Designed by Cube and manufactured by German firm Deuter – it is the AMS 25+ available in black and this rather fetching limited edition blue, white and ‘flame’!!

Think of this though as more of an adventure bag than an all day riding bag. It’s definitely a cross between a day hiking bag and a typical hydro pack. It’s covered in pockets and seperators – great to keep everything organised and safe. There is a helmet carrier net that is hidden in a pocket and extends, and the main compartment has a bit you can seperate and then access from the bottom for dirty or muddy gear. There is also a rain cover hidden away on it as well.

Not a light weight summer bag, and without a bladder included it’s definitely one of the more expensive options out there but you’re getting a fantastically engineered bag that will no doubt last for many years. We’ll give ours a testing out on the bikes and trails – as well as using as a day bag when walking and even on the commute to work – and let you know if one bag can really do it all.

RRP 89.99

www.cube.eu

www.cube.eu/en/accessoires/bags/

We shared our thoughts of 6 months on the Cotic BFe in Issue 16 (see below). The build (see Issue 15) was deliberately selected with a mix of second hand older parts and new parts at the budget end of the spectrum to show that you can build yourself a custom hardtail with a lot of character and whole bunch of fun for less than you might think.

However, those that have followed this route themselves will know, upgrades are continually made as you wear out parts or just find yourself with a bit of spare cash.

Neil at Superstar has kindly loaned us a set of his custom built wheels – the possibility of dropping a couple of lbs off the BFe build was too much of an opportunity not to miss – so with a chat with Cy at Cotic we’re holding on to the BFe for the winter to see how a lighter build can breathe new life into an old friend.

First look: Superstar custom wheelset

We’ll cover these properly in Issue 17 but for now here are the vital statistics. Over the Voltage wheelset we were running you’re saving nearly 2lbs in weight. The quality of the hand build looks fantastic, and the rear hub with it’s 120 pawl ratchet sounds like no hub I’ve ever heard before!

Custom Wheelset Generator – Pair of Wheels


• Superstar Switch EVO Front Hub
• Superstar Trizoid Enduro QR AM/DH Rear Hub
• Stans Crest Disc Black Rims
• Black Double Butted SAPIM Race Spokes

RRP £328.99

www.superstarcomponents.co.uk

Longtermer: Cotic BFe

First look: Cotic BFe build

First look: Voltage rims / Switch hubs

www.superstarcomponents.co.uk

www.cotic.co.uk

Dan Wells sent over these early first shots of the frame and Andre Wagenknecht (the 2008 DH National Champ and Cube test rider) from the festival.

We’ll be featuring a full test in the mag later this year, alongside a technical interview with those involved in the bikes development and design. Until then – take a gander and tell us what you think…

Few more details:
The Cube Two15 is stacked with the latest technology and utilizes Cubes Triple Linkage Kinematics. These kinematics have allowed us to achieve the suspension ratios and characteristics we have been searching for explains designer Michael Prell. Much of the atheistic of the design have been developed by Cube designer Gregor Dauth who was also responsible for the hugely successful Dual Trail Control Bikes from Cube.

The project was started in Autumn 2008, in 2009 we had our first rideable prototypes, in 2010 we then began testing with the Fox DHX-RC4 shock. Later that year we began cooperation with Eamon Cleere at Fox Racing and feel we now have the ratios and suspension curve correct and the DHX-RC4 performing at its optimum. The production prototypes were shown for the first time at the Riva Bike Festival in Italy and we are now proud to bring this bike to market.

The Two15 will be available to order soon, pricing to be confirmed and as with Cube products the Two15 passes the stringent DinPlus testing.

To get you all in the mood take a gander at what Peaty and his crew got up to after the Steel City Downhill earlier this year…

“Desk for all things Northern, Scottish + Irish at CUBE Bikes UK

Left to Right – Map Red dots are CUBE shops, Wheel bag containing secret DT wheels, Trusty printer with quality sticker, Course tape on window sill for up and coming events, Passport + Notebook, Ever faithful laptop, Pint pot full of pens, Cuppa T (Yorkshire!), Keys Wallet, Phone…

Rest of the week spent in the Van driving to visit dealers…”

Wideopen says: ” Top marks for this one. Nice and tidy, looks like he keeps it clean and heaps of space to work. Could do with some alloys though eh?”

BUILD IT, AND SPRING WILL COME.

The days are getting a little longer and you’ll be starting to think about something nice to ride in the Spring. Something to push your riding enjoyment up a peg.

So, to the point: To help you avoid rush building up your new bike later in the year when you should be enjoying the spring trails and brighter days, we’re having a one month promotion in February on the BFe frame.

http://www.cotic.co.uk/BFe

BUILD IT, AND SPRING WILL COME

.

The Steve Peat Syndicate is formally launching in North America. Having run in the UK on a limited basis in 2010 – expansion to North America is a natural move.

The Steve Peat Syndicate North America (SPS NA) is a new concept for downhill mountain bike racers in North America, headed up by none other than Steve Peat. It’s a buy in team. You purchase a membership – good for the current calendar year – and then you receive a level of support similar to that of a pro team. The membership includes your own Santa Cruz Carbon V10 Downhill Bike with a full SRAM and Rock Shox spec, Royal Racing Kits, Pads and Helmet, Training Programs, and Support at 6-8 Events.

