DH Bike Set Up - for winning races

As all you DH fans know – Sam Hill and Sabrina Jonnier both took home world championship titles recently. They both race for Iron horse and Both were riding 2007 product.. and since we love our spy shots… I’ve got some eye candy for those of you looking for some sneak peeks and set up tips!.

Note – this is total racer set up… not really the best stuff for you free-ride, 40 foot drop, hucking types.

Here’s a pic of Sabrina’s World Cup winning rig (2007 frame and components)

Couple of things to note… she saves weight where she can, but is smart about where not to sacrifice.

To Follow the advice of a guy who know design and racing (Eric Carter) –

Most important factors in your race rig –

1. Fit of the frame, everything revolves around your frame(obvious)

2. Tires - running the right compound, pressure, tread helps in corners, straights, brakes, flats – and can help avoid flats.

3. Geometry (appropriate for the course and speeds)

4. Big Strong Brakes – gravity folks use brakes as little as possible, but when they do use them, it’s at the last possible moment. You’re either white knuckle – or you’re 110% on those brakes. Avid’s new 4 pods are crazy strong and cool down super fast.

5. Suspension – Has got to be adjustable, rebound adjustability is the most important, with compression being a close second. 2^nd -look for plushness, 3^rd look for multiple stages of dampening (high and low speed), 4^th - look for external adjustment knobs, 5^th – look for amenities like aluminum knobs and parts (avoid plastic)

After you get these items dialed, start looking at all the small things… like stem length, handlebar width, seat tilt and position, the right style pedals (flat or clip; SPD or Crank Bros), the right grips, brake lever reach, short cage derailleur’s (I run Shimano Road Derailleur with SRAM triggers because they are crazy short and have stiff springs).

Don’t forget Style!!! 2007 IH gold is looking pretty sweet….

Where To Save Weight - Air sprung World Cup Boxxer, Ti Spring on the coil shock (close to DHX Air weight), XC (maybe road) saddle, and no bash ring on the chain guide.

Where to NOT Save weight – Great Tires are always heavy, Don’t get cheap on Cranks or Bars (buy em strong!), Brakes, Bottom Brackets.

You get the picture. Contact and pressure points are critical! You can be smart about the rims and seatpost and find some middle ground… but sometimes you need to dish out the cash for the good stuff and not even look at the weight.

Ok – Here’s the fun stuff!

2007 Product at the World Championships!
2007 Avid 4 pods… coming soon to www.rscycle.com !!

Funn integrated Stem and Bars! –

I can personally vouch for this combo – strong safe, stiff, tracks great, and sits wide.

And we all know what Sam Says – “Hold It Wide and Let It Slide!”

Looks like Sabrina rides Right Foot Forward – Partial Bash Guard inside ring.

Doesn’t anyone else miss 5 bolt chain rings on DH rigs?

Landis' Father-in-Law Commits Suicide

By VOA News
17 August 2006

Embattled Tour de France champion Floyd Landis's father-in-law David Witt has been found dead in San Diego, California, after committing suicide in his car.

David Witt's body was discovered at a parking garage Tuesday afternoon according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office. He had a gunshot wound to the head, and his death was ruled a suicide.

Witt was the stepfather of Landis's wife Amber, and was at the finish line when the American won this year's Tour de France cycling race. Witt and Landis served as best man at each other's weddings, and Witt was an avid amateur cyclist.

Landis has been under investigation after testing positive for testosterone during the Tour de France last month. The 30-year-old cyclist has cited several reasons for his positive test, including cortisone shots for an arthritic hip and thyroid medication. He is appealing his test, but the Tour de France has said it no longer considers him the champion.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

Spy Pics of 2007 Iron Horse Bikes!!!

Hey guys, looks like the guys a pinkbike.com managed to get some spy pics of the new 2007 Iron Horse bikes. The new Sunday is looking pretty sweet with the black and pink. It's almost like a throwback to the early days of mountain biking where neon yellow and lycra pink were hip but with the new Sunday you can be assured you're getting todays best technology.

