Pinkbike Gear Awards - The Nominees
2013 was a hell of a year for mountain bike technology, and that thought applies to the entire gamut of bikes and gear being used in our sport. New downhill bikes were taken to incredible heights, while proven designs showed that there is a good reason why those companies chose to make refinements rather than pursue entirely new platforms. And if you think that long-travel machines are pretty damn dialled these days, you only have to look at the latest crop of mid-travel bikes to see that the development curve hasn't just been steadily improving, it's been going straight up at a rate that is essentially creating bikes so capable that they render true cross-country or downhill bikes useless for a lot of riders. Kudos have to be given to suspension manufacturers as well, with them being a major factor in just how capable today's bikes are. After all, if the fork or shock can't keep up with the bike's design or the rider's intentions, it's all a bit moot, isn't it? Looking at the components that make up a bike reveals that, somewhat surprisingly, it's the smaller ticket items that have had the biggest impact when talking about improved performance in 2013 - any guesses as to what those could be before you scroll down?
The gear categories for our 2013 Pinkbike Awards include Downhill Bike of the year, Mountain Bike of the Year, Suspension Product of the Year, and Component of the Year, with three nominations for each category that represent the most important bikes and equipment for 2013. There's bound to be some controversy when we announce the winners later this month, but that's to be expected given that all of the nominees are worthy in their own right. Who do you think is going to take home the PB Awards trophy in each category?
![Pinkbike MTB Awards - The Nominees]()
Downhill Bike of the Year
There really are only three choices here, aren't there? One of them had what has to be the most successful debut season in the history of downhill bike design, with multiple World Cup wins, a World Cup overall title, and even a win at the Red Bull Rampage. Another is a proven contender that gives consumers access to what would otherwise be pro-only suspension. The final challenger is a legend in its own right, with more victories to its name than any other bike in the history of the sport, including the last two male World Championships. All three are worthy of being crowned Downhill Bike of the Year, but which one do you think is most deserving?
• Trek Session 9.9
• Santa Cruz V10
Mountain Bike of the Year
Our nominees couldn't be any different from one another, but all three of them share one common trait: they are the best of the best when it comes to bikes that allow a rider to push the limits on a machine that can be ridden up, across, and down the mountain at speeds that would boggle the mind only a few short years ago. One manages to take a good rider and make him feel like a god, and that's both up and down the mountain, mind you. And then there is a bike that simply refuses to be stuffed into any existing categories, and may also be the best handling bike we've ever spent time on - a weighty claim but one that we'll stand behind. The final challenger is a machine that has quickly become the go-to rig for riders who want a do-it-all steed that can be raced at their local enduro on Saturday and taken out for a 50 mile loop on Sunday. Which of these three great bikes is most deserving of being called the Mountain Bike of the Year?
Suspension Product of the Year
One might say that 2013 was a banner year for the suspension world, with new models from all the major brands that make the previous year's offerings look a touch unrefined. It's not often that things get shaken up that much, but it all began with the debut of a mid-travel fork, a new design from the ground up, that has received almost universal acclaim from consumers and media alike. It isn't just front suspension that figures in, though, with two new shocks that look to add performance in different realms. The first is a new design from a well known brand that is intended to allow riders to get the most from their all-mountain and enduro bikes, while the other takes a novel approach to the concept of a pedalling aid. Which of the three stand out as making a bigger impact?
Component of the Year
One of our three nominees for Component of the Year retails for well under $100 USD, one is product that changed drivetrains forever yet is available for other brands to use without infringement issues, and the other is a less expensive alternative to a proven winner. Those three facts expound the point that it doesn't have to be an untouchably expensive product to make a difference, it just has to make complete sense.
The winner of each category will be announced later this month
The gear categories for our 2013 Pinkbike Awards include Downhill Bike of the year, Mountain Bike of the Year, Suspension Product of the Year, and Component of the Year, with three nominations for each category that represent the most important bikes and equipment for 2013. There's bound to be some controversy when we announce the winners later this month, but that's to be expected given that all of the nominees are worthy in their own right. Who do you think is going to take home the PB Awards trophy in each category?
