Mountain Bike Action noviembre

INTERBIKE INTERBIKE SHOW PREVIEW BACKSTA GE PASS! MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 3 298 C0 CC www.mbaction.com NOVEMBER 2009 SNEAK PEEK! ALL-NEW HOT GEAR: SEE IT BEFORE THE BIKE SHOPS DO $4.99 Att’n Retailer: Please display until November 5 BMC TRAILFOX FELT VIRTUE

BATTLE PROVEN. The HollowGram SI Crankset. The lightest, stiffest crankset on the planet. Standard on the Cannondale Factory Racing Team Scalpel. The good fight. cannondale.com

THIS MONTH Don’t wait for the Interbike Show to open its doors. We bring you the show- stoppers early. Page 52. 46 70 Photo by John Ker Photo by John Ker BIKE TESTS FEATURES 104 Riders Who Inspire South Mountain Bike Patrol, 38 BMC TrailFox 01 42 Trek Unveils Its 2010 stewards of the preserve. Switzerland’s long-travel trail- Lineup bike interpretation. Bet Lance wants to ride one of these. TECHNICAL 70 The Ellsworth Truth The truth and nothing but the 78 Giant Rolls Out The 74 As Seen On ET truth. 2010’s Three components from our Faster, lighter and Ellsworth Truth. 90 The Specialized Enduro color-coordinated. SL Pro Carbon 84 Inside The Pros’ Bikes Max Plaxton shows off his Own the entire mountain. TRAINING & FITNESS Specialized cross-country racer. 112 Gary Fisher’s 46 Ten Long-Travel Trailbike 106 The Downhill Workhorse Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Tips Riding the 2010 RockShox A hardtail with history. Make your bike do the work. Boxxer Team fork. 108 Damage Control DESTINATIONS Tips for surviving a crash. COMPETITION 96 Sedona’s Warm Welcome 116 Crowning America’s Where to go when the snow falls. 2009 Champions MBA 2009 INTERBIKE America’s best battle at SolVista, PREVIEW Colorado. 52 Backstage Pass To Stop right there: The Mountain Biking’s Annual Trade Show DEPARTMENTS stoppers that we Over 70 products that you’ll see 12 Happy Trails compare all before the bike shops. Damon, Rebeca and Priority Cycles. other brakes to. They are 16 Mac Attack from PEOPLE The application store. Germany. 88 Young Rippers Page 74. Introducing Cierra Smith. 20 Hard Tales Specialized shows off the rest of its 2010’s. 4 www.mbaction.com

contents Photo by John Ker Photo by John Ker 108 24 Trailgrams 126 Quick Releases A new team, a new hope and Gear bags for hauling your more 29er intrigue. stuff. 26 Trail Mix 130 Down The Trail VOLUME 24, NUMBER 11 All you need is love and a Old tips that still ring true. NOVEMBER 2009 camera. 32 Thrash Tests A warm vest, cool helmet and ON THE COVER fast inflator. (Clockwise from top left) New components pour out of our pre-Interbike special section. Aaron Gwin flies to a national championship. Photo by John “Are those 35 Inside Line thunderheads?” Ker. The 2010 Felt Virtue 2 gets a face lift and looks years More on mystery drag and younger. The BMC TrailFox is from a Swiss visionary who believes the only way getting tubed. to succeed is to make every design an over-the-top effort. Photo by John “The hills are alive” Ker. 82 How To Subscribe To MBA. MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION Magazine (ISSN 0895-8467 Canada GST 12500#9266RT: CPC INT’L. PUB MAIL Twelve issues for only $14.99 40024492) NOVEMBER 2009, Volume 24, Issue 11, is published monthly by Daisy/Hi-Torque Publishing Company, (lowest price of the year). Inc., with editorial offices at 25233 Anza Dr., Valencia, CA 91355. Subscriptions $19.98 for 12 issues (one year). Canada add $12 additional postage for one year, $24 for two years. Foreign add $15 additional postage for one year, $30 for two years. Foreign subscriptions are shipped by surface mail and may take up to 15 weeks to receive. Copyright ©2009 by Daisy/Hi-Torque Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reprinted in whole or in part, by any means, without the express permission of the publisher. Contributors: Photographs should be submitted in digital form on CD or DVD. Images should be 4 megapixels or higher. High-quality, low-compression JPEG images are preferred. Please limit submissions to no more than 20 photos at one time. Transparencies and prints will no longer be accepted for consideration; such images should be scanned and submitted as high-resolution digital files. Captions should accompany all submissions. Make sure the photographer’s name, address, phone number and e-mail address are clearly labeled on each CD or DVD. Submissions will not be returned. Written articles should be submitted on CD (unless other arrangements have been made with the editors), saved as “text” files, and accompanied by a printed version. Written submissions, both on paper and CD, will not be returned. The publisher does not assume responsibility for unsolicited material. PERIODICALS: Postage paid at Santa Clarita, CA 91383, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mountain Bike Action Magazine, P.O. Box 958, Valencia, CA 91380-9058. Printed in U.S.A. For Canadian returns mail to: Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542 London, ON N6C 6B2. WARNING: Much of the action depicted in this magazine is potentially danger- Bead it up: This handy gadget takes the ous. Virtually all of the riders seen in our photos are experienced experts or pro- work out of mountain biking’s most fessionals. Do not attempt to duplicate any stunts that are beyond your own thankless job. Page 32. capabilities. Always use discretion and wear the appropriate safety gear. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 5

In a perfect world. DHXrc4 MTB FR/DH The DHX® RC4 is a new from-the-ground-up, rc2 purpose-built downhill shock with a World 40 Championship on its resume in its rookie year. Externally adjustable high and low rC2 speed velocity sensitive damping and In a perfect world, you’d ride what the World Champ rides. At FOX we a completely redesigned Boost Valve® for race what we sell. The 40® RC2 with FOX’s World Championship proven position sensitive ending stroke control, and proprietary FIT ™ technology produces incredibly consistent, act independently so you can dial in the fade-free damping, and FOX’s legendary chassis stiffness provides perfect balance of traction, small bump unrivaled steering conﬁdence so you can push your limits. compliance and big-hit absorption. FOX Racing Shox. Purpose built. Race proven. We’re never done. Embrace your inner World Champion. Visit our all-new website: foxracingshox.com

MBA STAFF www.mbaction.com EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT JIM McILVAIN • EDITOR RICHARD CUNNINGHAM • EDITOR-AT-LARGE JODY WEISEL • FEATURE EDITORS ZAPATA ESPINOZA SEAN McCOY • MANAGING EDITOR JOHN KER • ASSISTANT EDITORS RYAN CLEEK KATHARINE McCOY JEFF SPENCER • TRAINING CONSULTANT JOHN TOMAC • CONSULTANTS MIKE BELL JOHN PERRY BRAD ROE • ONLINE EDITORS BradR@hi-torque.com TOM HINZ TomH@hi-torque.com ART DEPARTMENT EDUARDO GUTIE´RREZ T • DESIGNER ALMA MARTíNEZ de DICSö • ASSISTANT DESIGNERS JACKIE CLEVELAND CASSANDRA MITTELBERG • COPY EDITOR LINDSAY WORDEN PAT CARRIGAN • PHOTO ARTIST WILLIAM C. HAWLEY IV • PRELIM COORDINATOR ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT ROBERT REX • NATIONAL ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ROBB MESECHER • ADVERTISING MANAGER DERRECK BERNARD • ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES JEROME DZIECHIASZ ERIC HARTER • ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER JENNIFER EDMONSTON • ADVERTISING PRODUCTION COORDINATOR LISA BECKWITH • ACCOUNT ADMINISTRATOR SEAN McCOY • EXECUTIVE WEB ADVERTISING DIRECTOR, smccoy@hi-torque.com ROLAND HINZ • PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER LILA HINZ • ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER CASSANDRA MITTELBERG • ASSISTANTS TO PRESIDENT KATHARINE McCOY TOM HINZ JEFF SHOOP • CIRCULATION DIRECTOR TIM LaPAGLIA • PROMOTIONS ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES 25233 Anza Dr. Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 295-1910 Fax (661) 295-1278 Any change of address or subscription problems please contact us by e-mail: wanda@hi-torque.com or call (800) 767-0345. www.hi-torque.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE IN TAIWAN WHEEL GIANT INCORPORATED P.O. Box 80, Changhua, Taiwan R.O.C. Tel (047) 352555, 350500 Telex: 58312 WGI Fax: 886-47-357860

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HAPPY TRAILS By Richard J. Cunningham F rom Twin Falls, Idaho, to Mountain Bike Action’s offices in Southern California is a long stretch of driving for a one-day visit, but Damon Madsen and his wife, Rebeca, made the trip for the opportunity to show me his “Portafortuna” five-inch-travel, dual-suspension design. We had never met face to face, and I was unfamiliar with Priority Cycles (Damon is the lead designer, fabricator, welder and founder), so I had no preconceptions about the bike’s design or its intended purpose. All I knew was that the plan was to shake hands, go over the bike, take some technical photographs and then head out for an afternoon test ride. Damon and Rebeca drove straight through (check out Highway 93 on Google Earth, then tell me Damon Madsen that was fun). They showed up early, got the 25-cent Hi-Torque suspension rate, which drove a Fox Damon rode my Santa Cruz Blur LT- tour and were ready to rock. DHX Air shock (“Its wide range of Carbon, Rebeca had a prototype damping and rate adjustments made it Portafortuna much like the one I was the only choice”). By the time Damon riding—and I was surprised (to put it Damon’s candid, quiet demeanor did finished his dog and pony show, I was mildly) that Damon’s latest design was not mask his enthusiasm for building really curious to ride the Portafortuna. a sweet performer. Without touching a bicycles. He rolled the Portafortuna up During the pre-ride fiddling, our platform lever, the 29-pound trailbike and admitted that he used many of conversation traversed Damon’s bud- breezed up the route’s steep single- Brent Foes’ suspension concepts in the ding career as a frame builder. He and tracks and carved the twisting descents design. The 7007-alloy aluminum his brother were inspired to build their with a nimble and balanced feel. It bog- frame was beautifully painted with a first custom dual-suspension bike in gles the mind that such accolades could creamy white sparkle finish, but its high school after reading a line in be bestowed upon an industrial-looking construction was a bit rough and angu- MBA that mentioned that the easiest machine, but the reality was that every lar—far removed from the curvy car- way to experiment with new designs attribute that Damon had previously bon and manipulated aluminum tubes was to grab a hacksaw and modify an ascribed to the bike was brought to life that grace the latest big-brand bikes. existing bike. “It was a Schwinn as I made my way around the test loop. That said, the Priority Cycles design Crossroads 700C bike,” Damon Before I rode Damon’s sported a number of unusual features laughed. “We made a crude shock on Portafortuna, I would have scoffed at that begged for explanation. an old lathe and grafted a swingarm the suggestion that at such a late point Any skepticism that I harbored onto the frame. The rear wheel was in the mountain bike’s development about the utilitarian machine before like, five inches off center, and it had cycle, an aspiring garage builder me faded as Damon glided around his something like a 76-degree head angle. could produce a single-pivot suspen- creation, describing the purpose of We quickly learned a lot about bikes.” sion trailbike that could go wheel to each detail. The triangulated swingarm Damon’s interest lies in dual-suspen- wheel with the likes of Specialized was long and Foes-esque, with a scissor sion trailbikes, but he has built a num- and Trek in both the handling and link above to control lateral flex and a ber of designs, including hardtail 29ers pedaling departments—but I would single pivot located well ahead of the and even a few road bikes. He freely have been wrong. Damon has to bottom bracket center. Machined arch- admits that his Priority Cycles enter- smooth out the cosmetics before his es and dogleg fittings reinforced the prise has not grown large enough to Portafortuna will be ready for prime lengthy chainstays and directed the support him—yet—so Damon day-jobs time, but the engineering and perfor- swingarm beneath the front derailleur as a machinist. Miracles happen; it mance are spot-on. I hope we hear and bottom bracket. He explained that, wasn’t so long ago that I, too, was more good things from Priority as complicated as it seemed, the for- burning up welding rod well past mid- Cycles, and I guess I should thank ward pivot was the simplest way to night, hoping to break into the moun- Damon and Rebeca for driving such a achieve good pedaling without adverse- tain bike biz. great distance to remind me to dig a ly affecting the suspension. Like Foes, The three of us set off on a local little deeper when I search for innova- Damon settled upon a low-leverage 2:1 loop that I often use for bike testing. tion—where the new sprouts live. ❑ 12 www.mbaction.com

— NED OVEREND, STRETCHING HIS LEGS IN OAKLAND, CA GAME.

GAME CHANGER. “WHEN SPECIALIZED SHOWED ME THEIR CONCEPT FOR BRAIN TECHNOLOGY, I THOUGHT ‘THIS IS A GAME CHANGER’. I’M PROUD THAT FOX RACING SHOX HAS BEEN ABLE TO PARTNER WITH SPECIALIZED ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF THE NEW BRAIN REAR SHOCKS.” — BOB FOX, FOUNDER FOX RACING SHOX. TEST RIDE THE NEW STUMPJUMPER FSR AT YOUR SPECIALIZED DEALER AND SEE HOW BRAIN, FSR, AND TOTAL SUSPENSION INTEGRATION MAKE IT THE FASTEST CLIMBING, BEST HANDLING, AND MOST CAPABLE XC TRAIL BIKE OUT THERE.

THE MAC ATTACK By Jim McIlvain Visiting The Application Store A s a rider who just a few years Software from Apple’s application store Perfect Shift: Use the iPhone’s built-in ago fell on the leave-it-behind turns the iPhone (or iPod Touch) into a camera to shoot a photo down the chain- side of the cell phone debate, it is supercomputer that would make Dick line (including the derailleur pulleys and hard to believe that today I feel naked if Tracy jealous. The application store has cage) and this simple program instructs I leave for a ride without my trusty hundreds of applications that were writ- you which way and how much to turn the Apple iPhone stuffed in a hydration ten just for mountain bikers. Strolling barrel adjusters on your shifters for per- pack pocket. The little device has the virtual aisles of the mountain bikers’ fect drivetrain shifting performance. It can become as essential as the helmet on my applications section, I couldn’t believe identify Shimano or SRAM components head and the cushy chamois under my the apps being offered. (including the Truvativ HammerSchmidt other end. SpinCycle: Place the iPhone in your crankset), and a SRAM XX group update The reason for jumping ships started baggy short pocket (or tuck it in the leg is promised. An added feature alerts you out with safety concerns. Knock on of your Lycra short) and this application to a bent derailleur hanger. wood, but after 20-some odd years of monitors your spin. It instructs you to Disaster Avoidance: Using all the mountain biking, I’ve never found shift up or down based on your cadence, tricks the iPhone offers (accelerometer, myself lost or seriously injured while on the incline of the trail and your exact proximity sensor, ambient light sensor and a ride. A good sense of direction and location on the mountain (based on memory), Disaster Avoidance learns how never giving in to peer pressure (“Come input from the built-in GPS sensor). You fast you ride in different situations and on Jimmy, you can jump down that.”) can choose between race, training or calculates your riding ability. If it senses has worked pretty well for me. Still, the cruising modes, and you’ve got 32 voices that you are riding over your head, it phone gets stuffed between the spare to choose from for receiving instructions broadcasts “Danger, Will Robinson! tube, patch kit, tire pump and Clif Bars, (mine is set on Sgt. Hartman, the gun- Danger!” in the voice of the “Lost In so I might save the day for some other nery sergeant from the movie Full Metal Space” robot. It’s already saved my skin trail user. Jacket). on a number of occasions. But my iPhone has turned out to be Cheater Line: Using data acquired Virtual Joe: Say you come to a tricky so much more than a 911 terminal. from GPS, enhanced satellite imaging switchback and would like some coaching and the U.S. Department of Interior on how to clean the section. Take a photo maps, Cheater Line charts a cross- of the section and let Virtual Joe do the country, Super D or 24-hour rest. In a few moments, Virtual Joe deliv- course and suggests where an ers an animated video of Bikeskill’s Joe unscrupulous rider can cut the Lawwill riding the troubling section while course with the least likely chance giving tips for proper positioning and use of being detected. While the com- of the bike’s controls. pany protects the identity of the Skunk Dunk: Alerts the rider when an riders who have already purchased article of riding gear is omitting an offen- the program, they claim, “A num- sive odor. We’ve heard this is one of the ber of top professionals, including best-selling applications used as a gift. Bet two former national champions, you know somebody to give Skunk Dunk are currently using the program.” to. Lift Line Time: Tired of wait- Stuff Yo Face: This app calculates how ing in the lift line at your favorite many calories you’ve burned on a ride and bike park? Lift Line Time moni- then suggests the appropriate amount of tors the length of the lift line and food to consume after the ride. It can be the number of riders coming down programmed for bakery, burger, pizza or the mountain, beeping you when Mexican food and, using the GPS feature, you will experience the shortest will actually order you the meal from a lift line wait. local restaurant so it is ready when you In The Bag: Ever drive to a arrive. trailhead only to find you forgot to Ride It Off: The same as Stuff Yo Face pack your shoes, or gloves or hel- except it tells you how long you have to met? Enable In The Bag, place ride to burn off the pizza, burrito and your iPhone inside your gear bag donuts you ate yesterday. and lift it up. The phone’s built-in Leave Me Alone: My favorite. It dis- accelerometer senses the bag’s ables all the other programs and lets you weight and will alert you of what enjoy your ride. ❑ it thinks you are missing. “You forgot a shoe,” is broadcast in the ber his iPhone voice of Jill Taylor (the “Home He cannot remem to reach have Improvement” mom). I don’t number, so you’ll ing him at know how it does it, but this app Jim my Mac by e-mail even alerted me to a missing Halo Jamesmac @hi-torque.com. headband. 16 www.mbaction.com

FASTER, NO MATTER THE TERRAIN. Designed for riders who appreciate the superior performance and quality of a lightweight, hand-built wheelset, Bontrager XXX, RXL, and Rhythm Pro wheels help you climb with less effort, accelerate out of switchbacks more quickly, and descend with greater conﬁdence and control. Whether you’re looking for the lightest option for your 29er or an incredibly strong cross country wheelset for your trail bike, Bontrager has the perfect wheelset for the way you ride. Upgrade your ride to the legendary performance of Bontrager wheels. BONTRAGER.COM © 2009 TREK BICYCLE CORPORATION

The Power of 4 The four most innovative brands in cycling have come together behind one singular goal: to craft the most advanced 2x10 cross country group ever: XX™ A complete group that weighs in at less than 2300 grams. The fastest, cleanest shifting in mountain biking. More options and adjustability than ever before. New patented technologies. Praised by the best riders in the world. Faster. Lighter. The game has changed. © 2009 SRAM, LLC

Julien Absalon, Team Orbea and XX Test Rider sram.com/xx

HARD TALES Going Big With Specialized Specialized introduces their long-travel line in Whistler I n our October issue we brought you a first look at Hit and Demo downhill bikes. Along with ripping through Specialized’s refined and redesigned cross-country and Whistler on Specialized’s latest downhill creations, we had trailbike lines from Snowbird, Utah. For their gravity the opportunity to ride with Specialized team riders Sam bikes, Specialized hosted media from around the world at Hill, Brendan Fairclough, Matt Hunter and Darren Whistler Mountain, the world’s premiere gravity park. Berrecloth. Whistler was the ideal spot for throwing a leg over the fifth We’ve included highlights of Specialized’s 2010 generation of the Enduro all-mountain trailbike, and the Big long-travel bikes in this month’s “Hard Tales.” SPECIALIZED SX TRAIL One of the most versatile and popular long-travel bikes, the SX Trail sees some major revisions for the 2010 model year. Most noticeably is the straightened-up top tube. The frame has trimmed down by a quarter of a pound thanks to new tubing and shock mount configuration. The bike park oriented SX Trail now has a 29.5-inch-wide handlebar, Specialized’s Clutch tires with the SX casing, FSA Gravity cranks and a Gamut shiftable chainguide. A favorite of Specialized team riders Darren Berrecloth and Matt Hunter, The SX Trail has dialed geometry for throwing big tricks or charging technical downhill terrain. Race-specific: The 2010 Specialized Demo 8 features race-oriented fixed geometry, such as the 64-degree head angle and a 13.5-inch bottom bracket. SPECIALIZED DEMO 8 II At first glance, the 2010 Demo 8 II downhill race bike may not appear to have undergone any changes other than new Team graphics. Not true! Specialized altered the D8’s geometry to meet the demands of their World Cup downhillers Sam Hill and Brendan Fairclough. The new Demo 8 has a 1.5-inch head tube and features the refined “Team” geometry with a lower bottom bracket, slacker seat tube angle and integrated bearing head tube for a lower handlebar height. In order to achieve the geometry tweaks, Specialized had to basically redesign the entire Demo 8 Built to go big: With relaxed geometry and short chainstays, the frame. The Demo 8 is built up with a Fox Shox DHX RC4 coil SX Trail is an agile long-travel machine built to shred bike parks. shock, a 29-inch-wide handlebar, the air-sprung RockShox The 2010 SX Trail is claimed to weigh about 36.5 pounds. Boxxer World Cup, and custom Avid Code brakes. You’ve heard us sing the praises for Specialized’s downhill tires, but we’re not the only ones who know their capabilities. Sam Hill and Brendan Fairclough are free to run any tires they choose, and they prefer to run Specialized’s downhill rubber. The 2010 Specialized Demo 8 is equipped with a Specialized Clutch front tire and a Specialized Chunder rear tire. We’ve ridden nearly every generation of the Demo 8 line, and we can say without a doubt the revised 2010 has the most active rear suspension to date, which means you’ll have more control on high-speed rugged terrain. Specialized says the complete Demo 8 II package weighs in at 38.5 pounds. Performance tune: The Demo 8’s FSR suspension separates suspension actuation from the wheel path. Badge of honor: How progressive the Specialized cold forges suspension feels is frame junctions that connect the bike, such Trail tuned: The SX Trail is equipped governed by the sub- with the new Fox Shox RC4 shock seat stay driving the as the head tube, to maximize frame featuring a custom yoke that goes shock. around the seat tube. strength. 20 www.mbaction.com

