Aaron Gwin's Winning YT Tues - Lourdes DH World Cup 2016

Apr 11, 2016 at 6:15
by Paul Aston  
No previous world champion or World Cup series winner has ever returned to the following season opener to take a win. The last time Gwin changed teams as the reigning series champion his results seemed to fall into a hole that took two seasons to dig himself out of. Combine this with the fact that Aaron has not only changed sponsors, but nearly every product and team member is different to last year, except his long-term wrench, John Hall, Fox damping and a few items of apparel.To come back and win in Lourdes is astonishing, but there's something else here that's just as noteworthy. How many of these well-priced, red and black World Cup winning bikes will we see at our local trails this year? Has everything just changed?





Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues
John Hall, Aaron Gwin's long-time mechanic, poses with the winning ride.

bigquotesThe bike was awesome for the first race. We have been doing a lot of testing with the bike and the wheels, tires... everything. Most of the parts are new for me compared to last year. I felt like we were close, but you never know until you get here and ride the course against these guys. It was a tough weekend against the weather, kinda crazy, but I only had to make minimal changes. I think we nailed it with the base settings and they worked pretty good in the wet. I'm stoked for a first race, stoked to put everything together over a few months and come out on top. - Aaron Gwin

Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues

bigquotesIt's so emotional, first of all, I would like to thank all of our customers that have believed in us and trusted our bikes, and to all the guys that have told us it's a perfect bike, we have proved it today. I'm more than happy, totally overwhelmed. Aaron was riding the bike with such stability, such confidence and not having to take risks. We started this project years ago and the carbon fiber Tues that Aaron is riding is straight out of the box, that's the most important thing. The only thing that is different with his bike to the mass production is the brakes and tires and that's it. I think this is unique at the World Cup circus. - Stefan Willared, Chief Engineer, YT Industries.

Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues
Aaron is 5'9", rides a large frame and uses a standard 50mm stem finished with blue ti-bolts.

bigquotesWe really worked hard in the off-season to get the settings where we wanted before coming over here, so we weren't scratching our heads after the first day of practice. John, the guys at Fox and YT all put in so many hours to get it ready. It's crazy to think that it's a bone-stock bike. I could sell it tomorrow and order another one online and be ready to go at the next race. - Aaron Gwin

Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues
Gwin's running TRP's Quadiem SL brakes set up with the lever blade normally found on their trail-oriented Slate brakes.
Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues

Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues
Aaron's bars are 790mm wide including the ODI grips.
Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues
Grip tape on the shifter for added accuracy. The YT Mob don't have a dedicated drivetrain sponsor, but for this race Gwin's bike was set up with a SRAM XO DH derailleur and a Blackbox shifter.

bigquotesHe has slightly higher compression tuning compared to the production bikes, but this is obvious, he is so fast. A normal customer would be overloaded with this, but if they want the same setup they can tune it in, no problem. - Stefan Willared, Chief Engineer, YT Industries.

Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues

bigquotesThe sag changes slightly between tracks depending on how Aaron feels and how the tracks are shaping up. Earlier this week the conditions were changing almost hourly, from run to run. In muddy conditions, we go a little softer and if things dry out the sag will be a little bit less, anywhere between 20% and 30% at a real muddy race. We have a 'base setting' after our off-season testing, which we started with this weekend and honestly, we changed a maximum of two clicks on the compression, as things dried a little we went higher air pressure maybe 2-3psi. Surprisingly with the altitude at the top, the temperature warmed and raised the atmospheric pressure - the psi raised on its own so that ended up exactly where we wanted it.- John Hall, Aaron's mechanic

Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues
The bike is out of the box, but I'm sure the R.A.D. shock has been tuned to its limits.

bigquotesEverybody thinks that Aaron's suspension is notoriously stiff, and at one point back in the day, it was, comparatively to everybody else. Realistically he is in the range of everybody else nowadays but everyone still thinks it's stiffer. If I had to describe in one word what he looks for in the bike I would say active. He rides pretty centrally, maybe a little front bias. It's important to him for the front and rear suspension to be even, one will never be softer or stiffer than the other. - John Hall, Aaron's mechanic

Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues

bigquotesI can't comment on tire pressures, except we went up one psi when we were sure it wasn't going to rain for the race run. We have a go-to pressure that we start with at every race because we know how it feels and then adjust from there. Early in the week, we were -1 from our standard pressure, as it dried we went back up and stayed there for race run. The most we change from the go-to pressure is 2psi, 3psi would be a major change for us. - John Hall, Aaron's mechanic

Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues
Clipless pedals for the win - this time at least. HT's X2 pedals are mounted to e*thirteen's LG1 carbon crankset.


Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues
e*thirteen's new 9-21 tooth 7-speed cassette is designed specifically to work with their LG1 carbon downhill wheels.

bigquotesOne thing that myself and Ben Arnott, (Angel's mechanic) have been super impressed with is that Aaron has never made it through one race weekend on one set of wheels, here and both riders spent the whole week on the same wheels including Aaron's race run. They held up, the bearings are awesome even in the super muddy conditions we went through, that stuff can tear bearings apart and they are still spinning great. - John Hall, Aaron's mechanic

Aaron Gwins winning YT Tues


MENTIONS: @YTIndustries



Author Info:
astonmtb avatar

Member since Aug 23, 2009
486 articles

343 Comments
  • 279 2
 Ah, the Onza Shorty. Great tire!
  • 11 2
 Greinas aren't that bad actually, on lose tracks I even use them in the dry!
But I guess Gwin's demands are different ^^
  • 45 1
 #Gwipping
  • 104 2
 Great tire, indeed. They maxxismize traction like no other.
  • 6 2
 I haven't seen them before, found a review here www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Tires,48/Maxxis/Shorty,14386#product-reviews/1821/expand

I'm sure were all aware at this point that Gwin didn't run his sponsors tires, but they don't have a very robust line yet
  • 2 0
 Its basically a cut spike mud tire
  • 87 22
 Everyone is bummed for Loic. Gwin was simply the better rider in Lourdes, considering he rides in cali where he probably never sees mud, just prooves what a legend he is and can ride like hell in any conditions. also take into consideration his chainless run and his blown tire run, i dont think anyone compare to gwin, at least not in our generation.
  • 26 5
 They sharpied out the Maxxis logo
  • 15 0
 haha so much for not commenting on Gwin's tire choice
  • 3 4
 MaXXis !
  • 11 1
 It's really no different than many other teams who were modifying their sponsored tires to make them work. Also, I'd be willing to be that he wasn't the only one running non-sponsored tires that day.
  • 4 0
 @ryan83: Maxxis's mud tires seem to still be a bit better than everybody else's.
  • 15 1
 first win, then care about sponsors
  • 12 0
 Looks like a gwinnin setup to me. I guess YT just hit the jackpot.
  • 7 3
 His tire sponsor must be delighted.....
  • 10 0
 Onza's mud tire isn't available in a soft compound in 27.5 yet. It should be out in in the GRP40 compound in the near future. They only have the 65/55 which is way to hard for that track at WC speeds.
  • 6 10
flag mtnbykr05 (Apr 11, 2016 at 17:12) (Below Threshold)
 @jewpowered: And that's just it. Onza doesn't have a tire that is capable enough to race at a WC. However, if I was to design a set of tires, I'd start by seeing how I can improve the best tires available: Maxxis. That would usually begin by riding them and playing with cuts and sipes.
  • 4 0
 @mtnbykr05: What are you talking about? The IBEX is a slighty modified HRII the CITIUS is a slightly modified DHR. The casings are Maxxis...the rubber compounds are variations of the Maxxis rubber....the new GRP40 is an improved version of the old 40a SlowRezzy compound...which you might just maybe see show back up in the maxxis line......the new Maxxis DD casing is the Onza EDC from last year.....sound like there is a close relationship there that might work out in the end?
  • 5 0
 i cant find the "rhymes with 40" comment. i think they deleted it
  • 1 2
 @pigit77: What generation is that?
  • 2 2
 @pinkbike there is a spelling mistake under the first picture. The "G" is missing from "winning"
  • 1 0
 @mtnbykr05: have you actually ever tried a grp40 compound Onza tire? I do not think so because they are great! Sticky like bubblegum! It is just a pretty young company compared to Maxxis or the others like Schwalbe, especially in the downhill segment. They already did a huge step with their new Visco compound and you can bet that there will be more to come in the future.
  • 4 0
 @zutroy:

yup. its no secret in the bike industry about who makes tires for whom

Cheng Shin (CST - Cheng Shin Rubber Ind. Co. Ltd.) a.k.a. Maxxis, make tires for a good number of 'brands' as do Kenda and Duro Wink
  • 1 0
 @hampsteadbandit: Yep it is not....although CST and Onza are tighter than most of them with Onza developing technology and CST putting it into the Maxxis line.
  • 2 3
 @pigit77: Erm, he wasnt exactly the better rider. He was bummed for Loic himself. He said he was beaten, but happy to take the win of course. Gwins run was blistering. As was Loics with lots of extra risks thrown in to gain extra time. Id say Loic and Gwinn were about even this race, just Loic made few too many risks and paid. Huge props to Gwinn for getting upto winning pace so fast on a new team and bike though!
  • 3 0
 @zutroy: you obviously missed the point. I have never personally ridden an Onyx tire, so I can't speak to how they ride. Gwin apparently doesn't think they are up to par, thus why he is running the Maxxis tire, at least at this track and in these conditions. Gwin is likely cutting and siping current market tires to give feedback to help Onza develop new tires. It wouldn't make any sense to have a tire co sponsor a top rider only to have them sharpie a competitors tires and just run with it, hoping everyone on the e-web doesn't call them out for it when the bike is plastered on every bike site after he likely wins.
The "they're made in the same factory by the same company" -doesn't hold water. Giant, Scott, and Trek's alloy bikes are all made by the same company, but they are all completely separate designs with incomparable traits. Tires regardless of similarity will all ride different with slight differences and top level riders can notice these small minute changes. Hell, how many riders on PinkBike can't stand the Butcher but love the MinionDHF?
  • 3 1
 @mtnbykr05: No you're missing the point. Onza does not have a soft compound mud tire available for him to use at this point, so he has no choice but to use something like a shorty. Onza tires are made on the same casing as Maxxis, not similar, the same. The GRP40 is a better version of the Maxxis old 40a SR that everyone loved, and cried when Maxxis stopped making them, and will be on a Maxxis again in the near future. Onza knew he would have to do some sharpieng till they had the full line up to speed. Trust me Gwin did his homework on the tires, and you'll be seeing a lot more from him an Onza. Also, pay attention to what's new in the Onza line and then what shows up in the Maxxis line a few months later. Like I said earlier the "new" maxxis DD casing is the EDC casing Onza had last year. You don't see that in alloy frames coming out of Giants factory.
  • 1 0
 @hampsteadbandit: I got some CST (BFD 2.4) 2 years ago at sea otter for dirt cheap (under $20) as it looked a lot like a minion to me, and read they manufacture for Maxxis... well, the rear tire came undone at whistler on a high speed fire road/pothole section and destroyed my carbon rim. Had no issue with Conti on same rim, and maybe minions would have been fine as well.

Just because it's made in same factory doesn't mean it's same quality (workers, material, quality control, etc...). I found that the expensive way Frown
  • 1 1
 @pigit77: wait what?

wet muddy run day before - gwin doesn't get fastest time
dry track on race day - gwin does get fastest time

...how does this mean he's fastest in wet and muddy?

Pigit, I think you made a mistake mate.
  • 1 0
 @DangerDave2dot0: Neither Maxxis nor Onza are "young". However I remember the first two tires that I bought in 1992 were a Hutchinson and a Onza, and those were the top brands. Maxxis was around but it simply stood for cheapness. Not something that you would want on a good bike. It took a long time until I started to see Maxxis as a good brand.
  • 181 5
 The fact that his bike is basically "out-of-the-box" is a true testament to how it really is about the rider and not the bike. A well deserved gwin.
  • 80 14
 Of course it is mainly the rider. But it really shows how sick the stock bike already is. The bike does make quite some difference, enough for a world champ not to be able to get first anymore.
  • 33 0
 Absolutely , there it is I black and YT
  • 10 8
 Precisely my thoughts, the man can win on a Schwinn if he had to race it.
  • 47 3
 @Mattin: When races are coming down to hundredths and tenths of seconds, the bike can be the difference between 1st and 4th
  • 9 2
 @t-turi-mullett: that was exactly my point, only you described it better Smile
  • 8 2
 @Mattin: correct but cmon this guy can win without a chain!!! Like you could put Rachel Atherton on an average bike and she'd smoke most the field
  • 36 3
 @sewer-rat: I'm sure Gwinn would still end up high in the rankings on any average bike, but when it comes down to such small differences in time as with down hill, that different bike may be the reason you end up being that couple of seconds slower. I think this would especially be the case on bikes with outdated geo and/or under performing suspension/brakes.

The fact that he got first shows that the bike is top quality, and it's fast enough not to hold him back. Not saying his bike is the best because he won, but it is good enough not to slow him down by so much that he loses his 1st place, or that it maybe doesn't even slow him down at all (or even an optimistic change that he's even faster on this bike).


The thing is, so many haters who were like "bad choice, he'll never win on a YT". And then he wins the first race and those same people refuse to accept that they were wrong, and now start saying shit like "yeah he would have won on any bike" or "he even won without a chain". Fact is that the bike is definitely above decent if he can take it to a win.
  • 9 1
 @t-turi-mullet Except gwin doesnt tend to only win by hundreths of a second!
  • 20 3
 Gwin has a lot of talent, no question about that. But let us not think that he can win with everybike he rides. Gwin was struggling the first time he went to spez. Gwin helped spez in designing the new bike, now spez has a great bike and now they are winning. To spez, give gwin what he deserves!
  • 14 2
 I vaguely remember Fairclough saying in an interview on Pinkbike that he repeatedly timed his laps while trying different chain stay lengths on his bike, and that the 10mm longer option made him averagely about 1 second faster on the downhill track he was riding. And was it Vouilloz or someone else who timed the difference between 26" and 27.5" and noticed he was averagely 1 second faster on 27.5" on a 3 minute run?

Just shows that a centimeter can mean a second slower or faster, probably the same for the angles and heights of the frame. And same for suspension, brakes, tyres, bike weight, etc.
  • 2 10
flag joemoto FL (Apr 11, 2016 at 11:18) (Below Threshold)
 @Elspecialized: He won on Onzas ;o)
  • 13 2
 I've seen a few people mention how Gwin's bike is a stock bike. But that makes perfect sense considering that from what I have read the YT has a very progressive rear suspension. Because almost all of the non stock modifications you see to other riders bikes are within the linkages and meant to make those stock frames more progressive. I don't think that necessarily makes the YT any better than other bikes. I think other bike companies just believe that there is difference between what their World Cup riders prefer and what may be best suited for the average consumer who buys the production model.
  • 15 7
 If you're saying fox is giving their poster boy "out of the box" style suspension I highly doubt that. That suspension is probably AMAZING as f*ck. And probably nicer than anything we'll ever ride.
  • 6 0
 @joemoto: No, he didn't.. Those are Maxxis Shorty's.
  • 2 0
 @MCsession7: ;o) = Wink wink... like just kidding
  • 7 0
 Sure, it's out of the box... except for all the stuff John Hall does to it. (& obviously, all the stuff that FOX does to the suspension... things that mean in needs a rebuild every few runs.) Heck, in an article or something not long ago, there was a comment about how Greg's mechanic strips all the grease out of the bearings on his bike, then puts just a tad bit back in. makes for needing new bearings every few runs, but the cranks run that much faster, & Greg can feel the difference.
  • 8 4
 @Mattin - yes some bit of a bike can mean a second for Gwin, but a guy like me would still be 3 minutes behind. I may as well get excited , argue and talk crap about gas clouds an Venus being more toxic than ones on Jupiter.
  • 14 1
 Has everyone forgotten Gwin's first year on specialized? It proves a top rider can't just win on any bike, its testament to how good this YT is out of the box though!
  • 32 2
 @ctd07: I spoke with Steve Jones about it and he said that there's been much more going on with Gwin than just changing the bike. The guy had a rough year on all fronts. New training regime, unsure sponsorship deals. If you believe that lenghtening the stays made all the difference from barely 10th to consistently 1st then you are delusional. The only reason we internet folk argue about such details is because we are too shitty riders to realize how terrible we are in comparison to guys like Loic or Aaron. We cannot have any clue about bike handling at those speeds, hence we cannot know what do they personally value in a bike. We're simply too stupid to know we are dumb,
  • 2 0
 @Elspecialized: Oh my, Gwin on a Schwinn takes the win....
  • 4 0
 @Elspecialized: Schwinn actually had a darn good DH bike co-manuf. with yeti back in the day. It won some world cup races! I actuall had one!
  • 2 1
 He went from hero to zero when he got on the old demo. Obviously the bike is a big part of the equation.
  • 2 0
 @jaame: ooor Maybe he had a tough time not having Martin Whiteley around Big Grin
  • 1 0
 So why did it take 2 years for him to win on a Specialised (Enduro @ Piet) and the 3rd season to win on the Demo?
  • 2 1
 The only thing that is different with his bike to the mass production is the brakes and tires and that's it. I think this is unique at the World Cup circus. - Stefan Willared, Chief Engineer, YT Industries. This says allot and no doubt many of the big manafacurers will now be feeling it, few new it, now the World does!
  • 4 4
 @WAKIdesigns: Dont fall on that sword Waki, u we all know are a paid advertisment for Specialised, its been very clear the number of changes to the Demo, that were made from year one to year 3 for Gwiner, this was not just consistent development, as for Troy Brosnan it was dialled for him, sure theyre maybe other factors, but he Gwiner choose those too, just accept it and move on , the YT is a top bike, proven now, you dont have to be sucked into the industry BS, re the pros and the rest! Specialised and others have been making millions out of this crap for years! Pass the sauce Waki, stop with S Kool Aid.
  • 9 13
flag WAKIdesigns (Apr 12, 2016 at 1:17) (Below Threshold)
 @Maverickdh00: i don't drink cool aid, I just sit on one of their bikes from time to time and just can't help myself smiling. I have no clue what sort of ideological mumbo jumbo you are talking about bike quality having anything to do with making millions. As if shorter chainstay costed any less to develop and make than a long one. The custom links are a sign of a company that cares about giving their racers the best, not fixing accountant and lawyer directed "bad" design. Nobody whines on Scott changing linkages all the time? And it's good, because it would bea retarder thing to do. Giant or Nukeproof don't change Glory mid season because they are happy with what they have accomplished after years of research at CERN, but because they don't bother, they don't give a sht. Canfield, Turner, Zerode, Banshee are not there in the top ten because they have too little budgets, or don't see DH racing as a way of promoting their bikes - as simple as that. But a ton of twats recognize it as keeping it real.

