Pro bike: Josh Bryceland’s Santa Cruz V10

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=480%2C624 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=640%2C832 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=570%2C741 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=645%2C838 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=590%2C767 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=693%2C900 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=544%2C707 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=465%2C604 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=45&resize=620%2C806 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-278016 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723" width="556" height="723" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="Josh Bryceland (Santa Cruz Syndicate) has made the move to 27.5in wheels with Santa Cruz's redesigned V10" title="1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-133f113" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> Josh Bryceland (Santa Cruz Syndicate) has made the move to 27.5in wheels with Santa Cruz’s redesigned V10 James Huang / Immediate Media

Josh Bryceland (Santa Cruz Syndicate) is coming off of a second-place finish at the World Cup stop in Mont Sainte Anne and is aiming to move one step higher this weekend in Windham, New York.

The short course leaves no room for error, so his brand new 27.5in-wheeled Santa Cruz V10 is fully tweaked to squeeze out every last bit of speed – and look fast, it certainly does.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-1000-90-7b95117.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-1000-90-7b95117.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-1000-90-7b95117.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-1000-90-7b95117.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-1000-90-7b95117.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-1dtagraflnbl4-1000-90-7b95117.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Josh bryceland (santa cruz syndicate) has made the move to 27.5in wheels with santa cruz’s redesigned v10: josh bryceland (santa cruz syndicate) has made the move to 27.5in wheels with santa cruz’s redesigned v10 Josh Bryceland – aka ‘Ratboy’ – is on Santa Cruz’s new 27.5in-wheeled V10 downhill machine

There’s an extraordinary range of possible adjustments available on top-end downhill bikes to suit the diverse mixture of tracks and according to Santa Cruz Syndicate team mechanic Doug Hatfield. It’s all-out, flat-out, and even the smallest gain (or mistake) can make the difference.

As a result, Bryceland’s new 27.5in-wheeled V10 features a number of little tweaks to help him eke out a bit more speed. The side knobs on the front Maxxis DHR II tyre are slightly clipped for more cornering bite, there’s a standard Chris King headset in place instead of the forward-offset ‘BuzzWorks’ version to suit Windham’s tighter corners, and there’s a smattering of titanium hardware to save weight wherever possible.

“We like things light, too!” Hatfield said.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504469038-6n0xzo586htu-1000-90-38d951b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504469038-6n0xzo586htu-1000-90-38d951b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504469038-6n0xzo586htu-1000-90-38d951b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504469038-6n0xzo586htu-1000-90-38d951b.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504469038-6n0xzo586htu-1000-90-38d951b.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504469038-6n0xzo586htu-1000-90-38d951b.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Both brake callipers are held in place with titanium bolts

Hatfield is even meticulous about how the number plate is attached. Instead of securing the plate directly to the stanchions as is the norm, he first glues the plate to a wider base plate from UK company MarshGuard, and then attaches the whole thing. According to Hatfield, this leaves a little extra room at the top for the rear derailleur and rear brake lines to pass through for quieter running during the race.

MarshGuard also supplies the mini front fender – complete with a ‘Stash’ extension up front to help keep debris out of Bryceland’s face.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468941-ndrjk6mtsm2x-1000-90-4c3118f.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468941-ndrjk6mtsm2x-1000-90-4c3118f.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468941-ndrjk6mtsm2x-1000-90-4c3118f.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468941-ndrjk6mtsm2x-1000-90-4c3118f.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468941-ndrjk6mtsm2x-1000-90-4c3118f.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468941-ndrjk6mtsm2x-1000-90-4c3118f.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> The fork is dressed up with a fox decal to keep mud from packing the back of the hollowed-out brace. a small fender from marshguard is held on with zip-ties: the fork is dressed up with a fox decal to keep mud from packing the back of the hollowed-out brace. a small fender from marshguard is held on with zip-ties The MarshGuard front fender keeps debris out of Bryceland’s eyes while the Fox decal covers up the hollowed-out arch to prevent mud from packing

Granted, the fantastically high-end build kit doesn’t leave much room for improvement, though. Adding to the outstanding Shimano Saint group is e*thirteen’s extra-secure LG1+ Turbo chainguide; tough Shimano DX clipless pedals; handbuilt wheels assembled with Enve M90 Ten carbon rims, Chris King hubs, and DT Swiss Competition stainless steel spokes; an Enve carbon fibre DH handlebar, carbon fibre direct-mount stem, and carbon seatpost; and a titanium-railed WTB saddle.

