{"id":54022,"date":"2023-08-30T18:16:37","date_gmt":"2023-08-30T16:16:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=744261"},"modified":"2023-08-30T18:35:36","modified_gmt":"2023-08-30T16:35:36","slug":"malverns-classic-mega-tech-gallery-stunning-retro-mtbs-one-off-prototypes-and-charlie-hattons-worlds-winning-atherton-am-200","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/malverns-classic-mega-tech-gallery-stunning-retro-mtbs-one-off-prototypes-and-charlie-hattons-worlds-winning-atherton-am-200\/","title":{"rendered":"Malverns Classic mega-tech gallery | Stunning retro MTBs, one-off prototypes and Charlie Hatton\u2019s worlds-winning Atherton AM.200"},"content":{"rendered":"

All the best bikes and tech from the 2023 Malverns Classic Festival <\/p>

By Nick Clark\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 30 August 2023 at 16:16 PM<\/p>

\n\n

The Malverns Classic Festival is a staple in the UK mountain bike scene, with deep roots spreading all the way back to the 1980s.<\/p>\n

Taking place in Eastnor Deer Park, Herefordshire, the event celebrates all disciplines of mountain biking, from downhill racing<\/a> to trials, with young and old riders alike gathering for a weekend-long bonanza.<\/p>\n

That includes no shortage of tech, including rare retro bikes and the latest rigs of some of the top riders in the sport. Step forward new men\u2019s downhill world champion, Charlie Hatton.<\/p>\n

We sniffed around the festival to find the most interesting bikes and tech on show, from old classics to Hatton\u2019s recent World Championship-winning ride.<\/p>\n

Fat Chance Buck Shaver<\/h2>\n
\"Fat\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The Fat Chance Buck Shaver features a custom paint job that pays homage to some of Fat City Cycles\u2019 two-tone designs.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Fat City Cycles was at the top of its game in the 1990s, producing bikes such as the Yo Eddy<\/a> XC race bike.<\/p>\n

This Buck Shaver features the same frameset as that iconic bike, made from True Temper double-butted <\/span>chromoly tubing and with routing that sees all three cables (including the front derailleur) running along the top tube.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Suntour\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
For added bling, the bike uses a golden chain.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Originally specced with Shimano LX (which separated it from the Yo Eddy in Fat\u2019s range), the Buck Shaver on display at the Malverns uses a Suntour XC Comp derailleur with triple chainring.<\/p>\n

The bike is the passion project of Dave Broadbent who has put over 60 hours into the build so far, and is hesitant to say whether it\u2019ll ever be finished.<\/p>\n

\"USE\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
A USE handlebar with matching bar-ends is connected to the ControlTech stem.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Broadbent has given the bike a hefty dose of pink, with the crankset and ControlTech stem both paint-matched to the two-tone frameset.<\/p>\n

The fork is somewhat of a hybrid, with Answer Manitou 1 lowers and internals married to a Shocktech crown and uppers due to compatibility issues with the steerer size of the Manitou.<\/p>\n

Mavic M231 rims are married to some equally dated rubber, while dice-shaped dust caps and custom-blinged brake calipers finish off the pink theme.<\/p>\n

\"Fat\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The brake cables feature beads that say \u201cretro bike\u201d.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Tora RAD prototype<\/h2>\n
\"Tora\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Tora says it is currently working on the next prototype for the RAD design.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

From something old to something new, Tora says this new RAD prototype is based on the 1994 Sunn Radical, a bike the Tora designers longed for but could never afford when younger.<\/p>\n

With 160mm of rear travel and a 180mm fork, this is firmly in the enduro category, though the brand says it has worked hard to make the bike an all-rounder.<\/p>\n

\"Tora\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The idler pulley should reduce pedal kickback.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The RAD uses a high-pivot linkage<\/a> with an idler pulley.<\/p>\n

Tora says this is its first prototype of the RAD, and that the finished bike will feature a machined linkage as opposed to the plate-bolted design used for testing.<\/p>\n

\"Tora\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The linkage looks to give the bike a rearward axle path.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Future prototypes are also expected to test greater tyre clearance and space for a water bottle, as well as a longer shock stroke of 175mm.<\/p>\n

The bike features an array of purple-oxidised Hope components, with the brakes, discs, headset, wheels and cranks all provided by the British brand.<\/p>\n

