 0
 I was hoping they'd have some forks off rental bikes or something similarly buggered to service. Brand new is cheating!
  • 1 0
 Seconded!
  • 22 7
 Just please get rid of Angie seems like a solid person and rider but she should be gone
  • 1 1
 Then, why? Don't hate on Angie - I take it personally for no rational reason.
  • 15 1
 This video came in clutch!! Now I have a good excuse to be antisocial at thanksgiving dinner!!
  • 12 3
 I find it a bit odd getting rid of two riders last week for lets be honest, a joke of a competition, and then Angie clearly does awful here and gets to stay again. She's been a weak contender since the show started. Should have just done one elimination last week, and one this week.
  • 14 2
 I could for sure see a Pinkbike Academy Junior in the future
  • 2 0
 Oooh good idea.
  • 2 0
 yes please please!
  • 8 0
 @LucasScottFilms : Absolutely! If they could incorporate some controlling beauty-pageant-esque helicopter parents living vicariously through their kids, that'd be great. Can't wait.
  • 5 0
 @thegoodflow: Too bad Danny Hart is in his twenties and already pro as his dad would provide some absolute gold helicopter parent living through their kid content
  • 4 0
 How about they find a bunch of BMX kids (or at least young riders) who can already ride super well but may not have the typical background or funding for DH/Enduro and see if they can coach them to placing well in some races? I reckon that'd be pretty entertaining and hopefully folks would have fun.
  • 1 0
 Yes! or Pinkbike Academy Groms... either way, I'm in. Would be fun to watch with my son!
  • 25 16
 Angie stop you can't even tighten stem bolts
  • 5 0
 It is very rare that I let anyone else touch my bike for service. The only thing I don't handle myself is custom damping tunes. Even if you don't want to service everything yourself it is still important to understand how it works and what any changes will affect.
  • 1 0
 Same. I only let my shock be serviced. All other stuff I do by myself as Im a) too cheapto pay 110€ for a fork service and b) I can help other riding buddies on their bike so that they also can fix it by themselves and save a ton of money.
  • 2 1
 So if you’re not mechanically minded just don’t mtb. Lol
  • 6 1
 Servicing the lowers on a brand new fork with all the proper tools? No problem.

Reusing the 2-yr old wipers on a clapped out, dirty & dusty fork with nothing but a screw driver and adjustable wrench? That would be impressive!
  • 7 2
 I wonder if those new 38's have the big clump/ball of grease in the air chamber that my Fit4 had, no manner of servicing made the forks work like they're supposed to until I removed that junk.
  • 1 3
 My marzocchi z2 was the same. I ordered the 100mm fork and bought a 140mm air shaft because I got tired of waiting for the right travel to come in stock. Way too much grease and the air shaft retreated upwards very quickly once the lowers were removed. At least their service instructions on their website was solid. Took an hour to fix with a trip to the store for a 26mm socket.
  • 4 0
 I really liked the timed run portion of this episode. More of this please. Actually, if we, the community, would start making videos centered around practice runs and alternate lines that would be sweet. TrainerRoad did a video with Ritchie Rude where they looked at EWS Northstar runs and talked about the line choice and tactics.
  • 8 2
 I feel like I am not gonna watch next episode....another "gopro" contest...
  • 4 0
 I'm still surprised about how poor such good riders are at mechanics. I suck as a rider but at least i can take care of my stuff.
  • 4 0
 Call me crazy, but I think Evan has a real chance here.
  • 3 2
 Seems like hammering in the seals with the magnesium lowers on the table is not good for it. Anyone know a better way to do that?
  • 2 3
 Easiest with a vice on a bench, steerer tube in the vice with shop towel or soft clamp and then wack it
  • 6 0
 Hold the lowers/seal driver in your hand
  • 1 0
 @monsieurgage: I don't think you can hold the lowers by the steerer tube when the lowers are off the stanchions.

@emptybe-er: That could work, although holding stuff while hammering on it is a good way to get it off center.
  • 2 0
 @mtb-sf: Yeah if you start them by hand before hammering they usually stay relatively straight, Initial light taps with the drop outs on the bench isn’t a big deal just hold them for the last few harder seating blows
  • 1 0
 @mtb-sf: may have misunderstood the question. I place my fork in a vice or stand and work on them there. The stantions stay there unless I am working on an air shaft or dampner and the lowers come off to service.
  • 3 4
 Suspension rebuild DOES NOT MEAN putting 40cc of fresh oil into lowers... I was expecting to see a damper and air spring rebuild - including seal change, damper bleeding etc. This is not a fork SERVICE, this is fork MAINTENANCE!
  • 1 0
 You are right, this is not a full fork service, this is a BASIC lower leg service just like Jason said.
  • 2 1
 No elimination after last weeks Micky mouse challenge
So much potential for this show
It’s like seeing a car accident, you know it’s bad but you can’t look away. Cringe
  • 2 0
 Another good show. Thanks Pinkbike.
  • 1 0
 Having issues on iOS. 8 am pst
  • 1 0
 Finally something that's almost racing!
  • 5 4
 "Pistachio" eh? I've always preferred "Smegma White".
  • 2 1
 Oh come on with the no elimination! What's the point?!?!?!?!
  • 1 1
 Do you really use a hammer to seat the wipers on a fox fork? that seems crazy...
  • 1 0
 Not just Fox forks, that's just how its done!
  • 1 0
 Now I want to see a Fit4 damper rebuild! Big Grin
  • 7 9
 Such a long commercial...26 min. ???? Further more it has few episodes ???? Is this a new marketing trend ???? So far from real competition between these riders...
  • 2 2
 no medical check on Angie to confirm the concussion suspicion.... ?
  • 3 4
 Don't forgot to release thé air first please
  • 15 1
 Not so important if you only do a lower leg service
  • 1 0
 @thefatoldlady: Correct!
  • 10 13
 The only way I can bare to watch this series is to fast forward and watch 20 seconds of the beginning, middle, and end...
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