Brook Macdonald Is Helping Build Velduro’s Bulldog DH

Most athlete 'signature' bikes are marketing partnerships. What Velduro is doing here is different: Brook Macdonald — a 2009 Junior World Champion and 2012 UCI World Cup race winner — will be an active development rider, testing prototypes and giving detailed feedback. That means changes will come from real-world race demands, not just design meetings.

Expect feedback to drive decisions across geometry (head angle, reach, chainstay length), suspension kinematics, and durability specifications. When a rider of Brook's calibre asks for a specific feel at 60–70 km/h on rough rock gardens, engineers often rework leverage curves, pivot placement and shock tune to deliver repeatable performance.

Downhill geometry trends favor a blend of high-speed stability and manoeuvrability. With Brook's input, Velduro will likely aim for a long reach (e.g., 500–520mm range in larger sizes), slack head angles (63–64°) and relatively shortish chainstays (420–435mm) or a compromise via a mullet-specific layout. That combination keeps the wheelbase long for straight-line speed while keeping the rear nimble through rock gardens.

Actionable rider advice: if you value stability at speed, prioritize longer reach and slacker head angles when comparing Bulldog spec sheets. For riders who want playful handling on tight tracks, look for adjustable flip-chips or multi-geometry options — items Brook is likely to insist on during testing.

Brook's racing and testing will directly influence whether the Bulldog uses a more traditional Horst-link (4-bar) layout or experiments with a high-pivot design. Horst-link designs give predictable small-bump compliance and active braking performance, while high-pivot bikes excel at traction and controlled wheel path but often require an idler pulley for chain management.

Recommended component choices for a race-ready Bulldog build include a Fox 40 Factory or RockShox Boxxer Ultimate fork (200–203mm travel) and a coil rear shock like the Fox DHX2 or RockShox Super Deluxe Coil for consistent performance on repeated big hits. Brook's testing will determine final leverage ratios — riders looking to spec their own builds should plan for ~200mm rear travel and reliable, high-volume spring options.

New brands entering downhill must balance weight and durability. Velduro will choose frame materials, layup schedules and protection zones that match Brook's aggressive style. Expect reinforced downtubes, molded chainstay guards, sealed pivots with large-diameter bearings, and high-impact skid plate provisions under the motor area equivalent on e-bikes — but for the Bulldog applied to the bottom bracket zone and lower link.

From a production perspective, decisions include whether to produce in NZ or offshore, minimum order quantities for carbon layups, and tooling for robust aluminium moulds. Brook's insistence on 'built-to-last' bikes in NZ's rough terrain likely pushes Velduro toward conservative carbon layups or thick-gauge aluminium in critical impact zones to reduce field failures.

Brook will test prototypes with high-end components to validate the frame platform. Probable parts on a top-end Bulldog prototype: Fox 40 Factory or Boxxer Ultimate forks (203mm), coil rear shock (Fox DHX2), 200–220mm rotors paired with Shimano Saint or SRAM Code RSC brakes, and robust rims like DT Swiss FR or Industry Nine hubs laced to tough 30–35mm rims. Tyre choices for NZ testing will include Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5 EXO+ front and Minion DHR II 29x2.4 rear, tubeless with at least 30–40psi depending on rider weight.

Actionable tip: if you plan to spec a Bulldog or a similar DH bike, match brake rotor size to your weight and track conditions (e.g., 220mm rotors for riders over 85kg or long technical descents). Add a purpose-built chain guide (MRP, e*thirteen) and a bashguard for race durability.

Brook Macdonald joining Velduro is a milestone for New Zealand cycling — a homegrown pro helping a local startup build a race bike. Velduro co-founder Dan Wallace captured it well: 'Brook has always been one of the riders we all look up to… that's exactly the kind of rider we want testing our bikes.' This isn't a one-off endorsement; Brook will test the Rogue and Phantom models too, giving the brand continuity across its range.

For riders, this means more reliable feedback loops: early prototypes will be hammered on real-world lines in Rotorua and surrounding North Island terrain, then refined before production. Keep an eye on Velduro's socials and blog as the Bulldog prototype testing ramps up over the New Zealand summer.

Why is Brook Macdonald joining Velduro significant?

Brook is a proven elite racer (2009 Junior World Champion, 2012 World Cup winner) with deep on-track experience and a successful comeback record. Having him provide hands-on testing and feedback means the Bulldog will be developed to meet real race demands rather than marketing-driven targets.

Will the Bulldog be an e-bike or analogue pedal-only bike?

The Bulldog is Velduro's first analogue, pedal-only downhill model. This marks a departure from their previous Avinox-powered eMTBs and e-gravel models and focuses on traditional DH race performance.

What wheel and travel configuration should riders expect?

Expect a modern DH setup: 29" wheels are likely (with a possible mullet option), ~200mm rear travel, and 200–203mm fork travel. Final choices depend on testing results and Brook's feedback for traction and stability.

Will Velduro choose a high-pivot or Horst-link suspension layout?

Velduro is testing options. Brook's feedback will influence that decision. Horst-link (4-bar) offers predictability and braking stability; high-pivot provides superior traction and wheel path control but can require an idler pulley to manage chain growth.

What components are likely on a production Bulldog race build?

Top-end prototypes will likely run Fox 40 Factory or RockShox Boxxer Ultimate forks, Fox DHX2 or RockShox coil shocks, Shimano Saint or SRAM Code RSC brakes with 200–220mm rotors, robust rims (DT Swiss, Industry Nine) and Maxxis DH tyres. Frame protection, sealed bearings and a strong chain guide are essential.

How will durability be addressed for rough NZ terrain?

Expect reinforced downtubes, molded chainstay protection, thicker layups in high-impact zones, large sealed bearings, and provision for external skid plates. Velduro will prioritize reliability after Brook's demanding tests on New Zealand trails.

When will we see the Bulldog in production?

Velduro has started prototype testing over the New Zealand summer. Production timelines depend on the test results and tooling decisions; follow Velduro's updates on their blog and socials for prototype progress and launch windows.