Sea Otter ’11: Challenge Tubulars

The Challenge MTB-One tubulars use a low profile tread, which Weighall says rolls quick but bites plenty hard for the Sea Otter course. Photo: Caley Fretz

Weighall usually runs 25 to 29psi in his Specialized Renegade tubeless tires, but was able to run around 20psi in these Challenge MTB One tubulars. Photo: Caley Fretz

The MTB One measures out to just a hair under a true 2.0, and has a nice round casing that should help cornering. Weighall said they worked very well on an off-camber section of the short track course. Photo: Caley Fretz

Nick Weighall of the Cal Giant/Specialized MTB team checks over his Challenge MTB One rear tubular after Friday's pro short track race, while teammate Cody Kaiser looks on. Photo: Caley Fretz

The Cal Giant MTB squad used Challenge's MTB One tubular for the first time in competition in Friday's short track. Reynolds supplies the mountain-specific carbon tubular rims. Photo: Caley Fretz

The S-Works Epic comes with shimano crank arms mated to a custom SRAM XX spider and rings, in 2x10 of course. Weighall ran the stock 39/26 rings. Photo: Caley Fretz

Specialized uses a tapered 1.125" to 1.5" head tube and tuned inertia valve in their Futureshock. Photo: Caley Fretz

Specialized uses a 142+ dropout for added stiffness, and Weighal has dropped his rear rotor down to a 140mm. Photo: Caley Fretz

Nick Weighall has had more than a few succesful rides aboard his Specialized cross bike, and hopes to translate that into success on the mountain bike circuit. Photo: Caley Fretz