2013 Bike : The Giant Anthem X Advanced 29 Reviews

The Giant Anthem X Advanced 29 is the latest iteration of the best selling full suspension bike by Giant.  It is a 4 inch travel full suspension bike  meant for XC riding and this year, the front triangle has been converted to carbon fiber.  The tapered head tube steerer has been increased to 1.25″ on top instead of 1.125″ and this along with the change to carbon has resulted in a 7% increase in stiffness. The BB area has increased in stiffness by 3% with the switch to carbon fiber.  These numbers might not seem large but these are improvements to an already awesome platform from the previous year.

Geometry is unchanged from 71.3 head angle and 73 degree seat angle. The chainstays stay at 462 mm or 18.1 inches.

The rear triangle is kept at aluminum since the stiffness benefit of switching to carbon fiber was not significant. In fact, the rear skewer is still the old 135 mm quick release instead of the emerging 12 mm thru-axle standard.  These two decisions were made based on the minimal performance benefit to the Anthem X design and passing on the cost savings to the consumer.  However, this will be no consolation to customers who want a full carbon frame and the latest axle technology and rear wheel compatibility. Also, buyers of the top end $8900 Advanced 29 0 may wonder where the cost savings went.

The Anthem X has switched to Rockshox for both front and rear suspension. While Rockshox makes excellent products, some may be disappointed with the migration away from Fox and all the wonderful new technologies like  Kashima, Talas, and lighter stanchions for 2013.

Product line-up comparion of Anthem 29 line. ‘W’ models are women’s specific models courtesy of the Liv/Giant team.

MY13 Spring Launch
Model Size Weight (imperial) LBS/ounces Price
Anthem X Advanced 29er  0 M 22.06 $8900
Anthem X Advanced 29er 1 M 25.05 $4650
Anthem X Advanced 29er 2 M 26.07 $3300
Anthem X 29er 4 M 28.03 $1925
Anthem X 29er 0 W M 26.12 $2950
Anthem X 29er 4 W M 28.10 $1925
Anthem X Advanced 29er frame weight, size medium = 2200 grams = 4.85 lbs

All bikes share the identical frame with different shock options.

The Giant Anthem X Advanced 29 Developed to give pro XC racers every advantage on technical courses, Giant’s first composite full-suspension 29e has arrived. With an Advanced-grade Composite front triangle and ALUXX SL rear swingarm, plus the legendary performance of Maestro suspension, this is the bike that makes fast riders faster. The handcrafted composite frame is engineered for 29-inch wheels. Its OverDrive 2 steerer tube design offers front-end stiffness and pinpoint steering. The MegaDrive downtube and PowerCore bottom bracket boost power and control in the rough stuff.

Key Upgrades (over Anthem X Advanced 29er 1)

RockShox SID 29 RCT3 with QR15 thru-axle, OverDrive 2 tapered steerer suspension fork and RockShox Monarch RT3 rear shock
SRAM XX 2x10-speed componentry
SRAM XX World Cup hydraulic disc brakes
Giant P-XCR Composite 29er 0 WheelSystem
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Color: Composite/Blue/White

(mtbr.com, giant-bicycles.com)

Posted on 4:31 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon

It seems like barely a year and a half ago we totally revamped our beloved gnarl-hound with updated suspension, geometry and a host of details that saw an entirely new Nomad emerging from where the old Nomad had been - lighter, sleeker, snappier and at the same time tougher. Time flies. It was just a year and a half ago that eight unlucky souls got mangled in the Hellride while claiming first saddle time aboard the new beast. And while the now tried and true aluminum Nomad is still a vital part of our lineup, we decided to splice some carbon fiber into it's DNA and see what happens.

Patented counter-rotating link design
Allows flexibility to design and manipulate shock rates for a huge diversity of uses, from razor sharp XC performance to bomber tough and ultra plush 10-inch travel downhill duty.

Short links
(Carbon Fiber Upper, Forged Aluminum Lower) and large diameter axles combined with angular contact bearings bring chassis integrity and handling precision to a whole new level.

Grease ports!
Tons of seals! Locking collet axle hardware! Super trick, low maintenance, superior durability, easy to service when the time finally comes.
You won't find this kind of stuff - whether it be quality of hardware or versatility of design or chassis integrity - anywhere else.

 

 

 Reviews

The nomad carbon is an incredible mountain bike. If you want one bike that can handle the climbs and descents, this is it. I ride this on mondo 30 mile with 4k ft of climbing and descending rides. Its not the fastest cllimber but it gets you to the top pretty quick. You can charge any aggressive line and the nomadc will hold its line like a champ. You can drop off a 5 ft rock drop, no problem. Hit a 10 ft gap with ease. You probably won't win an xc race with this bike but whatever.

If you want a fun bike that can handle pretty much anything other than resort downhill, this is it. You do sacrifice some speed on the climbs but the fun is on the downhills. My only regret with purchasing this bike is not purchasing it sooner. Get the nomadc it is so sick. Don't buy this bike if you are a pure xc rider. Buy this bike if you want to ride to the top and enjoy the downill to the fullest. It would be nice to have a water bottle cage for holding energy drinks on big rides.

My build is 30lbs with 7" travel in the front and 6.5" in the back.

 

 My fifth Santa Cruz bike and best to date. Use it for gnarly trail riding. Downhill the bike rewards being pushed hard and never seems to get fazed by anything. Get the best brakes you can get - you'll end up going a whole lot faster through the rough stuff ! Carbon frame is super stiff so suspension setup is super important - stiff wheels are also key to keep up with the frame ! Corners on rails - you have to get used to the razor sharp handling !
Brilliant on climbs - very very impressed. This thing climbs anything..

