OK, actually, you won’t see it ALL here, yet. We’ve still got a number of posts to do, but we think we have the biggest collection of bicycle, component, clothing and gear coverage anywhere. See that big Interbike button up on the top right of our site? Click on it (or just click here) and you’ll get the full list. We’re adding more and will update the list again when we’re done, but there’s plenty to see!
You’re not supposed to see these bad boys until Monday. Technically, neither were we. But we got an anonymous tip that the new 29er Kodiak 2.5 tires were in the wild and just couldn’t contain ourselves.
In a year-plus collaboration with WTB, Niner Bikes co-developed this special 2.5 width model of the Kodiak 29″ tire, and it’ll be available exclusively through Niner retail dealers and on Niner’s website. Billed as “the first downhill-worthy 29er tire“, it’s part of Niner’s desire to offer the longest travel, burliest 29er mountain bike they can, and it plays perfectly into the rumors that they’re developing a true DH bike.
“WTBʼs help with the project has been invaluable. (They) know that there are a ton of riders out there that want a 29er with freeride and downhill capability and their willingness to step up and be the first to make a wire bead, dual-ply 29er tire shows that their passion for the big revolution is genuine,” said Niner co-founder Chris Sugai.
Specs, pricing and more photos after the break…
Despite economic downturn, mountain bikers have helped IMBA notch great successes all over the country. But threats fueled by anti-bike philosophies loom large over 2010.
IMBA’s role is to ensure you can enjoy outstanding trails. IMBA needs your donation today.
Without IMBA-led action, an evolving U.S. Forest policy could force the closure of hundreds of miles of trails, including key sections of the Continental Divide Trail (editor: read about that threat on this post). And worse, such policy could be adopted in other areas, limiting the places you can ride.
IMBA has a Regional Director working near you. Click on the map to learn about what IMBA’s doing in your area.
Donors giving $35 or more receive a full-color IMBA calendar, and every donor will receive 20% off any item at the IMBA store. As a mountain biker, you can’t leave it to someone else. Please make your tax-deductible end-of year contribution to IMBA now.
Thanks for your support and here’s to great riding in 2010!
THE Industries has released 10 new designs for their “One” helmet. Depending on the graphic you want, they’re available in either carbon fiber and composite models, they feature 15 air vents and 4 venting channels with a new Dry Cool removable liner. Each helmet comes with two visors, has a dual EPS liner and exceeds CPSC and CE standards.
Shown above is the new “Leather and Lace” design (Composite) and we’ve posted several more of the new ones after the break, along with some of the cooler original graphics, too.
As of this Summer, all of Manitou’s single-crown forks come with their new Absolute+ compression damping and platform system, which separates high- and low-speed compression damping. Above is a cutaway showing the different internal systems in their air forks.
On the left is the damping pistons. The top part is the Ab+ compression damping, and the middle section houses the rebound damper. On the right are the springs. The top section is the air spring, and that white piece is to set the travel. It tops out when the fork’s out of travel. We asked if it could be trimmed down to increase travel slightly and were told something to the effect of “hmmm…that’s a good question.” Roughly translated, that means “probably, but you will a) void your warranty and b) possibly ruin your fork.”
The coil spring on the bottom is the negative spring. Manitou uses a coil negative spring to give the fork a more supple, reactive initial movement.
Hit ‘more’ for close-up details and a few pics of the new alloy Dorado…
INTERBIKE 2009 - GT unveiled a few new rides for street, cross country and freeride at Interbike.
Above is the Ruckus, a 7″ travel prototype set for release in Spring 2010. Shown is the “Spec A” trim level that’ll retail for $3,999. It uses common 1.5″ headset bearings for the upper pivot to create a massive, stiff pivot area and keep flex to a minimum…and as a side benefit, it’s easily serviceable by any shop.
They also showed off the Sensor, a new 5″ travel XC/Trail bike in 26″ and 29er models to replace the Marathon (4″) and the Gutterball, a flat gray fixie that’s pretty sharp looking. Check ‘em all out after the break…
FROM ELLSWORTH: The new Ellsworth holiday promotion with Trips for Kids is officially here! Throughout November and December donate a complete bicycle to your local Ellsworth dealer and receive $500 off any Ellsworth Full Suspension mountain bike or frame.
Trips For Kids will use your old bike to bring underprivileged kids on mountain bike trips and increase bike advocacy with kids in cities across the country…and for donating a bike we’ll give you $500 off your next Ellsworth!
For more details call 760.788.7500 or email Ellsworth.