There really are only three choices here, aren't there? One of them had what has to be the most successful debut season in the history of downhill bike design, with multiple World Cup wins, a World Cup overall title, and even a win at the Red Bull Rampage. Another is a proven contender that gives consumers access to what would otherwise be pro-only suspension. The final challenger is a legend in its own right, with more victories to its name than any other bike in the history of the sport, including the last two male World Championships. All three are worthy of being crowned Downhill Bike of the Year, but which one do you think is most deserving?
• GT Fury
The Fury might bear the same name as its predecessor, as well as an evolved version of the same suspension layout, but the new bike is a revelation in terms of geometry and performance. Add in the fact that GT has managed to create a machine that not only won a good number of World Cup downhill races under both Gee and Rachel, as well as the Red Bull Rampage title in the hands of American Kyle Strait, but also a bike that any competent downhiller could throw a leg over and feel at home on instantly. This is especially true on a proper track with either high speeds or enough steepness to make one think twice about rolling in on anything other than a true downhill rig. And all that from an aluminum bike with a single pivot suspension layout, two points that go against the current when talking about what is optimum these days.
The Fury might bear the same name as its predecessor, as well as an evolved version of the same suspension layout, but the new bike is a revelation in terms of geometry and performance. Add in the fact that GT has managed to create a machine that not only won a good number of World Cup downhill races under both Gee and Rachel, as well as the Red Bull Rampage title in the hands of American Kyle Strait, but also a bike that any competent downhiller could throw a leg over and feel at home on instantly. This is especially true on a proper track with either high speeds or enough steepness to make one think twice about rolling in on anything other than a true downhill rig. And all that from an aluminum bike with a single pivot suspension layout, two points that go against the current when talking about what is optimum these days.
• Trek Session 9.9
It might not have taken any racers to the top step of a World Cup podium in 2013, but there is no denying that the Session is one of the most formidable downhill platforms available. It's a bike that simply doesn't punish mistakes as much as other machines, and it might just be the ultimate all-around performer in terms of where it excels. Geometry is obviously one of the reasons for this, but the effect of the bike's special FOX 40 FIT RC2 fork with titanium and air spring combo, as well as the custom tuned DHX RC4 shock, can't be overstated. In a way, the 9.9 is the mountain bike equivalent of an AMA Supercross or MotoGP team offering a works-level bike to a privateer racer.
• Santa Cruz V10
Has there ever been a downhill bike as successful as the proven V10? The numbers would say no, with the 216 - 250mm travel bike taking major wins in all of its variations over the years, including the Syndicate's Greg Minnaar's two consecutive World Champs wins in Leogang and Pietermartizburg. While none of today's top downhill bikes are exactly duds, most have their own respective strengths and weaknesses, yet the V10's many World Cup and World Champs wins on varying terrain prove that it can be adapted to excel on all sorts of tracks. We also have to take into account just how popular the bike is with privateer racers and casual riders alike, something that shows exactly how much those riders trust the bike.
Our nominees couldn't be any different from one another, but all three of them share one common trait: they are the best of the best when it comes to bikes that allow a rider to push the limits on a machine that can be ridden up, across, and down the mountain at speeds that would boggle the mind only a few short years ago. One manages to take a good rider and make him feel like a god, and that's both up and down the mountain, mind you. And then there is a bike that simply refuses to be stuffed into any existing categories, and may also be the best handling bike we've ever spent time on - a weighty claim but one that we'll stand behind. The final challenger is a machine that has quickly become the go-to rig for riders who want a do-it-all steed that can be raced at their local enduro on Saturday and taken out for a 50 mile loop on Sunday. Which of these three great bikes is most deserving of being called the Mountain Bike of the Year?
• Kona Process 111
With handling that defies all logic, we have to say that this is the bike that 29er doubters need to spend a few days aboard. Kona went and put geometry above all else on the priority list when they penned the 111, and the result is a big-wheeler that most every 26" wheeled bike could take a lesson from when talking about carving corners and liveliness. Think we're joking? We challenge even the most mature and dyed in the wool cross-country bandit to ride the 111 without letting their inner twelve year old out to play. The open minded folk at Kona might have inadvertently created an entirely new sub-category of bike, because this short travel rig has geometry that allows it to be ridden in places where other bikes with similar amounts of suspension travel would stutter and stall.
