rpb10276

I'm sorry, but no. This feels like a Michelin ad. I've had nothing but bad experiences with Michelin products and their terrible customer service. When the new DH34 tires that were released. I bought a set. And one of them had a terrible wobble. Completely defective. And when I contacted Michelin's customer service. They tried to blame everyone but themselves on a defective product. Their customer representative was completely useless and had no knowledge whatsoever about general tire basics. So I bought a 3rd tire to replace the bad one. While did like the tough sidewalls and traction was great. But only after one day or riding DH. I washed the bike and put it way. The next time (about 3 weeks later) I when over my bike before hitting up Highland. I noticed both front and rear tires had sidewall cracks all along the whole tire. both side. And it's not due from running low pressures. I ran them tubless, 35 psi rear 32psi front. I've also had defective Power 6 motorcycle tires. And issues with BFGoodrich KO2 tires that could not be balanced. (Yes, Michelin owns and makes BFGoodrich tires) Sorry Michelin, I went straight back to Maxxis. And yes, I personally like having options....

I love it! I think it's beautiful. It's stance kinda reminds me of their M29 DH bike. (M29's are beautiful too)

I'm a big Intense fanboy. But I do agree with you. I wish it had ISCG tabs. Intense did that with their ACV bike a few years back and I felt it was a mistake on their design. I know they might not be needed on XC or trail bikes. But I still like the option for it. I run a guide on my Intense Primer.

@uponcripplecreek: That is a great idea. But not easy to pull off. (Wife, kids, work, etc.) I know New Zealand is beautiful. And their bike parks are amazing. I do feel blessed that I currently live in New Hampshire with great Mountains and bike parks all around me. So, I never really had the itch to travel far to ride DH. But I'd love to hit up Whistler once before I die.

@MrDuck: You're right! A full build is $10,975 New Zealand dollars with the smart shift. It equals out to $6200 US dollars. And to ship to the US is just under $500. Thats not bad at all. Unfortunately, I just built up my current DH rig last year. And I do love it. But if something tragic happens to it. I will buy the Zerode G3 next. Out of curiosity, how much does a V10 cost in Canada?

@jonemyers: You have valid points there. But I really do believe gearboxes and belt drives are the future for DH bikes. There are a couple of factors you left out. Not taking anything away from Blenki, but Zerode probably can't afford to pay racers at top level like to prove their G3 wins constantly like Specialized and Commencal does. As for the price point factor. Let's be real for a second. Nobody in the UCI Elite DH paddock is racing on Deore drivetrains. Not trying to start a debate. Just another point of view. The Zerode G3 is at the top of my list when I need a new DH bike. (Shipping to the US is gonna hurt.....)

This is great news! I'm wishing the same happens to Santa Cruz...... (We miss you, Rob!)

Hi @henryquinney The list of DH race bikes you and Matt have picked for this field test are great! And so is you're review of the M1. I like how you and Matt also commented on the issues with the components that came with the build. (TRP, SDG saddle) If possible, and only with the bikes that can be bought as a frame only. Could you and Matt comment on the parts you'd personally would use if you were to build the bike up yourselves? I've been riding and racing DH since 2006. And after my first DH bike. I've always just bought frames and built them up with my own personal favorite parts. DH bikes are so special. So, I've always built them up to my liking. I know it's a personal matter of taste. But I'd like to hear both of your thoughts on it.

I totally agree with you. The Minnaar, Peaty and Ratboy team was my favorite too. I used to get all excited when they'd drop a new YouTube episode with that team. Unfortunately, things slowly started to fall apart. First, Kathy disappeared. Then Marshy. Ratboy quit racing all together. Then when Roskopp sold Santa Cruz. It felt like the magic is gone. I'd love to hear Santa Cruz/Pon Holdings side of the story. But they'll never tell us.

@blueH2Oj: I second that. I use a Suunto GPS watch too. The accuracy of their watches is scary. Not sure why more riders don't use them.