Rear shock:
Frame came with a DHX Air and I was never happy - dead rear feeling and blew through travel too quickly. Upgraded to a Cane Creek Double Barrel - 100% improvement - absolutely brilliant and no messing with air pressures again ! Transformed the ride - downhills through rock gardens are a breeze and I am always amazed by how much it can handle. Shock Setup is tricky and I have ended up running very little low speed rebound and low speed compression damping - rather let the VPP do its job.

(mtbr.com, santacruzmtb.com)

Posted on 8:05 AM / 0 comments / Read More

2012 Norco Product

So we are fair in the the halfway point of the brief with the purpose of is Crankworx in Whistler next to the flash with races every one daylight hours and parties every one night but aside from the usual whistler goings on, several vast news from this part of the pond came the recent past with the administrator launch of the further 2012 Norco bike range. This result line is headlined by the Aurum DH bike which is Norco’s further downhill bike pro 2012 and of point concern to us as this is the finalised version of the prototypes we hold been hard and mounting with Norco all over the ancient history day so we are very excited to consider it everything appear cool.

One of the vast skin tone which we hold not been able to deliberate nearly until at this instant is the ‘Gravity Tune’ classification on the Aurum which we hold been eager to deliberate nearly it as I think it is a pretty vast deal pro a production downhill bike. On other at this time open production DH bikes, the bike is often designed around solitary size (say a standard or often whatever other size bike the focal team test rider races on), after that to step the other sizes in the range the front outcome is scaled up or down to end more attain. Uniquely on the Aurum however all size in the range has an individually sized rear-to-centre and front-to-centre balance as well as faintly tailored suspension kinematics to match. This course every one size (small standard and Large) hold exactly the same performance characteristics so the ride is not compromised to shin up the design up or down. This is a really vast deal pro us as a team pro case as myself and Ben are both very poles apart sizes and hold very poles apart riding styles, however really the hard we hold been burden concluded the ancient history day has exposed with the purpose of I beg your pardon? We are as soon as from a bike’s conduct is the same. So pro the to start with occasion at this instant we are both able to step this as standard on the same production frame in poles apart sizes devoid of custom alterations indispensable to correct either the small or the considerable accordingly.

This belief sounds shared intelligence really, if years of hard and development hold been plant into getting the paramount geometry, import balance and proportions pro a downhill bike after that this be supposed to be scaled up and down pro all size in the range, not fair optimised pro solitary size and after that the front outcome stretched, however I suppose tooling expenses and occasion as well as production factors all be flippant a part. Anyway as a rider I am fair content to consider it the ride quality getting top priority on this bike and with several clever engineering apparently this has been through devoid of crazy prices too which is cool. (News recently has been released with the purpose of Fisher will veto longer be distributing Norco in the UK however I am told 2012 bikes will be open in the UK with the Aurum so I believe in attendance will be a press make public on this shortly.)

The gravity melody classification is really the standout characteristic with the purpose of has been held in reserve secret until at this instant however all the paramount skin tone from the prototype bikes we hold posted in the ancient history hold made it to production as well with the integrated bump stops, captive shock mounting hardware, ART suspension classification and Syntace axle and hanger combo.

In the role of well as the Aurum in attendance was and a sated line up of further bikes launched across the board but solitary other with the purpose of stood elsewhere to me was the Sight. This is a 140mm travel bike designed to be light import and pedal well but and to be able fun on the downhills. I can consider it this being a weighty trail centre and do-it-all bike pro the UK and as soon as having a allotment of fun on this bike recently I think this solitary will be a vast reach.

(dirt.mpora.com)

Posted on 11:50 PM / 0 comments / Read More

GT Force Carbon Pro Bike 2012

The GT Carbon Force Expert benefits from a full 6" rear suspension in a world of 5.5" bikes. The I Drive design is noticeably efficient while the travel feels deep compared to similar bikes ridden including the Ibis Mojo and the Turner 5Spot. Once we swapped out the original bars and stem for something more suitable for a great trail bike we found the handling to be very predictable and the bike to pedal especially well over rough terrain. In fact I would venture to say that it pedals better over the rough than nearly any other bike we've tried. Frame rigidity is excellent with no noticeable rear end flex.

The bike is great on the down hills and climbs. I've had my bike for a year and it's beginning to creek. The bolts come loose in the pivot points so I'm always having to make sure they are tight so my bike can't be heard a mile away. I believe the bike should be serviced every 6-12 months. Grease needs to be added to reduce the metal on metal grinding. Overall it's a good bike but I'm not sure it's worth the price. It's a good intro bike for the beginner but I would not recommend it for advance riders.


Great bang for buck, gt rep told me lifttime warranty on frame. Which isnt much lighter than metal frame because its built to be strong not uber light weight. So a carbon force is stronger than metal force it should be up to par which sanction. With this understanding i hucked my stock bike over six foot no breakage. I wouldnt recommend that on daily basis though. im six foot two and got xtra large which i like cuz i can stretch out and earn my turns and when trails get tight and tech i drop my fork which sharpens handling. Get one while there on sale!


fter putting about 150 miles on this bike I wanted to write a review. I have the 2009, GT force carbon expert, size small, with all XT components. I am 5’ 7’’ about 140lbs.
I mostly ride XC single track but wanted a bike that rides more like an AM bike. I was looking for a bike that had more than 120mm travel but something I could still race on. I like the feel of the 69% head tub which gives it more of the race feel than a downhill or even AM bike. So this bike fix what I was looking for. The only thing I have changed are the tires to something lighter and now have the bike down to about 26.3 lbs.