With handling that defies all logic, we have to say that this is the bike that 29er doubters need to spend a few days aboard. Kona went and put geometry above all else on the priority list when they penned the 111, and the result is a big-wheeler that most every 26" wheeled bike could take a lesson from when talking about carving corners and liveliness. Think we're joking? We challenge even the most mature and dyed in the wool cross-country bandit to ride the 111 without letting their inner twelve year old out to play. The open minded folk at Kona might have inadvertently created an entirely new sub-category of bike, because this short travel rig has geometry that allows it to be ridden in places where other bikes with similar amounts of suspension travel would stutter and stall.
• Specialized Enduro 29
What do you call a bike that can turn an average rider into a beast? And we're not just talking about only on the downs, because the 155mm travel Enduro 29 climbs better than it has any right to, especially when it comes to pokey, technical pitches that would usually make a rig like it feel like a drunk heavyweight boxer in a match against a Muay Thai fighter - not a pretty sight. But no, the Enduro 29 spurts up twisty and stepped climbs with ease, turning from its front end with a precise feel that you wouldn't be surprised to get from a bike with two thirds of its travel. And with our 2014 test bike's RockShox Pike fork and Cane Creek Double Barrel Air CS shock, it's basically a pint sized downhill bike when things get chunky on the way back down.
What do you call a bike that can turn an average rider into a beast? And we're not just talking about only on the downs, because the 155mm travel Enduro 29 climbs better than it has any right to, especially when it comes to pokey, technical pitches that would usually make a rig like it feel like a drunk heavyweight boxer in a match against a Muay Thai fighter - not a pretty sight. But no, the Enduro 29 spurts up twisty and stepped climbs with ease, turning from its front end with a precise feel that you wouldn't be surprised to get from a bike with two thirds of its travel. And with our 2014 test bike's RockShox Pike fork and Cane Creek Double Barrel Air CS shock, it's basically a pint sized downhill bike when things get chunky on the way back down.
• Santa Cruz Bronson
As one of the more popular bikes on most riders' wish lists this past spring, the 650B wheeled Bronson is undoubtedly part of the new breed of ultra-capable trail bikes. From pinning it down bike park chunder to slogging through all day epics, the 150mm travel Bronson packs it all in and does so with style. And although 150mm is more travel than needed for a lot of terrain, the bike is an efficient pedalling and comfortable package that defines all around usability. There's no doubt that the Bronson is a singletrack slaying machine, but one look around any popular trailhead and it's apparent just how well rounded this bike is for the everyday trail rider.
As one of the more popular bikes on most riders' wish lists this past spring, the 650B wheeled Bronson is undoubtedly part of the new breed of ultra-capable trail bikes. From pinning it down bike park chunder to slogging through all day epics, the 150mm travel Bronson packs it all in and does so with style. And although 150mm is more travel than needed for a lot of terrain, the bike is an efficient pedalling and comfortable package that defines all around usability. There's no doubt that the Bronson is a singletrack slaying machine, but one look around any popular trailhead and it's apparent just how well rounded this bike is for the everyday trail rider.
One might say that 2013 was a banner year for the suspension world, with new models from all the major brands that make the previous year's offerings look a touch unrefined. It's not often that things get shaken up that much, but it all began with the debut of a mid-travel fork, a new design from the ground up, that has received almost universal acclaim from consumers and media alike. It isn't just front suspension that figures in, though, with two new shocks that look to add performance in different realms. The first is a new design from a well known brand that is intended to allow riders to get the most from their all-mountain and enduro bikes, while the other takes a novel approach to the concept of a pedalling aid. Which of the three stand out as making a bigger impact?
