2021 Mountain Bike Team Rumors

jamesdunford wrote:

Always think it's so cool they don't have a tyre sponsor. Gives them so much more freedom, for arguably the part of the bike which can have an enormous impact on performance depending on the different conditions. Remember he ran Michelin's blacked out at some point too.

A race team that's single-mindedly focussed on winning. And yes, I did buy a Demo to be like Loic. Such a sucker for marketing.

Maxipedia wrote:

Erm, Specialized IS a tire producer, so they kind of are the tire provider for this team. I'm wondering how all of this sits with them, given the fact that they make pretty decent tires. But it also speaks volumes about Loic's leverage over there.

Don't forget that the Athertons were also running Maxxis rubber at the peak of Continental's DH tire development and Sharpie Industries was the rubber of choice for many a contending, including but not limited to Aaron Gwin.

This thread has also made me super curious about Joystick and the way they make money and handle their business. At this point it looks like this: the triple World Champ is rocking your product, but it seems you can't quite buy it. Is it a scheme to make the product more desirable? I secretly hope Joystick is actually a pot business and money laundry operation, but I might have read about those pesky Whittington brothers too much...

Mx

Primoz wrote:

AFAIK Specialized doesn't have a 29er DH ready tyre and that this is the reason for the team running sharpied Maxxis.

Before Maxxis sponsored Santa Cruz (this deal has been on for.. over 10 years now?) they also ran sharpied Maxxis. And yeah, Athertons being sposored by Continental ran Maxxis tyres when the Contis were still being developed.

EDIT: and of course this was covered...
Didn't know they now have DH grade 29er tyres though.
Plus forcing them to run Spec tyres would be in line with the Toyota corporation forcing the (Cologne based Toyota Motorsport Gmbh run) F1 team to switch from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres for the 2006 season (because Japan...), killing any chances they had with a supposedly good car designed for completely different tyres. It was more extreme in that case (Bridgestones and Michelins were VERY different in that case), but it can also play with the mind if you think you don't have the right grip, destroying confidence. And confidence is the king.

Pretty sure it’s rider preference. In the 90’s racers loved to blackout items. Had too, to remain competitive.

In the case of Santa Cruz it was just a thing about not marketing a brand that didn't pay for it.

Primoz wrote:

In the case of Santa Cruz it was just a thing about not marketing a brand that didn't pay for it.

Weren't they on Kenda for a brief time in the early days of the Syndicate, before Greg came?

vali wrote something on redbull: https://www.redbull.com/at-de/vali-hoell-blog-offseason-update?linkId=109335618

..for everyone who doesn't understand german: her ankle is fine and she went skiing. and something is coming on the 26th

trpfanboy wrote:

Rémy Métailler's new frame sponsor does not have a road bike in their lineup, so maybe a more MTB specific brand.

1994canucks wrote:

Based on?

He responded to a comment on one of his YT videos.

trpfanboy wrote:

Rémy Métailler's new frame sponsor does not have a road bike in their lineup, so maybe a more MTB specific brand.

1994canucks wrote:

Based on?

trpfanboy wrote:

He responded to a comment on one of his YT videos.

He never road for YT.

1994canucks wrote:

Based on?

trpfanboy wrote:

He responded to a comment on one of his YT videos.

1994canucks wrote:

He never road for YT.

Hope you’re trolling.

If only we could have known how (much more) successful Sam Hill and Jared Graves’ careers would have been if not for the Specialized Tires.

Maxipedia wrote:

Weren't they on Kenda for a brief time in the early days of the Syndicate, before Greg came?

I think you are right yeah.

Max Frederiksson on Beddo?
He was filming yesterday for filip.afuhr a video for Instagram where you could see that he is sitting on a red frame. He hasn't got a Red NS Decade anymore so I think it must be his new one.



Beddo a german company that used to sponsor Erik Fedko is now in new Hands (Noa Hubs bought them) Is going to re-release the Beddo Sway on Monday which has a similar color.

trpfanboy wrote:

Rémy Métailler's new frame sponsor does not have a road bike in their lineup, so maybe a more MTB specific brand.