First I love the carbon I have never rode on carbon before but it really dampens the ride and its not as bumpy. So far the carbon has been great and very efficient. Both Fox shock and Fork works really great with this bike. The fork can be adjusted to 110mm 130mm and 150mm but does not have any lock out which is a disadvantage if your use to one.
With any full suspension you will get some bob in the rear shock and that is true with the I drive design. But once I got everything set to what I like the bob was not bad, one of the best full suspension I have ridden. When going up a long climb you can always lock out the shock and this bike will really climb with the best of them. When riding with a group the group losses me when I am going uphill or starting to get my speed back from a turn. But once we go downhill or on a strait I catch up. Not the fastest or slowest bike but a sturdy bike. With that said this is a really fun bike to ride, you can ride it all day and throw just about any type of trail at it.

The one item I do not like is how GT brought the rear brake line through the seat tub and triangle. Because these parts move the cable started to wear the clear coat off of the frame. I ended up moving the cable outside so I don’t have this issue anymore I just zipped tied to the frame and works great.

Over all a great bike and I would suggest this bike to any one if it fits their needs. 


(mtbr.com, bikeradar.com)

Posted on 5:00 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Merida's 2012 Mountain Bikes

Taiwanese bike company Merida launched their 2012 range this week on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Head of bicycle design Jurgen Falke took centre stage to unveil their new mountain bikes, including an updated trail bike, a new enduro rig and a headline 29er full-suspension cross-country racer.

Big Ninety-Nine 

Making the most waves was the Big Ninety-Nine 29er, which aims to build on the success of the 26in Ninety-Nine and offer cross-country and marathon racers a big-wheeled alternative. An aluminium prototype was on show at the launch; the bike is rideable and undergoing final tweaks before the final carbon production version, which the Multivan Merida Biking Team are helping to develop, is launched in time for 2013.

Jurgen explained that he believes 120mm of travel is too much for a 29er full-sus, because there's limited wheel and tyre clearance when the suspension is fully compressed, so this design offers a maximum of 106mm, via a 38mm-stroke shock. With the trend towards 2x10 drivetrains, the placement of the Big Ninety-Nine's main pivot is optimised for use with small chainrings (down to a 24-tooth inner ring) but the bike will still accommodate a triple chainset if preferred. 

Tube cross-sections have been increased compared to the Ninety-Nine to cope with the extra stress put upon the frame by the larger wheels, but Merida have still managed to omit a seatstay bridge without compromising stiffness. Combined with the curved seat tube, this provides clearance for up to 2.3in rubber. A 12/142mm through-axle helps resist torsion at the rear hub. Spec will be either SRAM 2x10 with RockShox XX suspension or Shimano 3x10 with DT Swiss. Remote lockouts for front and rear suspension will come as standard.

As if to fully test the new machine’s mettle, Mallorca blessed our test ride with heavy snow. The bike instantly felt secure and solid, allowing us to barrel into tricky sections with confidence. The usual 29er traits of improved rolling performance, traction and stability were evident in spades, and the limited travel of the Big Ninety-Nine means it climbs like a hardtail, even without locking out the rear shock. When flowing through corners, it breeds speed, and even accelerating from low speeds is less of a chore than usual due to its light weight and stiff frame.

Struggling to see clearly through the driving snow, our line choice was far from optimal, leading to several moments that might have undone a smaller wheeled machine, but the 29er just absorbed them and let us flick it back on line. Suspension bob was almost non-existent, and there was no trace of toe overlap. The Big Ninety-Nine has the potential to exceed the capabilities of the 26in Ninety-Nine and become a marathon racing benchmark.

One Sixty

At the other end of the scale comes an addition to Merida’s gravity enduro/all-mountain stable, the One Sixty. Building on the success of the One Twenty and One Forty trail bikes. As the name suggests, it offers 160mm of travel front and rear, from a sub-3kg hydroformed aluminium frame. 

Merida fit the One Sixty with a RockShox Reverb Stealth adjustable seatpost. The cable from its bar mounted remote is routed internally through the down tube and seat tube so there's no cable loop to get in the way when dropping the seat. In fact, with the Reverb fitted, the only external line is the rear brake hose. Other dropper posts can be fitted by running the cable externally.

Our test route, although tough, had nothing to really push the boundaries of the bike’s performance, but what we found was promising. With most weight and suspension load near the bottom bracket, the One Sixty feels planted and changes direction well, feeling nimble for a bike with 2.4in rubber. 

It has a neutral feel when pedalling in the saddle, with almost no bob. We returned with a grin and wanted more, so look forward to a future full test. The One Sixty is now at the pre-production stage and component specifications are being finalised – it'll be offered with three equipment levels.

Other full-suspension bikes

The One Twenty trail bike, the One Sixty's little brother, has had its suspension geometry reworked to maximise usable travel. It continues to be available in both carbon and aluminium, with the latter boasting an impressively light sub-2.5kg frame weight. With numerous specs available, it could be all the bike you'll ever need, whether you're into racing or all-day trail rides.

The Ninety-Six set the bar for cross-country race bikes when it was launched in 2008, and with the development of the Ninety-Nine Merida have raised it again. Optimised for a 2x10 drivetrain, and with 100mm travel of travel, claimed complete bike weight is just 8.9kg (19.6lb) without pedals. Despite this, the Ninety-Nine boasts incredible frame and bottom bracket stiffness. Available in carbon and aluminium framed versions, it should keep Merida competitive.

Hardtails

Not to be forgotten are Merida’s hardtails. The O.Nine carried Jose Hermida to his world championship victory in 2010 and will be the bike of choice for many of the Multivan Merida team in their chase for Olympic success this year. It's stiff and lightweight, with certified frame weights as low as 940g, but has buzz-damping flexible seatstays and a skinny 27.2mm seatpost to keep fatigue at bay. Optimised for a 2x10 drivetrain, and with a BB30 bottom bracket, it remains devastatingly fast.