• FOX Float X
The Float X has been designed for those mid-travel bikes that are going to be ridden like a downhill bike, especially in an enduro race setting, and it feels every bit up to the task. FOX has employed a larger reservoir that allows for more oil volume to combat heat buildup during extended, hard use, as well as a higher flow bridge between the body and reservoir that FOX says greatly helps in terms of preventing high-speed spiking. As its name suggests, it utilizes FOX's CTD damping principle that allows for three different levels of compression damping at the flick of a switch, as well as three different levels when set to the middle 'Trail' setting.
The Float X has been designed for those mid-travel bikes that are going to be ridden like a downhill bike, especially in an enduro race setting, and it feels every bit up to the task. FOX has employed a larger reservoir that allows for more oil volume to combat heat buildup during extended, hard use, as well as a higher flow bridge between the body and reservoir that FOX says greatly helps in terms of preventing high-speed spiking. As its name suggests, it utilizes FOX's CTD damping principle that allows for three different levels of compression damping at the flick of a switch, as well as three different levels when set to the middle 'Trail' setting.
• Cane Creek Double Barrel Air CS
What do you get when you combine the Double Barrel's four-way adjustable twin tube damper with a novel lever, dubbed the 'Climb Switch', that firms up both the shock's low-speed compression and rebound damping? The answer is efficient pedalling and traction for days, which is exactly what a full-suspension bike should offer. What the CS lever isn't, and what Cane Creek really wants to stress, is that the small aluminum lever does not act as a lockout by any stretch of the imagination. This is in contrast to most of Cane Creek's competitors who offer a long-stroke shock with some type of pedal-assist feature, usually a lever that either adds more low-speed compression damping or functions as a true on/off lockout. Cane Creek's out of the box thinking puts the DB Air CS in a class of its own.
What do you get when you combine the Double Barrel's four-way adjustable twin tube damper with a novel lever, dubbed the 'Climb Switch', that firms up both the shock's low-speed compression and rebound damping? The answer is efficient pedalling and traction for days, which is exactly what a full-suspension bike should offer. What the CS lever isn't, and what Cane Creek really wants to stress, is that the small aluminum lever does not act as a lockout by any stretch of the imagination. This is in contrast to most of Cane Creek's competitors who offer a long-stroke shock with some type of pedal-assist feature, usually a lever that either adds more low-speed compression damping or functions as a true on/off lockout. Cane Creek's out of the box thinking puts the DB Air CS in a class of its own.
• RockShox Pike
While we're not sure if RockShox's new fork is named after a freshwater fish or a medieval spear, we're positive that they've managed to create one of the best mid-travel forks on the market. Its tuneable air spring is well suited to aggressive riding, and the fork's Charger damper offers a level of control and consistency that many proper downhill forks can only dream about. In fact, it's one of the only forks that we can spend just a few minutes setting up and be 95% happy with its performance straight away, a far cry from much of the competition that sees us twiddling dials and pulling out the shock pump while we search for the tune of the day. It's far from being considered inexpensive, but the Pike is at the front of the field right now.
While we're not sure if RockShox's new fork is named after a freshwater fish or a medieval spear, we're positive that they've managed to create one of the best mid-travel forks on the market. Its tuneable air spring is well suited to aggressive riding, and the fork's Charger damper offers a level of control and consistency that many proper downhill forks can only dream about. In fact, it's one of the only forks that we can spend just a few minutes setting up and be 95% happy with its performance straight away, a far cry from much of the competition that sees us twiddling dials and pulling out the shock pump while we search for the tune of the day. It's far from being considered inexpensive, but the Pike is at the front of the field right now.
One of our three nominees for Component of the Year retails for well under $100 USD, one is product that changed drivetrains forever yet is available for other brands to use without infringement issues, and the other is a less expensive alternative to a proven winner. Those three facts expound the point that it doesn't have to be an untouchably expensive product to make a difference, it just has to make complete sense.
