ThomDawson
Profile picture for user ThomDawson
About Me
I’m a frame builder based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

https://www.properpushirons.com/

I grew up riding bikes in the 90s with roots in trials and the gravity side of the sport.
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Setup: view
Forum replies: 67
Comments: 174
Reviews: 6
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GB

Member Since:
9/15/2015
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badbietz Liked a comment about video What's the World Champ Think? Danny Hart on 29ers in DH Racing

5/6/2017 11:06am
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The problem is if you limit the wheel size you are then giving the advantage to the smaller and lighter riders who fit the 27.5 platform better. What is next limiting everyone to flat pedals because clips give you more power, everyone has to run 165mm cranks and 780mm bars with 2.4 tires? As Danny said if it is faster for a given rider they will run it, if not they won't. The biggest challenge is to keep the integrity of the tracks so they stay proper DH tracks, that will solve everything.
This video has 19 comments.

jeff.brines Liked a comment about video What's the World Champ Think? Danny Hart on 29ers in DH Racing

5/6/2017 11:05am
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Somebody else commented on DH being cycling's Group B. For those not in the know, I give you this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INwqyPct8qY -- Group B was rally's unregulated "send it" class. Cars were pushing 900 horse and weighed 2000 pounds. Crazy amazing stuff. If I remember right, the Delta S4 could push 70psi of boost if needed? Yes, 70. I also don't know how many times I can point it out - EWS racers are allowed to run anything and there is still no consensus what is faster. Why is everyone so positive 29" is going to always be faster in DH...
This video has 19 comments.

jeff.brines Liked a comment about Feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/3/2017 12:05pm
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Again, we'll always disagree here but my 20 years of adventure sports experience says otherwise. My education in economics and dayjob in finance also says otherwise. You are arguing against how innovation works and how markets work. Bigger companies can throw their weight around and cause a bit of turbulence for sure (Trek with boost for instance), but being a number of my close buddies are engineers within the space, they all say the same thing. "Don't buy it if you don't like it, nobody is forcing you to upgrade". Simple as that. Nobody is forcing you to buy anything...
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jeff.brines Liked a comment about Feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/3/2017 12:01pm
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Just to point something out, what you are suggesting goes against free markets and capitalism as a whole. Although "engineered" failure is kind of a thing (edit, outside the bike industry), failure/needing to upgrade generally has everything to do with cost/benefit/lifecycle than it is a "lets build this so they have to buy more". If its the latter, this is where a better company steps in to fill the unmet needs in the market with a superior product. What I'm saying here is the bike industry is too small and too competitive for there to be some underlying conspiracy to...
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jeff.brines Liked a comment about Feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/3/2017 11:58am
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...and the v10 is only 190mm of travel for those not riding an XXL. Seems like an apples to apples analogy to me! To add, I have had the unique privilege of interviewing the founder of the company regarding the SB 5.5c in which he point blank said it was designed as a race bike for the EWS. (it was actually designed for an ex Yeti racer who now rides for a company with lots of red in their logo. This racer may be the best racer of all time.... ) That said, I can offer more... Sam Hill rides...
This feature has 69 comments.

jeff.brines Liked a comment about Feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/3/2017 9:50am
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Don't forget, both are still affiliated with brands so you aren't hearing something completely unbias.... (EG: If Canyon doesn't have one in development of course Fabien is going to be more bearish on the wheel size...)
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jeff.brines Liked a comment about Feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/2/2017 10:50pm
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I don't disagree 29" enduro steeds are the new hotness, but again, I go back to Richie (see my other comments). He has had the option to ride one of the best 29" enduro weapons on the planet and sticks with the 27.5" steed. There are others who have also had the option to run the bigger wheel and chose not to. This speaks volumes to the reality of the situation. I really believe you'll see a mix, dictated more by comfort than anything else. I also think its not too far out of the realm of "crazy" to think...
This feature has 69 comments.

jeff.brines Liked a comment about Feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/2/2017 10:49pm
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...and in said EWS 29" bikes are allowed. With no clear consensus as to what is faster. Don't forget that.
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ThomDawson Added a comment about feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/2/2017 10:42pm
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I don't think it's as simple as that. Developing a 35" wheel would take years and tonnes of money. And when you're done the huge negative side of such a massive wheel probably won't be quicker than a 275 or 29 wheeled bike. The bike doesn't automatically get faster the bigger wheels you put on it. The most successful team will be the one that makes the right decisions over which size to use for which race and for their riders - just like tyre choice, etc, etc
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This feature has 69 comments.

lister_yu Liked a comment about Feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/2/2017 10:35pm
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I don´t think it would be good that the UCI would step in and rule what wheel size should be used. Both wheel sizes work for all the girls and boys racing EWS so why shouldn´t that be the case in DH. Like the commentators on Red Bull TV use to say - it is the pinnacle of the cycling sport and like Formula 1 and therefore just use/or roll on whatever makes you happy as a team. I think it is a bit strange that both want the UCI to rule in that case.
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funkyfunpuff Liked a comment about Feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/2/2017 10:34pm
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I know that wheel size is a bid deal and could give someone a slight advantage, but I am curious why no one is concerned or up in arms with the fact that there are different rear travel bikes in DH? I am curious why we are all focusing on one aspect of the bike. Ya might say that brake rotors should have a limit in size too. Just tossing out ideas as I am frustrated with all wheel discussions.
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matmattmatthew Liked a comment about Feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/2/2017 1:31pm
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I agree, I didn't think I would hear that from Niko. Didn't he essentially go out on his own and create the V-process because he wasn't happy with other frames. He had radical geometry and technology that was ahead of everyone else and won a ton of races. Seems like a pot/kettle situation.
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dd Liked a comment about Feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/2/2017 1:27pm
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It is not certain that larger wheel sizes are less beneficial for shorter riders.
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ThomDawson Added a comment about feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/2/2017 1:26pm
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I don't think it's as big an issue as people make out. I never got buzzed but I only had 150mm travel, Luca said he got buzzed but didn't seem to give two shits about it, same as getting muddy - just a fact of riding a bike
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ThomDawson Added a comment about feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/2/2017 12:20pm
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What's the wheelbase of gregs bike? Is he not already at an unfair advantage by your logic? I mean Brosnan isn't gonna be able to pilot that thing 29" or not. Gregs height means he can utilise a more stable bike than shorter guys, he should be banned from competing cus he's too massive.
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jeff.brines Liked a comment about Feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/2/2017 12:16pm
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Wow. I'm pretty shocked. I figured both Nico and Fabien would love the bigger wheel as they both seemed to do whatever was needed technologically to eek out more speed. Larger riders have disadvantages in places, advantages in other places. Bigger wheels will be the same way. Limiting wheel size is like limiting bike fit, skewing things to benefit a certain type/size of rider. As far as it being a bummer for the industry, cmon boys! Its not like the wheels, tires, and 29" trail bikes weren't already in production this year. To add, I could see a few smart...
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ThomDawson Added a comment about feature Nico Vouilloz and Fabien Barel Discuss 29ers in DH

5/2/2017 12:15pm
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That's the worst point that keeps cropping up. The exact same thing happens whenever a new innovation or improvement hits the circuit - carbon frames and components, somebody develops a glue-like tyre compound, somebody develops a super controlled damper (that smooths out terrain just like a 29er wheel btw). Etc etc, eventually everyone develops (copies) their own carbon frame, their own tyre, their own dampers and everyone's back on the same page...until the next thing comes along. It's precisely how competition drives innovation. Besides that your (and Brendan's and Loic's) argument assumes that a 29er wheel will be faster and...
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