YT is probably the lowest quality materials and manufacturing methods, wrapped in excellent geo and components. S-Works series though is one of the best stuff you can buy out there.

I know it sounds like Spec commercial but I would wrie that about any company doing great bikes, being bashed by delusional accusations having nothing to do with reality. Because Pinkbike decided that Specialized is evil, terrible.

I am telling you straight, you think it's the bike (difference between high-end machines whoch all pros are riding, I am not talking about 2004 Big Hit Vs ENVE10cc) because compared to WC top20 you suck at riding, you live inside a bubble being too far away from the edge to have an idea, nit only about riding itself, but all the small components of athlete's life, like family situation, sickness, training, nutrition, public relations, salaries, paying bills - all affecting physical and mental state in the start hut.

And BTW, I am an ambassador for Antidote bikes so I have nothing else to do with Spec than experience driven fascination with their bikes. And yes I'd chose my Carbon Jack over S-Works Enduro without a blink of an eye. Because it looks fantastic, it's a Koenigsegg of bike world and it is made in Poland.
  • 5 4
 I hate specialized because they're a bunch of cunts, but they make awesome bikes. I'd never buy one, but they are awesome. I was very close to buying a transition tr450 a few years ago because they got awesome reviews and had the cool factor being a small rider owned company and all that shit. Problem was, I was fortunate enough to be able to compare one with a demo in the flesh, and I was flabbergasted by the difference in build quality. It was and still is incomprehensible to me that they could be the same price, given that the demo was a work of engineering art, and the tranny looked like a cobbled together piece of shit. That's being rude, at build and finish quality were not comparable. Tranny should be half the price of specialized if you ask me, or at least should have been in model year 2011. As for this year, tranny may have got better, but I'll never know because I'd never buy one. I'm underwhelmed by yt as well. The finish is pretty shitty. People will say you ride it, not look at it, but unfortunately I do literally spend more time looking at my bikes and turning the pedals backwards than riding. Bottom line, specialized make rude bikes. You just need to be apathetic to all the legal bull they are famous for.
  • 4 2
 @jaame: the difference is in the quantities they sell. Higher quantities make it cheaper to produce, thereby spesh can build a better bike for the same money than many smaller companies. This doesn't necessa mean they sell it for cheaper though, they can also just have a higher margin for their own profit.

Then again the smaller companies are usually more innovative because they follow their personal needs to improve the bikes, where as big commercial companies are out for as much profit as possible, so they aren't willing to be the first to invest in innovations that might not catch on. Good examples are the p.fix and p.slope that only came to the market about 5 years too late, only at the point when freestyle fixed gear and short suspension slopestyle fullies were at its highest point in popularity. The real rider owned companies have been doing it for year to produce the best bikes possible. Commercial companies such as Spesh only jump on the bandwagon when they see that it caught on and that there is money to be made. Thereby I will always support smaller innovative rider owned companies that actually invest into innovating bikes instead of those who are just out for my money.
  • 1 1
 Yes I get it, i just wouldn't spend my money on an industrial looking bike with straight gauge tubes and external routing unless it was considerably cheaper
  • 1 1
 Their new bikes look clean. This one being my fav: www.transitionbikes.com/2016/Bikes_PatrolCarbon.cfm
  • 3 0
 @jaame: Yes your comment makes me think of orange bikes on a side note, they really are amazing, lightweight, simple, jump amazingly, handle amazingly and plow everything whilst remaining lively to ride, they really are second to none Imo and I've ridden most linkage systems... However they let themselves down with a price tag far too high for a bunch of rolled sheet metal and no carbon fanciness.
  • 2 0
 @ctd07: Spot on, that why I ride Empire. Much more playful and still a handmade British single pivot! 2 bearings, 1 pivot = 0 issues
  • 2 0
 @ctd07: i would love to ride orange,what with them being manufactured just down the road. Only problem is, they don't make anything I want to ride.
  • 2 2
 Bullcrap, certain companies jump on band wagon late and some of them make it better. Like Specialized did with 29ers. Like Apple did with cell phones. There's nothing more sad than a bunch of whiny, unorganized Phd's polishing their work for 10 years and then some guy publishes his work in 3 years, based on thrir articles. It's called evolution and it's favorite toy: natural selection. Niner, Gravity dropper, Sram with wide range cassettes are not male Alphas in their regions anymore. What's wrong with that?!

Then just as I said and you both admitted that, There's hardly something if anything wrong with performance and quality of Specialized bikes, it's people's ideological attitude of how an ethical company is supposed to look like and act, that is being projected on certain companies in form of unfounded accusations. I have no problem with the fact that someone, or rather, so fkng many people don't like Spesh for the way they run their business, it's your head, love and hate whorver you want, just remember that this "dislike" of yours better br founded on some evidence before you set off on a crusade. There are people whom I just don't like. But I'm not putting it on a T-shirt. Spesh is Coke of MTB, no doubt it, but it doesn't make me like their bikes any less. I love Coke, but I drink it once a month, nobody makes me drink more and I don't give a tiniest fk who drinks it more often.
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: if commercial companies purely made it to improve so, they would not have waited for so long as with the p.fix and p.slope. The only reason they hopped on the bandwagon is that they noticed that the demand for both were growing hard a while ago and they saw there was money to be made. Exactly the same reason they don't make the p.fix anymore now that the freestyle fixed gear hype is over. FGFS companies by FGFS riders are still making and improving the bikes, but Spesh backed out because its not financially interesting for them.
I can totally understand that though if (/because) none of the guys at spesh have a passion for FGFS.

And since when are the bad things that specialized did such as the Cafe Roubaix story, stealing the NoTubes design, etc, etc rumors? They are facts and there is plenty of evidence for that.
Yes Specialized makes good bikes, but the things they did were enough reason for me not to like them anymore. Imagine your daughters boyfriend once beat your daughter up. Doesn't matter how nice he'd treat her the rest of the time, I would never be able to like him again.
  • 1 1
 @Mattin: I have no problem with people not liking Spesh. I don't like their way of manufacturing l, that's why I own an Antidote now, and I paid heavily for EU made components from Hope and DT (I skipped BOS because unless they get their support shit together I am sticking to RS) In that respect ( manufacturing methods) they are no worse than YT, Cube, Giant, Scott and many others. But it has nothing to do with Gwin losing or Demo being a bad bike.
  • 2 0
 Happy to hear about they're experience with the new ethirteen wheels. I run the previous LG1+ wheel set on my bike and love them.. Also worth noting I found it funny how Gwin has his own ODI signature grip the AG1 but doesn't even ride them...
  • 2 0
 @Mattin: Nice analogy about the daughter!
  • 6 1
 @Mattin: I'm not so sure it's correct to say that small companies are the drivers of innovation in the bike world. In most cases it's the complete opposite. The large companies are the ones with the R&D budgets that allow them to explore new innovations. They are the ones that usually lead most of the major change.

