Like many other mountain bike categories, downhill is starting to see an influx of 29ers. We have seen a complete shift to the bigger wheels yet, but a lot of the big names have at least been testing with them. And now that tire manufacturers like Maxxis are starting to get on board, the size is quickly becoming a viable option for the racers who think it will give them the edge. Racers like Dakotah Norton of the Unior/Devinci Factory Racing Team. Dakotah has been practicing aboard an all new Wilson 29er ahead of the Pro GRT race at Windrock, which for now is the only place you’ll find the new bike.
Devinci is making the new 29ers in Canada, but for 2018 they will only be for team members and not for sale to the general public. About the bike, Dakotah states, “My initial impression of a downhill bike with 29’’ wheels was that you needed to ride wider lines. With this bike, I can ride the same corners in the same way with more grip. With a low bottom bracket and slack head-angle, this is the perfect mix for straight line confidence and turning control.”
For his set up, Dakotah runs 165mm SRAM X01 DH cranks with a 34t SRAM chainring and a PG-795 10-24t Mini Block cassette.
Up front, Dakotah runs 35mm rise Race Face SixC bars cut down to 800mm which he says “gives him a more upright position that relieves hand pressure and results in better brake modulation.”
The Metric Rock Shox Super Deluxe WC is equipped with a 450lb spring and thrust bearing and probably some secret sauce tuning from Rock Shox. The fork is simply referred to as a “Rock Shox DH 29 fork” since the Boxxer is not currently available in a 29″ size. But clearly Rock Shox has the technology!
HT components X2 pedals provide the connection to the cranks, while an e*thirteen LG1r Carbon guide keeps the chain in place.
No big surprise that the tire of choice are 29 x 2.5/2.4″ Wide Trail Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR 3C TR with DH casing on Race Face Atlas wheels. Tire pressure is said to be 25/28psi front/rear.
Code RSC brakes and Lizard Skins Charger lock on grips provide needed control. Additional build highlights include an SDG I-Beam seatpost with I-Fly saddle.
Scope it out in person this weekend at the Pro GRT race at Windrock bike park in Oliver Springs, TN.
