We're stoked to announce that longtime Knolly rider, Stephen Fenner, is our new UK GSR Race Manager. Learn more about Stephen, his team update and check out his new bike check below!
UK Team Update
Stephen's from Seaford (East Sussex, UK) and has been riding and racing MTB for the last 10 years! It's taken him on some epic adventures and he's met some amazing people along the way. This will be his fourth year riding for Knolly and he's taken on a new role as the UK Team Manager (UK Collective). He's got some great athletes on the 2023 team and is still looking to expand. Be sure to come over and say hi if you see the team at their local races or bike parks.
2023 UK Team Riders:
He's stoked to have these riders back with the Collective! He's still taking applications for Ambassadors and Regional riders. If you want to ride for a sick brand like Knolly and represent in the UK, please get in touch with him via IG or email: knollyukcollective@gmail.com.
This year they'll be individually and/or the team will be racing the Southern Enduro Champs, Southern Enduro Rounds, ArdRock Enduro, and Vallet Enduro. If you find their tent, be sure to connect with them. Each rider may be doing a few additional local and regional races too. Along with racing you'll see them riding their favourite spots, from Wales, Surrey to the Peak District.
Stephen's Chilcotin Bike Check
Lives: Seaford, East Sussex, UK
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails:
I'm lucky to live right next to a great network of trails at Friston Forest, ranging from flowy single track to some short but fast DH tracks. The bike community is becoming bigger here, especially with the start of a new bike shop, Cuckmere Cycles based at the foot of the trails. The hope is to start to create a MTB hub for riders to start/end their rides. My favourite trails include: 'X-Files' is the OG of DH tracks and 'Double Drop' (probably has another name by the builders) is my other top choice. It’s a steep, fast track with two drops into catch berms!
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
I prefer the off-piste, natural type of terrain over big bike park jumps. You can't beat the feeling of getting down a gnarly, steep off piste track! This will be my go to bike for big mountain laps and gnarly decents, along with races.
What model and colour?: Chilcotin 167, limited edition colour Teal. This colour is dope!
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I'm 5ft8" (1.72m) but I have annoyingly short legs and arms! I'm running a medium which fits perfectly. I definitely couldn't go any bigger. I do roll my bars back an extra degree to shorten the reach just a bit to find that sweet spot.
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
I'm running the GX build kit on this bike which I'm loving. Never used Magura before but I'm impressed with the power and modulation they provide. I've made some changes to the bike. I've cut down the bars to 760mm, I've changed the grips to ODI Elite Pro (best grips on the market in my opinion), riding for Vee Tires allows me to ride some very impressive tires; front Snap WCE Gravity Top 40 compound, rear Flow Snap Tackee Compound. I've changed out the shock for a Cane Creek Kitsuma coil - love how easy it is to tune. I will be mulleting the bike very soon, and changing the shock out for a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate with the MegNeg upgrade!
What do you love about your new bike?
Well obviously you have to love the colour! But it's the way it makes the fast chattery sections near smooth. Taking a little bit to get used to, but who doesn't like more speed! Plus climbing is a beast with the bigger wheels.