Given the challenge of creating a 29er with similar performance to the O.Nine, Merida have come up with theBig.Nine. Bottom bracket stiffness is even higher than on the O.Nine and a similarly low racing position has been retained, along with a sub-1,100g frame weight. The 2012 Big.Nine Carbon Team-D will come with a SRAM X0 transmission and DT Swiss fork, and is stunningly agile for a large-wheeled machine.

(Find more at bikeradar.com)

Posted on 2:12 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Mondraker Podium XC Race Bike 2012

The Mondraker Podium is a new XC Race Concept from Espana. For 2012, in pipeline, Mondraker have new carbon XC race bikes that called the Podium. In a few season back, Mondraket steal public's attention with their mountain bike.
In 2012, Mondraker offers an expended range of bikes. With Podium Carbon hardtail,  Lithium marathon racer Tracker trail bike build name such as the Summum, Dune, Foxy and Factor.
One of the lucky man to be the first man to test ride these are former downhill world champion Fabien Barel as we quote from bikeradar.com.

"New Podium carbon offers the ultimate XC racing geometry. The integrated stem technology allowed us to lower the handlebar position to find the better pedaling efficiency position on a Cross Country  bicycle", that said in Mondraker Podium is a new XC Race Concept press release. They also claims a painted size-large frame will weigh in less than 1,000 grams (2.2lbs).

"By spend about £2,799 you would get Podium Carbon Pro comes with some kit ready to, well, hit the podium, or at least be in with a fighting chance of doing so. The 100mm (3.9in) of front suspension travel is taken care of by a Fox Float 32 RL fork, which features the company's ever-impressive FIT damper and tapered steerer. There’s a remote lockout too, as befits a bike of this ilk". As we quote from bikeradar.com

Posted on 9:45 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Specialized SX Trail 2 2011

With some changes came to the SX Trail 2011, it designed to help them polish their older air skills, comprise unfailing durability, and swear solid traction.

SX Trail Benefits

• Durable, yet maneuverable M5 alloy frame build with proven Freeride geometry
• Reliable strength merit to 32-spoke, 142+mm rear core and big-volume Butcher tires
• Big air capability with brand new, beefier 180mm-travel FSR suspension (fills the shoes of the Demo 7)
• Quality spec package, as well as FOX shocks and SRAM components

 (video pinkbike.com)

Details:

M5 Alloy Frame w/ Freeride Geometry. With Ultra-durable, yet small fry alloy frame with Freeride-focused geometry. It  used to hold up older jumps and highspeed hits, done and done again, while giving the rider superior management. By redesigning the frame, Specialized was able to put up scope in place of more travel and carefully manipulate the tubes to swear strength, while keeping load low. Their freeride geometry keeps the frame angles slack and low in place of well-behaved management.

With  Customized seat tube sculpt, achieved through hydroforming processes. Eliminates forgings and, therefore, reduces weight-all while maintaining the strength mandatory by aggressive freeriders. High pressure fluid is unnatural through all tube to eliminate welds and do more precise tube shaping.

Proprietary linkage logic featuring a most important pivot with eccentric spindle and wishbone shock repression. Creates a stiffer rear side in place of more dependable management in all place. The eccentric spindle uses an offset bolt location with the purpose of can simply explanation in on individual put, leaving the two sides of the link veto scope to twist. This prevents every not needed loosen or rotation with the purpose of might sacrifice precision and confidence on the rear side of the bike.

(sicklines.com)

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Cube AMS 110 Pro 2011

To accomodate the high demand of mountain bike, one of the best short travel alumunium bike variant is the AMS 110 Pro. By spending £1649 you will get reasonable spec plus – Formula RX hydraulic stoppers and custom Schwalbe rubber, 30 speed Shimano XT/SLX transmission, Sun Ringle custom color ‘bling’ red anodized tough yet light wheelset, Fox forks plus RP23 Boost Valve rear shock combo. 

Comes with well finished alloy, this bike boasting many features. This AMS is pretty light in this price and class, only 12.1kg (26.5lb) without the pedals.

Cube AMS 110 Pro 2011 is an ideal bike for anyone who’s searching his first nice full suspension MTB, a bike which will do it all.

Cube AMS Technologies : 

- HPA. High Performance 7005 aluminum alloy

- Efficient Ride Control

- Hydroforming System. A plain tube is placed in a mould with the specific form

- FSP4 link. 

- Press Fit BB. With press-fit bearings, the outer bearing ring is pressed directly into the frame housing and not screwed-in as usual

- Fox DTC. Connected with the new Fox Float RP23 Boost Valve shock and the DHX RC4 shock, we could achieve the best optimized performance

- FSS Frame Save System. built with the CUBE Frame Save System replaceable derailleur hanger.

- Laser Design Surface. 

- Wet Paint Surface.

- Integrated Post Mount.

- Integrated Cable Routing.

(img/chainreactioncycles.com)

Posted on 7:30 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Testing Rocky Mountain Element 70 MSL

The Element MSL is designed to be lone of the stiffest and lightest 120-millimeter bikes on the sell while still retaining the qualities so as to wobbly Mountain is acknowledged in favor of: Hurry pedigree, rough-and-tumble durability and technical descending prowess. By rising approximately fresh technologies, we were able to punch our performance targets and create a bike so as to rides like a wobbly be supposed to. —D’Arcy O’Connor

Tester 1: Vernon Felton
Years Riding: 22
Test Locale: Bellingham, WA

I main rode the Element MSL in trying sessions in favor of our Bible of Bike Tests and was at once floored by how fast it accelerates. Ridden back-to-back with other top-tier trail bikes, there’s nix comparison: The Element rips. Pedaling efficiency is jaw-dropping and while I’d express the Element’s suspension feel (even as running 25 percent sag) as stiffen, the bike still scales rocky climbs with traction to standby.

