I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level as Continental IMO, but really good regardless.
But like I said, I suspect that the Specialized logo is on the jersey because a Specialized engineer helped with suspension development and testing for the bike.
But that doesn't mean we know who's riding for them...yet! Here is the timeline of what they intend to present us with:
16.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Presentation of the Team Name, sporting image and sponsors. No riders will be mentioned. 18.01.2024 - 4PM CET - First Rider: 22.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Second Rider: 24.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Third Rider:
Here's what we know so far:
MONDRAKER FACTORY RACING HAS ARRIVED!
OUR FIRST EVER FACTORY DH RACE TEAM IS READY TO PUSH THE LIMITS
Our roots are in racing. Our history is racing. We’ve been on the top step of the podium before and we can’t wait to get back. Mondraker Factory Racing is the means to that end. We’ve created our very first factory DH race team and we’re backing it up with the global commitment of our infrastructure and staff.
Mondraker Factory Racing. RACING NEVER ENDS.
We know what winning is all about. We know how to develop a race winning bike. It was only a question of time for us to take that final step and build the Factory Racing Team. This is a 100% Mondraker project featuring some of the best riders in the world. From our very First World Cup win in Maribor in 2009, through to our triple win in the Vale di Sole World Champs in 2016 and onwards to today, we’ve never backed off on our technological and infrastructure development, and on growing our means to win, and we’re not going to start backing off anytime soon! Everything we’ve done since then has led us to now. Everything we’ve done has brought us to the Mondraker Factory Racing.
Mondraker Factory Racing is made up of nine support staff plus three riders. We’ll be introducing them successively on social media on the 18th, 22nd and 24th of January. Team manager Jorge García, who’s been a big part of the world cup circuit for several years now, had this to say: “This is a very exciting time for both Mondraker and the team. Having the chance to grow a project like this from scratch with the brand I grew up racing on is a dream come true. What’s more, I couldn’t be more stoked about the riders we’ve signed and the team behind them we’ve created. Everyone just gelled from the get-go and we’re loving the passion for racing that Mondraker brings to the table. We’re also impatient to translate all the development that comes from competition to the production line and make it all worthwhile for the brand”
Mondraker Factory Racing team members:
- Team Manager: Jorge García.
- Race Engineer: Pablo Guillem.
- Mechanic #1: Mark Maurissen.
- Mechanic #2: Sergio Agulló.
- Mechanic #3: Ernest Adalid.
- Driver: Pablo Irigoyen.
- Physio: Adrià Baró.
- Photography: Kike Abelleira.
- Video: Louis Citadelle.
Backed up by the best sponsors ever
Mondraker Factory Racing, as well as counting on the backing of the Engineering and Prototypes Department at Mondraker, will also be counting on the sponsorship and backing of some of the most influential and important names in the game. It’s good to know that our drivetrain, brake and suspension partners take this just as seriously as we do and that it’s the union of these brands that make us stronger as a result.
- Shimano: Drivetrain and brakes.
- Fox Racing Shox: Suspension.
- Alpinestars: Kit.
- E*thirteen: Wheels.
- Maxxis: Tyres.
- X-Sauce: Oils, maintenance and cleaning products.
- Ergon: Grips and saddles.
100% support from the factory
One of the key factors behind Mondraker Factory Racing is the unequivocal support it will get from the factory. Miguel Pina, CEO de Mondraker is here to tell us more: “We’re setting out on a new stage in competition with Mondraker Factory Racing. There’s no denying our passion for racing has always been inseparable from our roots as a brand. We’ve always aimed to develop the best tech available, taking it to the absolute limit on some of the toughest race tracks in the world, so it was inevitable that we ended up where we are, with the Mondraker Factory Racing team, because we just knew that we wanted a structure with all the resources of the factory behind it to best serve the needs and potential of some of the best riders in the world. Simply put, we want Mondraker to be back at the top of world class downhill racing. It’s a huge step in our history as a brand, making history in the Formula 1 of mountain biking”.
Don’t forget that on the 18th, 22th and 24th of January we’ll be presenting our riders on social media (Mondraker Bikes / Mondraker.Factory.Racing).
There actually was an engineer from Specialized involved with the suspension development and general testing for Frameworks. But I was under the impression the engineer was...