HARD TALES Specialized S-WORKS ENDURO The fifth generation of the Specialized Enduro gets a completely redesigned six-inch-travel “X-Wing” carbon fiber frame and custom-tuned Fox RP23BV shock with Fox’s Boost Valve technology. Specialized says the size medium S-Works Enduro weighs 26.8 pounds without pedals. The new frame aligns the shock and the seat stay for increased rear-end rigidity, and the drivetrain features a custom Shimano double ring 22/36 cranks and a Gamut shiftable Cool cap: No part of the 2010 S-Works Enduro was chainguide. left unrevised, including this ultra-lightweight top cap. Specialized ditched their dual-crown fork found on the high- end Enduros over the last few years, opting for the air- sprung, single-crown Specialized E160 Future Shock fork. It has adjustable travel from 5.3 and 6.3 inches and a 20-millimeter Maxle thru-axle, and a claimed weight of just 3.9 pounds. Claimed to come in at under 27 pounds, the S- Works Enduro is an extremely capable bike, as it can crest the toughest climbs and roar through technical descents. Do-it-all: The 6.3-inch-travel Enduro is built to conquer whatever the mountain throws your way, including technical climbs and challenging downhills. The Specialized Eskar tires and adjustable Command Post seatpost speak to the Enduro’s versatility. SPECIALIZED BIG HIT If you’re looking for a capable downhill or park bike but are on a limited budget, the seven-inch-travel Big Hit was made for you. The Big Hit uses technology that has trickled down from the Demo line of bikes to create an affordable downhill machine. The Big Hit III features Specialized’s FSR suspension and has geometry dialed in for aggressive riding and agile handling. The Big Hit III features a Fox DHX 4.0 shock and a RockShox Domain fork with a 20-millimeter Maxle thru-axle. The Big Hit is equipped with a 29.5-inch- wide handlebar and Specialized’s Clutch downhill tires. 22 www.mbaction.com

TRAILGRAMS sive trail-riding tune and found on numerous pros’ bikes. Moreover, Fox’s owner’s manual recommends that riders leave their fork in the locked-out position. So what gives? David Yarden Newbury Park, California Lockout is no longer an on/off switch on most new suspension components (although it can be adjusted to feel that way). The damage outlined in Fox’s answer (bushing wear, performance dete- rioration and oil breakdown) is caused by extensive lockout use when the lockout force adjustment is set near or at its maximum resistance. Fox does not recommend this setting for extended use GOING BIGGER keeping agile handling, plus you get (and neither do we). Reducing the lock- I was reading Richard more fork travel. It would look funny, out force and riding with the lockout Cunningham’s August “Happy Trails” but 29ers look funny anyway, so, no lever engaged is a recommendation that and thinking about his obvious addic- harm, no foul. Fox and MBA have suggested for riders tion to 29ers. I could not help thinking Jonathan Dodds who want a firm riding fork. Never that he is already a generation behind. Kansas City, Missouri engaging the lockout and instead adjust- Everyone knows the real future is in ing the low-speed compression is another 32ers. The 32er size will easily carry YEAR OF 29 way to arrive at close to the same ride you over any obstacle, including curbs, I just read Richard Cunningham’s characteristic. stumps and Smart cars. The contact August “Happy Trails” about this being patch delivers insane grip, even with the year of the 29er. I agree with all of lightly knobbed tires, allowing smooth the 29er advantages, but disagree that rolling and high traction. Sure, it will the 26-inch-wheeled hardtail will be take frame designers and component “left without a chair.” Having lived in manufacturers a little to optimize the West and now the Midwest, I have everything, but at this size, 1.5 inches learned that the location and local ter- of travel will feel like five inches on a rain should decide what type of moun- less wheeled bike. The 32er will also tain bike best suits a rider’s needs. If I allow for radical simplification of the were still living in Idaho, the bike I’d drivetrain. There will be a need for plan to buy would be a long-travel 26er only a 1x9 drivetrain with a granny or short-travel 29er, because the terrain out front. This will primarily be used is rough and technical. Here in Iowa, for climbing, as the momentum from our trails are hardpack with short hills the 32er will carry the rider over any and tight switches. There are a few flat and downhill section once up to small drops and logs to ride over, but speed. Yes, change is always difficult, nothing big. Riding these trails with but once riders get a hold of the 32er, suspension or big wheels makes it too nothing else will do. Okay, I think easy and takes away the challenge and 27.5-inch wheels are a better answer, the reason I love mountain biking. BEND IN THE ROAD but could not resist. Riding anything other than a 26er Our friend Jim (the guy on the Jeff Bradley hardtail on my trails would be just like right) is getting ready to return from a Denver, Colorado riding on the road. It is for this reason seven-year stint in Germany. After my new mountain bike in 2010 will be reading your article about Bend, 96er BACKWARDS a Specialized Stumpjumper Comp HT Oregon, (MBA, May 2009), Jim added I don’t care for 29ers, but I see them with 26-inch wheels. Bend to his short list of places to settle. as acceptable from a scientific stand- Jonathan Olson He flew back on a scouting mission point. A bigger wheel will increase Cedar Rapids, Iowa and asked my husband, myself and our pedaling efficiency and have a better mutual friend, Gordon, from Phoenix, contact patch, etc. The flipside is you LOCKED UP Arizona, to join him. We started near have extra weight, decreased agility I was very surprised to read in the Mt. Bachelor and rode the Whoops and slightly slower responses on the August “Inside Line” that riding with a Trail to this convergence of trails front end. Fox fork locked out causes premature marked with a red Phoenix (the locals My random thought is this. Run a wear and is not recommended. I have say it’s a magical place). After riding 29er frame with a 29-inch rear wheel been riding my Titus Racer X with the the sweet, twisting singletrack through to take advantage of the bigger contact Fox 32 F-Series RLC fork locked and the pine forests, we have to agree. Jim patch. Then run a fork with 1.5 inches the blow-off threshold set low for about bought a house in Bend before the bike more travel than intended for the six months (ever since another MBA trip was over. bike’s frame and run a 26-inch wheel article recommended this very setup.) Linda Straub up front! This would maintain the MBA editors said that this setup is con- Boise Idaho intended geometry of the frame while sidered to be the best all-around aggres- 24 www.mbaction.com

DANGER ABOVE John Neiley (August “Trail Mix”) probably had Steve’s Loop to himself, because off in the distance it looks like there was a storm a brewing. Being out there in an electrical storm is not where I’d want to be. The lightning is one thing, but it is the risk of flash floods that would worry me. The Steve’s Loop and Mary’s Loop trail system winds its way in and around canyons and washes where flash flood- ing is prevalent. Just a little safety tip for those unfamiliar with the risks of riding in the backcountry. Andrew Jarolimek McKinleyville, California , MB,A2009 August Carbide. Thanks to Joel Smith and everyone affiliated with Tomac Bikes for looking after people who love to ride and race, whether they are beginners or pros. Chris Sharp STAY AFTER SCHOOL TAKING SHOTS Team Director I can tell from the August “Mac Great write up on the Tomac Backbone Adventure Cycling Attack” that you get it. It’s true that Snyper (MBA, August 2009). Our thunder in the distance is getting loud- entire fleet of Tomac Bikes is on its NEW TEAM er! You can’t go to a race (NorCal or second full season of racing without a A company who wanted to form a SoCal) and not be swept up. It’s inter- single frame failure. Some of these mountain bike team approached me. I esting to see where SoCal started at bikes are even from 2004 when they remembered reading the story about this year and where NorCal is now. It were retired from racers like Jeremy starting a team (MBA, July 2009) and was also eye opening for the SoCal kids Horgan-Kobelski and Dave Wiens. grabbed the issue. It’s been a great help who went to the first state champi- These bikes are still raced almost with getting ideas and knowing what onship as they saw the “promised every weekend. Charles Libolt (Pro to do. We now have a bike company land” of large fields and deep, high- DH), Austin and Cody Benge (U-23), backing us and a shop offering deals level racing. They saw what SoCal will and Jim Roff (Cat 1) regularly race on parts and service. We are a small become. But the fantastic thing about downhill and slalom/4-Cross on their squad of four riders from a Cat 3 the state championship is that, even Snypers if the course dictates a faster, Clydesdale to a first-year Cat 1 rider. though the level of sophistication was shorter-travel bike. Vanessa Humic Thanks for a great article and support- higher in NorCal, the spirit was the (Cat 1) has landed podium spots in ing grassroots mountain biking. same. Everyone was helpful, welcom- downhill, cross-country and Super D, Kerry Waldman ing and hugely passionate. In my mind, all on her two-year-old carbon Tomac Rodder Racing ❏ the high school movement is the future of the sport. And 25 years from now, Write us at mbaction@hi-torque.com or hard copy us at MBA Trailgrams, when these kids have kids, it will be 25233 Anza Drive, Valencia, CA 91355. Trailgrams tip of the month: The even more magnified! amount of pressure you apply to your brake levers depends on the surface you Matt Gunnell are riding. The worst braking technique is locking either wheel. Keeping the Executive Director wheels rolling is the key to control. A locked-up wheel cannot be steered. SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 25

TRAIL MIX Our bikes during the bumpy After having crawled through the concrete jungles of trek down to Gooseberry Mesa Tokyo Metropolis for one sultry day, my bike, Marin, near Hurricane, Utah. eventually found what was all around that could help Shalyn and Jason Gates make it get going on...love. Temecula, California Chaturong Yongsiri Tokyo, Japan While mountain biking the New Hartford Town Park Trail system in New York, I came across a field of tril- a liums in bloom. I leaned my bike made with a camera. I went out for This is the coolest mistake I’ve ever against a tree so that I could take the ted a self-portrait. I set the timer on the night ride in the fresh snow and wan like it picture with my cell phone. t-mode. After the red light flashed camera and set the camera to nigh Peter Inserra was done, but it wasn’t. The shutter usually does, I thought the camera picture Oriskany, New York cam, and I thought I had a useless sound went off as I picked up the of my palm. Not true at all. Eric Whiteside East of Osan AB, South Korea 26 www.mbaction.com

Used to be, you had to choose. Balanced, confidence-inspiring trail bike or quick and agile race whip. Now you can have both in one race-ready package. The all-new 22.5-pound Felt Nine Team, with a superior Ultra High Modulus (UHM) carbon fiber frame that’s custom designed to make the most of its 29-inch wheels. The Nine Team is one of five new bikes in Felt’s 2010 Nine series. http://www.feltbicycles.com Go big. Go fast. Go Felt.

TRAIL MIX A photo taken after a long day riding the Palo Duro Canyon located in the Texas Panhandle. A great place to ride and camp. Rick Kieffer Austin, Texas Are there any bad trails in Tahoe? Riding through Big Meadow. Brian Bartholomew Santa Clara, California 28 www.mbaction.com

My ’05 Norco Six in its element, Alpine Country, Pemberton, B.C., Canada. All mountain...all of it. Cookie Blosee Vancouver, B.C., Canada

TRAIL MIX Nothing compares to Moab, Utah, for the trails, views and people. I recently completed six days of riding that words can’t describe and pictures that don’t do it justice. Kell Heikoop and Daryl Goodfellow Burlington Ontario, Canada This is the view enjoyed by my Specialized and me from the top of Santiago Peak, at 5700 feet, the highest peak of the Saddleback Mountain range in Orange County, California. Clouds were around 4000 feet, so it felt like being in an airplane looking down at the clouds. It took over four hours to get here, and it was worth all the effort. Jeff Eales Mission Viejo, California BECOME ALMOST FAMOUS We want to make you a star. Here’s how: 1) Image file size needs to be 600 KB or larger. 2) Tell us what is going on in your photo (include names). 3) Include your name and the city and state where you live. 4) E-mail it to Trail Mix (mbaction@hi-torque.com). Trail Mix rider of the month: Matt Fritzinger ❑ 30 www.mbaction.com

November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 31

THRASH TESTS Thrash test rating: ★★★★★ Perfection PRESTAFLATOR ★★★★✩ Delivers above average value and performance ★★★✩✩ ★★★✩✩ Recommended for intended application Never have to pump again ★★✩✩✩ Shows potential but has drawbacks ★✩✩✩✩ Save your hard-earned bucks Wish the air compressor in your garage had a presta valve adaptor so you didn’t have to hand pump every presta-valved tube and tubeless tire? After the thrashing: The first without incident (or breaking a PrestaFlator gives you that adaptor— time we used the PrestaFlator, we sweat). The PrestaFlator really comes and a lot more. blew a loose-fitting Kenda Nevegal in handy for tires that just don’t want Tech features: The PrestaFlator tire right off the rim. After the ring- to seat properly. The PrestaFlator connects to your air compressor with a ing in our ears had subsided and we made short work of those jobs. We replaceable I/M compressor quick- had collected the shards of rubber found the tool’s gauge to be accurate, release attachment. It has a cast alu- from the ripped tube, we took and the big printing makes it easy to minum pistol grip handle with bead- PrestaFlator’s instructions more read. The PrestaFlator feels like a tool blasted finish. A two-finger, variable- seriously. It says right there in the that will last for years. Get one and rate trigger valve controls airflow. An manual to take it easy with a light you will have the most popular garage air gauge (up to 174psi) is protected in trigger squeeze when adding air. From on the block. a rubber housing. The brass presta that point on, we filled tires and tubes chuck is rebuildable. The tool will work on presta and Schrader valves. The PrestaFlator sells for $39.95, and the company offers an array of accessory attachments and rebuild kits. You can reach PrestaFlator at (518) 577-2150. LAZER GENESIS RD 1 RACE ★★★✩✩ For the hard-to-fit head After the thrashing: The Rollsys fitting system is not a cute gimmick. The Lazer Helmets knows that no two Rollsys dial reels in or takes out a tiny heads are the same, and instead of monofilament line that runs through the designing a helmet with a liner that helmet’s fit pads. We didn’t have trouble might favor one type of head over anoth- fitting any of the wrecking crew with a er, they came up with an idea to fit single helmet. Lazer was also nice everybody. enough to use different colors for the Tech features: The $175 Genesis RD retention straps so it is easier to know Race helmet has an internal fitting har- which strap to pull on when adjusting. ness that Lazer calls the Rollsys. Plop The helmet feels light and offers ade- the helmet on and turn a dial (popping quate coverage for cross-country racing up from the shell near the rear of the or trail riding. Some riders will experi- helmet) to adjust the harness to the size ence slight changes in their head size and shape of your noggin. The helmet’s during rides due to temperatures (of the liner and shell are in-molded (they start environment and their bodies). These production as two pieces and come out riders will love the Rollsys, because they as one). The helmet has 19 vents. Pads can adjust the fit on the fly. The Genesis are removable for easy cleaning. The RD 1 Race is highly recommended for helmet weighed ten ounces. You can riders who have had fit issues with con- reach Lazer at (952) 236-4440. ventional helmets. 32 www.mbaction.com

WOOLRICH WEATHERCHASER VEST ★★★✩✩ It does more than keep you warm A must-have accessory in your clothing arsenal is a high- quality riding vest. A vest will help you survive a cold ride in comfort and may get you out of a bad situation. Woolrich offers the $70 Weatherchaser Vest that is ready to do both. Tech features: The Weatherchaser Vest has a 100- percent Polyester Microfiber shell and 90/10 polyester/cotton liner. It is available in Cinder, Burnt Orange or Tidal colors in sizes medium through XX-large. The vest has a full-length zipper, three zippered pockets and a 2.5- inch-tall collar. The vest (size large) will increase your hydration pack load by 11 ounces. You can reach Woolrich at (800) 995-1299. After the thrashing: This is not a cycling-specific vest, so why did we like it so much? It’s warm. The shell does a great job of blocking the wind, and the thin liner holds body warmth in. We were caught by a surprise cold snap while on an overnighter, and the Weatherchaser was the warmest item we had next to leg and arm warmers. We are happy to report that it kept us toasty in mid-30-degree temps. The construction is impeccable. It’s hard to believe that we are headed into fall, but that’s why we opted for the Burnt Orange color. That color helps eliminate you as a target during hunting season. One tip is to buy one size CONTINENTAL KAISER TIRE smaller than usual if you are looking for a snug cycling fit. ★★★★✩ Tires handmade in Germany Continental brand tires are good enough for the first family in downhill racing—the Athertons. The new Kaiser tires have a downhill-specific tread pattern and sell for $75 each. Tech features: The Kaiser features a double-walled, three-ply casing, and is constructed with Conti’s special soft and tacky Black Chili compound. The Kaiser is sold in only a 2.5-inch width and for 26-inch wheels. The ramped center knobs are designed for minimal rolling resistance, while broad shoulder knobs provide cornering bite. The Continental Kaiser tires weigh two pounds, three ounces each. (877) 395-8088. After the thrashing: From a distance, the Kaiser tire looks better suited for a monster truck than a mountain bike, so the first thing we did was weigh the tire side-by-side with proven downhill treads—the Maxxis 2.5-inch 3C High Roller and Specialized’s 2.5-inch S-Works Chunder. Despite its appearance, the Continental Kaiser was six ounces lighter than the Maxxis High Roller and ten ounces lighter than the Specialized Chunder. The Kaiser does not roll as fast as other downhill tires on hardpacked terrain, but in loose, rocky and damp conditions, it blew us away. This is a tire built for the dynamic terrain of the World Cup circuit, and it showed its capabilities on the steepest and rockiest trails. The tacky Black Chili compound maintains excellent traction through slick rock gardens and high-speed off-camber corners. Despite the Kaiser being significantly lighter than other top downhill tires, we had only one pinch-flat puncture during testing. The Kaiser’s superb performance on steep, technical terrain and its relatively light weight make it the ultimate sleeper in downhill race rubber. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 33

THRASH TESTS OAKLEY RETRO GRIP FLEECE HOODY ★★★✩✩ Stylish performance outerwear The Oakley Retro Grip hoody is designed for riding in breezy weather, but is stylish enough to be worn off the bike as well. The Retro Grip hoody sells for $85. Tech features: Made from 100-percent polyester, the Retro Grip has a special pocket for your media player and a port for your earphone cables. It has a fixed hood, thumb- hole cuffs, and the Retro Grip gets its name from the graphic on the chest. If you look closely, you’ll see it’s a closeup shot of Oakley’s first product, a grip for a motocross bike. Oakley, (800) 431-1439. After the thrashing: To be honest, this is one product we didn’t want to completely “thrash,” because it’s a stylish and versatile product that we hope to wear for months to come. The Retro Grip hoody is perfect for cool weather rides and commutes, as polyester doesn’t absorb sweat, and the thumbholes will keep the sleeves in place when you’re pin- ning down the trail. We regularly found ourselves reaching for the Retro Grip hoody and stashing it into our hydration pack before rides instead of our old standby jacket. The best aspect of the Retro Grip hoody is that it can function as a brisk-weather riding jacket and fit the bill for casual wear. SPECIALIZED PHENOM SL SADDLE ★★★★✩ Road-race style turned dirty two widths, 130- and 143-millimeters, Specialized took the high-performance and weighs 6.7 ounces (130-millimeter qualities of their elite road racing Toupé version). Specialized, (877) 808-8154. saddle and adapted them to cross-coun- After the thrashing: The saddle is try riding and racing. The Phenom SL often an overlooked component of the allows your hips and lower back to sells for $150. mountain bike, which is unfortunate, curve in a natural manner. Tech features: The Phenom saddle because besides being a contact point The rounded corners and top cover features Specialized’s Body Geometry between you and your bike, it greatly on the Phenom mean you won’t snag design to assure blood flow to a man’s influences your position on the bike and your shorts on the edges of the saddle sensitive areas. The carbon-reinforced can reduce the aches and pains associat- when moving front to back and side to shell is tuned for sitbone flex and is ed with long rides. All of the features side. Often we reached for the more rigid than the Toupé road saddle. Specialized set out to address with the Specialized Phenom SL after riding a The Phenom has a snag-free recessed race-oriented Phenom are evident when test bike with a saddle that caused lower cuff, and the down-turned perch is on the bike. You may not necessarily back pain or excessive numbness, and it designed for seated climbing. The hol- notice the increased blood flow, but remedied the problem. low titanium rails support the ultra-light, relieving pressure on certain nerves If you’re unfamiliar with Specialized’s dual-density foam padding, and the reduces numbness. The sloping nose of Body Geometry products, we recom- cover has a water-resistant Micromatrix the saddle is important, because it does- mend visiting a dealer to see if the gear cover. The Phenom SL is available in n’t interfere with the male anatomy and can improve the quality of your ride. ❑ 34 www.mbaction.com

INSIDE LINE GETTING TUBED Does it matter what tubes I use in my tires? ness (these are Kenda Danny Macrone thicknesses. Other Redmond, Oregon makers may have dif- Short and sweet. That is how we like “Inside Line” ferent thicknesses). A questions. Your to-the-point question is something very fast cross-country few riders pay much attention to. That’s why we con- racer may want to tacted a guy who devotes most of his attention to the shave weight, so he subject. Jim Wannamaker, Kenda’s North American could opt for a thinner Bicycle Division marketing director, explains the wall tube (0.73-mil- importance of picking and using the right tube. limeters) compared to Does it matter what tubes you use in your tires? Absolutely. a standard wall thick- To begin with, you need the appropriate tube size for your tire. ness. The typical week- Check the sidewall of the tire for this information. If the tire is end warrior will do marked 26x2.35, then use a corresponding size, such as a best with a normal 26x2~2.4 tube. This will fit best. wall (0.95-millime- A tube is a bag that holds air and will fit the cavity it is ters) thickness tube. placed in. So a 2.3~2.4 tube will fit the 2.35 tire pretty easily Keep in mind your and not give you grief. If you take that same tire marked 2.35 weight, riding type, and insert a tube that is marked 26x1.75~1.95, the tube will bike type, where you ride and the air pressure you run. Each fit, but it will be undersized. Once the undersized tube is one of these has an impact on what tire/tube combination is inflated inside the tire, it will stretch and thin out its wall right for you. A 220-pound rider has different needs from a thickness. This is when you are more likely to have a blowout 150-pound rider. Someone who is really hard on the bike needs or become more susceptible to a puncture, as the tube is very to consider the forces applied to the tire/tube. thin. The fork and shock of a dual-suspension bike will absorb If you use a larger tube, say 2.5~2.7, in this same 2.35 tire, more of the bumps and keep the wheels on the ground better the first problem is mounting it and getting it to fit inside the than a hardtail bike. Hence the tire may wear faster. Riding channel of the rim and the tire. You will have trouble getting where there are lots of sticks and sharp-edged rocks is different the tire on the rim with this oversize tube. And once on and from riding on hardpack or soft dirt trails. inflated, it will be heavy and may not roll as true as a tire Nothing affects the ride more than air pressure. Tubes with with the correct size tube in it. no air mean you are not going anywhere. Tubes with 40 psi The next thing to take into consideration is the type of rid- (pounds per square inch) mean you can pedal, but you may ing you are doing. Tire and tube manufacturers make tubes in bounce too much. Start high and lower the air pressure by different wall thicknesses for different purposes. Tube wall increments of 2 psi until you feel a better ride. thickness can range from a very thin 0.45-millimeters to a Finally, try to use tire and tube products from the same thick 2.25-millimeters (these are Kenda sizes). Obviously, the manufacturer. Why? Many manufacturers have different ways thicker the wall, the harder it is to puncture the tube, but also of calculating size, and if you have a tire marked 26x2.10 from the heavier the tube becomes. And tubes can come with a one company and a tube from another marked “Fits sealant inside them to seal punctures. 26x1.75~2.35,” you may run into difficulties. It is like shirts What tube to use? A downhill or gravity rider with a big- and shoes. Companies have different measuring methods. One hit bike most likely will have 26x2.5 or larger tires on his company’s large is another company’s medium. One compa- bike. The ideal tube for this tire is one that has a thicker wall ny’s size 10 is another company’s size 11. So you have to check of rubber, and this would be a 1.2- or 2.25-millimeter thick- them out as to what is a good fit. ❑ November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 35

