Bike Check: Grant Usher’s Custom Trek Top Fuel
Grant Usher has been racing and tinkering with bikes since those early days of elastomer forks, 3 x drivetrains, and sketchy geometry. A prolific endurance rider, he has a fair share of incredible stories, insights and advice on bike racing and equipment choices to offer.
These days he operates an experience-centric bike store Sprocket and Jack located near Jozi’s Greenbelt. They offer custom builds, suspension services, more regular over-the-counter bike goods and a chilled vibe. This is Grant’s current ride:
BN: What’s on your bike yet not easily available in South Africa?
Well, it had a Shimano XTR12s Rear derailleur on but we needed it for a customer so before riding it we put a SLX one on and it hasn’t missed a beat!
BN: If you sold the bike, what component would you keep for your next bike?
The brakes and I-Spec integrated dropper lever, the ergonomics of the lever are the best I’ve used and I love the positive feel and modulation of the new generation brakes. Also my custom cut-down twist-loc lockout. The standard one is too wide and rigid in the hand.
BN: What surprises you the most about this bike?
It’s versatility. It is now my only mountain bike which will handle week-long stage races and my Enduro riding or events. The 120mm travel is the sweet spot for a one-bike-for-all-option and the mino-link flip-chip helps change its personality just a little for the application, along with some rubber swap-outs. It’s light enough, but also capable enough for what I throw at it, at the speed/manner in which I ride.
BN: Any imminent component upgrades?
Always had the XTR Rear derailleur on the list but after using the SLX it’s definitely not a necessity.
BN: What do you enjoy the most about this bike?
It doesn’t take much thought as to which mountain bike to take out the garage to make sure you maximise the bike-to-trail conundrum that comes from multiple bikes.
Thanks for showing us your rig Grant!
| IMAGES: Dom Barnardt |