<!– –> INFORMATION GT Bicycles Website GT Demo Tour GT Dirt Coalition GT Co-Factory Mick Hannah Podium <!– –> <!– –> GT MTB Team <!– –> Marc Beaumont Dear Gregg, Welcome to the GT Bicycles Update. MTB RACE NEWS Fort William World Cup Mick Hannah on Podium Again! The GT Bicycles MTB team had another great event this past weekend in Fort William, Scotland! Lots of people were there both for the 4X and the DH competitions. The weather held up very good for both events. Saturday night Roger Rinderknecht finished 6th in 4X after having a little mechanical in the semi’s. Pascal Sedoux from GT Switzerland made it to the semi’s as well and finished just behind Roger! The crowd was crazy for the DH finals. So many people were next to the track and in the finish area with a good DJ and big screen! Mick came down 5th in a time of 4.43. That was only 4 seconds off the 1st place time of Greg Minnaar. The track is known to be long, technical and physically very demanding. Mick said, “I had a good run after being sick for a couple weeks. I didn’t really get to train for three weeks. I’m pretty happy being on every World Cup podium so far this season!” Mick is sitting in 4th place overall. Marc Beaumont added, “It’s been a good week up here in Fort William. It was great to race in front of a lot of my friends and family. My run went well getting into the top 10. It’s hard to do a perfect run on a long demanding track like this one.” Marc finished in a strong 10th place. DH Finish OVERALL DH 1. Greg Minnaar                 1. Steve Peat 762 5. Michael Hannah (GT)      2. Greg Minnaar 758 10. Marc Beaumont (GT)     3. Gee Atherton 657 4. Mick Hannah 652 To check out the bike that’s taking the team to the podium, the Fury, click here. GT Bicycles MTB Team are proud to be supported by: SRAM, Kenda Tires, Champion System, Mavic, UFO Clothing, SDG Saddles, Funn and e.thirteen. A big thanks to our GT MTB Race team sponsors: <!– –><!– –> <!– –><!– –> <!– –>

source: GT

<!– –> INFORMATION GT Bicycles Website GT Demo Tour Mick Hannah Podium <!– –> <!– –> GT MTB Euro Setup Mike Day Dear Gregg, Welcome to the GT Bicycles Update. MTB NEWS Andorra World Cup Mick Hannah takes 4th in DH Madill/Rinderknecht top in 4X The third round of the UCI World Cup downhill series dropped into the picturesque Pyrenees mountain valleys of Andorra. The majestic snow covered mountain backdrop is an amazing site and is almost surreal as if you were put into a landscape oil painting. Amazing as it was the week started out a little gloomy with cold heavy rain and snow so the GT Bicycles MTB team was prepared to deal with whatever the weather would throw at them. Just as everyone was bundled up for the worse the sun broke out by Friday and we were treated to a beautiful weekend. Read the entire report here. Pro DH: Pro 4X 4. Hannah                  2. Madill 4. Rinderknecht To check out the bike that’s taking the team to the podium, the Fury, click here. GT Bicycles and its MTB team are proud to be supported by: SRAM, Kenda, Champion System, Mavic, UFO, SDG, Funn and e.thirteen. BMX RACE NEWS NBL Fresno Report Mike Day back on podium! Mike was determined to turn in a better performance at the NBL All-American Nationals, than he did two weeks ago at the ABA event in Bakersfield, and that’s JUST what he did.  He had a real solid day on Saturday, as he rode well in qualifying and finished with a hard fought fourth place overall in the final.  Sunday went even better, as he nailed down a podium spot for the day.  It’s the first time that the same podium riders from the Olympic Games have finished on the podium together again.  Nice to see they’re still the guys to beat.  Way to go Mike! Read the entire report here. Mike Day: Elite Men - Saturday: 4th Elite Men - Sunday: 3rd Eric Rupe: Elite Masters - Saturday:  4th Elite Masters - Sunday:  4th GT BMX Team proudly represents the following partners: Kenda Tires, Shimano, Alienation, Fly Racing, SDG Saddles, Snap BMX Products and Champion System.

