As the World Cup season rapidly approaches, new bikes are starting to make their way to the various factory-sponsored riders around the world.
One of those in NSW’s Jack Moir, who races for the Intense Cycles factory downhill squad, and who was one of the early adopters of a 29-inch wheeled downhiller.
We caught up with Jack at his home round of the MTBA National Dowhill series in Awaba and peppered him with some questions.
MBA: What specific tweaks have you made to your bike to get it comfortable and why
JM: Once the bike is the correct size and angles, the main tweaks I do to make a bike mine is bar height, suspension setup, and wheels/tyres.
I run 46mm high ENVE bars as I’m a taller rider, and so that I’m not fighting to stay over the back in steep sections.
When it comes to suspension set up, I’m after the same as everyone else here; nice and supple at the top, and slowly ramping up deeper into the travel. This is to keep traction over the little rocks and roots but still be able to handle big hits. The M29 has a fairly progressive linkage, so this is easy to achieve on my bike.
Now that I’m on a 29er, I don’t think that I could run alloy wheels. There is a lot more flex in an alloy rim, especially with the extra leverage of a 29er. The ENVE hoops are super stiff and takes that negative aspect of running a 29er out of the equation.
It’s also important to run a good set of brakes with bigger wheels, theres a lot more wheel trying to pull through the caliper. I run the new Sram code brakes with oversized (221mm) rotors.
I always run Maxxis minion DHF tyres front and rear, but there is some cool new stuff coming from Maxxis, which will definitely contend with the trusty old Minion.
MBA: Is there some advice you can give to people out there looking to get the best bike setup?
JM: Make sure the bike fits you properly and is comfortable to ride. Different people like different set ups, so try a bunch of different set-ups and determine what you like.
BIKE CHECK: Intense M29
Frame: Prototype M29 frame, RockShox Super Deluxe coil, 550lb spring
Fork: Boxxer World Cup 29-inch, air spring
Bar: Enve DH High riser, ODI grips
Wheelset: ENVE M90 rims with Chris King hubs, DT Swiss Competition spokes.
Saddle: Fabric, custom, with Shark Attack logo
Drivetrain: SRAM X0 cranks, XO DH 7 speed gearing, XO rear derailleur
Pedals: HT X2 with custom plate fitted for cleat entry assistance
Brakes: SRAM Code, oversized rotors
Tyres: Minion DHF/DHR2 combo, Flat Tire Defender rear, 26psi front/30psi rear
