2008 Sea Otter Classic – Syncros Components

I run the Syncros Bulk bars, so I am really excited to see new products in the Syncros line. I also think I have found the pedals that I have been looking for. Those will work out great on the 6″ bike for DH/FR duty. Their “grunge” graphics will take some getting used to, but they are already starting to grow on me.

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2008 Magura Mountain Bike Components at Sea Otter

Here’s the new Magura Marta SL Magnesium. For the first time, Magura has used magnesium for a lever body – which helps drop the weight for the system below the fabled 300g a brake mark. The Marta is intended to be a versatile brake, rather than the high-end XC pitch of its predecessor – and will work with 160/180 and 203 rotors.

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Taking a Shot at Shooting

So the pictures that are coming out of our regular rides seem to be getting better and better with each ride. Somehow the bar has really been stepped up a notch lately, and I am pretty stoked about how great they have gotten.

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2008 Trek Session 88 FR and DH

Trek ushered all of the UK journos into a prefab VW garage at the Sea Otter to unveil their latest bike. It’s a 200mm frame platform that contains nearly every acronym and catchphrase they make. It has an E2 tapered headtube, an EVO-Link, Full Floater suspension and an Active Braking Pivot… Fortunately, after all that, it actually looks fantastic and a bike we’re keen to get to play on soon.

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The State of the Bike Industry

Jill is right, and I am really surprised that we haven’t actually seen this sooner. My “real job” involves a lot of steel, aluminum and rubber purchasing domestically and from overseas. Prices are increasing at a rate that most manufacturers can’t keep up with the increases.

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2008 Sea Otter Classic – Part 2

Less initial power and deep stroke modulation allow the rider to better manage and use the increased overall power. The power gain comes from Elixir’s larger caliper pistons making the power sit halfway between Juicy and Code. Elixir benefits include reduced weight and clearance through reservoir design and optimized caliper.

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2008 Corsair Bikes

Dirt jumping and street are the main form of riding for many riders. Whether you live in the city, countryside or mountains, there are always great opportunities to build your skills and bag of tricks. The Ducat has been designed to be both durable and agile.

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2008 Sea Otter Classic Coverage – Part 1

We were not able to make it out to the Sea Otter Classic this year, so the information you see below is complied off of all of the sites and companies that were able to make it out to the event. It looks like there are some exciting things in the pipeline for ’08.

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Shimano Saint Group – All New

The new Saint groupset shares some features and characteristics with the current group but on further inspection is also completely new on many levels. And it’s black and gold like those John Player Special branded Formula One cars from the 1970’s. Here’s the official Press Release in full…

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Frames – Import vs. Domestic

With the increasing cost of raw materials, specifically steel and aluminum, frame producers are having to find ways to cut costs. The larger companies like Trek, Cannondale and Giant have been outsourcing for years, but now we are seeing more “boutique” brands like Titus and Santa Cruz doing the same thing.

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