There actually was an engineer from Specialized involved with the suspension development and general testing for Frameworks. But I was under the impression the engineer was a mate of Neko's who did this more or less in his spare time, not in any official consulting capacity.
Similar to how Dan Roberts, who officially works for RAAW, helped Neko develop the carbon lay-up for the rear triangle. Or Cy Turner, founder and owner of Cotic, who developed a steel version of the front triangle, back when Neko hadn't quite figured out yet how to make the aluminium frames sufficiently strong and durable.
Only question left is whether Farina sticks with MS or moves to Mondraker factory team??
Funnily enough I was thinking this exact same thing this morning about Farina....she posted that it was the end of an era after riding Mondraker after many years, so my gut says she stays with MS. Same goes for Tuhoto, he recently posted on insta that he was in LA with the head spanner of MS Racing, so also think he's staying at MS. The question mark is Bulldog? Also Toby Meek and Jacob Dickson?
Mondraker Factory Racing is here!
But that doesn't mean we know who's riding for them...yet! Here is the timeline of what they intend to present...
Mondraker Factory Racing is here!
But that doesn't mean we know who's riding for them...yet! Here is the timeline of what they intend to present us with:
16.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Presentation of the Team Name, sporting image and sponsors. No riders will be mentioned. 18.01.2024 - 4PM CET - First Rider: 22.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Second Rider: 24.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Third Rider:
Here's what we know so far:
MONDRAKER FACTORY RACING HAS ARRIVED!
OUR FIRST EVER FACTORY DH RACE TEAM IS READY TO PUSH THE LIMITS
Our roots are in racing. Our history is racing. We’ve been on the top step of the podium before and we can’t wait to get back. Mondraker Factory Racing is the means to that end. We’ve created our very first factory DH race team and we’re backing it up with the global commitment of our infrastructure and staff.
Mondraker Factory Racing. RACING NEVER ENDS.
We know what winning is all about. We know how to develop a race winning bike. It was only a question of time for us to take that final step and build the Factory Racing Team. This is a 100% Mondraker project featuring some of the best riders in the world. From our very First World Cup win in Maribor in 2009, through to our triple win in the Vale di Sole World Champs in 2016 and onwards to today, we’ve never backed off on our technological and infrastructure development, and on growing our means to win, and we’re not going to start backing off anytime soon! Everything we’ve done since then has led us to now. Everything we’ve done has brought us to the Mondraker Factory Racing.
Mondraker Factory Racing is made up of nine support staff plus three riders. We’ll be introducing them successively on social media on the 18th, 22nd and 24th of January. Team manager Jorge García, who’s been a big part of the world cup circuit for several years now, had this to say: “This is a very exciting time for both Mondraker and the team. Having the chance to grow a project like this from scratch with the brand I grew up racing on is a dream come true. What’s more, I couldn’t be more stoked about the riders we’ve signed and the team behind them we’ve created. Everyone just gelled from the get-go and we’re loving the passion for racing that Mondraker brings to the table. We’re also impatient to translate all the development that comes from competition to the production line and make it all worthwhile for the brand”
Mondraker Factory Racing team members:
- Team Manager: Jorge García.
- Race Engineer: Pablo Guillem.
- Mechanic #1: Mark Maurissen.
- Mechanic #2: Sergio Agulló.
- Mechanic #3: Ernest Adalid.
- Driver: Pablo Irigoyen.
- Physio: Adrià Baró.
- Photography: Kike Abelleira.
- Video: Louis Citadelle.
Backed up by the best sponsors ever
Mondraker Factory Racing, as well as counting on the backing of the Engineering and Prototypes Department at Mondraker, will also be counting on the sponsorship and backing of some of the most influential and important names in the game. It’s good to know that our drivetrain, brake and suspension partners take this just as seriously as we do and that it’s the union of these brands that make us stronger as a result.
- Shimano: Drivetrain and brakes.
- Fox Racing Shox: Suspension.
- Alpinestars: Kit.
- E*thirteen: Wheels.
- Maxxis: Tyres.
- X-Sauce: Oils, maintenance and cleaning products.
- Ergon: Grips and saddles.
