Pua Sawicki, 2007 Female Mountain Biker of the Year, has entered into a multi-year title sponsorship agreement with Ellsworth Handcrafted Bicycles. Fresh off a hugely successful 2007 season racing her Ellsworth Truth, and with key wins in major endurance races such as USA Cycling’s 24 Hour Solo National Championships, 12 Hours of Dirt, Sweat and Gears and the Baja Ultra Endurance 100k race, Pua and Ellsworth have forged a partnership that catapults both entities forward.

“It is truly amazing to have found and built a partnership with a company like Ellsworth. They have put their trust in us, through the good times and the bad, and have helped to make our dream come true and for that we could never thank them enough.” said Pua as she’s about to begin her 2008 season. “Not only have we gained a whole new family, but I get to ride the best bikes in the world! Thank you so much Tony and the rest of the Ellsworth crew!”

In pursuit of more endurance race wins in 2008, Pua will again be racing and training on Ellsworth’s legendary “Truth” frame. The Truth is a durable, light weight, and a highly refined design for endurance and cross country racing. In the agreement, Pua will continue to ride Ellsworth’s Mountain, Cyclocross & Road frames.

“It’s great to have a winning rider racing your frame designs, but Pua brings a spirit and personality to the sport that makes it an honor to have her choose our frames year after year to race on”. Says Tony Ellsworth, CEO of Ellsworth Handcrafted Bicycles. “Pua not only brings world class racing skills to Ellsworth, but she is also a tremendous ambassador for us and for endurance racing. We are looking forward to her success this racing season”.

http://www.ellsworthbicycles.com/

source: Rich Carr, CRME

- Partnership aims to support trail sustainability and promote environmental awareness in Vermont area -

FERNDALE, Washington, (February 29, 2008) - In efforts to continue their outreach to the biking world and grassroots projects, Kona Bicycle Company and Kingdom Trail Association (KTA) in East Burke, Vermont, have, again, joined forces to unveil an exciting program on and off the dirt. Looking to assist in the maintenance and preservation of the non-motorized, multi-use trail system in the area, Kona will be working closely with KTA members and trail crew to increase environmental awareness and trail sustainability. As the official bike of Kingdom Trails’ Trail Crew/Bike Patrol, Kona will also outfit the crew.
This isn’t the first time that Kona and KTA have collabo-rated efforts. Last year, Kona and IMBA awarded KTA a grant to construct a pump track as another amenity for its users. The project was completed in August 2007 and has received positive reviews from both visitors and locals.

“This is a great opportunity for both parties to work off of each others growing success,” says KTA trails coordinator CJ Scott. “I look forward to working with Dale Plant and the rest of the crew at Kona for years to come.”

In 1994, KTA was established as a non-profit multi-use trail associ-ation by a group of visionary residents and area business leaders with
the goal of encouraging recreational use of the area known as the Northeast Kingdom. KTA is a conservation group driven by a volunteer board of directors working in partnership with private landowners, local businesses, government agencies and other non-profit organizations to create and manage outdoor recreation opportunities and preserve and protect trails.

Over the last few years, the area’s trails have been a burgeoning hotspot for cross-country riding. Touted as one of Vermont’s least developed regions, the Northeast Kingdom is ecologically sensitive and the KTA has helped create access to these trails to maintain and promote the area. Currently all mapped trails in the area are on private land, making the trail system a very unique entity. There are 46 private landowners who allow access to their land for use and the trails see more than 30,000 rider visits from May though October.

For more information check
www.konaworld.com and www.kingdomtrails.org.

About the Kona Bicycle Company:
The Kona Bicycle Company designs, manufacturers and distributes more than 60 models of purpose-built, high-performance mountain, road and urban bicycles. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Ferndale, Washington, Kona bicycles are distributed worldwide in more than 60 countries through independent specialty bicycle dealers. Kona funds several professional road, mountain and cyclo-cross racing teams that include World Cup Champions, World Champions and National Champions. www.konaworld.com.

source: Keith Cozzens | Base Camp Communications

e.thirteen is proud to announce the release of their third edition of the Limited Colorways product. Limited Colorways product has been turning heads around the world for the past year, and this next colorway is sure to catch the attention of everyone.

The newest Limited Colorways color will be “RPM Orange,” and the chain devices will be released worldwide through the e.thirteen distribution channels on February 29, 2008. A limited number of chain retention systems will be sent to each distributor worldwide, and once each distributor sells out of the Limited Colorways, the color will no longer be available.