1994canucks wrote:

Based on?

trpfanboy wrote:

He responded to a comment on one of his YT videos.

Didn't he tease a announcement video for yesterday? 😅 Delevery delays....

TruckeeRiverTroll wrote:

If only we could have known how (much more) successful Sam Hill and Jared Graves’ careers would have been if not for the Specialized Tires.

https://www.rootsandrain.com/rider2942/jared-graves/results/

Yeti was the golden years, Spesh was plagued with mechanicals, not just flat tyres.

Looking back to the last foxhunt, Bruni on Maxxis there as well.

The old butcher was great, good sidewall, good compund, rivalled maxxis. The new stuff is bobbins, flimsy carcass and a rubber compound that is far too hard. The tread patterns are good though, hillbilly is good as is the slaughter.
Makes you wonder what on earth they are doing in the tyre department at specialized, great design then ruined by the bean counters?

Jamie Edmondson off Hunt wheels.

1994canucks wrote:

Based on?

trpfanboy wrote:

He responded to a comment on one of his YT videos.

clem-mk wrote:

Didn't he tease a announcement video for yesterday? 😅 Delevery delays....

He said it will be Jan. 26th in another comment section

trpfanboy wrote:

He responded to a comment on one of his YT videos.

clem-mk wrote:

Didn't he tease a announcement video for yesterday? 😅 Delevery delays....

trpfanboy wrote:

He said it will be Jan. 26th in another comment section

So same date as Vali will reveal her new sponsor...

Jamie edmondson on a small team with big name riders...

Vali off for a hike...

Jonas.Stadler_ wrote: Max Frederiksson on Beddo?
He was filming yesterday for filip.afuhr a video for Instagram where you could see that he is sitting on a red frame. He hasn't got a Red NS Decade anymore so I think it must be his new one.



Beddo a german company that used to sponsor Erik Fedko is now in new Hands (Noa Hubs bought them) Is going to re-release the Beddo Sway on Monday which has a similar color.

He said on his last video he was stoked about the new sponsor. Opportunity of his live, he added that new sponsor offer him new adventure.. It will be surprising if he goes for a small unknown brand like Beddo.
My guess is Santa Cruz or maybe Haibike.

barryjenson wrote:

Jamie edmondson on a small team with big name riders...

Vali off for a hike...

Mondraker?

Also, any word yet on Thirion?

Mike Jones back on Nukeproof as a "Pro-vateer":



Welcome back Mike Jones, Nukeproof are stoked to have one of South Wales finest Downhill export back with us. Fresh from a day’s work (he’s got a proper job now), Mikes just received his new Dissent 290 and Mega 290 and is keen to show them off.

Mike’s racing CV challenges the best, he’s an undeniable talent. With over 8 years of racing at Downhill World Cups with multiple Junior World Cup wins, Elite podiums and a 4th place at the 2016 World Championships as well as top 20 results last year. Nukeproof are stoked to have Mike back with us. He joins our “PRO-vateer” ranks (we don’t have a full “factory” Downhill race team) to race British Downhill and whatever else he throws himself into. But with his young family now being his main focus.


On the Hotseat with Nigel Page. Mike scored a 4th overall in 2015, World Champs in Andorra

He’s naturally one of the fastest (and wildest) riders out there. Whilst not on the Nukeproof team for the past 3 years he’s remained a good friend and as such will always have a ride with us (insert “part of the family line here”). Nukeproof are proud to be supporting him once again and to help his decision to keep doing what he loves; keep riding bikes (fast).

Stoked your on-board Mike.

