2013 Fontana PRO GRT Race Report By Mikey Haderer

2013 CRC Nukeproof Pulse

Here’s the bike you’ve been waiting for; Team CRC/Nukeproof’s Pulse, the bike on which Australian speed machine Sam Hill and UK riders Matt Simmonds and Joe Smith hope to pilot to the top of the downhill World Cup podium in 2013.

Built around the new Nukeproof Pulse downhill frame, the bike uses RockShox Boxxer World Cup forks, a RockShox Vivid RC2 rear shock, SRAM X0 shifting, E*thirteen chain guide, Mavic Deemax Ultimate wheels rolling on Schwalbe tyres, Avid Code brakes and Nukeproof components for seatpost, saddle, handlebar, stem, headset and grips.

Sam Hill’s race bike will be equipped with BlackBox components for the races.

If Sam’s results at the Australian National races so far this year are anything to go by, we’re in for an awesome season as he’s already guided his Pulse to three podium finishes, including two wins.

Team Manager Nigel Page said: “We are delighted with how the team’s Nukeproof Pulse race bikes have turned out. Everyone involved has done an incredible job to make our bikes look amazing and ready to win races! From the custom team paint job and matching RockShox decals the bikes are full factory!

“Sam has been flying in the Aussie races and Matt and Joe have been training hard for the upcoming season. I can’t wait for the first World Cup round at Fort William in June. Drop by our pits for a close up of the bikes and grab a signature from the team riders.”

Zerode G2 Updates With Images

“Zerode has done some major updates to its first generation gearbox bike. The changes are listed below. Many of these changes came from rider input and customer feedback.”

Ian Wilkinson

zerodeusa

With two seasons under our belt and a new manufacturer on board we have been able to make a

bunch of refinements to the Zerode DH frame for 2013. Designated the Zerode G2, here are some of

the changes from the old G1:

1) The geometry has had an overhaul for the G2. 3 sizes, shorter head tubes, longer top tubes and

slacker head angles mean a race ready chassis for all body shapes and sizes.

2) With lessons learned from the G1 we have shaved over 300grams off the frame. Some of this

is unsprung weight in the chainstay, axle and rocker further improving the Zerode suspension

performance.

3) The down tube yolk has been redesigned to increase the ground clearance by 20mm, increase

chain ring clearance for a better primary chain line and incorporates a sturdy shock guard mount so

your shock and frame are protected from stray rocks.

4) Each Zerode will come with 2 shifters. The standard Alfine unit and a modified SRAM unit. You

choose which one you feel most at home with.

5) A new rectangular down tube is stiffer, lighter and stronger than the old round tube.

6) The chainstay has been redesigned to increase tyre, crank and chain tensioner clearance.

7) Reduced travel from 9.25” to 8.3”. With less unsprung weight and an efficient axle path we felt a

little less travel would give a more lively feel, reduce weight and make a great pedalling chassis even

better without sacrificing it’s superb bump eating ability.

8) New colours….The G2 is Bead blasted and anodised in Black or Charcoal with four decal options.

Custom Anodising is available.

Already proven and tested on the NZ DH circuit, the G2 can be yours soon!

Zerode G2

New Zerode G2

• 63.5 degree head angle standard.
• 20mm more ground clearance.
• Race inspired 8.5." travel with a 2.8 stroke shock. Saves weight using idendical ratios as the G1's 9.25".
• Shorter head tube allows more bar height adjustments.
• Forged lower yolks reduces weight and increases stiffness.
• Bent chain stay allow for more crank clearance.
• Box section down tube, lighter and stiffer tube intersections.
• Now available in size LARGE with an reach of 415mm.

X-Fusion Sponsors Pivot Factory DH Team

Two years way from the World Cup DH scene, X-Fusion is proud to be back as the official suspension sponsor of the Pivot Cycles Factory DH Team. The team will primarily focus on the UCI World Cup downhill series, along with other high profile events such as Sea Otter and Crankworx. Team DH riders consist of Bernard Kerr and Austin “Bubba” Warren, and Bernard’s brother Bard Kerr who will focus on 4X.

Bernard commented, “The partnership between the factory Pivot team and X-Fusion is awesome. We couldn’t be more excited going into the 2013 season knowing we have XF’s knowledge and passion for racing behind us. We’re looking forward to working with them on and off the race track this coming season!”
 
While focusing on race results will be a primary goal, the Pivot Cycles Factory DH Team will also be a key asset in the development of XF products. Keep an eye out for them shredding DH tracks on their Vector HLR rear shocks and new XF forks.
 
X-Fusion Marketing Manager John Hauer added, “The Kerr brothers and Bubba are all fantastic riders, with style for miles, and are great representatives for the sport. Everybody at XF is truly ecstatic to be coming back to World Cup racing and look forward to helping these riders reach their goals, while they in return help us develop some amazing new products.”
 
For team updates throughout the season, follow XF @xfusionshox