The RPM Orange chain devices will be offered only in the LG-1 model, with e.thirteen’s worldwide patent pending direct-mount ™ bashguard technology. To accentuate the classic look of this colorway, its backplate is bright silver in color, with RPM Orange sliders.

Distributors are already taking orders, so run down to your local bike shop and pre-order your favorite e.thirteen chain retention system in the RPM Orange Limited Colorways color.

The following distributors will be participating in the Limited Colorways program:
BTI (USA)
Quality Bicycle Products (USA)
Cycles Lambert (Canada)
Norco Distribution (Canada)
Yodo Distribution (Canada)
B. Sport (Chile)
Fritz Wittich Gmbh (Germany)
Fun Fancy (Japan)
Indian Summer Ltd. (Switzerland)
Iron Horse Italia SRL (Italy)
KRD Imports (New Zealand)
Norco Australia (Australia)
Silverfish UK (United Kingdom)

The next e.thirteen Limited Colorways color will be released later this year. Stay tuned to the e.thirteen website for continued updates on the Limited Colorways program.

e.thirteen components is a small, rider-owned and operated company that strongly supports dozens of grassroots races, series, contests and other riding events all over the world every year. Founded in 2001, e.thirteen’s innovative, functional, simple and lightweight chain retention systems have made them a world leader in this category, and the choice of top pro and amateur riders and mechanics alike. They support a worldwide distribution network and take great pride in offering devoted customer service.

www.e13components.com

source: Aaron Lutze

Providence, R.I. - Researchers from the Injury Prevention Center at Rhode Island Hospital announce the launch of an online survey that will be used to study cycling health and injuries. The study is entirely anonymous and there will be no way to identify participants of the survey.

The study – one of only a few studies to focus on cycling injuries specifically – is now accepting participants from across the nation. The Cyclist Health and Injury Survey, led by principal investigator Mark Greve, M.D., will look into:

- General demographics of cycling, including experience on a bike, how often they ride and for what purpose (i.e., utilitarian, leisure, or sport)

- General health of cyclist and how this is affected by their cycling.

- The types of injuries sustained while cycling, contributing factors and outcome

The results of the study will be used to provide feedback to the cycling industry, including the International Olympic Committee, USA Cycling organization, American Association of Cycling Team Doctors, urban planners and cycling engineers and manufacturers. “Meaningful data on cycling injuries essentially does not exist” says Greve. “The largest data sets from groups like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lump cycling and pedestrian injuries together. An incredible disservice to cyclists, as these are really very different kinds of injuries. There are reams of data on children and helmets, and great data demonstrating the risk of intoxication and bicycle riding. But little data exists on folks who ride their bikes for fitness, fun, competition, commuting or delivery of goods and services. We hope our study is the first of many that will help improve and promote cycling for health and transportation.”

Those interested in participating in this one-time survey are encouraged to visit cyclingstudy.lifespan.org. The survey takes five to ten minutes to complete. Participants do not have to have had an injury in the past year to complete the survey.

The study has been approved by Rhode Island Hospital and its Institutional Review Board. Using the online survey instrument DataStat, the study is approved by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and is completely confidential.

Dr. Greve is an attending physician and researcher in the Injury Prevention Center at Rhode Island Hospital and clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. He is a member of the American Association of Cycling Team Doctors and a team physician for Team Type 1, a professional bicycle road racing team. His research interests include sports injury prevention. Along with Dr.Greve, other researchers involved with the study include Michael Mello, M.D., director of the Injury Prevention Center at Rhode Island Hospital and co-director of the Community Health Clerkship at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Dawn Richardson MD and Janette Baird, Ph.D., assistant professor at Brown University.

Start The Survey>>

source: Mark Greve, Lifespan.org

- Adrenaline Collection Offers Performance-Focused, Lightweight Eyewear -

NORTH VANCOUVER, Canada, (February 27, 2008) – Adrenaline. We all have it – albeit at different levels. At Ryders Eyewear, we understand that when you’re pouring sweat on the backcountry trail, grinding the final miles of an epic ride, getting pumped on a high-alpine vertical wall or just enjoying a late-afternoon run with the sun in your face, you demand lightweight, high-performance eyewear. Hence the reason we have added five new styles to our functional Adrenaline Collection.