The Element truthfully shines, however, as conditions search out nasty. The bike has an extraordinarily group feel to it—both by blazing speeds and in slow-speed military exercises. The full-carbon frame is too excellently stiff, making in favor of a bike so as to corners like it’s on rails, even in the rockiest of hairpin turns. When you breed your XC bike on the North Shore, this is the beast so as to pokes its head on show of the birth channel.

It’s winter as I compose this check, and western Washington’s singletrack is filthy in a thick coat of earth phlegm. It’s the while of time as I normally take it down a notch and ride the “safe” trails. Every while I climb on the train the Element MSL, however, I get myself tackling the truthfully evil routes—and grinning. Don’t search out me wicked: This is nix all-mountain bike. It requires a skillful employee by the controls and the suspension is nowhere so as to forgiving. Likewise, nearby are a a small number of excellent trail bikes on show nearby with more pliant rear trimmings. The Element, however, is lone of the preeminent trail bikes to assert under your arse as you’ve deceased and gotten manually in finished your head.

Tester 2: Brice Minnigh
Years Riding: 22
Test Locale: Southern California
We’ve been singing the praises of the wobbly Mountain Element 70 MSL in favor of several months at this moment, and, gone a different extensive rotation through our line-up of test riders, it’s safe to say we’re all still singing from the same tune order. And the chorus continues to be: “This is an XC bike with giant balls.”

Given Rocky’s reputation in favor of building burly bikes, this probably shouldn’t arrive as a interrupt. After all, the Element is a cross-country beast designed and perfected with Vancouver’s North Shore trails in mind. So it stands to dispute so as to it would cleave to up soundly to the rigors of comparable terrain in nearby Bellingham, Washington.

But how would it act on other landscapes, such as the typically dry and dusty trails of Southern California, or the physically demanding ups and downs around Bend, Oregon? On all accounts, we were blown away by the versatility and playfulness of this bike, which has struck a sublime synthesis concerning the climbing performance of an XC rig and the descending capabilities of an all-mountain device. The 69.5-degree head tilt keeps the front closing stages astoundingly well-trained on climbs, while still inspiring confidence on terrifying descents. And its creatively stiff carbon front triangle absolutely begs to be thrown into tense corners.

We’ve ridden the Element on the spectrum of Southern California trails, from the rocky burl of Chiquita and dignified Canyon to the fast-and-flowy San Juan trail. We’ve even raced it in the Super D by Fontana. And it continually seems to be genuine in its element.

Rocky’s Two Cents
We’re ecstatic to hear so as to the Bike mag testers echo how we feel on the subject of the Element MSL. When we hard on show to design the bike, we had condescending goals. We desirable to pressurize somebody into a bike so as to Geoff Kabush possibly will hurry and win on, and so as to would be able to be prosper on our gnarly district trails daytime in and daytime on show. Geoff has proven it’s a winner and the Bike mag crew assert evidently position the bike through the wringer.
—D’Arcy O’Connor, BASc.
R&D MTB Design Manager

(http://www.bikemag.com)

Posted on 10:14 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Scott Scale 29 Pro

If there’s one area where bigger wheeled 29er bikes are making conventional-hooped rides look like cold blooded egg layers it’s high speed, long distance hardtails. Nothing does it better for each buck than Scott’s carbon weave wagon wheeler either.

For a start, at just over a kilo the full-carbon Scale Pro frame is as light as most 26in hardtail frames. The tapered head tube, oversize down tube and Press-Fit PF92 bottom bracket area means it’s not losing out on stiffness and steering accuracy.

By curving the seat tube and bringing the back wheel in as close as possible and fitting a short stem as standard, steering responsiveness and precision is as good, if not better, than most race bikes. Scott have used their road-bred SDS super-slim seatstays to remove some rear end rattle before it gets to the rider and fitted big volume 2.25in tyres to cushion the ride.

However sorted the Scott is, 29ers feel significantly different to a conventional bike. The increased inertia of the bigger wheels means slightly slower acceleration and a correspondingly sluggish feel. Ironically the way the wheels smooth out rough sections removes the rattle and blur that creates much of the speed sensation of riding, which can create an underwhelming first impression.

As soon as our testers kept cranking those wheels for a few more turns, though,they started to pull clear of the rest of the pack without even trying. The rougher the trail got the more obvious the rolling advantage of the wheels was to riders and followers. Rather than relying on the right suspension path or shock setup, the shallower contact angle, longer contact patch and increased momentum let the Scott skim over the top of trouble.

Traction is outstanding for a hardtail too, finding purchase and free speed on the loose pebbles or scree that sucked other bikes to a standstill. It also rolled up the stepped or rough slab paved paths of high passes with ease, surging ahead as others struggled. Even with a relatively simple fork, cornering and descending control are equally enhanced.

If we had to compare its capability with anything it would be with the best short-travel suspension bikes. There’s no way you’d get a full suspension bike anywhere near this weight and responsiveness at this price though. There's masses of upgrade potential left in the workmanlike spec on this chassis too, making it even more  of a bargain.

Experienced 29er riders were stunned with how well sorted, light and responsive the Scott was for a £2,000 bike. Big wheel freshers were blown away with the combination of enhanced speed, smoothness and control that the Scale Pro delivered. Either way, this is a superb example of state of the art superlight hardtail performance at a remarkably good price.

(bikeradar.com)

Posted on 2:28 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Sunn Seasons S1, Marin Attack Trail 6.7, Rocky Mountain UK

The Seasons is a bike built to cope with the more aggressive demands the trails can throw at you. Its double-butted 7005 frameset and adjusted head angle allows the 120mm fork to carve through whatever terrain you can find. Whether it’s a muddy ride with friends or a winter epic in the mountains, this is the bike for you. After the success 2010 brought, the Seasons is to be offered in two versions to widen the appeal of this trail fighter.

