The sharp and angular forms well denote the craftsmanship of this thoroughbred racing soul. The Zerode G-1 comes from a natural evolution of bikes designed in the last ten years Rob Metz. Earlier models of the birth mark Zerode have never been marketed, but if you take a tour around the web you will find a lot’ of interesting stuff. The G-1 is the first of the bikes made by Metz to be sold throughout the world. The frames G-1 are built in factories Portland (United States) and finished, painted and assembled by hand in New Zealand.
For a couple of weeks we have had in drawing a fine specimen of G-1 can scramble at will. We went for a walk up and down the Sicily together with our tester David Camedda and decided, Having regard to the scope of the medium, to test it properly on technical tracks Chiaramonte Gulfi. Routes known to the Sicilian rider for angular rocks, the slopes and at times very marked steps "broken wrist". In short, the ideal spot for beating up 235mm of travel of G-1. Check out the video!
The frame made of aluminum weighs 5.44 kg with shock and change. Oversized pipes, head tube an inch and a half, bracket by 83mm, 150x12mm rear abutment screws and titanium are just some of the features with which it presents G-1. If there were a dual crown and a dramatic shock to the center lines of a hardtail design rimanderebbero from dirt. Despite the complexity of the transmission and the schema of the suspension Zerode has an essential, clean and elegant. Sloping accentuato, in line with the top tube and chainstays sleeve top parallel to the ground.
The shock absorber is pivoted to the front triangle in the lower part of the down tube. The latter is shaped to allow the housing to ypsilon dell'ammo. Directly above the ammo we find the change Shimano Alfine which is responsible for managing relationships.
The geometries are dh race, although clearly influenced by the type of suspension. Steering angle from 64.5 °, saddle angle of 71 ° and 422mm Chainstay. The G-1 is available in sizes small and large. Given that this is a handmade product waiting times are of about thirty days. The frameset includes a change Shimano Alfine with jackknife, the rear axle, the tensioner, the Fox DHX RC4 Kashima and the carbon guard dell'ammo. All for a retail price of 2950 €.
Know the beast – Come funziona la G1
Clearly inspired by fellow New Zealander Lava, the Zerode G-1 inherits many interesting technical solutions. The first detail that attracts attention is the transmission system with transmission chain. This system, compared to the usual chain transmission with direct derailleur, holds several advantages. The main one is that it allows designers to choose where to best place the main pivot of the suspension, without worrying about the consequences this would have on the transmission, because the pinion housing referral near dell'infulcro is practically reduced to zero each mutual interference between the suspension and transmission.
This fact has allowed them to raise considerably the pivot point of the wagon G-1, going to establish a trajectory that moves back wheel during the excursion (backward), bringing the advantage of a suspension that compared to the average will be much less affected by “hang up”, namely the problem of losing speed at the moment in which raking bumps on the rear wheel caused by obstacles of a significant size or holes with edge to edge. Moreover, the neutrality thus obtained suspension and transmission means between zero oscillation of the suspension under the effect of pedaling (bob) and drastic reduction of pedal kickback.
Another advantage of this particular transmission system is to allow the positioning of a change system integrated inside the frame. On Zerode was adopted a Shimano Alfine, hub with integrated gear for use “city-bike” provided with 8 reports, that with a crown 32 teeth covering approximately the same range of a cassette 11-34, also allowing to change without pedaling or under stress. A front and a reduced size in the central area of the frame, This solution will remove the case from the weight change and unsprung mass of the rear wheel, bringing benefits to the operation of the suspension and in general to balance the weight.
The suspension is a monocross assisted linkage with fully pull system mounted on sealed bearings. The wagon, actuated by the movement of the wheel, drag the lower rod, which in turn pulls the rocker rod which drives the shock.
The geometry of the chassis have special units that seem not in line with current standards, but add that the particular location of the main pivot in place a strong influence on the shares sag, increasing in length that is Chainstay wheelbase and decreasing the degrees of the steering angle.
It 'well known that the extreme sensitivity initial, classical systems pull, leads to a suspension too soft in the area of sag. Many riders prefer the spring and then harder than that recommended by reason of their weight. We ourselves have used a 500lb rather than that recommended by the house to 450lb, and perhaps we could venture a little’ more since the suspension has been fairly smooth.