Since this thread started about YT, tell me what they did with thier bikes that is a major innovation? They simply build carbon bikes with modified Horst link rear suspensions. They did not develop anything. There was no true innovation there. And thier new bike, a slacked out mid travel 29er? Seems like they are the ones jumping in the bandwagon there. I'm not trying to shit on YT here. By all accounts the bikes are good. I'm just pointing out that you comments about innovation just don't make sense.

And another thing. Stop acting like only large companies like specialized want to make a profit. All bike companies, even the rider owned ones want to take you money. No one is out there running a charity for mountain bikers.
  • 2 0
 @jaame: why do you spend more time looking than riding? Nice bikes are made for abuse. Go crash your precious bike before its old and worthless and have a good time doin it! I want people to say "look at that lunatic!" Not "nice bike"
  • 1 1
 If you draw the daughter analogy thus go into higher moral ground then you should be able to live up to it. Describe me your bike then Smile
  • 3 0
 @Mattin: well, that bike has the world record on longest backflip and redbull rampages 1st and 2x 2nd place, i`m pretty sure it can hold on well..
  • 3 1
 @sino428: you really dont see the difference between being driven by money and driven by passion? Of course the ones driven by passion also want to be able to at least pay their bills from it, but it is still totally different. The one being driven by passion usually starts their company because they are super passionate cyclists and they have a vision of how they can make bikes even better. Good examples are Specialized discontinuing the p.fix after the FGFS hype was over, vs. YT investing in a carbon slopestyle frame they know the costs will be too high to get their investment returned, but they will do it anyways just because they see it is a point where bikes can still use improvement.

In the street / skatepark scene this was very noticeable. The rider owned companies were ALWAYS the ones improving the bikes to the riders their needs. Things such as higher bbs, shorter chain stays, tapered drop outs, mid bb for BMX cranks, bmx spacing for pegs, integrated pivotal seatposts in the frames, removable cable mounts, etc, were always coming from rider owned companies such as Black Market Bikes, NS Bikes, Dartmoor, etc. where as the commercial companies didn't even care about our scene because they get so much more ROI on XC and road bikes than on street bikes. Even if they had a kind of like street machine, they were years behind and it was shit.

Same with slopestyle, Dobermann had a short travel fully about 5 years before the p.slope. Same for black market, Kona and some others who were way earlier. Actually the 2 to hop on the bandwagon as last ones were specialized and Trek. Clearly because suddenly there became a demand to bikes like those and they saw an opportunity to make money.

If you follow the scene as closely as I do, you will see that there is a big difference between the ones driven by passion and the ones driven purely by money.
Commercial companies might act like they are the ones improving, but in reality they just wait for others to be guinea pigs and when they see it works out for them, they'll hop on the bandwagon and spend a lot of money on advertisement so that people who don't follow the scene closely will think their bikes are innovative.
  • 3 0
 @Mattin: Agreed. If some dude named Stan hadn't thought he could do a better job of it, the best we would have gotten for tubeless would have UST, isolated to higher end product, while still being too heavy, & the rest of us would have been stuck with tubes.
  • 1 3
 @Mattin - I really think you should watch the episode of Southpark about Starbucks... You also make too many generalizations, what evidence do you have for Spec or Giant or Scott or Cannondale or Merida or Trek (...) to not be driven by passion for cycling? There are maaaany people working in those companies, designing and testing products who surely are passionate about what they are doing. And how can we not separate people working in the brand from the brands image? I work at some office, it's still me and the office. People I met at Spesh tent in Val di Sole were awesome compared to what I saw in many other teams where Rockstar and Punk are the names of the game. I spotted a dozen of full time hillbillies as well as snobs.

How do you know NS-bikes or Banshee is passion driven when one of very few story lines they can make is that they are a small rider owned company driven by passion? All that with using nearly exactly same manufacturing methods at places with surely similar work and environmental ethics as biggest brands use. It's just done on a smaller scale. Bike industry is not the place to earn money, it's a bloody given thing. You have to be nuts to get into it thinking you'll get rich, or at least get into upper middle class. The only thing YT does well in my view is offer a great geometry and components at low prices because I don't believe by a tiniest margin that their carbon frames are neither worse nor better than SC or Yeti, while I suspect their alu work is on par with Rockhopper.

But well it's your view of reality forging your set of values, I shouldn't really give a tiniest damn and it's a historicaly well proven fact that saving people from themselves is the mother of most fk ups. Wink
  • 1 0
 @ctd07: well it is Reynolds after all Wink
  • 2 0
 @groghunter - yes Stan changed the game and then DT made it better, at lower price, in facilities in Europe. Let's all thank Gravity dropper for giving us Reverb and 9point8 Inline, Crankbros for Time Atac MX, Niner for Enduro 29, Fox for Lyrik. However I will not thank Kirk Pacenti or Haro for 650B. The only thing that hasn't changed is Minion DHF.
  • 1 0
 @Mattin: I'm sure there are some small companies and founders out there who are truly in it for the passion of the sport. But when a company like YT starts sponsoring big names like Cam Zink and Aaron Gwin, they are not a grassroots organization anymore. Those are large scale marketing efforts which are meant to drive sales and make the company money. Its well beyond the point of YT "just trying to pay thier bills" at this point.
  • 1 0
 @sino428: guarantee in a 2-3 years,serious bikers will be holding their nostrils when they see a yt.every man and his dog will have one.not niche enough anymore.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Point is, a product like that would have never gotten through a large corporate structure. "Tubeless rim strips? will anybody want to deal with that & sticky goop? we have a fixed revenue stream from tubes, who would endanger that?"
  • 3 1
 @groghunter: That's a very Narrow/Wide statement Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: his specialized subject.
  • 3 2
 People forget that Loic was consistently in Gwin's shadow last season, coming second place 4 times. -Gwin comes off the demo- -Loic goes on the demo- First race back Loic was beating Gwin by over 2 seconds, and would have won by nearly 3 seconds if not for the crash. It's very hard to not come across as a S demo fan boy, considering I own one, but it's a fucking machine. I've been riding the new demo for 3 weeks now, and not only do I feel faster, but my riding buddies have noticed it too. The frame was developed over a period of three years by those who arguably have the highest level of expertise in the industry, whilst having Aaron and Troy etc. as their test pilots.
  • 4 2
 @Jack-McLovin: better sell quick smart. Resale £ going south fast ;(
  • 1 1
 @Jack-McLovin: just tuning you in Wink
  • 1 0
 @cottonmouthdug: The reason is a wife who works away a lot, two small kids and a full time job.
  • 1 0
 @Mattin: You know what time it is. Have Pinkbike tried to recruit you yet?
  • 1 0
 @jaame: two small kids or two big kids...they'll still stop you going out.kind advice,never ever ever start diy...it's a heavy cross she'll make you carry to evermore.Smile
  • 1 0
 My young bloke is itching to come out already but at three he's not capable enough to ride behind me. Give him three years and a motorbike and he'll free me for sure.
  • 2 2
 I wonder how many Higher Trolls here, are such eager commenters because they have kids and exchange riding for writing as an act of desperation, just to do anything bike related. My 4 year old daughter gets almost as much riding time as I do.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: this is really off topic now but it's all give and take. i have a daughter (4 next week) who goes out with me once a week on the beach cruising. Then I ride another 2-3 times with my friends / on my own for 1-3 hours typically and that kind of keeps the mrs at an acceptable level of bike hatred
  • 1 0
 Definitely true waki. As soon as my son can ride with me I'll gladly kiss goodbye to pinkbike.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: 2 lads,0 interest in biking.1 has made gb water polo team,1 just a gamer.Smile
  • 1 0
 @sino428: well put
  • 2 1
 @Mattin: HATERS GON' HATE. Congrats to Gwin. Congrats to YT. The best rider on a bike that's giving the middle finger to the outdated, bloated industry model. f*cking awesome.
  • 1 0
 @TFreeman: talking to fox sponsored riders, they do say the RAD products (and probably the factory support too) makes a huge difference to their riding and this is normally informal chats behind closed doors as it were so they aren't obligated to say how zomgmysponsorisamazing it is.