100% support from the factory
One of the key factors behind Mondraker Factory Racing is the unequivocal support it will get from the factory. Miguel Pina, CEO de Mondraker is here to tell us more: “We’re setting out on a new stage in competition with Mondraker Factory Racing. There’s no denying our passion for racing has always been inseparable from our roots as a brand. We’ve always aimed to develop the best tech available, taking it to the absolute limit on some of the toughest race tracks in the world, so it was inevitable that we ended up where we are, with the Mondraker Factory Racing team, because we just knew that we wanted a structure with all the resources of the factory behind it to best serve the needs and potential of some of the best riders in the world. Simply put, we want Mondraker to be back at the top of world class downhill racing. It’s a huge step in our history as a brand, making history in the Formula 1 of mountain biking”.
Don’t forget that on the 18th, 22th and 24th of January we’ll be presenting our riders on social media (Mondraker Bikes / Mondraker.Factory.Racing).
Mondraker. THE WAY FORWARD.
Just announce the team at once, not this long drawn out process over a week with one rider at a time.
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level...
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level as Continental IMO, but really good regardless.
But like I said, I suspect that the Specialized logo is on the jersey because a Specialized engineer helped with suspension development and testing for the bike.
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level...
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level as Continental IMO, but really good regardless.
But like I said, I suspect that the Specialized logo is on the jersey because a Specialized engineer helped with suspension development and testing for the bike.
Could it be part of a deal to ensure they have an option on Asa in the future?
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level...
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level as Continental IMO, but really good regardless.
But like I said, I suspect that the Specialized logo is on the jersey because a Specialized engineer helped with suspension development and testing for the bike.
Niko had help from individuals across the industry, but I don't believe any of it was backed by their employers. Cotic is the exception since they built frames for him and the owner was the one helping.
Mondraker Factory Racing is here!
But that doesn't mean we know who's riding for them...yet! Here is the timeline of what they intend to present...
Mondraker Factory Racing is here!
But that doesn't mean we know who's riding for them...yet! Here is the timeline of what they intend to present us with:
16.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Presentation of the Team Name, sporting image and sponsors. No riders will be mentioned. 18.01.2024 - 4PM CET - First Rider: 22.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Second Rider: 24.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Third Rider:
Here's what we know so far:
MONDRAKER FACTORY RACING HAS ARRIVED!
OUR FIRST EVER FACTORY DH RACE TEAM IS READY TO PUSH THE LIMITS
Our roots are in racing. Our history is racing. We’ve been on the top step of the podium before and we can’t wait to get back. Mondraker Factory Racing is the means to that end. We’ve created our very first factory DH race team and we’re backing it up with the global commitment of our infrastructure and staff.
Mondraker Factory Racing. RACING NEVER ENDS.
We know what winning is all about. We know how to develop a race winning bike. It was only a question of time for us to take that final step and build the Factory Racing Team. This is a 100% Mondraker project featuring some of the best riders in the world. From our very First World Cup win in Maribor in 2009, through to our triple win in the Vale di Sole World Champs in 2016 and onwards to today, we’ve never backed off on our technological and infrastructure development, and on growing our means to win, and we’re not going to start backing off anytime soon! Everything we’ve done since then has led us to now. Everything we’ve done has brought us to the Mondraker Factory Racing.
Mondraker Factory Racing is made up of nine support staff plus three riders. We’ll be introducing them successively on social media on the 18th, 22nd and 24th of January. Team manager Jorge García, who’s been a big part of the world cup circuit for several years now, had this to say: “This is a very exciting time for both Mondraker and the team. Having the chance to grow a project like this from scratch with the brand I grew up racing on is a dream come true. What’s more, I couldn’t be more stoked about the riders we’ve signed and the team behind them we’ve created. Everyone just gelled from the get-go and we’re loving the passion for racing that Mondraker brings to the table. We’re also impatient to translate all the development that comes from competition to the production line and make it all worthwhile for the brand”
Mondraker Factory Racing team members:
- Team Manager: Jorge García.
- Race Engineer: Pablo Guillem.
- Mechanic #1: Mark Maurissen.
- Mechanic #2: Sergio Agulló.
- Mechanic #3: Ernest Adalid.
- Driver: Pablo Irigoyen.
- Physio: Adrià Baró.
- Photography: Kike Abelleira.
- Video: Louis Citadelle.
Backed up by the best sponsors ever
Mondraker Factory Racing, as well as counting on the backing of the Engineering and Prototypes Department at Mondraker, will also be counting on the sponsorship and backing of some of the most influential and important names in the game. It’s good to know that our drivetrain, brake and suspension partners take this just as seriously as we do and that it’s the union of these brands that make us stronger as a result.
