Round 2 of the Bluegrass Enduro Tour International 2013 Mollau - Alsace

The second round of the Bluegrass Enduro Tour International took place in France in the village of Mollau, last week-end. Two days of fantastic riding with a total of 7 timed stages specially designed by the "Dahus", the local bicycle club.  

Saturday, June 8, 2013:

In a real summer day the riders rode the first four timed stages of the Bluegrass Enduro Tour Mollau. At the end of day 01 Nicolas LAU was leading with a total time of 21', 16 seconds ahead of Ben CRUZ. 

But the Bluegrass Enduro Tour is not only about riding great trails, the organization had planned a live concert and a boar on the spit party (6 boars devoured in total!) on Saturday night to share a great evening all together. 

 

Sunday, June 9, 2013:

After some severe storm during the night, the trails were a bit slippery but all riders enjoyed the last three stages. During the last stage, Nicolas LAU got a flat tire but still managed to keep his lead. Irony of Fate, Ben Cruz got a flat in the very same stage but lost more time than Lau to finish only seventh overall. Eliott TRABAC, best among the juniors, finished 2nd overall with Quentin LEPINE 3rd. 

 

In the ladies's trace, Claire HASSENFRATZ confirmed her leadership in the ranking of the series and won 37 seconds ahead of Fanny Amann with Marion POZZI 3rd. 

Next stage of the Bluegrass Enduro Tour International in Scotland - Kinlochleven - 15/16 June.

Résumé vidéo du Bluegrass Enduro Tour International 2013 de Mollau

Les différents support de la course :

Bluegrass
Expert Vision
Tannenbike
MET
Cannondale
Station Outdoor
Yodabikes
Velo tout terrain magazine
Europe Environnement
MMA Bianchi
Crédit Mutuel
Royer Frères S.A.
Vélo Club Mollau

RESULTS

Ibis HDR Announced

The Mojo HDR continues in the very capable footsteps of our popular and highly regarded Mojo HD, taking its technology and versatility a few steps further. The "HDR" and the "HD" feature identical travel (160mm), the same suspension (the incomparable dw-link), and the same proven geometry.

The HDR adds even more diversity to its menu.

You're currently looking at the 26" wheel 160mm travel version of the bike. You can set it up with 160mm or 180mm front forks.

Over on this page, you can see the HDR 650b, featuring 27.5" wheels (that's why we called it the HDR 650b) and a ton of ways to set it up.

Maybe the best place to start would be the galleries tab, where we've got a few videos showing the bike in action along with some lovely big studio shots.

Features

• 160mm of rear wheel travel
• dw-link Suspension
• 2014 Fox Float CTD Adjust Factory Series with Kashima Coat, 8.5" x 2.5"
• 26" Wheels
• Weight for the frame and shock, size medium, matte finish: 6.2 lbs (~.1 lb difference between sizes and for painted frame)
• 67.5 degree head angle with a Fox Float 34 160mm fork
• Optional polycarbonate down tube cable guard
• Chain stay length: 17.125"
• 12 x 142mm Maxle rear axle
• 160mm post mount left dropout, carbon fiber
• Tapered Steerer
• Compatible with Chris King InSet 3 headsets.
• If you want to run your current straight 1 1/8" fork, adapters available
• 2.35"-2.55" rear tire depending on brand and height of cornering knobs
• Dual row angular contact bearings in the front of the lower link that have less play than standard sealed bearings. Preload adjustment is not necessary. Large 28mm x 15mm x 7mm radial bearings in the rear for stiffness and long wear
• Fox RC4 coil rear available as an option
• The Bottom Bracket height is 13.8" with 2.3" tires
• Front derailleur (if you use one) and adjustable seatpost housing (if you use one) run along the top tube
• Direct mount front derailleur

As we mentioned in the overview, the Mojo HDR is taking over where the very capable Mojo HD is leaving off. They share travel, geometry and suspension kinematics. There are some differences too.

The "HDR" is slightly lighter than the HD, around .3 -.4 lb (depending on size and color), yet is stronger and of equal stiffness. We've employed a new, more precise molding technique similar to that used in the Mojo SL-R to get the weight down.

By shifting around our linkage locations, we've managed to add ISCG 05 chainguide mounting functionality and dramatically increased the front derailleur compatibility across both the 2X and 3X spectrum. We've also increased clearance for the new 11 speed cogsets.

With some other tweaks to the frame, we've made the frame compatible with Fox's new lighter weight XV air cans on the CTD shocks. We've also added clearance for their new Float X piggy back shock.