• SRAM XD driver
SRAM's XX1 drivetrain changed how the industry and riders thought of gearing when it was released last year, but the entire setup was only possible because of their clever XD driver that allowed the fitting of a wide range 10 - 42 cassette. The XD driver might be the heart of the system, but it's what SRAM did with the design that really made the difference: they made it available for other brands through an open licensing agreement that allows them to use the design so long as they adhere to its technical attributes. That smart move gave the industry the opportunity to re-think the concept of a drivetrain from front to back, with the ripple effect even reaching engineers who can now design bikes based around a single ring drivetrain without worrying about making concessions for a front derailleur.
SRAM's XX1 drivetrain changed how the industry and riders thought of gearing when it was released last year, but the entire setup was only possible because of their clever XD driver that allowed the fitting of a wide range 10 - 42 cassette. The XD driver might be the heart of the system, but it's what SRAM did with the design that really made the difference: they made it available for other brands through an open licensing agreement that allows them to use the design so long as they adhere to its technical attributes. That smart move gave the industry the opportunity to re-think the concept of a drivetrain from front to back, with the ripple effect even reaching engineers who can now design bikes based around a single ring drivetrain without worrying about making concessions for a front derailleur.
• Shimano Zee brakes
With their consistent feel and trouble-free performance, Shimano's brakes have proven themselves time and time again. It's their Zee stoppers that really stand out in our minds, though, with them using the same four piston caliper and internals as the more expensive Saint setup, but forgoing both the tool free lever reach dial and the stroke adjust screw that doesn't seem to affect anything anyways. That means that they feel as if they could be used to slow down a runaway train if required to do so, and that they also sport the same great ergonomics that we've come to love from Shimano's brakes. Many of today's components feel as if they require near constant tinkering to keep working to their full potential, something that makes us really appreciate the trustworthy performance of the Zees. Isn't that how brakes should be?
With their consistent feel and trouble-free performance, Shimano's brakes have proven themselves time and time again. It's their Zee stoppers that really stand out in our minds, though, with them using the same four piston caliper and internals as the more expensive Saint setup, but forgoing both the tool free lever reach dial and the stroke adjust screw that doesn't seem to affect anything anyways. That means that they feel as if they could be used to slow down a runaway train if required to do so, and that they also sport the same great ergonomics that we've come to love from Shimano's brakes. Many of today's components feel as if they require near constant tinkering to keep working to their full potential, something that makes us really appreciate the trustworthy performance of the Zees. Isn't that how brakes should be?
• Bontrager G5 tire
Ask any downhiller to list his favourite tire and you'll most likely end up hearing all about Schwalbe or Maxxis, the two most prominent brands that have all but dominated the World Cup circuit for many years now. There is one tire, however, that we believe not only equals anything from those two brands, but actually outperforms them when it comes to consistency in varying conditions: Bontrager's new G5 downhill tire. The new rubber, which was designed by renowned tire designer Frank Stacy, might fly a bit under the radar compared to more familiar options, but it already has some major victories to its name. Factor in that it is less expensive than the competition and it's hard to ignore the G5. Unfortunately, many riders are a bit too set in their ways to consider something new from Bontrager, which is a shame because the G5 is the best downhill tire currently available.
Ask any downhiller to list his favourite tire and you'll most likely end up hearing all about Schwalbe or Maxxis, the two most prominent brands that have all but dominated the World Cup circuit for many years now. There is one tire, however, that we believe not only equals anything from those two brands, but actually outperforms them when it comes to consistency in varying conditions: Bontrager's new G5 downhill tire. The new rubber, which was designed by renowned tire designer Frank Stacy, might fly a bit under the radar compared to more familiar options, but it already has some major victories to its name. Factor in that it is less expensive than the competition and it's hard to ignore the G5. Unfortunately, many riders are a bit too set in their ways to consider something new from Bontrager, which is a shame because the G5 is the best downhill tire currently available.
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After all, the nominees can't be decided solely on race results, can they? If they were, what would be the point of this type of article?
"Another took a racer to his first World Cup overall title, with three consecutive wins en route and a winning run at Crankworx's Canadian Open."
the above statement does certainly not reflect the session which is actually one of the three you're showing....pretty sure that's what theprocrastinator means...
I would have thought that, that wrote it off the list.
Does the V10 sin for bein around before 2013.... or the same for tne Trek?