- Shimano: Drivetrain and brakes.
- Fox Racing Shox: Suspension.
- Alpinestars: Kit.
- E*thirteen: Wheels.
- Maxxis: Tyres.
- X-Sauce: Oils, maintenance and cleaning products.
- Ergon: Grips and saddles.
100% support from the factory
One of the key factors behind Mondraker Factory Racing is the unequivocal support it will get from the factory. Miguel Pina, CEO de Mondraker is here to tell us more: “We’re setting out on a new stage in competition with Mondraker Factory Racing. There’s no denying our passion for racing has always been inseparable from our roots as a brand. We’ve always aimed to develop the best tech available, taking it to the absolute limit on some of the toughest race tracks in the world, so it was inevitable that we ended up where we are, with the Mondraker Factory Racing team, because we just knew that we wanted a structure with all the resources of the factory behind it to best serve the needs and potential of some of the best riders in the world. Simply put, we want Mondraker to be back at the top of world class downhill racing. It’s a huge step in our history as a brand, making history in the Formula 1 of mountain biking”.
Don’t forget that on the 18th, 22th and 24th of January we’ll be presenting our riders on social media (Mondraker Bikes / Mondraker.Factory.Racing).
Someone else commented but it's really crazy how when you click this thread from your reminders/notifications tab, it won't load. But if you got to it...
Someone else commented but it's really crazy how when you click this thread from your reminders/notifications tab, it won't load. But if you got to it via the Forums link, loads instantly.
It's when it's unread. In the last several days, it behaves like a dead link. I've not managed to "wait it out" b/c I can click...
It's when it's unread. In the last several days, it behaves like a dead link. I've not managed to "wait it out" b/c I can click "FORUM" "The Hub" "Team Rumours" really quickly rather than see if it's ever going to load.
But I just double checked and it takes roughly 10 seconds after clicking the drop down item for the site to react.
And the number of respondents is sky high. I've always wondered why it showed me 70+ people were liking or replying.
Screenshot:
When you click an unread alert, it's calling a URL like this:
Honestly I think the Specialized logo on Frameworks team is just Neko being smart. He knows he can bring them on as a small sponsor and...
Honestly I think the Specialized logo on Frameworks team is just Neko being smart. He knows he can bring them on as a small sponsor and get the team supplied with loaner ebikes, road bikes, XC bikes, enduro bikes if needed.
Fox is one of those companies thats all or nothing they are the same in moto. Either all fox head to toe or nothing.
One of Specialized upper management of over 2 decades moved back to WNC within the last couple years & Neko's known him a long time.
Whatever...
One of Specialized upper management of over 2 decades moved back to WNC within the last couple years & Neko's known him a long time.
Whatever arrangement they have is well thought out & rest assured Fox ,Neko & the Big S are all in concert or it wouldn't be there.
5 Dev seems to post a lot of specialized content in San Diego. they are sharing a road bike with sram transmission right now (no specialized road bikes have UDH). they make all of nekos frame parts.
frameworks racing is official - our interview with neko about angel, asa, budgets, sponsor changes, why he doesn't paint the bikes, anti-rise and more.
spoiler - he hints at riding a gearbox version of the bike at some point this season!
Interview Contents
0:00 - Intro, Angel Suarez on Frameworks
5:45 - UNNO to Frameworks, Already a FOX Rider
9:39 - Sponsor Changes, Wheels and Tires
13:09 - Neko, Asa and Angel are the Same Height - Intentional?
18:20 - Increased Team Size, Not Budget Cuts. How?
21:24 - Frameworks with a GEARBOX?!
24:38 - Why Aren't Other Brands as Transparent as Frameworks?
28:15 - Outside Industry Sponsors?
29:34 - What is Frameworks' Budget?
34:15 - Aaron Gwin and Frameworks?
35:39 - What's Frameworks' 5-Year Plan?
39:42 - Did Neko Start Frameworks to Extend His Racing Career?
43:45 - Success with Berm Peak Video on Frameworks
47:36 - Why Are Frames Raw and Not Painted?
49:09 - Biggest Single Surprise During Bike Development?
51:07 - Anti-Rise Experiences and Setup
54:52 - Any Insight into 2024 World Cup Race Format?