Steve Peat – “I am so happy to be able to offer the Steve Peat Syndicate to the North American riders, its has been a dream of mine to do this for many years and having got the SPS going in the UK I thought it was a great time to partner up with Philip Bice and Rob Roskopp and reach out to North America. The package we are offering is awesome and I am excited to be able to offer my almost 20 years of knowledge on the World cup circuit to the group of people we put together. It is a great feeling to be able help and to bring anyone on in their riding. 2011 is going to be fun for the SPS.”

The Steve Peat Syndicate North America is proud to be able to call the finest organizations in cycling our partners – Santa Cruz Bicycles, SRAM Components, Rock Shox Suspension, Smith Goggles, Fox Pads and Helmets, Royal Racing Clothing, Maxxis Tires, WTB Saddles, Lizard Skins Grips, and Speedgoat Bicycles . The SPS NA encourages you to visit their websites and support these fine organizations with your patronadge.

In 2011, SPS NA will be taking on a limited number of riders across all skill levels and all ages, with an aim of improving the teams riding and racing skills to a much higher level.

For more info -

Please Visit: www.stevepeatsyndicate.com/us

So the build:
2010 Cotic BFe in XS*
2009 RS Recon 351 Maxle Lite
Hope Mini Mono 180mm front, 160mm rear
Superstar Tech2 hubs and Voltage rims*
Maxxis Minion 2.35 front 42a, rear 60a
Clark gear cables – top quality at bargain price
Shimano Saint cranks 22/32
Gamut P30 chain device*
Shimano SLX front and rear mech
Shimano XT 8 speed shifter, LX front shifter
DMR Wingbars and stem
Nukeproof post*
Charge saddle
Outland pedals*

* on test

She’s heavy, hopefully stable and planted and we’ll see how she survives a Peak district winter battering. More in Wideopen Issue 15 out in March 2011.

We’ll be giving it all a good hammering over the winter, expect a first look in the magazine before Christmas with a follow up early summer.

For now head over to uk.oakley.com for more information and to find your local stockist!

Automatic Glove (Redline) £24.99

A nice comfortable fairly thick glove that’s going to make winter riding a whole lot more comfortable. Subtle protection and great red/white/black look make these look top dollar. Let’s see how they hold up to a winters worth of abuse in the UK! If you’re looking for a pair they feel like good value with a RRP just a tad under £25.

Rock Drop Short (Black & Red Plaid) £49.99

These are cut long, coming well below my knee (but I’m a short-arse), look and feel great. First impression is they’re thin and fast drying yet not as much protection as a full on DH short, but hey that’s not the point of these, they’re for the fashion conscience all-mountain rider – though with some padded under-shorts they’d look great teamed up with the Wideopen race jersey!

Rock Drop Jersey (Black & Red Plaid) £49.99

More of the same with the Jersey (although I’d personally not combine the black and red plaid shorts AND jersey combo together). Good quality construction, lightweight and fast drying but tough enough not to worry about. My favourite touch is the glasses cloth (some microfibre) sown inside the bottom hem on the inside, making cleaning goggles or shades a cinch in wet or dusty weather without too much fear of damage.

The 2010 Irish National Downhill Championships take place in the picturesque and spectacular venue of Kilbroney Forest, Rostrevor, Co. Down on the weekend of August 14/15th.

Widely regarded as the best and most challenging DH course in Ireland the track offers a mix of outright pedal power and savage technical sections to test the best. The track to be used is the similar to the tracked known locally as the ‘Champs track’ following it being used for the 2007 National DH Champs.

Hosted by the Chain Reaction Club in association with Monster Energy and with timing by NACC the event organisation standard will as usual be high. The focal point of the Irish season is always massively supported by the strong local DH and XC community and Chain Reaction Cycling Club are offering FREE entry to any riders who have taken part in 4 of the 2010 Irish XC NPS events.

The Chain Reaction Club has secured sponsorship from Monster as well as a massive prize fund & raffle goodies to the value of £10,000 and struck a great deal with Stena Line for those riders wanting to taste Irish DH racing and the world famous Irish craic and a touch of the black stuff.

Spectators can enjoy the craic and a touch of the black stuff in the nearby village of Rostrevor and town of Warrenpoint. Camping will be permitted in the finish field and there’s plenty of accommodation options available locally. Only 41 miles from Belfast, 66 miles from Larne and 74 miles from Dublin there are plenty of ferry options as well as airports at both Belfast and Dublin with similar mileage.

Chain Reaction Cycles will also be fundraising during registration and at the event and riders have an opportunity to win Signed Jerseys from current World Champion Steve Peat as well as Josh Bryceland, Nico Voullioz, The Atherton’s, Scott Beaumont, Rizla/Suzuki World Super Bike Team, CRC Intense team and a signed print by legend John Tomac.

Other goodies due to be raffled include Mavic Deemax Ultimate Wheelset, Shimano Saint Groupset, Identiti Krisis SL Frame, DMR Exalt Frame, Marzocchi 4X RC3 Forks + Much Much More in aid of Galway Visually Impaired Social Club & Camphill Community, Glencraig

All riders who enter will also receive a FREE T-shirt complimentary of ChainReactionCycles.com and Monster Energy plus a goody bag full of essentials for the weekend.

Registration

Entry for the event will be Pre-Registration PRE PAYMENT ONLY by clicking on this link. http://fs17.formsite.com/offroadeventsreg/DHNationals2010/index.html Registration will close on Friday 6th August with strictly no entry allowed after this date.

Detailed information about the event can be found at www.IrishDH.com

This just in from Tina at Irish DH…