Muddymoles

Orange launch 2009 lineup

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during November 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Just a note in passing to say that Orange Bikes have just launched their 2009 range of bikes. Disappointingly perhaps there's no mention of an Orange belt drive singlespeed but what does feature is a lot more ruggedness.

Continue reading 'Orange launch 2009 lineup'.

Cycle Show 2008 trend alert

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during October 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Earlier this week I promised you more from the Cycle Show. In fact I've barely got started but thought it worth commenting on a trend which became very apparent over the course of the show.

Continue reading 'Cycle Show 2008 trend alert'.

Cycle Show 2008 at Earls Court

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during October 08.

So far there's 5 comment(s) on this post.

This weekend was one of ups and downs. Definitely on the upside was our annual trek to Earls Court for the Cycle Show 2008, of which more later. Balancing that in a manner which shows that what is given with one hand is swiftly taken back by the other I arrived home parched from a long day admiring bicycles and promptly slaked my thirst with a bottle or more of wine over dinner with friends.

Big mistake. That was my Saturday written off and the chance to get out on one of the best Sundays of the year for some actual mountain bike riding. There's a lesson there, called 'moderation' that I'm stubbornly refusing to learn.

Continue reading 'Cycle Show 2008 at Earls Court'.

Interbike 2008 trends

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during October 08.

So far there's 4 comment(s) on this post.

So Interbike has closed its doors for another year. Plenty of fresh new bike lust objects were on display as usual but what trends have been making themselves apparant in the industry?

Continue reading 'Interbike 2008 trends'.

Interbike 2008

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during September 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Having just 'got over' Eurobike 2008 it's soon time for Interbike 2008 to takes it's turn in the spotlight — well the Nevada sun actually. There's an Outdoor Demo on 22-23 September in Boulder City, followed by the Vegas bash over 24-26 September.

Continue reading 'Interbike 2008'.

2008 Eurobike round up - what's it mean for Surrey riders?

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during September 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Eurobike is dead, long live Interbike!

So the season of shows is in full swing and I promised to bring you some of the highlights of the Eurobike show in Friedrichshafen in Germany.

Now, there's coverage aplenty out in the cloud so I thought I'd just pick on a few products that have caught my eye. I mean, there's only so many high end titanium dream bikes you can drool over isn't there?

Continue reading '2008 Eurobike round up - what's it mean for Surrey riders?'.

Marin launch 2009 range

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during September 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

At some point just about everyone I know has owned a Marin, in fact at one point we all seemed to be riding Marins too (now of course it's Orange Fives!). Never call a mole herd-like, no sir!

Continue reading 'Marin launch 2009 range'.

Bike Shows

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during September 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Eurobike opens today, 4 Spetember for the next three days in Friedrichshafen, Germany. It's the key bike show for Europe and falls slap bang with the release of most manufacturers 2009 model launches so it'll be interesting to see what pops up on the interwebs. I'll keep you posted if I see anything…

Continue reading 'Bike Shows'.

War! What is it good for...

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during August 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

I'll choose my words carefully since the world seems to be holding its breath over the US/Russia hissy fit in Georgia. Yes I know that's glib, that people really are suffering and prospects of Russia turning off the energy tap have Europe at a disadvantage. But.

Continue reading 'War! What is it good for...'.

Exposure Lights MaXx-D 4 LED - it's the daddy

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during August 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

The march of LED lights moves ever forward. I think it's generally the case now that high power LEDs have won the lighting arms race for Mountain Bike applications, not excepting Dave's unique light solutions.

Continue reading 'Exposure Lights MaXx-D 4 LED - it's the daddy'.

Truvativ Hammerschmidt transmission uses planetary gears

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during August 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Months back I flagged up that Truvativ were working on what they called an 'innovative shifting technology'. Now, after much speculation they have finally announced details of the new Hammerschmidt front transmission which replaces the traditional triple chainrings with one that uses planetary gears to alter the drive ratio.

Continue reading 'Truvativ Hammerschmidt transmission uses planetary gears'.

Gary Fisher Roscoe 2009

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

First off, a hat tip to Singletrack magazine who have just released news of the 2009 Roscoe MTB from Gary Fisher and who I've culled this pic from (there's more detailed pictures over on Singletrack).

