Throwback Thursday: Allen Millyard Talks Through the Unique Millyard 001 Downhill Bike

Apr 30, 2020
by James Smurthwaite  

bigquotesIn this video I will be talking about the mountain bike I made in 2007 for my son Stephen Millyard to ride in the British National Down Hill series after spending a small fortune on derailieurs, gear cables and chains the previous year when he was riding a conventional DH bike. The Millyard Racing 001 bike solved all these problems by sealing the whole drive system inside the swinging arm out of harm's way in an oil bath. I will be making a more detailed part 2 video covering the revolutionary Millyard HyperRide shock and the 002 singles sided swinging arm version, with some riding and in depth review.—Allen Millyard


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122 Comments
  • 122 1
 i think this guy lives down the road from me. thats my pointless claim to fame.
  • 71 3
 I once replied to a comment by a guy who might live down the street from the guy who designed this bike. This must be what the stars feel like.
  • 12 7
 My sister's cousin's wife's boyfriend's dog's preeowner's dad's cousin's post delivery man's, stepmother's brother in-law once replied to a guy's comment who commented on another guy's comment who lives down the street from this guy. I need to get a manager.
  • 11 0
 Or, claim to Frame!
  • 4 0
 @JacobyDH: I think the /r/dadjokes subreddit is leaking...


...and I love it!
  • 48 0
 Gearbox with a trigger shifter...somebody tell Zerode
  • 2 0
 There's an old Pinkbike article here www.pinkbike.com/news/allen-millyard-part-1-2008.html ... the gearbox is a Nexus hub.
  • 14 0
 I was also thinking that. If he could do it in 2007 why can't anyone do it in 2020?
  • 1 0
 @jaame: he used a Nexus hub encased in the frame. The closest thing you'll get for a real gearbox is Effigear and their adapted SRAM shifter. Although a while ago some crazy Swiss guy was adapting 5ROT's hydraulic shifters to the Pinion gearbox. Haven't heard anything from them lately though.
  • 1 0
 @southoftheborder: from what I saw, the Zerode with the Alfine hub was pretty decent. I don't need a gearbox, per se. I would like to try an Alfine hub version, but the Zerode was a bit too wide between the knees as they didn't cut the axle down I don't think.
  • 3 0
 @jaame: And Zerode to a certain degree were inspired by Lahar and there mad bikes.
  • 4 0
 check out effigear, they are making a new gearbox with pinion mounting (on their insta)
  • 2 0
 @jaame: cinq innovations make triggers for pinion.
  • 1 0
 @tomhoward379: But you need two levers and two cables till right? effigear uses a sram shifter
  • 1 0
 @tomhoward379: just had a look. That looks pretty sweet actually. I take it you have two levers, one for up and one for down. The only question would be where to mount the dropper remote
  • 1 0
 @jaame: I use a reverb plunger, fits fine, under bar but outboard of the shifter. If you had a cable dropper, you could use a grip collar mounted lever.
@senorbanana. You could make both levers in the same unit if you wanted, not like a regular shifter, but yeah still two cables.
  • 1 0
 It is a shimano nexis geared hub mounted in the frame!
  • 3 0
 @jaame: because everyone's too busy designing the next e-bike. Fundamental engineering advances are being replaced by the necessity to stay in business. Everyone wants e-MTBs, so that's where the development dollars will be spent.

Maybe when the motorcycle manufacturers get a sniff of the eMTB thing they'll bring in some new engineering developments to add to the eMTB world, but I think that regular bike development will be pretty scarce from now on.
  • 3 0
 If trigger shifting was an option on my Taniwha, I would still use grip shift. Works far better with gearboxes.
  • 1 0
 @excavator666: it is available. The play between the shifter and grip drove me mad.
  • 1 1
 @tomhoward379: If you're talking about the Cinq system, then quite frankly f*ck that.