The 2010 Attack Trail was engineered with a need for speed and is the most capable all-rounder in Marin's arsenal. Its continuing refinement pushes the boundaries of what you thought possible from a 150mm chassis and it's light, agile and an unbelievably strong descender. Meanwhile, the 6061 alloy hydroformed tubing and optimised machined linkages give unparalleled stiffness so you'll excel on the climbs after blasting the descents.

A fun, simple and dependable bike to hammer the trail centres on, or just your local trails.
Built with an eye firmly on reliability and quality, the equipment spec is a checklist of brands and parts you'd choose for yourself: Shimano brakes, RockShox Recon XC 120mm fork, Race Face Ride XC chainset... the list goes on all the way down to the most capable all-conditions tyre available, the Maxxis High Roller, for true 'no upgrades required' simplicity


src: bikeradar.com

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Santa Cruz hardtail for 2011

Santa Cruz are using the experience gained from the creation of their most modern carbon fibre full-suspension bikes to build a newborn super-light carbon 29er hardtail.

Details of the yet-to-be-named bike exhibit been leaked through the company's 104 Bronson blog, with a smidgen of photos and a diminutive explanation. The bike weighs honorable 20lb 9oz with a high-end build consisting of SRAM XX components, a Fox F29RLC fork and ENVE carbon clincher wheelset (with tubes).

The frame looks to be a size means and sport a pointed head tube. It has a regular threaded underneath bracket shell and externally routed cables. The IS disc mount and rear dropouts look as though they're molded from carbon.

Santa Cruz say the newborn prototypical ought to be glad “sometime with the crimson blossoms fall from the tree”, which, according to the American National Cherry Blossom Festival’s website, instrument around the third week of April. Price, frame emphasis, equipment specification, availability and one sort of approved comment exhibit yet to be released by Santa Cruz, so stay tuned

Posted on 3:52 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Practical Guide for Buying a Mountain Bike

Cycling, not only make healthy, it can also play a role in reducing air pollution (global warming). Some parties attempt to promote these activities, either through a community of Bike To Work (BTW), which initiated an independent forum or authorized by the City Government. Mountain bike or mountain bikes (MTB) is one type of bike that can accommodate those needs, either for sports, school and work. For that in purchasing a mountain bike, you should base their considerations on the usefulness and functionality that will dialui field. Here are tips to buy a mountain bike: 

Practical Guide for Buying a Mountain Bike (MTB)

1. Recognize Mountain Bike Type . There are several types of mountain bike you should know before buying, that is the type of downhill (DH), Freeride (FR), Dirtjump (DJ), Cross Country (XC) and All Mountain (AM). Selecting type of bike, you should adjust to the type of activity and character of mine that you will travel. 

a) Type Downhill (DH), designed to drive fast, secure and comfortable in the down hills and mountains. Capable of cornering with a stable at high speed and always equipped rear suspension to reduce collisions that frequently occur. DH does not give priority to comfort bike riding because it is only used to go down the mountain. Downhill bike also refers more to the race, so in addition to strength, that is the press in its design is how to have sped by quickly. To go to the location, the downhiller but not pedaling their bicycles transported by car. This type is not efficient when used in the city or in cross-country route. 

b) Type Freeride (FR), is designed to be able to survive the drop off (jump) high and extreme conditions like. Strong but not as fast as its body and all types selincah mountain (AM) because of its weight is heavier. Less suitable for use over long distances. 

c) Type Cross Country (XC), designed for mild to moderate cross country. Designed for efficient and optimal on paddling and climbing on the pavement until the rural dirt road. Usually enough to type Hardtail (front suspension). 

d) Type of Dirt Jump (DJ), is designed to perform activities leaps high and extreme, just like BMX bikes. DJ frame shape is usually strong and memorable style, but rather feels heavy for the upward trajectory. DJ for Cross Country, usually combined with ease of use solutions that the other components such as forks, wheels or crank. 

e) Type All Mountain (AM), is designed for serious cross country like riding down the hill, into the forest, across rocky terrain, and explore long-distance off-road terrain. Excellence is all mountain durability and comfort for driving. Almost all bicycle AM-type full-suspension (front and rear suspension)

2. Join the Forum Community Bike. To better understand the ins and outs of mountain bike, not hurt you to join first with one of the bike community in your neighborhood, can be in the workplace, campus environments or online community forum on the internet. At the forum, you can listen, ask and requested for advice and consideration all about the ins and outs of bicycle their hands-on experience, which you can make a bike purchase basis

3. Purchase Model or Full Custom Bike. Both these factors are usually the first step in buying a mountain bike, which each have advantages and disadvantages. With the purchase of a custom model, you can determine its own constituent components of your bike, like the model frame, crank type, type and brand of shifter fork it. Understanding your bike is very necessary to detail here. For beginners who will use the model of this purchase, should require a more familiar counterparts (advanced-level) details of mountain bike, for the selection of components can be precisely and conveniently used. In contrast with the purchase of Full Bike model, beginners are not too troubled by the component items. Every brand is usually already set up a unit that has been in the custom bike (mix and match), according to factory standards. Thus the price is also graded from low-end to high-end, depending on the composition of mountain bike customization. Here you need a little observant, observing details of its components, especially the shifters, breakers and crank. Feel free to try to drive it (test-drive) before purchasing to ensure a combination of these components have been comfortable and suit you.

4. Purchase Second Hand. Not only cars or motorcycles, mountain bikes can be purchased through the second hand. It obtained a second-hand mountain bike is not as easy as second-hand car / motorcycle. Since the publication usually second hand mountain bike sales based on chatter of-mouth-to-mouth. You need to be patient in hunting mountain bike second-hand, since not every day people to sell his mountain bike. Middle way that is often taken is to buy components for components that are sold second-hand separately, for then you are united and your bike raft into 1 unit. Some components such as frame mountain bike, even full-crank type of second hand bikes are also frequently offered over the Internet, either from the show room at home and abroad. Purchase of this model is suitable for your budget.