Every pro knows they'll almost always have to watch what they say around people, but you can normally pick up on the difference, specially when you listen to professional sales pitches and advertising all day from reps and riders who know their words are being listened to carefully at that time.
  • 122 2
 Couldn't you of posted this tomorrow, on TUESday Wink
  • 6 0
 pun of the day
  • 19 3
 Whether you know this or not I'm going to say it now for everyones sake. The name Tues comes from the German 'Tu es' which means 'Do it', so its the Do-it not the Tuesday.
  • 15 1
 @NickB01: yes I know that but it wouldn't of made it!! If it ain't punny it ain't funny
  • 8 5
 @sewer-rat: It's "have," not "of."
  • 15 0
 @spankthewan: dammit how will I sleep knowing I made that fatal grammar mistake!!
  • 9 0
 @sewer-rat: Sleep easy; you made the mistake twice, so I believe it cancels out.
  • 2 1
 They should race on a Tuesday, the day not the bike, ok the bike too, the Demo ride is over, lets ride like it was a Sunday but now a Tuesday on a Tuesday, bet Sam Hill would like Tuesday too, he still misses Sundays now hes not firing all of his Nukes!
  • 104 2
 Finally I understand why he was so quick. TRP brakes!
  • 5 0
 The brakes didn't slow him down, I'm not sure if that's good or not...
  • 7 6
 @kazwei:
Those brakes just look cheap.. I don't think trp sales are going to increase even with Gwin using them.
  • 4 0
 I rocked a pair for a bit. They're actually pretty spot on
  • 6 0
 Last year it was no chain, this year its no brakes
  • 2 0
 @BeerGuzlinFool:

Simply because they may "look cheap" doesn't mean they perform as such. That's all TRP builds.

www.trpbrakes.com
  • 2 1
 @CaptainSnappy:
Sorry.. but if I am going to put down good money on a set of brakes I'll keep on buying HOPE.
  • 89 21
 Stupid specialized. Smart YT.
  • 51 40
 Loic was one turn away from smashing gwins time by maybe 3 seconds. And even with the win, gwin himself said that loic is the rider to beat this year and that he is pushing the limits of racing. so...whats that youre saying now?
  • 90 4
 @ccolagio: Probably the same saying tbh. A win is a win, Gwin kept it up right and Bruni didn't, that's all part of the sport
  • 49 1
 @ccolagio: It don't matter if you win by an inch or a mile. Winning's winning.
  • 12 4
 I am not a big fun of Specialized but this argument does not stand anymore. OK yes, they've lost Gwin but they got Loic. So not so stupid after all.
  • 59 3
 "Ask any racer. Any real racer. It don't matter if you win by an inch or a mile. Winning's winning." - Dominic Toretto

Loic fell, Gwin didn't. Shoulda, coulda, woulda doesn't count.
  • 18 31
flag TheRaven (Apr 11, 2016 at 11:02) (Below Threshold)
 @chrisingrassia: Until the winning stops. That's the point. Gwin got this one because a faster rider crashed. So you can say "so what? he won." And today, you are right. You may not be concerned that Bruni was consistently faster than Gwin on that course. But I guarantee you Aaron is.

I will say it now with a straight face, and I will be proven right in six months (as long as both riders stay healthy) - Gwin is the second fastest rider in UCI World Cup racing this season. Is that because of the bike? I wouldn't rule it out.
  • 41 3
 sports talk: where what could've happened is more important than what did happen.
  • 12 4
 @owl-X: Armchair downhillers are on here analyzing what happened while the actual competing riders are out on their bikes analyzing what didn't, or what could have, happened.
  • 48 0
 Brunis crash was his own mistake. Some people act like someone pushed him off his bike or put a stick between his spokes. He didn't have bad luck, he just made a mistake and crashed. Bad luck is breaking your chain during your run.
  • 8 1
 Still, even though I don't like spesh, they were nowhere near stupid. I'm guessing Bruni costs much less than Gwinn, but he seems to be at similar level.
  • 3 0
 @Joebohobo: To finish first you first have to... um, I forget. :p
  • 31 1
 Normally it is hard to demonstrate directly how sponsorship is worthwhile for a bike company. But YT has really succeeded here. By paying Gwin to ride their bike, they've got a ton of publicity. They already had a good product at a good price. But they just weren't put in the same league as the established, traditional sales model brands. That all changed this weekend. When people talk about big name, top quality downhill bikes, YT will now be one of the first brands mentioned. From a business standpoint, it appears to be a successful partnership between a rider and a brand.
  • 4 2
 oh dont get me wrong! i was/am routing for YT. i love all their responses in the articles that they get interviewed on PB. YT made a great business move in signing gwin. and, specialized too has a powerhouse rider whom everybody on the hill KNOWS is pushing the limits. i would say specialized is grinning with what the future is going to bring for them in UCI DH results.
  • 14 0
 Specialized may have lost Gwin, clearly the best Downhill racer on the planet. But they now have Finn Iles, Loic Bruni, and Loris Vergier, they are loaded with talent. Plus Brosnan is a consistent podium threat for them. Specialized will do just fine without Gwin, and YT seems to be doing great with him. To call Specialized stupid for letting him go may be a bit harsh, the new Specialized Gravity Team will give Specialized plenty of publicity for the brand. Gwin helps YT more than he helps Specialized.
  • 4 0
 @ccolagio: Loic is absurdly fast no doubt but how many times has he been on a "winning" run only to lose it somehow. That was pretty much the definition of this entire season last year. The only exception was Worlds which Gwin crashed in. I'm excited to see a race this year where they both stay upright and have little to few mistakes.
  • 1 0
 @OTownMtb: @OTownMtb: It takes time to call someone "...the best Downhill racer on the planet". What's Minnaar then? He's great for sure but let time to tell.
  • 3 1
 @starpak: I mean the best currently, sure Minnaar is the best of all time. But clearly Gwin has been dominant for some years now.
  • 4 7
 @starpak: Steve peat, Nico, Sam hill?? Get to the back of the Que gwin
  • 4 0
 @thenotoriousmic: Nico was the best at world champs there has ever been, and Sam Hill may have been the most raw and loose rider ever but he can't touch the consistency of Minnaar, nobody has ever been this good for this long. Peaty may be one of the most influential and he has certainly done the most for the sport, but Minnaar is a better, more successful racer.
  • 5 3
 @dfiler: Truth. YT had something to prove, moreso than every other brand on the hill yesterday, because people had been saying that the TUES was a freeride bike, & it couldn't be raced at the top level. Nobody's been saying that about anybody else, even the brands who hadn't had a team until this year.

...heck, they could drop the team tomorrow, & have gotten their money's worth. in fact, I would be surprised to see them not keep Gwin around after this season, especially if he wins the overall. He's expensive, & he has a reputation for causing trouble during contract season. best way to deal with that is to get what you need out of him, & then send him on down the road before you find yourself at the center of... well, what happened to Specialized last year, & Trek a few before that.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: Sure, all these guys set the benchmark. Agreed.
  • 3 0
 @OTownMtb: True, but Minnaar also didn't have Vouilloz spoiling his fun for a large portion of his career. they only competed with each other for 2 years, while Peaty had to play second fiddle to Nico for a decade of his career.

Heck, Nico only raced 10 years, & has 16 wins. I feel fairly confident he'd be over 20 wins by now if he hadn't retired after such a(comparatively) short career.
  • 8 0
 I'm a fan of Gwin, not because of the bike he rides, but because he's tremendously skilled and talented. He seems to be a focused and humble guy, an insane competitor and great sportsman all at the same time. And a good businessman, too. So I'll keep cheering for him, and then go out and ride my Specialized Enduro. The fact that he's not riding a Specialized anymore doesn't take away from my bike, nor does it make Gwin any less of a bad ass.
  • 2 0
 @groghunter: That's a great point! Minnaar seems to be the one of the few who have been able to win in both generations, he won world champs and beat Nico, and has been winning ever since. Nico could have an enormous amount of wins had he continued, it seems that in a few years Gwin may have the title of most world cup wins of all time. Plus Minnaar has had to deal with Sam Hill, Nico, Peaty, and Aaron Gwin, and he has been able to beat every one of them.
  • 1 0
 @OTownMtb: He has 15 now, if my count is correct. After what he did this weekend, unless something radically changes, I'd expect Gwin to pass Minnaar late this season, or within the first couple next year.

granting, of course, that Bruni, or heck, even Minnaar don't spoil it for him. But this weekend is a pretty emphatic declaration that he isn't going to have a down year the way he did when he switched to Specialized.
  • 1 0
 @groghunter: Yes I agree, I think Gwin has gotten to a level at this point where he could switch to any DH bike brand and still be just as dominant, he is just the best there is right now. Bruni could certainly rob him of some wins, but I think he'll win the overall still.
  • 1 0
 @OTownMtb: I actually have my eye on Loic for the overall. I have a feeling he's going to come on real strong after the first couple races(or maybe even 2 weeks from now.)

