Marcelo Gutierrez's Giant Glory Advanced - Bike Check

Jun 8, 2017
by Mike Kazimer  

Marcelo Gutierrez Bike Check
BIKE CHECK
Marcelo Gutierrez's
Giant Glory Advanced



Marcelo Gutierrez is off to a strong start this World Cup season, with a third place finish at Lourdes and a fourth at Fort William. Those results have him sitting in second place overall, just two points behind Greg Minnaar. The Colombian's powerful style and high level of fitness (which he demonstrated with his incredible performance on the motorway section at Fort William) should be well suited to the blistering fast pace of the Leogang track; it wouldn't be surprising to see Marcelo end up on the podium once again.

Pinkbike's Ross Bell caught up with Paul Miles, Marcelo's mechanic, to find out more about the Giant Glory Advanced that Gutierrez will be racing this weekend.


Marcelo's Giant Glory Advanced Details

• Rider height: 5'10"
• Frame size: large, with 5mm offset cups to extend reach
• Carbon front triangle, alloy swingarm
• Wheelsize: 27.5"
• Handlebar width: 800mm
• Stem length: 50mm
• SRAM X01 DH 7-speed drivetrain, 34-tooth chainring
• Tires: Schwalbe Magic Mary, Addix Ultra Soft compound
• RockShox BoXXer Team fork, Vivid R2C shock

Marcelo Gutierrez Bike Check



bigquotesHe doesn't chase set up that much – you actually kind of have to hassle him for feedback sometimes because he's pretty happy and just gets on with his job.— Paul Miles, Marcelo's mechanic



Marcelo Gutierrez Bike Check
Depending on the track, Marcelo runs either a 325 or 350lb spring from Super Alloy Racing on a RockShox Vivid R2C.
Marcelo Gutierrez Bike Check
Up front, there's a red spring inside the RockShox Boxxer Team, and the oil volume has been adjusted to increase the fork's end stroke ramp up.


Marcelo Gutierrez Bike Check
It's the little things that set Marcelo's bike apart from what you could buy at your local bike shop, like this trimmed down shifter. Marcelo has big hands, and this modification prevents him from hitting his knuckle when his thumb is wrapped around the grip.


Marcelo Gutierrez Bike Check
The bite point of the brake levers is set fairly close to the grips.
Marcelo Gutierrez Bike Check
SRAM's new Code brakes provide plenty of stopping power, although it doesn't look like riders will be doing all the much braking on this weekend's track.


Marcelo Gutierrez Bike Check
A Magic Mary with Schwalbe's new Ultra Soft rubber compound is in place on the back of the bike for now, but that could be swapped for a Nobby Nic or even a Rock Razor depending on Marcelo's preference. The tires are set up tubeless, without any foam inserts, and pressures are typically 24 psi up front and 27 psi in the rear.


Marcelo Gutierrez Bike Check
If you look closely at those HT pedals you can see a custom plate in front of the clip in mechanism. That plate helps prevent Marcelo's cleats from getting hung up on the pedal, and means that he can slide the cleat in using either a rearwards or a forwards motion.

Marcelo Gutierrez Bike Check
Buena suerte, Marcelo.


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Bike Checks Marcelo Gutierrez


Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,733 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
Bike Check: Evan Wall's Haro Greer Prototype Enduro Bike
42911 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in 10 DAYS!
42460 views
Downhill Bikes of Sea Otter - Part 2
41715 views
Pinkbike Poll: Riser Bar or Extra Spacers Under the Stem?
40313 views
First Ride: Canyon Neuron:ONfly - a Lighter 140mm eMTB
39802 views
Vivo Cycling Previews All-Aluminum 12-Speed Derailleur
38047 views
The Ultimate Recap of Sea Otter 2024
37333 views
Dario's Final Sea Otter Randoms
36019 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