But perhaps the biggest change of all is that we've made the HDR a fully functional 650b / 27.5" bike. Like its predecessor the HD whose travel you could set at 140 or 160, the HDR has two travel options. In 160mm mode you use 26" wheels and can have your way with just about any trail. And its climbing prowess in this mode is the reason why it's one of the most popular bikes on the enduro circuit. The standard front travel for the HDR is 160mm, though we have a 180mm offering which those people with larger dangly things between their legs prefer to ride.

With a new set of "Limbo Chips" and a shorter shock (the same on shock on the Mojo SL-R), the bike can be set to 130mm travel mode, and with a set of 650b / 27.5" wheels and a fork, you've got yourself a bona fide 'tweener', not a 26", not a 29". That's called the HDR 650b.

Want more travel in 650b mode? Here's what you do: Set the frame up in the 160 travel mode, and add a 5mm travel reducing spacer in the shock. Deflate the shock to check that your tire won't hit the seat tube at bottom out (tire sizes vary a lot). You'll get 150mm of travel in this mode. 

So the HDR has an exceptionally versatile chassis. One that can be beat pretty hard in all day lift riding (put that 180 fork and a coil shock on those days), or run it in shorter travel mode with 650b wheels for a low and slack medium duty trail bike that will probably still net you a few uphill and downhill KOMs (if you're into that sort of thing).

With 160mm Fork

Nominal Size		Small	Medium	Large	X-Large
Seat Tube Length	A	15" (38.1cm)	17" (43.2cm)	19" (48.3cm)	21" (53.3cm)
Top Tube Length	B	564 (22.2")	587 (23.1")	604.5 (23.8")	625 (24.6")
Head Tube Length	C	94 (3.7")	103 (4")	118 (4.65")	134 (5.28")
Chainstay Length	D	435 (17.1")	435 (17.1")	435 (17.1")	435 (17.1")
Seat Tube Angle	E	71.5°	71.5°	71.5°	71.5°
Head Tube Angle	F	67.5°	67.5°	67.5°	67.5°
Wheelbase	G	1091 (43")	1112 (43.9")	1132 (44.6)	1154 (45.5)
Standover		715 (28")	758 (29.8")	760 (29.9")	770 (30.3")
Stack		566	575	590	605
Reach		365	382	409	412
Trail		100	100	100	100
Sizing Guide (height-inches)		5'0" - 5' 5"	5'4" - 5' 9"	5'9" - 6'2"	6' - 6'6"
Sizing Guide (height-cm)		152 - 165	163 - 175	175 - 188	183 - 198

With 180mm Fork

Nominal Size		Small	Medium	Large	X-Large
Seat Tube Length	A	15" (38.1cm)	17" (43.2cm)	19" (48.3cm)	21" (53.3cm)
Top Tube Length	B	569 (22.4")	589 (23.2")	610 (24")	630 (24.8")
Head Tube Length	C	94 (3.7")	103 (4")	118 (4.65)	134 (5.28")
Chainstay Length	D	435 (17.1")	435 (17.1")	435 (17.1")	435 (17.1")
Seat Tube Angle	E	70°	70°	70°	70°
Head Tube Angle	F	66°	66°	66°	66°
Wheelbase	G	1101 (43.3")	1122 (44.1")	1142 (45")	1164 (45.8")
Standover		722 (28.4")	763 (30")	765 (30.1")	775 (30.5")

Find Out More On The New Ibis HDR!

Santa Cruz Bikes Announces The Solo

Steve Peat takes his new Santa Cruz Solo into the wilds of Scotland.

Solo pushes further into the realms of 27.5" wheel size possibilities. Developed using what we learned from Bronson, it takes the design platform in a different direction.

The low bottom bracket height, shorter chainstays and 125mm of progressive VPP suspension give Solo its snappy, nimble, ride.

A 68 degree head angle adds climbing agility into the equation, whilst a 5lb carbon frame weight define Solo as the tool for that back country mission you’ve always planned.  

Responsibly offered in Mountain Rescue Orange, Solo goes where no bike has gone before.

This film was a collaborative project between Santa Cruz, The Baller Consultancy, CutMedia and Visit Scotland.

Sizes: S, M, L, XL


Colors:

Carbon: Matte Carbon/Grey or Gloss Orange/White

Aluminum: Gloss white/grey or gloss orange/blue

12 ENVE decal choices



Fork options:

Standard:32 Float 130 CTD Evolution

Upgrade: 32 Float 130 CTD Adjust Kashima



Shock options:

Standard: Custom tuned Fox Float CTD Evolution

Upgrade: Custom tuned Float CTD Adjust Boost Valve Kashima



Frame Weight: 2295g (5.06lbs) for size M, carbon

• 142mm rear axle spacing
• 2x bottle cage mounts
• Forged upper and lower links
• Double sealed pivots with grease ports for low maintenance
• Collet axle pivots and angular contact bearings maximize stiffness
• Standard or Direct mount rear derailleur option
• ISCG-05 tabs for chainguide compatibility
• Stealth and external seatpost cable routing
• 73mm threaded bb: creak-free riding and easy installation
• Molded rubber frame protection

Precision Travel Werx Sponsors Big Mountain Enduro Series

APPLETON, WI - June 3, 2013 - As enduro racing continues its meteoric rise in the United States, Precision Travel Werx is sponsoring one of the country's biggest racing series, Big Mountain Enduro.

