April 14, 2008, (Vernon, NJ)- Diablo Freeride Park, Americas Premier Mountain Bike Park, is proud to welcome Tyler McCaul to their 2008 Diablo Gravity Team.

One of mountain biking’s a most diverse and progressive rider; Tyler has been a staple within the sport since he first gained recognition at the young age of 14. Competing in a wide range of competitions including downhill, dual-slalom, and slopestyle, Tyler is a true all mountain rider, enjoying everything that is two wheels.

As a member of the Diablo Gravity Team, Tyler will periodically take advantage of Diablo Freeride Parks diverse trail network for training in multiple disciplines. In addition to establishing a training center for Tyler, Diablo will utilize his knowledge of the global riding community in the development of new trails and features throughout the resort.

“I’m super psyched to be riding for a freeride park like Diablo,” said Tyler, “Everything they do there seems to be done right, whether it’s putting on races or building trails. It’s my favorite lift accessed mountain and I can’t wait to make a trip out there and start training for the ‘08 race season.”

“We are very excited to welcome Tyler to our 2008 team”, said Shawn Orecchio, Diablo Freeride Park General Manager. “This season we are embarking on our largest single-season trail improvement campaign to date. We have a unique, invigorated outlook to foster the progression of our sport as we move to implement concepts that will truly change the way people view lift-assisted mountain biking. Having Tyler’s wealth of knowledge readily available to our ParkLogic design crew will allow us to continue to build progressive terrain for riders of all skill levels.”

Keep an eye out for Tyler as he begins the season at the Sea Otter Classic April 17^th through the 20^th and then heads to Europe for the Nissan Qashqai Challenge.

Welcome to the team Tyler!!

http://www.diablofreeridepark.com/gravityteam.html

source: Doug Smith

After only two National XC races Ellsworth rider Pua Sawicki has been able to move from being ranked 42 to being ranked 5th in the US National Cross Country standings!

Women
1. Georgia Gould, Luna (Fort Collins, Colo.) 90
2. Katerina Nash, Luna (CZE) 70
3. Heather Irmiger, Subaru/Gary Fisher (Boulder, Colo.) 30
4. Lea Davison, Trek (Jericho, Vt.) 27
5. Pua Sawicki, Ellsworth (Mililani, Hawaii) 22

Pua wanted to see what she could do in these two races before the Endurance calander kicked in and making her way up into the top five was the goal. It was a great time for her to learn more about sprinting which still really helps in the endurance races. We may be able to make it to two more of the NMBS races in the series this year and maybe still get a good overall ranking.

Next Pua races the Cohutta 100 mile race in Tenessee, part of the National Ultra Endrance series. The race will be a week from this Saturday. While we are here in the South the locals are putting us to work! On Friday at Tony’s Bar & Grill in Atlanta we did a clinic on endurance racing for SORBA (one of the local riding clubs) and it was a blast, thanks SORBA and Bruce! Next are 3 more events here locally and even a Pua day (this Sunday) where people will be able to demo Ellsworth bikes and go on a ride with Pua! Southern hospitality Rocks!!

Pua racing in Fountain Hills

source: Rich Carr, CRME

The 2006 Marzocchi Z1 Light is an acclaimed 150 mm fork made for one year only. In the US, it featured the successor to the HSCV damper in the form of the RC2 damper, which had compression, as well as rebound adjust. On the other side, it offered the well regarded ETA rebound lockdown, and finally, the TAS travel adjust system knob below. The latter offered travel change from 150 to 130mm. The EU models did not feature TAS. The 2007 Z1 RC2 offered the same specs at the 2006 EU Z1 Light, but now with a bolt on crown to stanchion interface and Bomber Orange color scheme.

The chassis featured 20mm thru-axle dropouts, IS standard brake mounts (spaced for 160mm, and a 5mm lateral offset for the tabs, requiring those thick, 5mm washers Zoke ships with the forks).

In addition to the excellent adjustability, one of the most attractive features of the Z1 Light is the reliability. There are few parts to worry about, a coil on one side, low air pressure on the other, and a large bath of oil. This also makes it very easy to service, and simple oil changes can be done in 10-15 minutes, while a full teardown and cleaning can be done in 30-45 minutes.

Below is the detailed teardown. As always, observe safety precautions, wear eye and skin protection, and if in doubt, stop, try again, or take it to someone who can finish the job.

