December 2017 - Good Month or Bad Month?

Jan 2, 2018 at 14:03
by Mike Kazimer  
Pinkbike


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Team Rumors

The yearly game of musical chairs.


The internet message boards tend to light up in the off-season as eager fans search out hints about where their favorite riders might end up next. What's that? Rider X stopped tagging their sponsor in an Instagram post, and Rider Y was spotted on a different bike model? What does it all mean?

We do know that Danny Hart is off Mondraker, Cody Kelley is leaving Yeti, Brook Macdonald and Anneke Beerten are leaving GT, Sam Pilgrim will be e-biking, and that's only the tip of the team announcements iceberg. The first few weeks of the new year will bring about a flood of team announcements, putting an end to the speculation, but it was fun while it lasted.
Danny Hart is a true mud specialist and when he played down a near perfect but slower run many began to doubt anyone would be able to knock Dean Lucas off the top step.
Danny Hart is off Mondraker, and onto...



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29" Downhill Bike Fans

Commencal is the first to market with a complete 29er downhill bike.


2017 saw a wave of 29”-wheeled downhill bikes hit the World Cup circuit, but they didn't end up dominating like some thought they would. They didn't exactly flounder, either, and you can bet that next season we'll see even more teams rolling into the pits with fleets of 29ers in tow. Commencal announced their new Supreme DH 29 in the middle of December, the first complete 29er downhill bike we've seen launched by a large brand.

Yes, Trek has their Session 29, but at the moment it's only available as a frame and fork only. With the Supreme DH 29, for $5,399 USD riders will be able to purchase the aluminum-framed speed machine and head for the races.
Images for SUPREME DH 29 with Amaury Pierron
Big wheeled DH bikes are here to stay.

Which riders will be on 29ers for the 2018 World Cup season? We'll know in a few months - the first race takes place on April 21st in Croatia.




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Arguing in the Comments Section


Pinkbike Awards provide plenty of fuel for the fire.

Along with the team rumor-spreading, December also provided nearly endless opportunities to rant and rave in the comments section, thanks to the yearly Pinkbike Awards. With 14 categories ranging from Bike of the Year to Enduro Race of the Year there was something for everyone to voice their feelings about.

After all, if it's too cold and snowy out to ride, you might as well stir the pot of internet comments, right? Personally, I'd recommend reading a book or catching up on some bike maintenance projects, but voicing strong opinions is a time-honored Pinkbike tradition, and commenters had a banner month in December.
2017 Pinkbike Awards




Pinkbike



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BMX Fans

Kevin Robinson dies at the age of 45.

The cycling community suffered another loss with the sudden death of Kevin Robinson. Best known for his first-ever double flair in the 2006 X-Games, K-Rob inspired countless riders over the course of his 25-year career.

Thanks to his high-flying, hard-charging style, Robinson won multiple major competitions, including four gold medals at the X-Games. After retiring in 2013 his focus shifted to doing commentary for ESPN, working as a motivational speaker, and founding a non-profit to help underprivileged athletes. Never one to back away from a challenge, he returned to the spotlight in 2016 to set the world record for the longest power-assisted bicycle backflip. His friendly, approachable nature earned him strong following around the globe, and his presence will be missed for years to come.




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Under the Bottom Bracket Cable Routing

Rocky Mountain Recalls 2018 Altitude, Pipeline, and Instinct Models.

Rocky Mountain issued a recall in December that was caused by what seems like a small detail - the routing of the brake and derailleur housing under the bottom bracket shell. According to the CPSC recall notice, "the brake cable housing was not secured properly during manufacturing, which can cause brake failure, posing a crash hazard to the rider."

In other words, without a zip tie to hold the brake and derailleur housing together, and enough slack between that housing and the frame, issues can occur. Luckily, it's a quick and easy fix, but I'm sure it's not the way that Rocky wanted to finish out their year.
Rocky Mountain Altitude
Own a 2018 Rocky Mountain? Check that cable routing to avoid any unwanted surprises.




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Daylight in the Northern Hemisphere

Night riding season is in full swing.


December is a tough month to be a mountain biker in much of the Northern Hemisphere. Long nights and short days makes it hard to motivate to get out for a ride, especially if those trails are covered in snow and ice.

Plus, there are all those holiday treats that need to be eaten. The good news? The shortest day of the year has passed, which means that soon those lights will be able to go back into storage and the sun will return, bringing with it dry trails and a much-needed dose of vitamin D
Getting into the holiday spirit with a festive night ride.
Time to charge those batteries - night riding season has arrived.