Despite the fact that the performance eyewear is available at a price that won’t break your piggy-bank, the Adrenaline Collection offers eye gear for all athletes from weekend warriors to elite professionals. All of the new Adrenaline Collection eyewear is crafted with light and rigid TR90 Duraflex frames, optically-correct and shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses and 100-percent UVA, UVB and UVC protection.

The new models include the Treviso, Spade, Slipstream, Intersect and Shot. These models also feature hydrophilic temple tips and adjustable nose pads, with the Slipstream equipped with flexible wire-core temple tips for precise fit and maximum comfort. In addition, the Shot comes complete with polarized lenses and the Intersect is designed with three interchangeable lenses. All eyewear is available in attractive aesthetic colors and all lenses are adaptable to most prescriptions.

When the adrenaline’s flowing, it’s reassuring to know your eyes are well protected. That’s why Ryders is here.

About Ryders Eyewear:
Ryders Eyewear, based in adrenaline sport mecca North Vancouver, British Columbia, puts their backyard to good use testing the endurance and performance attributes of their eyewear products. Ryders is the leader in the price point eyewear category, providing quality performance eyewear at an amazing value in the biking, wintersports, motorsports and lifestyle categories. For more information on Ryders Eyewear, visit www.ryderseyewear.com.

www.ryderseyewear.com

source: Bicycle Newswire

February 26th, 2008 ~ Mace Clothing & Armour is excited to announce that their 2008 line of gear is now in stores, and to celebrate, they’ve launched a brand new website in both a Flash and Static format. This year’s site features downloadable high-rez images , suggested Canadian and US prices, enhanced ‘Find a Dealer’ buttons, and bookmarkable product pages for easier reference.

About Mace

Riding is about having fun on the most efficient versatile machine on the planet; “the bike”. It can take you up the mountains, along the streets, or throughout the parks, no matter where you ride your bike; Mace is there with you. Mace creates gear that makes you want to ride. On or off your bike, we have you covered with clothing for the active progressive rider. Riding a bike isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle. All aspects of Mace Gear are designed to enhance your riding experience, and make every ride your best ride.

Enjoy Mace and enjoy the ride, and remember - two wheels will save the world.

http://www.macegear.com/

source: Trisha Petrella, Norco Performance Bikes

LAGUNA BEACH, CA, Tues. Feb. 26, 2008:

Over the fall and winter months the number one inquiry Brian Lopes has been receiving from fans, industry mags and mountain bike enthusiasts alike has been; “What bike will you be riding for 2008?”

With over 30 plus years of experience combined in racing, riding and product development, Brian has built a solid reputation and insists on riding nothing but the best products available. So naturally this was a question that he took very seriously!

After talks with several potential bike partners, his search lead him to Ibis Cycles. This storied boutique brand has a long heritage dating back to the beginnings of modern mountain biking. Ibis was founded by Mountain Bike Hall of Fame inductee Scot (A.K.A. “Chuck Ibis”) Nicol. Most recently Ibis is best known for their gorgeous sculptural carbon fiber frames and integration of the infamous “dw-link” into its Mojo Carbon and Mojo SL mountain bikes. if you have been fortunate enough to ride one, you probably have been converted into an IBIS fan too.

Brian and Ibis will be working together in the coming years to develop lots of new Ibis products and to attract a much wider audience to the Ibis brand.

” I’m thrilled to be riding what in my opinion is the best looking and best riding bike on the market. I personally tested numerous bikes and the Ibis Mojo has won hands down as the best all-around machine. Which was the main driver for my decision, shortly followed by the the like-ability of the Ibis owners, their future products, heritage and long-term commitment and vision to make the ultimate working bikes in the market. To me it was a perfect fit.” current World Cup Champion Brian Lopes

This is what Scot Nicol from Ibis had to say:

“Ibis’ collaboration with Brian Lopes is all about eyes and ears. There are a lot of riders who still don’t know who or what Ibis is all about. I want them to hear what Brian has to say about the Mojo. I want them to see what Brian can do on our bikes, and once and for all end any speculation about whether or not carbon fiber is strong enough for a mountain bike. Brian’s credibility and endorsement of Ibis will cause a lot of new customers to take a look at the Mojo for its functional beauty, the dw-link’s plush efficiency and the durable lightweight performance of the Mojo’s monocoque carbon fiber frame.” Ibis’ Scot Nicol

For more info. on ibiscycles.com

source: http://www.brianlopes.com/archives/000239.html

Ellsworth Handcrafted Bikes rider Pua Sawicki wrapped up her third and final training race at the Southridge USA Winter Series in Fontana, CA this past weekend. Pua was finally able to race 6 other pro women - at the other two previous training races no pro women showed so Pua raced the pro male field - placing 4th and 5th overall respectively against 10 to 12 pro men each time.

