PX bikes spotted at 80th Monsal Hill Climb

We spotted loads of Planet X bikes at the 80th Anniversary of the Monsal Hill climb.

A full-field of 100 took on the 675 yard climb, which has a lung-bursting gradient of 1 in 6. The sun brought out a huge amount of spectators encouraging friends, family and club-mates as they gurned up the legendary Monsal Head in Peak District.

The event is open to everyone, which gives us mere mortals a chance to compete against elite and pro-rders. As the climb is also suitable for fixed machines, the bikes used to race are as varied as the riders. We were really chuffed to see such a good showing of our own carbon bikes; we spotted Nanolights and SL Pros a plenty.

It's known as a sprinters climb, with Sheffield's Malcolm Elliot holding the record at a leg-shattering: 1-14.2. All eyes were on local lad and Sky Pro Team rider; Russell Downing, who apparently was riding his old bike with the graphics removed rather than his sponsored machine, he was running a 46/18 gear ratio. Rumours were spreading about a bet between him and Elliott, who was noticeably grinning when Downing won, but failed to beat Malc's record. Watch the video below for a glimpse at Russell Downings unique style.

We hope to see many more of you on Planet X machines next year. Perhaps we should do a hill climb specific machine? Answers on a postcard, well the comments box below.

11 October 2010