Continue reading 'Gary Fisher Roscoe 2009'.

Oregon Scientific ATC3K and ATC5K

Originally posted by Dave.

Filed under 'News' during July 08.

So far there's 1 comment(s) on this post.

Anyone who has looked at our films on Vimeo will have seen what the rather neat Oregon Scientific ATC2K helmet cam can do. Well they've just upped the stakes.

Continue reading 'Oregon Scientific ATC3K and ATC5K'.

Plastic fantastic for bikes?

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

People have been trying to reduce the cost of bike production for years. Despite what many people think, it's still the case that most bike frames are individually laid up and welded, even if the main assemblies are more mass produced.

But imagine if you can come up with a way that drastically lowers the cost of producing a viable bike and gives you the chance to make it out of something that's going to get chucked in the landfill anyway?

Continue reading 'Plastic fantastic for bikes?'.

Marzocchi sold

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

I nearly missed this last week, the news that Marzocchi have sold out to Tenneco, the US based owner of Monroe shock absorbers.

Continue reading 'Marzocchi sold'.

2009 Avid Elixir CR

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

More product news for 2009, this time from Avid who have been busy plugging the gap in their range between the svelte Juicy and the rugged Code. They've come up with something that I happen to think is a very strong contender for the all round, All Mountain performance brake title. Call it AMPerf™ in marketing speak.

Continue reading '2009 Avid Elixir CR'.

Up and Downhill Holidays

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 08.

So far there's 3 comment(s) on this post.

As you all know, we're not a commercial organisation. In fact, we're not an organisation at all, just a group of mountain bikers who like riding the Surrey Hills. We come from all sorts of backgrounds and have little in common except our love of biking.

Continue reading 'Up and Downhill Holidays'.

2009 Fat Cyclist jerseys

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Back in December I posted the article Think Pink, which ultimately encouraged readers to support the Fat Cyclist by buying a 2008 Fat Cyclist jersey. Not only do they look mighty fine but the funds generated are put to very good use.

Continue reading '2009 Fat Cyclist jerseys'.

2009 Mavic clothing

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

It's that time of year when us bicycle peeps allow ourselves to get worked up into a state of frenzy by the prospect of some new kit available sometime in late autumn or early next year. The Tour de France is nothing if not a useful opportunity to waft the smell of consumerism under our noses after all, even if the goods remain tantalisingly out of reach for much of the next year.

Continue reading '2009 Mavic clothing'.

Two bikes to watch for 2009

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 08.

So far there's 1 comment(s) on this post.

Up until last year I had been a bit sceptical of the whole long travel, All Mountain phenomenom. At the time, riding a 2003 Marin Rift Zone I couldn't really see how you could build a bike that could cope with the extra travel (the Rift Zone was literally my flexible friend) without incurring a significant weight penalty.

Continue reading 'Two bikes to watch for 2009'.

Take the Kids Too

Originally posted by Colin.

Filed under 'News' during May 08.

So far there's 2 comment(s) on this post.

Having just got a Trek tag along bike for the kids (which is a complete success) from Head for the Hills in Dorking, riding with the kids is a hot topic for me at the moment as I try to get them into cycling.

Continue reading 'Take the Kids Too'.

Ooh SRAM, you tease!

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during March 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

In a world that's constantly evolving it seems nothing can afford to stand still. So it is with SRAM who have recently announced two separate 'teasers' of their upcoming plans over the next few months.

Continue reading 'Ooh SRAM, you tease!'.

Shimano SLX - moving the goal posts

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during February 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Shimano have announced changes to their overlooked LX groupset, introducing the SLX as a beefed up replacement and suggesting the LX will transform into more of a town/hybrid groupset.

Continue reading 'Shimano SLX - moving the goal posts'.

Sheldon Brown

Originally posted by Dave.

Filed under 'News' during February 08.

So far there's 1 comment(s) on this post.

I guess for some of you won't know who Sheldon Brown is but for many his web site contained an encyclopaedic wealth of knowledge for all things pedal power related.

Continue reading 'Sheldon Brown'.