At Southridge the local girls finally showed up and Pua posted her win with a very nice gap over second of about 8 minutes. All this has been really great preparation for Pua’s serious season with this Saturday racing the Vision Quest Marathon in Orange County, Ca and followed two weeks later by the first Mountain Bike World Cup in Turkey. Visit the Pua Page on Ellsworth Bikes website.

source: Rich Carr

Although street and dirt specific bikes haven’t really been around that long the Two50 is a bike with a surprising amount of history.

Can you give us a brief history of the Two50?

Dave (Norco Bike Division): Sure. The first Two50 came out almost 8 years ago in 2001 and was a huge departure from anything that was happening at the time. I believe the first model won ‘Bike of the Year’ from Mountain Biking Magazine.

Why was it so different?

Dave: Well, at the time people were starting to market ’shore’ style hardtails as dirt jumping bikes, but no one really made anything specifically for street riding or dirt jumping, they all assumed kids like that would want a ‘do everything’ type bike. To be honest, that’s what most companies still do, there are very few dedicated bikes for this niche.

You seem very excited about the 2008 version in particular, why is that?

Dave: This year’s bike is FIVE pounds lighter than last years (30lbs)! We were able to find some new vendors and materials, so the frame and components are stronger and lighter than anything we’ve used in the past. I love riding a steel frame, for both the feel and the durability, so having a lighter bike in the material I prefer is pretty sweet. As well, we sourced some higher-end BMX components this year and used the lighter Rockshox Argyle 302 fork, while still keeping things simple with one rear mechanical disc brake and a single-speed drivetrain.

What about the graphics? They’re pretty eye-catching.

Dave: The aesthetic design of the entire series is very different than anything we’ve done in the past. We wanted to really break away from the traditionally dark, industrial look of these types of bikes and give riders a chance to express their individuality. We don’t expect everyone to love them, but we wanted to get people talking. One thing we focused on this year was really working to find exact colour matches to the frame with the bar, stem, pedals, and fork. We already spend so many hours discussing (and arguing . . .lots of arguing *laughs*) about parts and spec, so we wanted people to see that reflected in the bikes overall ‘look’.

Anything else you want to add?

Dave: hmmm . . . Did you know that the Two50 is the only mountain bike with a Spanish BB? When I said this bike really has BMX roots, I wasn’t kidding.

For more about the Two50 and other Norco bicycles check out: norco.com

source: Trisha Petrella, Norco

Since its introduction in 2005, the Blur LT has gone on to become our best selling bike. It’s a long-legged, lightweight but surprisingly durable workhorse that defies being lumped into any one category, and is at home everywhere from mellow X-C terrain to the steepest and rockiest slices of the back of beyond. Why then, if something is so popular, so tough, and so capable, would we go and scrap it for something new?

Much as we love the old LT, not long after it hit the trails, we began to pick it apart to try and find ways of making it better. Now, after an exhaustive two years of intensive design and prototyping, we’re ready to unveil the next generation of Blur LT.
Here are the Cliff Notes to the evolution:

• No other design can be manipulated to allow the degree of change in shock rates that VPP suspension can. With regard to the new LT, the shock rates have actually been mellowed out somewhat, for a more active early suspension feel and a more linear action toward bottom-out.

• Both upper and lower links have been totally redesigned. The alloy lower link has grease ports and intricate labyrinth seals to operate in a clean, quiet, contaminant-free environment. The upper link is now molded from carbon fiber and the shock mount is isolated from the pivot axles. Beefy 15mm diameter pivot axles bolt into the frame on one end, and feature trick collett-heads on the other end to lock them into the frame and eliminate any chance of loosening or slop.

• Completely new frame, designed to offer sweet riding geometry when used with forks ranging from 140mm to 160mm travel. Formed tubing offers a lower standover height and a new rear swingarm is super stiff while offering ample tire clearance.

• Available mid-April, 2008, in the usual array of SCB colors as well as ano black & skidmark

• Prices start at: $1750 (frame and Fox Float R shock, powdercoat finish) $1950 (frame and Fox Float R shock, ano finish)

(Click on images to see full sized)

http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/ 

source: Michael Ferrentino, Santa Cruz Bikes