2007 Azure World Cup

Those Sweet Hot Pink Sunday Logos

2007 6 Point ???

2007 Sunday Expert

2007 Azure Expert

Sam Hill Interview after Crankworx

Monster Energy/Iron Horse/Mad Catz Racing’s Sam Hill Wins Big @ Monster
Energy/Crankworx Event

Aussie captures 1st place in Monster Energy-backed Crankworx festival of
mountain biking in Whistler, B.C.

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 2, 2006) – Sam Hill of the Monster Energy/Iron Horse/Mad Catz Racing team couldn’t have picked a better North American event to shine in, this past weekend taking 1st place overall in the men’s pro-elite category in the Garbanzo Enduro Dowhnill at Whistler’s (B.C.) Crankworx Festival, co-sponsored by Monster Energy.

“Coming into the weekend I was just hoping to maybe get on the podium, but even then I wasn’t sure if I could do that,” said Hill, who’d never raced the Garbanzo Enduro – which snakes through a sometimes fast, sometimes highly technical 1,300 vertical feet up in Whistler, British Columbia. “It was excellent to not only win, but win in front of a great crowd at an event sponsored by Monster Energy.”

Hill continued: “And I’d definitely like to thank Monster Energy’s Joe Parsons, who picked up the tab on that steak dinner the night before the race!”

Hill took to the course with some 250 other competitors on Saturday morning and got a couple practice runs in on the dew-covered course. By the afternoon the course had quickly morphed from wet to dry and dusty. Drawing plate No. 7, and with the field running in an inverse order, by the time Hill got to run the course was battered.

“The course got pretty beat before I even started my run, but my ’07 Iron Horse ran flawlessly and I was able to pull off the win. It was definitely one of the hardest races I’ve ever done,” said Hill.

A number of the sections on the highly technical track took their toll on the riders. In fact, Hill and current UCI World Cup points leader Steve Peat both went down on the same wooded bridge, although Hill was able to right himself, gather his faculties and eventually beat Peat by three seconds (15:14.0 to 15:17.0). Rounding out the podium was fellow Australian Chris Kovarik (15:17.6). Noteworthy: A typical UCI World Cup downhill event is 3-5 minutes, making the 15-plus minute Garbanzo Downhill that much more burly!

“I definitely want to thank Team Monster Energy/Iron Horse/Mad Catz Racing and Sam Hill for doing such a gnarly race and helping out this event – it was a great success,” said Joe Parsons, Senior Sports Marketing Manager for Monster Energy. Noteworthy: The Monster Energy Sample Team gave out more than 28,000 cans of Monster Original, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault and Monster Khaos during the week-long event!


Sam Hill and the Monster Energy/Iron Horse/Mad Catz Racing team – including Sabrina Jonnier and Justin Havukainen - return to action this weekend (Aug. 5-6) for the Round Six of the NORBA National Mt. Bike Series at Brian Head, Utah. The following weekend the series wraps up in Snowmass, Colo. (Aug. 12-13). Havukainen is currently 3rd overall in the men’s division points, Hill is 5th (having raced only a partial schedule). This should favor Hill as the racers are allowed to take the best five-of-seven scores from the seven-race series and Hill plans on finishing out the last two events.

“Both Sam and Justin have the Monster Energy/Iron Horse/Mad Catz Racing team in a position to make the overall podium at Nationals this year,” said Sean Heimdal, Team Manager for Monster Energy/Iron Horse/Mad Catz Racing. “And Sabrina is in sixth place overall in the women’s class, having only made three of the first five events. So she’s in a position as well to make the overall Nationals podium.”