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119 Comments
  • 374 44
 Bad Month for: Sam Pilgrim
  • 41 19
 haha, R.I.P
  • 35 39
flag WAKIdesigns (Jan 3, 2018 at 12:20) (Below Threshold)
 like a lamb among wolves...
  • 104 55
 you guys are a bunch of haters... sam certainly had a good month Smile www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6VSQktWHT4&t=22s

ride more, bitch less
  • 116 34
 Rad month for pilgrim. He's earning more money than you and rides bikes all day still!
  • 92 36
 @BenParfitterole: if you can call them bikes that is...
  • 51 88
flag BenParfitterole FL (Jan 3, 2018 at 13:02) (Below Threshold)
 @m47h13u: don't start. It's a bike. It's not twist and go. You can consider it cheating but I had a go and it was great.
  • 29 14
 @RedBurn: Thank you for posting that video! Huge props to Sam @sampilgrim for telling it how it is, owning both the negative and positive commentary, and riding his damn bike. E-bike opinions aside, no one can argue that his attitude is something every rider needs. Ride more; bitch less.
  • 26 12
 @BenParfitterole: mopeds all day
  • 25 6
 @RedBurn: a good month cause he did the business he wanted to, but hey, I saw the, video; in every second of downhill footage is evident how that 24 kilograms moped handles like crap, even in Sam's hands.
Certainly he didn't sign with Haibike for the silly fun, no.
  • 39 17
 Is someone paying you to ride a bike? No? Sam Pilgrim had a better month than you.
  • 7 8
 @weebleswobbles: such a joker
  • 6 2
 i.imgur.com/Bwu7vVQ.jpg
  • 13 12
 @DrPete: If you really think so you are very sad man.....there are much bigger values than money in life
  • 15 4
 @ErnestFrigelj: yeh like being able to ride all day and not having a 'real' job, sounds decent too me
  • 3 3
 @hgardner: yeha hard life. Jeessss
  • 3 15
flag DrPete (Jan 3, 2018 at 14:10) (Below Threshold)
 @ErnestFrigelj: and fighting e-bikes is not one of those core values.
  • 19 32
flag wibblywobbly (Jan 3, 2018 at 14:37) (Below Threshold)
 I would say it's a good month for Sam. He has discovered that his followers, especially the enlightened ones from Europe it seems, are as devoted to him as the most hardcore Trump supporters are to Trump. Sorry, had to go there.
  • 14 4
 dude just got paid: good month for @sampilgrim

Bad month for : mtn biking in general
  • 5 3
 @m47h13u: no you can't, they're called ebikes and you better get used to it.
  • 7 3
 All I can say is - power wheelies. Try power wheelie-ing one. Then you will understand!
  • 1 1
 @wibblywobbly: dont be sorry.
  • 22 7
 I like Sam and have enjoyed his videos. I just have zero interest in supporting e-bikes, especially for someone as capable as he is. I won't be watching his e-bike vids other than the one I just watched where he announced his sponsor. Nice shot of everyone else walking up the hill as he cruises by on his moped...think he scripted that or Haibike?
  • 7 6
 Sam??? Who is this "Sam" you speak of?
  • 5 8
 @BenParfitterole: Rad month for pilgrim. He's earning more money than you and rides bikes all day still!

Just a shame the majority thinks he's a c*nt
  • 4 3
 How so? He gets paid to ride a bike not to please you.
  • 1 1
 @Mojoronnie: you think i'm the majority.............?
  • 6 13
flag WAKIdesigns (Jan 3, 2018 at 23:21) (Below Threshold)
 @ErnestFrigelj: what is this value in life higher than money? Describe your higher moral ground
  • 2 0
 If he respects nature and does his stuff in a park I like that and appreciate what he is doing! Nice video of him! No problem there.
  • 1 0
 @angelofverdun What you on about, Sam seems over the moon, can say enough good things about eBike lol
  • 7 6
 Oh do dry your tears. Its getting tedious. An ebike is not a motorbike in Europe or the UK.. Sam is from the UK. I dont know nor care how they are perceived in the USA.
  • 5 0
 @RedBurn: "Ride more, bitch less"
Can that be our motto for 2018? Bumper stickers, anyone?
  • 3 5
 @masonstevens: Make Ride not Troll, I’ll make some!
  • 2 0
 .______.

Note to self: To achieve maximum positive props, say something alluding to Sam Pilgrim's ebike.
  • 1 2
 @m47h13u: do you have to pedal them ?
yes !
So its a bike
  • 4 0
 @DownhillDemon17: hahaa, or a unicycle, or a pedal boat... or a MOPED Wink
  • 78 4
 Bad Month For: Mountain Trail Advocacy Groups. IMBA... cough, cough.
  • 10 39
flag Boardlife69 (Jan 3, 2018 at 13:34) (Below Threshold)
 Who? Sorry it sounded like you had vaginal hairs stuck in your throat.
  • 3 13
flag chillrider199 (Jan 3, 2018 at 13:54) (Below Threshold)
 Ha... Grow up.
  • 32 2
 @Boardlife69: From going down on his girlfriend or something? Confused by the insult.
  • 2 0
 @hgardner: listen to Kevin "bloody" Wilson. You'll then understand...
  • 20 2
 @hgardner: No, I'm calling IMBA a bunch of pussies.
  • 6 0
 But good for the mtb advocacy groups that won against imba!..more access!
  • 3 1
 IMBA could have chosen to have no position but NOOOOOO....they had to come out swinging against it. They sent me a renewal email, my reply was simply "H.R. 1349".

