2019 Racing Rumors

dirt lover
Posts
19
Joined
6/30/2011
Location
Margate, QLD AU
1/3/2019 4:31pm
TamiJean wrote:
Seems like the Spesh boys are looking for new fork suiters? First we saw lyrik on keenes bike and now it looks like a fox? [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2019/01/03/7213/s1200_Screenshot_20190103_140920.jpg[/img]
Seems like the Spesh boys are looking for new fork suiters? First we saw lyrik on keenes bike and now it looks like a fox?
Could also be as a way to give feedback to Ohlins on how they stack up against the competition. Have no idea if that’s actually the case of if they are moving on from Ohlins but I very much doubt there isn’t cross brand testing to benchmark.
1
aaronfpeet
Posts
3
Joined
10/30/2016
Location
Salt Lake City, UT US
1/3/2019 4:35pm
vmartinez wrote:
Those are TRP's. You can tell by the lever. Both TRP and Enve are both in Ogden Utah. I don't see Enve dumping that kind of...
Those are TRP's. You can tell by the lever. Both TRP and Enve are both in Ogden Utah. I don't see Enve dumping that kind of money into Gwin. But Gwin is still riding for TRP.
This. That bike has the full Enve kit on it, and it looks like it’s in an Enve tradeshow booth. There’s a good chance that they built it up with whatever was laying around, hence the odd parts choice. Since TRP is down the street, I’m sure they’re happy to supply some brakes, especially since they’re being shown off in public (and talked about on the internet)
1
1/3/2019 4:53pm
swadd1er wrote:
Anyone spotted any rumours/clues today?
Justin Leov on Specialized. Doesn't look like it's a factory deal or anything like that, more like a regional/local shop contract.
Verbl Kint
Posts
587
Joined
9/13/2013
Location
Quezon City PH
1/3/2019 5:54pm
It was posted here earlier that the kiwi Matt Walker was spotted in Rotorua on a Pivot.

A friend of mine just got back from NZ and confirms that he also saw Matt Walker on a Pivot at the Redwoods forest. He was also fairly certain that it was a Firebird and not an older bike (Matt rode a Pivot years ago).
2
TamiJean
Posts
37
Joined
1/9/2014
Location
Spokane, WA US
1/3/2019 6:13pm
TamiJean wrote:
Seems like the Spesh boys are looking for new fork suiters? First we saw lyrik on keenes bike and now it looks like a fox? [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2019/01/03/7213/s1200_Screenshot_20190103_140920.jpg[/img]
Seems like the Spesh boys are looking for new fork suiters? First we saw lyrik on keenes bike and now it looks like a fox?
dirt lover wrote:
Could also be as a way to give feedback to Ohlins on how they stack up against the competition. Have no idea if that’s actually the...
Could also be as a way to give feedback to Ohlins on how they stack up against the competition. Have no idea if that’s actually the case of if they are moving on from Ohlins but I very much doubt there isn’t cross brand testing to benchmark.
Curtis is the man to reply! To your point though it could be just testing for ohlins or true shopping for suiters.

1
1/3/2019 6:29pm
nathan999x wrote:
Looks like Miranda Miller is using/trying out some 100% stuff. [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2019/01/03/7218/s1200_Image_1.jpg[/img]
Looks like Miranda Miller is using/trying out some 100% stuff.


And Sram...
metadave
Posts
1043
Joined
2/15/2016
Location
CA
1/3/2019 8:05pm Edited Date/Time 1/3/2019 8:06pm
Is Connor/Kona (Konnar?) on 100% protection I wonder after fox? Could mean Miller time as well
1
peecee
Posts
387
Joined
5/12/2013
Location
Brisbane AU
1/3/2019 8:28pm
When does the 2020 Racing Rumours thread start ?
7
waldog
Posts
29
Joined
5/31/2010
Location
Edinburgh GB
1/3/2019 8:32pm
peecee wrote:
When does the 2020 Racing Rumours thread start ?
I've heard rumours about the rumours of a 2020 rumours thread.

Basically Gwin.

And the same facts posted again and again and again.

And Gwin.

But like I said, rumours.
8
1/3/2019 9:08pm
TamiJean wrote:
Seems like the Spesh boys are looking for new fork suiters? First we saw lyrik on keenes bike and now it looks like a fox? [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2019/01/03/7213/s1200_Screenshot_20190103_140920.jpg[/img]
Seems like the Spesh boys are looking for new fork suiters? First we saw lyrik on keenes bike and now it looks like a fox?
Beat me to it. Interesting he's on different forks today. Is it just me or does that fork look a little different? Bottom of legs, decals seem off...? Maybe Ohlins and Specialized deal is off because Ohlins was bought out...?
1/3/2019 9:20pm
mfoga wrote:
Gwin riding with someone who was on a Trek. Much be going to Trek lol
Seriously....? Tell me you're joking... Gwin rides with loads of other guys, and they didn't ride YT in the past.

