Why Racers Can't Let Go Of These 'Outdated' Wheels

A decade after Gwin’s infamous run, many of the top riders are still using DT Swiss EX471. The alloy rim, which uses a 25mm inner width, is a hit for so many reasons, not least its mixture of durability and compliance. Speaking to Troy’s mechanic, Aaron, and he explains that the narrower profile can also give a rounder profile to the tyre, which is preferential for some. He’s not the only one either. Notably, the Specialized Gravity team often opt for the classic rim, too. Henry also catches up with Specialized Gravity Racing, Neko Mullaly and discusses SR Suntours new Damper

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[christianborris]

So funny to hear the mechanic talk about Finn's bike being unrideable.

[jacobd]

The conversation with Finn's mechanic was really interesting. I was curious how they collect data on shaft speeds on the suspension and such. I like the technical discussions overall, keep this sort of stuff coming.

[leezy]

Thank you, Henry!!! That is Pinkbike. Faith restored.

[aberdeendeltaforce]

Frameworks are on to something with steel, in my personal opinion steel is the best material for DH if engineered correctly. I think marketing departments are the ones pushing fancy materials. You have to ride one of these steel bikes to see what I mean. They feel amazing. Well done frameworks for the R&D into the use of this material in DH. ❤

[gaspertolar]

ok so when do we get kashima coated spokes??

[Anthonyholdway]

Went from 35mm rims down to 28 spank rims love them grip is mint stability is mint thought I'd have tyre roll but thicker casing it's perfect tyre has a good profile too hooks into berms nicely

[RC-fptl]

LOVE YOU NEKO!!
You make this engineer happy with all the cool detailed info about tubes and manufacturing methods. Thanks!

[lynxg]

Excellent job Henry, some great interviews and also thanks to the mechanics for giving such in depth replies, was very interesting. Also really cool to get an update on the FW stuff, really interested to hear what they say after this weekend about the new steel front tri.

[simonadams]

Great video and interviews. Some really insightful answers from the mechanics.

[tommyking]

I can attest that those ex471 rims are outrageously strong! 👌

[natej]

Great content Henry and PinkBike! Love the in-depth conversation and digging in to get more insights into the process.
Bravo!

[flow.lights]

Amazing video, one of the very best I have seen for tech insights. Would be great to have more of these at each round with different or even the same mechanics. Great questions by Henry too.

[branna]

Hey Henry, there a few details thats worth noting when talking about fork dampers and the way they manage oil volume.

All dampers injest oil if its readily available in the lowers as the shaft seals used tend to only have sealing capactiy up 1m/s, which is way below normal shaft speeds for compression stroke, this is not linked to using full travel at all. Marzocchi was the first in the MTB world to accept this reality and use it, but eliminating the lip keeping oil out of the damper but maintaining the lip to keep oil in, therefore allowing basically free rotation of oil from lowers into the damper then expelled out the top again.

as a fork damper is working at a direct 1:1 ratio with the wheel motion it does not need to create as much damping force as a shock, which is having to create force divided by the leverage ratio, i.e. for a 2.4 ratio (at an instenanteous point of travel) a shock will have to create 2.4 times as much force as a fork damper for the same result at the axle. This is done by creating a pressure difference across the damping piston(s). However oil has a maximum pressure difference before cavitation occurs, so the oil has to be pressureised to keep both sides of the pressure difference close enough to maintain consistency, thus this system is completely redundant in a fork damper (with exception of a damper working on a too small a volume of oil).

Also worth noting that removing high speed adjustment from external means and leaving it as shims has always been the preferred way for maximum performace, however pesky customers get in the way of reaching peak peformance regually (C1 rockshox air springs are a classic example).

[robertg]

Great video, more of this pinkbike, Henry good job

[steve]

If you ever fancy a gravel bike, id recommend steel. A lack of suspension and tyre size means your going to feel the stones the potholes ect, steel just takes the edge of it

[hudsonlucier]

Would love to have more chats with mechanics on suspension setup if they are willing to chat.

[nomadcarpenter]

This is interesting. More of this type of thing

[RyanBuildsWheels]

Some great insights from Aaron there, really appreciate his openness in sharing what he can. I'm going to start selling more high polish spokes from here on in ;-).

[leomarado]

Great questions by the interviewer, I really enjoyed watching the video!

[kylanjosiah]

Love this breakdown/interview style video!! Great spread of info and personality :)