Stinking Hot Rumours
I probably shouldn't...
Words by Cam McRae. Photos by Cam McRae.
Date: 2008-09-25
I try to be careful. I hear quite a few rumours and a lot of them I dismiss while others I file for later. Then there are the solid tales from riders in the know that I want to share RFN - because I realize the source is legit and the news is for real. There are a list of reasons as long as Steve Peat's arm why I can't share most of them when I hear them. It's often a matter of trust; if I spewed, it wouldn't be long before I stopped hearing the news. The fruit is ripe now though and it's time to serve the juice.
Could this be Sam Hill's bicycle for 2009? Absolutely maybe.
The word is that Sam Hill can't come out and say it, or he'll lose a portion of his wage, but all signs point to him riding a Specialized Demo 8 for 2009. In fact the bike you see above had Monster Energy stickers on it for some time before someone figured that was a bad idea. I ask you who else would be riding a SRAM/Rock Shox Black Box equipped Demo 8 with a World Champion decal on the chainstay? Anyone..? 
Are those rainbow stripes? Paging Mr. Hill..Mr. Sam Hill...
"I'm not gay, I just like world champions."
The other news item is one I've been hearing for months but I've had to bite my tongue. Has anyone else thought it's a bit strange that Thomas Vanderham has been without a bike sponsor for months and months? The Kid is one of the sickest riders on the planet - and he's got legions of fans who will have you spitting out teeth if you say otherwise. I had heard he was going to be riding for a 'Northwest' brand, and a new one at that. In fact I had it spelled out for me in plain English as well. I'm done with riddles. After dividing his time between a Cove frame and an Ironhorse Sunday, Thomas will be throwing his hat in with the re-birth of Dave Weagle's former brand; Evil Bikes. I've heard brand manager rumours as well but that is one step of speculation too far. And has anyone heard about some guy named Lance? No official announcement has been made about either of these tales but the sources are beyond repute - so let's call them definitely maybe.
Some riders have a dedication to speed that no follicle can withstand. Three amigos built for speed, left to right: Chris Gagan of Fox Riders Co., Mark Weir of One Millon Vert per year and Forrest Arakwawa from MTBR.
There are also some tall tales about the Athertons switching teams - after a ridiculously successful season. That's one we'll have to wait for though since negotiations are continuing. Odds are good they will stay with their current combo of Fox/Animal/Commencal. If other news drops into my lap I'll squeal like Ned Beatty in Deliverance.
If you've got anything to say about this or any requests pipe up here on our Shore Forum - or here in the Article Discussion thread where unregistered users can post their comments.
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