INSIDE LINE Got a question about mountain biking? Send it to “Inside Line” and let some of the most know- ledgeable folks who ride answer it for you. E-mail your question to Inside@hi-torque.com, and we’ll get it answered. WHAT A DRAG, PART II I ride a five-inch-travel, 2007 Specialized Stumpjumper Conversely, the steeper head angle when the fork is lowered equipped with a Fox fork that adjusts from 5.5 inches means more of the force is transferred into the horizontal vec- down to 3.1 inches of travel. When I’m climbing and drop tor. The reason for the drag is that the horizontal vector is the fork to its lowest travel setting, I immediately feel drag pointing into the incline (i.e., there’s more force trying to in the drivetrain. Pop it back to full travel and the drag is drive the bike into the mountain, instead of moving you up gone. What is going on? Is there a way to prevent this it.) Add in the fact that the rider usually shifts his weight for- feeling? ward while climbing, thus compressing the fork and steepen- Dan Newman ing the head tube, and the effect is even more pronounced. Sacramento, California The benefit of lowering the fork is that it puts the rider in a We ran this question in our May 2009 issue, and better position for effective and powerful pedaling, but the many riders wrote to say they felt the same sensation trade-off is that it also increases the horizontal vector of the as Dan. David Roman of Thousand Oaks, California, force pushing forward on the front wheel. who is a schoolteacher by trade, put some thought into As a quick experiment to demonstrate the effect, place a the phenomenon and came up with this explanation. book on an incline (simulating the incline of the mountain). I have an explanation for the sensation of drag when lower- Place a pencil (eraser side down) on the book and hold the ing a fork for climbing. The reason is actually fairly simple. pencil toward the top. The pencil represents the front end The force that propels the bike forward is transferred forward (head tube/fork) of the bike. With a finger on your other from the center of the rear wheel in a straight line from the hand, apply horizontal force (not parallel to the book’s rear axle to the front axle (i.e., parallel to the ground, whether incline, but perfectly horizontal) near the bottom of the pencil. on an incline or level ground). This “straight-forward” force Try it with the pencil at different angles. The steeper the pushes the front wheel forward at the axle. Because the front angle, the more the pencil pushes into the book and, thus, the end (fork/head tube) is at an angle to that forward force, the more force required to move the pencil up the incline. The force acting on the front end is split into vertical and horizon- slacker the angle, the more easily the pencil moves up the tal vectors (shown below). The slacker the head angle, the incline, until the angle becomes too slack and it just rotates more force going toward the vertical vector, which is why upwards (like a slack bike doing a wheelie on a climb). slack/long-travel bikes tend to wheelie (succumb to the vertical Hopefully, the image and the experiment will demonstrate force) or at least get squirrelly on steep climbs. the simplicity of the concept. 36 www.mbaction.com

351g www.formula-brake.com A well-rounded brake at a competitive price. At 351g (160mm rotor, front, post mount), the RX is a lightweight brake with the power to handle all of your XC, Trail, All-Mountain, and Enduro needs. Featuring a 1-piece caliper, the RX delivers impressive modulation and power. Experience the value of Formula’s RX on your next ride.

MBA est Switzerland’s Long-Travel Trailbike Interpretation BMC TrailFox 01 B MC hails from Switzerland and is a name that American riders will be hearing more of. Its presi- WHICH COMPONENTS STAND OUT? dent, Andy Rihs, is a Swiss visionary who believes With its over-the-top design and engineering, you’d expect that the only way to succeed is to make every design an that the TrailFox 01 would be outfitted with a flashier-than- over-the-top effort. The BMC TrailFox 01 is a stunning necessary component group. Not the case. BMC splurges expression of this belief. where performance must never be compromised (Fox Racing Shox suspension, DT Swiss X 1800 wheels and Schwalbe WHO IS IT MADE FOR? tires). BMC then opted for Shimano’s workhorse XT group Trail riders seeking a longer-travel machine will find the for the TF01’s drivetrain and brakes. For the cockpit, BMC BMC a near-perfect blend of aggressive and efficient quali- specs its home-designed Scor Race saddle, seatpost, stem and ties. bar. WHAT IS IT MADE FROM? HOW DOES IT PERFORM? The TrailFox 01 is an aluminum-framed work of art, BMC’s TrailFox 01 takes a mile or so to make friends crafted with triple-butted tubes that are so wildly profiled with. At first, the chassis feels tall and its geometry too cross-country to be taken seriously by those with a ride-aggressively-or-go-home attitude. However, the first-time TrailFox rider quickly discovers that BMC knows a lot about trail riding. Pedaling: The TrailFox’s rear suspension dips slightly with every pedal stroke, but its effect on performance is negligible, so we were not tempted to flip the shock’s ProPedal lever on except during long climbs or endless fire road sessions. Use the Fox fork’s TALAS travel adjustment to further brighten the TrailFox’s climbing performance. The BMC’s steering responds more quickly with the fork travel short- ened, and the slightly steeper effective seat angle leaves your legs feeling fresher on steep climbs. and manipulated that it rivals the curvy lines On the trail: Steering feels of cutting-edge, carbon fiber designs. BMC gave the TrailFox quicker than we have come to expect from a 68-degree head 01 5.5 inches of suspension travel on both ends with their angle, probably due to the TrailFox’s short, 90-millimeter own rendition of the ever-popular dual-link rear suspension. stem and mid-width handlebar. Drop the air pressure in the The beautiful BMC’s design features are beyond skin jumbo-sized Schwalbe tires to 28 psi front and 30 rear, and deep, as evidenced by its upper rocker link and bottom they roll faster than many 2.0-inch cross-country tires, but bracket assembly, which are created by welding mated alu- with gobs of traction in reserve for steep climbs and fast cor- minum forgings together. This construction method results ners. The bike’s ride-everything-from-the-middle handling in lightweight, yet rigid, structures. The TF01’s dropouts are makes any type of ride a delight, because the rider is always similarly constructed, with the rear brake caliper cleanly in the sweet spot for climbing traction, balanced cornering integrated into the left-side forging (BMC calls this “Natural or hard braking. The front end can feel light up steep grades, Born Post Mount”). but this is due more to the abundance of grip afforded by the Other BMC treats can be found at the head tube, where 2.4-inch tires than a flaw in the bike’s geometry. the headset bearings are integrated into the frame, and at the Descending: Open up the TrailFox 01’s suspension and seat tube/seat stay junction, where BMC works some metal let it rip. The BMC rolls smoothly over some gnarly bumps, magic to split the top tube into a tubular Y-shape to rein- and it keeps the tires on the ground around fast corners. force the area. BMC’s wrap-around, quick-release seat tube The feel of the BMC is trustworthy, but if you push it deep clamp is quite impressive. The frame and shock can be had into the realm of a black-diamond bike, bouncing through for $2249. boulder fields and sticking bad landings from sizable jumps, 38 www.mbaction.com

Switch hitter: The BMC will climb smoothly without switching on the Fox RP2 shock’s ProPedal feature, but the addition of the pedal platform gives the TrailFox 01 an ener- getic feel under power. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 39

Trailbike Interpretation an aggressive rider will notice flex in its rear suspension. Speed control is not an issue aboard the TrailFox, because the seven-inch rotors and fat rubber make for impressive braking. Shimano gets high marks for its no-rub XT disc brakes. XTR and XT stoppers usually develop a rub at least once during a day’s ride, but not this time. They were responsive and powerful without being grabby. TRICKS, UPGRADES OR TIPS? We hit upon one troublesome detail that was probably an assembly mistake at the factory. The left-side retaining screws backed out of the suspension’s lower pivot linkage, twice. A call to BMC North America netted new screws and helped us find the root of the problem. It seems that the aluminum screws should have been secured with a thread-locking fluid. Our TrailFox pivot bolts were assembled with grease. A thorough cleaning of the pivot assembly and the application of some thread locker was an easy fix. Most accomplished bike handlers will toss the TrailFox’s narrow 25-inch handlebar and opt for a wider one. Finally, riders who are more gravity oriented will accuse BMC designers of making the chassis too lightweight for no-compromise descending. BUYING ADVICE Riding the BMC TrailFox 01 was an unexpected pleasure. Quick, like a fox: Brisk steering and a light feel at the pedals make the BMC TrailFox 01 a great choice for racer types who Its performance is well-suited for all-day rides over technical are making the transition to a dedicated trailbike. terrain, and its easy-going manners and smooth-riding suspension make the hours pass by in a most enjoyable fashion. BMC TRAILFOX 01 BMC’s long-travel trailbike joins MBA favorites like the Giant Trance for do-it-all, cross-country performance. ❑ Price $4499 Country of origin Taiwan Weight 29 pounds Hotline (952) 941-9391 Frame tested 18.5" (medium) Bottom bracket height 13" Chainstay length 17.125" Top tube length 23" Head tube angle 68° Seat tube angle 73° Standover height 30" Wheelbase 44.25" Suspension travel (front) 5.5" Suspension travel (rear) 5.5" Frame material Aluminum Fork Fox 32 TALAS 140 Shock Fox Float RP2 Rims DT Swiss X1800 Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic (2.4") Hub DT Swiss X1800 BMC’ing: (Clockwise from Brakes Shimano XT top) BMC uses a dual-link Brake levers Shimano XT suspension configured much Crankset Shimano XT like Giant’s Maestro system. Paired halves, which are then Handlebar Scor Race (25") welded together, form a light- Shifters Shimano XT weight and rigid rocker link. Front derailleur Shimano XT The same construction technique is used for the bottom Rear derailleur Shimano XT (Shadow) bracket shell. Shimano XT Chainrings Shimano XT (44/32/22) disc brakes delivered no- Cassette Shimano XT (11-34) drag and right-now stopping performance. Pedals None (weighed with Shimano XT) 40 www.mbaction.com

Passion Driven. Our brand was bred from the very roots of mountain biking, rider: Nick Pescetto NOT borrowed from the automotive or any other industry. We are unique and exclusive, photo: Matteo Cappe - www.mc-photographer.com designing and manufacturing tires specifically for your sport, your lifestyle, your passion. www.geax.com

I n 2007, Trek Bikes under- went a significant change in their mountain bike culture, and in the company itself. The 2010 Trek decision was made to invest in the terrain around the company by building over ten miles of MBA TECH trails and hiring a full-time trail builder. Around this same time, Trek began development on what has become their bread and butter ABP (Active Braking Pivot) and Full-Floater suspen- Mountain Bikes Trek debuts new suspension bikes in Austria sion, found on their high-end cross-country bike the Top Fuel, the Fuel EX trailbike and the versatile Remedy all-mountain platform. We’ve been impressed with each of the above-mentioned bikes and were eager to find out how Trek would be able to improve on these platforms for 2010. We had the opportunity to get a first glimpse at Trek’s Top Fuel, Fuel EX and carbon fiber Remedy in the Salzkammergut area of Altaussee, Austria. 2010 BIKE UPDATES Although Trek’s entire line of mountain bikes receives revisions and upgrades, we’re going to focus on the updates to their flagship and upper-end models. You will find many of the technologies applied to these bikes will trickle down to more budget-friendly versions. Top Fuel ($2599-$6499): Trek claims their carbon fiber Top Fuel 9.9 is their fastest race bike ever, that’s also versatile enough for trail riding. The eye-catching carbon fiber frame retains the no-cut seat mast, BB90 Net Molded bottom bracket with drop-in bearings, fications we’d like to see on the bike, ear shock feel of a coil spring. The Fuel ABP Race System and magnesium Evo such as utilizing one of the new thru- EX will carry the DRCV shocks down Link. New for the 3.9-inch-travel Top axle trailbike forks. The 2010 Fuel EX the line to the aluminum EX 8 model. Fuel is the custom Race Cam shock that 9.9 now is equipped with an air-sprung The carbon fiber-framed Fuel EX 9.9 takes a Fox RP23 shock and makes it Fox Shox 32 F-Series Fit RLC fork with and the 9.8 receive Trek’s OCLV carbon equal parts race, and equal parts trail. a tapered alloy steerer tube and 15QR seat stay. The carbon stay uses Trek’s The ProPedal positions 1 and 2 maintain thru-axle. However, the biggest news Net Molded precision-fit bearings and that same plush trailbike feel, while comes in the area of the Fuel EX 9.9’s all-carbon disc brake tabs. position 3 gives the highest degree of new shock and rear triangle. The EX 9.9 Taking a page from the Top Fuel, the lockout ever offered by Fox, ideal for receives Fox’s DRCV (Dual Rate Control Fuel EX line will utilize the lighter, one- out-of-the-saddle sprints and extended Valve) RP23 shock technology that Trek piece ABP Race rear axle down to their climbing. The premium 21.2-pound Top describes as having two shocks in one. aluminum EX 7 model. Fuel 9.9 features the SRAM XX group, The goal of the DRCV is to provide effi- Remedy Carbon ($2600-$6499): Bontrager XXX Lite wheels and has a cient pedaling while being able to transi- Trek takes their OCLV carbon frames to price tag of $6499. tion into soaking up big hits without any the all-mountain category as their six- Fuel EX ($1399-$6499): We fell in compromise in suspension performance. inch-travel Remedy gets a carbon love with the 2009 4.7-inch-travel Fuel The Fox DRCV shock is designed to makeover. Designed specifically for the EX 9.9 (tested in our August 2009 seamlessly transition between the first carbon Remedy, Trek deploys their issue), but had a short wish list of modi- and second chambers providing the lin- Carbon Armor to protect against rocks 42 www.mbaction.com

The hills are alive: Trek’s 2010 cross- country and trailbike launch took place on the breathtaking terrain of Altaussee, Austria. Trek’s Travis Brown puts down the power aboard the new Fuel EX. kicking up into the downtube. The four- layer Carbon Armor adds embedded stiffeners to the main frame and tops it off with a replaceable polymer shield. Like the Fuel EX, the Remedy gets the Fox DRCV RP23 shock (all four models down to the Remedy 7). The Remedy line keeps the triple chainring crankset, acquires the ABP Race suspension, a Fox Shox 15QR fork, and is now available in a new 18.5-inch size. The carbon Remedy 9.9 and 9.8 models share the BB95 press-in bottom bracket. Top-notch: Trek says their 21.2-pound Top Fuel 9.9 is their fastest mountain bike ever. The premium Top Fuel gets SRAM’s XX group, a custom Fox Shox RP23 Race Cam shock, and Bontrager XXX Lite wheels. It could be yours for $6499. Shock therapy: The new Race Cam RP23 shock from Fox is specific to Trek’s Top Fuel cross-country racer. The ProPedal positions 1 and 2 maintain that same plush trailbike Fueling the fire: The Top Fuel 9.8 is equipped with cross-country’s hardest working feel, while position 3 gives the highest component group, Shimano XT, and shares the same frame and Fox Shox RP23 Race degree of lockout ever offered by Fox. Cam shock as the premium 9.9 version. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 43

Trek MBA TECH 2 for 1: The Fox Shox DRCV RP23 shock serves as two shocks in one, as it offers superb pedaling Great got greater: One of MBA’s favorite bikes of 2009, the 4.7-inch- performance and travel Trek Fuel EX 9.9, now features a Fox Shox 32 F-Series Fit RLC seamlessly fork with a 15QR thru-axle, the Fox DRCV (Dual Rate Control Valve) opens up the top shock and a carbon fiber Truvativ Noir crankset. air chamber to soak up harsh impacts. Born in the USA: Trek’s American-made, OCLV, carbon fiber Fuel EX frames feature the tapered E2 head tube. The E2 puts more frame material in an area that takes the brunt of high-speed hits along the trail. All-mountain beauty: It was only a matter of time before Trek unveiled their carbon fiber, six-inch-travel Remedy all-mountain trailbike. Trek will offer two carbon and two aluminum-framed Remedies, each of which will utilize a Fox Shox fork with a 15QR thru-axle, and the Fox DRCV Midas touch: The gold-trimmed Remedy 9.9 features a RP23 shock. Crankbrothers Joplin remote-controlled adjustable seatpost, massive head tube junction and SRAM X.0 shifters and rear derailleur. ❑ 44 www.mbaction.com

visit us at SUNLINERACING.COM or call 661 257 2756 ay k ac gr bl st po at Se ne O V- Micro Adjust Head - 40mm rail cradle to help prevent bent seat rails. - Zero offset clamp. - Tilt adjustment independent of fore and aft adjustments. - 2-Bolt clamp for secure hold. - Can accommodate many different seat tube angles. - 350mm length. - Anodized ⇒nish with lazer etched graphics.

10 MBA TRAINING AND FITNESS Long-Travel Trailbike Tips Make your bike do the work R.Cunningham L ong-travel trailbikes—dual-suspension designs with five or six inches of wheel travel and cross-country-suitable geometry—are the most popular bike choice for today’s experienced riders. Those who make the transition from a hardtail or short-travel cross-country dual-suspension bike to a long-travel trailbike usually waste at least six weeks choosing lines and applying power in much the same way they did on their old mounts. All new or improved technology comes with a revised operating handbook, and long- The new face of cross-country: travel trailbikes are no exception. Bike setup, line choices, braking technique, Pedal-friendly suspension and pedaling style and position over the bike are different for long-legged designs, platform damping have made long- so to get the most performance from your Giant Trance, Pivot Mach 5, or travel trailbikes practical for riding all Specialized Stumpjumper, study the following tips. day or all out. 46 www.mbaction.com

FIVE LONG-TRAVEL SETUPS TIPS BEFORE YOU HIT THE TRAIL 1 SUSPENSION SETUP—SOFT Set the suspension softer than you may believe is best. The first big error newbies make is pumping up the air spring of the shock and fork to achieve a similar feel to a three-inch cross-country racer. Big mistake. You will never use the full travel of either end of the bike, and worse, you will effectively raise the bike’s ride height (and thus the center of gravity), causing the bike to bounce and chatter over the bumps more than your old short-stroke cross- country machine ever did. Set the suspension sag at 25 percent and lower the ride-height of the bike. Pedaling will not be less firm, because the suspension (and any built-in anti-bob attribute) is designed to work in this range. The overall ride of the bike, climbing and descending, will be miraculously improved. 2 GADGETS—USE THEM Hey, the inertia valves on the Specialized Stumpjumper’s Brain fork and shock are not ornaments. Turn them up and the bike will pedal marvelously well while you—the ex-hardtail monkey—flail away at the pedals as if the crankset were your arch enemy. If your bike is sold with a Fox RP23 shock and a Fox fork with the TALAS feature, its designer is telling you that switching to a firmer pedal platform in the rear and lowering the front end will enhance your climbing—and maybe boost the performance elsewhere on Resist the temptation: Trek’s suspension- the trail. Same goes for handlebar-remote lockouts and in-flight-adjustable sag gauge graphically reveals how much neg- seatposts. Once suspension travel exceeds five inches, the interplay between ative travel a trailbike needs to operate cor- the fork and shock action can alter the bike’s effective frame geometry by up rectly. Don’t over-pressurize your air springs to two degrees in extreme situations. Experiment. Use your on-the-fly tuning to hedge against pedal bob. options to speed up or slow down the steering as needed, to lower your center of gravity, or to maximize your pedaling efficiency. 3 TIRES—GO BIG The 2.35-inch Kenda Nevegal is the long-travel-trailbike national anthem, and for good reason—it sticks on any soil, climbs like a goat and rolls with reasonable efficiency. Schwalbe’s Nobby Nic and Rocket Ron 2.4-inch tires are also big-volume/fast-rolling tires. Why big rubber? For starters, you’ll be carrying more speed, braking with more force and attacking technical sections that previously you may have walked or soft-pedaled. Big tires protect lightweight wheels, and wide, soft, aggressive tread will find adequate climbing and braking traction, regardless of where the rider’s weight is balanced over the bike. Go big, and if you want to save weight, then convert to tubeless (we highly recommend this). Get some leverage: Big, grippy tires can transmit a lot of force through the steering. Wider handlebars help tame the handling of a modern trailbike when the terrain gets wild. Be a knob twister: Remote seatpost-height and fork-travel adjustments help extend the versatility of trailbikes, especially when wheel travel edges towards the six-inch mark. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 47