It's a system that tries to fix a problem that doesn't exist by contriving a more awkward and less functional solution in an attempt to sate the entrenched mindset of MTB comfort zoners.

This is most of the MTB community "B b b b but muh twigguw shiftuw".

I do not experience play with my Pinion gripshifter and push on ODI grips. None.

I do however experience greater accessible range, shifting speed and reliability.

I keep saying it, once you learn the technique for Pinion gripshift it's superior to trigger shifting derraileurs.
  • 1 0
 @excavator666: I used Gripshift and Sachs Powergrips for many years, and also more recent X7 and X9 Gripshift. Then I used recent Shimano triggers with two way release, multi release and instant release. They're just better than twisters in my opinion. SRAM triggers, I don't get on with the paddle layout as well as Shimano.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: absolutely, the trigger shifter works better with derailleur setup, but gripshift works better with gearbox.
  • 1 0
 @excavator666: Interesting. I never thought of that. I haven't tried it, unfortunately.
I would like to see an ebike with CVT and no shifter. That would be cool.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: I think that most people immediately think of gripshifters like the terrible, vague, plasticy things we used to have back in the day. They were crap and didn't work well with derailleurs.

Trust me, the Pinion gripshifter and gearbox are properly engineered, robust and functional equipment.
  • 43 0
 Wait a sec, is that the Alan Millyard? The same guy that builds all sorts of rad motorcycles?
  • 5 0
 I think it is yes
  • 7 0
 yes he is
www.youtube.com/channel/UCj4hbNBjmdvXONmcxcLSNhg/videos
  • 5 0
 THAT dodge viper V10 bike yes
  • 1 0
 Millyard is a legend... Works of art with function. Best of both worlds.
  • 16 0
 Someone needs to make a production version of this frame, or better the single sided v2 version
  • 2 26
flag bananowy (Apr 30, 2020 at 2:14) (Below Threshold)
 @christiaan Ask and you shall receive Smile Well, kinda. The RB Dragster was different of course (normal drivetrain), but on the plus side you can actually have one as it was a production frame that you can still buy on the used market if you like that crazy front section.

s.bkfrm.cz/static/images/gallery/0002/01/340/zxowpjitu3b6asfex1v3xuhs76n2amxphwcgknar.jpg
  • 30 1
 @bananowy: that's really, really not the same thing.
  • 1 13
flag bananowy (Apr 30, 2020 at 8:34) (Below Threshold)
 @inked-up-metalhead: point to where I said it was?
  • 11 2
 @bananowy: the whole comment you pretty much say that thing is the same, otherwise why use 'ask and you shall recieve' referring to the request for a production version. That's basically saying 'here's your production version' and it really, really isn't. It looks like a wallmart/school tech course collaboration.
  • 2 16
flag bananowy (Apr 30, 2020 at 9:20) (Below Threshold)
 @inked-up-metalhead: I take it reading comprehension isn't your strongest suit then, is it, pal? But OK, I'll help you out. You missed the whole part (i.e. my whole post except for the first sentence) where I suggest my intro was facetious and that the only resemblance is the looks of the front end (which stands true unless you're blind).

Your last remark is just you making unfounded, butthurt assumptions never having seen an RB frame in your life (not works of art by any stretch but they were reasonably well made and successfully hucked by many, not even close to a walmart bike).

Out of curiosity, why so defensive about the Millyard bike? Is the guy your mate and did I offend you in any way?
  • 5 2
 @bananowy: pretty sure the up/down votes say all I need to. And butt hurt? I'm not the one who's gone into a massive rant about how I'm right. And why are you so defensive over a hunk of junk? 'reasonably well made' doesn't sound anything more than a wallmart/high school tech project if you ask me.
  • 4 0
 @bananowy: oh and anyway, I said it looks, I.e. Visually. Apparently you need to up your reading comprehension too. Wasn't commenting on build quality, purely looks. And id say the front end looks the same if you're a 3 year old. One is full truss, with a 3d aspect, the other is a tube with some reinforcing.
  • 3 9
flag bananowy (Apr 30, 2020 at 13:24) (Below Threshold)
 @inked-up-metalhead: the fact that PB up/down votes mean anything to you says all I need to know about you buddy Big Grin But hey, whatever tickles your fancy. I'll even upvote you if it makes your day better!