The fork:

2007’s Z1 RC2 and the 2006 EU Z1 Light are similar.

**Make life easy for yourself and thoroughly clean and degrease the exterior. Pay particular attention to the space between the crown and stanchion.**

Step 1: Insert either the adapter into the air port, or depress the valve to release the air! Don’t point at your face, as a mist of oil can come out.

Read the rest of this entry »

April 8, 2008 Petaluma, CA

Chub Wheels is proud to introduce a pair of highly engineered, elegantly constructed products for the single speed and fixed gear markets.

First the revival of a legend: the Chub Fixed hub set.

Something wikked this way comes. Bred on the cobbled streets of Boston, the Chub Fixed hubs achieved cult status worldwide – now they’re back and bigger than ever! In the rear, mammoth aluminum flanges are bonded to a mighty carbon center tube. Giant flanges give spokes more mechanical advantage on the rim, decreasing spoke tension and wind-up. The ultra-rigid carbon tube transfers driving torque from the drive side flange to the non drive side, reducing peak spoke tension on the drive side by a staggering 70%.

The rear hub is built around a stout 15mm 7075 Aluminum through axle, and runs on smooth rolling sealed ball bearings. Massive clamping force is produced by twin M10 screws, in your choice of Ti or Stainless steel. Hubs are available with 120 or 130mm spacing, and drilled for 24 or 32 spokes. The Chub front Fixed hub is as minimalist as they come – less weight, more pleasure.

The result of all this engineering skullduggery? You build the strongest, stiffest, wheels you’ve ever ridden. Lace ‘em up and get your skid on.

Second up, a new concept in single speed hubs: The Chub SS Disc hub set. The Chub SS Disc hub set brings the advantages of the Chub Fixed hubs to the dirt. Less windup, lower spoke tension, mo better. Front and rear, pedaling and braking loads are distributed across the hub by ultra-stiff carbon shells, reducing spoke fatigue.

Front and rear hubs roll on sealed cartridge bearings with a massive 17mm 7075 Aluminum through axle in the rear. Slippage is eliminated with the included M10 axle bolts, and thrust is provided via the thread on freewheel interface.

Chub Wheels are developed and distributed by The Hive.

About The Hive:

Established in 2008, The Hive is committed to improving cyclists experience through the relentless application of engineering and design principles. Based in Petaluma, California - with feelers throughout the world.

For more information about Chub Wheels – visit www.chubwheels.com or www.bythehive.com

source: Chris Costello

TFK’s Bicycle Thrift Shop booth to sell donated bicycle parts, clothing and accessories to Sea Otter attendees and participants

San Rafael, Calif. - April 17, 2008 -Trips for Kids (TFK) proudly announces its attendance at this year’s Sea Otter Marketplace Expo selling new and used donated merchandise from its Re-Cyclery Bike Thrift Shop. Its affordable bike parts, clothing, and accessories will be available at booth #138 on Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 20 at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif.

“We invite all of our friends and supporters to come and shop with us at the Expo. You’ll find a wide selection of new and used clothing, parts and accessories that have been donated from manufacturers and cyclists,” said Marilyn Price, founder and director of Trips for Kids. “Prices will be low, including $5 bins and 2 for 1 deals. Be ready to stock up for yourself and don’t forget gifts for friends. By shopping with us, you not only get a bargain for yourself but you help the kids too!”

This year marks the fourth year of attendance for Trips for Kid at Sea Otter Marketplace Expo. Every year, this venue typically generates over $4,000 in proceeds to support TFK programs. All proceeds from the sale go to benefit Trips for Kids programs which include daylong mountain biking adventures, Earn-a-Bike programs and support for its 60 chapters across North America.

This sale and others like it are made possible through generous product and monetary donations from bicycle manufacturers and organization supporters.

In addition to buying cycling parts and products at the Sea Otter Marketing Place Expo, interested individuals are invited to visit the Trips for Kids Re-Cyclery Bike Thrift Shop, located at 610 Fourth Street, San Rafael, Calif. The shop is open every Tuesday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information about Trips for Kids, please visit www.tripsforkids.org or call Marilyn Price at (415) 458-2986.