Lending a hand to the Monster Energy/Iron Horse/Mad Catz racing team are sponsors: Alligator Cables (shifter cables), Avid (brakes), Crank Brother (pedals), DT Swiss (wheels, rims, hubs, and spokes), E13 (chain guides), Five Ten (shoes), FSA- Cranks (bottom brackets, seat posts, headsets), FUNN (handle bars and stems), Maxima (lubes), Maxxis (tires), Minoura (trainers), Rock Shox (suspension), Sella Italia (seats), SRAM (drive train), THE (chain stay protectors) and Troy Lee Designs (ride gear).

About Iron Horse Bicycle Co., LLC
Iron Horse Bicycle Company, LLC www.ironhorsebikes.com is a bicycle manufacturer based on Long Island, New York. Iron Horse has built a name for itself with a combination of innovative bicycle designs, aggressive pricing, and a top-notch racing program. The line has grown to over 50 models of mountain bikes, road bikes, comfort bikes, juvenile bikes, and hybrids.

Iron Horse's use of top frame designs has set it apart from others in the cycling industry. Workings with engineer Dave Weagle, Iron Horse’s line of dual suspension models are at the cutting edge of bicycle frame design. Iron Horse’s dw-link and single pivot dual suspension bikes have received acclaim from riders for their handling and top shelf components.

Commencal CrankWorx Results

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Well another CrankWorx is under the belt and Commencal Factory Rider Cedric Gracia was out in force racing in almost every event. Even an injured wrist couldn’t stop him from ripping it up.

First up was the Jim Bean Air DH which runs down Whistler’s infamous A-Line Trail chock full of berms and table top jumps. Cedric blazed down to a second place finish in the Pro/Elite class.

Next on the menu was the Nissan Biker X event on the brand new 2006 course. Mixed reviews from the Pro’s on the course design, but in the end it proved to be an exciting race. Cedric Gracia made quick work of the competition to qualify for the finals. In the Main event Cedric came from last place out of the gate to a sweet pass on the inside of turn three to relieve Mick Hannah of third place. Cedric was setting everyone up and the move of the day was coming. As Jared Graves led Brian Lopes and Cedric Gracia over the double table tops into the left hand berm, Cedric dove over to the inside again to take the “Moto Ruts” and came out of the corner in first! Then it was a mad sprint to the next corner. Graves had the inside line though and just squeezed the lead back and then freight trained to the finish. Another second place finish for Cedric!

Last up was the Garbanzo Enduro DH. 15 minutes of non-stop pure Downhill Racing. Crashes and mechanicals were everywhere on this rock, root and massive braking bump lined course. Cedric Gracia managed to endure the pain of his braced up wrist to come out and finish in ninth place with the top 15 riders within 30 seconds of each other.

For more info check out:
RSCycle's Commencal Page

Carmichael Training Systems

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Philip Bice
Director of Sales and Marketing
Randall Scott Cycle Company
Service@rscycle.com
www.rscycle.com

Randall Scott Cycle Company Announces a New Partnership with Carmichael Training Systems!

Boulder, CO – August 3rd, 2006 –
Randall Scott Cycle Company, America’s Premier Cycling Company headquartered In Boulder CO, announces a new Partnership with Carmichael Training Systems (www.trainright.com). With EVERY bicycle purchase, Randall Scott Cycle Company will be giving away free 30-day trails of the world famous Carmichael Training Systems Personal Coaching Program. No matter what your goals or what your fitness level, Carmichael Training Systems will set up a personal plan for you.

Carmichael Training Systems was established and is lead by the world famous cyclist Chris Carmichael. Chris was part of the infamous 7-11 team in the 1980’s, and he helped to revolutionized the way American’s viewed cycling. Chris again came to fame as Lance Armstrong’s personal coach through his record 7 Tour Victories – and again revolutionizing the way people train and think about fitness and cycling. Carmichael Training Systems has a reputation for helping it’s clients establish realistic goals, increasing results, and maximizing effectiveness of time spent training

Randall Scott Cycle Company (www.rscycle.com) - America's premier cycling company is revolutionizing the cycling community. We are passionate about the cycling lifestyle and providing customers with a superior experience. Customer Service is paramount to our philosophy of combining personal world class service and premium cycling products from the most reputable manufacturers in the industry. Try the Randall Scott Difference, become a part of our growing community, and join our thousands of already satisfied customers. Randall Scott Cycle Company -Live the Legend!