That said, Gwin only needs 3 wins to tie Minnaar. It's hard to imagine him not getting that within the next 8 or so WCs. Certainly, he'll hit 16 far earlier than Nico, as he's not at a decade until the end of next year(& if you count it from his first WC race, not until about the 3rd race of 2018, seeing as he didn't race until the 4th race in 2008.)
  • 2 0
 @groghunter: It will be interesting for sure! World Cup season is finally upon us and I'm stoked!
  • 6 0
 @Joebohobo: gwin was slower at the splits but looked stable and in control the whole time. Bruni on the other hand was sketchy and not in control the whole run, he was pushing way past his limits to get those times and look what happened. 1 or 2 seconds slower while playing it a little safer is sometimes a smart move.
  • 1 0
 @groghunter: Vouilloz crushed world cup every year he was in it. that guy is legend.
  • 1 0
 @subhuman2178: Yep, point being, it's hard to compare Minnaar's career to Peaty's, because Peaty had about 10 years where wins were real hard to come by. If Nico & Minnaar had started at the same time, it's likely Minnaar wouldn't be sitting at 18, & Conversely, if Peaty hadn't had Nico as competition, he'd have more than 17.
  • 1 0
 Yep the World Cup's are back; the comment sections are getting longer
  • 1 0
 Loic will be able to contend for the overall as long as he doesn't crash and is consistent. Crashing can cost a lot of points. This is where Gwin's ride shines, dialed back just enough to get down to the bottom on top.
  • 2 3
 If you're not first, you're last
  • 1 0
 Win Sunday, Sell Monday, Id say YT very smart, btw piss up Tuesday
  • 1 0
 @chrisingrassia: Calm down Groot :-)
  • 2 0
 @groghunter: And if you count all senior world level UCI race wins together Vouilloz is still top dog with 23, Minnaar 21, Peat 18 and Gwin 15.

For his Palmares to be complete Gwin has to win a few world championships, but aside from the numbers when it comes to figuring out something about how to ride a bike fast that none of their competitors fully understand then Vouilloz and Gwin are surely in a league of their own.
  • 1 0
 @wingguy: excellent stats, thanks for that. Can you add gee and Sam Hill to the list please? 13 & 8 is it?
  • 1 0
 @wingguy: Yup, excellent point. Never understood the point of counting them separately, it's the same format, on the same tracks, with(mostly) the same racers.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: I'm on fire.. Ricky bobby is on fire.. Help me okra Winifred..!
  • 1 0
 Because Specialized got three riders for the price of one including the 2015 Worlds champ?

More bang for their buck, kiddo.
  • 1 4
 I hope Loic smashes Gwin in the upcoming races, simply so the fucking Gwin fan boys will shut the hell up lol.
  • 2 1
 @Jack-McLovin: Loic will have to beat Gwin in more than one WC race to be remotely consider smashed.
  • 54 1
 YT when you have coffee?
  • 18 8
 Because tea is infinitely superior. That said, the bike isn't too bad either....
  • 14 2
 Coffe? Not on Tues-day
  • 15 1
 Sorry, I should have responded with a joke, but as a British person I take my cuppa far too seriously!
  • 10 4
 Yer wee traitor, I don't want to see ya drinking that English pish a-gain! Now go wash yer mouth with a pint of Heavy or I tell Jeffsy to mug you in a lavy!
  • 9 3
 @WAKIdesigns: oh god Waki, you've done it now! Brought Scottish politics onto pinkbike... The only nation that is more touchy about its 'freedom' or lack of than the Americans XD
  • 6 7
 @Ozziefish: Americans! Even Donald Trump doesn't screoow with Scottish lads. Look what happened to his golf yard in Aberdeen. Such a disgrace. Even if he wins them wee elections, bring him to Fort Williym, hey mr American president, here's present for yooooo! And Angus will throw a jerk at that jerk, 5 stoon heavey log, on his stupid orangutang head - crooshing him like a worrym. Sploosh! Yer bloody bumpot.

Stop runing the puns jimmy! Look! Gwin Masters winning!
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: No coffee on a TUESday? Fighting words right there. In fact, any word is a fighting word before I've had my coffee any and everyday of the week.
  • 3 3
 @Ozziefish: Americans XD ? Cross Dressers?
  • 45 3
 I was about to comment on how awesome YT must be but then I remembered...Yeti, Trek, Spesh, YT, no tire, no chain... Apparently it’s the rider and not so much the equipment.
  • 9 8
 He didn't win without the tyre but did impressively finish his run. That chainless run was insanely impressive, but the "lucky" part was that the chain snapped once he speeded up. Would the chain have snapped 2 seconds earlier he wouldn't have cleared the first jump and would not have won. Also it happened on the right track. Nevertheless a mind blowing historic moment that nobody ever though was possible.

As for Yeti, Trek, Spesh and YT. All are top of the line brands and top of the line bikes. The difference between top of the line bikes is very small. The difference between a top of the line bike from a great company and an entree bike of a not so good company with outdated geo is huge.
  • 2 1
 @Mattin:
Regarding the second paragraph, I disagree. Loic on his lappiere was always behind Gwin last season who was riding a demo. First race back this season, Loic was on the demo and potentially could have beaten Gwin by 3 seconds, if not for the crash.
Coincidence?
  • 2 0
 @Jack-McLovin: I think there were a lot of variables that day especially the fact that the track was drying out by the minute.
And a bike can be better on one track that a different bike than another track. My point was that a great rider is great on whatever he’s on. Charlie Parker would run circles around anyone on a pawn shop saxophone he picked up that day. Sure a better one would have sounded better but he would still have been great. The greats find a way.
  • 1 0
 @jeremiahwas: But bikes do matter. And just being with Specialized will turn any great rider into an even more fantastic rider, just because they'll look after you so well and they want you to win.
Gwin may be earning more money now, but he doesn't have the Specialized facilities or team. Loic, Finn, and Loris were offered to go to other companies who were willing to pay more, but they chose Specialized.
  • 37 0
 That should be part of their promo. They sell off each bike after each race and start fresh.
  • 21 0
 That's actually a really great idea. And the proceeds should go to fallen riders like YT did with the backup Rampage frames.
  • 6 3
 #GwinForRampage , he will go faster than Metailler down the hill
  • 37 2
 Thats right YT owners, if your not as fast as Gwin its your ain fault
  • 27 0
 Silver spokes? I heard black are faster.
  • 3 2
 Could be stainless steel spokes for better compliance
  • 26 1
 Metric spokes are really the fastest
  • 1 1
 Maybe they are plus sized spokes
  • 1 0
 Kashima spokes would cut through the air much faster
  • 36 14
 lol at the "you could buy this tomorrow" bs.

the bike is completely stock. well, except for the ti hardware, the custom brakes, the tires, the Blackbox shifter, and the RAD suspension.
  • 7 2
 that was my exact thought too. they are going a bit too heavy on the marketing, let the results speak for themselves.
  • 19 6
 Most teams have custom(geo) frames per rider.
  • 21 0
 Compared to a time when specialized was machining him a new shock linkage seemingly on the regular a box stock frame is pretty pedestrian no matter what black box rad gear is hung off it.
  • 30 0
 Sure you could buy it tomorrow, but you won't get it until September.
  • 13 0
 RAD = different tune that works for Aaron. You could tune your damper too
  • 1 0
 Yeah and in 2015 Stock suspension was BOS and better than RAD, thats RAD btw
  • 19 0
 "I could sell it tomorrow and order another one online and be ready to go at the next race"
For sale
Large YT TUES
Lightly used
  • 18 0
 I wouldn't trust YT to get him a new bike by the next race unless someone cancels their order.
  • 2 1
 No joke someone in my area was trying to sell a bike from Rampage with pretty much the same verbiage. I'm just bummed the Canfield rumors weren't true Smile .
  • 3 0
 @digitalsoul: Canfield rumors?
  • 1 0
 One lady rider, dosent crash in the last corner
  • 16 0
 Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Rachael Atherton do the same thing as Gwinn, won last year, switched teams and won this first race? Can't forget the badass ladies that charge hard
  • 5 0
 I agree, I always thought the girls were slow until I saw them absolutely flying down that wall section, and smashing the finish line jump. Out of this world! They definitely don't get the credit they deserve.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: Ya the ladies are starting to push the envelope a little more
  • 18 1
 That the whole thing is basically stock is my most favorite part Aaron winning. It makes it somehow more authentic. Big like.
  • 16 1
 He's 5"9 and he's riding a large! I'm 6"4, when are YT producing a XXXXL for guys like me to ride?!
  • 8 1
 He's always run really big bikes. I think he likes the longer wheelbase when riding @ near supersonic speed.
  • 1 0
 doh
  • 7 0
 This... 5ft9 is average height for euro-caucasians and that should be where you aim a medium frame at. Medium up to 6ft, Large up to 6ft3, and XL up to 6ft6 (my height) Wink
  • 2 1
 @thestigmk1: I would have said 6'0" is average height for someone in their 20s these days. The sizes are definitely out of whack. He's not even using a short stem.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: Yeh we are definitely getting taller especially on the west coast of Scotland. Our average heights are based upon a war generation raised in generally poorer health (although I wish our average weights would go back to that time lol)
  • 2 0
 I love the fact that YT have shrunk him down to 5'9....he was officially 5'10 before joining YT...
  • 15 0
 ... onza has to do some homework. Shorty ftw!
  • 1 0
 Obviously it works...btr for mud to slighly drying out mud? How about socal cond?
Compared to magic mary or dhf
  • 2 0
 @jrocksdh: ... yeah apprently better for the lourdes conditions so the combination of rocks, mud and drying mud.