Tyres are set up tubeless with about 29psi up front and 30 to 31psi out back.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468859-188im0ab8k7id-1000-90-6bcae90.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468859-188im0ab8k7id-1000-90-6bcae90.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468859-188im0ab8k7id-1000-90-6bcae90.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468859-188im0ab8k7id-1000-90-6bcae90.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468859-188im0ab8k7id-1000-90-6bcae90.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468859-188im0ab8k7id-1000-90-6bcae90.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Team mechanic doug hatfield has clipped part of the shoulder knobs off of the front maxxis dhr ii tire, which supposedly lends better cornering grip for the course conditions in windham, new york: team mechanic doug hatfield has clipped part of the shoulder knobs off of the front maxxis dhr ii tire, which supposedly lends better cornering grip for the course conditions in windham, new york The slightly clipped side knobs supposedly lend a little extra cornering traction

We weren’t permitted to pull out the tape measure or scales but according to Hatfield, the bike is “about 35lb” – roughly 15.9kg or so.

Suspension comes courtesy of Fox’s fully supported, racer-only RAD program, and though we didn’t actually ride Bryceland’s bike, both ends were astonishingly supple for what we anticipate is a confidently glued-to-the-ground feel. The rear shock is especially notable for its fully independent damping adjustments for high- and low-speed rebound, and high- and low-speed compression.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468827-876vfyzidlfy-1000-90-53e8d18.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468827-876vfyzidlfy-1000-90-53e8d18.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468827-876vfyzidlfy-1000-90-53e8d18.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468827-876vfyzidlfy-1000-90-53e8d18.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468827-876vfyzidlfy-1000-90-53e8d18.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468827-876vfyzidlfy-1000-90-53e8d18.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> The team-only fox rad rear shock features independent damping adjustments for high and low-speed compression, and high and low-speed rebound: the team-only fox rad rear shock features independent damping adjustments for high and low-speed compression, and high and low-speed rebound The Fox RAD rear shock features an impressive amount of available adjustment

Hatfield says that Bryceland prefers a somewhat softer suspension tune, too, compared to many other top riders who run an unusually firm setup.

Santa Cruz still isn’t saying much about its new V10 downhill chassis but the bigger wheels are clearly evident. According to team mechanic Doug Hatfield, the difference between those and the old 26in wheels is subtle but still evident to team riders, saying they roll better over obstacles and carry speed better.

Other details are lesser known but given common complaints on the currently V10, we’re guessing the cockpit has been lengthened to give riders a little more breathing room.

We’re eagerly awaiting further information but until then, Bryceland sure seems to be making the new bike work just fine for him.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-fm6vexorhjg6-1000-90-3019d87.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-fm6vexorhjg6-1000-90-3019d87.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-fm6vexorhjg6-1000-90-3019d87.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-fm6vexorhjg6-1000-90-3019d87.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-fm6vexorhjg6-1000-90-3019d87.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1407504468777-fm6vexorhjg6-1000-90-3019d87.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Josh bryceland (santa cruz syndicate) finished second at the last world cup round in mont sainte anne, canada: josh bryceland (santa cruz syndicate) finished second at the last world cup round in mont sainte anne, canada Complete bike specifications Frame: Santa Cruz V10 27.5, size large Rear shock: Fox DHX RAD Fork: Fox 40 Float RAD Headset: Chris King InSet Stem: Enve direct mount Handlebar: Enve DH Grips: Lizard Skins Lock-On Charger Front brake: Shimano Saint BR-M820 w/ 203mm RT86 rotor Rear brake: Shimano Saint BR-M820 w/ 203mm RT86 rotor Brake levers: Shimano Saint BL-M820 Chain guide: e*thirteen LG1+ Turbo Rear derailleur: Shimano Saint RD-M820 Shift levers: Shimano Saint SL-M820 Cassette: Shimano Ultegra CS-6700, 11-25T Chain: Shimano Crankset: Shimano Saint FD-M820, 165mm, 38T Bottom bracket: Shimano SM-BB80 Pedals: Shimano DX PD-M647 Rims: Enve M90 Ten, 32h Front tyre: Maxxis DHR II 3C, 27.5 x 2.4in, tubeless, clipped, 29psi Rear tyre: Maxxis DHR II 3C, 27.5 x 2.4in, tubeless, 30-31psi Saddle: WTB Vigo Titanium Seatpost: Enve, 5mm offset Other accessories: MarshGuard front fender and ‘Stash’, MarshGuard number plate, titanium hardware