MBA TRAINING AND FITNESS 10 Tips 4 STEMS AND BARS—GO LONG Forty-five-millimeter stems are fine for level jump parks and steep descents, but the slacker head angles (68 to 69 degrees) of the modern trailbike put the rider’s weight too far aft of the front wheel for climbing. Ninety- to 100-millimeter stems weight the front tire for better cornering and climbing, and slightly wider handlebars (26 to 27 inches) will boost technical control while descending without adversely affecting climbing. 5 TIRE PRESSURE—TEN PSI LOWER Large-volume tires require less air pressure to support the same weight when compared to skinny 2.1 or 1.9 racing rubber. If a 2.1 tire feels rock hard at 50 psi, a 2.35 tire will feel the same at 40 psi. Cross-country pressure for a 170-pound rider with 2.35-inch tires will average 28 in the front and 30 in the rear—depending upon riding style. Excessive tire pressure in large-volume tires will make for a harsh, bouncy ride and mess with the bike’s low-speed suspension performance. FIVE LONG-TRAVEL RIDING TIPS Sit down and pedal: Smooth and steady pedaling is possible aboard a long-stroke trailbike, so use this to GETTING ALL YOU PAID FOR your advantage and conserve energy on long, arduous climbs. Sit down and spin. 1 ROCK GARDENS—GEAR UP through the boulders in the middle chainring. Practice on a short section of way-larger-than-you-would-normally- ride-over rocks and hit them with your weight back Poking through the rocks in low gear may have been an slightly and your arms braced so the forks take the full effective strategy for your nearly rigid bike, but you’ll impact instead of your body. Try different speeds until need some speed to bust through the rocks with a long- you find a gear that uses the full travel of your bike’s sus- travel machine. Below a certain speed, five- or six-inch- pension and rolls over the rocks with conviction. Don’t stroke forks can soak up enough energy to stop a rider focus on the largest obstacle in your path. Instead, look dead in his tracks. Big-travel bikes can surf over hefty- across the rock garden, or ten feet ahead of the bike, and sized rocks and logs, but you’ll need to be bold and run keep pedaling. Don’t sweat the rocks: Use your suspension and higher-volume tires to your advantage by straight-lining rough and rocky sections that the 2 LINE CHOICE—STRAIGHT TO THE APEX skinny-tire bikes must weave through. Forget about all that wiggling and waver- ing and pretend that the well-worn line on the trail doesn’t exist. Rigid bikes force cross-country riders to sweat every bump or soft spot on the trail. Carry some speed and let your suspension and momentum work for you. Take the straightest path between corners, even if this means pounding over a few rocks or soft spots. When you approach corners, ignore the wide, sweeping path that timid cross-country riders use and arc from the outside line to the inside apex. You’ll cross over some rough ground near the apex, but your turns will be faster and you’ll exit with more speed and control. Take the straight line down technical descents for the same reasons. Should you make a mistake, your bike will stay on line. 48 www.mbaction.com

Over three years in development, the Carbide SL is the ultimate in lightweight, stiffness and pedaling efficiency. At a scant 4.4 pound frame weight with a DT Swiss carbon shock, it's one of the lightest XC full suspension bikes on the market, and certainly the stiffest. The Carbide SL can be hammered through anything a cross country rider can throw at it. Tomac Bikes | 2932 South 26th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68502 | 402 261 3988

10 Tips MBA TRAINING AND FITNESS 3 CLIMBING—GEAR DOWN You don’t have to climb every hill in the granny gear, but your long- travel suspension and oversized tires will work to your advantage if you stay seated and pedal smoothly in a lower gear. Your climbing efficiency comes from the fact that your bike can maintain traction and soak up the bumps on the trail ahead while you remain in an optimal cycling position—in the saddle and over the cranks. Skinny-tired hardtail boys must shift their weight constantly to maintain traction and to attack steps and roots successfully. Let your bike find its way up the climb. Keep your heart rate in the zone and take the straightest path, knowing that your tires will find grip in soft soil and allow you to cross ruts that may stymie lesser men on inferior machines. This is your long-travel strength—use it wisely. No need to skid: Aggressive tires and more capable handling boosts braking power and control, so lay off the binders until you actually 4 BRAKING—LATER AND HARDER need to slow down and brake late in short, powerful intervals. Armed with six inches of wheel travel and 2.35-inch tires, you should rarely have an occasion to lock up a tire. Use more front brake than would be practical with a cross-country racing bike and brake later and harder—on the last straight section of trail before the corners. Gain your time on the straighter sections of the descent and brake late to enter the corners at a safer, more controlled speed and you will make fewer mistakes. Ease off the brakes as you lean the bike into the turn so you are coasting at the apex. Control your speed on steep or long descents by braking harder where the trail is smooth and your tires can find maximum traction. Ease up where traction is sketchy or the grade is chopped up so the wheels can roll through. You can’t steer a bike with a locked wheel—period. A bike that rolls is under control. 50 www.mbaction.com

Stay centered: Keep your suspension balanced by riding from the middle of the chassis. Crouch down to lower the bike’s center of gravity for steep descents or hard braking instead of sliding to the extreme rear of the saddle. 5 STAY CENTERED— EXCEPT IN ONE SITUATION The more wheel travel your dual- suspension chassis has, the easier it is to upset the front/rear balance by exaggerating your body position fore or aft. Stay centered. Confine your fore/aft weight shifts to the length of the saddle and you will never be caught out of position for a surprise climb or drop. Excessive weight shifts unload one side of the suspension and over-compress the other—which can make a great bike feel like a monster. Stay centered and you force the suspension to act against your mass—which is balanced between the wheels—so the bike will also remain in balance. There is one exception to the stay-centered rule: When you need to sprint or power out of the saddle, lean over the front of the bike and preload the fork with your weight. This will compress the fork about halfway through its stroke and boost the spring and damping rates so it will bob less under a 100-percent effort. ❑ November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 51

Crashing Mountain MBA PRE-INTERBIKE SPECIAL Biking’s Annual Trade Show See the new stuff before the doors open C ar nuts have the Detroit Auto show. Gamers have the E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo. Surfer dudes get the Orlando Surf Expo. Snowboarders attend the Snowsports Industries America Trade Stop the bleeding: Adventure Medical Show. But none of these shows are as exciting Kits’ QuikClot Sport to us as Interbike. is a sponge made of Interbike corrals bike shop employees in a porous fabric that Las Vegas convention center where they get to contains tiny beads of the mineral Zeolite. see the latest offerings from folks who make When placed onto a bikes, components and apparel for mountain wound, the QuikClot bikers. We asked these companies if we could sponge conforms to the shape of the give riders who depend on Mountain Bike injury and is claimed Action a sneak peek at what they are taking to to stop even venous Interbike. The response was overwhelming and arterial bleeding in less than three (we couldn’t fit everything in), because you minutes. How? QuikClot claims to act as a molecular sieve, are important to these people. sifting molecules by size. When QuikClot comes into contact with blood, it rapidly absorbs smaller water molecules from the blood, effectively sucking out all of the liquid. Only the larger platelet and clotting factor molecules remain in the wound in a highly concentrated form. This process pro- motes extremely rapid natural clotting and prevents severe blood loss. QuikClot Sport has a suggested retail of $9.99. You’ll find it at bike shops and sporting goods stores. Right price: The $150 Xpedo Twins XMF6AT pedals reportedly weigh 10.5 ounces and use a titanium axle and aluminum body with a three-cartridge bearing system that Xpedo claims increases strength enough to extend the pedals’ life span by 20 percent. The front and rear claws have adjustments for either toe-in or step-in entry and work with Take a shot: The $139 EVS Sports BJ33 Ballistic Jersey Shimano cleats. is an all-in-one protector that incorporates upper-body protective gear in one piece of equipment. It offers a full torso, newly designed elbow protection and is machine washable. Available in black or gray in both youth ($79) and adult sizes up to XXXXL. (888) 873-8423. 52 www.mbaction.com

Downhiller’s necklace: The Leatt-Brace GPX Sport is an injection-molded, glass-reinforced, nylon/carbon fiber neck brace system designed by medical professionals to help prevent extreme forward, rearward and sideways head movements. It should also reduce spinal col- umn compression, hyperflexion and hyperex- tension. The $595 GPX Sport is available in two sizes, small for four- to 16-year-olds who have a thin build, or medium for riders older than 16 years old. Leatt-Brace also makes neck braces for adults. Call them at (800) 691-3314. Slippery stuff: The $9.99 Muc-Off Wet Lube is a naturally derived, biodegrad- able lube formulated for long-distance lubrication and protection. It can be used in wet or muddy conditions where it will repel water and inhibit rust and corrosion. (562) 945-9944. Three ones: The $129.95 Cygolite Milion 200 LED Li-Ion light has one light, one battery and it comes in one piece. This rechargeable headlight system integrates a high-brightness LED light with a three-hour Li-Ion battery. It weighs a claimed 4.6 ounces and offers USB charging, three lighting modes, charging and low-battery indicators, plus helmet and handlebar mounts. (714) 437-7752. Fast wheels: Fulcrum is rolling out (pun intended) the Red Metal 1 XL wheel, which takes weight off their previous offering with the use of 24 aluminum spokes (both front and rear). The spoke lacing is claimed to improve Pump it up: Genuine wheel performance Innovations gets you back during braking and riding fast after a flat tire with torquing in the big their new $39.99 Mountain ring. The hub’s Pipe. It is the best of both bearings are dou- worlds, with a combo CO2 inflator bled sealed and can and hand pump. The Mountain Pipe be run with a tradi- has a magnetic lock that keeps the tional nine-millime- barrel locked and closed. The slip-on ter axle or 15-mil- valve fits presta valves, and a Schrader limeter thru-axle. valve adaptor is included. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 53

MBA PRE-INTERBIKE SPECIAL Trade Show Bling-a-licious: The guys at Crankskins.com continue to come up with ideas to Light feet: The new $230 add bling to your Xpedo M-Force XMF08TT bike and protect pedals are claimed to tip the it at the same scales at 7.4 ounces. They hit time. They offer that weight with the use of a chainstay guards, titanium body and axle. The crankarm guards axle still floats on three car- and, new for tridge bearings. The pedals 2010, Rimskins, are Shimano cleat compatible. which will sell for (310) 993-5949. between $15 and $20. Crankskins offers custom graphics in small quantities to make your club or team look pro. Save your marriage: The $29.99 Save-A-Seat may just save your marriage. Instead of plastering the family car seat with everything you just finished riding through, pull the Save-A- Seat over the car seat (like a window shade) and protect it from your muddy backside. You can reach Save-A-Seat at (724) 962-2072. Comfort in a jar: Okole Stuff was Added protection: Element Case offers the developed by six-time National $149 Alloy Base case for select iPhone and Endurance Champion Monique iPod Touch models. The flip-lid is translucent “Pua” Sawicki. “No chamois oint- acrylic with laser-engraved graphics. You ment stayed the distance, so I creat- choose your color and graphic for a custom ed Okole Stuff using lanolin, allan- look. The molded polycarbonate bezel keeps toin, tea tree oil, aloe, love and the phone secure in the base. The Alloy Base secret ingredients. It provides com- is CNC-machined from aluminum, anodized, fort and healing for rides around the and laser-engraved with custom graphics. block all the way to the 24-Hour Nickel-plated fasteners resist corrosion. You Solo World Championships.” The can get more info at (650) 226-3680. $25 Okole Stuff (six ounces) can be purchased at KHS dealers or at teammata.com. 54 www.mbaction.com

Home mechanic: Need to remove your Shimano Hollowtech Fly to the finish: The $4295 Fly Team 29er titanium bottom bracket? You need special tools, and Icetoolz gives is made from a 3/2.5 butted titanium tubeset with you everything you need in this $12 kit. (888) 804-1095. Motobecane’s Vari-butting. They offer the bike in four sizes (15, 17, 19 or 21 inch) with FSA Afterburner cranks, Shimano XTR components and a 3.9-inch travel RockShox Reba 29 fork. Claimed weight is 23.5 pounds. Strong and pretty: The Cane Creek Premium 110 One.Point.Five headset is available in black, silver, blue, red, purple or turquoise. The $175 Premium Headset is claimed to weigh 5.5 ounces, with a split- lip, black oxide upper bearing and a 1.5- inch lower angular contact bearing. It is made in the U.S. and comes with Cane Creek’s 110-year warranty. More info at Toolbox in a bag: The $119 Icetoolz Tool Wrap includes popular (800) 234-2725. tools (including an Allen wrench set that is hard to see in the photo) in a handy and durable nylon wrap. We keep our Wrap under the car’s front seat so we are never at a loss when it comes time to make those last-minute trailhead adjustments. Feeling thirsty?: The Elite Jossa Water Bottles’ special spout guaran- tees consistent, abundant flow when the middle of the bottle is squeezed. The Jossa is compatible with most standard bottle cages. Available in Be visible: The $15 Frog Strobe light is five LEDs rolled into one. It uti- two sizes and four colors (blue, lizes patented strobe technology and is five times brighter than the origi- clear, red or smoke). The Elite Jossa nal Frog. It has four modes: normal flash, normal constant, strobe flash Water Bottle is $18.99, and the Elite and strobe constant, with a claimed 180 hours of flash time. Featuring 12 Super Jossa Water Bottle is $21.99. colors, the new Frog Strobe has an integrated clip and comes in low- Contact them at (800) 279-3793. impact, recyclable packaging. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 55

Trade Show MBA PRE-INTERBIKE SPECIAL Serious training: The Elite RealPower CT Internet Trainer features an electronic resistance unit that replicates slopes up to 20 percent. Ride conditions are simulated Stylish trio: according to gradients, speeds The $270 Remedy CF is Giro’s ultimate and rider/bicycle weights. Train full-face helmet. It is engineered to meet according to fixed power, heart CPSC and ASTM downhill standards and fea- rate, speed and distance. The tures a full-carbon shell with removable interior Ritmo dancing mechanism follows pads. The all-new $50 Station MTB goggle is the the movements of your body as perfect complement to the Remedy, thanks to a Super Fit you train. The $2300 trainer Engineered frame that matches up flawlessly and offers a comfortable, includes 15 video races, a heart- wide-open field of view. And the all-new $34 DJ glove, designed with rate belt, standard feet and auto- input from riders like Greg Watts and Paul Basagoitia, is durable matic software updates. enough for digging and riding, with extra style points, too. (800) 283-2453. Have it your way: Two new lights from NiteRider Technical Lighting Systems come with D.I.Y. software (do it yourself) that allows you to customize the light to your specific needs. You can program the number of light outputs, how bright they will blast, and you can Get a grip: Fizik’s new XC Grips provide mountain even customize your own flash rate. The $500 Pro 600 bikers with an opportunity to use the handlebar tape LED (single beam) offers an eight-step fuel gauge, used by roadies. Incorporating their mictrotex bar quick-release battery system, a low battery warning wrap into an interchangeable mountain bike grip, the and it is all compatible with the NiteRider Explorer new XC Grips employ a dual cover of matte and headband. The $650 Pro 1200 LED (dual beam) has all suede microtex, encasing a shock-absorbing but lean of the features of the Pro 600. blue, foam padding. The Grips are capped with brushed aluminum lock-on clamps, secured with stainless steel M3 screws. The clamps are easily removable, the core collapses, and your XC Grip cover can be changed in a flash. The XC Grips will come with two covers: black/black suede or white/gray suede, and will retail for $47.99. Additional grip covers will be sold separately for $13.99. 56 www.mbaction.com

Saddle holder: Fizik’s new $125 Cyrano 3D forged 7075 aluminum seatpost has mast walls that are thicker in the front and back for strength and thinner on the sides for weight savings. Radiused clamp edges prevent damage No Fox tail: Fox took the V3 motocross helmet and re-engi- to rails. The tilt mechanism is a two-bolt system (with neered it for bike-specific use by trimming some weight thumb wheel for front adjustment) with infinite angle (down to a claimed 2.6 pounds) with the use of carbon fiber adjustment to accommodate a variety of seat tube in the shell lay up. The $379.95 V3R has rear venting, a angles. The Cyrano includes a silicone ring useful for multi-channel internal EPS liner for airflow and a fully remov- marking your post height. The Cyrano comes in four able and washable Coolmax liner and cheek pads. diameters (27.2-, 30.9-, 31.6- and 34.9-millimeters) and three lengths (270-, 350-, and 400-millimeters). Padded cell: The Fox Titan Sport Jacket is a new upper body suit for the gravity set that won’t break the bank at $139.95. It offers hard shell plastic protection on the back, shoulders, chest and arms, with a mesh chassis for maximum comfort when railing the berms. Important info: The $9.95 SafeTband is a little pouch that attaches to your hydration pack or goggle strap and contains emergency medical information for first responders. A neat little product that could save your life. Get one at www.safetband.com. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 57

Trade Show MBA PRE-INTERBIKE SPECIAL Feel a draft?: The $119.95 Fox Ventilator Short is new for 2010 and features a lightweight shell with a shorter outseam, specifically designed for hot weather rides when the humidity is high. Ventilation ports and a detach- able inner mesh short optimize the airflow, and a new Evo chamois adds comfort. Knee-high protection: The $59.95 Fox Launch Pro Knee Pad is a new, soft-shell kneepad with a hard plastic knee insert. The insert is an ergonom- ic shape for comfort and stability. The perforated neoprene helps prevent sweaty-knee syndrome. Casual cool: The Fox 2010 Dirt Shirt Collection uses a unique bamboo fabric that is both wicking and anti-microbial. Fox then adds graphics that seem to appeal to everyone from trials riders to downhillers. The shirts sell for $39.95 each. 58 www.mbaction.com

Budget rubber: German The CST protection: Camber tire The $110 comes in 26x2.1 Uvex or a fatter Supersonic 26x2.25 size GT helmet that mimics the offers the low profile of IAS 3D expensive adjustment cross-country system race tires. It (adjustable in doesn’t mimic height and their price, width), 23 ven- though. All tires tilation open- will be available ings, on-the-fly chin in wire or fold- strap adjustment, and for- ing bead. The ward vents screened to keep Camber prices bees out. Uvex helmets are start at $17. now available in America through Magura USA, (800) 448-3876. Sun power: The $179 Vaude Solar Charger is a pack accessory that mounts solar panels that charge your batteries with sun power. It fits all Vaude packs and only adds 12 ounces to your Up front: Magura’s pack. Available from Magura USA $899 Thor fork has at (800) 448-3876. adjustable travel from 5.5 inches to 3.9 inches with remote control rebound, compression and lockout adjustment. You get a Maxle 360 thru-axle and a disc brake post- mount for seven- inch rotors. Add improved wiper seals and an optional conical steerer and you are ready to rage. Light brake: Lighten up your ride Add some cushion: Smooth out the with some $99.95 Carver titanium bumps with a Carver Ti Seatpost. It has disc rotors. Claimed to weigh less a two-bolt micro adjust with Carver’s than two ounces, the titanium disc unique setback design. The titanium brake rotors are currently available post is available in 27.2 x 350 millime- in a six-inch diameter with a six-bolt ters, and they will make custom sizes. pattern and should be compatible The matte finish is $169.95 and the with all popular cross-country race brushed finish goes for $199.95. bike brake calipers. Carver Bikes, (207) 442-7840. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 59

MBA PRE-INTERBIKE SPECIAL Trade Show Inflated action: New for 2010, the $30.99 Axiom Enforce Air Pro hand pump has a dual-density handle, aluminum barrel and 160 psi maximum pressure. With an anodized body and nickel-plated accents, it looks as good as it works. Like all Axiom pumps, it is completely serviceable with available replacement parts and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Real steel: It is not new for 2010, but you can’t sue us because we think Available from Norco the chromoly Brodie Heritage Series is simply elegant. Brodie says, at (800) 663-8916. “Chromoly is in our blood, and with a little something for almost everyone, we just couldn’t leave it off the menu any longer. Whether riding down a trail, along a long and winding road or across town, we have you covered with the classic feel of steel.” Sturdy shorts: The Mace $100 NOS Equipe Short is a loose-fitting short for epic rides. Made with woven stretch fabric and 30-percent lighter than Mace’s reg- ular NOS shorts, the NOS Equipe won’t restrict mobility. Anti-UV and DWR (Durable Water Repellency) are combined with anti-abrasion coat- ings. Available in men’s and women’s styles, the NOS Equipe shorts are for anyone who wants a comfortable over-short for longer rides in warm weather or just cruising around in the summer heat. Available from Norco at (800) 663-8916. Hats off to THE: The 2010 carbon Tiki helmet goes for $299 and comes with two visors and an all- new cool dry, washable padset. It comes in sizes from X-small to X-large. THE at (562) 407-2184. 60 www.mbaction.com

Ear warmer: Get ready for the fall and winter riding season with the $16.95 Halo Anti-Freeze pullover headband. It features a wider profile and ear protection to block the wind and cold weather. The one-size-fits-all design includes the patented Sweat Block Technology that prevents sweat from getting in your eyes. Halo, (800) 508-4256. “Please Mace me, man.”: The $80 Mace NOS helmet has a lightweight micro-shell with plenty of vents for those epic rides. Available in three custom colors, the helmet comes with a removable visor and rear fin that allow you to customize the look of your helmet. The NOS is for cross- country and trail riders looking for a solid, lightweight helmet. (800) 663-8916. Not a passing Faze: The 2010 Norco Faze SE has 4.7 inches of travel with a frame made from butted tubing and a new, one-piece carbon link arm. The Faze SE is lighter and stiffer than the 2009 model. Bottle holder with style: The Aspire Velotech $39.50 Pro Carbon Water Bottle Cage is claimed to weigh less than an ounce and is constructed with hand-laid unidirectional carbon fiber. It has a clear gloss and accepts standard-diameter, short or tall bottles. All Pro Carbon Components come with a limited lifetime warranty. (425) 823-2453. Check out these colors: THE doesn’t call this $200 downhill helmet the Throwback because of its technology. It’s because of the colors! You get two visors and an all-new cool dry, washable padset. Comes in sizes from X-small to X-large. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 61

Trade Show MBA PRE-INTERBIKE SPECIAL Coming soon: We got our hands on a 2010 Turner Flux and will have a test in our December issue. Until then, drool over this four-inch-travel trailbike that thinks it is a cross-country racer. Now with the dw-link, the frame-only price is $2395 from Turner at (951) 677-1711. The In-Crowd: Chris King’s InSet headset has user-serviceable stainless steel bearings and aluminum cups, bearing The WeirWolf lives: The redesigned cap and stem cap. It’s a member of the $60 WTB WeirWolf gets an extra row NoThreadSet family with the same ten-year war- of transitional tread between the ranty. InSet is a low-stack threadless headset crown and side knobs. This slight designed for use with contemporary frames alteration is claimed to give the tire featuring what would traditionally be called positive feel and consistent traction oversized head tubes. InSet is available in at any lean angle, from moderate to 1-1/8-inch upper and extreme. It will be available in UST lower cups ($129) and TCS. TCS stands for Tubeless and a tapered Compatible System and couples 1-1/8-inch WTB’s Race casing with a UST bead. upper cup with 1.5-inch lower cup ($149). Stay in place: The $27.50 Pro Carbon Computer Mount from Aspire Velotech is a solution for securely mounting your computer and accessories on either carbon or aluminum handlebars. It features a 7075 T6 aluminum mount arm for strength and a true carbon tube that’s sized to fit any computer and power meter. It fits standard and oversize handlebars, and also fits both standard and oversize computer mounts for complete versatility. The shims and all the hardware you need are included. (425) 823-2453. Fight mold: The $29.99 ZeroGoo Hydration Reservoir Dryer stuffs in the filler hole of your CamelBak and a fan forces air in, drying the reservoir and making it as fresh as the day you bought it. ZeroGoo, (402) 202-3505. 62 www.mbaction.com

