['size]

But there is clearly a measurable lack of traction when not wearing socks.

suspension and tire psi were probably set up with socks. i guess looking for that last bit of aero out of his ankles cost him.

 

[norbar]

Likely not the wheelsize but possibly the fact that it's something new to the rider could cause mistakes as they're not as familiar with it. I thought it was strange how Gwin changed to 650b wheels so close to the race and on a bike that wasn't designed for them unlike Smith. I've switched back and forth between a 650b bike and a 26r all summer and there are subtle differences in how they handle. I think we've seen now that twice Team Syndicate has made the right choice of running the same bike for Worlds that they guys run all season. The V10 was enough at Canberra as well.

I think it's obvious Minnaar was so quick because he cut course

 

[William42]

According to Rob Warner and Nigel Page, Gwin was on 26. They stated several times 'he tried out 650 during the week, but right now he's on 26.'

 

[sethimus]

Has it really gotten to this? We're comparing podium places by who was wearing gloves?

Quick someone make me a list of the rankings of everyone by their goggle tint!

don't forget shoe sizes! they must make a difference!

 

[norbar]

don't forget shoe sizes! they must make a difference!

Bigger shoes are less aero. That's why 25% of the 20lbs of what Mick dropped was from feet alone.

 

[DH Dad]

Bigger shoes are less aero. That's why 25% of the 20lbs of what Mick dropped was from feet alone.

That number still absolutely amazes me, I've seen Mick in person 4-5 times over the past 12 years and he's not a big guy! Where the hell did that weight come from. Could it be a calculation error in converting kg to lbs? This guy losing 20 lbs OK but Mick?

 

[iRider]

That number still absolutely amazes me, I've seen Mick in person 4-5 times over the past 12 years and he's not a big guy! Where the hell did that weight come from. Could it be a calculation error in converting kg to lbs? This guy losing 20 lbs OK but Mick?

Pinkbike scale?

 

[mattmatt86]

Pinkbike scale?

Remember when 4x got dropped from World Cups and Graves switched to DH and lost 60 lbs or something. Him and Mick must be using the same scale.

The robots explained it best: Jared Graves lost 30 pounds to race downhill

 

[norbar]

Remember when 4x got dropped from World Cups and Graves switched to DH and lost 60 lbs or something. Him and Mick must be using the same scale.

The robots explained it best: Jared Graves lost 30 pounds to race downhill

Not really. 20lbs is 9kg. He was easily around 85kg. Dropping 9kg wouldn't make him super skinny, just lean. Graves was big! It's not like they both shrunk to roadie levels.

 

[Straya]

Watching a replay on Sports Net 1 right now.

 

[Da Peach]

That number still absolutely amazes me, I've seen Mick in person 4-5 times over the past 12 years and he's not a big guy! Where the hell did that weight come from. Could it be a calculation error in converting kg to lbs? This guy losing 20 lbs OK but Mick?

Sleemans....eesh

 

[SkullCrack]

So how many top riders no longer wear gloves? Gwin and Blenki didn't have any but Minnaar, Gee, Peat, Hannah, Graves, Smith... all seemed to be wearing them. Guess that extra feel for the bar you get with bare hands didn't slow down anyone on the podium.

From Specialized's WC video, it looks like Gwin wore gloves.

 

[William42]

yeah, but what KIND of gloves. Because I don't want that kind of glove, it makes you crash.

 

[dan-o]

yeah, but what KIND of gloves. Because I don't want that kind of glove, it makes you crash.

He was wearing the new Specialized Body Geometry glove.

 

[Jeremy R]

He was wearing the new Specialized Body Geometry glove.

Is that the OJ model?

 

[Mo(n)arch]

Nahh,it's the chainstays.
Crashaloto got robbed.
From the team. Imagine a 29er faster then their DH bike and their champ... That would be even more tragic then the guy's results who used to win on his Trek...
Chainstay massacer at it's best.





Gwin won 9 WCs in two seasons on the Session. He was on the podium (top 5) in every other race during his time on Trek. Now that is impressive.
Desaster for Specialized.

 

[William42]

Gwin won 9 WCs in two seasons on the Session. He was on the podium (top 5) in every other race during his time on Trek. Now that is impressive.
Desaster for Specialized.

Actually not the case, he opted to not race Hafjel last year because his hand was boned. And he wasn't on the podium at either world champ race, if you count those.

But yeah.

 

[Pegboy]

I believe this may be his worst season since his debut WC season with Yeti? (I haven't looked through the R&R stats)

 

[xy9ine]

sooo... stevie on specialized next season? he's producing results to justify a fat paycheque; does devinci have adequately deep pockets to keep him on?

 

[William42]

sooo... stevie on specialized next season? he's producing results to justify a fat paycheque; does devinci have adequately deep pockets to keep him on?

better yet, troy to trek, and wins his first WC in the seniors.

 

[SkullCrack]

sooo... stevie on specialized next season?

I'd rather see him continue to do well.

 

[Sandwich]

I'd rather see him continue to do well.

 

[Mo(n)arch]

Actually not the case, he opted to not race Hafjel last year because his hand was boned. And he wasn't on the podium at either world champ race, if you count those.

But yeah.

Oh, yeah I forgot to mention that. So top five in every race he actually had a race run. And worlds may be his unicorn.
Is he opting to not race the last few rounds? He mentioned to check his shoulder back in the states?!

 

[bizutch]

better yet, troy to trek, and wins his first WC in the seniors.

In all fairness, he could sneak back into juniors and no one would notice. Got the kid face for real yo...