Category Archives: mtb
Rudy Project Rydon II Sport Sunglasses
The Rydon II Sport sunglasses from Rudy Project are a stylish lightweight design that is great for cycling, running or just casual wear.
Rudy Project Rydon II Sport White Pearl With Ls.blue Racing Red Lenses
Rudy Project has re-engineered their Rydon profile with a smaller eye shape for reduced geometric wraparound. Loaded with all the Rydon features, the Rydon II offers a sleek and comfortable look for performance seekers with smaller faces. Unifying seamlessly advanced design technology and materials science, the Rydon II blends cutting-edge ergonomic features with advanced materials to create a super-lightweight, versatile, high performance and elegant sunglass.
In addition to the variety of Rydon II frame styles/colors, there is a lens for everything.
- Rudy Project Polycarbonate RP Optics lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and a CONTRAST LENS is best to enhance depth perception and color while a NEUTRAL LENS is best to give you the darkest coverage possible.
- Rudy Project’s ImpactX™ Photochromic Lens Technology represents the most advanced solution for vision protection in the sunglass market… (+ 100% UVA/UVB Protection)
- Rudy Project’s Polar 3FX Polarized Lens Technology contains unique light absorption molecular properties to enhance contrast and depth perception… (+ 100% UVA/UVB Protection)
- Rudy Project’s Polarized ImpactX™ Photochromic Lens Technology represents the most advanced solution for vision protection in the sunglass market… (+ 100% UVA/UVB Protection)
With additional lenses you can customize your Rydon II glasses and have a high quality lens for any weather/lighting condition. And new from Rudy Project; you can further customize your Rydon II‘s with temple tips and nose tabs available in assorted colors.
2012 UCI Windham World Cup Mountain Bike Festival
The 2012 Windham World Cup is coming up pretty quick, June 28 – July 1, 2012. You can go to www.racewindham.com for all of the race information. And don’t forget about the Race the World amateur races to be held on Sunday July 1, 2012.
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Origin-8 BB30 Adapter Kit
Origin-8 BB30 Adapter kit
Brand new from Origin-8, a BB30 bottom bracket adapter that allows you to run a non-BB30 crank with a BB30 frame. With this adaptation system you reap all the benefits of having a BB30 bottom bracket without having to buy a super expensive crank. Most standard outboard/integrated crank and bottom bracket systems on the market today have a spindle O.D. (outside diameter) of 24mm. A BB30 bearing will not accommodate this, but with their new BB30 adapters you can run any GXP or HT2 spindle on a frame that is designed for the BB30 bearing system for a fraction of the cost. The adapter is complete with the C-clips, sealed cartridge bearings and cones for a fluid and finished look.
- Machined alloy adaptors
- Sealed Cartridge bearings (6806)
- Shims and C Clips included
- Adapters allow the use of 24mm OD spindle cranks in BB30 frames
Take a look at the options HERE.
3 Affordable 29er Frames For Your Custom Build
Santa Cruz Highball - $650
Santa Cruz Highball
The skinny carbon fiber killing machine has now been joined by a new ALUMINUM brother. Taking the swift and light intent of their 29″ wheeled carbon Highball and crafting it out of aluminum, Santa Cruz has added a couple very notable other features: value and versatility. The proprietary aluminum tubing allows for a strong, respectably light frame, and features the same responsive geometry as their carbon race bike. Riders have the option of running a fixed position rear dropout for geared use, or a pivoting, adjustable dropout for single speed use. Clean lines and super-versatility aside, this is also one of our most affordable bikes, redefining the notion of “bang for your buck.” Check out these features:
- Fixed or swinger SS dropouts
- Tapered headtube
- Hydroformed top- and downtubes
- Asymmetrical forged chainstay yoke (for optimal strength, stiffness, and chainring clearance)
- Brake strut on non-driveside for vibration-free braking
- Two bottle mounts
- Threaded BB shell (this is still the best, most user-friendly, widely compatible, globally serviceable way to install a bottom bracket.)
Niner EMD – $550
Niner EMD in Hot Tomale
The E.M.D. 9 may be the least expensive frame in the Niner lineup but it benefits from the same design process and expectations that we require from every Niner frame. Newly redesigned to integrate custom hydroformed tubing and a tapered headtube, the E.M.D. 9 is a worthy little brother to the Air 9.
Because of the larger welding area created by the new tapered headtube we are able to include a new, massive hydroformed downtube as well as a significantly larger diameter toptube, contributing to a much stronger frame.