For more information please visit www.rscycle.com

Help Us!!!

Looks like the Forest Service has decided that they need to take action reguarding MTB trails in and near Summit County, CO. Please contact the Forest Service or attend on od the many meetings and help us keep tabs on the trails to make sure that they remain open to riders. Let's make sure that the Forestry Service hears from the community before altering the trails WE ride.

New Forest Service Plan Affects Singletrack in Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone
The White River National Forest is requesting public comment on how it manages mountain biking near world-famous destinations like Aspen, Breckenridge, Keystone and Vail. A recently released draft plan will dictate how all forms of recreation are managed on the popular 2.3 million-acre forest.

IMBA urges mountain bikers to attend a series of public meetings starting Aug. 8 to make sure trails remain open to our use. Locations, times and dates of the meetings are listed below.

In addition to the trail systems surrounding iconic resort towns, many of Colorado's most famous rides are located on the White River, including the Government, Peaks and Two Elk trails, and several sections of the Colorado Trail.

Included in the draft plan are measures meant to reduce user conflict by separating uses and creating single-use areas where only one type of activity is allowed. The plan also recommends closing some popular unauthorized mountain bike trails while increasing the overall miles of trail open to bicycles.

Local cyclists who attend public meetings should contact IMBA Policy Analyst Drew Vankat to coordinate comments from the mountain bike community.

A copy of the draft plan is available online.

Deadline:

The Forest Service will accept written comments through Oct. 26, 2006.

Points to Consider for Public Meetings:

IMBA believes in management policies that recognize different user groups and let them share trails harmoniously.
Hikers, bikers and equestrians can share trails with minimal or no conflicts.
The Forest Service should provide opportunities for a broad spectrum of riding abilities.
Mountain bikers support the Forest Service in their attempt to design guidelines that reduce user conflict and provide singletrack.
IMBA condemns unauthorized trailbuilding.
How to Participate and Comment:

Five open house meetings will be held in August in towns throughout the forest:

Date: August 8, 2006
District: Dillon Ranger District
Location: Dillon Ranger District
Time: 3PM - 7PM
Point-of-Contact: Rick Newton
Phone: (970) 468-5400
Directions: Take the Silverthorne exit and go north on Blue River Parkway (SH 9). The
office is on the right hand side at 680 Blue River Parkway, across from Target.

Date: August 9, 2006
Districts: Holy Cross and Eagle Ranger Districts
Location: Eagle Town Hall
Date: August 8, 2006
Time: 4PM - 7PM
Point-of-Contact: Cal Wettstein
Phone: (970)328-6388
Directions: Take the Eagle exit, go south, take the right at the circle onto US Highway 6 west,
take a right on Broadway (the main street through the town of Eagle). The town hall is on
the left, one block down.

Date: August 10, 2006
District: Blanco Ranger District
Location: Killowatt Corner
Time: 3PM - 6PM
Point-of-Contact: Glenn Adams
Phone: (970) 878-4039
Directions: Corner of 6th and Market in Meeker.

Date: August 16, 2006
District: Rifle Ranger District
Location: Rifle Fire Station
Time: 6PM - 8:30PM
Point-of-Contact: Mike Hearth
Phone: (970) 625-2371
Directions: 1200 Railroad Ave. Take bypass, continue to SH 13, after the bend take a right
back into town, the fire station will be on the left. Or go down Railroad Ave. through the
town and the fire station will be on your right.

Date: August 23, 2006
District: Aspen and Sopris Ranger Districts
Location: El Jebel County Building
Time: 3PM - 7PM
Point-of-Contact: Bill Westbrook
Phone: (970) 963-2266
Directions: Take State Highway 82 south to the first right at the light as you enter El Jebel
before the light to City Market. The building is on your left.