Precision Travel Werx is supporting the series with a pair of Atlas 8 sport cargo trailers, one for race organizers to use throughout the season as a bike and equipment hauler, and the other as a grand prize for the winner of the overall series men's Masters category. The overall points winner in Big Mountain Enduro's most crowded class will receive a voucher at the finale in Moab Sept. 28-29 for a trailer custom painted to match their vehicle of choice.

"When we learned about the Big Mountain Enduro series we knew it was a perfect fit for the Atlas 8 with it's bike-carrying capabilities and perfect design for a weekend of camping at a race," said Larry Brown, founder and president of Precision Travel Werx. "We were thrilled with the idea of offering a custom Atlas 8 as a prize and we're hoping the Masters racers battle it out for the top spot!"

The five-race series hosts events in New Mexico, Colorado and Utah beginning at Angel Fire/Taos on June 15-16 and finishing in Moab on Sept. 28-29. The Moab stop, as well as a July event in Keystone, Colo. are part of the North American Enduro Series.

"The Atlas 8 is a perfect fit for the adventurous lifestyle we all live; from the obvious and frequent bike and ski trips, traveling to events with an abundance of equipment and partaking in ongoing trail projects across the Rocky Mountain region," said Big Mountain Enduro President Brandon Ontiveros. "The trailer is durable, efficient and superior to any other traveling trailer meant to be pulled behind lightweight vehicles."

With a resin transfer molded fiberglass body on an aluminum frame, the Atlas 8 has an empty weight of 550lbs., making it easy for anyone to move or reposition the trailer and allowing it to be towed by almost any vehicle on the road. Total cargo capacity is 1,000 lbs., for a total gross axle weight rating of 1,550 lbs.

An optional Yakima rack system on top can support multiple bikes while maintaining access to the cargo space using a gas-shock assisted lid.

Precision Travel Werx is based in Appleton, Wisc. and manufactured in the USA. For more information or to contact Precision Travel Werx directly, visit www.PrecisionTravelWerx.com.

About Precision Travel Werx

The idea for Precision Travel Werx - formerly Road Warrior Sports - was born in 2005 out of a desire to maintain a spontaneous road-trip lifestyle even as life became more complicated with jobs and families. Balancing the need to put down roots with the desire to remain in motion, Precision Travel Werx is committed to providing sport trailers suitable for almost any vehicle on the road that make it possible to take it all - families, hobbies, passions and the gear for epic adventures - with you. For more information, visit www.PrecisionTravelWerx.com.

X-Fusion Launches New 27.5 Enduro Fork Called The Sweep

The Sweep is the latest addition to X-Fusion's 34mm line of forks. Joining the Slant (26inch) and the Trace (29inch), the Sweep is a dedicated 27.5inch wheel fork. What sets it apart from other forks as a dedicated 27.5inch fork is the offset. It's 46mm offset provides precise, yet smooth handling characteristics matching the trail found on the 26inch and 29inch forks. Inside the Sweep is the highly accredited RL2 damper system with Mid-Valve technology. This damping system gives the rider rebound adjustment with an on-the-fly lockout lever. Helping control the fork when the terrain gets rough is X-Fusion's secondary compression circuit, the Mid-Valve. On top of the chassis and high-quality sealed damping system, the Sweep is also first to see X-Fusion's Nvolve custom seals. Nvolve seals improve the seal life and reduce the friction and breakaway force by up to 150% over custom stanchion tube coatings found on the market.

The Sweep is set to deliver the industry leading performance and quality riders have come to expect from X-Fusion. It will be an early 2014 model year release and available for purchase in June 2013.

GENERAL INFO

• 27.5 Inch Specific Fork
• 34mm Stanchions
• Up to 160mm of Travel
• 46mm Offset
• RL2 Sealed Cartridge Damper w/ Mid-Valve Technology
• LockX 15mm Axle
• 4.2 LBS/1905 Grams
• DLA Option
• Remote Lockout Option
• Internal Travel Adjust

STANDARD MODELS

• Sweep RL2 DLA 160-130mm
• Sweep RL2 160mm
• Sweep RL2 120mm
• Sweep RL2R 120mm

PRICING AND AVAILIBILITY

Early Model Year Release
June 2013

MSRP Starting at $599.99