We’ve been supporting James with his bikes and kit for racing downhill and Enduro around the world for a number of years now. Some say “your only as good as your last race” James’ last race was the Trans Provence, which is quite a race and finishing 10th in when coming back from injury isn’t thing short of exceptional!
James popped in with his bike still dirty (tut tut) from the race, so I took the opportunity to take a closer look at what a top ten Trans Provence Enduro bike looks like in 2016. This year James opted for the Giant Reign Advanced as a starting point and changed nearly everything to make his perfect race bike, all in 31lb.
Fox 36 Float Kashima, 160mm travel up front take care of business, spot the EWS kit sticker. James ran the Float X to save weight over a coil for all the miles covered during the week, he also fitted a 32T chainring to save his legs over his preferred 34T
Chain device just in case and a well worn crank arm. SRAM XX1 running kit through out for the widest gear ratios and currently the best shifting performance of any group set out there.
5 TOP TIPS FOR RACE NUTRITION.
When it came to slowing down Saint calipers with XTR levers offer awesome power and more weight saving over a full Saint system. 203mm rotors and vented pads to keep things cool. Tyre wise Specialized’s Butcher Grids front and rear with a more conservative 30psi ensure no punctures in the week-long race.
As a notorious wheel destroyer We we’re all impressed to see the SRAM Rails in one piece, no dings snapped spokes, nothing! Renthal carbon bar, stem and grips ensured the bike goes where it’s told, K-edge Garmin mount on topcap.
Trans Provence mudguard, you can’t just buy one of these. Crankbrothers Mallet E pedals are slightly lighter and have a narrower stance than the Mallet DH making them better suited for a week of pedalling.