Rant? Defensive? Talking about yourself, right mate? All I did was link a pic of a weird old bike I remembered. But I just read in another comment you live close to the guy which sort of explains how emotional you are. Sorry, honestly didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

Oh and anyway, you are blind like I thought (or a 3 year old like you said). Both front ends have a moto-inspired 3d truss construction and no matter how angry it makes you (still not sure why), they do look similar Smile
  • 1 8
flag bananowy (Apr 30, 2020 at 13:53) (Below Threshold)
 Can't edit above so... sorry, it wasn't you who commented about living in that guys 'hood, my bad. So, still unsure why you got so mad.
  • 1 0
 @bananowy: Geez guys. Take it outside will ya. Trying to have a serious comments section here.
  • 1 0
 That frame looks like it weighs a ton, ebike pounds?
  • 1 1
 @bananowy: yeah it's a general consensus of a community centered around bikes. If that's not a good gauge of things on a bike website, I don't know what is.

And yes rant. I said it wasn't the same thing, you asked where you said that, I told you where you said that, and you reply with 3 paragraphs. If that's not a defensive rant I don't know what is.

And how is a tube with stuff welded on a 3d construction? I've asked my girlfriends 3 year old nephew, he doesn't think they look the same. So apparently a 3 year old has better functioning eyes and brain than you.


Again, I didn't get mad, I commented on your comment disagreeing with you, you asked to clarify where you said something, I did, you go into meltdown. Was it your high school project? Is that why you're so butt hurt over me saying it looks wank?
  • 12 0
 Here's Stephen at his most recent DH race on board the single-sided version. 2015, Antur Stiniog in the UK:

www.rootsandrain.com/temp/millyard.jpg

Awesome ideas and engineering. It's a shame they never seemed interested in going into production with them!
  • 13 0
 Can he finally release the shock? There was so much hype about it
  • 10 0
 I remember Steve Jones in Dirt saying the shock was so good it negated the need to run low psi in your tyres, even running 35 psi the grip was better than a conventional shock and low 20s psi in the tyres. Something along those lines anyway
  • 2 0
 Wasn't there a company trying to get a similar design to production for years now? And every year they claim it's almost ready?
I guess we can dream Frown
  • 2 0
 Oleo Damper - same kind of damper they use on tanks. BREW Nitro Shox was making one, but who knows what happened there. I was SO keen to see it eventuate.
  • 2 0
 This was the last publication I can find on the Brew Nitroshox

singletrackworld.com/2017/04/sea-otter-2017-brew-nitro-shox-nearing-production
  • 3 0
 This one is more recent, and it turns out that Joe from BREW actually manufactured a shock for one of the Millyard bikes !