LH Thomson

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during January 08.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

As with many of the respected brands in the world of bike building, the LH Thomson company, manufacturer of simply the best seatposts and stems available bears the name of the man who founded the company.

Continue reading 'LH Thomson'.

Thunder Horn

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during December 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

So, as an interested party in the 'bike versus all other road users' battle, what steps can you take to protect yourself out there?

There's a few obvious ones, such as better road awareness, high viz clothing and so on. And then there's the not so obvious ones too. But what you really want is something to let people know you're there the instant you sense their concentration wandering.

Something versatile enough to work not only in the urban landscape but also to settle once and for all the common complaint of the country rambler about the lack of a bell on your bike, as you surprise them on a blind singletrack corner at 20mph.

Continue reading 'Thunder Horn'.

Bicygnals Wirefree Bicycle Indicators

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during December 07.

So far there's 1 comment(s) on this post.

Now I don't know about you but have you ever thought to yourself how useful it would be to have indicator lights on your bike to let traffic know of your directional intentions?

No?

Neither have I, which may suggest a certain lack of imagination on my part. Thankfully I've found the perfect product for people who have more than enough creative capability to understand how flashing repeater lights front and rear on their push bike can help in their daily battle with the forces of good and evil. As an added benefit, the company that makes them (amusingly called Bicygnals) claims they will also aid cool and confidant cycling.

Continue reading 'Bicygnals Wirefree Bicycle Indicators'.

SweetskinZ reflective tyres

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during October 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Over on BikeRadar they have a short piece about the SweetskinZ bike tyres. If you can get past the stupid company name these actually look pretty interesting, especially for commuting. By day, an 'extrovert' coloured tyre, by night a traffic hypnotising kaleidoscope.

Continue reading 'SweetskinZ reflective tyres'.

Crank Brothers wheels

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during September 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Interbike is currently in full swing in Vegas. I won't pretend to have any authority on what's appearing there, after all I'm 3,000 miles away on the other side of the Atlantic, worse luck. But from what I can see, the industry seems to be going from strength to strength judging by the plethora of quality products coming onto the market in the near future.

Continue reading 'Crank Brothers wheels'.

2008 Specialized Pitch

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during August 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

It seems like that time of year. No sooner have I published a list of 2008 Mountain Bike models comes news of more products on the horizon.

Continue reading '2008 Specialized Pitch'.

2008 Mountain Bike product launches

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during August 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Over the past few months the major manufacturers have been launching their 2008 model year Mountain Bikes to an eager public, something we've tried to document as we went along.

With 2008 looking to be a great year for Mountain Bike design we thought you might appreciate a roundup of all our various articles - as more are announced we'll add to this list.

Continue reading '2008 Mountain Bike product launches'.

The London Cycle Show 2007

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during August 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Last year we tramped all the way over to London Excel, the convention centre in London's Docklands for the 2006 London Cycle Show. It took an improbable amount of time to get there and felt as if we had been transported into a post apocalyptic future, as everything does when it's in the Docklands. It certainly didn't feel like London that's for sure (apologies to any DL residents).

Continue reading 'The London Cycle Show 2007'.

Copenhagen Girls on Bikes

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during August 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

I've just come across a great blog that combines girls and bikes, always a winning combination in my book. It shows lots of (work friendly) photos of women commuting by bike in Copenhagen.

Continue reading 'Copenhagen Girls on Bikes'.

MaXximum light

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during August 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

The subject of lighting is getting more and more important as we head toward longer evenings, and I've already mentioned recently our own efforts at trying to find the ideal set-up.

Continue reading 'MaXximum light'.

Don't lose the bottle cage just yet

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

There's not a huge amount of crossover from Road Bikes to Mountain Bikes. Sure, we all use cranks, pedals, derailleurs and the like and they all work in roughly the same manner so that a Mountain Biker can get on a Road bike and achieve forward momentum without spango-ing (my word) all over the road.

Continue reading 'Don't lose the bottle cage just yet'.

Stop your bike being stolen

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

As Mountain Bikers that regularly thrash our bikes up hill and down dale it's easy to forget the investment we've got tied up in our machinery. Especially if the bike is a couple of years old and has had a few upgrades along the way we don't always appreciate what it would cost us to replace our favourite rides.

