Prepare to be amazed by the wildest bike on the World Cup circuit - Reece Wilson's Gamux Sego! This bike is a true game-changer and a testament to Wilson's innovative spirit.
In a world of developmental bikes, the Gamux Sego stands out like a beacon, drawing attention as it thunders down the track. Its unique features and adjustable design make it a true trailblazer in the world of mountain biking.
But here's where it gets controversial... Wilson's bike boasts a backwards stem, a feature that has sparked debate among riders and enthusiasts. The stem, connected to a 25mm piece that's been flipped and mounted on rising plates, gives the bike a -15-degree reach. This setup, inspired by Wilson's motocross background, transforms the riding experience, making it feel more akin to a motocross bike with hands positioned behind the steerer tube.
Wilson explains, "I'm not an expert, but something magical happens with this setup. It fundamentally changes the bike's feel, and I believe it's a superior experience." He also claims that this setup eliminates the need for a steering damper, reducing head shake and allowing for a lighter grip on the handlebars.
And this is the part most people miss... the reversed stem allows Wilson to stand up high on the bike, giving him unparalleled control and confidence. Despite some backlash, Wilson stands by his decision, believing that this concept is a game-changer that deserves to be embraced.
The Gamux Sego is all about adjustability. Every aspect of its geometry and stiffness can be fine-tuned to perfection. While other teams focus on rear-end stiffness, the Sego goes a step further, allowing Wilson to experiment with the torsional stiffness of the front triangle using bonded stiffening plates.
But wait, there's more! Wilson can also adjust the chainstay length, pivot point, and anti-squat and anti-rise characteristics. He can even swap out the link for different suspension setups, a crucial feature given the bike's 197mm of travel controlled by a Manitou Mara air shock. Up front, a Manitou Dorado fork provides an impressive 200mm of travel, and we even spotted a prototype Dorado fork with small tuned mass dampers on each leg.
At the heart of this beast is a Pinion C1.9 gearbox, a true game-changer. This system allows Wilson to shift gears without pedaling, giving him the freedom to focus on cornering without worrying about gear setup. The gearbox also lowers the bike's center of gravity and reduces unsprung mass, resulting in improved handling and more supple suspension. Plus, there's no vulnerable derailleur to worry about when navigating rocky terrain.
To complete the package, Wilson uses a Gates belt drive, which enters him into a draw to win the £100,000 Belted Purse should he take the top step at a World Cup this year. To protect the belt from sharp rocks, Wilson has designed a small cover, bolted to the bottom of the bike, ensuring maximum durability.
But that's not all! Wilson has also been experimenting with shorter cranks, a departure from the trend in road cycling. His logic is simple yet brilliant - he wants symmetry on the bike. Inspired by sports like motocross, horseriding, and skiing, where legs move forward side-by-side, Wilson has NSB create custom-length cranks ranging from 100mm to 140mm. He claims that this setup provides a more balanced feel, especially when turning against his dominant foot.
So, what do you think? Is Wilson's bike a revolutionary masterpiece or a controversial experiment? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Will this bike dominate the World Cup circuit, or is it a bold but flawed design? Let's discuss!
