Race Tech, Robert and Rum.

[tri boy]

The last four days have probably been one of the more enlightening, and somewhat challenging classroom sessions that I have been involved in.
It is also fair to say, that attending the two Race Tech training seminars, (Theory, and Shop Skills), at Robert Taylors brand spanking new Ohlins distributorship and shock/Fork building facility has blown me away at the professionalism, and high standards that are available to Kiwi m/cyclists who wish to upgrade their suspension.

Make no mistake about this. We have a world class facility on our front door, that frankly, other parts of the world can only dream of.
Never mind the fact that we get true personalised set up options and knowledge and data base that will supply your bikes suspension cutting edge handling and safety.

I could prattle on about multitude of information that I was privy to, and the fantastic tutoring skills of Paul Thead (Founder, and developer of Race Tech suspension equipment), but it is easier to post a few pics and thank Robert and Paul for their valuable time and training.
What ever you do, if your in the market for suspension upgrades, parts or knowledge that can be counted on. Contact Crown Kiwi Technical Ltd.

Oh, the Rum was gently rubbed into my brain via my blood stream each night to help settle the swirling pools of recently acquired knowledge, and to aid in the pigeon holing of said knowledge into the appropriate cerebral locations. That's my excuse at least. No brain cells were harmed during this experiment.

[CookMySock]

Was this an organised course ?

Steve

[tri boy]

Yep. The course was split into 3 two day sessions. Overview on suspension theory/dampening etc. Second was workshop skills, based on strip/inspection/modification/assembly etc. And the last seminar, (that is on today and tomorrow),is based around advanced theory. I would of liked to have done all three, but possibly the advanced stuff may have been a sensory overload for me, that the rum couldn't deal with. And general work in Hamilton waits for no man.
If you get the chance, do it next time.

[CookMySock]

If you get the chance, do it next time.

Fuck yeah. That would be me. I didn't know such a thing was available. How much time do you spend on the tools ? How much maths in it ? How much did it cost ? Is it for newbies or for mechanics ? Very cool!

Steve

[tri boy]

Theory class is exactly that. Dampening curves, spring rates, valving explained, calculations etc. Formal calculations obviously, (Ya canna change the laws of physics etc).
Work shop class is geared towards those that have prior suspension rebuild knowledge, but in saying that, I would say that everyone with mechanical aptitude would follow the strip down inspection lessons.
Paul did 95% of the actual dissasembly/assembly, due to the amount of work to get through, plus, I sure as hell wouldn't let just anybody "have a crack" at assembling VERY expensive componnents. (08 CR shocks that have never seen dirt, and Gixxer1000 forks etc.
Costs can be asked directly towards Robert, as different classes have different costs.

Bottom line is, you get to learn from the best in the game. Its not a night class, where people can butcher cheap componnents, have a giggle, and go away not caring.
Imagine having the chance to learn from the founder of Ducati. Then damaging his display items. How would that go down?
Any way, keep your eyes and ears open for the next one, and get in quick.

[CookMySock]

[trim] Any way, keep your eyes and ears open for the next one, and get in quick.

Awesome. Where was it advertised ? What did it cost ?

ta,
Steve

[tri boy]

Kiwi Rider magazine was where I noticed the ad first.
A call/email to Crown Kiwi should get you logged down as an interested party for any further seminars, but Robert is the man to talk to about that.
Cost wise for my seminars was approx $800.
Some may bulk at such prices, some may see it as fair value. However people see it, is their personal view. Remember, alot of bike industry people happily put their employees into seminars that they see as valuable resource.
That is the way I approached it, as did race team owners/racers, and interested parties did also. Value for money? Through my eyes, absolutely.