Phil Atwill's Enduro Weapon

Perhaps, we are more often to see Phil Atwill riding his Propain Rage CF during World Cup DH and World Championship. But for his next race trip in enduro competition, he needs an enduro machine to tame up and down the trail and he has two options: Propain Hugane CF or Tyee CF. Which one? Also, this was his first time riding on Asian mountains, more specific around Doi Suthep, Doi Pui and Chiangmai, North Thailand during International ChiangmaiEnduro (ICE) 2018, so Phil Atwill decided to bring his PropainTyee CF27.5 over his Hugane CF 29. "I don't know much about the tracks in South East Asia so I opted for the Tyee just as it has a bit more travel," said Phil. This decision was right as ICE 2018 offered unlimited and flowing natural trail in the deep rainforest and some sections in Stage 1 and 4 are quite steep and rough, so more travel means more comfort and confidence to maintain speed. Phil is Phil with his unique character and aggressive riding style, he is so familiar with his setup on his downhill bike and he puts the almost similar setup on his enduro bike. From how the front and rear suspension balance, suspension setup, brake lever level, saddle position and tire pressure that he applied to extra safe of mind during full speed from top to bottom.The result was not so bad as in Qualification and Day 1, this 23 years bad boy got the 2nd position but some chain drops in Day 2 cost him a long time to fix at Stage 7 and 8 and he wrapped 3rd place at Men Elite of ICE 2018.

Interview:

Q : "27.5 bike over 29 bike?"

A : "Personally I’m a big fan of the 29”

Q : "For overall, how do you want to set your bicycle?

"A :“ Bike’s got to be quiet and I’m fussy with my lever and bar position. Apart from that, I run a stiffer faster fork compared to the shock"

Q :"Can you explain more details about your suspension setup?

"A : "I run my Formula Selva S fork with about 90 psi with 2 tokens and 6 clicks low speed from all open. Rebound about 13 clicks from closed. I run my shock pretty plush with a 500 spring on there but it ramps up nicely on big hits.

Q : "Flat pedal or cleat?"

A : "Cleat pedal for racing all day long”

Q : "How about tire setup?"

A : "I’m stoked on the selection Vee Tire Co. gives us plus the opportunities to develop special tyres throughout the season. I’m currently running the same tire as on my DH bike which is Snap WCE 27.5x2.35 with ultra soft compound and it’s been working really well on the Chiangmai trails, also the Gravity Core casing is strong I landed on loads of janky rocks and didn’t get a flat, for the pressure, I think 24 psi at front and 27 at rear.

Q : "Any special tricks around your bike?"

A : "I don't carry backpack or waist pack, so I strap some essentials: tube, tire lever, and hand tool, also I taped chain link at dropper cable, a water bottle is must, any other small things: some cash, energy bar and others bits in my pocket. Ahh, and I always keep some Zip ties up my steerer tube.

Q : "Full face or half face helmet?"

A : "Bell super trail lid, a bit of climbing so want to be able to breathe easy,"

Q : "What do you think about your first time riding in South East Asia and compete in trail forest of Thailand mountains?"

A : "What can I say, it was so awesome trip, tracks were spot on, long fast and good mix of everything. I was blown away by the hole trip not to mention riding with the Local Lads Tang, Saen, Super Best, and Oi. Some names to watch out for in the future that’s for sure! But in General, all the people in Thailand are so loving and kind and I honestly had a trip of a lifetime. I’ll be back next year! 

Words: @v_yongki

Photo: Best Jatupol

Specifications:

Frame: PropainTyee CF Large

Fork: Formula Selva S 27.5" 160mm, 46mm offset 

Handlebar: Sixpack Millenium 30mm x 785mm

Stem: Sixpack Leader 50mm

Brakes: Formula CuraRotors: 203mm-185 mm

Crank: Praxis Lyft 170mm

Chainring: Praxis Work 34T

Pedals: SixpackVertic

Chain: SRAM GX

Cassette: SRAM GX 11s 10-42T

Derailleur: SRAM GX

Shifter: SRAM GX

Seatpost: Bikeyoke Revive 160mm 31.6mm

Seat: Sixpack Kamikaze

Wheels: SixpackMatic 27.5"

Spokes: Double butted 1.8-2.0mm 

Tires: Vee Tire Co. Snap WCE 27.5x2.35

Weight: 13.7kg