From Mike:

“Pumped to be joining Nukeproof for 2021 and beyond (I hope). After being away from the brand for the last 3 years I’m stoked that the opportunity come up to join the team again!
After the whole pandemic and everything that’s been happening the past year and budgets being shrunk the possibility of a factory ride just wasn’t there anymore, so I wanted to put my own deal together that took the pressure of racing and results away and being able to have fun riding again!
After speaking with rob at Nukeproof we managed to come up with a deal that will allow me to still carry on racing at a high level, but without the pressure! Also being able to give back to the British downhill scene by racing all the British Downhill Nationals. I’m keen to be able to help and pass my experience of racing World Cups to the next generation too with holding come Nukeproof coaching days.

I’m really looking forward to this year with Nukeproof and build on a partnership with a brand that kicked off my elite World Cup career!”

More to come (when we are allowed).

Jonas.Stadler_ wrote: Max Frederiksson on Beddo?
He was filming yesterday for filip.afuhr a video for Instagram where you could see that he is sitting on a red frame. He hasn't got a Red NS Decade anymore so I think it must be his new one.



Beddo a german company that used to sponsor Erik Fedko is now in new Hands (Noa Hubs bought them) Is going to re-release the Beddo Sway on Monday which has a similar color.

Those are his red Marzocchi DJ forks.

"The old butcher was great, good sidewall, good compund, rivalled maxxis. The new stuff is bobbins, flimsy carcass and a rubber compound that is far too hard. The tread patterns are good though, hillbilly is good as is the slaughter.
Makes you wonder what on earth they are doing in the tyre department at specialized, great design then ruined by the bean counters?"

To my understanding Specialized changed tire factories around 2014/15. Previously their tires were produced by CST/Cheng Shin, aka by Maxxis. I don't know where they moved production to, but obviously the new tire plant can't make rubber compounds or supportive casings to save their lives. These two factors lead me to assume they moved production to Kenda. I think there are only 3 bicycle tire manufacturers total in Asia- CST, Kenda, and Panaracer.

TEAMROBOT wrote: "The old butcher was great, good sidewall, good compund, rivalled maxxis. The new stuff is bobbins, flimsy carcass and a rubber compound that is far too hard. The tread patterns are good though, hillbilly is good as is the slaughter.
Makes you wonder what on earth they are doing in the tyre department at specialized, great design then ruined by the bean counters?"

To my understanding Specialized changed tire factories around 2014/15. Previously their tires were produced by CST/Cheng Shin, aka by Maxxis. I don't know where they moved production to, but obviously the new tire plant can't make rubber compounds or supportive casings to save their lives. These two factors lead me to assume they moved production to Kenda. I think there are only 3 bicycle tire manufacturers total in Asia- CST, Kenda, and Panaracer.

Depends on the discipline I would say. Gravity this might be true. XC specialized has a mich better balance between grip and rolling behavior than maxxis.

barryjenson wrote:

Jamie edmondson on a small team with big name riders...

Vali off for a hike...

Ooji wrote:

Mondraker?

Also, any word yet on Thirion?

Thirion to brigade or UR?

TEAMROBOT wrote: "The old butcher was great, good sidewall, good compund, rivalled maxxis. The new stuff is bobbins, flimsy carcass and a rubber compound that is far too hard. The tread patterns are good though, hillbilly is good as is the slaughter.
Makes you wonder what on earth they are doing in the tyre department at specialized, great design then ruined by the bean counters?"

To my understanding Specialized changed tire factories around 2014/15. Previously their tires were produced by CST/Cheng Shin, aka by Maxxis. I don't know where they moved production to, but obviously the new tire plant can't make rubber compounds or supportive casings to save their lives. These two factors lead me to assume they moved production to Kenda. I think there are only 3 bicycle tire manufacturers total in Asia- CST, Kenda, and Panaracer.

Vittoria has a MASSIVE tire factory in Thailand and they do plenty of contracted out manufacturing. And, it's been open for only a handful of years. Not that I know which brands but it supports your theory.

TEAMROBOT wrote: "The old butcher was great, good sidewall, good compund, rivalled maxxis. The new stuff is bobbins, flimsy carcass and a rubber compound that is far too hard. The tread patterns are good though, hillbilly is good as is the slaughter.
Makes you wonder what on earth they are doing in the tyre department at specialized, great design then ruined by the bean counters?"

