BIKE CHECK: Bec and Dan McConnell's Olympic Mondraker F-Podium bikes
What bikes do Bec and Dan McConnell use at the Tokyo Olympics? We took a closer look at their Mondraker F-Podiums.
Photos: David Simo
The Tokyo Olympics have started, and the mountain bike race looks set to be hot! We've already taken a look at who the favourites for medals might be at the race in Izu, Japan. So let's take a look at the bikes that Australians Bec McConnell and Dan McConnell are riding.
The course in Izu is chock full of built features, with huge boulders jammed into janky piles in the forest, and out in the open areas as well. There are numerous line choices, and riders have had to get to terms with the course in just a couple of days, with limited access to the track for a track walk and then practice.
Full suspension bikes are the norm, but not exclusively, with some riders opting for a hardtail with a dropper post. While Bec and Dan McConnell did travel to Japan with both their hardtails and their full-suspension bikes, we took a closer look at their Mondraker F-Podium full-suspension bikes, which seem like their likely choice come race day on the 26/7 for Dan and 27/7 for Bec.
Bec McConnell's Mondraker F-Podium – Olympic Special
While Bec McConnell is often seen racing on a Mondraker F-Podium, this one has had a special paint job for the Olympics.
Frame: Mondraker F-Podium, Size Small, 100mm travel
Shock: RockShox SIDluxe, 126psi
Fork: RockShox Sid SL, 100mm. 0 tokens, 68psi
Shifter: SRAM AXS
Derailleur: SRAM AXS
Crank: SRAM XX1 30/32T (Tokyo specific for the speediness) 170mm
Cassette: Both 10-50 and 10-52 on hand.
Wheels: Progress GP01 33mm External 27mm internal
Tyres:
Front: Maxxis Aspen 2.25 EXO 170 TPI 17psi with 70ml X-sauce sealant
Rear Maxxis Aspen 2.25 EXO 170 TPI 19psi 70ml X-Sauce sealant
Tyres may change if the weather turns and it is wet.
Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate, 160mm rotors
Stem: OnOff 80mm -17
Handlebars: OnOff Helium 620mm flipped
Seatpost: SRAM AXS
Bec has fitted ESI Plus grips as a specific change for the course in Izu, Japan. YOu can see she has a remote dropper button next to her right hand grip, and the blip box below the stem to actuate the AXS dropper post.
This will be one racey weapon, suitable for the technical course at the Olympics. There's no wild changes for Bec for the race, which is ideal for any athlete.
Dan McConnell's Mondraker F-Podium – Olympic Special
Dan's on the same setup as Bec, sort of. There are a few notable changes, like the 120mm travel forks.
Frame: Mondraker F-Podium, Size Small, 100mm travel
Shock: RochShox SIDluxe, 100mm, 160psi, 12 clicks
Fork: RockShox SID SL 120, 1 Token, 72psi, 14 Clicks
Shock: SRAM AXS
Derailleur: SRAM AXS
Crank: SRAM XX1 34T (Tokyo specific for the speediness) 175mm
Cassette: 10-50 or 10-52 will be dependant on race day conditions.
Wheels: Progress GP01 33mm External 27mm internal
Tyres:
Front: Maxxis Aspen 2.4 EXO 170 TPI 16psi with 70ml X-sauce sealant
Rear: Maxxis Aspen 2.25 EXO 170 TPI 20psi 60ml X-Sauce sealant
Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate, 160mm rotors
Stem: OnOff 100mm -17
Handlebars: OnOff Helium 700mm, flipped
Seatpost: SRAM AXS
Just like Bec's bike, Dan has the handlebars flipped to reduce the ever so slight rise from where the bars narrow from the clamp. He also has an AXS blip for the dropper against his right hand grip, leaving the left side for a dual-remote lock out.
