Some might argue that a bicycle is simply a tool, a way to get from point A to point B. They’re not wrong, but that utilitarian view misses perhaps the most crucial point: A bicycle, especially one built with passion for passionate riders, is not just a tool. It’s a way out. Out of where? One ride, and you’ll know.

After several failed attempts at getting local bike shops to do correct work on my bike, I decided it was time to start learning bike maintenance and wrenching on my own. In one specific instance, I was riding a local trail one hour after getting a new fork installed, and the front brake fell off during a downhill. It was at that point I realized that if I wanted it done correctly, I needed to learn how to do it myself. That next day, I went out and bought an Ultimate repair stand and several essential tools.

Yesterday, I got in a much needed day at the trail. My Saturday was filled up with a memorial service and a company party, both of which, I was not looking forward to. I woke up on Sunday morning with the sun and low 70 degree temperatures starring at me in the face. It was going to be a great day.

Now, these measurements will vary slightly depending on rim choice. My 2.6 is measuring out smaller on the 5.1d (27.8mm wide) than it would on an 823 (30mm wide). The rear 2.4 width on the 823 is pretty close to what you should find on most DH rims. The full labeled production versions should be very close to this set.

Mark Reynolds passed away while competing in the Downhill event at Sea Otter. Our great friends at Evomo have been organizing a Memorial fund raiser and many companies have stepped up to offer product donations for this event. Read more about it below:

For our annual HIP/VIP (Homers in Pisgah/Ventanaphiles in Pisgah) ride this year, there is a raffle to benefit the SORBA Pisgah chapter. The ride takes place May 16-18 and for more info and attendees check MTBR.com.

For all of the Cannondale riders, this is not new information because your bikes have been running this system for awhile. The BB30 standard (Cannondale calls it SI – System Integrated) integrates the bottom bracket bearings into the frame via a press fit.

Singletrackworld.com posted up a really cool video of the MX200 rear shock from Magura in action. After taking all the air out of it, we were able to get it to compress slowly so’s you could get a look. See how the rubber bladder folds over itself as it compresses.

As the weather gets warmer, everyone starts preparing for the impending riding season. This means that business for bikes shops comes out of the usually slow winter season for a very busy spring. New and returning riders alike are looking for new bikes along with tuning up the old ones to get ready for that perfect sunny day.