By allowing for the use of the newest generation of 1.5” tapered steerer suspension forks and integrated headset, we create the stiffest front end possible – with the same stack height as our original E.M.D. 9 model.
The E.M.D. 9 is finished off with the quality you have come to expect from Niner, with all of the attention to detail that every Niner frame gets, including the stainless steel Niner head badge, reamed and faced headtube and bottom bracket, chased BB threads and faced disc brake mount tabs.
Available in 5 sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL)
Misfit Psycles diSSent (Al) – $450
Misfit Psycles diSSent (Al)
The original. This is the frame that started it all. Mostly.
The diSSent (Al) is a versatile 29er that performs equally well racing, riding or just doddling along.
The diSSent’s unique geometry will provide you with a 29er frame that you ride IN (not ON). The result is a frame that melds the best features of your olde 26er with the advantages of 29″ wheels.
Misfit Psycles diSSent (Al) is constructed of 6061 aluminum. 6061 provides numerous design, cost, ride and manufacturing benefits over generic 4130 chromoly, 7005 and vastly better value then Scandium or Titanium.
6061 is (arguably) the most versatile of the alloys, offering excellent strength and elongation properties for the given budget.
Available in 4 sizes (S, M, L, XL)
(Prices shown are for frame only and are subject to change by the manufacturer or the individual seller)
You can find links to these and other companies here.
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Mountain biking on Oahu with Bike Hawaii
One of my most memorable mountain biking experiences was back in 2006 when I was in Hawaii. I wanted to sign up for a mountain biking tour with Bike Hawaii but my time on Oahu did not coincide with the Bike Hawaii mountain bike schedule. On my way to Hawaii, I stayed overnight in Las Vegas to visit friends. When my phone rang while in the casino in Vegas, I was about to get more than I expected out of my trip. There were three others that where in the same situation as I was, they want to mountain bike but their travels didn’t coincide with the Bike Hawaii schedule either. So, the folks at Bike Hawaii decided to go ahead and take an unscheduled mountain bike trip with just the four of us. Four riders and the tour guide. Wow, this is going to be a private mountain bike excursion in Hawaii. Because of scheduling I didn’t really plan to mountain bike so I had no cycling clothing, no cycling shoes, nor did I bring my pedals or helmet. Well, shorts, t-shirt and sneakers will have to do. There was no way I was going to miss this.
The ride was held in the Kaaawa Valley and featured dirt roads, double track and fast rolling single track trails. There are WWII bunkers and movie sets. And we even happened upon a wild board that wasn’t too pleased to see us. The typical Bike Hawaii ride is 2 to 3 hours and about 6 miles. But this was a “special” ride, we were out there for a while. The tour guide didn’t have to keep track of 20 or so riders. He had 4 experienced riders and miles and miles of private trails to explore and he loved to ride. We were definitely the lucky few.
It’s a trip that I will, some day, make again. If your a cyclist and you visit Oahu, this is something that is a must do. Even is you are not an experienced mountain biker, it’s a must do.
The dramatic beauty of the lush Kaaawa Valley, majestic Koolau Mountain cliffs and stunning ocean views are the backdrop for this epic mountain biking experience on Oahu. Capture the thrill of riding along scenic dirt roads, double track and single track as we explore this sacred and historic Hawaiian valley. This is the same site for the Hawaiian Mountain Tour Pro/Am, the 24Hours of Hell Mountain Bike Race and many other off-road triathlons. This is a great introduction to off-road mountain biking and also offers challenges for experienced riders. With a multitude of trails to choose from, we can easily cater the experience to your skill level.
Your ride through the Hawaiian countryside will visit a kauhale (village), WWII bunkers and scenic movie locations including Lost, 50 First Dates, Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Wind Talkers and more. During the months of December thru April, you might see whales from the trails.
Approximately 6 miles / 2-3 hours of riding. Inquire about a $30.00 Kona full-suspension upgrade.
Looking for more aggressive riding? Call direct for private hardcore trail rides.
Mountain Biking Kaaawa Valley
$119.38 Adult
$76.40 Children (13 years and under)
Tax (4.712%) is not included in these prices.
Pick-up: 9:00am
Return: 3:30pm
Schedule:
Wednesday, Sunday or call for availability.
Includes:
Professional nature guides, access to private land, complimentary round-trip transportation from Waikiki, Kona mountain bikes with front-suspension, Bell helmets, optional use of rain gear, hip pack, bottled water, trail mix, deli-style lunch and cold beverages.