Honestly I think the Specialized logo on Frameworks team is just Neko being smart. He knows he can bring them on as a small sponsor and...
Honestly I think the Specialized logo on Frameworks team is just Neko being smart. He knows he can bring them on as a small sponsor and get the team supplied with loaner ebikes, road bikes, XC bikes, enduro bikes if needed.
Fox is one of those companies thats all or nothing they are the same in moto. Either all fox head to toe or nothing.
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level...
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level as Continental IMO, but really good regardless.
But like I said, I suspect that the Specialized logo is on the jersey because a Specialized engineer helped with suspension development and testing for the bike.
You are closest.
I think people are overlooking just how great Neko's bike is backed by the racer's knowledge he put behind it. Spesh maybe wants Neko...maybe that's what is going on...
The Spesh racer bikes are something...well, special. Neko designed a "race" bike. He did not design a bike with the idea to hide a shock, have a certain head tube angle, have a high pivot for high pivot sakes (cant even add to that list hdden stem cables)....etc etc etc. He built a bike that was meant to go fast. Spesh took notice...
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level...
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level as Continental IMO, but really good regardless.
But like I said, I suspect that the Specialized logo is on the jersey because a Specialized engineer helped with suspension development and testing for the bike.
You are closest.
I think people are overlooking just how great Neko's bike is backed by the racer's knowledge he put behind it. Spesh maybe wants...
You are closest.
I think people are overlooking just how great Neko's bike is backed by the racer's knowledge he put behind it. Spesh maybe wants Neko...maybe that's what is going on...
The Spesh racer bikes are something...well, special. Neko designed a "race" bike. He did not design a bike with the idea to hide a shock, have a certain head tube angle, have a high pivot for high pivot sakes (cant even add to that list hdden stem cables)....etc etc etc. He built a bike that was meant to go fast. Spesh took notice...
Might be overthinking it. Neko has a good relationship with specialized obviously. The frameworks project is very popular amongst the “core” MTB audience. Asa is the talk of the town. It’s probably relatively cheap marketing for them to throw some money at this team to get some content if their bikes on all the frameworks feeds. Especially for such a big company trying to gain some appeal with the more hardcore MTB crowd.
Honestly I think the Specialized logo on Frameworks team is just Neko being smart. He knows he can bring them on as a small sponsor and...
Honestly I think the Specialized logo on Frameworks team is just Neko being smart. He knows he can bring them on as a small sponsor and get the team supplied with loaner ebikes, road bikes, XC bikes, enduro bikes if needed.
Fox is one of those companies thats all or nothing they are the same in moto. Either all fox head to toe or nothing.
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level...
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level as Continental IMO, but really good regardless.
But like I said, I suspect that the Specialized logo is on the jersey because a Specialized engineer helped with suspension development and testing for the bike.
You are closest.
I think people are overlooking just how great Neko's bike is backed by the racer's knowledge he put behind it. Spesh maybe wants...
You are closest.
I think people are overlooking just how great Neko's bike is backed by the racer's knowledge he put behind it. Spesh maybe wants Neko...maybe that's what is going on...
The Spesh racer bikes are something...well, special. Neko designed a "race" bike. He did not design a bike with the idea to hide a shock, have a certain head tube angle, have a high pivot for high pivot sakes (cant even add to that list hdden stem cables)....etc etc etc. He built a bike that was meant to go fast. Spesh took notice...
Might be overthinking it. Neko has a good relationship with specialized obviously. The frameworks project is very popular amongst the “core” MTB audience. Asa is the...
Might be overthinking it. Neko has a good relationship with specialized obviously. The frameworks project is very popular amongst the “core” MTB audience. Asa is the talk of the town. It’s probably relatively cheap marketing for them to throw some money at this team to get some content if their bikes on all the frameworks feeds. Especially for such a big company trying to gain some appeal with the more hardcore MTB crowd.
Exactly. People who watch the Frameworks videos will now see the team periodically riding Levos and P3s… not to mention any of the number of locals who will now see Asa ripping around on said Specialized models, too. Probably a relatively small amount invested into the team for a decent return.
frameworks racing is official - our interview with neko about angel, asa, budgets, sponsor changes, why he doesn't paint the bikes, anti-rise and more.
spoiler -...
frameworks racing is official - our interview with neko about angel, asa, budgets, sponsor changes, why he doesn't paint the bikes, anti-rise and more.
spoiler - he hints at riding a gearbox version of the bike at some point this season!