Continue reading 'Stop your bike being stolen'.

2007 Tour de France - Live

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

OK, I'll admit we're not about road riding.

But, in keeping with my promise last week to unearth interesting links to this year's Tour de France I've come across this amazing mashup of Google Maps with the GPS output from the top riders on le Tour.

So during the course of a stage you can track your favourites online, including their speed, heart rate, cadence and power output. Now that's impressive. Use the zoom on the left to view in more detail or zoom out to get an overview of the whole stage route.

Continue reading '2007 Tour de France - Live'.

2008 suspension designs

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

We live, it seems, in interesting times as far as suspension design is concerned. Not so long ago it seemed a straight choice between a simple single pivot design, a Horst link 4-bar or some form of VPP affair.

But things move on and next year's bikes look to be some of the most innovative for some time. Pictures of the 2008 Specialized Stumpjumper have surfaced on Singletrack magazine, showing sweeping carbon lines and plenty of clever touches.

Admittedly still a derivation of the Horst link that Specialized have championed successfully for years, this time the shock is activated by a fine looking rocker linkage. As you can see in the picture, Specialized have also moved further with integrating the frame to their own suspension technology, with a front fork that is specific to their unique headtube - 1.5" at the lower cups and 1 1/8^th" at the top.

Continue reading '2008 suspension designs'.

Cycraguard mudguards

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

For years, mention of troublesome mud in MTB circles has been met with the stock answer, to get some Crud Catchers. The name has become synonymous with mudguards in the same way that Hoovers are to vacuums.

Now Madison have decided the time has come to grab a piece of the (mud) pie for themselves by introducing the Cycraguard, 'the world's most technically advanced mudguards' in conjunction with Cycra Racing. To support such bold claims come all sorts of technical information that is lost on me but that just goes to show my ignorance of the intricacies of mud management (although I've seen a bit in my time).

Continue reading 'Cycraguard mudguards'.

2007 Tour de France has arrived

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

It would be churlish, despite our off-road proclivities, to ignore the start of the main event in the cycling world, the Tour de France. Cycling is a broad church and the fact that it starts in the UK, from London with the Prologue on Saturday (7^th July) and then the first stage through to Canterbury this Sunday (8^th July) makes it all the more pertinent.

Now, I'll freely admit to an astonishing level of ignorance when it comes to road racing and the Tour de France in particular. Really, I don't know a thing beyond a handful of the winners names over the years. Occasionally I feel the dark side calling and wonder what riding a road bike would be like but other than that, nothing.

Continue reading '2007 Tour de France has arrived'.

Fox Shox 2008 product launch

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Fox Shox, the suspension manufacturer of choice for so many riders, have released details of their 2008 range.

This year they've updated the air-sprung F-series cross country fork with a new design, now available in three different travel options (80mm, 100mm and 120mm). The Bikemagic website says they are actually three different forks rather than three versions of the same fork, which should mean that each one is optimised for it's intended application and travel.

Also new is the quick release bolt through mechanism for the 2008 Fox 36 range, which looks great and should help stiffen things up considerably. Still doesn't seem quite as quick release as the Rock Shox system though but we'll have to wait and see.

All forks are now post mount, suggesting the old 'International Standard' is now anything but, with Manitou, Rock Shox, Marzocchi and now Fox all switching over. Post mount has always made more sense to us anyway.

Low speed compression damping has been added to all models above the Float and Vanilla R models but perhaps the most important change has been the decision to match fork crown colour to the lowers.

Did I hear someone say bike tart?

More information on the Fox Shox 2008 range:

• Fox Shox 2008 suspension details on Bikemagic
• Fox Shox 2008 Preview on Bikemag

Kona 2008 and Magic Link

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during July 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Suspension systems come and go. Over the years we've tried just a handful of what's available, for example the Marin/Whyte Quad system, the Intense 5.5 VPP and various single pivot systems including most recently the Orange Five.

All claim various properties, I seem to remember one of them offers impressive levitational powers while another the ability to walk on water and solve world peace. Before breakfast. Regretably, none are able to provide reliable success with the opposite sex although we live in hope.