What about the Hutchison or Devinchi.... as they are 2013 bikes that have nlt snapped or been around for a while.
^ why the fury won't get my vote until they release a carbon version
lately I get the feeling the tests here at pinkbike are all sold from the first place, beginning with the stuff they decide to test and all the way to the test's results...
Vital is becoming better lately though... lots of reviews, almost on a daily basis, on equipment that's actually interesting and the reviews sound objective.
I agree though.
Honestly, I think the wide-narrow (whether RaceFace, NSB, Wolf, etc) has made significantly more change on the MTB industry this year than any of the three components listed. What has made an even bigger impact for me is the direct-mount / low-bcd chainring options, and I would go so far as to say they make the XD pointless. Sure it's innovative, but product of the year? Heck no. That should be something that the people have been waiting for and have been bought in numbers as they show it has filled a void.
I bought an XX1 drivetrain and had to wait a couple months for the Easton XD driver to ship. By that time I'd spent so long on my 28T XX1 cranks (also achievable through any direct mount option or almost with just a RF 30T) that I have never actually installed it and will be selling it as I just don't need to waste the money when a 28T 1x10 offers everything I need.
img.tapatalk.com/a689589f-40cf-46b5.jpg
Same story for the Santa Cruz V10. The basic design for that bike hasn't changed much since 2003!
Also, the Race Face rings do have some innovation in them with the smaller 30 tooth ring for the most common 104 bcd standard cranks that most riders run on their bikes. Considering that this innovation is very affordable makes it even more valuable for the average rider out there
The fact that the Race Face rings were sold out and hard to find half way through the summer underscores how useful and popular they are.
I would put the long cage Zee front derailleur ahead of the XD driver also; it's affordable, makes your bike quiet, will work with the more common 9 or 10 speed drivetrains, will work with Sram or Shimano shifters, and is the prefect compliment to Race Face rings. Another product that was hard to find because of it's popularity.
BTW, since when is a complete change is frame and suspension design required to make a bike, bike of the year? Santa Cruz have made several changes the V10 since 2003, Trek as well. How would anyone expect a bike to improve if they kept chucking the previous design for a completely different one?
I do wish there was a 26er on there hahahaha. makin' me feel like my bike's obsolete.
@mikelevy YES. I think that's the 'silver lining' behind the wheelsize wars... everyone wanted to fit a 29er or 650b onto their new bikes that they had to really study the geo numbers and how to make it work for the rider.
Of all the other mtb innovations I've tried, never been tempted to try big wheels. 26 inches is perfect for the trails I ride.
We'll see next season, when Graves has all 3 wheels sizes available, which he chooses to race on.
And no Waki, my bike is better than yours
They let me ride all summer with as close as makes no diff. ratio to Sram´s XX1 for a whole lot less money.
Thank you both.
26" bikes are now considered inferior by the bike industry. If they could figure out a way to keep out of races ( and off the winners podium) they would. They tried to invent a new race for the new wheel sizes... That went real well.
\
Should this not be called PB readers choice awards perhaps?
Maybe I will get flamed for this - but I come here to read some good articles, not do your research or fill out polls.
We all have different tastes, some of the slopestyle guys might be offended that there is no slopestyle bike in the mix! etc. etc.
About the only two things on here that I could care about is the V10 - as Peaty rides this - and I am not a Downhiller, and the double barrel as I am looking to replace a shock on one of my frames. All the other stuff is in one ear out the other.
It would be cool if you had an all encompassing poll, list every frame, component available for 2013 etc. and let everyone vote - I am sure the results would surprise everyone - but it would show what us readers think deserves an award instead
Oh well - I ranted a bit.
Furthermore, who's picking the winner? If we didn't get to choose the nominees, surely we get to pick the champ?
Disillusioned.
@mackienz - It may look like an "advertisement", and we could have certainly chosen nominees who wouldn't have made it look so, but that wouldn't be fair to those nominees who actually deserve a nod.