Hope\u2019s Fortus 30 wheelset is wrapped in Maxxis High Roller II tyres, while Marzocchi takes care of suspension with a Bomber Z1 fork and Bomber Air shock.<\/p>\n

Giant ATX 990<\/h2>\n
\"Giant\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
This Giant ATX 990 took the \u00a31,000 prize in the \u2018Show and Shine\u2019 competition.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Giant ATX 990 is a bike very much associated with the legendary John Tomac in the collective memory of mountain bikers.<\/p>\n

\"Giant\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
A beautiful example of the Giant ATX 990.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This example, created by Andrew Griffiths took first place in the Gtechniq Retro Show and Shine competition, a Concours-style event in which amateurs can display their classic bikes for the chance to win prizes and, just as important, appreciation.<\/p>\n

While the bike looks like it\u2019s straight out of Giant\u2019s archive, Griffiths has gone to great lengths to create his idol\u2019s machine, even securing a unicorn of retro mountain bike tech \u2013 the Tioga Disc Drive rear wheel.<\/p>\n

\"Tioga\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The Tioga Disk Drive has been restored to its former glory.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Griffiths found the wheel in need of love and restored it with great difficulty, finding new old-stock fittings for the Kevlar cords and refining the glue compound to keep the wheel together \u2013 a process he likened to restoring an antique.<\/p>\n

The frame is from a late-90s ATX that he had to rework, retro-correcting the geometry to the steeper angle it would have featured in 1994.<\/p>\n

\"Tioga\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Fluro Magura RaceLine hydraulic rim brakes are mounted to the Tioga forks.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

There is a Tioga Showa fork with 57mm of travel at the front of the bike, while a Noleen shock controls the rear suspension.<\/p>\n

Shimano M900 XTR of the era is matched to a Tioga Revolver chromoly crankset featuring a single 54t chainring.<\/p>\n

\"Tioga\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Griffiths has gone the extra mile by colour-matching the Tioga stem to the original found on John Tomac\u2019s bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The cockpit features a 560mm Tioga DL-2001 handlebar with Powerstud bar-ends, connected to a lengthy 150mm Alchemy AL2 stem that has been powder-coated to match Tomac\u2019s bike.<\/p>\n

Griffiths says the bike was finished only a week before the competition, with the decals applied the Sunday before the bike went before the judges eyes.<\/p>\n

The Radical Bicycle Company Supacat prototype<\/h2>\n
\"Radical\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The Supacat prototype is a departure from the brand\u2019s typical creations.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Radical Bicycle Company is a Shropshire-based bike manufacturer that produces UK-built aluminium hardtails and gravel bikes.<\/p>\n

The Supacat prototype is the company\u2019s first electric mountain bike<\/a>, and a first foray into carbon manufacturing with the frameset featuring a full carbon fibre construction.<\/p>\n

\"Radical\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The Bafang M820 has a claimed weight of 2.3kg.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A Bafang M820 250w motor is paired to a 410w battery, which the brand says offers 75nm of torque. Radical says it plans on having a UK supply of motor and battery spares for servicing.<\/p>\n

The prototype is sat on Marzocchi suspension, with a 160mm Bomber Z1 at the front and a Bomber Air controlling the 150mm of rear travel through the 4-bar linkage.<\/p>\n

\"Radical\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The bike features internal cable routing that enters the frame through the headset.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The brand says the head angle is around the 64-degree mark with the seat tube at a 76.6-degree angle.<\/p>\n

Radical says the bike will be sub-20kg when it is put into production and expects the retail price to be around the \u00a35,000 mark.<\/p>\n

Charlie Hatton\u2019s Atherton Bikes AM.200<\/h2>\n
\"Charlie\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Charlie Hatton\u2019s bike features a different colourway to the muted design found on Rachel Atherton\u2019s bike at the World Championship.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Fresh from a UCI World Championship victory, British rider Charlie Hatton\u2019s Atherton AM.200 was still sporting the Fort William race plate clipped to the fork stanchions.<\/p>\n

The frame is handcrafted, with Atherton\u2019s design process<\/a> allowing for high levels of customisation in the bike\u2019s geometry, as the carbon tubes can made to measure for the 3D-printed titanium lugs.<\/p>\n

