How to make a pro faster using telemetry
In the adrenaline-pumping world of mountain biking, every detail matters. From the design of the bike to the intricate nuances of suspension settings, every factor contributes to the rider's performance and overall experience. Recently, our rider, Nico Lamm, embarked on a journey of precision and analysis as he tested the telemetry of his downhill race bike in collaboration with STR MTB. The chosen battleground for this was Bike Park Klinovec, situated in the Czech Republic.
Setting the Stage
Nico's weapon of choice was the almighty VHP18, a downhill & freeride beast a bike equipped with the prototype of new chain-stays designed to push the boundaries of speed and control. Nico's bike is equipped with an SR Suntour DH suspension. With this setup, Nico was ready to tackle the challenging terrains of downhill trails in the Bike Park Klinovec.
You will find a map of the trail below:
The Power of Telemetry
Telemetry might sound like a big, confusing word, but it's actually pretty simple. It's like having a smart friend on your bike that tells you all sorts of useful things. This smart friend, called telemetry, gives you real-time information about your bike while you're riding. It's like having a superpower that lets you know what's happening with your bike's important parts.
Conquering Bike Park Klinovec
The trails of Bike Park Klinovec, with their sharp descents and natural lines, were ideal for testing. We were testing telemetry for two intense days, during which Nico was riding super hard, pushing the limits of his bike's suspension settings. The goal was clear: work on suspension performance and adjust the settings for optimal control and make Nico faster.
Analyzing the Differences
As the data poured in, patterns started to emerge. Nico's riding combined with the telemetry data allowed the team to set up suspension properly. Thanks to that the bike was not only capable of handling the roughest terrain better but also offering more comfort and control.
Nico was able to reduce his time by 3.7s on a track with a duration of 2:05.600min compared to his initial setup