They probably lost a few thousand members over something that isn't going to pass in the end anyway.
  • 2 0
 @Snowytrail: something about IMBA.. kinda like that creepy uncle
  • 63 0
 Pretty sure night riding should be in the good section, no?
For those who haven’t tried it, you’re missing out!
  • 5 0
 Agreed...rad experience all around!
  • 34 0
 @asboites: True, but less rad at -20*C with two feet of snow.
  • 15 0
 @bishopsmike: could be mud
  • 4 0
 Love a good night ride, just got back from one actually! Wasn't the only one out on the trails either. Not bad for a blustery, damp midweek evening.
  • 12 4
 ya but then you have to use a battery assisted light...
  • 9 0
 Love night rides, they just tend to be a little bit buzzy. Get home from work, beer. Put down first child, beer. Put down second child, beer. Put down wife, beer. Ride.
  • 4 0
 @milken: haha sounds like mine minus kids and wife
  • 3 0
 This is the reason I want a fat bike. It's snowy and dark, but those slow and frustrating tires in the summer are grippy and forgiving in the snow and dark.
  • 3 1
 @taletotell: It's true.

But suppose there was a "Haibike ebike fat bike", as ridden by Sam Pilgrim?

What do people think about THAT?
  • 2 8
flag WAKIdesigns (Jan 3, 2018 at 23:22) (Below Threshold)
 @aoneal: I did it for 2 winters and hate it. One night ride per year is enough for me to
  • 3 0
 @bishopsmike: I will swap you for +12 and 2 feet of slop.

The plus side is my bike cleaning skills are getting really honed.
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: My aim is one night ride every week thru the winter. At the moment it's the only chance I get to ride.
  • 4 7
 @fartymarty: indoor Skatepark and gym for me. Some 1.5h road every now and then to flush the muscles. The moment I will get back to the trails I’ll be a better rider than when I left in November. It will take me max 1 month to get my cardio optimal again.
  • 1 0
 @PinkyScar: @PinkyScar: I would love an efat to make the winter woods more exciting. And I would gladly hang it up in the spring to go back to normal riding.
As a x-country skier I would appreciate the packed trails fat bikes would provide and I am willing to punish douche bags for their actions and not blame their bikes for their lack of manners.
  • 42 0
 Feck me there’s always arguing in the comments section , ebikes+ regulars + Waki = carnage
  • 20 23
 Fking Waki, the legend
  • 58 6
 @Lookinforit: a legend in his own mind maybe.
  • 5 3
 @pancakeflatted: nobody likes visionaries in their own time. Nobody likes lunatics either. Only time tells the difference.
  • 2 3
 Ebike Fat Bikes... Go!
  • 7 11
flag WAKIdesigns (Jan 4, 2018 at 0:54) (Below Threshold)
 @pancakeflatted: never considered myself more than a pinky in the butt wanker so you’re quite far off.
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I would gladly pick up a textbook and read a chapter on "pinky's in the butts of history."
  • 37 11
 Bad month for viewing Pinkbike. Far too much ebike bullshit.
  • 19 0
 Always thought cable routing under the bottom bracket was stupid anyways. Plenty of companies have figured out how not to do it, I just consider it lazy on the part of the designer if they choose to go that route. Too many beautiful and bomber bikes ruined by such a small detail.
  • 3 0
 If I had a bike with under BB routing I would route it somewhere else. Cable ties are your friends. It's not something that would put me off a bike.
  • 18 1
 daylight savings time straight thug-jumped my riding time.
  • 15 22
flag WAKIdesigns (Jan 3, 2018 at 12:21) (Below Threshold)
 Fuck daylight savings! It's Daylight erasings
  • 10 2
 Daylight savings is the worst.
  • 17 3
 Daylight savings is actually the best for more light in the evenings. It should be year round.
  • 4 0
 Daylight cravings
  • 11 1
 @NotAnotherClimb: @NotAnotherClimb: agreed. The question is why don't we peg it at that time and leave it? We can leave the last century's BS where it belongs: in the last century.
youtu.be/br0NW9ufUUw
  • 2 0
 DST is what was taken away from us in the winter.
  • 1 0
 @NotAnotherClimb: yes, but daylight savings in the fall is the worst cause you have less light. In the spring it’s the best.
  • 2 2
 @Santamtnbiker: that’s like saying: cutting off a dick may seem like the worst but when they sew it back on...
  • 3 0
 @Santamtnbiker: Daylight savings is only in the warm months (ie summer). There is no daylight savings in the fall. What you want is to leave daylight savings on for the entire year.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: ribbed for pleasure!!!

