FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ktrak Cycle Corp. is thrilled to announce the retail release of its innovative bike kit to the worldwide outdoor sports marketplace. Just in time for the ’07/08 Winter Season, the rear-drive track system creates a world of winter biking opportunities. Fresh and groomed snow showcase the track’s unique design, providing approximately 25 times the traction and flotation of the average mountain bike wheel – and when coupled with Ktrak’s optional front ski attachment, cross-country and downhill prospects are endless.

Ktrak’s first Prototype units were introduced to much fan fair at the largest North American bike show, Interbike, in September 2006. This was followed up by a phenomenal response to the introduction of our first production units at the Eurobike show in Germany in August 2007. Its unique patented design is creating a buzz in the sporting community, as bike enthusiasts envision the cross-season opportunities made possible with Ktrak.

The Ktrak kit is constructed of quality materials and exceptional workmanship with durability and precision in mind. Universal to almost all makes and models of mountain bikes, the kit is currently available for a 26” wheel, and will be made available in 20” and 24” models later in 2008.

The Ktrak system can be purchased directly through our website at www.ktrakcycle.com. Beginning later this month, Ktrak will be available through approved dealers throughout North America and abroad.

For further product information, including technical data, photos and video stream of the Ktrak in action, feel free to contact us at the email above or visit www.ktrakcycle.com.

Media-specific high resolution photos and video are also available upon request at www.ktrakmedia.com

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source: Bicycle Newswire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lopes takes the overall for the World Cup Series!

Pohorje, Slovenija, Fri. Sept. 7, 2007:

In front of a crowd take rivaled the World Championships in its numbers, Lopes took the podium to accept the crystal trophy; having earned three (3) wins and one (1) second place in the five (5) race series, he was rewarded with the Overall World Cup Series Champion title.

This puts a wonderful closing to a strong & healthy race year for Brian!

We would like to thank OAKLEY, GT Bicycles/www.gtbicycles.com, MARZOCCHI, KENDA, HAYES, SUN RIMS,
EASTON, SHIMANO, FIZIK, MRP, SUNLINE, ODI Monk, Steve Spencer & Crew!

Until next year, keep riding!!

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source: Paula, www.brianlopes.com

Had the opportunity to ride this bike for a few hundred miles and was pretty impressed. The components were:

Frame: Rocky Mountain FORM™ 7005 Taperwall Aluminum + Carbon seatstay
Frame Weight: n/a
Fork: FOX 32 100 RL
Front Travel: 100 MM
Rear Shock: FOX FLOAT RP23 CUSTOM VALVED
Rear Travel: 100 MM
Head Set: FSA ORBIT
Stem: EASTON EA50
Handlebar: EASTON EA50
Brakes: SHIMANO LX- Hydro
Brake Levers: SHIMANO LX
Shifters: SHIMANO LX RAPID FIRE
Gearing (RR/FR): SHIMANO LX RAPID FIRE
Cranks & Chainrings: RACE FACE EVOLVE XC
Bottom Bracket: X-TYPE
Pedals: I used my Speedplay Frogs

Hubs (RR/FR): SHIMANO LX
Cog-Set: SHIMANO LX
Chain: SHIMANO HG53-9
Rims: MAVIC XM 317 DISK

Tires (RR/FR): IRC MIBRO MARATHON 2.25/ KENDA NEVEGAL 2.3
Seat Post: EASTON EA50
Saddle: WTB SHADOW TEAM

The ride: This bike can climb! It truly felt like a hardtail when ascending. I stood up, I sat down and was just plain impressed. You just seem to want to accelerate while climbing. The lock out on the front fork(Fox 32 RL)and the propedal on the RP23 came in handy on the longer climbs. This bike feels really, really stiff with the front locked out and the propedal set on max. The combination of the Fox 32 RL(front fork)and the RP23(rear shock)seemed to fit this bike perfectly.

There is a section of trail on one of my local rides that is steep and technical. One small area on this trail is particularly difficult to ride as there are off camber slippery roots and slippery sandstone. Usually I do not make this section on my regular bike but the first time on this section while riding the Element 50 I cleaned it!

Tight and twisty singletrack was easily negotiated with confidence while riding the Element 50. This bike handles very well. It just grips the trail. I had a lot of fun on this bike while riding various trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

This isn’t the best bike for descending but does an adequate job. The geometry is really set for XC. With a change in the stem and a quick release on the seatpost collar, the bike performs better on the descents.

Overall, this is a nice XC bike that is ready to race. Climbing is definitely its strong point. All day epic rides might be a little uncomfortable but again, if you change some of the components it could be used this way. The components used for the build were efficient. Sure one could upgrade in a few areas to save weight but if you are on a budget this is a good build. The LX Hydraulic brakes worked great but my only complaint would be the loud squeak they would make when they got wet. Maybe different brake pads would solve the loud squeak issue when they get wet.

No, not Chumba Wumba, Chumba Racing! Chumba has been known for producing high-quality, downhill rigs. But finally, they’ve created a bike for the rest of us XC riders and freeriders who want to climb as well as descend what the trail has to offer.

First impression is ‘Wow, this thing is beefy!” It looks like an XC bike but the tubes are big. The machining is precise. The gussets are supportive. The welds are generous and consistent. The pivot bearings keep the suspension action free and smooth. The shock mounts seem extra large to prevent any unwanted lateral movement. This whole frame seems to be designed to prevent any lateral motion yet deliver 5 inches of smooth vertical travel.

The bike comes with a Fox DHX Air and a Rockshox Pike 454. This seems to be the key component combination. The Fox DHX Air is very plush yet has a very effective and adjustable stable platform. The Pike is smooth, laterally solid and has a dial-in travel adjustment feature.

How does it Ride?

It descends like a dream! Wow, this is a confidence inspiring ride. It goes where you point it as the front and rear track exactly where you point it at. The front fork is stiff and the 20mm thru-axle ensures that is not bothered by ruts and rocks. The rear is where the magic is at. It is very laterally stiff so there is no wallowing or correcting as it hits trail obstacles. It just goes straight. As you steer and give some body english, the bike responds with no hesitation.

Maneuverability is good too. I tested a small frame and that works out for my 5′8″ size since I can actually manhandle this bike and throw it around. It is 33 lbs but an agile 33. The head angle takes no getting used to. It just feels natural. When the trail got smooth and extra twisty, I dialed in the Pike fork and shortened up the travel. This made the head angle steeper and the bike was a bit quicker through the trees.

Oh btw, the ride is very plush. The rear suspension action is very active and it is complemented well by the front shock. Rock and ruts were handled with easy. It jumps very well too. Now if I can just learn to jump higher…

Oh no, here comes the climb and I have a 33 lb. bike. Actually, it climbs amazingly well. The DHX air rear shock keeps the rear suspension stable under hard pedaling. Shortening the front shock travel got my upper body lower and enabled me to get more power to the pedals. When I hit rocks and root steps, the suspension worked well and gave me good traction. Of course this bike is heavy and the tires are very sticky. So I won’t be entering any XC races with it. But for what it is, it climbs well.

So there you have the Chumba XCL. It’s a great bike and it’s going to give a lot of boutique dream bikes a run for their money. This would be a good frame at $2000. At $1400, it’s an incredible value.

In the fall, Chumba is sending us a 28 lb. XCL. That could be very interesting and would be a good match for our local trails. Expect a follow-on review featuring that bike.

Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Resources:

Mtbr Reviews: http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Allmtn_Full_Suspension/product_126464.shtml

Chumba Racing: http://www.chumbaracing.com/