What's REALLY telling is AG is still riding a Jeffsy in Cole's IG ("someone" on a Trek). AG's off YT. This tells me his next deal isn't inked yet otherwise he'd be on the new bike. And ALL the teams he's rumored to be signing with have enduro/trail bikes. And/or he legitimately liked Jeffsy geo. And/or he's smart and not giving things away.
2
westrm
Posts
8
Joined
6/12/2018
Location
AU
1/3/2019 9:22pm
From Keegan’s Instagram. Trolling?
metadave
Posts
1043
Joined
2/15/2016
Location
CA
1/3/2019 9:59pm
rideonjon wrote:
Connor Fearon is on Dharco riding gear now.
But do they make protection/helmets?
1/3/2019 10:13pm
Since Gwin is still seen riding a YT on 01/03...
Possible scenario:

-YT delivered the 29er DH bike to him because it was stipulated in the contract that he would get a 29er. If they didn't deliver it could be breach of contract. He jumped on the bike as he likely assumed they'd be re-upping him and he'd be riding that bike for the next couple years. (if he knew he had 3 more races on a YT bike, he likely wouldn't have bothered trying to adjust)
-Sometime right after he did his first race on the bike they informed him they wouldn't be renewing. It's pretty late in the season and he has to scramble to put something together.
-It's a big money deal so that further complicates it and Intense can't foot the entire bill so other partners are being brought in.
-Issues with getting everyone on board and everything inked means Gwin still riding his YT bikes...

4
3
Oz_Taylor
Posts
172
Joined
8/13/2013
Location
SE
1/3/2019 11:28pm
Since Gwin is still seen riding a YT on 01/03... Possible scenario: -YT delivered the 29er DH bike to him because it was stipulated in the...
Since Gwin is still seen riding a YT on 01/03...
Possible scenario:

-YT delivered the 29er DH bike to him because it was stipulated in the contract that he would get a 29er. If they didn't deliver it could be breach of contract. He jumped on the bike as he likely assumed they'd be re-upping him and he'd be riding that bike for the next couple years. (if he knew he had 3 more races on a YT bike, he likely wouldn't have bothered trying to adjust)
-Sometime right after he did his first race on the bike they informed him they wouldn't be renewing. It's pretty late in the season and he has to scramble to put something together.
-It's a big money deal so that further complicates it and Intense can't foot the entire bill so other partners are being brought in.
-Issues with getting everyone on board and everything inked means Gwin still riding his YT bikes...

Or they are just getting ready to do an official team launch in the media and are enjoying the hype.

You can put your tin foil hat away today.
11
Oz_Taylor
Posts
172
Joined
8/13/2013
Location
SE
1/3/2019 11:33pm
[img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2019/01/03/7212/s1200_9B5E8CF7_2923_4316_8006_50EFF02E8433.jpg[/img] Which brakes are these?

Which brakes are these?
Post a picture of a random M29 with TRP brakes. Must be Gwins new ride? Come on!

I'll just leave this here..



3
steveperry
Posts
25
Joined
6/13/2015
Location
Yucaipa, CA US
1/3/2019 11:48pm
Can’t tell by Jacks post if he’s saying he’ll miss the boys already bumped, or if he’s gone too...
Moir's still with intense. pretty sure that's the case, it was a farewell post for the others. The team manager is also moving on, which points...
Moir's still with intense. pretty sure that's the case, it was a farewell post for the others. The team manager is also moving on, which points to a new manager (Whitely, maybe?) coming in
My guess is Todd Schumlick from Norco Factory. He left Norco as manager/owner of team and is Gwin’s trainer. Seems like he and Gwin could replicate what Whitely and Gwin did with Mob. That’s my guess. I think Schumlick and Gwin will be making a team whether that’s with Intense or another frame maker.
1/3/2019 11:48pm
AG on a YT: I could not put more than a rat's fart into that. He has YT bikes laying around, a new team is not announced. Being seen in public before the contract is starting is not a good idea, and could be breach of contract or anything.