Problem is it requires several cuts and it gets a little shorter each time. . .
  • 9 0
 Bad month for weather in the northern hemisphere! Some 1600 Record lows all over the place in the last week. Fck biking I'm not leaving the house!
  • 8 1
 I read somewhere that many guitar shops had most of their acoustic guitars crack, in a temp and humidity controlled room even. Bad month for guitars. You can, however, pick up a new cracked Martin or Gibson for really cheap.
  • 4 0
 nice and warm here on the west coast, going riding after work tonight
  • 2 0
 The snow has been so good I could care less it’s cold.
  • 1 1
 it was -1 brrrrr
  • 9 0
 Say what you want about wheel sizes but that Commencal is one good looking bike.
  • 6 0
 Bad month for northern hemisphere? Get a light! If you love to ride you’ll make it work. You’ll probably even grow fond of night ridesSmile
  • 5 0
 Soon, we should just ignore the blizzards and record snow fall and just grab a light?
Video or it didn't happen...
  • 6 1
 That link under the Rocky news takes you to a microsoft log in page @mikekazimer
  • 2 1
 Oops - that's fixed now.
  • 2 1
 @mikekazimer: still doesn't work
  • 5 0
 WHAT?! NO MENTION OF @redshift and the advent? Not good month... freakin GREAT. S...M...H...
  • 4 0
 That Rocky mountain thing is common sense. No blame placed on them at all really... use your fecking heads people!
  • 3 1
 Haha I just read the intro,
"We do know that Danny Hart is off Mondraker, Cody Kelley is leaving Yeti, Brook Macdonald and Anneke Beerten are leaving GT, Sam Pilgrim will be e-biking.." haha the last bit still cracks me up
  • 4 2
 ''Commencal is the first to market with a complete 29er downhill bike.'' Not true because Alutech was the first to offer a complete Sennes 29er DH bike back in 2016.
  • 6 0
 "the first complete 29er downhill bike we've seen launched by a large brand" -- Alutech did launch the Sennes before everyone, even before Fox had a fork for it, but the Supreme should be easier for riders around the world to purchase. Alutech is a relatively unknown brand in North America.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: To your point, I've never, ever, heard of it before.
  • 2 0
 Best month for night riding because you can do it at like 4pm and be home in time for dinner! Hooray for lights. Snow and rain be damned, riding in the dark is freakin' fun!
  • 1 0
 Good Month For: Wilderness Bill. He jumped over some hurdles in Congress. Legend has it, he took apart those hurdles, made a bike out of them, and wheelied off into the sunset.
  • 1 0
 It's a pretty shitty month for any retail store that sells intense. That really fucked some stores and owners. But they still make awesome bikes and hopefully it will in the end drop the prices of bikes
  • 3 1
 Good month for me cause I won one of your bikes? Pls. I need one? What is a Mountainbiker without a bike
  • 5 1
 Valid point, when is the prize draw for the calendar event?!!!
  • 1 0
 @cunning-linguist: Good question though!
  • 1 0
 @maybenotaprofile: isn't it! I want to win a Christmas present, or at least get the honour of congratulating those who did win!

@mikekazimer when do we see the prize draw?

Cheers! :-)
  • 1 0
 @cunning-linguist: You can check individual winners by advent day. As there are still plenty of unclaimed prizes, I am sure that they are waiting for people to win before winners are announced... One year it was announced New Year's Eve, another year it was mid-January. It all depends on when the whole process actually finishes... at least, that's my guess.
  • 3 0
 RIP Kevin Robinson, top rider and such a nice guy too
  • 2 0
 The world lost a really great human being , with the passing of K Rob.
K Rob was a true "Mensch"
  • 2 0
 @mcozzy: E-bikes don't have motors in the UK? No wonder you guys are cool with them.
  • 2 0
 Ya this year was f****n great for arguing in the comment
  • 1 0
 With all this 29er buzz I wonder if Giant is kicking themselves for painting themselves into a 27.5 corner
  • 1 0
 quick and easy fix - where is the fix??
Link is corrupted...
  • 2 1
 would be great if i got something from pinkbike
  • 1 0
 It's all subjective really
  • 2 3
 When is SC dropping their V29er?
  • 1 2
 Before the season s start IMO, iT was announced for 2018
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