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agreed. every time we asked downhill racers in pro bike checks what they're most particular about, they say "cockpit setup" over anything else.

The bars look rad, but what if you like your bars rolled forwards or backwards? Tons of adjustability in the frame, then you can't tweak the cockpit. But hey if the glove fits, these should be amazing.

It's a bit deeper than that, and it has nothing to do with build quality nor durability. Max does not want to work with carbon for two reasons: he feels that carbon is not a very eco-friendly material (because the manufacturing process uses a lot of resins and chemical compounds and because the material cannot be recycled), and he also does not feel that the carbon plant working conditions are satisfactory. And of course, producing carbon elsewhere but in China means not being able to compete on cost anymore. Those are the reasons he has always evoked when asked about...

Except that isn't what happens. What happens is a bunch of brands leave the sport temporarily, since they can't compete. Look at how many brands fell off for a few seasons after 650b. Except this time, the cost/benefit analysis looks a lot better in favor of just putting more money towards the EWS. Look at Devinci, who I'm sure knew this was coming. Santa Cruz could have come to the UCI, brought if forward as an option, & then discussed it with the rest of the teams, Instead they made a change that could have far reaching impact on both...

I'd argue it drives cost, not innovation, it will take another 2 years of development to get 29ers to where 27.5". I'm a 29er fan, but Ai don't think it's nessacikry a good move for DH from a competition point of view or for tracks that DH racers will be raced on, and that's a big fact people are not taking into account.

I think two good points were made by Loic and Brendan in the dirt walk around. If everyone gets 29ers, it's the same race, just on bigger wheels. The only people that lose are the amateurs who now have to buy, new frame, new fork, new wheels, new tyres. It's not really progression, it's a variation. Bad Santa Cruz.

a minute and a half after Rude... yeah his flat pedals "rule"...

As much as I love Sam Hill, I can't help but feel flatpedalthunder is stealing a little bit of the glory from what is one of the most incredible wins of the year in all of cycling. 95+ seconds over second place?! This isn't some local event! Its the top level of the sport and he just won by a MASSIVE margin. Sam Hill in second is awesome but yeah, Richie's accomplishment is nothing short of phenomenal .

not down for press- fit bb's! EVER!!!