having a look at onzas line-up (and personal experience) their mud tire, the "Greina" has a different spike distribution with the outter ones reaching deeper into the tire flanks and having bigger space in between the single spikes on the tire's edge, this allows nice cleaning of the tire but (and I learned it last autumn) gets f#+ing slippery on wet rocks and it is not possible to work against this with cutting them (afaik) - after switching to the shorty, riding on wet rocks became more controlled due to more grip. I had the same experience with the hutchinson DZO (with trimmed center spikes) which delivered a riding experience comparable to the shorty (having a look at the spike alignment revelas some similarities). Of course I ride just for fun - but even with my modest riding level I was able to notice this (Or was I just blinded by the new purchased stuff?)

For dry and dusty conditions I still use the onza "citius" on front and "ibex" on back, works fine for me. Could be a possible setup for socal cond.
  • 1 1
 @jone5: if I were on a I would be mighty unhappy to be paying him to use my product and then see him not use it. Not quite the point of paying him is it
  • 11 0
 Theyre happy wheel bearings lasted a race weekend? They don't normally? My hope hubs are going into the 4th whistler bike park season. Now I've said that they'll probably die on opening day
  • 1 0
 The issue is more the rims than anything else. If you aren't running a dual chamber system/high pressure, or just stupid smooth riding, you rim will get dented
  • 10 1
 It would be cool if you took the top 20 racers and did a series of races where they all race the same frame, but the frame changes at each venue. that way it levels the playing field a little bit. and at the end of it all the bikes are raffled off to pink bike members Smile
  • 14 1
 Why doesn't he run his own signature grip?
  • 3 2
 here today...gone later today or lost in the mix of his restructuring sponsors
  • 4 0
 Probably because his signature grips are TERRIBLE. I ran them for 2 rides and was so unhappy that I tore them off and gave them to some kid in the parking lot. Such a gimmick.
  • 10 1
 WOW: "...Aaron has never made it through one race weekend on one set of wheels, here and both riders spent the whole week on the same wheels including Aaron's race run...."
  • 21 3
 I know! Wow! Hats off to the mechanics who were able to swap the same two wheels from bike to bike in-between runs! How many teams share the same wheelset for all bikes?
  • 1 2
 and everyone slates E13... yet he seemed rather happy with them
  • 7 0
 Q: "How many of these well-priced, red and black World Cup winning bikes will we see at our local trails this year? Has everything just changed?"

A: Many and YES. As long as there isn't a four-month-ish wait time for the Tuesday.
  • 9 1
 Not Tuesday, it's Tues (too ess)
"Markus says that its name conjunction of two German words that translate to, "do it" in English"
  • 2 0
 @mestapho: you know it.
  • 1 0
 @mestapho: Thanks for the correction!
  • 2 0
 But races are usually on Sunday... I guess they would have used that name but it was already taken. Saturday would have been better than Tuesday, since some races are on Saturdays.
  • 7 0
 A few year ago I had a heated debate here on a pink bike about altitude and temp affecting air suspension. All involved told me no friggen way because its a sealed system. All I wanna say to you, and you know who you are.... Told you so! Heres a world cup mech. commenting on the affects and how they work with it.
  • 10 0
 A sealed system? So is a bag of potato chips. You ever see one at elevation? Looks like a soon-to-be Grenade
  • 8 0
 The more he wins, the less I'll be able to afford a new Capra.
  • 2 1
 jeffsy is your new best friend man !
  • 6 0
 This shows you how a small company with reasonable priced bikes could end up right on top. Congrats on GWIN and YT!!! I want a YT Smile
  • 13 9
 Ahh.. Like Aaron Gwin I myself go up one psi in tire pressure when I know that rainy conditions will not persist. #worldcupproblems #howcanyoueventell #mindblown #brrapppp! #gwinning
  • 7 0
 That diamond cut Fox headset cap...
  • 4 0
 Just a Kashima coat cap, you can buy them.
  • 3 0
 Why are racers so protective of their tire pressures? This is the second or third time I've seen a comment about a WC mechanic not wanting to disclose their base tire pressure, thought it kindof odd considering all of the other things they disclosed.
  • 5 0
 I don't see why it matters much either. Each rider is different weight and different riding style, so tire pressures change based on who's inputting into the bike as well
  • 3 0
 I always thought Gwin reminded me of the original G.O.A.T. RC and I guess Loic is doing the Bubba thing of going faster, too fast, and then tipping over. James never really got a handle on RC and it took RC's retirement before the torch was passed. I hope that's not the case for Loic as Gwin looks like he has plenty left in him! Anyway its rivalries like these that keeps us glued to it.
  • 8 2
 Great!!! Now I can get a Speci Demo for the price of Mongoose!
  • 3 0
 Watching the wall section(practice/qually) via vids here in pb, the demo and v10 looked most planted other than gwin.
So whats this yt weigh?
  • 8 3
 Also quite impressive that this is the first time a bicycle brand has won their first world cup race on their first try
  • 4 0
 They didn't maybe the greatest DH racer of all time did.....
  • 5 0
 Advertisement for YT is so fckin huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge !!!!!! Sales are going to EXPLODE in the next few months!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 I think you mean backorders.... They were already struggling to fill orders, now imagine how bad it will be.
  • 2 0
 @Jamminator: I guess they anticipated it... OItherway it's c*nt for them ^^
  • 3 1
 This is interesting, YT have been seen at trail centres, bike parks and uplift centres for years in the UK.
Dirt even put the Alu version in the Dirt-100 for years before the the carbon version came out.... they even continued to put the bike in there while it was still on 26 inch wheels. Once the 650b carbon one came out Dirt basically said to YT's owners that they had a WC winning machine and asked why they didn't have a team... so the rumour goes, YT looked embarrassed and said they'd only want to come in with the best....best team, best riders, best chance of winning etc....much like they did with Lacondegeuy in freeride.
I guess this was their plan, hasn't worked out too bad has it?!
The bikes are great, I had a Wicked-150 (remember those!?).... they're so cheap in Europe they will dominate the DH scene for a few years yet.
Do they have a US distributor?.... I know Canyon don't which is a shame as you're missing out on some mega deals as they sell off their 'old' 26 bikes in readiness for the new part carbon 650b bike reviewed on this site this week.
Long live companies like YT, they allow blue collar workers like me access to WC level bikes, couldn't be happier for YT and Gwin right now.....even though I prefer Loic Bruni as a person.
  • 3 0
 I wonder how his tyre sponsors feel about paying him to ride their tyres and then him not using them. Hardly the endorsement they are paying for
  • 4 0
 I imagine it is a conversation they had at the beginning. Onza doesn't have a production cut spike, so he will race something else until they finish developing it off track and finally make one. Not the first time this has ever happened, and it won't be the last time.
  • 1 0
 John Hall (Aaron's Mechanic) -- if you read these comments, what brand of Ti bolts do you use on Aaron's bike? I know some use higher quality titanium and are less prone to snap than others.