source: GT Bicycles

source: GT Bicycles

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INFORMATION GT Bicycles Website GT Demo Tour World Cup DH Podium <!– –> Mick’s World Cup Finish <!– –> Hannah’s Fury <!– –>

Welcome to the GT Bicycles Update. MTB RACE NEWS World Cup #1, South Africa Mick Hannah takes 2nd place, Marc Beaumont in solid 9th! The GT team of Mick Hannah, Marc Beaumont, Kevin Aiello, Roger Rinderknecht and Luke Madill were in South Africa this past weekend for the first World Cup race of the season.  The fans and riders have been ready for this race for a long time and it didn’t take long for the GT riders to prove themselves.  The DHers Mick, Marc and Kevin were proudly racing their new GT Fury bikes which held fast and helped Mick and Marc to their great finishes for the first big race of the year.  Congrats team! Go to www.gtbicycles.com to read the entire report. To check out the bike that’s taking the team to the podium, the Fury, click here. 4X Final Results: DH Final 4.Rinderknecht       2.  Hannah 3.  Beaumont A big thanks to our GT MTB Race team sponsors: <!– –><!– –> <!– –><!– –> <!– –>

source: GT Bicycles

INFORMATION GT Bicycles Website GT Demo Tour Kenda Cup DH Podium Dear Gregg, Welcome to the GT Bicycles Update. MTB RACE NEWS EC and Kevin dominate at Kenda Cup in Fontana! GT Bicycles kept their winning streak alive by finishing the weekend with stellar results at the 2009 Fontana City Nationals held at Southridge Park located in Fontana, CA. This is the third year that the famous “Fontana” has held at a national-level event and this year provided more excitement than ever. The event was a solid success once again with an impressive turnout of racers and spectators alike. Being one of the first races of the year on the national race circuit, many top pros were in attendance to test their new bikes and pre-season fitness. Perfect weather the whole weekend kept the fans happy and the course conditions dry and fast. See the entire report here. To check out the bike that’s taking the team to the podium, the Fury, click here. 4X Final Results: DH Final Results: 3.  Eric Carter                           1.  Eric Carter 4.  Mitch Ropelato                     2. Kevin Aiello A big thanks to our GT MTB Race team sponsors: <!– –><!– –> <!– –><!– –> <!– –>

source:GT Bicycles

<!– –> INFORMATION GT Bicycles Website GT Demo Tour <!– –> Ray’s MTB Park - Mike Day <!– –> GT Demo at Ray’s <!– –> Kevin Aiello photo courtesy of Craig Glaspell Dear Gregg, Welcome to the GT Bicycles Update. MTB/BMX NEWS Eric Carter, Mike Day and Tyler McCaul at Ray’s MTB Park GT Bicycles hosted their annual dealer demo weekend at Ray’s MTB park this past weekend in Cleveland, Ohio.  GT brought in our pro riders Eric Carter, Mike Day and Tyler McCaul to help welcome our dealers.  The guys had a great time meeting and greeting our dealers as well as getting their session time in on Ray’s rails and ramps. Dealers were invited to the park to ride for free all weekend.  We started off on Friday with a private session for our dealers, our pros and of course GT employees! Shady Lane BMX, the local BMX race track, brought over 50 racers out on Sunday to meet, ride and get an autograph from Mike Day.  Mike even autographed a few cell phones! Overall the weekend was great for GT - we had over 100 shop employees at the event!  Go to www.gtbicycles.com for more GT action and check back next week for more Pro Team news. MTB RACE NEWS Kevin Aiello takes 2nd at Leaping Lizard DH Taking place this past weekend was the Twenty Sixth Annual Leaping Lizard Downhill Race in Laguna Beach, California.  The Leaping Lizard is put on by the Laguna Rads, who also host the notorious Wednesday night cross country rides throughout the costal hillsides.  The weather was great and the course was freshly buffed out by the locals for Saturday mornings race.  It was good to see some world class riders show up such as reigning champ, Brian Lopes along with others like JD Swanguen, Joe Lawwill, and Johnny Canfield.  The course offered a little bit of everything with some pedaling, rock sections, and steep chutes.  With a two run format consistency was key.  Read more about Kevin’s success here. Thanks to all MTB Team Sponsors:  Kenda Tires, SRAM, e.thirteen, FUNN, UFO, Champion System, SDG and Mavic.

source: GT Bicycles

Bethel, Conn. – January 14, 2009– GT Bicycles today announced exciting new additions to the 2009 GT mountain bike team.  The team will continue to be gravity-focused, adding Eric Carter, Mick Hannah and Andrew Cho to the GT roster.  These three exceptional riders will help support GT’s 30-year race heritage.