Note: Gratuities are not included.
Suggested gratuity: 10% of tour price.
What to Bring:
Dress comfortably, wear shoes and socks and bring a camera. Bring a change of clothes in case of a wet or muddy ride.
Cancellation Policy:
Any cancellations or changes within 24 hours of tour will be charged 50%. No-shows 100%.
via Bike Hawaii
HRRT Spring Endurance Dirt Series
New this year! Endurance Series Challenge to be held May 20, 2012. Riders can choose your own distance, 2, 4 or 6 hours! Get ready for those early season endurance races…the only endurance race in the NY in May.
FUN! SEMI TECHNICAL! Nearly 100% SINGLETRACK!
5 plus mile loop in Schenectady’s Central Park nature trails. Nearly 100% singletrack, with rocks, roots, stairs, log crossings, bridges, and short steep up and down hills.
There are a bunch of options for racers…solo, duo, and three person. Should a class have less than 4 racers or teams, classes may be combined
Merchandise Prizes award in each class for top three!
Directions: Take Northway (I-87) to exit 7. Take route 7 towards Schenectady. Take a right onto Golf Rd. At the end of Golf Rd is Feur Ave. Turn Right onto Feur Ave and parking lot is immediately on your left. The ride is held in the trails, across from the parking lot, on the other side of Feur Ave. You will see a bunch of dirty bikers.
Date: May 20, 2012
Time: 10am- 4pm
Food: There will be limited water and food. Please bring anything else you desire.
Pit areas: Each racer or team for the 6 hour race will have a pit area on pit row. You can bring a pop up tent, bike stand portbale shower ect, no grills are allowed, and no beer…park rules. Racers coming in later for the 4 or 2 hour series can choose a spot at the end of pit row, still on course side.
After Party: There will have a BBQ! Ask at the race for details.
Trail Description: Technical 5+ mile loop, in Central Park, Schenectady, NY. Roots, rocks, bridges, logs, short steep up and down hill. For a link to the trail information go here: http://capitalmtb.org/Resources/Schenectady%27s_Central_Park_Trails
Race updates will be posted on the HRRT Website. In the past there has been 60 plus racers at this event!
Day of event registration is available from 9:00 am. Pre-registered riders will have designated pit areas.
Day of registration there is a $5 surcharge.
These trails are part of the Schenectady County Parks Department recreation segment. We are allowed to host these events with a $5 day use fee to be collected from every rider day of event. This is separate from your registration fee, please come with exact change.
Register here via BikeReg.com: HRRT Spring Endurance Dirt Series, 2, 4 or 6 Hours Online Registration.
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The 29er debate continues, this time vs the 650B
I’ve been riding a 29er for a little more than a year now. I’ve written about the comparisons of a 29 vs 26 inch wheeled mountain bike, and I’m still committed to the 29er. And, if you look around, so are a large number of the Pro’s. Let’s face it, if pro riders have committed to the 29er, it’s for good reason. It’s not marketing, it’s winning.
Ok, so some of you might still say that a smaller wheel is quicker in the tight singletrack, and that the 650B is better than a 29er for the same reasons as a 26. Ok, I’ll agree that a 650B is better, more efficient, than a 26, but I have to say that a 29er is still going to be faster. For the same reasons that a 29er is faster, more efficient, than a 26. So now that bicycle makers are starting to go wild with the 650B wheel size, the controversy still isn’t going to go away, it is just going to shift from 29er vs 26 to a 29er vs 650B debate.
At the top of my world with my Motobecane Fantom 29
I have never been on a 650B bike, so I really have no direct knowledge of a comparison. But the science is the same. It’s not as dramatic as 29er vs 26, but the science is the same. When I have the opportunity to test ride a 650B wheeled bike, I will. Until then, I stand by my 29er.
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NICA Expands to Accommodate Growth in High School Mountain Biking
Founder and Executive Director, Matt Fritzinger, to transition and focus on building new leagues
Contact: Paul Skilbeck paul@nationalmtb.org 415.516.1444
BERKELEY, Calif. (Press Release) – The strong growth of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) continues with applications from Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia to join the organization’s Project League program,. Project Leagues have access to select NICA services, providing them the needed public awareness, support, funding and momentum to become fully fledged chapter leagues.