Haro Porter: Eric Porter, Haro’s go-to guy for going big, offers a signature model for 2010 called, surprise, The Porter. He gives you a custom Fox 36 Float RC2 fork (set to 3.9 inches of travel and at a height just right for the frame), a FSA Gravity Gap Mega EXO crankset and bottom bracket, FSA Gravity Chain Guide, Pivit Featherlite CNC Big axle compatible: The $44.95 Sequel pedals and Hayes Stroker Ryde brakes with six-inch rotors. If you 15mm from Hurricane Components think $3350 sounds pricey, try building this bike with the same com- adapts most suspension forks using ponents. It is a steal! 15-millimeter axles to existing bike rack. Call them at (951) 280-6036. Racers ready: The WTB $50 Vulpine SL 1.9 Race tire is claimed to weigh 14 ounces and features DNA Rubber Compound, minimal center tread, mid-sized transition knobs and raised outside knobs with added corner shelf tread. Designed with feedback from XX marks the Zaskar: With a 2008 World Championship Team Sho-Air’s under its belt in the Under-23 category, the Zaskar Team XX Max Plaxton. looks like the fastest rig on the planet. The all-new SRAM XX 2x10-speed group is the choice of world champions as well, and that, combined with the all-new SID XX fork, makes the Team a very exclusive race rig. Red, white and true blue: The new American Classic MTB 26 Disc Tubeless and MTB 29 Disc Tubeless wheelsets use 14/15 gauge stainless steel spokes, fully sealed cartridge bearings and titanium quick- releases. Each wheel has 32 spokes that are laced in a three- cross pattern. The new Tubeless 26 MTB Black Crest color goes for $779.95 and the Alphatype White is $819.95. American Classic, (800) 813-5545. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 63

Trade Show MBA PRE-INTERBIKE SPECIAL Foxy fork: The new $740 Fox F Series are the lightest forks that Fox has ever made. The 3.9-inch travel 32 F100 FIT RLC is claimed to weigh 3.14 pounds with Fox’s integrated FIT damper technology. The Fox Isolation Technology (FIT) damper Super T: The $3400 Mongoose Teocali Super gets a 5.7-inch-travel uses a RockShox Revelation Race fork, a RockShox Monarch 4.2 air shock unique with Floodgate adjust and a SRAM X.O rear derailleur paired with bladder Shimano SLX Shadow front derailleur. This is a trailbike too pretty to design, be so tough. which provides the lowest possible friction for a sealed damper, reduces fluid aeration for enhanced suspension consistency, and reduces unsprung weight for faster wheel response and increased steering precision. Take a stab at it: The $5999 Kona Stab Supreme has a sloping top tube, a compact rear triangle, a tapered head tube, a 7005 aluminum frame and Kona’s take on a four-bar rear suspension for what appears to be around eight inches of rear wheel travel. Race day ride: The $2499 Kona Hei Hei 100 uses hydroformed aluminum frame tubing, a sloping top tube, and scandium, asym- metrical chainstays. The four-bar rear suspension uses magnesium rockers for 3.9 inches of travel. 64 www.mbaction.com

Speed thrills: The Niner Air 9 Carbon can be run as a single-speed or geared and the bottom bracket will work with sev- eral bottom bracket systems including the new BB-30 standard that singlespeed riders crave. We can’t wait to get our hands on one of these. High- speed singletrack fun! Color your ride: The $20 KMC Patriot Series and Bravo Series chains allow you to mix and match your color choices for the ultimate custom look. These colorful offerings are for your cruiser. KMC offers the $75 X9SL chain for the dirt. Get a Glimpse: The $1895 Glimpse (frame and shock) is Ellsworth’s most affordable, high-performance, Instant- Center-Tracking suspension trailbike. It is made with a U.S.- certified drawn seamless aluminum, swaged, shaped and tapered tube set and rockers machined by Ellsworth. K H Yes: Always one of our favorite bikes for getting the most bang for your buck, the 2010 aluminum-framed KHS XCT555 is coming with five inches of rear wheel travel, a Marzocchi 44 TST2 with 15-millimeter axle, Truvativ Firex 3.1 GigaPipe cranks and Hayes Stroker Trail hydraulic disc brakes. The suggested retail is $2199. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 65

MBA PRE-INTERBIKE SPECIAL Trade Show Color guard: The $2499 Felt Virtue Two is a 5.1-inch travel trailbike that has an aluminum main frame and carbon fiber rear triangle. Think of this as a cross-country/trailbike, because even with its long travel, it thinks it is a race bike. Become an outlaw: The $330 Azonic Outlaw Welded Wheel Sets Come in 135- or 150-millimeter rear hub spac- ing, anodized black, red, gold, cyan or green. The rims (also available separately) are a 7075 aluminum double-wall design with eyelets and a wide profile for extra strength and rigidity. The front wheel is compatible with a nine-millimeter quick-release axle and 15- or 20- millimeter thru-axle conversions. Carbon coverage: The $299 O’Neal Skad Joker Carbon Helmet has removable and washable cheek pads, height-adjustable visor and a double-D closure. Available in sizes X-small to X-large with a claimed weight of 2.1 pounds. O’Neal at (800) 326-6325. Large hoops: The $4999 Felt Nine Team takes a carbon fiber frame and enforces it with their replaceable “Dingle Guard” (a replaceable Kevlar downtube protector) and bolt-on Kevlar chain watcher. You get Mavic Crossmax 29-inch wheels with WTB Vulpine tires. 66 www.mbaction.com

Winning wheels: The $950 2010 ZTR Podium MMX cross-country-racing wheelset has seen the top podium spot at the Olympics, World Cups and national championships. Claimed to weigh just 2.6 pounds, the little company from Upstate New York is the David against a bunch of Goliaths. NoTubes, (607) 562-2877. Crank up the volume: The $250 Azonic Raptor Crank Set comes in 170- or 175-millimeter lengths with your choice of black or double-anodized black/red. The cranks are compatible with all four-bolt 104-millimeter chainrings and chain guides. It has an outboard sealed- bearing bottom bracket and includes a bashguard. Value racer: The $2600 Sette Vexx DH bike features a 6061 aluminum, eight- inch-travel frame with a monocoque top tube. The Vexx has CNC-machined struts and linkage with oversized ten-millimeter pivot bearings. Components include a RockShox Boxxer Race fork and Vivid 4.1 shock, SRAM X7/X9 drivetrain and FSA Gravity MegaExo DH cranks. Only available from Price Point at (800) 774-2376. Go custom: Squadra makes custom clothing for professional (and professional-looking) teams or clubs. They offer jerseys, shorts, jackets, vests and more. Want to take it to Feeling compulsive?: The $4299 Felt Compulsion uses Felt’s Equilink rear the next level? Call them at (760) 431-0870. suspension to squeeze 5.9 inches of travel out of the double-butted aluminum frame and rear triangle. Comes with a RockShox Monarch 4.2 shock. ❏ November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 67

Fast to the top: The active rear suspension lends a hand when climbing rough terrain. The Truth pedals as well as the best stable-platform trailbikes. 70 www.mbaction.com

MBA est The Truth & Nothing But The Truth The Ellsworth Truth T he American-made Ellsworth Truth has been around The Instant Centers of most four-bar mountain bike sus- for 16 years, but it has never sat still. Those years pensions intersect in the area near the crankset and behind have seen plenty of changes, including additional the front wheel. Ellsworth’s Instant Centers range from travel, new materials (including a titanium version) and three feet to a number of yards in front of the bike. refinements to the frame’s geometry. WHICH COMPONENTS STAND OUT? WHO IS IT MADE FOR? Three components steal the show: The Magura Marta The Truth is a versatile platform to base your dream bike SL Magnesium brakes, the Magura Durin Marathon fork on. Using expensive carbon fiber, titanium and magnesium and the Ellsworth XC Wheelset. We look at each of these components, it can serve as a competitive (and lightweight) components separately immediately following the test. cross-country racer. Build it with more durable components The Syntace P6 carbon seatpost, Syntace F119 stem and and the four-inch travel frame will serve as your high-perfor- Vector handlebar combo with Syntace lockable grips are mance trailbike. Build it somewhere between the two and also noteworthy. this bike will do both. Our Truth was built as a trailbike, and that’s how we evaluated it. HOW DOES IT PERFORM? Ergonomics: The last few Truths to roll through the WHAT IS IT MADE FROM? test fleet were built for cross-country racing. This is a The Truth uses an aluminum, diamond-style frame with a trail-friendly Truth with a longer-travel fork (4.7 inches of travel instead of 3.9), nice wide bars, the super-comfortable WTB Pure V saddle and a Syntace carbon fiber seatpost. The rider is still not as upright as on a long-travel trailbike. Think of it as a sporty trail riding position. Moving out: No ProPedal lever? No problem. In or out of the saddle, the Truth, with its custom- tuned shock, just motors away with a firm rear suspension, remaining responsive to the trail surface and immune to your pedal mashing. Even efforts out of the saddle don’t create squish in the rear suspension. Cornering: The Truth shines while negotiating tight, technical singletrack. Switchbacks require nothing more than a flick of the handlebar to full-lock. The rider feels perfectly centered, and there is no need for exaggerated body English to get the Truth to do what you want. Stay over the middle of the bike and the Truth holds its line large walking-beam link at the seat stay junction. The rear and will carve around corners without pushing the front triangle is also aluminum, and all the pivots rotate on large, tire. sealed ball bearings. A massive gusset is employed in front Climbing: The active rear suspension definitely lends a of the seat tube/top tube junction, allowing for a sloping top hand when climbing rough terrain. It softens the worst tube and a great standover height. bumps, but it doesn’t feel all that supple. If your litmus The small print on the top tube is patent language for the test for a great-performing cross-country bike is a firm- Ellsworth Instant Center suspension. The term “Instant pedaling platform, then the upside of the Ellsworth’s Center” explains an imaginary point in space that one side rough ride is that it pedals as well as the best stable-plat- of a four-bar linkage rotates around. To find it, draw an form trailbikes. imaginary line through the middle of the two upper pivots In the rough: The Truth’s suspension feels firm, but and another line through the center of the lower pivot the sensation does not adversely affect the handling. points. The Instant Center is where the two lines intersect. There always seems to be enough suspension travel in The pivot’s actual location often changes as the rear suspen- reserve to ride aggressively, but you must be mindful of its sion cycles through its travel, so the “Instant” part of the steep steering geometry when you drop down something term refers to where the lines intersect at any given moment steep, especially if you build your Truth with the recom- in time. mended 3.9-inch travel fork. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 71

The Truth TRICKS, UPGRADES OR TIPS? We do not recommend equipping the Truth with anything other than the Ellsworth-valved shock. The Truth’s rear suspension is firm enough without help from a stable-platform shock. Ellsworth requires a 3.9-inch travel fork for the Truth. If you are going to use the bike more for trail riding than racing, you may want to go for a slightly longer-travel fork. It makes descents more manageable and slows down the cross- country-race geometry. This trick will void the frame’s warranty, so make the upgrade at your own risk. BUYING ADVICE One of the most common mistakes riders make is buying too much bike. If your trails require a long-travel suspension bike because of the severity of the terrain, Ellsworth has plenty of models to choose from. However, if your trails throw challenging obstacles at you with plenty of climbing and descending, a Truth built just like this one would serve you for years. ❑ Call up the reserves: There always seems to be enough suspension travel in reserve to ride aggressively. Still, this is made to be a cross-country racer, and it comes with the geometry to match. ELLSWORTH TRUTH Price $2195 (frame and shock) Country of origin USA Weight 26.6 pounds Hotline (760) 788-7500 Size tested 20" (large) Bottom bracket height 13.9" Chainstay length 16.5" Top tube length 24.5" Head tube angle 70.2° Seat tube angle 72.7° Standover height 29.5" Wheelbase 44" Suspension travel (front) 4.7" Suspension travel (rear) 4" Frame material Aluminum Fork Magura Durin Marathon Shock Fox Float R Rims Ellsworth XC Tires Kenda Nevegal 2.35, Kenda Small Bock Eight (r) Hub Ellsworth XC Brakes Magura Marta SL Magnesium Brake levers Magura Marta SL Magnesium Crankset Shimano XT Shifters Shimano XT Rapidfire Handlebar Syntace Vector (27") Front derailleur Shimano XT Truth serum: (Clockwise from top) A large walking-beam link Rear derailleur Shimano XT at the seat stay junction is part of the Ellsworth Instant Chainrings Shimano (44/32/22) Center suspension. The seat tube is enforced by a massive Cassette Shimano XTR (11-34) gusset. The Fox shock is tuned just for this application. Pedals None (weighed w/Shimano XTR) 72 www.mbaction.com

Rating: ★★★★★ Perfection As Seen On ET ★★★★✩ Delivers above average value and performance ★★★✩✩ Recommended for intended application The Ellsworth Truth, that is ★★✩✩✩ Shows potential but has drawbacks MBA TECH ★✩✩✩✩ Save your hard-earned bucks O ur Ellsworth Truth was equipped with three components that deserve to be more than a footnote in the test. The Magura Durin Marathon fork, Magura Marta SL Magnesium brakes and Ellsworth’s just-released XC wheelset. ELLSWORTH XC WHEELSET ★★✩✩✩ Tech features: The $799 XC wheelset features 24 spokes with a two-cross lacing pattern and Ellsworth-patented Quad Butted Spokes. The 29-millimeter-wide rims have tapered walls. The hubs are compatible with a standard quick-release or a 15-millimeter thru-axle. The wheelset comes with extra spokes, nipples and the spacers you need for your axle preference. These wheels are also available in 29- inch diameters. The rear wheel with rim strip weighs one pound, 13.4 ounces, while the front is one pound, 9.5 ounces. Ellsworth skewers are 2.1 ounces (rear) and 1.9 ounces. After the thrashing: These wheels are beautiful, with striking attention to detail from the polished hubs to the red Ellsworth rim strip. Mounting tires on the wider-than-usual-23-millimeter rims was no hassle, and the tires beaded to the rim easily. The wider rims gives any tire the feel of being slightly larger because it increases the contact patch. We found the wheels to lack the necessary rigidity for big-gear-mashing, cross-country racing and any type of trail riding. We were able to make tire contact with the fork slider and seat stays under hard efforts or G-out bumps. The wheels were taken to an Ellsworth dealer, who determined the spoke tension was correct. A lightweight racer (say, under 150 pounds) looking for the weight advantage these wheels bring might find them acceptable. It is our opinion that larger riders will not find them rigid enough. MAGURA MARTA SL MAGNESIUM BRAKES MAGURA DURIN MARATHON FORK ★★★★★ ★★✩✩✩ Tech features: The flagship of the Marta brake line, the $389 Tech features: The $799 Durin Marta SL Magnesium is an open, Marathon fork has a cold-forged, alu- hydraulic, disc brake system that minum fork crown with integrated cable uses forged-magnesium, fixed, dual- stops for an optional remote lockout con- piston calipers and integrated reser- trol. The stanchion tubes are 32-milli- voirs. Carbon fiber levers and titani- meters in diameter, and the one-piece um hardware are two more tricks fork slider design includes Magura’s that let Magura hit the ridiculously Double Arch Design (DAD). The fork is light weight of 11 ounces. Each available with an adjustable travel option brake comes with a five-year leak- called Flight Control Remote (FCR) that proof warranty and will work with offers from 3.1 to 4.7 inches of travel (it six-, seven- or eight-inch Magura SL goes for $899). The model we tested was fixed at 4.7 inches. rotors. The brake pads do not need External adjustments allow the rider to turn on a lockout to be removed to check wear. feature, adjust the small-bump compliance (a pedaling plat- After the thrashing: The adjustable levers feel like they form) and dial-in rebound. were individually shaped for your fingers. The brake-fluid reser- After the thrashing: The fork is easy to dial in because voir is ample in size, yet never gets in the way during get-offs or the external adjustments actually make changes a rider can snags on brush. A rider can apply the ideal stopping power, feel. The rigidity of the fork is above average, especially under depending on the incline and trail surface, by modulating the hard braking. Magura’s DAD really works. These forks have squeeze on the brake levers. Even the MBA wrecking crew— the feel of a fork with larger diameter stanchions (but with- who intentionally dragged the brakes—couldn’t get them to out the weight penalty). The only area where the Durin overheat, fade or become grabby. The brakes don’t squeak or Marathon falls short is in its damping characteristics, which squeal even after water crossings. Pad replacement is ultra-easy. do not deliver the smooth feel of many of today’s popular The company also backs the product with exceptional technical forks. You can dial in small-bump compliance, but you give field support. This is the brake that the MBA wrecking crew up some big-hit performance. Get the big-hit coverage you are compares all other brakes to. looking for, and you lose a little small-bump compliance. ❑ 74 www.mbaction.com

IRC Mythos XC II Racing Tire msrp $50 $1498 Avid Single Digit 7 Brake msrp $40 $2198 Panaracer Fire XC Pro Tire msrp $40 $2198 msrp $105 SRAM Alligator Wavy Rotor $8498 X.9 9-Spd Trigger Shifters ‘08 Kenda Nevegal msrp $45 Lite-DTC Tire $998 msrp $53 $3698 msrp $750 M i Mavic msrp $67 SRAM $599 98 Crossmax ST Disc Wheelset ‘09 $4998 X.7 9-Spd Trigger Shifters ‘08 Giro Athlon Helmet Hayes Disc Brake msrp $130 HFX 9 XC $9998 msrp $150 $5998 Crank Brothers Planet Bike Egg Beater C Super⇑ash msrp $60 San Marco msrp $85 Selle Italia msrp $50 WTB msrp $40 WTB msrp $30 Pedal Ponza Saddle msrp $80 $2998 $5998 Shiver Gel $3498 Speed V Pro $2698 Speed V Flow Saddle Gel Saddle Comp Saddle $1798 $5498 Fox msrp $70 Fox msrp $60 Fox msrp $40 Fox msrp $55 Ranger Baseline Baseline Live Wire Short $44 Short $39 Jersey $24 Jersey $39 98 98 98 98

Easton EC70 Carbon Seatpost msrp $120 $7998 Rockshox Dart 2 ‘08 msrp $119 $7998 WTB DX28 w/Shimano M510 Wheelset msrp $130 msrp $250 msrp $500 Sram PC971 $8998 Chain ‘08 $8998 Sette $19998 Sette Reken Hardtail Frame Razzo 29er Frame msrp $32 $1998 msrp $40 Sette Fox Incline Glove $1998 XLR Low ¾ Riser Handlebar msrp $22 msrp $70 Sette $1498 $2498 Amp Saddle msrp $100 S Sette Type-S $4998 Lock-On Grips Sette Torx msrp $30 ST-21 Tool Kit Sette Sette Element MTB Shoe msrp $100 $998 Neo Alloy Titec El Norte Water Bottle $4698 Camelbak HAWG ‘08 Cage msrp $150 Gold Stem msrp $100 msrp $7 msrp $50 $8998 msrp $35 $5998 $298 Sette $14 98 Quantum-X Cyclo- $998 Sette Epic MTB Shoe Computer Ver. 2.0 Easton EA70 Monkeybar ‘08 msrp $60 $4998 Hoss A Adidas Ponderosa Oakley T Trail CP Dakine Short Descent S Storm Limelight msrp $50 Short J Jacket Zip Hoody msrp $140 m msrp $130 msrp $80 $4498 $5498 $5498 $3498 Fox Women’s Dakine Adidas A Sierra Mask Bike B Short T-Shirt Jacket J msrp $65 msrp $25 msrp $55 msrp $8 Price Point $3998 $1298 $2998 Team Sock $398

Giant Lightens Up A first look at Giant’s 2010 Maestro suspension bikes MBA TECH Total package: Giant revamped their all-mountain Reign X from the ground up. The new frame utilizes their OverDrive tapered head tube and has a 67-degree head angle ideal for aggressive trail riding. Reign X: Giant’s 6.7-inch-travel, all-mountain Reign X sees B efore 2005, Giant employed a variety of full-suspension platforms in their mountain bike line. When they a massive weight reduction for 2010. Compared to the 2009 unveiled their Maestro suspension that same year version, Giant says the all-new aluminum Reign X frame drops everything changed, as many of their bikes have become some 1.5 pounds alone, and a production bike out of the box without of the sport’s most highly regarded performance machines. pedals weighs 30.2 pounds. Giant was able to shed some The evolution of Giant’s dual-link Maestro has resulted in weight in the frame by going to a co-pivot design and not pierc- their lightest and most capable mountain bikes yet. ing the downtube. The new Reign has Giant’s OverDrive head What is Maestro suspension? In short, it’s a design with tube and tapered steerer tube to stiffen up the frame, and a four pivot points that allow two rocker arms to articulate in a 12x135 Maxle Lite rear thru-axle. manner that creates a single floating pivot point. Faith: Back from the dead is Giant’s Faith black-diamond We had the opportunity to get a first look at their flagship bike. Like the Reign, the Faith sees a massive drop in the frame full-suspension Maestro models on the challenging terrain of the Keystone, Colorado, resort. The technical Keystone downhill courses and epic cross-country trails played a perfect host to Giant’s all-new, six-inch-travel, all-mountain Reign X; the World Cup-tested Glory downhill bike; reborn seven-inch-travel Faith park bike; the all-new Anthem X Advanced SL; and the highly anticipated carbon fiber version of the bike that won MBA’s $2500 trailbike shootout—the five-inch-travel Giant Trance. Entering the 2010 model year, Giant knew they were sitting on a remarkable-performing suspension platform, so their goal was to refine those designs and shed some weight. We’ll touch on some highlights and refinements of the Reign X, Faith, Glory, Anthem X SL and Trance X Advanced SL. LONG-TRAVEL MAESTRO For Giant, the beauty of their Maestro suspension was they could now use the same suspension platform for both short- Hard goods: The 6.7-inch-travel Reign X features all-new suspen- and long-travel bikes. sion hardware and forged upper rockers. 78 www.mbaction.com