Riding it! - Field Tests
A bike like the Zerode G-1 requires a different approach than most traditional downhill bike. The gearbox is quiet beyond belief, it happens sometimes wonder if he's really working. The fact of not hearing the noise of the chain that falls on the pinion creates a feeling of comfort and reliability. Fluency and accuracy are the notes that sound the Shimano Alfine. Even under stress by pushing on the pedals we have never perceived a lack of transmission. The position of the chain parallel to the sleeve up and the tensioner on the right side of the hub makes the bike extremely quiet, also on punishing routes with rocks and roots.
The fact that the weight is for the most part placed in the center of the bike plays a decisive role. The G-1 flows wonderfully! Just a very balanced weight allows a firm response when you push on the pedal and change direction. The friction of the ground seems to fade away under the wheels.
Sensational the shock Fox DHX RC4 Kashima Coat with striking sensitivity and ability to absorb shocks. The system will pull the wheels of the paste G-1 to the soil, seems to be on track. The Zerode reminded us of the first sensations experienced on board the Sunday a few years ago. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, no matter what's in the middle. The G-1 Driving is so, eating rocks, rocks and roots. In a nutshell “Sam Hill style”!
Fast and smooth on the bike technician can maintain high speed even in situations where normally you would be inclined to pull the brakes. The G-1 squirts between the asperities giving a strong sense of acceleration. Even on the trail fast and compact the bike behaves very well, in maintaining impeccably precise trajectories. We noticed a few’ of loss of adhesion, in some circumstances, only because of the tires mounted (Kenda Mucus 2.35 DTC front and Kenda Blue Groove 2.35 DTC rear). It may not be suitable for most of the covers have to navigate the rocks and wet roots, at least not so hard compound.
In turn, the feeling is always the same, grip and stability even on uneven excavated and broken. Certainly the bike is not a featherweight, and the direct consequence is that it takes some athletic throttle to keep it constantly. The suspension is very sensitive to small bumps, is typical of pull systems, and at the same time gradually over jumps and drop (to catch a ride back the blow must be truly remarkable). However, to achieve a balanced outcome on the setting you have to fiddle around a little dell'ammo. The risk would be to keep the suspension too soft during sag with the consequence of making the bike a bit’ more lazy and have a slight effect from the wall 60% of the stroke in then.
The test bike was equipped with a Marzocchi 888 RC3 Evo. A good choice as regards operation and reliability, but not the most apt for what concerns the weight. Three more pounds and the fork are made to feel a little’ too much on the overall driveability of the bike. On G-1, which makes its lightweight strength, would be more correct mount a fork lighter air which allows to achieve a final weight between the 17 and 18 chili. What is even more true if you want to give half a setting racing. Excellent performance of wheels (Proton XD 280) and crankset Protons, lightness and maximum reliability. For the less delicate, however, the rays DT Swiss double thickness 2.0-1.8 might be a little’ too thin, even if it remains the recommended choice for use race.
The setting was a little shock’ intricate, especially in the regulation of compression and preload. This is because the position dell'ammo and carbon protection necessary to prevent damage caused by collisions with rocks and similar. It is not possible to reach easily the double adjustment of the compression and that of the preload. A different as regards return and bottom out. In the lower part of the protection carbon absorber is mounted on two teflon rings anchored to the mounting sleeves dell'ammo, at the top instead of two clamps retain the solid to the frame. Some adjustments have been necesario then remove the carbon guard. Some riders prefer not to use this protection, but we can assure you that there is a surplus (look at the picture below). If you want to make adjustments on the run directly on the bike path and try, What sometimes necessary for the initial setup, you have to do some downhill without the protection dell'ammo.
The Zerode G-1 is certainly a medium that can give you much satisfaction. The assembly needs to be carefully chosen. The 5.44 kg of the frame does not make sure a butterfly, although it must be said that already inside you and change the chain and you will not have any need to mount chain guide and bash, However, save as many programs on the components is the wisest choice for maximum performance. Would be interesting to dwell on a life test to understand how the work of the suspension affects the tightness of the loops of reduction given the particularities of the kinematic (check out the second video).
If you are a real dhiller and see the clock as your greatest enemy, if the races are your daily bread in your exits and if boater performance and speed, then G-1 is the bike for you. Remember well that a bike is really excellent, but that goes for tour and set well (like all the rest of the bike) and do not go too heavy with the assembly. The G-1 is a means for people who want straight lines and race performance. If you are passing by Finale Ligure do not hesitate to contact ElicaRRideche, in addition to providing the service on the routes of the ski lifts, will give you the opportunity to personally test a Zerode G-1. Thanks again Elica-Rride Distribution that made possible this test.
For more information visit zerode.co.nz.