To my understanding Specialized changed tire factories around 2014/15. Previously their tires were produced by CST/Cheng Shin, aka by Maxxis. I don't know where they moved production to, but obviously the new tire plant can't make rubber compounds or supportive casings to save their lives. These two factors lead me to assume they moved production to Kenda. I think there are only 3 bicycle tire manufacturers total in Asia- CST, Kenda, and Panaracer.

There are many more factories but not many good ones. Spec has moved production to Japan from what I‘ve heard.

An mtb website just posted a "likely" cancellation of the Olympics. Note that this came from an offhand comment by a government official picked up by Reuters and spun into much more than it should be.

People involved in the Olympics still continue to get comms about it through email and are in constant contact with their colleagues in Tokyo. There are no gossip or even murmurs of a cancelation at all. Truth is, Japan won't need to announce anything until March.

A notable fact as well is that no national sports federation has categorically stated that it will not be heading to Tokyo this summer, which is very different from last year. AUS and several other countries had clearly indicated in 2020 that they wouldn't send their athletes to Japan. No country has made any such statement this year just yet.

Posting, quite prematurely, that a cancelation of the Olympics "looks increasingly likely" is very irresponsible and could potentially disrupt people's lives and livelihoods.

TEAMROBOT wrote: "The old butcher was great, good sidewall, good compund, rivalled maxxis. The new stuff is bobbins, flimsy carcass and a rubber compound that is far too hard. The tread patterns are good though, hillbilly is good as is the slaughter.
Makes you wonder what on earth they are doing in the tyre department at specialized, great design then ruined by the bean counters?"

To my understanding Specialized changed tire factories around 2014/15. Previously their tires were produced by CST/Cheng Shin, aka by Maxxis. I don't know where they moved production to, but obviously the new tire plant can't make rubber compounds or supportive casings to save their lives. These two factors lead me to assume they moved production to Kenda. I think there are only 3 bicycle tire manufacturers total in Asia- CST, Kenda, and Panaracer.

Also worth mentioning. Casing and Rubber is 99% at the discretion of the designer not the manufacturer. Essentially the designer/engineer/company tells the manufacturer what casing and rubber to use and the factory churns them out to spec. It's always been that way. It's not accurate to say a tire sucks because the factory builds it that way (unless of course, its top to bottom production i.e. everything is done in house). A casing or rubber compound sucks becasue the designers designed it that way. Imo specialized has always been a step behind the big players with both casing and rubber (as you mentioned). However, the new T9 stuff looks interesting.

Please stop talking about frigging tyre. Noone wants to be reading a debate about how specialised makes their tyres as everyone knows they suck.

Verbl Kint wrote:

An mtb website just posted a "likely" cancellation of the Olympics. Note that this came from an offhand comment by a government official picked up by Reuters and spun into much more than it should be.

People involved in the Olympics still continue to get comms about it through email and are in constant contact with their colleagues in Tokyo. There are no gossip or even murmurs of a cancelation at all. Truth is, Japan won't need to announce anything until March.

A notable fact as well is that no national sports federation has categorically stated that it will not be heading to Tokyo this summer, which is very different from last year. AUS and several other countries had clearly indicated in 2020 that they wouldn't send their athletes to Japan. No country has made any such statement this year just yet.

Posting, quite prematurely, that a cancelation of the Olympics "looks increasingly likely" is very irresponsible and could potentially disrupt people's lives and livelihoods.

Nobody cares about the opinions of Pinkbike or vital except for us. I didn’t know mtb was an Olympic sport till I was riding 15 hrs a week. Nobodies livelihoods are at stake here.

regarding the remaining riders and team-spots here are my predictions:

vali höll -> trek frames with TLD/SRAM
andi kolb -> mondraker (markus pekoll is/was his coach and is still pretty involved with MS mondraker)
remi thierion -> syndicate (if they even choose to pick up a third rider)