PB photographer Matt DeLorme nabbed some spy shots of Nino Schurter's new whip during La Bresse practice - a sharp looking dual-suspension design that is decidedly different than the Scott Spark that the multi-time XC World Champion has wielded for the past few years. Gone is the top tube-mounted shock and slender swing-link, replaced by a compact seat-tube mounted rocker (looks like it’s made of carbon) and a vertically mounted shock that pivots on a yoke arrangement near the bottom bracket.
The frame is molded with more angular tube profiles and is designed around 29-inch wheels (Nino's preferred hoops are 27.5-inch wheels). Its paint scheme mirrors the present auto-maker trend of painting prototype vehicles in confusing geometric patterns - a foible intended to mask subtle body profiling from photographic documentation. Whatever, comparing the new and old bikes side by side reveals striking differences that cannot be hidden by such trickery.
how the hell can you tell from these photos?
"Most people call it enduro, I call it XC" -Aaron Gwin
Here's a crazy idea... maybe it's just a paint job... nothing new for WC racers to have custom helmets and bike paint jobs
Matching helmet: image2.redbull.com/rbcom/010/2016-05-22/1331796286997_1/0010/1/550/366/1/nino-schurter-celebrates-his-victory-at-uci-xco-world-cup-rd-2-in-germany.jpg
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I do wonder though if the longer travel bikes (Genius family) will go for a horst link again. In my mind this layout is one of the most efficient layouts for a frame as far as loads go.
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........here's a thought maybe its HIS colour scheme that is unique to HIM!?
Met a singlespeeder there 2 years ago who said he raced in 30-18. I don't know how that's possible