Downhill bikes are the cutting edge of speed, strength and development in mountain biking, each year seeing leaps in performance to assist brave riders in going inconceivably fast on some of the gnarliest tracks in the world. With development, times that riders can achieve have tumbled due to increased speed, better traction, more advanced suspension and more manageable geometry. There is one thing that has stayed constant though, the mantra, 'it's the rider, not the bike' and Rachel Atherton's ability to stand on the top step over the years, regardless of the bike, is a testament to that!

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⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️
00:00 - Rachel Atherton's Junior World Champs 2005 Giant DH Team
02:03 - Charlie Hatton's World Champs 2023 Atherton AM200
05:05 - How Downhill Bikes Have Changed With Rachel Atherton
14:07 - Where Will Bike Design Go In The Future?

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Thanks to Rachel Atherton for giving us time for the interview and for allowing us to get up close and personal with her 05 Giant and Charlie's 23 Atherton! Would you prefer a downhill bike of the past, present or future?

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Midnight Mood - Far Orange
uft - TAGE
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Deadly Like That (Instrumental Version) - Ash Sculptures
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Security Breach - Jon Sumner
Spider Juice - Jon Sumner
Urban Cure - Anthony Earls
Zero Remorse - Jon Sumner

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📸 Photos - © UCI Mountain Bike World Series / Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency

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