“GT’s race legacy has been built on developing innovative products by leveraging pro athletes and incorporating them in product testing and development,” said Bruno Maier, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the Cannondale Sports Group.  “With the new GT team riders, we will be able to get vital feedback and incorporate it into current and future platforms.”

Mountain biking legend Eric Carter, dubbed “EC”, is no stranger to standing at the top of the race podium and has collected his fair share of titles and wins over the years. EC has one World Cup Championship Title, two Overall World Cup Championship Titles and 11 National Championship wins– most recently winning his 11^th National Dual Slalom Championship title in 2008.  With his race experience and product knowledge, EC will be a valuable asset to the GT brand both on the course and off.

After his one-year leave from racing in 2008, Mick Hannah’s return will be turning heads during the 2009 season.  In 2006, Mick won the World Cup race in Vigo, Spain.  In 2007 Mick took 7th overall in the 2007 World Cup Series and 1st in the Sea Otter Dual Slalom.  Mick’s superb racing skills will be complemented by the new GT Fury, which will be his race weapon of choice.

Andrew Cho is no stranger to big jumps, gaps, Red Bull events or freeride videos…Cho can throw down with the best.  In his hometown of Whistler, British Columbia, Andrew can be seen getting rowdy in the MTB parks and will help to provide valuable product feedback for the GT brand.

The 2009 GT Mountain Bike Team includes:

MTB

Marc Beaumont (DH)

Kevin Aiello (DH)

Roger Rinderknecht (4X/BMX Race)

Luke Madill (4X/BMX Race)

Eric Carter – DS, 4X, DH

Mick Hannah – DH

MTB Adventure

Hans Rey

MTB Freeride

Tyler McCaul

Andrew Cho

GT Bicycles is part of the Cannondale Sports Group Division of Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A).

About GT Bicycles

Built on its race-proven performance products, GT Bicycles has been designing technologically advanced bikes in the road, mountain and BMX categories since 1973. With product innovations like Independent Drivetrain, GT Bicycles continues to lead the bicycle industry with world class products.  For more information about GT Bicycles, please visit www.gtbicycles.com.

Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) is a world class juvenile products and bicycle company.  Established in 1962, Dorel creates style and excitement in equal measure to safety, quality and value. The Company’s lifestyle leadership position is pronounced in both its Juvenile and Bicycle categories with an array of trend-setting products.  Dorel’s powerfully branded products include Safety 1^st, Quinny, Cosco, Maxi-Cosi and Bébé Confort in Juvenile, as well as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and SUGOI in Recreational/Leisure.  Dorel’s Home Furnishings segment markets a wide assortment of furniture products, both domestically produced and imported.   Dorel is a $2 billion company with 4600 employees, facilities in seventeen countries, and sales worldwide.

source: Michael De Leon

This is a great write up by MTBR forum member KRob.  We figured we should share it. Enjoy!

-MTBR

Original Forum Thread

KRob Tests:

Just a few general comments about this year’s demo. First of all, I did not ride any bad bikes. The technology has advanced to the point that when you choose well you will get a good bike.Period. So the rest is just personal preference and what you want to use it for. Secondly, Bob is dead. They’ve got this one figured out either with good suspension design or good shocks. It just wasnt’ there on any of the bikes I rode (except one). Thirdly, because all the bike designs are so good, bike reviews often boiled down to component selection, bike set up, and sizing. And lastly, these are ride impressions, not comprehensive bike tests and I’m not the most observant person or the most sensitive to small nuances. I usually adapt quickly to small annoyances and differences and nothing really gets my attention unless it’s really different. This may be good or bad.

So with that, here it goes. I’ll try and be as tscheezy-like as possible and give you what you’ve been craving.