Fury, bronson, sram drive, pike,
Check out this beauty: www.commencal-store.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=12501782
The GT Fury may not have won the men's overall but it did win the women's overall. It also won the first 4 races (men and women) at the world cup level that it entered. It was brand new from GT who completely revised their suspension design. Specialized Enduro 29 has completely changed everyone's viewpoint in what could be done with a 29 inch wheel. It has chainstays shorter than most 26" bikes at 160mm of travel. That is feat that no one can deny. The Rock Shox Pike is on high end bikes for a reason because the product managers of all these top companies tried out all the latest suspension and agreed this is best fork (period). Some did have contracts with existing companies but (as a Specialized intern I know first hand). The XD driver is single handedly getting rid of the front deraileur without sacrificing the granny gear. It is opening the minds of countless possibilities.
This is all my opinion but this is what its about. It is not a popularity contest it is what is pushing our industry to greater heights even if its not dominating the market share...yet.
And yes my apologies in assuming it changed everyone's mind that was generally speaking. Also it is true that the Enduro 29 did not get any results at the ews level. But did the Bronson? Did the Kona 111? No. You do realize that the main reason why 29ers had not hit the 160 travel is because of its wheel size, right? Engineers and bike designers could not figure out how to fit a wheel and maintain shorter chainstays. It is a feat of engineering and design.
Another lie is that not many all mountain riders were using 1 x set ups before 1 x 11. Maybe not where you live, but its nothing new, just a wider range with 11.
Also, in my initial post I wrote ' internal drivetrain, not internal hub. Ever heard of a gear box? Like the Zerode Dh bike. That is real innovation, and it is looking better every year.
Ok, commence lying again...
Why are you so negative? I am just trying to have a mature discussion about this. My whole point about the 29er enduro is that it has chainstays shorter than most 160 travel bikes. Which is a feat of engineering and design. That is all I am saying, plus wasn't Mitch Ropo's timed run for the world championships come in second this year? (yes i know timed runs mean nothing really but it still stirred the pot did it not? and yes SA's course is hardly a dh track, i get that) With his time he would have gotten 13th and he stated in an interview he still had more gas in the tank.
Direct quote in the first paragraph, www.pinkbike.com/news/First-Look-Specialized-S---Works-Enduro-29-S-E.html
"Right about now, naysayers are probably quoting a handful of pre-existing 29ers with similar travel, but such numbers, especially in the arena of big-wheel bike design, are misleading. Enduro 29 SE frames sport a 430-millimeter (16.9 inch) chainstay length. That's only eleven millimeters longer than the already compact stays of the 26-inch Specialized Enduro. Comparatively, that is over 25-millimeters shorter than the best 29ers in the 120 to 130-millimeter range. You'd need a yardstick to measure the chainstay lengths of most 29ers with rear-wheel travel longer than that."
Also with the 1x11 were we seeing people win world championships on single rings before? I know Geoff Kabush was running a 1x10 as well as many others but I do not know of any significant titles captured with a "ghetto 1x whatever" set-up.
You said no 29ers had hit the 160mm mark before the Enduro, and I corrected your error. Lenzyne had one too. I don't care about the short chainstays.
Where's the Bos forks and Air rear shock.
Where's the Formula Brakes?
C'mon Pinkbike, it's getting more and more infomercial style every article.
F*** the V10, Marry the Session, Kill the GT
I think cost should be a universal factor. It either counts or it doesn't.
It seems inconsistent to make it only count sometimes.
After all, the nominees can't be decided solely on race results, can they? If they were, what would be the point of this type of article?
And why isn't the Carbon Demo 8 on there?
Santa Cruz V10
Specialized Enduro 29
Fox Float X
Shimano Zee Brakes
After all, the nominees can't be decided solely on race results, can they? If they were, what would be the point of this type of article?
You should have just run this poll on your intranet, this is public domain, welcome to it.
Bronson for the mtb of the year - truly an amazing bike and this is the year of 650b! The Enduro 29er looks great but I am not a lemming…yet.
Pike for Suspension of the year - because it is a flawless product and the amount of Fux carnage it is leaving behind in its wake.
Sram XD driver for component of the year – because it does not say Shimano or Bontrager on it.