Prepare to have your mind blown by the most unconventional downhill bike on the World Cup circuit! While many riders opt for tried-and-true setups, Reece Wilson's Gamux Sego is a radical departure, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the relentless pursuit of speed. This isn't just a bike; it's a statement, a testament to thinking outside the box, and it's guaranteed to spark some serious debate.
But here's where it gets controversial... The most striking feature of Wilson's setup is undoubtedly his backwards stem. Imagine this: instead of the handlebars extending forward, they're connected to a stem that's been flipped and mounted on rising plates, effectively placing your hands behind the steerer tube. Wilson, drawing inspiration from his motocross background, claims this bizarre configuration provides a -15 degree reach and makes the bike feel significantly more manageable, more like a motocross machine where your hands naturally sit behind the steering column. He even states it eliminates the need for a steering damper, reducing head shake and allowing for a lighter grip.
And this is the part most people miss... While the stem is reversed, the stack height is significantly raised, allowing Wilson to adopt a higher, more commanding stance on the bike. He's faced criticism, with some arguing this setup makes it impossible to properly weight the front wheel. However, Wilson vehemently disagrees, stating, "this concept needs to be burnt and thrown out of the window." He insists he's never experienced more traction, grip, and front-end confidence than with this setup. What do you think? Is this a revolutionary approach or a recipe for disaster?
Beyond the cockpit, the Gamux Sego is a marvel of all-around adjustability. This bike isn't just built; it's sculpted. Almost every aspect of its geometry and stiffness can be tweaked. While other teams focus on rear-end stiffness, the Sego allows Wilson to fine-tune the torsional stiffness of the front triangle with bonded plates. He can also alter the chainstay length, pivot point, anti-squat, and anti-rise characteristics. The suspension itself is equally adaptable, with the ability to swap links for more progressive or linear feel. Currently, a Manitou Mara air shock provides 197mm of travel, with whispers of an upcoming coil variant. Up front, a Manitou Dorado upside-down fork offers a substantial 200mm of travel, and we even spotted a prototype with tiny tuned mass dampers on each leg – talk about attention to detail!
At the heart of this engineering marvel lies the Pinion gearbox. This innovative system allows gear changes without pedaling, a game-changer for downhill racing as it means Wilson can enter corners without worrying about pre-setting his gear for the exit. The gearbox also contributes to a lower center of gravity and reduced unsprung mass by eliminating the cassette and derailleur. This translates to improved handling and more responsive suspension. Plus, no more vulnerable derailleur to bash on rocks! Complementing the gearbox is a Gates belt drive, a setup that could see Wilson in contention for the £100,000 Belted Purse if he clinches a World Cup victory this year. To protect the belt from trail debris, Wilson has even fabricated a custom cover.
Finally, let's talk about the tiny cranks. While road cyclists use shorter cranks for aerodynamic benefits or to reduce strain, Wilson's motivation is purely about symmetry. He draws parallels to sports like motocross, horseriding, and skiing, where legs are positioned side-by-side, a stark contrast to the asymmetrical nature of mountain biking. By experimenting with cranks as short as 100mm (custom-made by NSB, ranging from 100mm to 140mm), Wilson aims for a more balanced feel, particularly when turning towards his dominant foot. He's found this approach to be noticeably beneficial.
So, what are your thoughts on Reece Wilson's radical Gamux Sego? Is the backwards stem a stroke of genius or a gimmick? Are these advanced adjustability features the future of downhill bikes? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear your opinions!