5. Price Comparison. Once you are confident with the kind of mountain bike that you seek, do not rush to buy. Try a little search for price comparison through a few shops in your city or browsing through the internet.

Posted on 2:47 PM / 0 comments / Read More

What kind of bike should you get?

 Absolutely, it is your right to choose which bicycle you should buy or get. But, with a bit knowledge, you can get the right bike that proper with you. The most important thing should you know before you buy a bike is what type of bike that can comply with your style of riding.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bike are define by two types : bike with 26" wheel and wider, lower pressure tires.  The smaller wheel is more stability and comfort control. Believe or not, actually, the small wheels don't make bike slower and harder. They also best fit for shorter bikers. Mountain Bikes have good point in versatility and different styles of bikes. Mountain bikes are perfect style for riders to just go out for recreation, Fitness or other fun activities. Also, mountain bike is the only best choise for trial riding, off-road riding and downhill riding.

Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid mean a combination between bikes. It like a "bisexual" bike, half-mountain-bike, half-road-bike. The most important thing you should know is mountain-half-hibrids is about the components rather than think to use it off-road. With Hybrid, it would be ok on hitting a ditry road or loose gravel driveway in a while. but, not recommended for use in rocky, rooty, loose-surfaced trail. Hybrid is best for recreational bikes and fitness.  Hybrids are great for our area where you can find longer stretches of nice roads and even for the great coastal riding available along The Sound!

Road Bikes

Road bikes are fast, tight, light, responsive bicycles that are meant for one type of use. on the road!  Road bikes tend to be a good fit for "serious" or "advanced" bikers who want the more aggressive, fast, not-so-plush feel that these types of bikes offer.  You are likely to find a pure road bike uncomfortable and difficult to operate if you lack in riding experience.  Still, road bikes may be the right type of bike to get for some beginners.  Quick test rides prove valuable when deciding between road bikes and other types.  Where you ride, whether you ride for speed or for distance, and what your ride buddies use are important things to consider when you've decided that a road bike is for you.

BMX FREESTYLE and JUMP Bikes

BMX stands for Bicycle Moto Cross.  These bikes are decsendent from motorcycles that are used for short track racing.  BMX racing is still very popular all over the world. This highly visual sport makes for a lot of dream bikes in the eyes of youngsters.  The great thing about them is that they are simple, durable and because they come one-size-fits all, kids don't physically outgrow them.  Yes, the 6'5" pros that race BMX ride the same size bike that your 4' 9-year old wants!  We carry simple, inexpensive BMX bikes as well as high caliber racing bikes...our selection is extensive....bring the kids down to the store!

The newest type of BMX bike, jumping bikes have pretty much designed with one purpose in mind....being launched off ramps by professional riders!  The higher and farther the better and the biggest crash usually gets the most applause!  They are also called trail bikes, because they are beefy enough to withstand the rigors of rough trail rides as well.  These bikes are as durable as it gets...again, they are on-size fits all, simple and practical for what most youngins' need!

Geared Bikes For Kids

If your children are a bit older, or better riders...or if you all ride as a family on longer, more diverse roads or trails....a bike with gears will be a great help to the younger bikers.  These bikes come with 20 or 24" wheels and can have between 6 and 21 gears to make the pushing up the hills more manageable!

Posted on 9:22 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Mongoose Montana Men's Mountain Bike

The Mongoose® Montana 26-in men's all-terrain bicycle is crafted around an alloy mountain frame with MTB riser handlebars and alloy rims. It's set-up with 21-speed SRAM MRX shifters and front and rear alloy linear pull brakes.
Equipped with a smooth-riding front-suspension fork, the Mongoose Montana men's mountain bike is a great choice for both trail and street riding. The bike includes such features as a full alloy MTB frame that holds up durably to rough handling, along with MTB riser bars and a quill stem. The 21-speed SRAM MRX shifters and Shimano rear derailleur, meanwhile, provide plenty of control whether you're on flat or hilly terrain. 

Finally, the bike's alloy black rims and extra-wide 1.95-inch tires roll smoothly over pavement, grass, or dirt. Other features include alloy linear pull brakes and levers, an adjustable quick-release seat, a three-piece ATB crank, 26-inch wheels, and a rust-resistant powder coating. The Montana carries a one-year warranty.

First of all, from some customer reviews, for a beginner, it is too hard to reassembly front brakes, because they were not working properly. Then,  spokes on the front and rear wheels must be adjusted as they were wobbly! You should know how to do that. I recommend you to getting the proffesional essembly if you don't want spend too much time do that.

 

Product Features
    * Men's mountain bike with front-suspension fork
    * Full alloy MTB frame, MTB riser bars, and quill stem
    * 21-speed SRAM MRX shifters and Shimano rear derailleur
    * Extra-wide 1.95-inch tires roll smoothly over most terrain
    * Alloy linear pull brakes and levers; 3-piece ATB crank

Posted on 6:24 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Carrera Fury, Light and Pacy Enough

The Fury is a starter bike that strikes an excellent balance. It’s sorted for black route fun and games, being bags of fun on descents, yet it can still climb and keep pace with most nose-in-the-air niche bike riders who try to overtake you on the flat.
This bike is all generally good. Bike is great though - fork excellent for the price, gears perfectly OK (like other poster, X5/X5 rather than X7/X5 per Halfords text above). Only other issue is tyres - no doubt Speedkings are great for some surfaces (carpet, for example).
It’s not only got a great fork and a solid spec, its slightly slacker angles and bigger bar and tyres than most mountain bikes at this price demonstrate an understanding of how UK riders are using entry-level hardtails these days.
It’s got a kind of handle-anything panache as well as a premium ride. Some budget bikes can be a chore to ride and to test, but the Fury was never anything less than fun.
The Fury isn’t a hardcore hardtail, but it's no cross-country racer either. UK designed, it feels contemporary and has clearly been inspired by the kind of riding that Britain’s weekend warriors actually do: going to Afan Forest, say, or hammering through the Howgills.