Keeping the faith: The Faith returns to Giant’s gravity lineup and is built to handle huge drops and stunts. How tough is the new Faith? Giant rider Kurt Sorge rode his to a podium finish in the Red Bull Weighting game: Giant’s 2010 Faith drops an incredible 2.5 Rampage. The Faith comes stock with two sets of replaceable pounds from the frame alone, and Giant says the complete bike dropouts. The different dropouts change the head angle by half of a weighs 36.8 pounds out of the box. Suspension duties are han- degree and either drops or raises the bottom bracket. dled by RockShox’s Vivid 5.1 shock and air-sprung Totem fork. Race ready: Giant’s Glory downhill bike has been one of the best deals in the expensive sport of downhill racing; however, it was a beast at over 45 pounds. Giant says their completely redesigned 2010 Glory weighs an impressive 37.9 pounds out of the box and is World Cup ready. weight. We were told the all-new Faith’s frame is 2.5 pounds lighter than the last generation of the Faith, and the complete seven-inch-travel bike out of the box weighs 36.8 pounds. Glory 0: You may have spotted Giant World Cup racer Jared Rando’s 2010 Giant Glory downhill bike in our September 2009 issue “Inside The Pros’ Bikes.” For the past couple of years, Giant’s Glory downhill bike was an excellent performing machine; however, it couldn’t be denied it was a beast, weigh- ing upwards of 46 pounds. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the new eight-inch-travel Glory is claimed to weigh just 37.9 pounds out of the box. New features to the Glory include the OverDrive head tube to increase frame stiffness, and despite being incredibly lighter than last year’s Glory, Giant says the new design is actually stiffer. Giant was able to drop the pounds from the Glory by pushing the limits of hydro- forming the aluminum tubing, and going away from the pierced downtube shock cradle design. SHORT-TRAVEL MAESTRO Keeping with the theme of the long-travel machines, Giant’s proven cross-country racing and trailbike designs also lighten Glorious descender: Tested on the World Cup circuit, the eight- up significantly for the 2010 model year. Giant utilizes their inch-travel Glory downhill bike utilizes Fox Shox suspension, Advanced Composite Technology to achieve the maximum Shimano Saint components and a 65.5-degree head angle. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 79

Giant MBA TECH Ultimate versatility: Giant set out to make their impressive five- inch-travel Trance trailbike even better. The Trance X Advanced Race tested: Giant’s four-inch-travel carbon fiber Anthem X SL has a carbon fiber frame, which shaves 14 ounces from the Advanced SL cross-country race bike was put through the paces bike’s total weight, dropping it down to a remarkable 24.5 by the highly skilled World Cup racer Adam Craig. The collabora- pounds, 15-percent lighter than the 2009 aluminum version. tion of engineering and rider input resulted in Giant’s lightest, fastest and stiffest full-suspension bike. Tuned in: The Trance’s Maestro suspension operates with a Fox Float RP23 shock and carbon fiber upper rocker links. The five inches of Maestro suspension is designed to be fully active under braking and power for all conditions. Riding tubes: To maximize the strength to weight ratio on the Anthem X Advanced SL, Giant employed their OverDrive head tube and MegaDrive downtube. The flagship carbon Anthem is strength to weight ratio of their carbon fiber frames, and that equipped with SRAM’s XX group, and is said to weigh just 21.8 is exhibited in their Anthem X cross-country racer and the pounds. ultra-capable Trance trailbike. Anthem X Advanced SL: Giant says their flagship four- inch-travel Anthem is their lightest, fastest and stiffest full-suspension bike they’ve ever made. Out of the box, a size medium carbon Anthem X is claimed to weigh 21.8 pounds, and the frame alone is almost a half-pound lighter than the 2009 carbon version. The Anthem X SL utilizes Giant’s OverDrive tapered head tube, and taking from their road bike technology, Giant utilizes their massive MegaDrive downtube for increased front-end stiffness. Trance: The 2009 Giant Trance was one of MBA’s top choices of the year. How would Giant improve on an already impressive five-inch-travel platform? By utilizing their carbon fiber manufacturing resources. The new carbon fiber Trance X SL sheds nearly an entire pound off the trailbike frame alone, while also improving overall stiffness. Giant could’ve taken even more weight out of the Trance by spec’ing ultra-light cross-country racing components, but the goal was to create the lightest bike possible with “real world” parts that will meet Inside job: Along with the 2010 bikes, Giant introduced their own their performance standards. The Trance X Advanced SL has house brand of components, like this sleek carbon fiber stem a claimed weight of 24.5 pounds. ❑ found on the Anthem X SL. 80 www.mbaction.com

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Inside The Pros’ Bikes 20 Max Plaxton’s Specialized Epic C anada’s Max Plaxton has been climbing his way to the top of the cross-country ranks in North America. Max, now 24, started mountain biking at 14, when his family was living in Spain. When the family moved back to British Columbia in 2002, Max won Canada’s Junior Cross-Country National Championship. Moving forward, Max took the Pan American Espoir (Under-23) cross-country title in 2006 and 2007, and a bronze medal in the U23 class at the World Championships in 2006. Max also won gold medals in the Team Relay races at two World Championships. Max’s first big national win in the U.S. came in the short-track event at the Santa Barbara, 19 California, National in 2007. This summer, Max took his first pro cross-country win at the Colorado Springs Pro XCT National, beating Canadian rival Geoff Kabush and American champion Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski. Max rides this Specialized Epic for Team Sho-Air. 1. Specialized Carbon Epic S- Works frame, size large. “The frame is 100-percent stock. The Epic frame, fork and shock are developed together, resulting in one fast cross- country bike. I am truly blown away by 16 15 how fast it is, and I really think I have an advantage over my competitors.” 6. DT Swiss Aerolite 2.0/1.6 spokes 11. ESI Silicon Racers Edge grips. with black alloy nipples. “Amazing feel to the hands and 2. Specialized Future Shock e100 “They’re super-stiff and light spokes.” superb control.” fork, 3.9 inches of travel, carbon 1- 1/8-inch to 1.5-inch steer tube. 7. Specialized Roval Controle SL XC 12. Specialized S-Works MTB “This fork knows the difference Carbon front hub and Roval SL disc- crankset, 175-millimeters. between rider-induced force and terrain- style rear hub. “The S-Works cranks use a BB30 bot- induced force. Basically, you never have “They’re very light and fitted with the tom bracket. This means the bearings to worry about locking or unlocking the Enduro ceramic bearings—a super-fast are fitted inside the frame, resulting in fork, which adds up to save me valuable combo.” superior stiffness. The carbon seconds.” crankarms shave serious weight.” 8. Hayes Stroker Gram brakes, titani- 3. WTB Vulpine 2.1 tires, Kevlar um hardware. 13. Specialized S-Works chain- bead. “Light, powerful and adjustable to suit rings, 7075 T6, 42/26. “This is a super-fast tire and great for my braking style.” “A real cool feature about the S-Works dry, hardpacked trails. It’s very light, cranks and chainrings is the possibility too.” 9. Race Face, Carbon Next, Low Rise of running different size chainrings, SL handlebar, 26-inches width. depending on the race course. They’re 4. Stan’s NoTubes Tire Sealant. “Perfect width and low-rise—one of the very smooth shifting as well.” best-looking handlebars out there for sure.” 5. Specialized Roval Controle SL 14. Crankbrothers Eggbeater 4 Ti rims, disc, 24mm. 10. Race Face Carbon Next SL seat- pedals. “Very light rims. They form a solid post. “They’re very light, with really easy bead with the tire, allowing me to run “Very light and stiff; this seatpost has access in all conditions—a must-have low pressure without burping any air.” amazing adjustability.” pedal.” 84 www.mbaction.com

Weight: 20.5 pounds 11 Estimated worth: $9000 9 21 10 23 18 1 3 24 4 22 2 5 25 17 8 26 7 12 13 14 6 15. Shimano Dura-Ace chain. 21. Race Face Deus XC stem, 25. Specialized AFR remote “I always prefer to run this chain. I have 110-millimeters, at minus-6 mini shock with Brain inertia never had a broken chain in a race or train- degrees. valve with Brain Fade, rebound- ing and hope to keep that streak going.” “Very stiff and lightweight.” adjustment and 3.9 inches of travel. 16. Shimano XTR Shadow rear 22. Jagwire Ripcord cable “Just like the Brain Fork, this derailleur. housing. shock does it all for you. It remains “Combined with the XTR trigger “Simply flawless shifting without firm on smooth terrain and goes fully shifters, there is no better combination for having to change the housing all the active in rough terrain without hav- flawless shifting.” time.” ing to touch anything. I am super lucky to be riding on the most 17. Shimano XTR front derailleur. 23. Threadless headset, advanced suspension technology out Campy-style 1-1/8-inch upper there.” 18. Shimano XTR Rapidfire Plus and 1.5-inch lower cartridge shifters. bearing. 26. Enduro ceramic bearings are “Super-solid shifting and very precise.” “I am blown away by how stiff the fitted in the bottom bracket and head tube area is. Accelerating out of hubs. 19. Shimano XTR 11-34 cassette. the saddle is when I notice it the “This is one of the best upgrades “Perfect gear ratio for a fast-pedaling most.” anyone can do to their race bike. It downhill or a steep uphill.” simply makes the bike faster.” ❑ 20. WTB Silverado SLT seat. 24. Chris King titanium water- “The Silverado is the perfect choice for bottle cage. me. At 6.5 ounces, it is light but also very “It’s my all-time favorite cage. I comfy.” think most people would agree.” November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 85

1.909.947.2100 We Offer a 30-Day Price Protection Policy, Plus NO- HASSLE RETURNS local or international with NO Restocking or toll free 1.888.880.3403 FEES! or www.JensonUSA.com %0#2#12 Nema Grasp Glove ‘09 Red, S-XXL GL281A00 *6 1*# #4#0 MSRP $35 14# 14# -$$ +10. -$$ +10. RaceFace Atlas AM Riser Bar ‘09 1 14# Black, 31.8mm, 700 mm length. Shimano LX M581 Rear Derailleur -$$ HB290A01 MSRP $64 s traditionally-sprung ( a ly p g This is a traditionally-sprung (i.e. not Shimano LX FC-M582 Crankset Amazing upgrade for just about any bike! 170 or 175mm, +10. pid p railleur Rapid Rise) rear derailleur designed to mplement m g complement Trigger shifters. 44-32-22 Ro Ro RockGardn Warbird W RockGardn Warbird D3309A01 RD309A01 MSRP $80 CR303A00 14# Helmet MSRP $189.99 14# -$$ +10. S-XXL HE283G03 MSRP $79.99 -$$ +10. Shimano LX M580 9SP Trigger Shifters These LX RapidFire levers are ideal for almost every rider. SL302A00 MSRP $79.99 14# -$$ +10. RockShox Reba EASTON Monkey Lite XC Riser Bar 08 Team ‘09 Fork The legendary Monkeylite featuring CNT (carbon nano tube) technology, making this bar White 100mm, Disc Only, 26”, light and strong. Easton is the leader in carbon ﬁber technology. w/Pushloc 25.4 or 31.8, Low or High-Rise. FK293A07 HB402A00 14# MSRP -$$ MSRP $120 $724 +10. 14# Titus RX-1 2008 Frame -$$ -$$ +10. Surf Blue S, M, L, XL FR285B01 14# Serfas SI-4 Wireless Cyclocomputer MSRP $1599 -$$ +10. 13 Functions CP281A00 MSRP $44.99 Easton EC70 Carbon Seatpost ‘08 A proven design, year after year. Space age carbon ﬁber construction! SE402A01 MSRP Hutchinson Toro Tire OE Black, 26x2.15, Kevlar Folding Blackburn Trakstand Ultra $130 TI284A00 MSRP $54.99 Trainer 14# Ultra smooth. Ultra quiet. Ultra-realistic 14# -$$ resistance. TR501A00 14# MSRP Minewt.X2 -$$ +10. $299.99 -$$ +10. # 150 lumen’s of light output Minewt Mini USB Plus Light System # Superlight thanks to Li-Ion battery technology Lake MX 190 ‘09 # 3:30-7:00 hours of run time # 110+ lumen output Shoe # 3 light settings: High, Low, Flash # 3:00 runtime Sun Drift Thru Axle DH/FR You call it. Men, Lady or Wide LS306A04 LS294A01 Wheelset SE402A01 MSRP $209.99 MSRP $129.99 MSRP $159.99 14# -$$ 14# -$$ Get ready to rock the trail with these fast, strong and reliable wheels. Featuring a 20mm thru front axle, 12x135 thru rear axle, SS spokes, brass nipples and stout EQ31 rims. Trinewt Wireless WH282I01 # 500 lumen’s of light output MSRP $499.99 14# # 3:30-7:00 hours of run time 14# -$$ # 3 light settings: High, Low, Flash -$$ +10. LS306A08 MSRP $549 14# -$$ Eastern Nighttrain Bike ‘09 Disclaimer* Quantities on some items may be limited - shop early for best selection. Pricing may vary between our magazine ads, catalogs, showroom, retail stores, and website. Currency ⇑uctuations, manufacturer price increases, model year changes, and other factors may cause our costs to change. Vredestein Black Black or Purple JensonUSA reserves the right to modify our prices at any time without notice. Prices listed do not include shipping. Errors in product descriptions, weights, Panther Folding Tire BI284R00 prices, or photography are unintentional and subject to correction. Customer bears the cost of return shipping for exchanges/returns unless Jenson USA has made a shipping error. Please call for a return authorization number. Jenson USA strives to offer the best prices on every item we sell. We will price match 26x2.0, Folding MSRP $1599.99 any nationally advertised price - just give us the details at the time of your order. The identical item (size, color, model year) must be in stock at the time your TI283A09 MSRP $55.95 14# -$$ order is placed. This does not include items which are on sale/clearance/blowout. Price match may not be combined with any other offers. * All Shimano logos and brands are the exclusive property of Shimano American Corporation. 14# -$$

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MBA YOUNG RIPPER Introducing Cierra Smith Photos by Wil Smith ing. You can do whatever you want event was crazy!” says Cierra. “I was so there because it has such an awesome happy to win that race, because I finally variety of trails. If you can ride the trails had some competition. Before, I was so there, you can ride anywhere.” young I hardly had any other girls to Although still very young for a moun- race against, because not that many of tain bike racer, Cierra’s been a part of them were doing it.” the Santa Cruz crew for a handful of “She took a bad fall in practice and years. she got pinned head-first at the bottom “There used to be a junior Santa Cruz of a nasty rock section,” says Kirt Syndicate division, and I was with them Voreis. “As soon as the course workers the past couple of years,” explains removed the bike from atop her pret- Cierra. “When it became the AllRide zeled body, she jumped up chuckling Academy, I was picked from the original saying, ‘Dude, that was crazy! I definite- team to stay on board.” ly think I need to take a break.’ She dust- “Cierra rocks!” says all-around elite ed herself off, jumped onto her bike and rider Kirt Voreis. “I’m excited to have ripped down the course. Cierra has what the opportunity to help youngsters like it takes to be the best.” Cierra have opportunities in this sport. “My goal is to be a world champion,” Seeing the passion she has for riding, it Cierra says confidently. “I want to race inspires me everyday to keep riding all of the UCI World Cup stuff and go as hard and helping out wherever I can. far as I can with racing. I want to try to M ost 14-year-old girls spend The girl is super tough and has an all- be the best in the world. I can’t really their summer vacation day- or-nothing attitude. She’s totally humble picture myself doing anything other dreaming about entering high with a laid-back demeanor.” than being a pro mountain biker. school in the fall, what experiences The World Cup circuit is still a few “Racing takes a lot of time and dedica- their freshman year will bring, or, well, years down the road, but Cierra’s tion. I’m really thankful for, and lucky whatever it is teenage girls daydream already proven to be the best on the to have, all of the people helping me out about. Cierra Smith prefers to spend biggest stage she’s been on so far. racing, especially my dad.” ❑ hers training for downhill racing. Her “The U.S. National Championship work has paid off, as she was recently crowned the Junior Division National Champion at the U.S. National Championships at the SolVista Mountain Bike Park in Granby, Colorado. Cierra’s riding skills not only caught our attention, but that of the Santa Cruz AllRide Academy, a junior development mountain bike racing team headed by Santa Cruz Syndicate’s AllRide Tour leader and champion gravity racer Kirt Voreis and his, wife Lindsey. “My family has been involved in cycling for a long time,” explains Cierra. “My grandpa used to race road bikes, and then he and my dad got into mountain biking. My dad then began riding downhill and started to bring me to the mountain.” Northern California has incredible mountain biking terrain, and Cierra appreciates the world class trails in her backyard. “My home mountain is definitely Northstar at Lake Tahoe,” she says. “I’m so lucky to live about 20 minutes away from there, and I spend practically every weekend riding or racing downhill there. Northstar is so great for train- Home turf: Junior national downhill champion Cierra Smith races at the Northstar Mountain Bike Park, just outside of her home in Reno, Nevada. 88 www.mbaction.com

Supreme descender: With a 67- degree head angle, thru-axle fork and an eight-inch front brake rotor, the Enduro SL Pro Carbon can charge high-speed terrain. 90 www.mbaction.com

MBA est Own The Entire Mountain The Specialized Enduro SL Pro Carbon L ong-travel trailbikes combine relatively lightweight stem make for a comfortable cockpit and speak to the bike’s suspension technology with a smattering of durable descending competence. trailbike or high-end cross-country components. To achieve optimum suspension performance, you’ll need Specialized’s offering in this category is their six-inch-travel to set the correct amount of sag. Specialized includes a little Enduro. Four models carry the Enduro title, including two sag meter that you can use to determine when you’ve with carbon fiber frames and two made from aluminum. achieved 25-percent sag in the shock. With the Fox fork, The Enduros range in price from $7700 to $3300. you’ll want to run 20-percent sag with the fork in the full- travel setting. WHO IS IT MADE FOR? Climbing: For a bike with six inches of travel, the Enduro With six inches of front and rear travel, the Enduro is is a snappy accelerator. We were impressed with how well it ideal for a trail rider who doesn’t shy away from technical scrambled uphill on loose terrain. The Enduro is capable of descents and has the fitness to haul wider tires, plush sus- cresting any climb you have the lungs and legs to hammer pension and more overall weight uphill. These chassis are up and over. dialed so riders can muscle their way to the top of technical The AFR shock has a four-position pedaling platform, climbs and let it fly on challenging downhills. with the first setting being the most plush and the fourth the most firm. The first and third WHAT IS IT MADE FROM? settings were the easiest to find while Our 2009 Enduro SL Pro Carbon is the wearing gloves, but it’s easy to unin- least expensive of the two carbon fiber- tentionally press the lever past the framed Enduros. The carbon frame uses a fourth position. On technical climbs, rocker-link-actuated, four-bar suspension fea- our best results were with the shock turing Specialized’s FSR in the third setting. It offered a design and operates on consistent pedaling platform cartridge bearings. with enough bump The Enduro’s absorption to handle adjustable geome- terrain features. try allows for sit- The Fox 32F uation-specific TALAS fork’s ability tuning. The two to lower the front end bottom shock is perfect for keeping mount positions the front end from offer either a 67- wandering when spin- degree head angle ning in the saddle. and a 14-inch bottom Although three positions are bracket height or a 68- available on this fork, we were degree head angle and a 14.5-inch bottom bracket height. more comfortable during long climbs with the travel set in the middle (5.1-inch) position. WHICH COMPONENTS STAND OUT? Lowering the fork to this setting allowed us to maintain a Each of the four Enduro models feature Specialized’s AFR centered and aggressive riding position on the bike. Only on air-sprung shock. The damping curve is specifically tuned to extended fire road climbs did we reach for the lockout fea- optimize the FSR suspension design, and toggling the blue ture (in the softest blow-off setting), as spinning in the sad- lever activates the four-position pedaling platform. The dle on singletrack trails caused slight unwanted fork move- Specialized Command Post adjustable seatpost is a nice ment. touch, and one of three seat height positions can be chosen The key to cresting the steepest of climbs is to keep your by pressing a handlebar-mounted lever. weight forward and spin a low gear. The 34-tooth Shimano Those of you familiar with the high-end Specialized XT cassette helped keep the wheels rolling and our legs Enduros of the past few years will notice this model is spec’ed churning. with a Fox 32 TALAS fork instead of the Specialized Future Descending: As you approach downhills, open up the Shock E150 fork found on the 2009 S-Works version. After we fork and shock, and if you’ve set the suspension sag correct- experienced inconsistent performance with the E150 fork on ly, you’ll be stoked by how well the front and rear of the the 2008 Enduro, we welcomed the Fox slider on this test bike. Enduro work in synchronization to gobble up rocks, roots The Fox 32F TALAS RL fork offers premium perfor- and trail chatter at speed. mance and has adjustable travel with 4.3-, 5.1-, and 5.9-inch The 15QR thru-axle on the Fox fork drastically improves travel settings. the front-end rigidity when riding technical trails. What does a stiffer front end mean to the rider? When you’re able HOW DOES IT PERFORM? to hold your intended line without the front end deflecting In the saddle: For a six-inch-travel bike, the Enduro has or twisting, not only do you conserve energy because you’re a low, 29.5-inch standover height, which makes riders com- not fighting the bike, but you can focus farther down the fortable when riding aggressively. The 67-degree head angle, trail and choose your lines earlier. This ultimately adds 74-degree seat tube angle, and 75-millimeter Specialized speed and efficiency to your ride. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 91