About Trips for Kids
Trips for Kids is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit based in San Rafael, California. Trips for Kids started in 1988 as a grass roots effort by avid mountain biker, environmentalist, and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame inductee, Marilyn Price. Its programs give underserved youth a chance to experience the joy and challenge of mountain biking, while learning valuable life skills and an appreciation for the outdoors. There are currently 60 Trips for Kids chapters across the United Stated and Canada, with more on the way. www.tripsforkids.org

source: Maura Lansford

Mark your calendars and dust off your Cycling Equipment for Saturday, May 10^th and join us for the 4th Annual Palisade Classic Mountain Bike Race and The Fruit Loop Cycling Tour! The Bike Race will include a challenging course for all categories with an out and back around Horse Mountain in Palisade. The Fruit Loop Tour will start at Palisade Park and wind through the Palisade area orchards and vineyards. After the rides there will be a Grand Finale Awards and Bike Rodeo at the Palisade Brewery and Peach Street Distillers. Count on lots of prizes for both events and all categories. There’s sure to be a good time for all with day long activities including lunch, bike swap, vendors, bike rodeo and live entertainment by the band Influx. There will be free camping at Peach bowl Park for participants. This is a top notch local event, be sure not to miss it!

For more information:

• Call the Palisade Chamber of Commerce at (970) 464-7458

• Visit the Chamber the web site http://www.palisadecoc.com/

• Check out the attached brochure.

Thanks to these Bicycle Industry Companies for donating prizes!

DT Swiss

Santa Cruz

Crank Bros

Dean Bikes

Kent Erickson Cycles

KORE

Formula Brakes

Mountain Bike Action

Mountain Flyer Magazine

SOS Socks

Thomson

Voler

and more!!

Best regards / Freundliche Grüsse

Kenny

source: Kenny Roberts

It is often the small details that decide who wins an Olympic medal. It is through the Fox
Suspension Days that Swiss bicycle manufacturer BMC offers its sponsored mountain bike
athletes, Marielle Saner and Petra Henzi exactly that attention to detail needed to optimize their
Olympic hopes.

Marielle Saner (CH), multiple world champion in the Downhill event, and Petra Henzi (CH), the current
MTB Marathon world champion have only one goal fort his season – the participation and victory at
the upcoming Summer Olympics in Beijing. The beginning of the new season is progressing as hoped
and planned for both athletes. It was only this year, with a view to her participation in the Olympic
Games that Marielle Saner (Team Bikepark) switched from Downhill to Cross Country MTB racing.
She has become a master at both disciplines and is proving she will be a serious contender. For
many years Petra Henzi (Team Fischer BMC) has counted among the best cross country racers in the
world, a fact demonstrated by her countless national and international titles.

Top athletes require top equipment

In addition to BMC’s support of Team Bikepark which includes Marielle Saner and Balz Weber (CH),
the Swiss manufacturer also supports Petra Henzi’s Fischer BMC Team, which has a reputation for
nurturing tomorrow’s talent. Also riding BMC are athletes from the Texner-Teams from western
Switzerland, who’s top performers Myriam Saugy (CH) and Sandro Spät (CH) can often be found on
the podium of international Marathon races. Also racing BMC is popular all-rounder Alex Moos (CH),
who competes at the international top levels of road racing in the BMC Racing Team’s colours, and
also cyclocross and mountain bike races. The Xterra athlete and multiple world champion Melanie
McQuaid (Canada) is one of several international racers also sponsored by BMC.

Cold and rainy weather
conditions at the Fox
Suspension Days at BMC in
Grenchen, CH: Christoph
Dätwyler, Fox (on the left) and
Alex Moos (Photo by BMC)

Fox Suspension Days – a muddy affair

Recently, two days at BMC headquarters concentrated on the Fox Suspension Days. These were two
days of terrible weather where sponsored athletes had the opportunity to explore together with full
suspension forks and rear triangle manufacturer Fox’s technicians how to optimize the adjustment of
their own individual suspension systems depending on different types of terrain. This was an
opportunity that many top racers were only too happy to take advantage of. “Apart from having the
best equipment, it is exactly details like these that are the fine line between victory and defeat,“ said
current marathon world champion, Petra Henzi.