Check out their second edition here.
FROM REDLINE: The new 2010 Redline jerseys have just arrived in SBS warehouses - and are available from your local bike shop or from BikeThreads.com. The Flight jersey is a brand new graphic design, and features new looser jersey cuffs. This jersey matches great with Redline pants, or any brand of pant in red, white and black. It’ll make you look fast just standing still in staging! MSRP $47.00 and available in youth and adult sizes.
The Bergmönch Koga is a full suspension downhill…scooter. The video above is foreign, but I think it has subliminal messages, because now I totally want one of these (give the video a second to get into its groove…it doesn’t completely make sense, but it is fun).
It has a hand-built 7005 Aluminum frame with 1-1/2″ headtube and air shocks. It gets 80mm travel front and rear, with a swingarm in the back and parallelogram 4-link (AMP-style) front fork with side-mounted shock doing the bounce control. Both shocks have adjustable rebound. To keep you from totally killing yourself, it’s equipped with Shimano SLX disc brakes and Schwalbe Mow Joe 2.0 (front) and Inoova 2.4 (rear) tires.
Given the niche weirdness of this, it’s fairly well thought out. The backpack part uses a Vaude Carry System with ergonomic design, aerated backplate, shoulder belts, hip belt and height adjustable chest strap, waterproof compartments and plenty of extra cargo room.
Check out the photos and more specs after the break…
The 2010 Sea Otter Classic opens for registration on Monday, November 2nd.
Early birds can save $10 off their event registration using promo code SOC20YEAR01 when you sign up. Here’s the link, set your calendar reminder now, this promo code is only good through November 30, 2009.
The event runs April 15-18, 2010 in Monterey, CA. If you’re interested in what it takes to put on an event that draws more than 50,000 people for a weekend and covers virtually every cycling discipline there is, including a new-for-2010 Gran Fondo ride, read our interview with Sea Otter founder Frank Yohanan here.
Straitline Components , who manufacturers brake levers, bash rings, guides and pedals, has switched to using plastic plain bearings in its mountain bike flat pedals after roller bushings led to premature wear.
igus’ iglide® G300 polymer plain bearings are used to support the rotating member of its precision bike pedals to ensure they turn properly. With the pedals predominantly being used by extreme mountain bikers, they are susceptible to increased wear from riders standing up on the pedals, creating higher static and shock loads.
By using iglide bearings, Straitline claims their pedals will have reduced wear, lower costs and longer life. iglide G300 plain bearings require no lubrication and so are maintenance-free. They also provide a smoother ride; handling up to 11,600 pounds per square inch (PSI) and absorb any vibrations caused by tough terrain. The bearings are not affected by outdoor elements such as dirt, heat and water.
“The roller bearings we were using had a short life cycle,” said Dennis Paulson, one of the owners of Straitline, “iglide bearings cost slightly less, but the most important advantage is that they don’t need to be replaced by riders. They last for the entire life of our pedals.”
Skean is a new product from a French company. It’s a jelly-like rubbery strap that fits around your top tube to prevent handlebar damage in the event of a nasty wipeout that causes your handlebar to swing around and slam your top tube. It’s available in black and clear, but at the moment only appears to be availalbe in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Holland.
INTERBIKE 2009 - Bell Helmets had a wide range of helmets, from downhill to XC to road to womens and kids, many featuring artwork from reknowned graphic artists Jimbo Philips (above) and Paul Frank.
Above, the Bell Drop DH helmet and Faction BMX/Skate helmet feature crossover graphics. The blue zombie’s grabbing the skeleton’s neck and vice versa. And the graphics continue the friendly rivalry under the visor (shown after the break).
Bell and Giro collaborated on a new kid’s helmet (with PF art) that features integrated blinky lights and fixed straps to make fitting the helmet super easy on antsy toddlers. For performance riders, there are a few new models for road and mountain biking with sweet graphics and sharp looks.
Check the full line of new 2010 helmets after the jump…
Giant is rolling their demo trailer all over the place through this month and next, and it’s full of their hot new 2010 bikes, including:
TCR Advanced SL 3, Defy Advanced 2, Trinity Advanced SL2, TCX 1, XtC 29er , Anthem X1, Trance X1, Reign X10, Faith 0, Glory 0, The Giant for Women line of bicycles will include TCR Advanced w, Avail Advanced 2, Anthem Xw 1, and a Cypher 2.
We rode and reviewed the new XTC 29er here, and for detailed coverage of their 2010 bikes, check this post and this post. Hit more for a full schedule and links to event locations and info…
