Bikerumor doesn’t generally cover BMX, but this frame couldn’t be passed up.  The CAD images look way too intriguing.  Phoenix Pro Cycles just released the Talon frame, constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum.  They claim that this frame is carefully designed for flex in the right places.  Phoenix Pro Cycles was founded from Phoenix Pro Scooters, a company specializing in top of the line aluminum trick-scooters.

The frames will come in seven ‘Class’ sizes and six ‘Cruiser’ sizes.   Among the differences between ‘Class’ and ‘Cruiser’, one difference is that the class frame is designed with relatively straight tubes to take more impact from larger jumps.  Cruiser frames, on the other hand, generally have a more stylish curvature than a Class frame.  The color selection of the Talon consists of anodized black, blue, red, and green or a powder coat white.  The frames, depending on size, will have a weight range of 2.5lb-3.75lb.

More images after the break…

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Fyxation just released a new pedal, the Mesa MP.  This is Fyxation’s first metal pin flat pedal and it looks super grippy.  Ideal for Mountain Bikes, BMX, winter riding, and urban commuting, it’s designed to take a beating.  It features a wide platform, thin 15.5mm profile, and impact grade nylon material.  Fyxation claims that when this nylon pedal takes a hard hit, it merely absorbs and flexes around the object, as opposed to alloy pedals that don’t flex as much upon impact.

Derived from the Mesa, which has proven itself highly since it’s release, we look forward to seeing the Mesa MP in action.  The weight of these are 351g/pair, lighter than their alloy counterpart.  The nested steel pins throughout the pedal are replaceable with an Allen key in case of breakage.   The Mesa MPs have sealed bearings, but Fyxation states that these bearings are easily serviceable. Unfortunately, the Mesa MP is not compatible with the Gates strap by Fyxation, so no foot retention there.  But, if you value foot retention, the original Mesa is compatible.

They run $59.99 per set.  Click here to check out the Mesa MP pedals at Fyxation’s website.

Fox Head released their new for 2012 mountain and bmx specific catalog today. Included are new helmets, jerseys, bibs, and some awesome pictures. Click past the break to view more.

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On February 10-12, Vail resort will be host to the 2012 Teva Winter Mountain games, and for the first time in North America, a winter slopestyle event. No doubt drawing inspiration from the likes of the Leogang White Style event, the Teva Best Trick competition will feature a huge snow booter, with riders competing for the big $10,000 cash purse. The list of riders is after the brake, but interestingly it includes Chad Kagy, who if you don’t know is a BMX ripper coming off a broken femur from the last X-games. In addition to the Best Trick competition there will also be the Teva Dual Slalom DH and an on snow Bike Crit.

Check out the list of riders and full PR after the break.
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Our guy Ian from Parish Media recently sent over a cool video that he directed for Specialized, promoting their Dissident helmet:

Specifically designed for riders who push the limits of downhill speed and big air, the Dissident is the lightest, most-ventilated and technically advanced full-face, carbon fiber mountain bike helmet available.

 Thanks, Ian!

• Okole Stuff chamois ointment is now available in three sizes: 6oz., 2oz., and a convenient “four application” tin.
• We don’t cover a whole lot of racing news, but it seems like kind of a big deal that the Athertons have signed on with GT Bicycles. It’ll be particularly interesting to see what sort of product developments come from their feedback and whether they stick with the I-Drive design or come up with something new.
• If stupidity entertains you, check out this massive FAIL.
• Foundry Cycles has announced an essay competition to find 5 “Tradesmen” to win one of their bikes and represent their brand. Winners will be announced at the end of April and will be flown to Foundry HQ in Bloomington, MN, to receive a free Foundry bike of their choice. Click here for more information.
• This year, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour is instituting a lottery system for their 40 mile traffic-free bike ride through the 5 boroughs of New York. The lottery is open Jan17- Feb. 7th and costs a non-refundable fee of $6 to participate. Click here to register and for more info.
• DeFeet is honoring the Honey Badger with their new high-top Aireator sock design… “Honey Badger don’t care, it takes what it wants.”
• Last year, Yuba utility bicycles and LevelGround, an outfit that supports fair trade practices with small producers in third world countries, partnered together to donate 6 cargo bikes to a coffee collective in Tanzania. Throughout the year, Yuba’s customers were encouraged to donate money for the bikes and Yuba matched their money dollar for dollar. They are continuing the program this year with donations and bikes going to a different farm collective.
• Tomorrow (Saturday, Jan 14) is the last day to guarantee you’ll get the sweet TwinSix x Krautstache t-shirt when preregistering for the Southern Cross epic cyclocross race in GA. You can still register after that, there’s just no guarantee you’ll get the tee. But, we’ll be there doing a Schwag Toss with lots of goodies, so you may still get something just for showing up.
• Castelli is giving away one of the new Garmin-Barracuda team kits via their Facebook page. All you have to do is come up with the winning caption for whatever photo they post.