www.mtb-news.de/news/test-nitro-shox-first-ride
  • 18 0
 @Waldon83: It will! It just takes time and we need to get it right! To be honest we didn't realise how long the process takes especially the testing as the last thing we want is failures! There's only 2 of us and we both work full time and have young families so time is hard to come by! But we will get there!
  • 2 0
 @saxokev:
Is there any way to follow the progress? facebook, instagram?
  • 7 0
 @Loki87: yes mate, we have an Instagram account and facebook account simply called NitroShox
  • 1 0
 @saxokev: music to my ears!
After the Rona, hopefully you’re back on track and can get into production after testing and we, once and for all can ride our own Millyard bike!
  • 5 0
 @Waldon83: Not quite, we worked together early days but parted ways after the first year. All shocks on our bike are designed an manufactured by us and work very differently to the BREW NitroShox. We know Kev and Joe well and there project looks really cool. We're excited to see it come to market!
  • 9 0
 Awesome engineering!! Look forward to hearing about the new version.
Single sided swing arms look ace. Here's one I made for my daughter: www.pinkbike.com/photo/14799826
  • 6 0
 The days of losing my separate hub spacer/endcaps when removing a wheel before hubs got integrated and streamlined. It was always in a dark spot underneath the car, nowhere near where I thought it had fallen to.
  • 5 0
 Wow, what a DIY legend. A proper John Britten of mtb. It looks so solid with that trellis frame and solid swinger - what does it weigh? Would a sub 15kg enduro version be possible?
  • 4 0
 One of my favorite bikes of all time! I still have that copy of Dirt, with Steve Jones tackling the 1.04 run. I remember reading the praise... I also seem to remember it had something like 150mm of travel in a world of 200mm bikes. I guess that unique shock essentially brought quality over quantity. Can’t wait for the chaps at Nitroshox to release an updated production version of the shock, should be fun!
  • 3 0
 I highly recommend checking out his YouTube channel, although possibly not if you suffer with poor self esteem.....
I’ve built/re-built a fair bit of cool stuff over the years and like to think I’m pretty handy then I look at what Alan’s doing and it’s like he operates in a different dimension
  • 7 0
 Now we are not interested in the Grimm Donut anymore :-)
  • 3 0
 I was chatting to Alan at Fort Bill WC years ago and he brought this bike up on the back of his motorbike, took the bolt out the shock folded it in half and stuck it in the rack, ingenious!!
  • 2 0
 Ahoy there!

Such a brilliant design! Especially that 2nd generation, single arm beauty.
Allen,
if you’re reading these posts and you are willing to do that, please do reveal more details, such as how you tension the chain on both transmission steps, how you sealed the primary disk.

Thank you in advance. Your bikes will always be the best inspiration material for me. T hank's for sharing.

John-Nelson
  • 2 0
 HE tried different companies But usual bike industry would not help, not that Allen Millyard needed any help, just to bring it to market?

Would have been great to see more of these amazing bikes, but there are reasons why you do not?
  • 4 0
 God, those gold specialized pedals take me back. I forgot I used to have a pair
  • 3 0
 Wtf?
Mikes, get to work and get your paws on this bike!!!
I want to know everything about it!!!!
  • 1 1
 This is amazing, it was so out of its time, i would love to see 2020 version of this bike, like 27.5-29 wheels, full carbon frame, modern suspension, maybe slacker headtube, it could be a total beast!, But even this version looks totaly badass, i would love to ride it.
  • 4 0
 Why the f*ck would you want carbon instead of space frame?
  • 3 0
 Interesting to see what you get when a non bike-industry person designs bike.
  • 1 0
 True Creative engineering isn’t a common thing these days! Hopefully this second time around will Go into production, as I now have something to save my penny’s for. tup
  • 2 0
 Rad, I remember this in Dirt mag and I remember most of his motorcycle creations too, Allen is a super clever bloke and I totally love the 2 bikes in the article.
  • 1 0
 Check out our KATZ bike which was developed in 2007 and optimized in 2020 for personal use:

www.pinkbike.com/news/katz-bikes-returns-with-a-enduro-bike-with-a-maintenance-free-drivetrain.html
  • 2 0
 When this featured in Dirt many moons ago I had high hopes for it...fingers crossed it happens this time!
  • 1 0
 I always wanted that bike, reminds me of a motorbike cross sintessi bazooka - great insight and that brake rotor design is genius
  • 1 0
 He is an unreal engineer - build one off motorbike engines, on his own, at home, without major automation and they look factory!!
  • 2 0
 Fantastic bike Allen, shows your motorcycle side. How did you manage to weld 7075 and not have cracks?
  • 2 0
 Its 6082, I had a lot of voice over to do and said the wrong thing. all the machined parts are 7075 and any welded parts are 6082.
  • 2 0
 @millyard: Thanks Allen, its frigging amazing what you do with splitting/welding engines together.
Great to see you using regular tools.
In the USA if they can't stuff it in a CNC it doesn't get done.
  • 1 0
 A great question mark on how it pedals. Looks like it will suffer from the pronounced squat that is typical of BB-concentric suspension systems?
  • 2 0
 Luv the Duccatti influence. Whether it's a derailuer in a can or a Shimano geard hub this is sick! I want one.
  • 4 0
 How did he weld 7075 al?
  • 1 0
 My thoughts exactly.
  • 2 0
 That shock looks like the OG version of the Intend Hover.
  • 1 0
 Totally different internals though
  • 3 0
 It’s more like the nitroshox I think
  • 1 0
 @bashhard: that I don’t know. But going by looks you can really tell how forward thinking this bike was. It took intend or anyone for that matter almost 15 years to make something close to the original
  • 1 0
 @philmtb99: I could be mistaken as it’s a long time ago when I read up on it but I think it’s based on an Oleo strut design used in aircraft landing gear
  • 2 0
 @PB-J: Yep, Oleo Damper. BREW Nitroshox was making one, but that seems to have fizzed out.
  • 2 0
 @Waldon83: He’s still working on it by the looks of things
www.instagram.com/p/B_cMpPsH5Uk/?igshid=1lo2kstk7965e
  • 2 0
 Hang on, he's working on a new shock for the Sentinel!!!
  • 1 0
 been riding it today. Its unreal!
  • 2 0
 It's insane the difference of intelligence in humans.
  • 1 0
 I would love to have a pint with Alan amd Guy Martin. They are my definition of mechanically fucking cool.
  • 2 0
 Damn that is cool.
  • 1 0
 Also a nuclear scientist apparently!
  • 1 0
 This is the best sort of clickbait...so very intrigued am I!
  • 1 0
 DH race to win?
To the shed!
  • 1 0
 I remember always lusting after these bikes. Real innovation.
  • 2 2
 "You can change gears while pedalling under full torque." Proof of this please?
  • 2 0
 Why would he make this statement if it wasn't true? He has absolutely nothing to gain from it whatsoever.
  • 2 0
 @Davec85: As it's a shimano gearhub... you can shift under load but in one direction only. The other won't shift until you release some torque.
  • 1 0
 Because it`s a Nexus. Alfine works the same. Proof that you ignored it.
  • 1 0
 I wish i was half as smart as this guy
  • 1 0
 that bike is sick AF and make sense ..
  • 1 0
 Best dad ever! Respect to you sir!
  • 1 0
 Looks like a Sesh.....Oh no, a Ducati :-)
  • 1 0
 amazing!
  • 1 1
 wait, no spring on the rear shock??
  • 3 0
 There is a spring - it's called an air spring
  • 2 0
 @theunknowncustodian: I think it was a nitrogen shock based on tank shock absorbers
  • 4 0
 @melonhead1145: No air or Nitrogen in any of our shocks
  • 1 0
 That thing is badass!
  • 1 0
 Unreal love it
  • 1 0
 Sooo cool!!
  • 1 0
 Just wow
  • 1 0
 Love it
  • 1 4
 "Hey Honda can I copy your homework?"

"Sure but change some of the words"
  • 1 0
 Didn't the Milyard come before the Honda? So far back in the mists of time I can't remember.
  • 1 0
 If I recall correctly the Honda was a regular derailleur system enclosed, not an IGH.
  • 1 0
 @tomredfern: pretty sure the Honda was before the Millard. Imagine both of those bikes in the man cave.
  • 2 0
 @watchtower: 2004-2005 for the honda, it says 2007 for this one.
But they have nothing in common.
  • 1 0
 Did try filling in the gaps on Honda's Patent, but patent got blocked?

v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=GB2434565&F=0







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