News: Specialized Gwins Him Over

[BM-Seb Kemp]

Yup, it's true: Specialized has signed America's most successful downhill racer to their squad. Here's the story.

News: Specialized Gwins Him Over

[Hacktastic]

Any more details on how his deal with Trek went down? I thought there were press releases about him signing a 3-year deal with them already.

[boylagz]

Also if the whole factory team will run the same components as last or will it be Shimano/Fox...

[project_d]

The press release said they will support him with frames and tires. The way they wrote that, it sounds like he can ride whatever suspension, drivetrain, brakes, etc. he wants. But...we'll see.

[General Lee]

The press release said they will support him with frames and tires. The way they wrote that, it sounds like he can ride whatever suspension, drivetrain, brakes, etc. he wants. But...we'll see.

Well, other than a seat there isn't much else Specialized can supply him with. As for components, you'll just have to wait and see. 'The way they wrote that' is because Specialized isn't going to to write a press release for sram or fox, it doesn't imply anything. Lot's more info is on the way...

[daisycutter]

This explains why Sam Hill left. Specialized made an upgrade.

[rayhaan]

Interesting read from the Trek World Racing team, Martin Whiteley in particular.

http://factoryjackson.com/2013/01/08.../#.UOvmxXea9jw

[General Lee]

This explains why Sam Hill left. Specialized made an upgrade.

From the time frame and the reaction, it's safe to assume this was likely the result of Sam's move not the cause.

[The Mad Haderer]

fox shirt and redbull hat on the press release...seems like the only logical conclusion is that Shimano and Fox will stay on board with him but i wonder if troy and mitch will stay with the sram tent. Wasnt Troy on the blackbox program before he got hurt?

[Mo(n)arch]

Yes, he was.
I am pretty sure specialized will start a factory team and every rider can run his own energy drink.
But they will swap the compnonents out.

[Konabumm]

Interesting read from the Trek World Racing team, Martin Whiteley in particular.

http://factoryjackson.com/2013/01/08.../#.UOvmxXea9jw

Sounds like a super dick move on AG part.

[General Lee]

Sounds like a super dick move on AG part.

Compared to the strikes, lockouts, free-agency, in-fighting, fist-fighting, back stabbing, gun slinging, wife swapping, clandestine doping operations, and corruption that we're used to in other ball, stick, and moto sports. . . . well sh*t, DH mountain biking almost felt legit for a second or two. Almost.

[jonKranked]

From the time frame and the reaction, it's safe to assume this was likely the result of Sam's move not the cause.

is it a safe assumption? or did derpalized just want a better ROI from their top (paid) dh racer?

[General Lee]

is it a safe assumption? or did derpalized just want a better ROI from their top (paid) dh racer?

Would be hard to get much better really.

Or just winning the perpetual pissing match with the growing Trek team, against whom they were about to be at a serious disadvantage.

[EVIL JN]

Yeah i think Specialized have had a better ROI with Sam than Trek from Gwin. Some of the pay has to be variable due to results and since Sam hasnt raced most of the time i think demo sales/salary is way higher than session sales/salary. Considering that Sean sounded a little upset about Sam leaving i suspect Sam was the biggest cause behind these events