Interview Contents
0:00 - Intro, Angel Suarez on Frameworks
5:45 - UNNO to Frameworks, Already a FOX Rider
9:39 - Sponsor Changes, Wheels and Tires
13:09 - Neko, Asa and Angel are the Same Height - Intentional?
18:20 - Increased Team Size, Not Budget Cuts. How?
21:24 - Frameworks with a GEARBOX?!
24:38 - Why Aren't Other Brands as Transparent as Frameworks?
28:15 - Outside Industry Sponsors?
29:34 - What is Frameworks' Budget?
34:15 - Aaron Gwin and Frameworks?
35:39 - What's Frameworks' 5-Year Plan?
39:42 - Did Neko Start Frameworks to Extend His Racing Career?
43:45 - Success with Berm Peak Video on Frameworks
47:36 - Why Are Frames Raw and Not Painted?
49:09 - Biggest Single Surprise During Bike Development?
51:07 - Anti-Rise Experiences and Setup
54:52 - Any Insight into 2024 World Cup Race Format?
I understand them sourcing an ebike from Specialized, but surely they can weld together a few frames to use as DJ bikes? Kinda strange.
Refreshingly SMART, not strange. The last thing the industry needs right now is somebody making a product that already exists in overabundance just because they can. Why waste any time, effort, and resources on making a DJ frame when you can source it as part of the deal with Spesh and get paid for riding it instead. We should applaud Neko's focus on what's essential here and actually providing some value to the market (the DH bike, in other words), otherwise they'll just turn into the 1547th "by riders for riders" company churning out generic flat pedals and handlebars...
hey dude you wanna go ride the pump track this afternoon?
yeah lemme just weld up a DJ bike real quick see you at 2...
...i have a little time while racing world cups, managing a team, distrubuting 50 orders of DH frames I never intended to sell and getting ready to launch an enduro frame ... i got a mask and blow torch in my pocket...
You are closest.
I think people are overlooking just how great Neko's bike is backed by the racer's knowledge he put behind it. Spesh maybe wants...
You are closest.
I think people are overlooking just how great Neko's bike is backed by the racer's knowledge he put behind it. Spesh maybe wants Neko...maybe that's what is going on...
The Spesh racer bikes are something...well, special. Neko designed a "race" bike. He did not design a bike with the idea to hide a shock, have a certain head tube angle, have a high pivot for high pivot sakes (cant even add to that list hdden stem cables)....etc etc etc. He built a bike that was meant to go fast. Spesh took notice...
Might be overthinking it. Neko has a good relationship with specialized obviously. The frameworks project is very popular amongst the “core” MTB audience. Asa is the...
Might be overthinking it. Neko has a good relationship with specialized obviously. The frameworks project is very popular amongst the “core” MTB audience. Asa is the talk of the town. It’s probably relatively cheap marketing for them to throw some money at this team to get some content if their bikes on all the frameworks feeds. Especially for such a big company trying to gain some appeal with the more hardcore MTB crowd.
Exactly. People who watch the Frameworks videos will now see the team periodically riding Levos and P3s… not to mention any of the number of locals...
Exactly. People who watch the Frameworks videos will now see the team periodically riding Levos and P3s… not to mention any of the number of locals who will now see Asa ripping around on said Specialized models, too. Probably a relatively small amount invested into the team for a decent return.
Interesting; I recently saw a post of Asa riding Marin DJ in Sedona.
Mondraker factory team just announced - "3 riders"
Edit: "DH Team"
I mean, at this point it could reasonably be tires. Specialized's Grid Gravity tires with T9 rubber are suprisingly good. Not quite on the same level as Continental IMO, but really good regardless.
But like I said, I suspect that the Specialized logo is on the jersey because a Specialized engineer helped with suspension development and testing for the bike.
Mondraker Factory Racing is here!
But that doesn't mean we know who's riding for them...yet! Here is the timeline of what they intend to present us with:
16.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Presentation of the Team Name, sporting image and sponsors. No riders will be mentioned.
18.01.2024 - 4PM CET - First Rider:
22.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Second Rider:
24.01.2024 - 4PM CET - Third Rider:
Here's what we know so far:
MONDRAKER FACTORY RACING HAS ARRIVED!
