We have taken a look at Imogen Smith’s team bike in the past, both in 2014 before the Crocodile Trophy, and then almost a year later before the Swiss Epic. While the Bianchi Methanol 29 FS frame and Stan’s NoTubes Valor wheels remained the same those times – in 2016 the whole Subaru-MarathonMTB.com Team are on Norco Revolver 29 FS bikes, so there are a few changes.
By winning the 2nd round of the Australian XCM Series in Alice Springs, Imogen met one of MTBA’s qualification criteria for being on the Australian team for the XCM World Championships in Laissac, on 26th June.
While much of her bike build remains the same, here’s a look at her current ride ahead of the World Championships.
Obviously, the bike had a bit of knocking around last weekend in the Alps – but the repair and replacement of parts was actually pretty simple. You can take most of this bike apart with a 4, 5 and 6mm allen key, which is excellent for servicing when on the road.
Almost the whole drivetrain is Shimano M9000 XTR, including 170mm XTR Race cranks, fitted with a 30t chain ring while in Europe. The cranks are pretty scratched up as chain retention has been an issue earlier this year. You can also see the KMC 11sp quick link.
Electrical tape does a lightweight job as a chainstay protector – the chain is XTR, as is the rear mech and cable with SP41 outer for smooth shifting. The cassette is a SRAM XG 1150 though – 10-42 to get some extra range without too much weight penalty over XTR.
While the team normally run Fox, and Imogen had her Fox 32 custom tuned ahead of leaving Australia – some freight problems meant her fork never made it so the Norco’s stock SID is onboard. You can also see the Ardent Race tyre Imogen is running.
The Fox Factory rear shock is set at 135psi, and inverted for more bidon clearance. The pivots have been rebuilt from stock a few times using Ride Mechanic Bike Butter, which is awesome.
Imogen’s NoTubes Valor wheels are battle hardened. A rough guess would be… 55 race days on them? The stock alloy valves have been great but Mt Zoom units are in now.
The trusty Maxxis Ikon EXO 3C. Not so great in mud but fast rolling and excellent on the back for the course in Laissac, and in many other places.
Imogen runs XTR Trail brakes for some extra stopping power, not so needed at home but handy in the Alps for some of the year. Miles sintered pads make contact with the XT IceTech rotor, with 4 Ti bolts holding it to the hub.
NoTubes Valor wheels. The originals are 1.28kg, which is super light.
Mt Zoom Ultralight 9 degree bars are cut to 710mm. The stem is 80mm -6deg with Ti bolts. It’s some random brand which is sub 100g.
Imogen prefers foam grips and Ritchey WCS grips are one of a few that fit the bill. The XTR M9000 shifter is iSpec, and Imogen likes levers close to the grip.
The bodies of Imogen’s old XTR pedals were pretty worn out – so new pedals made it on just before World Championships.
The Mt Zoom carbon fibre side mount cage is handy, strong, and pretty light at 35g.
A KMC quick link on the front of the post keeps it clear from mud and trail grime.
A question of sitting
Imogen has been running a Tune Speedneedle for about a year, but switched back to a Fizik Vitesse incase the narrower saddle was in part involved with her hip injury. It seems unlikely and the Speedneedle will be going back on shortly – and perhaps a fixed post too.
Currently Imogen has a KS Lev Ci dropper post with 65mm drop fitted. It adds about 200g to her normal Ritchey WCS setback post, which might get fitted, along with her usual Tune Speedneedle as opposed to the Vitesse.
Without a scale on hand, last time this bike was weighed in approximately this spec it was 10.35kg. If the dropper and Vitesse saddle go it will drop to about 10kg on the nose.
We’ll take a look at another couple of bikes as time allows before race day this Sunday. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for live updates.