Information gathering for BMC’s R&D department

The dialogue with the athlete is very important to BMC. Athletes like Alex Moos, Sandro Spät or Balz
Weber appreciate the close interaction with their sponsors. This in-the-field feedback flows directly into
new developments for BMC bicycles, and consequently an integral part of the BMC R&D department.
In this way BMC guarantees that their sponsored top athletes will be provided with the best materials
in the future, and so continually increase the prestige of the BMC brand within elite international racing
circuits.

source: Michèle Tanner

Race Face Components Inc., one of North America’s leading producers of high performance bicycle components and apparel, is stoked to announce that it has re-signed, for the 2008 and 2009 seasons, as the official components and armour sponsor for Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

In the two year contract that was recently finalized, Race Face will provide all Whistler guide and rental bikes with a sweet DH specific components spec, including Race Face’s new bombproof Diabolus D2 chain guide. Race Face will also supply a full line up of armour including the outstanding Rally DH Armour jacket.

“We have enjoyed a very successful, long standing affiliation with the Whistler Bike Park” says Race Face’s Julian Coffey. “They continue to lead the way in defining what a world class, lift assisted riding destination should be.

We’re extremely proud to be a part of that growth, and providing the Park with components that can withstand all the punishment that a fully armoured bike riding maniac can dish out has become a tradition here at Race Face. After six years of supplying components to the park, we have yet to see a single item fail. That’s a pretty impressive statement when you consider the amount of intense riding these bikes take each season.”

The build crews at Whistler will be at it again soon, getting the Park ready for some more epic shredding when they open in May. You can expect to see a ton of work on the Park with the No Joke rebuild and the continuation of Blue Velvet in the Garbo zone. The lower Bike Park will also receive some love in the form of extensive maintenance, a new blue trail and the opening of the much anticipated Ninja Cougar.

This year Race Face will be really be getting their hands dirty as the first company to support a trail in the Park, the aptly named ‘Crank It Up’. Crank It Up is a great, all round blue trail for all riding levels. Whether you need a good warm up run before the day’s slaying begins, or you want to wrap things up with some sweet air, this trail is as fast and flowy as they come.

For the 2008-09 seasons, Race Face will equip Whistler’s entire line of rental and guide bikes with a full component spec, including cranks, chainrings, chain guides, bottom brackets, headsets, seatposts, stems and handlebars.

“The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is thrilled that Race Face has chosen to be our partner for the 7th straight year.” says Rob McSkimming - VP Business Development. “Our guides and coaches ride more vertical than anyone on the planet and the Race Face components on their bikes have definitely stood the test of time. That’s a major reason why we have chosen Race Face components for our fleet of rental bikes this year as well.”

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park features more than 200km of lift-serviced trails, dropping riders more than 4,800 vertical feet. The park also features three skills centers and a Biker Cross Course.

About Race Face Performance Products:
Based in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Race Face Performance Products designs and manufactures leading-edge performance cycling components, clothing, and protection. RaceFace products are distributed in more than 40 countries globally. The company sponsors a number professional teams and riders. For more information, visit www.raceface.com.

Julian Coffey, Race Face

Syncros’ Latest All Mountain Components to Make Consumer Debut at
Sea Otter Classic

With new wheelset, seatpost and saddle lines for hardcore mountain bikers,
Syncros is geared up for the April 17-20 festival in Monterey, Calif.

SAN CARLOS, Calif. - April 10, 2008 - Syncros today announced it will showcase new products from its All Mountain (AM), Freeride (FR) and Freakin’ Light (FL) component lines while exhibiting at the Sea Otter Classic, April 17-20, in Monterey, Calif. Festival attendees will get a chance to see and touch the new Syncros AM 29er wheelset, one-bolt alloy seatpost, AM & FL saddle models and latest grunge graphic designs for the FL, AM and FR product lines in booth #738.

“We look forward to showing the latest designs from our Syncros products and getting feedback from our core consumers at Sea Otter,” said Steve Parke, general manager and vice president of marketing for Syncros. “For the particular rider who demands maximum durability and strength from the wheelset or the ‘just right’ amount of comfort in the saddle, we invite attendees to come take a look at these latest Syncros releases.”

