There has been quite a lot of discussion among our team riders about the potential benefits of bigger wheels in downhill racing. The guys are at that point now where they can give us all some solid feedback, and the message is clear: They love the new bikes! Here is what Will Weston our most analitical rider has to say:
I started off with the bike in the long setting (I’m 6ft 3 inches and running a large)
The cockpit feels roomier than last year and I definitely feel like that’s an advantage, this bike actually feels like a large. I find a lot of bikes, including last years to an extent, are a little small in this area for someone of my height. Really great full for the extra space, having more room to move is confidence inspiring, you can get behind the bars better and it feels better.
The long setting on the rear end feels great on faster rough sections (it will be great for the world cups) but for the UK it is definitely too long for me. Timed training in two different locations has produced quicker times for the more ‘flickable’ back end. It’s easy to switch between the two and I think it is a huge advantage being able to adapt to the type of track you are racing like this is a huge advantage.
I am loving the new head angle! I ran an offset headset towards the latter half of last season and definitely felt it was better on the old bike. With the longer 2015 bike and the slacker head angle I am very happy. The bike feels like it can take some abuse without becoming twitchy, very stable, very planted and again confidence inspiring. In this area you have basically done the very thing I thought could be improved on from last year.
Needless to say as I’m sure you are aware, the bigger wheels are faster, they track better, roll faster and carry more speed. On other 650B bikes I have ridden this does come at a cost with manoeuvrability however (when in the short setting) the Fuzz has a really tight rear end that means even in the UK where tracks are tight and twisty, it is fast.
Will Weston - actually measures the effects of each setting change in his bike. Photo by: The Hills Are Alive
Even in the short setting so far I have had no issues of mud clearance, which is good because most rides are muddy haha.
I originally changed my shock settings straight over from the old bike, but found the ending rebound a little fast, and the compression a little hard (especially when in short rear end) I only changed it by one click on both dials and have found that to work as a good base setting.
The bike seems very settled, its less ‘playful’ that the 26” bike but ultimately carries a lot more speed, especially over consistent repeated hits like braking bumps where I struggled at times on the old bike. It seems to have unlimited grip in corners, genuinely believe I haven’t yet found the edge of grip, which is awesome. I can push really hard on this bike without getting sketchy.
It rides more like a thoroughbred race bike than last year, fast smooth and very easy to work with. I got up to speed really quickly and I’m already putting seconds into timed training results from last year.
I also really like the adjustability of the stem. I have switched it up a lot between tracks and find it helps adapt well to any kid of terrain, all these little tools are really helpful to making a racer feel comfortable on any track. When you feel comfortable, you go fast.
Overall over the moon with how it rides! I have my first race this weekend and will be sure to update you with how I get on. I think you are onto a winner.
Will
Sławek Łukasik, one of the top IXS DH Cup riders is stoked on how the new bike rolls over roots and rocks. Photo by: Staronphoto
Michał Kollbek, our US rider and YouTube superstar is so big that he didn't think twice about upgrading to bigger wheels.
More about the Fuzz 650 at NSBikes.com/Fuzz650B