Continue reading 'Kona 2008 and Magic Link'.

Cotic Hemlock is go

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during June 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

I confess to a state of ignorance when it comes to Cotics, never having tried one of their popular (relatively) 853 hardtails, although I've seen a few out on the local Surrey trails.

I've always had a bit of a hankering for one even though they might prove just a bit too burly for my kind of riding and of course, running an On-One means the space for an entertaining hardtail in my stable (correction: my over-filled garage) is limited.

Now Cotic have launched their first full suspension model, the Cotic Hemlock just after I've committed to a new Orange Five, so it's unlikely I'll be able to write a review on one any time soon.

Continue reading 'Cotic Hemlock is go'.

Man accused of sex with a bike

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during June 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

We've all been there. And let him who is without sin cast the first stone...

But somehow, when accusations of having sex with the local bike go round they're normally meant in a euphemistic sense. However, in Scotland they call things what they are and it appears that sex with a bike means just that.

Continue reading 'Man accused of sex with a bike'.

The Bike Forklift

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during June 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Now, we all know that bikes come in all shapes and sizes but here's one that trumps all aces.

From the Pinch Flat News. I have no more idea of Japanese than they do but I can recognise a fine idea when I see one. Great way to keep your workforce fit, save money and give the folks at Jackass something else to try.

Thumbs up to the Soceadth Company in Japan for starting yet another niche... I just hope the guys at Chain Reaction don't start to use one in their warehouse - it might affect the overnight delivery times.

World Naked Bike Ride Day - a follow up

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during June 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Well, not exactly but I've just found this posting on the perils of protesting using bicycles.

Made me laugh anyway and reminded me (if any were needed) that baggies really are the way forward.

(Bit of background - Michael Moore of Fahrenheit 9/11 'fame' has a new film out called Sicko about people's experiences using the US Health System. This is one person's response.)

Bluetooth Bike Computers

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during June 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Here's something which perhaps we in the Mountain Biking world should have seen coming, a Bluetooth sensor that allows motion data to be captured and wirelessly sent to your mobile phone where it can be stored, analysed and downloaded at will.

Sound of Motion have announced just such a thing going on sale in the US so it can only be a matter of time before the technology reaches the Surrey Hills.

It offers the opportunity of measuring torque and cadence too apparantly, according to the device's inventor, Vladimir Savchenko of Bass Object Technologies. With your phone clamped to your handlebars you've got yourself a nice versatile little bike computer (I guess).

Continue reading 'Bluetooth Bike Computers'.

2008 DT Swiss / Pace forks

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during June 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Late last year DT Swiss bought Pace in a surprise move. A surprise that is to the many patriotic English Mountain Bikers of this world, although taking a step back this sort of thing is now the way of the world. And there are many reasons why this could be a positive purchase for both sides.

Pace have always been known for developing some great products but probably have a similarly high reputation for quality problems as well (if a little unfairly, I can't say having not owned any Pace products so far). But with DT Swiss onboard there's a good chance that quality can improve, assuming the basic product design is right in the first place.

Continue reading '2008 DT Swiss / Pace forks'.

Revising the Highway Code

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during June 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Plans have been underway to revise the Highway Code for some time now and it appears that the CTC have been able to coordinate an amendment that prevents cyclists having to use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings.

The proposed wording now says that use is not 'compulsory' but may 'make your journey safer' and that you should use 'cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so'.

It's still a bit ambiguous to me though. I mean, as George Riches infers in his example of an accident claim, how would you necessarily prove it was unsafe at the time?

I'd prefer something that said:

cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings are provided with little thought to their real world application and in many instances are downright dangerous. Use at your own risk.

But that's not going to happen is it?

(My thanks to the Sussex Muddy@rse MTB Club for highlighting this issue).

Cannondale issue Safety Recall

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during May 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Now, I don't actually know anyone who rides a Cannondale. Really I don't, in fact I actually know more Klien owners than Cannondale owners and the number I see out on the trails is pretty low as well, except occassionally round Holmbury Hill and outside Peaslake Stores.