Additions to the Syncros lines include:

AM 29er Wheelset

• Syncros DS 28 sleeved and eyeleted rims for maximized rim strength

• Syncros Bead Lock System allows riders to run lower pressure for a tubeless-like ride

• Syncros FL hubs provide front end stiffness for steering control and unparalleled durability

AM Pedal

• Tough nylon/carbon fiber pedal body for high impact strength and durability

• Larger pedal platform provides extra foot support

• Shimano™ or Crankbrothers™ cleat compatible

AM One-Bolt Alloy Seatpost

• Patented one-bolt clamp system with reinforcing ribs

• Side bolt access for easy saddle positioning

• 2014 alloy provides higher strength-to-weight ratio than 6000 series

AM & FL Saddle Models

• Composite saddle base with 35 percent carbon gives strength and forgiveness

• Chrome-moly and titanium rails for strength and proper elasticity for bumpy sections

In addition to the products listed above, Syncros will also have samples of the 2009 “grunge style” graphics for each of the Freeride (FR), All Mountain (AM) and Freakin’ Light (FL) product lines. In keeping with the Syncros legacy of purpose-built, strong, lightweight bike components, the red, black, white and gray tattoo-style artwork differentiates each line with its own bold mark.

For more information about the Syncros products on display at the Sea Otter Classic, please contact Chip Smith at 801.523.3730 or csmith@soarcomm.com.

Syncros is also a title sponsor for Radical Films’ Kranked 7: “The Cackle Factor” slated to debut at the Sea Otter Classic on Friday, April 19, in the Grand Ballroom of the Monterey Hyatt Regency. The movie features breathtaking scenery and riding from Syncros sponsored athletes Mike Kinrade, Steve Romaniuk and members of the nsmb.com freeride team. For more information, please visit www.radical-films.com.

About Syncros
Acquired by Ritchey Design in 2003, Syncros is a Canada-based manufacture of freestyle and downhill mountain biking components. Syncros, though managed as a separate brand with its own research and development department, benefits from Ritchey’s more than 30 years of engineer and design experience and carries its commitment to providing high-quality bicycle components. For more information about Syncros and its products, please visit www.syncros.com.

About Ritchey Design, Inc.
Northern California-based Ritchey Design was founded by road racer, mountain bike pioneer and product innovator Tom Ritchey in 1974. The company is well-known for its technical merits through attention to detail during the product design phase, resulting in high-quality, reasonably priced road and mountain bike components. Under its Fit Logic philosophy, Ritchey Design offers a wide range of “cockpit” components (handlebars, stems and seatposts) that help riders custom fit their bikes for a more efficient and comfortable. Ritchey Design also offers a complete line of innovative products ranging from headsets to tires for professional racers and the serious weekend rider, as well as its line of “Break-Away” travel bicycles for traveling cyclists. For more information about Ritchey Design, please visit www.ritcheylogic.com.

source: Chip Smith, SOAR Communications

Win A Trip to Interbike 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada

National Quik Stik Tire Changing Contest

Santa Fe Springs, Calif. (April 9, 2008) Who is the Quikest Stik in the land? That is the question that California Bike Gear intends to answer through a Nationwide Stikdown. To make the competition as intense as possible, every entry must be caught on video and uplinked to YouTube. The result is that everyone will have real time information about the time to beat.

Any bike shop owner, employee, or consumer can test their skill at removing and replacing a tire and tube from a wheel using a Quik Stik. The rules require that a Quik Stik and only a Quik Stik be used as the tool. The contest must take place under the supervision of an independent bicycle retailer. Dealers are encouraged to use the contest as an event for their store. All the resources any dealer could need are provided at http://CaliforniaBikeGear.com. There you will find entry blanks, full rules, ideas for posters, newspaper ads, and PR releases.

A sample video is already on line, and can be viewed on YouTube.com by merely searching for Quik Stik. The winner will receive plane tickets and accommodations for 4 days and 3 nights for two in Las Vegas during the 2008 Interbike Show. There will also be a prize of $250 for the funniest Tire Changing video using a Quik Stik.

Contact: Mary
Maryb@Californiabikegear.com
562-943-5599

More From California Bike Gear
California Bike Gear is the new umbrella name for all products manufactured by Cal Springs, LLC, including Stop Flats Tire Liners, California Springs Water Bottles, and, of course, Quik-Stik Tire Changing Tools. The new website at http://CaliforniaBikeGear provides a consumer section where bicyclists can learn all about these product lines. There is also a password protected, dealer area where dealers can get ideas on how to sell more of these products. New to the website is a place for dealers to create custom art for imprinted water bottles.

California Bike Gear innovations of the past few months are already on-line. Dealers and consumers alike can note the new sizes for Stop Flats 2, and the brand new Classic Twister water bottles. The latest new idea is the ability to custom imprint the shop name or other information on Quik Stiks.

source: Bicycle Newswire