Day 1 Dirt Demo

Pivot Firebird

6” DW-Link All Mountain/trail

I was really looking forward to riding this bike. We loved the build quality, looks, and snappiness of the Pivot offering we sampled last year but were a little disappointed in the small bump compliance. I’ve since heard that a custom light-valved version of Fox’s RP23 has improved the Mach 5 considerably over what we experienced so assumed the Firebird would get the same treatment. As before, the fit and finish are top notch. The proportions and overall aesthetics of the frame are nice. Unlike others, I don’t find the bottom bracket area to be overly busy. All those CNC’ed pieces and anodized aluminum fasteners look pretty trick to me. Climbing was superb. It felt firm and efficient. Very little if any bob could be felt either sitting or standing with pretty much zero side to side flex while hammering. It felt light and nimble like a long legged XC mount. Here’s the knock. They set up the RP23 to get 1/3 sag and I let out air until I was getting closer to 40 to 45% sag and it still just wasn’t that plush. Sorry. I really wanted to love the 6” version of the Pivot but it skipped around on medium sized square edged bumps while standing on the descents also. To be fair I was still not getting full travel according to the rubber ring after descending but didn’t really dare set it for more sag. I’ve heard others report more plushness so maybe it was a setup thing. Wonder what a more linear shock like a DHX Air or Roco Coil would do for it. Also, I was the first person on this bike and the Fox Float 36 was a bit less than optimal too. In fact that was the case with all the Float and TALAS 36 forks I tried with the exception of one (on the El Guapo). They just felt kinda poopy and not that plush. Maybe it is a quality control thing… or perhaps a set up thing but I’ve set up plenty of Fox forks and think I know what I’m doing. I was getting proper sag and was running the compression damping all the way out (light)….. But still felt too firm.

I opted for the medium this year after my experience on the large Mach 5 feeling too big last year and the sizing felt about just right for me at 5”11.5”. I might’ve opted for a bit longer stem, but that’s just preference. The only other complaint I had with the Firebird was the ungodly loud chain slap. This bike was in serious need of a chain guide and padding on both the chain and seat stays. I never lost a chain but the noise sure was unsettling and unbecoming of a bike in this (or any) price range.

Bethel, Conn. – August 21, 2008 – Cannondale Sports Group (CSG) Europe, today announced the beginning of distribution of GT Bicycles and SUGOI performance apparel throughout Italy and France beginning in September 2008. This new distribution model will help to re-launch the GT Bicycles brand into these important markets and officially introduce SUGOI into France for the first time. Cannondale Sports Group is a Division of Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A).

“France and Italy are both leading performance brand oriented markets and consumer product expectations are high,” said Jeff Frehner, CSG President and CEO. “Historically, demand for GT has been very strong. Now as part of the Cannondale Sports Group, we will be using the Cannondale distribution center in the Netherlands to distribute our GT and SUGOI brands in new and more effective ways to these countries.”

GT Bicycles, which just held an international media camp in Livigno, Italy, has received excellent product reviews and is currently experiencing increased momentum in Europe. The GT range includes a line of carbon road bikes, mountain bikes that use the patented Independent Drivetrain (ID )system, city bikes and BMX bikes. The GT brand, established in 1973, has a long and distinguished history ranging from the roots of BMX and mountain biking to being used by athletes from around the world in the 2008 Olympic Games.

SUGOI, established in 1987, offers hundreds of technical garments and accessories, including underlayers, jackets, shorts, swimsuits, socks, and hats. Known for high quality performance apparel, SUGOI has been worn by Ironman winners, World Champions and Olympians

“In Italy and France the GT and SUGOI brands will be managed separately from the Cannondale brand. However, the development goals, and what we aspire to achieve are the same,” said Jeff McGuane, President of CSG Europe. “We will be product driven and focused on developing a selected specialty retailer network.”

Moving forward, GT and SUGOI will have four dedicated brand development representatives for these markets. Across Europe, current and new distributors will instantly see the benefits that strengthen the services provided to all distributors. This includes inside sales support, creative services, technical service support and an integrated work style with the USA team.