The welds on this hydroformed aluminium frame have been smoothed off nicely. There’s a semi-integrated head tube too, reinforced behind. The down tube is biaxially oversized and the top tube is fat, with a long shared seam with the down tube and extra support for the extended seat tube.

Overall, value is cracking. Like similar models from Decathlon (the Rockrider 8.1) and Boardman (the Comp), you wonder quite what the Fury is doing in this price point. Brand-owners Halfords don't have to worry about dealer margins as they sell direct to the public, so they can offer a spec that's simply better.

Search Amazon.com for mountain bikes men

source : bikeradar.com

Posted on 7:47 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Cube AMS Pro - RX Suspension Bike 2010

Description
The established four-pivot system - Our perennial favourite - here agility, sporting seat position and low weight are combined with firm sports suspension travel. Size Tuned Kinematics 4-pivot with balanced sports geometry and classic appearance for performance-motivated riders in marathons and races and also suitable for touring. 100mm of fully active suspension travel available.

Size Tuned Kinematics: Size Tuned Kinematic it is another first from CUBE development an applied technology for 4 link bikes, which has proven itself in the market for Race, Touring and All Mountain. Multiple bike tests have been won with bikes with Size Tuned Kinematic technology. Our Size Tuned Kinematic ensure that reach and every bike, regardless of size has the same suspension characteristics. Whether a 16, 18, 20 or a 22 inch, the kinematic properties of the suspension will be the same, as will suspension travel. Size Tuned Kinematic uses a 3D Active Link lever, which ensures that forces are directly led to the damper, without compromising kinetics. Also, this system combines suspension movement with damper control. The Size Tuned Kinematic system can be found on all AMS bikes.

3D Active Link: Joining our AMS/Size Tuned Kinematic Size Tuned Kinematic rear train with the shock, we have developed our CUBE-specific 3D Active rocker. Next to its special three dimensional design this cold forged rocker has a very high specific density which gives it an extreme torsional stiffness.

Fox Custom Setup: Only a shock that really matches the frame will perform perfectly from a dynamic viewpoint. In close co-operation with Fox Racing we have developed a specific shock for the bike

FSP 4 Link: All our suspension models are ‘true’ four pivot models. One of the four pivots is situated between the rear stays and the seat tube. The pivots are placed in such positions that the rear train will follow the irregularities of the track in a natural way. The position of the pivots prevents a hardening of the suspension during braking. The power transmission to the rear wheel is optimal and without discernible pedal back lash.

FSS – Frame Save System: To protect our high-end aluminium frames these are built with the Cube Frame Save System replaceable derailleur hanger. The tread is in the hanger itself and not in the frame, as usual. In case of a crash this hanger can be easily and quickly replaced with a new one.

HPA – High Performance Aluminium: For high end we use High Performance
Aluminium in 7005 alloy which has a very low density combined with high strength due to the special alloy and the heat hardening treatment. By triple butting or like in the STEREO and FRITZZ models even quadruple butted tubing (meaning different wall thicknesses in one tube) aluminium tubes are reinforced where it is due and lightened where possible. In this way we succeed in getting the material where it is needed to cope with the forces.

Hydroforming System: A plain tube is placed in a mould with the form the tube will get. The tube is filled with a mixture of liquids, often an oil mixture, which is put under high pressure. It presses the material into the negative form of the mould and gives it is shape. Conform our mission, the manufacture of the part concentrates in the first place on technical and stability issues related to the forces and stresses the part will be subject to, and lower weight. But hydroforming certainly has also some design aspects. Hydroforming enables us to make optimally light, strong shapes and internal partitions for our frames.
source : h*tp://www.chainreactioncycles.com


Reviews
Having been riding a hardtail for the last year around the trails of Margam and Afan doing quite a lot of miles I decided I needed something with a bit more comfort as the trails are not as smooth as they used to be (they regrade with big stone rather than small after rallys) which throws you about a bit. I decided to go for a full suspension cross country mountain bike. It was a Hard desicion to make. I wasnt sure if it would slow me down etc but having done a bit of homework it was in my head for a change and this bike was in my head and along came CRC big bike sale which totally made my mind up. The bike arrived in superfast time as always with CRC service.
The bike set up was fine but did have to tweak a few things. I bought the 20" (Im 5ft11" and weigh just over 13 stone), I found that the handle bar stem was long and the handle bars a bit wide but soon sorted that with the shorter stem off my hard tail and an easton Ea30 handlebar did the job I also pumped the shocks up a bit as they seemed a bit soft. Everything else was fine the components you get with this model are excellent and good value for money. I took her out on her maiden voyage and it didn't dissapoint, it was superb. It was just as fast as my hardtail but with 100% more comfort due to the rear shock which you can set to what terrain you a riding due to its pro pedal settings which is superb. The slx/xt gear combo is smooth as silk, the formula rx brakes are amazing and will stop you dead in your tracks,The whole ride is a joy! The bike just flies around the mountain with ease. Its great no more aching back muscles. 
Conclusion Fast lightweight allround comfortable all suspension mountain bike will never go back to a hardtail as this bike is just as light. The racing red is very bright but thats how I like it. (Does come in black too which is also nice). Now that my palpatations have stopped after spending neally 1600 quid on a bike, which is a lot for me, I can now enjoy and justify it SUPERB! 5 stars form me.
source : h*tp://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Reviews.aspx?ModelID=44311

Posted on 8:15 AM / 0 comments / Read More