Finally back on the bike after a head injury kept him off for 5 months, Drew Bezanson seems to be back and better than ever. This clip is filled with bangers, but just wait until the end. Unreal.

The video was filmed and edited by Justen Soule with music by Pretty Lights – If I Could Feel Feel Again.

Fyxation has just released their new Gates Pedal Straps. Unlike most everything from them, they’re only available in black or white, but you can match them up with any color pedal you like. The combo is $59.95, or you can get just the strap for $43.95, making the combo deal a pretty compelling offer. Check the white strap after the break…

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The humble bicycle being one of the most efficient machines on earth, perhaps it’s only fitting that the velodrome built for the 2012 London Olympics is the most environmentally sustainable building the village. The ‘drome will house all the usual track events plus BMX. The video above has commentary from one of the structural engineers and the project’s environmental engineer.

Click through to see a virtual reality walk through of the concept by Hopkins Architects from 2007…

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Built into an abandoned department store directly on a main road complete with colorful signage, Ray’s MTB Milwaukee is a bit of a departure from the isolated industrial park of its Cleveland based sibling. Compared with the WWII era complex that is exemplified in the Ray’s MTB logo, the MKE location seems almost new.

Hoping to get the 411 on what’s new for MKE’s first full season, I met with Ray’s PR man Eric Schutt for a tour. Due to building permit issues among other set backs, Ray’s MKE opened late and was only open for about half the season. Fortunately, it’s clear that the 2011-12 season for MKE will be a good one with an improved layout and more options than ever for the novice to beginning cyclists!

Full tour after the break!

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FROM THE PRESS RELEASE: Named in honor of the small Scottish island where Danny grew up, the Skye complete bike and frame kit have been developed to meet the specific demands of a new generation of progressive street and trials riders. The geometry of the Skye bike has been refined by continual testing and feedback from Danny as well as using the knowledge and experience gained from producing the World’s leading street bikes. As a result the Skye offers a lively and responsive ride, which is perfect for the advanced tricks and creative lines that riders are pushing to get dialed.

Tested by Danny over a period of more than 18 intense months, the lengths to which this frame and fork have been used (and abused) is clearly illustrated in the impressive selection of videos that it has appeared in throughout the past couple of years (here, here and here). After successfully coping with the relentless punishment of our Scottish test machine, the final specification and feature detailing have resulted in one of, if not the toughest street framesets available. The design ensures that every element of the frame is more than capable of dealing with the repeated, high impact stresses of modern street riding.

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• Photo above: Volunteers help Leave No Trace restore trails inside Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colo., as part of CLIF BAR’sMeet the Moment Day of Action.
• Both of Ray’s Indoor MTB Parks have opened and have new features for you to check out, including a new Novice Room open for riders who are still tuning up their skills. Their Annual Grand Opening Celebrity BBQ’s will be held Saturday, October 15th at the Ray’s in Milwaukee, and Saturday, October 22nd at the Ray’s in Cleveland. Professional riders be on hand to ride the trails with you, and then serve you a free (with paid admission) BBQ-style lunch.
• Registration for the 6-Hours of Warrior Creek Mountain Bike Race, happening on April 7th, 2012 in Wilkesboro, NC, begins October 31st, 12am EST. Set your alarm clocks, because this race fills up FAST – 350 spots filled up in 36 hours for last years race, and this year there will only be 300 spots available. A coupon code for 20% off the first 100 entries will be released “sometime before October 31st” and they’re being mysterious about where that coupon code will show up: “We may tweet it, post it on FB or let some of our bloggerfriends and website admin type people put it out there for the world.”

More Friday Roundup after the break:

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