The Entire Mountain Another key to the Enduro’s descending merit is the Specialized Command Post adjustable seatpost. With a flick of the lever you can drop the seat to make drops, jumps and ultra-steep chutes less daunting. If you’ve spent much time aboard a seatpost like this, you’re likely already a believer. Cornering: The Enduro’s supple suspension keeps the tires hooked up on chattery, off-camber corners. The stiffness of the front end lets you really lean on the front wheel to confidently hold a line in a corner, and the 2.3-inch Specialized Eskar tires are easily some of the best all-mountain/trailbike tires out there for moderately loose trails. They have an aggressive center tread and hard-biting side knobs. TRICKS, UPGRADES OR TIPS? You may have seen the 2010 Specialized Enduro S-Works on the cover of our October issue. Although the 2010 Enduro shares the same name, it is very different from the 2009 tested here. The 2010 model receives an all-new frame, a two-chain- Tried and true: The Shimano XT crankset, plus Specialized ring crankset, plus a different fork and shock. It takes the bike Eskar 2.3-inch tires and Command Post adjustable seatpost, closer to the gravity-oriented, black-diamond or stunt category. speak to the all-mountain capabilities of the 2009 Enduro SL Pro Carbon. BUYING ADVICE This is a terrific time of year to buy a new bike, because The Enduro SL Pro Carbon surpassed our expectations in shops are offering deals on existing models to make room for nearly all areas of testing, and with features like the ultra-reli- the new ones. We touched on the changes made to the 2010 able Fox Shox 32F TALAS fork, Specialized Command Post Enduro, but if you’re in the market for a long-travel, pedal- and Avid Elixir brakes, finding a smoking closeout sale on it-six-hours trailbike, holding off for the 2010 Enduro this Enduro would be the Holy Grail for any bargain-hunting doesn’t make sense. trail rider. Heck, even paying full boat would be a deal. ❑ SPECIALIZED ENDURO SL PRO CARBON Price $5500 Country of origin Taiwan Weight 30 pounds Hotline (877) 808-8154 Frame tested Medium) Bottom bracket height 14" Chainstay length 16.6" Top tube length 22.6" Head tube angle 67° Seat tube angle 74° Standover height 29.5" Wheelbase 45" Suspension travel (front) 5.9" Suspension travel (rear) 6" Frame material Carbon Fork Fox 32F TALAS RL Shock Specialized AFR Rims Custom DT Swiss E440S Tires S-Works Eskar (2.3") Hub (f) Specialized Hi-Lo, DT Swiss 370 Brakes Avid Elixir R Carbon SL Crankset Shimano XT Custom Shifters SRAM X.9 Handlebar Specialized Enduro mid-rise (26" wide) Front derailleur Shimano XT Rear derailleur SRAM X.9 Chainrings Shimano XT (44/32/22) New slider: The 2009 Enduro SL Pro Carbon ditches the dual- crown Specialized fork found on the more expensive Enduro Cassette Shimano XT (11-34) and uses the reliable Fox Shox 32F TALAS RL fork equipped Pedals None (weighed w/Shimano XT) with the 15QR thru-axle. 92 www.mbaction.com

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Sedona’s MBA DESTINATIONS Warm Welcome Where to go when the snow falls G ray, sunless skies, dropping temperatures and falling snow doesn’t mean it is time to put the mountain bike away and pray for spring to arrive early. There are places that don’t come into Cooling off: Sedona trail riding is made more tolerable in the hot weather due to the number their riding primetime until other locations are covered in snow, ice of rivers and streams that are encountered. How and slush. Sedona, Arizona, is a mountain biker’s winter getaway that do you find them? Look for the green below the has a lot more to offer than warm temperatures. red rocks. Accessibility: Road trips The people you meet: We spied former World Cross- originating from anywhere but Country Champion Ruthie Mathis (right), a native of California don’t make a lot of sense. Durango, Colorado, sampling the Sedona sun- Ride areas to the north or east of shine with a friend. Sedona is an option for getting away from a long winter. Sedona could be under snow from November to March, so your riding opportunities are limited to your final destination. Your best bet is to jet it to Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix is a major flight hub, and that means pretty good deals on airfare. Remember to use your free bike voucher if you are an IMBA member. Rent a car, head north on Highway 179 and exit at Sedona. If you have time, take an extra day to visit South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix before you head to Sedona. 28 miles from Flagstaff, Arizona 113 miles from Phoenix, Arizona 278 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada 341 miles from Durango, Colorado 482 miles from Los Angeles, California 792 miles from San Francisco, California 1384 miles from Seattle, Washington 2580 miles from Boston, Massachusetts 96 www.mbaction.com

ARIZONA Trails: Sedona is called the tall rock steps. Talk about a flow kill! Red Rock Country, and you’ll It is the type of terrain that you’ll figure out why before you’ve left struggle to clean and then feel exalta- GRAND CANYON 108 mi. the trailhead. The hills and cliffs tion when you do. that surround you offer views The trail surface is everything from that are totally unique to the hardpack to sand with lots of flat- area. This wild terrain also edged slate thrown in for added trac- FLAGSTAFF 28 mi. offers everything from beginner tion. We are talking desert riding trails to white-knuckle, cliff-side with all the prickly vegetation that SEDONA riding insanity. you’d expect. You’ll want to launch your Sedona riding adventure at the Equipment: Sedona is not a Bell Rock Pathway off highway place for lightweight hardtails or even 179 in the Village of Oak Creek short-travel, cross-country bikes. PHOENIX 119 mi. (Sedona’s southern neighbor). While a four- or five-inch-travel trail- Local riders affectionately refer bike works great, if you are going to to the place as “The Boat tackle the technical trails, bikes like Ramp,” because it is the jumping the Pivot Firebird, Specialized off place for so many of the Enduro, Giant Reign, Fisher Roscoe TUCSON area’s rides. Bell Rock Pathway or Trek Remedy are the ticket. Many 230 mi. offers good trails for beginners local riders use flat pedals rather than and opens up to more technical clipless pedals. Fat tires with sealant and advanced riding. are highly recommended. The town of Sedona itself is surrounded by trails. It is hard to ride Poachers: We have been riding Maps: Buy Fat Tire Tales And half a mile on any street without see- Sedona for years, and our most recent Trails as soon as you arrive in ing a trailhead. The trails east of trip revealed an alarming number of Arizona. The book is sold in most town are not recommended for begin- illegal trails. It makes no sense, bike shops, and it is the consummate ners. These trails feature a lot of because there are so many great exist- Arizona mountain bike trail guide. It rocks, drops, steep climbs, switching trails. It is hard to believe that a has 13 unique rides listed for Sedona backs and loose rocks. These can be hiker or biker would feel compelled to alone. You can also get a free copy of frustrating rides, because one bushwhack. Off-trail riding, hiking or the Experience Sedona Guide by call- moment you are rolling along fun, climbing in this fragile desert envi- ing (800) 288-7336 or visiting flowy singletrack and the next second ronment creates lasting damage. We visitsedona.com. you are trying to clear six two-foot- don’t have to ask you to stay on desig- Pay attention: The scenery begs to be taken in, but don’t be sightseeing while riding. The loose surface, severe drop-offs and men- acing foliage will all attack if you are not paying attention. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 97

MBA DESTINATIONS Sedona nated trails, because we know you will. We will ask you to take a moment during your ride to block the entrance of an illegal trail with fallen timber or rocks. Shops: Sedona Bike & Bean, (928) 284-0210, (bike-bean.com) offers more than maps, bike rentals and repairs. The closest shop to the Bell Rock Pathway partners with a local resort to offer accommodations tailored for mountain bikers. The resort has a number of large cabins (to fit your crew) that include kitchens, a pool, washer and dryer, gas grills and hot tubs. The place is within riding distance of the Bell Rock Pathway. This is a great base camp for your Sedona adventure. Absolute Bikes, (928) 284-1242, is another bike shop close to the trails that offers bike rentals, repairs and spare parts. Change it up: The trails in Sedona can be sweet, flowy, big-ring fun one mile while the next is two-foot stair steps comprised of loose shale. This is not the place for lightweight components. 98 www.mbaction.com

Eats: Sedona offers tons of restaurants on the two extremes. There seem to be either expensive, hoity-toity, napkin-in-your-lap restaurants or fast food places and greasy spoons. If you don’t have the budget to blow on grub, we’d suggest booking a cabin with the Bike & Bean and doing the grocery shopping and cooking yourself. Weather: Sedona is a September-through-May riding destination. When summer hits, so does the heat. Triple-digit temperatures are not uncommon in the summer months. The place has been know to get dusted with snow in the winter, but it won’t stick around long. Be sure to pack some warm riding clothing during the winter months, as the mornings can be cold. Advisory: Put a comb in your hydration pack. If you do pick up a cactus bulb, the only way to get it off is to flick it with a comb. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 99

Sedona Red and it rocks: Sedona is known as Red Rock Country for obvious reasons. The trails snake through canyons and MBA DESTINATIONS make any rider feel like he or she has been transported back in time. This is what the Wild West used to look like. 100 www.mbaction.com

Mountain bike resort: The Bike & Bean runs a resort that is Before the ride: The Sedona Bike & Bean offers rental bikes tailored to the needs of visiting mountain bikers. The cabins are (nice ones), spare parts, professional service, maps and most your home away from home, while the pool and barbecue area important, a great cup of Joe to get you off on your rides. is great for after-ride tale telling. Photos by Jan Sullivan/Retro Art By Jan Photos by Jan Sullivan/Retro Art By Jan ❑ November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 101

MBA Inspire RIDERS WHO Stewards Of The Preserve Fun work: Members of the South Mountain Bike Patrol claim they would be riding anyway, so their duties never feel like work. Arizona riders who care for all They are being modest. Training and volunteering hours is work. trail users Photos by John Romero The SoMo BP has already saved lives. Giving water to unprepared trail users on a plus-100-degree day saves lives. A t over 16,000 acres, the South Mountain Preserve in Blocking bootleg trails so hikers and riders don’t get lost saves Phoenix, Arizona, has 51 miles of primary trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. That’s a lives. Repairing trail damage saves lives. lot of territory to care for, and with budget cutbacks, it seems like “We may stack some rocks to make a drop safer for begin- an impossible task. This is why the South Mountain Bike Patrol ners, but our goal is to keep the park’s trails as natural as pos- (SoMo BP) was formed and why it is so important. sible,” explains Tom. “The trails hold up very well until the “We want to keep things natural and don’t want to see the monsoon season hits. That’s when we put in a lot of water park spoiled,” explains SoMo BP member Tom Cavaretta. “We bars.” want our kids to enjoy the preserve as much as we do.” What’s the biggest problem the SoMo BP has encountered? The SoMo BP is the eyes and ears of the park’s rangers. Dogs off leash. Members complete a park stewardship program that includes “I love dogs and want to keep them safe,” says Tom. “A situ- CPR and first aid training, a background check and fingerprint- ation can get out of hand quickly if a few dogs show up at the ing. Certified members are expected to donate 60 hours a year to same place. I’ve had to use my bike to keep dogs apart. The the patrol. preserve is home to predators like coyotes and rattlesnakes. A “I am going to be riding the park anyway, so it never feels like hiker lost her dog to a snake bite last year.” I’m working,” explains Tom. “I always carry a first aid kit, tools The SoMo BP and NoMo BP show all trail users that moun- and some spares, even when I’m not in uniform.” tain bikers care. Funding cutbacks have hurt every park sys- The SoMo BP has many duties, the most important being com- tem in America, so there is a good chance that the park where munication. “We have hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers you ride could use your help. Tom and Gabe suggest visiting sharing the trails, and it is key for trail users to understand prop- the IMBA website (imba.com) and checking out their bike er trail etiquette and to communicate with each other,” explains patrol resources page. Like Tom says, “You are going to be out Gabe Lucero, who is part of the North Mountain Bike Patrol, there anyway. Why not pitch in to preserve the places we love formed after the success of the SoMo BP. to ride?” ❑ The few, the proud, the dirty: The South Mountain Bike Patrol, from left, are Tom Cavaretta, Scott MacFarlane, Mike Lust, Kurt Krause, Bryan Fox, Chris Gardner, Micky Santa Maria, Brian Higgins, Dan Ryan, Gabe Lucero and Chris Capages. 104 www.mbaction.com

The Downhill Workhorse MBA TECH T he RockShox Boxxer is the most decorated fork Break it in: The Boxxer in downhill racing history, Team’s tight bushings take a few days of rid- and for the first time since the ing to break in. Once original prototypes debuted in the fork’s been given 1996, it has been redesigned from the business on some the ground up. We first brought tough terrain, it has a plush coil feel that can you images and riding impres- absorb repetitive mon- sions of the three, eight-inch- ster hits. travel 2010 Boxxer models— the World Cup ($1700), Team ($1160) and Race ($775)—in our February 2009 issue. BOXXER RECAP RockShox set out to accomplish three goals with their new downhill fork: to be lighter, stiffer and achieve increased control. The new Boxxer jumped from the 32-millimeter stanchions found on most cross-country forks to a thinner-wall, 35-millimeter tubing. This change improved stiffness and reduced weight. The Boxxer’s new forged crowns use less material than previous versions, and the new Maxle Lite DH also shaves a couple ounces. The World Cup and Team forks get the new Mission Control DH damping system with Dual Flow adjust compression and rebound damping. This damping system was developed to optimize front wheel traction. We put the mid-priced version of the new Boxxer, the Team, to the test on our Santa Cruz V10. BOXXER TEAM SPECIFICS The 6.57-pound 2010 Team fork is 5.3 ounces lighter than the previous year’s version of the Team and is about a half-pound heavier than the pricier air-sprung World Cup model. The difference between these top-end downhill forks isn’t merely the weight or the $540 price difference; it also has to do with a rider’s preference for the feel of air-sprung or coil-sprung suspension. speed (fast shaft speeds) hits, and the stroke rebound for when the fork is The coil-sprung Boxxer Team has all smaller silver dial on top of the high- farther into the travel, while the gray of the tuning features of the World Cup speed knob tunes low-speed (slow knob controls beginning stroke but uses different methods to achieve shaft speeds) travel. rebound when the fork is in the ini- them. The Dual Flow compression The Dual Flow Rebound adjustment tial part of the travel. adjustment interface is atop the right sits on the bottom of the right fork leg. A new feature of the 2010 Boxxer fork leg. The blue knob tunes high- The larger red dial controls the ending Team is the DropStop bottom-out 106 www.mbaction.com

to achieve full travel on certain impacts, but were not using any of the compression tuning features or the DropStop bottom-out adjustment. Originally, we thought this was because of the very stiff bushings, but after the fork was sufficiently broken in, it had supple small-bump absorption, yet was still too firm for riders between 160 and 180 pounds to utilize the tuning features. Thankfully, the lighter yellow spring was already in the box. Instructions for swapping the fork spring were easily downloaded online, and what a difference the change made. The sag on the stock spring read 25 percent, but was too firm when on the bike. The sag reading on the softer yellow spring read between 25 and 30 percent, and gave us the opportunity to use the Tuning Guide and the compression and bottom-out features. With the softer yellow spring, our default settings became four clicks of the blue high-speed compression knob, three turns of the low-speed knob, and Spring time: The stock spring is said to one turn of the bottom-out adjuster. be ideal for riders between 160 and 180 pounds. We found riders around 170 Workhorse: The coil-sprung RockShox The increased rigidity of the new pounds were able to achieve more supple Boxxer Team features tunable beginning Boxxer eliminated all twisting sensa- and active suspension by swapping the and ending stroke rebound, high- and- tions felt in the previous versions. stock spring to the lighter yellow spring low-speed compression, and utilizes the Whether riding low-speed steep terrain (included) and turning the blue high-speed new Maxle Lite 20-millimeter thru-axle. or bombing run after run at Northstar compression dial up a few clicks. Mountain Bike park, we chose rugged adjustment atop the left fork leg. Inside lines with confidence. Although out of the center of the coil spring is the MCU the box the Team felt slightly sluggish, (an elastomer) that smoothes the tran- once broken in it had superb small- sition between the spring rate and the bump performance. bottom-out pad. Turning the DropStop The tunability of the high- and low- dial changes how soon it kicks in. speed rebound is most noticeable on When purchased aftermarket, the fast, rocky terrain with repeated big Boxxer Team includes two alternative hits, drops and holes. The ability to tuning springs and both upper crown keep the fork stuck to the ground with sizes. a slower rebound setting improves traction and speeds up the rebound so the SETTING UP THE BOXXER fork can return to full travel on harsh Along with the additional springs, hits. It works very well for maintaining RockShox includes their handy control on trails that put every part of Trailside Tuning Guide with the the bike to the test. Boxxer forks (also available as PDFs on Through corners, whether berms or their website). The tuning guide and rutted off-cambers, the Boxxer’s rigidi- springs are included so you can tune ty helped us keep our intended line your fork to your particular weight, and took the brunt of the harshest riding style, and terrain. The stock red impacts at speed. On more than one spring is said to be for riders between occasion there was a wince after an 160 and 180 pounds, and one lighter impact from a gnarly line choice and one heavier spring are included. aboard the Boxxer Team, but the 2010 The tuning guide offers nine different stayed true, and this Boxxer showed terrain or downhill course scenarios as much less deflection than previous ver- starting points for your fork tuning. sions. Although it took some tinkering and RIDING THE BOXXER TEAM head scratching for us to bring the On paper, the stock red spring was most out of the new Boxxer Team, it’s supposed to be perfect for 170-pound fair to say that RockShox seriously Tuning in: Tuning the beginning and ending stroke rebound allows you to tune your riders in full gear. The fork sag looked improved upon an already excellent ride to the terrain. The red dial controls the good according to the gradient on the and race-proven design. fork’s rebound when deeper in the stroke, stanchion. However, after numerous For on-board video of testing the and the gray knob controls the beginning days of riding the Team, we were able Boxxer Team, visit mbaction.com. ❑ stroke rebound. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 107

MBA TRAINING AND FITNESS How to crash and walk away very rider crashes. Smack downs are not reserved as E payback for wide-eyed wild men who take insane risks and ride above their natural ability. Soil samples happen to skilled riders who happen to roll into the wrong place at the wrong time. Singletrack tilling can begin with a mechanical failure as innocent as a blown tire or as evil as a pedal cleat that won’t release. Yard sales are held after the earth gives way unexpectedly, a low-hanging branch rips you from the saddle, or a deeper-than-anticipated water crossing swallows you. There will come a time when you will find yourself eye-to-eye with a rabbit or lizard, no matter how careful a rider you may be. There are ways to limit the pain and suffering inflicted by these unexpected mining expeditions. Using our tips for crashing gracefully may result in brushing the dirt off your jersey rather than heading to the ER to find out how good your health insurance coverage really is. 108 www.mbaction.com

STAY WITH THE BIKE RELAX If your bike is on the ground when you lose control, ride it out to the very end. Your bike can absorb more of the crash than you can. Everything on the bike sucks energy out of the Tensing your muscles before a collision crash. will transfer more impact force to your vital Your bike’s suspension is designed to absorb impact, but the organs. Intoxicated people involved in a car crash rest of the bike will do it, too. If your bike lands hard off a have disproportionately higher survival rates than the jump or drop-off and the rims, spokes, fork, handlebars, rest of us. Why this occurs is not proven, but one theory cranks and seatpost bend, the energy absorbed in that bending is that people who are drunk may be more relaxed before reduces the shock to your feet, ankles, hands, wrists, arms and and upon impact. shoulders. It’s similar to the way a stack of cardboard boxes Now, we are not suggesting that you down a stiff one can collapse and absorb the impact of a stunt man falling off a before your next ride. Practice your tuck and roll tech- roof in a movie. This is a good thing. It’s usually less expen- niques, and if the time comes when you are forced to use sive (and less painful) to let the bike, rather than your body, them, go with the flow. Use the confidence built from absorb the energy of a crash. your practice to remain calm. Much, much easier said than done. TUCK AND ROLL PICK YOUR IMPACT If you are separated from your bike, don’t land with your arms straight out and your palms facing down. If you do, you’re likely to break your collarbone. Instead, try to roll Relaxing doesn’t mean giving up. Think fast, keep when you hit the ground, keeping your hands in fists and your eyes open and do your best to minimize the sever- your arms tucked into your body. ity of your impact by picking where you are going to Unlike learning a new riding skill, we would never suggest land. Remember, the bike is your greatest asset for practicing this crash technique from the bike. You are asking absorbing the impact’s energy. Also, long tumbles are for injury if you do. Instead, practice on a trampoline, while better than stopping abruptly (like hitting a tree). Do jumping into a pool or falling on a bed or tumbling mat. your best to aim for a soft landing spot. Tuck and roll: This rider does a great job of tucking and rolling after what appears to be losing the front wheel to a slippery root. Bonus tip: Never jump back up to your feet. Wait until you are sure that the bike is not about to bean you and that you are not injured. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 109

MBA TRAINING AND FITNESS THE AFTERMATH If you crash hard, don’t stand up right away. Riders often have so much adrenaline released during a crash that they stand up right away and then collapse. Many spinal injuries are the result of the rider standing up right away. There’s a reason emergency medical technicians immobilize an accident victims’ heads when they think the spine may be injured. Vertebrae can Live to tell: There is nothing wrong with getting off the bike and walking down a section of sketchy trail. In many instances, it is faster than riding the section (even if you fracture on a hard impact, and yet don’t crash). there may not be any injury to the spinal cord until they stand up. Stay down and assess the damage. PRECAUTIONS This is probably a good time to remind you that when you ride, ride with a buddy, or at least tell someone where you are going. Make sure your helmet retention system is properly adjusted. Always wear glasses (day or night, bright or overcast) and gloves. Have a first aid kit in your hydration pack. Don’t ride a bike that is not mechanically sound. Finally, know your limits and don’t take wild chances. ❑ Slide into home: Gravity racers get tons more experience crashing than their trail- riding compadres. One thing they’ve learned from experience, and the hardest technique to teach, is to remain relaxed and go with the flow. 110 www.mbaction.com

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Drifter: The supple action of the RockShox Recon fork keeps the front wheel hooked up to the ground, and allows the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo pilot to relax and look down the trail. 112 www.mbaction.com