81 Comments
  • 79 1
 I love seeing these little interesting modifications to the pro bikes, those are what make the bike checks in my opinion.
  • 8 2
 His split 4 sprint to finish line is so underrated. His horsepower can put those top roadies a run for their money.
  • 5 0
 @sevem408 and the national cyclist federation doesn't support this dude, same story as Nairo Quintana. We admire them how they reach a successful career. Keep it up boss !
  • 30 0
 AWESOME to see both the rider size AND the frame size together for a reference point. Great write up!
  • 16 0
 But suspension setup without rider weight
  • 5 2
 @DandelionDan: He is approx 82kgs - but his vivid is highly modified so he can run a lighter rate spring.
  • 2 0
 @Mirks: modified how?
  • 1 0
 @Jimmy0: compression tune.. possibly progressive compression
  • 3 0
 just like to say the guys running super alloy racing springs are fantastic, i ordered a spring off them and received it within 24hrs of placing the order, high quality and a bit lighter than titanium springs. highly recommended. much better service than the 9 week wait I had with ti-springs.com, which ended in me getting a full refund through a paypal dispute I had no option but to take out against them to get my money back. not recommended at all
  • 1 0
 @mark3: I also had a massive wait with ti-springs. I dunno how long it ended up being but it was at least a few weeks longer than estimated and I had to chase Scout about it. I'd sold the bike by the time it arrived. Wouldn't have been an issue if the quoted time frame was correct and I was very happy with the product, just took a while. At the time I found SAR web setup a little all over the place which is why I went Ti but I'll give SAR a look for sure next time - 24hrs sounds great!
  • 1 0
 @mark3: Thank you Smile
  • 1 1
 @Jimmy0: A highly guarded secret Wink my husband would kill me if I told.
  • 1 0
 @ThomDawson: superalloyracing.com Wink NOT sa-springs....probably where the issue happened as our website is pretty good.
  • 24 0
 Take the win Marcelo
  • 5 1
 As a fellow Venezuelan, I think he should, too.
  • 6 9
 A 4th last weekend without the cheater wheels. Good to see Marcelo on the podium.
  • 1 0
 @cmkneeland: I don't think it's so much the wheel size. Had Gwin not stopped up where he did it would have been damned close! He'll be top step over the 29ers this weekend.
  • 1 0
 @scotttherider: Gwin has won races by 9 seconds. That was just Gwin being Gwin . But t's definitely the wheel size. Had nobody been on 29ers Marcelo would have been 2nd. If it wasn't the wheel size, why would people be on them.
  • 9 3
 The modifications & customizations are always cool to see but for some reason these days I kinda find Glorys a little boring...
  • 11 2
 A little boring but very efficiant. You must have not ridden one before. These bikes pedal very well, but lack a little in the rough. I believe the one reason he was able to do so well on motorway was due to.this design. If they made this bike in 29 it will be one of the best 29ers if not the best.
  • 11 0
 @Rider656: He does so well in the motorway and pedally tracks is because he is a machine and also trains super hard for it. Honestly he can pedal any bike!
He always has been one of the fastest guys in the motorway section since back in the day when he used to ride Santa Cruz bikes for Cedric.
  • 2 0
 @Rider656: I used to have a Maestro platform bike (a Faith), so I know how good they are. Never said they weren't good, probably should have chosen a better wording. Perhaps 'plain' or 'simple' would work better. I just can't look at one and be wowed.
  • 5 3
 I see a lot of fancy bikes of all kinds. Giant bikes always works well, I never own a Giant but their bikes are winner horse in terms of ridding/money spend I think. Specialized bikes are the worst ones I ever ride over rough stuff,their are more bling bling than winner horse, even the Demo is shit...Sometimes Internet stuff and a good paint can sell crappy bikes at gold prize.
  • 5 0
 Interesting how Marcelo railed Ft. Bill on Schwalbe stuff and all but one GT guy flatted with the same tires. The guy can throw down on the Motorway but is smooth enough to get down the mountain with tires intact.
  • 2 0
 and said that may be he would use a Nobby Nic ? insane hahha..
  • 3 0
 this bike IS cool, the only problem is the fact Giant ( for being a big brand) doesn't invest in marketing enough to seel it as a trendy concept as many brands have done.
GO MARCELO !!!!!!
  • 5 0
 Ride loco Marcelo - I'm rooting for you dude!
  • 4 0
 The 'additional oil' used for end stroke..in the Charger Damper?
  • 2 1
 Was thinking the same....putting oil in the spring side doesn't ramp things up haha
  • 2 3
 Uses the charger damper, along with a coil spring.

www.sram.com/rockshox/products/boxxer-team#sm.0000294i57yobfgeu711zjlwc7pia
  • 3 0
 @jeffhall124: I understand the fork configuration. I was wondering if the oil is added to the damper itself. That is the only area I could think of that would make a difference. too much oil in the lowers usually blows out the wiper seals.
  • 4 0
 @bman33: it wouldn't make sense to put more oil in the damper anyways, would it? The valving is still the same. The oil will flow the same, just more of it.

I might be ignorant but it doesn't make much sense. Someone with some insight would be nice!
  • 11 0
 I think you could add oil on the coil spring side to make the end stroke more progressive. It was done on the older 888 coil forks. I think. Reduces the air volume on the coil side to make the fork ramp up faster.
  • 2 0
 @joalst: additional oil=less air, oil doesn't compress like air does. Same basic concept as tokens. Does That fork look flexed forward in the first picture or is it just me.
  • 4 0
 @Duderz7: Haha yeah they do look bent at first, but it's just the graphics and the fender playing tricks on the eyes. I just held up a straight edge to the screen and they are actually straight.
  • 4 1
 well, we should all be asking where are the weight weenies asking for air forks..
  • 1 0
 And to add to my answer, i think people used to stuff rubberized foam inside the coil to reduce the coil side air volume instead of oil to make it more progressive, just like tokens.
  • 1 0
 @onetrykid: exactly. Marzocchi did it for a long time ago. You can manage progression on coil forks using oil levels. It's even posible on sealed damper forks. The seals can handle the preassure.