\"Charlie\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Atherton claims one printed lug takes between 15 and 18 hours to produce.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Hatton\u2019s bike features a number of neat little details, with a Union Jack formed into the titanium lug connecting the top tube and seat tube, while his mechanic Ben Oakeley\u2019s name is featured next to this on the carbon top tube.<\/p>\n

That just shows how much value Hatton places in a top-class race mechanic.<\/p>\n

\"Charlie\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The O-Chain device is married to an FSA Gradient crankset.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The bike features an O-Chain used on the crankset to reduce pedal kickback when the suspension compresses.<\/p>\n

The device uses polymer inserts to allow the chainring to rotate under load and is said to keep the bike composed on big hits.<\/p>\n

\"Charlie\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Custom spoke tension markings remain written on Hatton\u2019s bike from Fort William.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The AM.200 runs on a mullet wheel setup<\/a>, and being sponsored by Continental, Hatton\u2019s bike features Kryptotal tyres.<\/p>\n

A Fox Factory 40 fork supports the front of the AM.200 while a Fox Factory X2 coil shock controls the 200mm of rear suspension travel, provided by the Dave Weagle-designed 6-bar linkage.<\/p>\n

Matt Jones\u2019 Marin Rift Zone<\/h2>\n
\"Matt\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Matt Jones\u2019 Marin Rift Zone.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Matt Jones is one of the familiar faces at the festival, this time finding himself drenched after taking part somewhat unsuccessfully in the Lake Race.<\/p>\n

He brought along his Marin Rift Zone to compete in the downhill event.<\/p>\n

\"Ohlins\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The RXF 36 m.2 is the second-generation \u00d6hlins fork based on the Fox 36 chassis.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

\u00d6hlins takes care of the suspension, with a RXF 36 m.2 fork and, out back, TTX 2 rear shock looking after the 130mm of rear travel.<\/p>\n

The bike rolls on a blacked-out 29in Halo wheelset wrapped in 2.5in Goodyear tyres, with an MTF front and MTR rear.<\/p>\n

\"Gusset\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Jones\u2019 signature Gusset saddle features on top of a PNW dropper post.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A Shimano XTR groupset is used, including the four-pot Trail brakes, although an FSA Comet crankset is used at the centre of the bike.<\/p>\n

GT Xizang<\/h2>\n
\"GT\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The frame stands to prove that bare metal doesn\u2019t age.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The GT Xizang represents a time in history when the thirst for lightweight could only be quenched by that rarest of frame materials \u2013 titanium.<\/p>\n

The Xizang used GT\u2019s famous triple-triangle frame design, which in theory made the rear triangle more complaint by mounting the seat stays to the top tube.<\/p>\n

This example spotted at the festival features a full Shimano XTR groupset, with a triple crankset and cantilever brakes to match.<\/p>\n

\"GT\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The cockpit features a Thompson stem and Titec handlebar.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A black Chris King headset adds understated bling to the front of the bike, below which a period-correct RockShox SID is mounted.<\/p>\n

The bike also features suitably-dated rubber in the form of green and tan Michelin Wildgripper tyres wrapped around Mavic X517 ceramic rims.<\/p>\n

Tiny Rock Master-S Carbon Enduro 24in<\/h2>\n
\"Tiny\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
This Master-S Carbon is the brand\u2019s top-of-the-range frame.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Tiny Rock produces full -uspension mountain bikes for kids, with bikes starting at a 20in wheel size<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The US brand displayed this 24in carbon enduro bike at the Malvern Classic \u2013 a bike that would make any young shredder\u2019s wish list.<\/p>\n

Tiny Rock says the bike is designed for riders roughly between the ages of seven and 12, with the frame featuring a 65-degree head angle and 76-degree seat tube angle.<\/p>\n

\"Tiny\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
A mixture of SRAM components makes up the drivetrain.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A SRAM drivetrain, including an NX rear derailleur and SX crankset, is used to shift gears, while single-caliper Shimano hydraulic brakes take care of stopping.<\/p>\n

The bike also features premium tyres in the form of a Maxxis DHF on the front and a DHR II on the rear.<\/p>\n

\"Tiny\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The X-Fusion 02 Pro features rebound adjustment and a lockout.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Suspension is taken care of by an X-fusion 02 Pro rear shock, which provides support for the 120mm of rear travel, while a 120mm Manitou fork features at the front.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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