Bike Setup for Top Pros

rollingtach
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rollingtach
Edited Date/Time 3/31/2015 1:42pm
If a Top level Pro has multiple great outdoor seasons and the setup works great for him and the results prove it, why can't they just stay with the same setups. Especially if they're riding the same mfg size bike. How can they just lose what they had and have to search for it, if the rider is the same and all those settings are documented. It seems as though with as much money that goes into setting up these top level bikes they could adapt a next generation bike to be as comfortable as the old one to the rider. There must be alot more that goes into this that I don't know but I wanted to hear some experienced people on here explain it if possible.
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Flex
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Flex 3/31/2015 12:38pm
3/31/2015 12:38pm
Track conditions change, things like that. 1 setup wont work for all tracks.
dean122
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dean122 3/31/2015 12:39pm
3/31/2015 12:39pm
As riders grow older each year so does their levels of experience and comfort on the bike. That comfort changes all the time along with the minute changes of bike design each year, whether it's a slight degree pitch in frame geometry or all new suspension upgrades. Also, aftermarket parts continue to improve which also adds to the equation.

It seems like it would be a simple process, but really it's not. They are always chasing the dragon and will continue to do so until they are unbeatable.

Just my $.02.
rollingtach
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rollingtach 3/31/2015 1:05pm
3/31/2015 1:05pm
I definitely understand the different setups for each track. I guess there is a requirement for riders to adapt to new technology even when it might not be an improvement and it doesn't work for them, as in better finishes. I remember Reed for example struggled with bike changes while he was on Honda but on the other hand, RV raved about how much easier it was when he changed to the new KX in mid MX season, His results after that change dramatically improved that year too. So much money going into each bike would make you think their results should just get better but dean122 brought up some good points.
StartedTooLate 3/31/2015 1:42pm
3/31/2015 1:42pm Edited Date/Time 3/31/2015 1:45pm
The sweet spot for a top rider to go at peak speed is pretty small. Smaller than the track to track variations. Sometimes the smallest change can totally change the way a top guy looks at the track, his lines, etc.

With a slightly off set up...and pro might be 10s a lap faster than you. With a dialed in set up...they might be 11s a lap faster. We would never see the difference because their speed is an order of magnitude beyond what we can relate to. But at a pro national...30+2....that 1s a lap is 17 seconds. That is the difference between kicking ass...and getting your ass kicked.

Have you ever gone to a sandy track with a hard pack set up. 4-6 clicks stiffer all around can be 5s a lap....and make the track feel and even look totally different to you.

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