Downamics

31/08/2026

Using today to set a new PB.
This isn't a sponsored post, just a genuine appreciation of a very useful tool.

Previously my best on this track was a 47.91 (the top video in the split screen). I went up and did a 48.02 today and thought this might have been the best I could do today.
I reviewed the footage from that run and put it in the RaceCraft Labs app. Synchronising the start, finish and splits is easy and quick and I was then able to identify 2 areas in sector 3 where I could make improvements and then carry more speed in sector 4.
I went back up, visualised my run and where I would make improvements, including the first 2 sectors and when for it.
The run felt good, I executed all the improvements I wanted to make and the time was a 47.15. This is a 0.76 second (1.61%) improvement On the previous PB.
This is the bottom run on the split screen.

Not bad considering I thought the conditions were what was going to limit my performance today. After analysing the new PB run, there is still time left on track with some over braking and line adjustments but that's for another day.

Although not data in terms of sensors and numbers from the bike, video is still a valid source of data and an incredibly powerful one....that, and a style "Don't be bitch" comment to myself before dropping in.

If you haven't already, give a try for timing your runs. It's much easier than a Free Lap system and encourages the use of action cameras for "logging" runs.

28/08/2026

DATA DRIVEN DESCENTS UPDATE

I've had some very patient people ask where the book is and is there an update on it, so here it is.

I have the 2nd proof copy which has been printed on higher quality paper and a gloss hardback cover.
The original proof copy has a matte cover and different weight and finish of paper.
The thicker paper feels higher quality and prints better than the other stock which makes that choice easy. But it would be good to hear what finish you'd like the cover in. Matte or gloss?

The 2nd proof has an additional 26 pages of material (486 pages) over the original proof, but the current version of the book is at 517 pages. The book is in the final stages of editing l, which is a process that has taken much longer than I expected. However, each stage of editing has improved the quality of the book by a huge amount. Once the final part of the book has been edited, there will be one more proof reading pass, and barring any exceptional rewrites, it should then be ready to release.
The foreword from Nigel is also in there now which really helps it feels more complete.

I want to give a massive thank you to all those who have pre-ordered a copy, of which there are 168 of you. This has blown me away because I remember when I opened pre-orders that I would've been stoked with 10 😂

It's very close now and I'm really pushing to get it over the line and out to you. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous as I've put everything into this. Having never done anything like this before, I'm very excited to see the feedback and get opinions and thoughts from everyone.

Pre-orders are still open so if you haven't ordered a copy yet then head to datadrivendescents.com to get hold of one when it's released. Link is also in the bio.

25/08/2026

A solid week in Morzine giving the FRP01 build a good shake down and performance benchmarking.
It was brilliant to be able to run a brand new set of Dorado Experts on the bike alongside the tuned and optimised pair on the Gamux Sego - the current bar for Factory Race Programme performance.
To see that bike and fork go on to win in Les Gets was very special.
I can't thank Manitou enough for the support!
Back to reality now, more suspension servicing and book editing.
Update on the book coming soon!

18/08/2026

How I tighten axles and punch bolts on my Dorado.

It might seem like an obvious process but there steps you can do which allows the fork to be better aligned and as a result, perform better.

The important step of tightening the floating side pinch bolts while the fork is compressed, allows the leg to move into its natural position on the axle. Then tightening the pinch bolts secures it in that location.

Easy!

18/08/2026

01/08/2026

Same bike. Same track. Same rider. Same day. Back-to-back runs.

The chassis compliance fingerprint barely moves across five of six structural paths. One segment tells a different story between runs, which is exactly the kind of signal we're here to find.

You can imagine how powerful a tool like this can be when developing a new chassis, changing components or validating what the rider feels on track, to name a few examples.

Data acquisition in mountain biking has typically been about suspension. Spring rates, damping velocities, travel used etc, which is all crucial information. However, we're using it to profile the chassis itself, the structure the suspension bolts into.
This is just one of a very comprehensive collection of custom tools used to analyse the bike in the real-world.

This is what data-driven descents looks like at the track.

30/07/2026

FRP01 -Phase 2
FRP01 is the first bike that's been built using all the learnings from various other iterations of the Factory Race Programme philosophy.

All the primary linkage optimisation work has been completed a d benchmarked.
Over 400 measurements taken, documenting the status as received through to this current state.

Current spec:
Supreme v5 large.
EXT Vaia fork with crowns.
Cane Creek Kitsuma air shock/EXT Arma V3 coil shock with custom hardware.
Flux carbon wheels with Sidekick hubs.
Continental Kryptotal tyres. mtb Advocate brakes and rotors.
green brake pads.
drive train.
I-beam seat and seatpost.
bars.
Elite Pro lock on grips.
On Off 20mm stem.
±6mm reach adjust headset.
pedals.
Custom cable routing solution.

Time for a shake down before France.

26/07/2026

Brilliant day setting up Steve's race rig at Forest of Dean.
Spring rates give the optimal dynamic sag, with damping changes that improve the bike's ability to track the ground. This resulted in better grip consistency and traction, improving chassis stability and increasing rider confidence.

Data driven methods, with focused rider feedback and video analysis provide all the context needed for an effective Plan, Do, Check, Act feedback loop results in efficient progress and effective changes.

23/07/2026

Suspension servicing has been keeping me very busy recently.
August is getting very booked up with testing, world cup work and servicing so get in touch sooner rather than later to get booked in.

12/07/2026

Analysing video can give more context to rider feedback as well as data.

There is a lot you can learn from a short clip like this on a seemingly innocuous section of track. There are visual clues that aid in understanding:
- suspension performance
- chassis dynamics and compliance
- tyre compliance
- rider inputs and weight distribution
- line choice
- terrain (surface material, track evolution, grip factors)
- environmental contributions
- key factors contributing towards mechanical failure or a crash

Knowing how to spot these clues and intpret them as well as correlate with rider feedback and/or data is very useful.

Clips aren't just for the Gram!

Congrats to for an outstanding run in Andorra!