R & D for 500, Alex.

Kovarik's M5
Rennies V10
Fairclough's RN01

Following in the footsteps of Dave Smith and the other goofballs from Idaho here are some pics from the pits of Vigo. The main thing these bikes all have in common are that they are new, lighter versions of their predecessors. The Intense M3 is now the M5, more stand over height a reduction in frame weight and a slightly shorter wheelbase. Ditto for the new Santa Cruz V10, with the addition of carbon links and a cleaner dropout. As for “bicicleta misteriosa” known as the Honda Rn01, there is increased stand over, slightly thinner swing arm and a slimmed down Showa fork.
These prototypes show the desire to refine a product and the testing that these athletes perform is an integral part of the R & D process.
That is “Research and Development” not “Ride and Die”.
Just some eye-candy.