Comments can also be sent via email or to the following address:

WRNF Travel Management Plan and DEIS
c/o Content Analysis Group
P.O. Box 2000
Bountiful, UT 84011-2000

Sunday's Rule

Congrats to Iron Horse team rider Sam Hill on his win during the Garbanzo Endure DH at Whistler.

Crankworx Finale
Source Crankworx

In the Garbanzo Enduro Downhill Sam Hill of Glenforest, WA won the Pro Men’s category a time of 15:14.0 while Mio Suemasa of Japan took the Pro Women’s with a time of 17:34.6. The Garbanzo Enduro Downhill course spans 1,300 vertical feet and launches racers into Freight Train in the Garbanzo Zone before spitting them into the trees with tight, technical single track.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=214142

Landis, Landis, Landis

The recent controversy over Floyd Landis has brought the sport of cycling under the microscope again. According to the media he is already guilty of doping and if the 'B' test comes back positive for synthetic testosterone he wil be stripped of his title. But, there are so many variables in this case that do not match up. For example, why would Landis take steroids for one or a few days in the middle of the tour? He would be the worst and stupidest cheater in the history of the sport if he did. Steroids are a performance enhancing drug made to be taken in cycles for optimum results in muscle gain and recovery. Taking steroids for a day or two would not produce any significant performance increase like his comeback during the tour. The only observable benefit would be decreasing muscle pain and soreness but would not increase recovery in that short of a time span. Only a fool would risk taking steroids in the middle of a tour that would produce negligible results.

Concerning the epitestosterone/testosterone results, a jury (if one existed in the sport) would have a hard time convicting on this test alone. The bodies natural production of testosterone, suppression of epitestosterone and variables in behavior can account for irregularities in this test. Landis' doctor has admitted that Landis' test had an 11 to 1 ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone. A study by the German Sport University in Cologne found that drinking increased testosterone levels in the body 50% to 100% among five males. Landis has admitted to drinking shots and beer after his embarrassing drop during the tour.

The last piece to the puzzle is the sythetic testosterone test that came back positive. The test uses a mass-spectrometry device to test for irregularities in the carbon isotopes that occur in testosterone naturally. The Wall Street Journal published an article today saying, "According to Dr. Davis, who is now the technical director for Mass Spec Solutions Ltd., a Wythenshawe, U.K., maker of mass-spectrometry devices. 'Quite regularly there are errors in the isotope tests,' he said. 'It's a very difficult analytical technique.' "

Whatever the results may be, Landis should get a shot to defend his innocence before he is stripped of his title. There are too many questions, speculations and inexplicable behaviors to come to a conclusion in a matter of a weekend. Let's hope Landis is telling the truth and comes out on top.

Sam Goes to Breck and Copper and Wheeler!!

Copper into Breckenridge

A great ride, but not suited for all. Last weekend, to escape the heat in boulder, myself and some old buddies decided to test our altitude tolerance and ride from Copper Mountain over Breckenridge into Frisco/Gold Hill. We left a truck at the Gold Hill trailhead and drove West on I-70 to Copper. I was unsure what to expect, but excited nonetheless. As we began our ascent from Copper up wheeler trail, I felt a subtle pain in the back of my head…must be the altitude I contemplated.
After about a half hour of climbing the pain subsided, but the climbing didn’t. Being “in shape” is relative term. After an hour of grueling ascent, I determined that I was not in shape. After two and half hours we had only covered about 4 miles and I found myself with the bicycle over my shoulder more than under my $ss. Finally, we began to break tree line and a purpose for the pain was evident. The view at 12,000+ feet on single track is breathtaking and well worth the effort to get there. The decent, was gnarly and at times downright frightening. We picked up the Peaks Trail and followed it over to Gold Hill. After 4 hours our epic journey was complete and we were exhausted. Next time I will be ready.