Jamie News

Our very good friends over at 2Stage bikes are having a bit of a clear out and have got a very limited run of 2Stage Elite 9 complete builds for sale at a one-off, super limited edition price.

We tested the Elite’s  little bro the ‘Zed8′ a few issues back and loved it. I’ve also spent a lot of time riding with the Fenwicks team up in North Wales and seen just how good the Elites are. I’m more than happy to recommend ‘em on here and for £2990 you can do a lot worse! Give your local 2stage dealer a bell if you fancy a piece of the action. 

More info on 2Stage here!

Jamie News

Well a tasty parcel arrived at Wideopen towers last week from our friend Bert at Madison – with the latest ‘entry level’ full face helmet from Bell, the ‘Drop’.

The spec and finish are anything but entry level – really impressive fit, finish and great quick release neck strap and removable pads. I think the shape is a little less attractive than some of the similarly priced equivalents out there - but there are a whole heap of designs and for the money it’s well worth a look.

Expect a full test in the next issue of the mag!

http://www.madison.co.uk/

http://www.bellbikehelmets.com

James News

GRAND JUNCTION, July 28, 2009: The top of an XC race podium is not where you would usually expect to see a chainguide equipped mountain bike. But that’s exactly where Adam Craig has been ending up aboard his new MRP 1.X chainguide equipped Giant.

Three weeks ago he won all three titles at the Downieville All Mountain World Championships: Cross Country, Downhill, and the overall Omnium, shattering the course records in the process. Two weeks ago he won the Short Track National Championship at Sol Vista Basin. What’s his secret? Besides being an all-around badass on a bike, Adam was running a 1×9 drivetrain with the new MRP 1.X guide handling the chain control duties.

Developed with input from some of the world’s most demanding riders including Adam Craig and Ross Schnell, the 1.X was designed to allow cross-country riders to take advantage of the huge weight savings (a full pound or more) and simplicity of a 1×9 drivetrain without having to worry about their chain falling off.

Adam had this to say about the 1.X: “I’m committed to running the 1.X whilst Mountain Biking because it does exactly what I expect of the rest of my bike:  Works without knowing it’s there.  Quiet, simple chain retention and less moving parts to think about. Welcome to the 21st century.”

Stop by and see the 1.X in person at MRP’s booth at Crankworx Colorado from July 30th to August 2nd 2009.

MRP is a small company based in Grand Junction, Colorado. With countless World Cup and World Championship victories, MRP has been the choice of champions since 1996.

MRP’s patented technologies put them at the top as the leader in smooth, silent, reliable chain retention.

For more information about MRP and the 1.X, visit their website at www.mrpbike.com

Jamie News

So yea, Canada is pretty rad. Pretty much been here for a week now in French Canadia and even though the people are French it’s still pretty cool. They aren’t like the Frenchies who don’t like English people, they seem pretty accommodating. Anyway I’m currently sat in the reception at a Go Kart track uploading a video after we just went and did a few laps. Don’t know who won but it got pretty violent and most people crashed or span out more than once. Going into the tyres backwards across all the dirt and grass at nearly full speed is pretty gnarly, especially when you know you aren’t covered if you wreck yourself.

Most of you probably know what happened at Mont Ste Anne this weekend and if you don’t you must be a bit of a weapon really! At the moment me, Ben Cathro, Joe Barnes, Wyn Masters and Stephen Hughes are on our way to Bromont to do a bit of filming for Foot Out Flat Out 2 before the 7th round of the World Cups coming up this weekend. It looks like a mint place so should be bloody good.

Other than that it’s been a pretty normal week of filming and racing. Really don’t have much else to tell you.

Keep an eye on MTBcut for video updates from Bromont and of course the ones already up from Mont Ste Anne.

Cheers,

Aaron Mono Bartlett

Jamie News

The Search crew just got in touch to say that they’ve added Crans Montana in Switzerland to their list of daytrips destinations.

According to Nick and the team Crans offers flat out, pedal to the metal riding that’s rapidly becoming a ‘must visit’ Alpine spot. If you want to check it out they can show you the way and make sure you get the best out of your trip.

Quick Guide:
TERRAIN TYPE:  Wide open & pedal to the metal!
HIGH SPEED vs. TECHNICAL:  70% High speed
MAN MADE vs. NATURAL: 60% Natural.
DAYTRIP PRICE: 70 euros
LIFT PASS PRICE: 20 euros or 30 Swiss Francs

Super high, super fast:

“Crans Montana is just coming onto the radar as another classic riding spot.  Swiss Cup races have been held there for many years and all the UK racers who have entered came back raving about the place.

Nestled high up in the Valais region, Crans Montana is one of the more affluent resorts in Switzerland.  The fast modern gondola takes you up to nearly 3000m before you drop into the fast purpose built trails.  Speed is a defining feature of the trails here with long smooth berms and floaty jumps.  There are also some pretty unique technical sections on the race track that will challenge any rider!”

Fancy a crack? Check out The Search website here.

Jamie News

Us northerners like things simple – and hard… tail that is!

We’re expecting a new slinky hardcore hardtail frame in the office soon, and the lovely chaps at Hotlines have helped us out with a full ‘all mountain’ set up from Nuke Proof. The familiar Warhead stem, bars and post are joined by a set of Generator ‘AM’ wheelset and Warhead headset… plus a set of socks! hmm!

We’ve tried the post and bars before and commented on their excellent value for money – we’ll see how the headset and wheels go – watch out for more news when the frame arrives and the build gets started!

Oh and who’d have thought a stripped out 106 Rallye would ever be used as a photo studio!

James News

Well who would’ve thought it! Sam Hill finally gets a win after nearly a year of cocking the bat. Steve Peat came in second and incredibly Aaron Gwin in third! Sabrina Jonnier takes the ladies win with Ragot in 2nd and Tracey Moseley in third.

Here’s a video courtesy of MTBCut:

Jim News

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Jamie News

If you’re bored this weekend and aren’t really that bothered about getting wet and muddy, The WDMBA will be having a dig day at Rheola in advance of the Nationals race in september. Hopefully this will also lead to regular uplift days and some regional races back in Wales!!
If you are going to turn up, Please let me know, via e mail, jt_sw81@hotmail.com or on facebook if we are friends.

Remember you will be in a wet forest so wear suitable footwear. Gloves are highly recommended! No power tools are allowed, but if you have shovels, a wheel barrow, mattocks, pruning saw’s, post driver, steel bar for making holes(not sure what thats called) please bring them as they will be a big help.

You are welcome to bring your bike (helmets compulsory) as every thing must be left rideable, and we need to make sure it flows, but remember you are there to dig not ride (although a full run at the end of the day is more than likely).

Rheola – by Oke Ogali

All under 18’s must be accompanied but an adult, everyone must sign in and out and please do as your asked. Anyone found breaking the safety rules will be banned from further events including races.

All ideas are welcomed and will be noted, I will run them past the FC and if they are ok’d we will build them at our next dig day!

This is your chance to be involved with making Welsh Downhill amongst the best! The gate will be open from 10-10.30 if you wish to bring your car/van in, as bikes and tools need to be taken to the relevant sections!

There is also lay by at the bottom with a burger van!

See you there!!

JT

Jamie News