OUR FIRST EVER FACTORY DH RACE TEAM IS READY TO PUSH THE LIMITS
Our roots are in racing. Our history is racing. We’ve been on the top step of the podium before and we can’t wait to get back. Mondraker Factory Racing is the means to that end. We’ve created our very first factory DH race team and we’re backing it up with the global commitment of our infrastructure and staff.
Mondraker Factory Racing. RACING NEVER ENDS.
We know what winning is all about. We know how to develop a race winning bike. It was only a question of time for us to take that final step and build the Factory Racing Team. This is a 100% Mondraker project featuring some of the best riders in the world. From our very First World Cup win in Maribor in 2009, through to our triple win in the Vale di Sole World Champs in 2016 and onwards to today, we’ve never backed off on our technological and infrastructure development, and on growing our means to win, and we’re not going to start backing off anytime soon! Everything we’ve done since then has led us to now. Everything we’ve done has brought us to the Mondraker Factory Racing.
Mondraker Factory Racing is made up of nine support staff plus three riders. We’ll be introducing them successively on social media on the 18th, 22nd and 24th of January. Team manager Jorge García, who’s been a big part of the world cup circuit for several years now, had this to say: “This is a very exciting time for both Mondraker and the team. Having the chance to grow a project like this from scratch with the brand I grew up racing on is a dream come true. What’s more, I couldn’t be more stoked about the riders we’ve signed and the team behind them we’ve created. Everyone just gelled from the get-go and we’re loving the passion for racing that Mondraker brings to the table. We’re also impatient to translate all the development that comes from competition to the production line and make it all worthwhile for the brand”
Mondraker Factory Racing team members:
- Team Manager: Jorge García.
- Race Engineer: Pablo Guillem.
- Mechanic #1: Mark Maurissen.
- Mechanic #2: Sergio Agulló.
- Mechanic #3: Ernest Adalid.
- Driver: Pablo Irigoyen.
- Physio: Adrià Baró.
- Photography: Kike Abelleira.
- Video: Louis Citadelle.
Backed up by the best sponsors ever
Mondraker Factory Racing, as well as counting on the backing of the Engineering and Prototypes Department at Mondraker, will also be counting on the sponsorship and backing of some of the most influential and important names in the game. It’s good to know that our drivetrain, brake and suspension partners take this just as seriously as we do and that it’s the union of these brands that make us stronger as a result.
- Shimano: Drivetrain and brakes.
- Fox Racing Shox: Suspension.
- Alpinestars: Kit.
- E*thirteen: Wheels.
- Maxxis: Tyres.
- X-Sauce: Oils, maintenance and cleaning products.
- Ergon: Grips and saddles.
100% support from the factory
One of the key factors behind Mondraker Factory Racing is the unequivocal support it will get from the factory. Miguel Pina, CEO de Mondraker is here to tell us more: “We’re setting out on a new stage in competition with Mondraker Factory Racing. There’s no denying our passion for racing has always been inseparable from our roots as a brand. We’ve always aimed to develop the best tech available, taking it to the absolute limit on some of the toughest race tracks in the world, so it was inevitable that we ended up where we are, with the Mondraker Factory Racing team, because we just knew that we wanted a structure with all the resources of the factory behind it to best serve the needs and potential of some of the best riders in the world. Simply put, we want Mondraker to be back at the top of world class downhill racing. It’s a huge step in our history as a brand, making history in the Formula 1 of mountain biking”.
Don’t forget that on the 18th, 22th and 24th of January we’ll be presenting our riders on social media (Mondraker Bikes / Mondraker.Factory.Racing).
Mondraker. THE WAY FORWARD.
Wasn't it Kiran Mackinnon of Santa Cruz not Spec?
Jacob Dickson too no word about him.
Funnily enough I was thinking this exact same thing this morning about Farina....she posted that it was the end of an era after riding Mondraker after many years, so my gut says she stays with MS. Same goes for Tuhoto, he recently posted on insta that he was in LA with the head spanner of MS Racing, so also think he's staying at MS. The question mark is Bulldog? Also Toby Meek and Jacob Dickson?
Just announce the team at once, not this long drawn out process over a week with one rider at a time.
They are sponsored by conti for tyres
Could it be part of a deal to ensure they have an option on Asa in the future?
Niko had help from individuals across the industry, but I don't believe any of it was backed by their employers. Cotic is the exception since they built frames for him and the owner was the one helping.