Must be a shortage of dealers locally I guess. That aside though, I just thought I'd flag an article posted on Bike Biz about Cannondale issueing a Safety Recall on their Lefty Speed Carbon SL and Lefty Speed DLR 2 forks (or is that fork? or tine?). Seems like some unfortunate assemblers in the factory are getting the blame for a problem which allows the forks to reduce themselves to core components at inopportune moments.

I distrust the look of the Lefty anyway although Cannondale are at pains to emphasise its an assembly issue and not a design one. But just in case anyone reading this is running one of the above forks, best to get them checked. Hopefully the folks at your Local Bike Shop (LBS) are more competent assemblers than the ones Cannondale employ in their factories.

You can read more about the Cannondale Lefty Safety Recall Notice on Bike Biz.

Madison says goodbye to Manitou

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during April 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Creating not so much a passing interest as a shrug of indifference from most of the English speaking free world (unless you are a Mountain Biker), Bike Biz are reporting that Shimano's UK distributors Madison have decided to end their distribution agreement with for Manitou forks, saying that although they believe Manitou will 'regain the market position that it has previously enjoyed', for now the 'original vision for the partnership has now changed'.

Weasely words. I'm guessing the current aims for moving the Manitou brand upmarket (and hence selling fewer units) is the reason behind this move. Or put simply, Manitou have arguably not been competing with the Rock Shox, Marzocchi and Fox's of this world for a while now which would not be to Madison's liking.

So, bye bye Manitou, relegated to the subs bench by Madison.

Speculation of course, and plenty of opportunity to disagree with me. I wonder if Madison have plans to announce an arrangement with one of the other big brands to fill the hole in their portfolio, or indeed who will distribute Manitou now?

2008 SRAM Product Launch

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during April 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

SRAM have recently launched their 2008 product range to the press at Sea Otter although news on revisions to the Rock Shox range seemingly will have to wait to later.

Looks like a classic case of evolution over revolution after a couple of years where SRAM have really pushed forward on their product ranges, but worthwhile changes nonetheless.

I've added a couple of links to sites with more detail for those who want to plan what they'll be using on the Surrey Hills trails next year. The concept of an SRAM-only Mountain Bike (or put better, a non-Shimano Mountain Bike) still appeals to me I have to confess, although with my new Orange Five I'll be taking a big step towards it. But those Truvativ Noir cranks look very tempting.

• 2008 SRAM Product Launch report on Pinkbike
• 2008 SRAM Product Launch on Singletrack

World Naked Bike Ride Day

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during March 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

Following on from my recent post about cyclists being a bit, well, weird my attention was caught this morning by mention on the radio about World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) Day.

Apart from the opportunity to link to a site that shows pictures of naked people on bikes, the organisers have a serious point to make. They argue:

We face automobile traffic with our naked bodies as the best way of defending our dignity and exposing the unique dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians as well as the negative consequences we all face due to dependence on oil, and other forms of non-renewable energy.

Fair play to them if they feel strongly about it I say.

I can't help but agree, although I'll spare the world the horror of a naked Muddymole on a bike!

Cycleworks Demo Day 2007

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during March 07.

So far there's 0 comment(s) on this post.

OK, so it's a bit later than I intended to post this but just to say that Cycleworks are having their annual Demo Day this Sunday, 11 March at Holmbury Hill.

They plan to have bikes from Whyte, Marin, Specialized, Orange and Intense available for people to try, so it should be a great opportunity to ride different bikes over the same route.

I'm planning to attend and try out an Intense 5.5, Marin Mount Vision and Orange Five. I would ride more but my legs will probably turn to rhubarb. As with last year, we'll provide a full report on how we get on next week.

Find out more from the Cycleworks website.

Marin 2007 and Jon Whyte

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during September 06.

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So Marin have finally released information about their 2007 bikes (well, to date the US site has been updated anyway) and what a great line up it is too.

Continue reading 'Marin 2007 and Jon Whyte'.

The Bike Plow

Originally posted by Matt.

Filed under 'News' during February 06.

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If you thought cycling in the middle of winter in this country is hard, look at the lengths some people go to over in Chicago...

Continue reading 'The Bike Plow'.