11 more days now, and all UCI teams are announced.
2
1/4/2019 1:04am
But no clues anywhere around Norco? Who will manage that team? Who will ride their bikes? They can't just quit after developing the Aurum HSP is it? I still feel it would be a good fit for the Atherton's except that Rachel need to switch to 29" (?) No rumour, just an idea as the Atherton's have the setup in place to facilitate Norco in place of Schumlick. I just hope Rachel doesn't have to ride that gate of a Cube...
Sir HC
Posts
123
Joined
7/5/2014
Location
GB
1/4/2019 1:15am
TamiJean wrote:
Seems like the Spesh boys are looking for new fork suiters? First we saw lyrik on keenes bike and now it looks like a fox? [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2019/01/03/7213/s1200_Screenshot_20190103_140920.jpg[/img]
Seems like the Spesh boys are looking for new fork suiters? First we saw lyrik on keenes bike and now it looks like a fox?
dirt lover wrote:
Could also be as a way to give feedback to Ohlins on how they stack up against the competition. Have no idea if that’s actually the...
Could also be as a way to give feedback to Ohlins on how they stack up against the competition. Have no idea if that’s actually the case of if they are moving on from Ohlins but I very much doubt there isn’t cross brand testing to benchmark.
Keene has had the Fox on his Epic for a while now, Rockshox brain rear shock (bespoke to the epic).

1/4/2019 1:26am
I thought Öhlins has a strict no sponsorship thing going on - at least in motor sports. They want to deliver a product so good that people want to buy from them. But looking at the bike scene, I have seen several people representing Öhlins, (Makken and (apparently) Adam Brayton ++). I think the specialized thing is more a development collaboration, as they have a solid partnership after introducing Öhlins (back) into the MTB scene.
peecee
Posts
387
Joined
5/12/2013
Location
Brisbane AU
1/4/2019 1:35am
Oz_Taylor wrote:
Post a picture of a random M29 with TRP brakes. Must be Gwins new ride? Come on! I'll just leave this here.. [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2019/01/03/7223/s1200_Gwin_Fox_TRP.jpg[/img]
Post a picture of a random M29 with TRP brakes. Must be Gwins new ride? Come on!

I'll just leave this here..



Gwin fanboys move fast it seems
2
Primoz
Posts
3704
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
SI
1/4/2019 1:59am
baronKanon wrote:
I thought Öhlins has a strict no sponsorship thing going on - at least in motor sports. They want to deliver a product so good that...
I thought Öhlins has a strict no sponsorship thing going on - at least in motor sports. They want to deliver a product so good that people want to buy from them. But looking at the bike scene, I have seen several people representing Öhlins, (Makken and (apparently) Adam Brayton ++). I think the specialized thing is more a development collaboration, as they have a solid partnership after introducing Öhlins (back) into the MTB scene.
It was done that way, supposedly, yeah, with the whole racing world buying products, no sponsorship deals.

When they got into MTB, they quickly found out that that won't fly here so apparently they are sponsoring Specialized (and have an exclusive OEM agreement with them). Probably the same for Brayton. And they get a kick out of development as well probably. After all, they are learning their stuff here and MTB suspension products are more or less unlike anything else.
1/4/2019 2:17am
Primoz wrote:
It was done that way, supposedly, yeah, with the whole racing world buying products, no sponsorship deals. When they got into MTB, they quickly found out...
It was done that way, supposedly, yeah, with the whole racing world buying products, no sponsorship deals.

When they got into MTB, they quickly found out that that won't fly here so apparently they are sponsoring Specialized (and have an exclusive OEM agreement with them). Probably the same for Brayton. And they get a kick out of development as well probably. After all, they are learning their stuff here and MTB suspension products are more or less unlike anything else.
They are not "sponsoring" Specialized. They have an exclusive OEM agreement with Specialized, where they develop and market suspension products together. This gave Ohlins access to MTB-specific development/testing resources and of course it also exposed them to a much bigger market than what they could have built up on their own in the same time frame.
1/4/2019 2:23am
rideonjon wrote:
Connor Fearon is on Dharco riding gear now.
Dharco yes but they don't do protection stuff (yet)... so remains to be seen what knee pads etc he'll be in.
Primoz
Posts
3704
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
SI
1/4/2019 2:28am
iceman2058 wrote:
They are not "sponsoring" Specialized. They have an exclusive OEM agreement with Specialized, where they develop and market suspension products together. This gave Ohlins access to...
They are not "sponsoring" Specialized. They have an exclusive OEM agreement with Specialized, where they develop and market suspension products together. This gave Ohlins access to MTB-specific development/testing resources and of course it also exposed them to a much bigger market than what they could have built up on their own in the same time frame.
My mistake there, they probably don't shell out any bucks directly to benefit the team, but still, compared to motorsports and what they do there, this is effectively a sponsorship if you ask me. While not as desireable for a smaller brand or team, where a budget is constrained and a classical sponsorship involving funds is needed, this way is probably desireable for Specialized (they market what they sell on their top end bikes and are involved with development to get the product they want), otherwise they wouldn't drop RS as their sponsors and go with Ohlins.

Post a reply to: 2019 Racing Rumors

The Latest