Does James have a crystal ball, or just a good intuition? When James asked us for one of our super light cross-country wheelsets at the end of 2019, we were a bit surprised. So far we had only seen him training on his enduro and road bike. Now we know that building up his shreddable XC bike was a great decision. This way James was able to continue his training during two months of lockdown, quickly pedalling to the trails 12 kilometres away and experiencing known territory with new eyes due to way less travel.

This bike basically saved my lockdown! For about two months we weren’t allowed to drive in Scotland other than for essential shopping which meant all my rides had to start from home. I live about 12 kilometers from any proper trails so my Rose Thrill Hill became the obvious weapon of choice.

Specifications

Compared to my Enduro bike, which I would usually ride, it’s obviously so much lighter and rolls way faster. It carries speed so well that I actually enjoy riding across bits of countryside on flatter terrain. Who knew xc could be so much fun!?

Once at the trails, this thing rips. With a short stem and the same 780 mm wide bars as on my ‘normal’ bike I feel confident to shred anything except for the very steepest of trails.

I think running grippy 2.3” minion tyres with sturdy side edges really helps too. They are heavier than normal xc tyres but my carbon wheels compensate for that surplus rubber.

More than anything, I’m surprised how playful this bike is. I used to have a racey carbon hardtail and that thing just shook me to bits. On the Thrill Hill I’m finding all kinds of natural doubles and little lips to pop off.

This lockdown experience has been strange for everyone but I’m sure we’ve all managed to experience some new things out of it too... The glass is always half full. Keep on shredding!