I Like Klunking !

[The Ken]

I think they are slower now because the world cup courses have gotten harder, there are more jumps, rock gardens etc to slow them down, gone are the days of racing with a 50+ chainring and fire road. The bikes have adapted to suit the modern course and gearing is lower because higher speeds don't have time to develop.

 

[GoldenEraMTB]

So what's the real reason guys are slower today with the high tech bikes?

No one works on it as hard as a bunch of fanatical riders with time on their hands did.

The fastest rides took place when the races were frequent. We got a lot of practice on the course, found where there were seconds to be had, and memorized what was around all the blind turns. For example, we found that a fast start over the first 200 yards of slight uphill made a huge difference farther down the course. Gary swears he took off on the record ride with a strong tailwind.

Jimmy Deaton, who won the last two races, rode a smoking time on his first look, around 4:40 if I recall. His bike was a rigid 24" converted BMX. Marla Streb has been under 4:50 on FS, the fastest woman down the hill.

Sit and watch the second hand on a clock make five revolutions. That's a long time to be at your limit.

Good point, and I agree, the main reason. I'll check that out. Thanks.