Progression adjust it's an exclusive air spring suspension feature, you can do it on every fork
  • 2 0
 * isn't an exclusive...
  • 1 0
 Don't forget, even coil sprung forks have air inside and are sealed up when you screw the caps on. There is still air inside getting compressed. Adding oil to the fork reduces the air volume just like any other air chamber.
  • 2 1
 Guys, I'm not sure if any of you is kind of spring guru, but you probably dont know the basics of the boxxer. The chamber with a spring is not sealed so you cant add oil there to make it more progressive. The oil would simply go to the lowers...maybe you would have to add like 300cc of oil to fill the whole space and than it could maybe work...but it is not what you want.
  • 1 0
 So back to my question...how is it done? What chamber/leg is the oil added?
  • 1 0
 @charvatbros: as you said, you need a lot of oil (more weight) to make it work. But that weight penalty worth it. Forks work better for longer.

@bman33: on open bath dampers, you just need to play with on damper side. On sealed damper forks, add oil on the lowers.
  • 1 0
 @charvatbros: good point. You add it to the damper side of open bath forks. I wad thinking of old school motorcycle forks, which had a spring and damper in both legs.
  • 3 1
 the 34 tooth ring livens up the glory's travel. it doesn't tell us his weight or suspension tune. that's where all the interesting things are..
  • 1 0
 How do you mean it livens up glory's travel?
  • 2 2
 @max41: Smaller ring = reduction in anti squat.
  • 3 0
 @Racer951: It actually increases anti-squat.
  • 2 0
 @Racer951: Quite the opposite:
linkagedesign.blogspot.gr/2014/08/giant-glory-275-2015.html
  • 5 1
 @Catsick: @blacksim549 - Whoops! - That's embarrassing, especially as I really geek out on this stuff.... I knew what I meant but typed the opposite. Thanks for correcting that as people may read it and take that as fact.
  • 1 1
 @max41: makes the suspension more lively. less pedal feedback through the rough stuff. feels noticeably different. I don't know the math behind it.
  • 2 1
 @makripper: Actually a smaller chainring increases pedal kickback.
  • 1 2
 @blacksim549: i don't care about your math. it's a noticeable difference on the glory.
  • 4 0
 That mud fender looks.....hum
  • 3 0
 It's time I get a new bike.
  • 1 0
 I seriously love this frame... except for the rear triangle. If they could just line up with the rear with the top tube aaaaaaahhh it's like an itch you can't scratch
  • 4 0
 It lines up when you sit on it Wink Now go and buy it, you're welcome Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Hmmm the top shock lingkage seems different from the stock ones.
  • 1 0
 What kind of reach adjust headset is he running? i thought giant has that overdrive thing with the steertube..
  • 2 0
 He should be using an Anthem on this course imho :-)
  • 3 0
 Vamos Senor. Epic!!!
  • 2 0
 What's the little readout next to the front brake?
  • 1 0
 Those giant saddles are super uncomfortable and sharp at the back. I'd hate to have to run that!
  • 1 0
 How much does he weigh tho
  • 8 0
 5'10"..lean muscular build, heavy legs...probably about 80kg. Its his big balls that tip the scale.
  • 3 0
 @sean9002: spot on Sean.
  • 1 0
 24 PSI? dang.. that's greedy no?
  • 1 0
 Probably alright for this track, eh?
  • 2 2
 29ers are really fun bikes... but to be honest, I had a sigh of relief to find out it was 27.5. ????????????
  • 2 0
 ok ??????????
  • 2 0
 rear shock looks bent ?
  • 1 0
 Wonder why he's running an Eagle chainring....
  • 1 0
 What is that mud gaurd
  • 1 0
 Nobby Nic on the rear??
  • 1 0
 Schwalbe have prototype NN's thats used in EWS by Yoann Barelli and others. Probably completely different casig to the ordinary ones.
  • 1 0
 Custom linkage mmm
  • 1 0
 Nice bike ????
  • 2 3
 Not a 29"?
  • 10 0
 ...but on the podium twice... #twentysevenpointfivestillalive ... hahahaha!
  • 4 0
 @Mabagal: yup! its almost like it comes down to the rider on the day, not the wheel size =)
  • 1 4
 Yawn, Giant..boring.







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.058948
Mobile Version of Website