About Cannondale Sports Group

The Cannondale Sports Group was established in February of this year after the acquisition of Cannondale Bicycles and SUGOi by Dorel Industries Inc. This specialty division encompasses the Cannondale, SUGOi, GT, Schwinn and Mongoose brands.

About GT Bicycles

Built on its race-proven performance products, GT Bicycles has been designing technologically advanced bikes in the road, mountain and BMX categories since 1973. For more information about GT Bicycles, please visit www.gtbicycles.com

About SUGOI

For years, hard-core endurance athletes have known SUGOI as making the most incredible, and incredibly hard-working, apparel in endurance sports. In fact, “incredible” is exactly what SUGOI means in Japanese. For over 20 years, SUGOi has been working diligently to make sure the products live up to the name. Today, SUGOI has expansive catalogs that offer hundreds of technical garments and accessories, including underlayers, jackets, shorts, swimsuits, socks, and hats. With distribution throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, SUGOI is truly an international brand. For more information about SUGOI, please visit www.sugoi.ca

About Dorel

Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) is a world class juvenile products and bicycle company. Established in 1962, Dorel creates style and excitement in equal measure to safety, quality and value. The Company’s lifestyle leadership position is pronounced in both its Juvenile and bicycle categories with an array of trend-setting products. In the Juvenile segment, Dorel’s powerfully branded products such as Quinny, Maxi-Cosi, Safety 1^st and Bébé Confort have shown the way to safety, originality and fashion. Similarly, its highly popular brands such as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and SUGOI have made Dorel a principal player with both independent bicycle dealers and mass merchants. Dorel’s Home Furnishings segment markets a wide assortment of furniture products, both domestically produced and imported. The Company exerts relentless innovation and marketing flair across all of its divisions. Dorel is a $2 billion company with forty-six hundred employees, facilities in seventeen countries, and sales worldwide.

US operations include Dorel Juvenile Group USA; the Cannondale Sports Group; Pacific Cycle; Ameriwood Industries which produces ready-to-assemble furniture; Altra Furniture; and Cosco Home & Office. In Canada, Dorel operates Dorel Distribution Canada, Dorel Home Products and SUGOI. Abroad, operations include Dorel Europe and IGC in Australia, a manufacturer and distributor of juvenile products. Dorel Asia sources and imports home furnishings products. Dorel China has eight offices which oversee the sourcing, engineering and logistics of the Company’s Asian supplier chain.

source: Michael De Leon

This weekend was the 3rd consecutive World Cup. We went from Northern Europe down to sunny Spain. Earlier in the week temperatures were barely hitting 18C, but today for the race it was in the 30Cs. That’s pretty hot when you’re used to high teens.

Burry, Mark (Team Mechanic), and I spent the week in Mira Flores which is a mountain town about 60Ks outside of Madrid. It’s about three thousand feet higher, hardly any traffic and great road riding. The Vuelta Espana rolls through the town on one of the mountain days.

The course in Madrid hasn’t changed much since the first time I raced here back in 2002. It’s fast with short one-minute climbs, super hard pack with ball bearing type pebbles on top which make for slick corners. There are also tons of spectators packed on the course’s six main climbs. Last weekend in Offenburg the race was only 35Ks–this weekend we did about 56Ks, so that gives you an idea of how fast this course is.

The race started incredibly well for me, and I led the race through the start/finish area after the first lap. I have never led a World Cup before so that was an accomplishment in itself. I eventually popped out of the lead group at the end of lap four and raced in for an 18th place finish, only 2:49 seconds down on the winner. That just goes to show you the depth of the fields we’re racing. Burry had another incredible race coming in 13th and the number one U23 rider meaning he got a trip to the top of the box.

We have three weeks of no World Cups now, and I’m looking forward to a break and doing my home town Iron Horse Road Race for the first time in almost ten years.

Thanks for all your support,

Todd Wells

Thanks to all of our GT Team Sponsors: Kenda Tires, SRAM, Kore, Sun Ringle, SDG, Ogio, Champion System, FLY Racing and e.thirteen.

http://www.gtbicycles.com/usa/eng/newsDetail?id=2860 

source: Sarah Ostermeier