Thanks, keep up the great work on Gwin's bike and have a kick ass season!
  • 3 0
 they are sponsored by ti-springs.com and that's who supplies the Ti hardware
  • 1 0
 @MmmBones: Thanks for the details!
  • 1 0
 Very cool to see AG take the win on his maiden World Cup race with YT. As many have mentioned before, it's going to be a great season if everyone can stay healthy. I think AG will always have the upper hand over Loic Bruni until Bruni understands that he doesn't need to be at 110% the whole track. My belief is that AG is still the fastest man out there but he has the brains to know when to send it and when to pull back a bit. That said, I'm sure being in France and Loic being a Frenchie he was massively fired up to kick some ass. As for YT, I think it's probably a good bike - nonetheless Gwin has won on everything he's touched so I'm sure that has something to do with it.
  • 1 0
 Congrats GWIN,great victory ,new bike new almost everything. And people still think about brakes and transmission like it really matters, good balance bike with right tyre pressure is the key every other thing is just wanna be things. Again congrats to you GWIN ,now with out less pressure on you ,let the party start.
  • 1 0
 >> Combine this with the fact that Aaron has not only changed sponsors, but nearly every product and team member is different to last year

shhh... the target customer might realize world-class performance has very little to do with the product and I *can't* buy my way to the podium!
  • 2 0
 The man is a beast. Going to be an amazing season watching him go head to head with Bruni. And can't wait to watch Stevie rip the tracks!!!
  • 4 0
 Hope the world cup circus comes to a town near me soon.
  • 7 2
 Nice shortys
  • 4 1
 Money well spent taking Gwin on board ...Sales are gonna go though the roof after that ...!!!!!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 Let's hope YT order fulfillment doesn't go way of Canyon...
  • 6 6
 I don't get it, he had the ability to choose really any tire tire sponser. And then first race he uses a different tire than the bloody tire he agreed and got paid to use. Isn't that dumb. You didn't have to secretly use the tire, you could have gotten paid to use it. Duh. Bad form
  • 8 0
 Every DH rider has done this in the past or currently. Onza has the cash and more than likely brought Gwin on to a) get exposure and more importantly b) get his input on developing a new line of DH tires for Onza.
  • 3 12
flag chrismac70 (Apr 11, 2016 at 15:37) (Below Threshold)
 Sums him up to me. Went for the cash and little respect for those who pay him
  • 4 0
 @chrismac70: you wouldn't go for the cash? Please explain. Why is a guy doing what most of us dream of, racing bikes for a living, making more money a bad thing? Because you don't like the brand he rides for? So if the best F1 driver in the world is driving for Ferrari and then a small upstart comes in and says we want a better product, help us develop it and we will give you 20% more than Ferrari, are you going to bash the guy for not taking the deal?
  • 1 0
 So bitchin' that I could buy all this stuff basically. Not that it would make me Gwin fast.... still pretty cool though. Blacked out tires eh? I guess Onza has some R&D to do....
  • 4 1
 I wonder if Trek has any regrets yet! Gwinn and bear it! Stomp em' all season long AG!
  • 1 0
 Nah, now Trek can sell thousands of women's geometry downhill bikes with Rachel. It's a huge market, ya know!

*giggles*
  • 3 3
 At the end of the day it doesn't really matter that Gwin won on the bike. It had already been pretty well established that its a good bike at a good price by this point. And if you buy one, that should be why you are buying it, not because some pro rider rides it or won on it. There is a reason the same riders were at the top of the list this weekend as are always at the top regardless of what bike they are riding. Its the riders not the bikes.

I do think its important from a marketing perspective for these companies to have teams so that they can show that their products can stand up under the toughest tests under the best riders. But the "results" or the bikes themselves? Non relevant IMO.
  • 1 3
 Exactly. 'Ohh YT's are SO AMAZING!!'. What were people expecting, for Aaron to come last?? Get a grip, a downhill bike is a downhill bike. He's not riding a 2002 Kona Stinky.
  • 2 0
 Okay, so Gwin is 5'9" and rides a size large with a 50 mm stem. I'm 6'4" - thats 7 inches taller. YT - you need to make some bigger bikes please!
  • 2 0
 The case of Aaron Gwin reminds of the story of Valentino Rossi (when he left the powerful Honda and signed with the struggling Yamaha)
  • 4 4
 out of the box really is not a big deal. i can think of several brands that are just as good as a yt out of the box. yt is a good bike but lets not forget that they are just one option.
  • 3 1
 I know he's sponsored by Onza, but those don't look like nothing in their catalog. The marker trick?
  • 3 0
 They are... 40s Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Didn't catch the last part. Got it now.
  • 2 0
 It's great to see what a pro can literally do with a stock out of the box bike. YT's sales are going to sky rocketed tup
  • 1 0
 Stock frame with Fox RAD suspension and Blackbox drivetrain probably covers alot of the bikes at a WC?
  • 1 0
 15 wins so far. Gwin, Peaty and Minnaar are definitely the GROATs (Greatest Riders of All Time).
  • 1 0
 I am a Bruni Fan but i must say Aaron is really a great rider - he can even win on that bike. Grats!
  • 1 0
 Is that straight up skateboard grip tape on the shifter? I need that for the reverb lever.
  • 3 1
 Damn E13 looks good this year!
  • 2 1
 Off the rack vs running a full telemetry bike? Impressive to say the least.
  • 7 7
 Just shows that once you've ridden a spesh and ride something after things can only get better..gonna get some hate from the fanboys on this one.
  • 4 1
 So when you go from one 4-bar horst link to another 4-bar horst link, it's going to be a game changer for you?
  • 1 2
 @ka-brap: tongue and cheek my friend. And that's exactly my point re the four bar
  • 2 2
 @bootlegpegasus:
Not hating, but things got better for Loic. Came back 2 seconds faster than Gwin, unlucky that he crashed, but hey ho. Finn also won his first world cup on the demo.

Have your opinions about Specialized as a company, yeah, but don't underestimate their bikes. They are godly.
  • 2 1
 "I could sell it tomorrow and order another one online and be ready to go at the next race. - Aaron Gwin"
Yes please
  • 1 1
 He could order one tomorrow and ride that next race. That's exactly what he should do! Sell that rig for $30k or more and get another one for cost! Ka-ching!
  • 3 2
 If the bike's so good how come the other guy in the team finished way down? Must be the rider, not the bike.
  • 1 2
 Sshhhh, we don't talk about Angel unless he does really well, then we can say how good YT is Smile
  • 1 0
 Wow Gwin looks so different when not racing. He looks thinner on TV. But his tattoo and beard looks cool.
  • 1 0
 that front tyre looks so narrow. No plus sizes here. Comment?
  • 3 1
 Gwin for president!
  • 3 0
 Gwin > trump
  • 1 0
 How comes Aaron is NOT using his signature ODI grips?
  • 1 0
 So the real question is, if i buy the bike, will i immediately win?
  • 7 0
 No, but you will immediately gwin.
  • 2 1
 7-speed! F... SEVEN SPEED CASSETTE!!!!
  • 1 0
 Nice bike check. Fun info- keep'em coming !
  • 1 0
 Interesting spoke choice.
  • 1 0
 Rather see Gwinny posing with bike. That beard though!
  • 3 1
 Cee u next TUESday....
  • 1 4
 So now yt gets some big exposure and like spesh locks into selling bixe with eithe shim or sham comps only and forcing riders to and buyers r get bixe with brand a only. I like giant cause the use both shim and sham. Don't like their bixe tho. Kmc makes a better chain. I like the rest of shams drive train better than shim and sham has no idea how to make brakes. Yes his bike was outta the box but he had options that he did not have with spesh. Or with a company like trek
  • 4 0
 Wtf did I read
  • 3 1
 MERICA!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 2 1
 Tire pressure is that important? If she rolls she goes imo
  • 1 0
 TRP Brakes??? Tektro brand? thats on my 10 years brother bike Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Best of luck ordering one today and having it for the next race
  • 1 1
 Very anal with the tyre pressure. I could have a change of +-5psi and I wouldn't notice difference
  • 1 1
 tires only matter 50% of the race. the other 50% is air control. airon out.
  • 2 1
 Does this just prove that everyone that bought an 8-10k is a chump
  • 1 0
 rymes with 40?
  • 3 1
 Shorty!
  • 1 0
 Shorty
  • 5 1
 naughty
  • 6 1
 @Monkeyass:

I hope you're not a rapper bro Wink
  • 3 3
 And the fastest bike is...Why Tea?
  • 2 2
 independent of Gwin's performance; man what a blown up advertisement..
  • 1 0
 that stem-cap though...
  • 3 2
 Truly World Class.
  • 1 0
 Pope Aaron 1st
  • 1 0
 He does not side with Catholicism.
  • 1 0
 He's a monster!!!!
  • 2 3
 Holmes?sherlock? John?
  • 7 1
 Aaron Holmes Gwin...it's his middle name.
  • 7 0
 @slumgullion: Scary deep knowledge.
  • 3 6
 His old bike still looked a little faster yesterday........
  • 1 2
 Didn't know it went down on it's own... Huh. Is ghost ridding a bike a new thing at the WC level?
  • 5 0
 The YT would have looked just as fast if Gwin had ridden in such an uncontrolled manner like Bruni did. When Loic gets a bit older he'll calm down and go faster.
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