2013 ELITE BIKE CHECK with Merle van Benthem

Mar 02, 2013

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 6959 times

Name: Merle van Benthem
Hometown: Hengelo, Netherlands
2013 team: Dutch National BMX Team
Bike: MEYBO
Sponsors: KNWU - NOC*NSF - Rabobank - MEYBO - BOX Components -Promax - TroyLeeDesigns - Tioga - Bensink - Leatt - Oakley - D.O.W. Hydrauliek

-Frame: MEYBO National Team Edition size Pro-XL
-Forks: BOX X-series carbon fiber
-Headset: Promax
-Stem: BOX Delta
-Bars: BOX Maximus

-Grips: Lizard Skins Lock-on Logo Grip
-Bar ends: Lizard Skins
-Brake lever: BOX Genius
-Brake caliper: BOX Eclipes Linear-Pull
-Brake shoes: BOX X-ray
-Chain: Sram 870
-Chain tensioners: BOX Limit
-Cranks: BOX Vector
-Bottom Bracket set: BOX Extremum Raceprep
-Pedals: Shimano PD-M545
-Seat: BOX Echelon Black

-Front tire: Tioga Powerblock 1.60
-Front rim: BOX Focus
-Front hub: BOX 20 Mil Hollow
-Rear rim: BOX Focus
-Rear hub: BOX 20-Mil Hollow
-Number plate: BOX Phase 1

Do you have a team mechanic who works on your bike?
Merle: Yes, the mechanic of the Dutch National Team.

What part of the bike do you like the most?
Merle: The new BOX Maximus handlebar, I like the back sweep and the stiffness of this bar. But I actually love everything about my bike! :)

How long did it take you to get used to your new bike?
Merle: When I was younger I’ve ridden on a MEYBO bike for a few years and always loved it so it was very easy for me to get used to this bike again. It just took me like half a track session.

What’s the trickest/coolest part of your bike?
Merle: I like the Dutch colors on the frame :)

Do you ever change gears any longer?
Merle: Yeah, just for training.

What part do you replace most often during the season?
Merle: Grips, Chain, Tires, Brake cable.

Thanks to: My sponsors, coach Bas, my family, friends and the team staff for getting me back on track again and still believing in me after 2 terrible seasons!