Video: Aaron Gwin’s winning DH run from Windham UCI World Cup 2015

Written by Tyler Benedict Aug 12, 2015 9:54 a.m. ET

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Wait for the slo-mo recaps at the end that show him ripping through the tech sections faster than any human should be able to.

Tyler Benedict

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Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com. He has been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel to killer riding locations throughout North America.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler loves family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part to make his bikes faster and lighter.

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Greg

8 years ago

WFO. That was killer.

Jake

8 years ago

I want to hire whoever sets up his suspension to set mine up.

Mike

8 years ago

I’ve never ridden a DH bike (I know, I know…) but I’ve got to imagine stuff like sells DH bikes for Specialized. I mean, Gwin must be fantastically skilled, but the suspension setup has got to matter some, no? He tore through that rock garden like it wasn’t there.

PTymn Wolfe

8 years ago

I bet he would be really good at Gravel Grinding.

Mirwin

8 years ago

Jake, Gwin runs the stiffest suspension on the WC, by far, like F1 stiff. A fact Rob Warner has mentioned several times on RBTV. Unless you’re racing at that level, no one would want suspension that stiff.

'Merika

8 years ago

BR: Bad recommendation on the slo-mo. That needs to be watched at full-speed. I fell asleep halfway through watching it in slo-mo.

Ryan

8 years ago

That was awesome. I still think running SS would be a good way to drop weight and risk; no way there’s any shifting going on there. Find the right cog during practice runs, set it and forget it.

Mike

8 years ago

dwuede… IF only my suspension was like that, breh….

(lol)

AlanM

8 years ago

@Ryan, there’s not a lot of shifting going on, but the gear you use coming out of the start gate and what you use when you’re trying to hammer towards the finish line are absolutely different. And when hundredths of a second can matter, having those gears will matter. In addition, with limited practice runs, wasting one or more on gear selection is going to be practical. Lastly, you still have to deal with chain tension on a full-suspension bike somehow.

Ryan

8 years ago

@AlanM, I think a chain tensioner would solve the rear suspension concern. Do you think the lost weight from dropping the cassette/shifter/derailleur would shave time though? Admittedly I do not ride DH, nor do I compete professionally. I make these inquiries from my arm chair.

I do ride my MTBs regularly though! 😉

AlanM

8 years ago

@Ryan, I get where the thought is coming from, but from my point of view, the weight savings wouldn’t be worth it. Even in DH, there’s a benefit to having some gear selection.

Justin

8 years ago

What’s the big deal with weight savings? The heavier they are the faster they go. Even the lightest DH bike these days is still pretty damn heavy, saving a few hundred grams will have little impact on handling anyway.

captain derp

8 years ago

@justin weight has a HUGE impact on handling. the days of heavy DH bikes are long over. most pro’s are on bikes in the 32-34 lb range. point of reference, the s-works demo 8 comes stock at a touch over 33 lbs.