THE RAD

As all you DH fans know – Sam Hill and Sabrina Jonnier both took home world championship titles recently. They both race for Iron horse and Both were riding 2007 product.. and since we love our spy shots… I’ve got some eye candy for those of you looking for some sneak peeks and set up tips!.

Note – this is total racer set up… not really the best stuff for you free-ride, 40 foot drop, hucking types.

Here’s a pic of Sabrina’s World Cup winning rig (2007 frame and components)

Couple of things to note… she saves weight where she can, but is smart about where not to sacrifice.

To Follow the advice of a guy who know design and racing (Eric Carter) –

Most important factors in your race rig –

1. Fit of the frame, everything revolves around your frame(obvious)

2. Tires - running the right compound, pressure, tread helps in corners, straights, brakes, flats – and can help avoid flats.

3. Geometry (appropriate for the course and speeds)

4. Big Strong Brakes – gravity folks use brakes as little as possible, but when they do use them, it’s at the last possible moment. You’re either white knuckle – or you’re 110% on those brakes. Avid’s new 4 pods are crazy strong and cool down super fast.

5. Suspension – Has got to be adjustable, rebound adjustability is the most important, with compression being a close second. 2^nd -look for plushness, 3^rd look for multiple stages of dampening (high and low speed), 4^th - look for external adjustment knobs, 5^th – look for amenities like aluminum knobs and parts (avoid plastic)

After you get these items dialed, start looking at all the small things… like stem length, handlebar width, seat tilt and position, the right style pedals (flat or clip; SPD or Crank Bros), the right grips, brake lever reach, short cage derailleur’s (I run Shimano Road Derailleur with SRAM triggers because they are crazy short and have stiff springs).

Don’t forget Style!!! 2007 IH gold is looking pretty sweet….

Where To Save Weight - Air sprung World Cup Boxxer, Ti Spring on the coil shock (close to DHX Air weight), XC (maybe road) saddle, and no bash ring on the chain guide.

Where to NOT Save weight – Great Tires are always heavy, Don’t get cheap on Cranks or Bars (buy em strong!), Brakes, Bottom Brackets.

You get the picture. Contact and pressure points are critical! You can be smart about the rims and seatpost and find some middle ground… but sometimes you need to dish out the cash for the good stuff and not even look at the weight.

Ok – Here’s the fun stuff!

2007 Product at the World Championships!
2007 Avid 4 pods… coming soon to www.rscycle.com !!