As many as three will be chosen for 2013 induction, and the total number of NICA leagues – now seven – will rise to as many as 10. This will bring the organization three steps closer to its goal of providing mountain biking opportunities to high school students coast to coast by 2020.
Supporting this expansion requires a considerable depth of technical advisory experience leading up to the initial racing season. NICA’s Executive Director, Matt Fritzinger, who founded NICA, and the pioneering NorCal League before that, is uniquely qualified for this job and will transition from his current role to focus on key tasks such as new league technical development and fundraising.
Fritzinger said, “NICA is a jet plane we have built together, and it has been a great thrill to be centrally involved in building it. This aircraft is ready to be handed over to a seasoned pilot, rather than someone who specializes in the creative work. I’m very excited about building new leagues where I can draw on a decade of operations experience. I also look forward to building relationships with new supporters who want to join this movement.’”
NICA leagues existing and prospective (click to enlarge)
Fritzinger will remain in post as Executive Director to participate in the transition. NICA is presently engaged in the search for a replacement and interviews are being handled by NICA President,Rick Spittler.
Spittler said, “The idea of Matt transitioning from Executive Director to special projects was a joint decision by Matt and the NICA Board. Since Matt is continuing in his role until a new Executive Director is found, there will be no disruption in any races or day-to-day activities. Matt is simply refocusing to accommodate NICA’s incredible growth. He has built the organization from one league in Northern California to something that will be nationwide in the next decade, and now he’s going to focus solely on that goal.”
For a job description and application instructions go to http://www.nationalmtb.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/Microsoft-Word-Executive-Director-Job-Description.doc.pdf
About the National Interscholastic Cycling Association
Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops high school mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for local leagues to produce quality mountain bike events, and supports every student-athlete in the development of strong body, strong mind and strong character through their efforts on the bike.
NICA exists by virtue of generous donors and sponsors, including the founding national sponsor, Specialized Bicycle Components, as well as Easton Foundations, JEEP, SRAM, Trek Bicycles, Clif Bar & Company, Primal Wear, GU Sports, Kinetic, Maxxis, adidas Eyewear, CamelBak, Dirt Rag, Feedback Sports, Fort Lewis College, Fox Racing Shox, Mountain Bike Action, QBP, Ritchey Designs, Sidi America and WTB. For more information on NICA visit www.nationalmtb.org or call 510.524.5464.
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Endless Bike Company’s Kick-Ass-Cogs
If you’re a singlespeed rider, and you’re like me, you are often looking for a lower gear for those climbs. I would rather have a lower gear for climbing, than a higher gear to avoid spinning on the flats. I currently use a 22T on my Redline MonoCog 29er. I would love to have a 23T or 25T. I could never find more than a 22T…that is until now.
Introducing Endless Bike Company’s Kick-Ass-Cogs. According to Endless Bike Company, at a full quarter inch wide (6.35mm) at the splines, Kick-Ass-Cogs simply will not damage your free hub body the way a narrower cog can. Made of high strength 7075-T6 alloy (Stronger and harder than most common steels), Kick-Ass-Cogs are precision machined insuring perfect axial and radial alignment that compliments the superior chain lines that cassette style hubs allow.
The specially engineered tooth profile on Kick-Ass-Cogs improves both cog and chain life while minimizing drive train friction. With a Kick-Ass-Cog on your bike, you can expect a smooth, quiet drivetrain for miles to come.
Like all EndlessBikeCo. Products, Kick-Ass-Cogs are made in the USA, in Western North Carolina; not in some faceless factory on the other side of the planet.
Cog sizes range from 14T-25T in single tooth increments. You can buy Kick-Ass-Cogs and all their products direct from Endless Bike Company’s website.
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Mavic debuts 29er wheelsets
Mavic finally has three brand new 29er wheelsets, the first full line of 29er wheels for Mavic. The Crossmax SLR, Crossmax ST, and Crossride wheelsets all offer Mavic’s signature system-engineered approach to wheels, as well as competitive weights and a good pricing.
The debut of these wheels comes almost a year after Mavic’s original intended release date. A number of design challenges, particularly with the lightweight SLR set held off the introduction until now.
The Crossmax SLR 29 should be available in mid June, while the Crossmax ST and Crossride won’t be available until August.
Crossmax SLR – Weight: 1629 grams, Price: $1000
Crossmax ST – Weight: 1710 grams, Price: $825
Crossride – Weight: 2020 grams, Price $300
For an in depth technical review of Mavic’s new 29er wheels, check out the article from BikeRumor.com.