MBA est A Hardtail With History Return to roots with Fisher’s Hoo-Koo-E-Koo some getting used to and is on the narrow side by today’s T he Gary Fisher Hoo-Koo-E-Koo hardtail trailbike’s name may not exactly roll off of the tongue, but with standards. a little backstory it’s a fitting title. Hoo-Koo-E-Koo is Pedaling: With a hardtail, you’re practically guaranteed a historic reference to a tribe that once lived on Mount snappy acceleration. The Hoo-Koo-E-Koo’s rigid bottom Tamalpais, the mountain made famous by Gary Fisher and bracket area provides a stable platform for hammering on his pals racing down fireroads on their modified beach cruis- the trail. Popping through the gears when on the gas was er “Klunkers.” made easy by the SRAM X.9 and X.7 components, and spin- Fisher offers ten hardtail trailbikes ranging in price from ning in the saddle is made easier with the help of Shimano’s $439 to our $1429 Hoo-Koo-E-Koo test bike. Octalink cranks and M505 clipless pedals. Depending on the terrain, we ran between 28 and 32 psi in the Bontrager tires WHO IS IT MADE FOR? for ideal traction and fast rolling. The Fisher Hoo-Koo-E-Koo is aimed at the hardcore Climbing: Lean forward, choose the perfect gear and enthusiast looking to push the limits of his riding with a 3.9- spin away. The rear Bontrager Jones XR tire is mounted inch travel fork and hydraulic disc brakes. backwards, which elicits more scoop from the tread pattern. The direction of this rear tire has a large impact on WHAT IS IT MADE FROM? the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo’s climbing performance. You’ll find The aluminum-framed Hoo-Koo-E-Koo features Fisher’s yourself wishing for a 34-tooth cassette instead of the 32-tooth version the bike comes with. Those couple of extra teeth could be the difference between grinding up a climb in the middle ring and having to drop down to the granny gear. When the time came to choose between chainrings, big-ring shifting was made easy by the precise action of the SRAM X.7 front derailleur. During extended seat time, we appreciated the cush of the comfortable Bontrager Race saddle. To aid out-of-the saddle efforts, you can easily lock out the RockShox fork by flip- ping the blue compression knob atop the right fork leg. Cornering: The Bontrager Jones XR tires are a good fit for hardpacked or slightly loose trails. Despite the tires being on the narrow side of 2.2 inches, they have good side knob bite for off-camber G2 geometry, which offers the amount of fork offset needed turns. The best way to attack to improve slow-speed handling. This reduces the amount of uphill switchbacks is to stay in the saddle and spin the trail to make the bike steer quicker without changing the cranks. The Hoo-Koo-E-Koo’s G2 geometry and tight rest of its handling characteristics. The Hoo-Koo-E-Koo is cockpit take the edge off of maneuvering tricky uphill built with a 68-degree head angle and 12.25-inch bottom corners. bracket. Descending: Don’t think that because it’s a hardtail the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo can’t rip descents. The coil-sprung WHICH COMPONENTS STAND OUT? RockShox Recon fork takes the brunt of harsh hits on the The Hoo-Koo-E-Koo’s 28-millimeter-wide Bontrager downhills. The stock spring feels spot-on for a 165-pound Duster wheels are tubeless ready and are mounted up with rider and smoothed relentless trail chatter and braking 2.2-inch Bontrager Jones XR tires. The cockpit features a bumps. The Hoo-Koo-E-Koo’s descending is hindered by 24.5-inch-wide Bontrager Race Big Sweep handlebar, Race the 24.5-inch handlebar. Going up to a 26- or 27-inch bar Lite grips and Bontrager Race saddle. would take some twitchiness out of the bike’s handling. A big reason for the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo’s stability on the HOW DOES IT PERFORM? descents (despite the handlebar) is the Bontrager Duster Ergonomics: The 23.5-inch top tube comfortably posi- wheelset. The Duster shares the same 28-millimeter-wide tions the rider in the saddle, not overextended or too rims as the popular Rhythm wheels, but it uses less expen- relaxed. The Bontrager Race Big Sweep handlebar takes sive spokes and hubs to get the job done. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 113

Fisher Braking: The Avid Juicy 3 brakes have an adjustable lever reach and operate on six-inch rotors. The popular Juicy brakes with organic pads have a comfortable feel at the lever and sufficient stopping power on mellow, meandering trails. When flying down high-speed descents, we found ourselves over-riding the power of the Juicy 3s and had to watch how much we let it hang out on the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo. TRICKS, UPGRADES OR TIPS? After riding the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo, a few suggestions come to mind to help its overall handling and performance. A 34- tooth cassette would make tough uphills more manageable, the aforementioned wider bar would aid in both ascending and descending, and you’ll want to look into a metallic brake pad or two for the front brake. This will give the Juicy 3 brakes more bite and you more control of the bike. The Duster wheelset is tubeless ready, and we highly recommend taking advantage of that feature. BUYING ADVICE The hardtail is as integral to mountain biking as the Hoo- Koo-E-Koo riding area was to the first mountain bikers on Northern California’s Mount Tamalpais. The Hoo-Koo-E- Koo may fall near the “recreational” price point category, but don’t be fooled; it’s a cool and extremely capable hardtail Climbing high: When attacking long climbs, the backwards- mountain bike. For $1429, you get a great-looking, root-beer- facing Bontrager Jones XR tire provides plenty of scoop to grab colored aluminum frame; dependable RockShox and traction on loose terrain. Shimano components; a high-performance trailbike wheelset and a little piece of history. ❑ FISHER HOO-KOO-E-KOO Price $1429 Country of origin Taiwan Weight 27 pounds Hotline (800) 585-8735 Frame tested Medium Bottom bracket height 12.25" Chainstay length 16.25" Top tube length 23.5" Head tube angle 69° Seat tube angle 72° Standover height 29.5" Wheelbase 42.7" Suspension travel (front) 3.9" Suspension travel (rear) None Frame material Aluminum Fork RockShox Recon 335 Shock None Rims Bontrager Duster Tires Bontrager Jones XR Hubs Shimano M525 disc Brakes Avid Juicy 3 Crankset Shimano Octalink Shifters SRAM X.7 Handlebar Bontrager Race Big Sweep Front derailleur SRAM X.7 Rear derailleur SRAM X.9 Chainrings Shimano (44/32/22) Narrow-minded: Despite the narrow 24.5-inch handlebar, the Fisher Hoo-Koo-E-Koo is a more than capable descender. You Cassette SRAM PG950 (11-32) can thank the trail-riding-oriented 69-degree head angle for its Pedals Shimano M505 descending abilities. 114 www.mbaction.com

MBA Competition America’s best battle at SolVista, Colorado R acing mountain bikes on American soil, the birthplace of the sport, attracts riders from all over the world. Our national series have traditionally pulled riders from Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and north of the border in Canada (Canadians have become a greedy bunch when it comes to carting home American medals). The international flavor of our national events is a testament to the attraction of American culture, great racecourses, deep pockets of spon- sors and Denny’s (hey, they have nothing like it in Krasnoyarsk). American race promoters like the melting pot approach because it attracts more interest from spectators and pushes the level of competition. But once a year we bar all them foreigners and throw a party called the USA Cycling National Mountain Bike Championships. This event, open only to American citizens with big legs, larger lungs and cat-like reflexes, determines America’s top mountain bikers in a variety of cross-country and gravity disciplines. This year, the National Mountain Bike Championships were held in Granby, Colorado, at the SolVista ski resort, about an hour and a half west of Denver, high in the Rocky Mountains. These are the highlights, along with the names and ranks of America’s 78 fastest men and women. New champion: Mitch Ropelato was recently featured in MBA’s “Young Rippers” as a hot up-and-comer. Well, young Mitch has now officially arrived. The teenage pro battled the darkness to become America’s new 4-Cross National champion. Mitch Ropelato also won the Junior Expert Downhill Championship. 116 www.mbaction.com

Into the night: The decision to delay the 4-Cross Pro finals until nightfall did not sit well with many spectators, who packed up and went home. Those who left missed a memorable show under the lights. 4-CROSS RESULTS PRO MEN’S 4-CROSS 1. Mitch Ropelato, Cafe Rio 2. Rich Houseman, Intense/Team Houseman 3. Brian Buell, Team Geronimo 4. John Swanguen, Intense/Troy Lee/ODI/Fox Shox PRO WOMEN’S 4-CROSS 1. Jill Kintner, GT 2. Melissa Buhl, KHS 3. Kathy Pruitt, Jamis 4. Darian Harvey, Cannondale Back to work: Jill Kintner returned to our National Championships this year to win the 4-Cross title. She missed last year’s biggest mountain bike races to concen- trate on the Olympics, where she picked up a bronze medal in BMX. November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 117

MBA Competition Pitched battle: America’s top cross- country riders came out in force for the 2009 national title race. Adam Craig (269), Todd Wells (270), and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (23) led the field up the steep climb that began each of the five long laps. Changing it up: Adam Craig can be counted on Target practice: Women downhill racers need to pin a bull’s-eye on Melissa to earn at least one championship every year. He Buhl’s back if they ever have dreams of a stars and stripes jersey in their didn’t disappoint. He dominated the short track collection. Melissa has a closet full of them. event with the powerful rider’s trademark mix of determination and enthusiasm. 118 www.mbaction.com

Big-wheel history: Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski cemented himself in the history books by becom- ing the first pro man to win the cross-country national championship on 29-inch wheels. JHK is hooked on the big hoops for his Fisher hardtail and dual-suspension race rigs. CROSS-COUNTRY RESULTS PRO MEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY 5. Mary McConneloug, Kenda/Seven, 2:01:39 PRO WOMEN’S SHORT TRACK CROSS-COUNTRY 1. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, Subaru/Gary Fisher, 2:02:10 6. Pua Sawicki, Ellsworth, 2:03:42 1. Georgia Gould, Luna Pro Team 2. Adam Craig, Giant Bicycles, 2:08:57 7. Judy Freeman, Tough Girl/Scott, 2:05:01 2. Heather Irmiger, Subaru/Gary Fisher 3. Sam Schultz, Subaru/Gary Fisher, 2:09:34 8. Lea Davison, Maxxis/Rocky Mountain, 2:06:19 3. Lea Davison, Maxxis/Rocky Mountain 4. Jeremiah Bishop, Monavie/Cannondale, 2:09:55 9. Kelli Emmett, Giant Bicycles, 2:07:35 4. Willow Koerber, Subaru/Gary Fisher 5. Jay Henry, Tokyo Joes, 2:10:19 10. Krista Park, Incycle/Magur, 2:08:22 5. Mary McConneloug, Kenda/Seven/NoTubes 6. Andy Schultz, Kenda/Tomac/Hayes, 2:10:23 6. Kelli Emmett, Giant Bicycles 7. Sam Jurekovic, Sho-Air-Specialized, 2:11:54 PRO MEN’S SHORT TRACK CROSS-COUNTRY 7. Judy Freeman, Tough Girl/Scott 8. Ryan Trebon, Kona, 2:12:57 1. Adam Craig, Giant Bicycles 8. Chloe Forsman, Luna Pro Team 9. Michael Broderick, Kenda/Seven, 2:14:14 2. Todd Wells, Specialized 9. Pua Sawicki, Ellsworth 10. Barry Wicks, Kona, 2:16:33 3. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, Subaru/Gary Fisher 10. Zephanie Blasi, Kenda/Tomac/Hayes 4. Ryan Trebon, Kona PRO WOMEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY 5. Sam Schultz, Subaru/Gary Fisher 1. Heather Irmiger, Subaru/Gary Fisher, 1:55:40 6. Carl Decker, Giant Bicycles 2. Willow Koerber, Subaru/Gary Fisher, 1:57:58 7. Jeremiah Bishop, Monavie/Cannondale 3. Katie Compton, Katie Compton, 2:00:09 8. Andy Schultz, Kenda/Tomac/Hayes 4. Georgia Gould, Luna Pro Team, 2:00:35 9. Bryan Alders, Monavie/Cannondale 10. Colin Cares, Kenda/Tomac/Hayes November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 119

MBA Competition Return of “the Palm”: A silver medalist in Men’s Downhill at the 1996 World Championships, Shaun Palmer, 40, is back racing downhill and finished 12th. Judging from how he cleared the 55-foot doubles, the famed snowboarder still has his bike skills, too. Family affair: Heather Irmiger laid claim to her first cross-country national title, and she did it on a Fisher 29er Superfly. Her husband’s win gave Fisher a 29er sweep of the cross-country titles. Yes, the Horgan- Seeing red: Georgia Gould used the Nats to debut Luna’s new Kobelski/Irmiger line of women’s sports apparel. Maybe they should call it “sports household has a lot of performance apparel,” because Georgia’s competition saw red as stars and stripes she rode away in the short track. jerseys. 120 www.mbaction.com

MBA Competition America’s best: Aaron Gwin dominated the Pro Men’s Downhill event to score his first National Pro Downhill title. Considering that he made two World Cup podi- ums in the next two weeks, Aaron is America’s most promising downhill competitor in ten years. GRAVITY RESULTS PRO MEN’S DOWNHILL 1. Aaron Gwin, Yeti/Fox Factory, 2:11.72 2. Duncan Riffle, DDR/Giantnerd, 2:13.87 3. J.D. Swanguen, Intense/Troy Lee/ODI, 2:15.69 4. Cody Warren, Specialized, 2:16.92 5. (tie) Gerrit Behtagh, Morewood Bikes, 2:16.94 5. (tie) Joey Schusler, Yeti, 2:16.94 7. Luke Strobel, Maxxis/Rocky Mountain, 2:17.64 8. Kyle Strait, Specialized, 2:18.02 9. Michael Sylvestri, Santa Cruz/Allride, 2:18.03 10. Curtis Keene, Specialized/SRAM, 2:18.51 PRO WOMEN’S DOWNHILL 1. Melissa Buhl, KHS Bicycles, 2:41.13 2. Kathy Pruitt, Jamis, 2:41.20 3. Lisa Myklak, Fox Racing Shox, 2:47.83 4. Jaqueline Harmony, Vixen Racing, 2:52.59 5. Katie Holden, Specialized, 2:55.31 6. Darian Harvey, Cannondale, 2:59.91 7. Rachel Bauer, Banshee, 3:01.14 8. Jennifer Wolf, Vixen Racing, 3:19.00 9. Jennifer Whalen, Jenxracer.com, 3:19.35 10. Stephanie Leonard, Crested Butte Mountain, 3:21.71 122 www.mbaction.com

MBA Competition Rookie champion: Only 30 pros, including Adam Craig, Ross Schnell, Carl Decker and Eric Carter, entered the Men’s Super D. “It was hectic,” said winner Aaron Bradford (shown) of the uphill Le Mans start followed by a six-minute singletrack descent to his first national title. Elke’s return: None of the out-of-retirement stars did as well as Elke Brutsaert. She retired from Never too old: Ned Overend’s racing license says 54 years old, but he put the pro downhill in 2001, but came back and won hurt to lot of young guns. “I was hovering around tenth when I blew on the the Pro Women’s Super D title, less than a month fourth lap,” laughs Ned about his early race enthusiasm. The 1990 UCI World before her 40th birthday. champion and six-time National champ finished 21st out of 69 pros. She’s back: Colorado’s Alison SUPER D RESULTS Dunlap (345), the PRO MEN’S SUPER D 2001 World 1. Aaron Bradford, Onsite Ultrasound Champion and 2. Mike West, Maverick former national 3. Ross Schnell, Trek/Oakley 4. Jon Wilson, Northstar/Giant champion, came 5. Eric Carter, GT Bicycles out of retirement to compete in the PRO WOMEN’S SUPER D pro short track. 1. Elke Brutsaert, Durango Devo She led Kelli 2. Jacqueline Harmony, Vixen Racing/Loeka 3. Kelli Emmett, Giant Bicycles Emmett (267) 4. Krista Park, INcycle/Magura and Mary 5. Kyia Anderson, Hidden Bay Sports McConneloug (1), but faded to 11th by the finish. ❏ 124 www.mbaction.com

SHOWCASE November 2009 / MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION 125

1 ith the explosion of W successful regional race series across the country and the ever-growing bike park scene at ski resorts, people are traveling with their bikes and gear more than ever before. We’ve rounded up some worthy gear bags to help make those travel adven- tures go a little more smoothly. 1 bag is madelast: The O’Neal MX4 gear Built to from 600 Denier nylon and has four fixed handles and one that tele- 3 scopes. The MX4 uses wheels for easy maneuvering, has a padded shoulder strap, an I.D. holder, separate boot compartment, four internal and two external 2 pockets, and heavy-duty zippers. The MX4 measures 35x28x25 inches in size. $139, (800) 326-6325 2 the newest and largest cargo carrierbag is In transit: Fox’s Transport gear in their line of luggage. With room for all your big stuff and intelligent pockets and dividers for the little essentials, the Transport super-sizes your race case. Now, you have no excuse for forgetting something! The Transit features vented pockets and urethane wheels. $189, (888) 772-2242 3 Luggage is built to travelGallonyou, com- Tanked: Oakley’s 16 with Tank bining big volume with low profile. A telescoping handle and built-in wheels make it roll with ease. Special zippers are engineered to fit your lock, and with all the pockets and storage features. The 16 Gallon Tank measures 22x14x9 inches in 5 size, and has a 50/50 design that opens in the middle like a suitcase for convenient access. $135, (800) 431-1439 4 Lee Designs hasThe Flight retractableTroy Flight path: Bag from a 15-inch han- 4 dle, expanded pockets with a zippered closure and a wide base for rolling stability. The Flight Bag measures 22x14x10 inches. $125, (951) 371-5219 5 plane overhead compartments, fit in air- Catch the Shuttle: Built to the SixSixOne Shuttle gear bag has a telescoping handle, urethane wheels for smooth rolling, and an expandable compartment that nearly doubles the storage size. $129, (888) 520-4888 126 www.mbaction.com

Quak e F HAL ! ‘08 Mt. the e of er ‘09 6” el Vision Bikar winn 5” trav frame OFF ye trave l Wolf 5.5” $2000 frame 99 Ridge Ridgeline: 26er, 29er, or $999 $1400 $9 singlespeed USA Titanium e 3 Full models Titanium e: P2 am USA fram bike made fr xR 700 $1295! $1295! Fo $3 $2199! XT-A pex Frame line 599 n 6.6”travel Bike $1 prices o Carbon C2C Campy bike: $1999! XCT 5 FXR Foes R 7 Fly Pro or no DHS Mo utt MBA: ail bike ma de” Fox rnutt rn 6” 7” 8” Lite XC Cu 10” Cu “Best tr Curnutt Curnutt Curnutt 4” made in made in made in made in made in de USA USA USA USA USA USA ma frame 3.35” 1645 gram s!) travel (3.62 lb Vamoots & d on Cinco & YBB & + 5% baseze Zirkel Rigor Moo tis Compact frame si 99 : 20 ion b $ rs old 3 l il ve ter art -m olo in e 2.7 rda hn bon f th Ha tec ar e o gy l c at ful st made in Lifetime Full Colorado Warranty Titanium BMC ‘08 SLC01 $3900 $2999 BMC ‘08 SLT01 $3000 $2299 BMC BMC ‘08 SLX01 $2600 $1999 ‘08 Bike ‘07 DH200 $1500 rbon rear XT Alite Hydra. $5300 FS03 Apex Frame/fork. Element 4”, Ca shocks: Tora 2K $1040 discs 4” Trav. $799! Bike Kits extra. ut & Fox lock-o 370 $799 $699 ! Bike Frame brakes! Full $3399 Frame $1449 Element 30 $11700 $999 $1399 $ 139 ! Saint & Element 50 $ eur Fox 36 4” Travel aill 5.5 Lbs. ! FF der 0O XT 90 Build Kits $1 DT XM180 available lock-out shock! r a Button le Full P23 Fox RX 5.0” P23 Fox RX 5.0” bon rea Chumb All adjusta b Bike a Car garm F5 models travel! Chumb a or DH Chumb or DH Chumb a swin available $2490 8” Evo 6” XCL 5” VF2 5” 4 colors fect the Nation al See ‘em nt 6.5” fro ar option “Per ring” State of logy 2 USA onships! stee -MBA art tech no Champi on our site! 5.5” re dels Over & sale mo FF! 30 Newp to $1700 O u online Mtn. Bikes Too! Famous Brand 4-5” adjustable travel frame with Fox RP23 $1400 SALE $ 949 XT info Apex Call for bike ! $1599 Diego. 366 South Tustin, Orange CA 92866. Mapquest us!

6 6 from Dakine has 3100 Rider’s Duffle bag Bag it: The all-new cubic-inches of space and weighs 1.4 pounds. Made from polyester and twill, the Rider’s Duffle features a U-shaped opening, tarp-lined side pockets, a shoulder strap and internal mesh organizers. $60, (541) 386-3166 7 Team issue: Made from durable nylon fabrics, the Team Pro Bag from Specialized can hold all of your gear and 7 more. The stiff bottom has sliding rails, and the inline skate-type wheels are smooth and durable. The telescoping handle retracts easily for storage, and a separate compartment houses dirty clothes and gear. $145, (877) 808- 8154 8 Supersized: The Ogio 9800 is made to move with its oversized, off-road wheels and a retractable handle, but its protected compartments appeal to anyone who travels hard and heavy. The redesigned 9800 features the new SLED (Structural Load Equalizing Deck) system, along with a front accessory pocket, goggle pocket, large main area, a fold-out changing mat for muddy conditions and 8 compression straps. $179, (800) 922- 1944 9 Kick it: Designed to organize and protect all of your gear, the Kicker bag from Thor has over five cubic feet of space, oversized zippers and a PVC base. 9 The Kicker has three compartments that can be combined to form one large main compartment. $109, (619) 448-8467 ❑ 128 www.mbaction.com

DOWN THE TRAIL Illustrations by Dwight Wanhala t was ten years ago in our November 1999 issue that we were I warning riders about training traps. We still see riders falling into the same traps today. Okay, sometimes we are looking in the mirror when we see these riders; so let’s take a quick refresher course. Only riding hard. Not drinking enough. Only eating when hungry. Skipping the group rides. Not getting enough rest. Only concentrating on what you are good at. 130 www.mbaction.com

Performance, function, and style have never been more abundant than in the brand new, high performance Fenix helmet. - Kevlar, Carbon fiber and fiberglass composite tri-weave shell. - Bagmold technology ensures a consistent resin thickness over the entire helmet. - Exceeds Snell M2005, US DOT, AU, and CE standards. - Innovative wide goggle port for better goggle-to-face seating and greater peripheral vision. - Three external plastic intake vents combined with internal EPS air channels allow maximum airflow. - Stylish, large mouth vent allows for better air intake and increased ventilation. - Wider, longer chin bar for increased roost protection, safety, and comfort. - Removable, washable Savior comfort liner, cheek pads, and strap liners for maximum moisture absorption and comfort. Aaron Gwin US National Champ CITYFLAGE - Molded rubber eye port channels air to the forehead. - Unique, soft molded rubber roost guard provides protection and style. - Aluminum visor bolts with stylized plastic washers. - New EPS foam liner for greater protetion, increased airflow, and reduced weight. - One-Piece molded rubber bottom edge beading. Photo by: ©MichaelDarter.com visit us at SIXSIXONE.COM or call 661 257 2756

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