Agreed. Canyon and Daprela did it right, IMO.
When you click an unread alert, it's calling a URL like this:
https://www.vitalmtb.com/notification-system/read/database/992821/redir…
That URL is timing out with a 503:
Once it's marked as read (I also had to reload the page after marking it read), the alert calls a URL like this instead which works fine:
https://www.vitalmtb.com/comment/406976
hey all, please discuss site issues here so they can be seen - https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/about-vital-mtb-support/vital-mtb-site-… - no need to fill up tech or team rumors threads.
thanks for looking out with it, too!!!
5 Dev seems to post a lot of specialized content in San Diego. they are sharing a road bike with sram transmission right now (no specialized road bikes have UDH). they make all of nekos frame parts.
frameworks racing is official - our interview with neko about angel, asa, budgets, sponsor changes, why he doesn't paint the bikes, anti-rise and more.
spoiler - he hints at riding a gearbox version of the bike at some point this season!
Interview Contents
0:00 - Intro, Angel Suarez on Frameworks
5:45 - UNNO to Frameworks, Already a FOX Rider
9:39 - Sponsor Changes, Wheels and Tires
13:09 - Neko, Asa and Angel are the Same Height - Intentional?
18:20 - Increased Team Size, Not Budget Cuts. How?
21:24 - Frameworks with a GEARBOX?!
24:38 - Why Aren't Other Brands as Transparent as Frameworks?
28:15 - Outside Industry Sponsors?
29:34 - What is Frameworks' Budget?
34:15 - Aaron Gwin and Frameworks?
35:39 - What's Frameworks' 5-Year Plan?
39:42 - Did Neko Start Frameworks to Extend His Racing Career?
43:45 - Success with Berm Peak Video on Frameworks
47:36 - Why Are Frames Raw and Not Painted?
49:09 - Biggest Single Surprise During Bike Development?
51:07 - Anti-Rise Experiences and Setup
54:52 - Any Insight into 2024 World Cup Race Format?
or listen here
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Apple Podcasts
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Buzzsprout Web Player
called it
Yes thats right. On the Instagram Post there is specialized listed for e-bikes and dirt jump bikes.
You are closest.
I think people are overlooking just how great Neko's bike is backed by the racer's knowledge he put behind it. Spesh maybe wants Neko...maybe that's what is going on...
The Spesh racer bikes are something...well, special. Neko designed a "race" bike. He did not design a bike with the idea to hide a shock, have a certain head tube angle, have a high pivot for high pivot sakes (cant even add to that list hdden stem cables)....etc etc etc. He built a bike that was meant to go fast. Spesh took notice...
Might be overthinking it. Neko has a good relationship with specialized obviously. The frameworks project is very popular amongst the “core” MTB audience. Asa is the talk of the town. It’s probably relatively cheap marketing for them to throw some money at this team to get some content if their bikes on all the frameworks feeds. Especially for such a big company trying to gain some appeal with the more hardcore MTB crowd.
I understand them sourcing an ebike from Specialized, but surely they can weld together a few frames to use as DJ bikes? Kinda strange.
Exactly. People who watch the Frameworks videos will now see the team periodically riding Levos and P3s… not to mention any of the number of locals who will now see Asa ripping around on said Specialized models, too. Probably a relatively small amount invested into the team for a decent return.
These t-shirt easter eggs are killing me, lol
Refreshingly SMART, not strange. The last thing the industry needs right now is somebody making a product that already exists in overabundance just because they can. Why waste any time, effort, and resources on making a DJ frame when you can source it as part of the deal with Spesh and get paid for riding it instead. We should applaud Neko's focus on what's essential here and actually providing some value to the market (the DH bike, in other words), otherwise they'll just turn into the 1547th "by riders for riders" company churning out generic flat pedals and handlebars...
More news involving Specialized today, they've picked up the Godziek brothers:
hey dude you wanna go ride the pump track this afternoon?
yeah lemme just weld up a DJ bike real quick see you at 2...
...i have a little time while racing world cups, managing a team, distrubuting 50 orders of DH frames I never intended to sell and getting ready to launch an enduro frame ... i got a mask and blow torch in my pocket...
Interesting; I recently saw a post of Asa riding Marin DJ in Sedona.
is everyone gonna be surprised if/when macdonald signs with Forbidden?
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