Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 170 i Australian Mountain Bike

The Thule Upride is the latest roof system from the swanky Scandinavians. The rack keeps both wheels on, only clamps onto the front wheel, laughing in the face of wheel and axle standards and funny frame shapes. It can carry bikes up to 20kg, will fit plus tyres or full fat with an adaptor, and is priced at $369. Thule have one for us to give away, so head to AMBmag.com.au, follow the 'WIN' tab and tell us in 25 words or less: “If you could choose one person to take to the trails for a mountain bike ride, who would it be, and why?” Full terms and conditions are online.…

Who we are following on Instagram. A cruise through Instagram is an easy way to stay informed, or get inspired. Here are some profiles we are really digging right now. @A_GIRL_OUTSIDE When you’re feeling the need to escape the ordinary, following someone who does plenty of bikepacking in wild places is an easy way to let your mind wander for a few minutes. @WORLD_ENDURO Seems an obvious one, but following the handle for the EWS is as much about results, as seeing the places the world’s best ride and race. It’s no secret locations are chosen for how they look. And we’re ok with that. @ROMEANDSTUFF This guy knows his bike tools, and if you have anything more than a passing interest in working on your bike and precision tools,…

With research showing that trying new things is key in promoting neuroplasticity we can extrapolate that information into a public service announcement stating that trying new things on your bike is good for your brain! Neuroplasticity is the process of the brain being able to remodel, creating new neural connections; essentially building a stronger, healthier brain. So trying new things is building metaphorical brain ‘muscle’ (you know, without the myocytes). With this in mind, it’s never been a better time to get out and challenge yourself. Even doing existing things in a new way can be enough to promote neuroplasticity. There is no denying that trying some new cycling disciplines will have some flow-on effect for your chosen event, and may even help your brain! To have a look at…

“SOME PEOPLE WANT HIDDEN SPOTS TO HIDE GUNS AND WEED! U.S. CLIENTS HAVE DIFFERENT RECREATIONAL DRUG LAWS SO THEY HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS AND ASK IF I CAN ACCOMMODATE THEM.” Kedan Griffin has been stitching up bags for cyclists looking to explore anything from their backyard to alpine tundra for close to a decade. What started as a passion overtook a family home, and now fills a commercial space near Newcastle. Maybe Kedan setup Bike Bag Dude at just the right time, as Instagram is flooded with emotive images of cyclists packing their essentials into a frame bag and taking off to escape the daily grind. From a long day out in the local bush, to massive sojourns crossing continents or mountain ranges. Bike Bag Dude bags can be seen helping…

You know you’ve got a solid bikepacking crew when the week before an overnight trip one of the group says ‘just bring sides, I’ve got dinner covered,’ and nobody is worried. Bikepacking has been a big part of my life for ten years now. Previously, I’ve spend a lot of time chasing miles, exploring as far and wide as I could off my own back. The last couple of winters though has been all about the chilled group trips. Very manageable distances, interesting and technical riding and a big focus on shared time at camp. Getting out for a night with mates is so easy too – these are the essentials. TAKE SOME MATES Yes, solo miles are amazing. You’ll learn a lot about yourself and your life but really,…

Sri Lanka is a developing country, so first world luxuries like million dollar mountain bike parks don’t exist. What does exist is singletrack in the jungle made by countless feet passing over it for centuries. There are access trails all through the tea plantations, and old roads built of stone that climb and traverse the ranges and valleys. What you will ride will continually change. When you’re in the highlands you might be on climbs or descents that have 1000m of elevation gain or loss.…

New Zealand has extremely strict customs when flying in with sporting equipment. It is essential that you clean your bike thoroughly, under the seat, downtube, tyres, everything! Or, your bike will have to wait and be cleaned there at your expense. Anything can happen on airlines, on the trail or even to you. We highly recommend getting yourself and your bike insured for the type of terrain you will be riding. Be sure to check insurance coverage details such as “Off Piste” as if you are riding off the beaten track, you may not be covered. I have always used Velosure for personal trips as they have bike and rider cover options, and while I have never had an issue we have all heard of bikes turning up in pieces.…

AVAILABLE SIZES Medium, Large, Extra Large and Extra Extra Large FRAME MATERIAL Full Carbon mainframe and swingarms. FORK Fox Float Factory 36 Boost fork 170mm SHOCK Fox Float Factory X2 Metric 230 x 65mm SHIFTERS Shimano XTR M9000 11 speed shifter DERAILLEUR Shimano XTR M9000 11 speed shadow + rear derailleur CRANK E*Thirteen TRS Race Carbon BB30 Boost cranks 170mm with 32tooth ring BOTTOM BRACKET E*Thirteen BB30 CHAIN Shimano XT 11 speed chain CASSETTE E*Thirteen TRS + 9-46 tooth 11 speed WHEELS E*Thirteen TRS Race Carbon wheels 28 hole, 31mm internal width rims (Lifetime warranty) TYRES E*Thirteen TRSR 29 x 2.35 BRAKES SRAM Code Ultimate 203mm rotors STEM Renthal Apex 35 x 40mm length HANDLEBARS Renthal Fatbar Carbon 35 x 800mm SEATPOST Fox Factory Transfer post 150mm SADDLE SDG Fly…

HAIBIKE.COM.AU Available Sizes 15.5”, 17.5”, 19”, 21.5” Frame Material Aluminium 6061 Fork SR Suntour Raidon 32 LO-R Lockout, Air coil, 120mm Shifters SRAM NX 11sp Derailleur SRAM NX 11sp Chain SRAM PC1110 11 speed Cassette SRAM PG1130; 11-42 Teeth; 11 Speed Hubs Haibike components Rims Rodi Tryp 35 Tyres Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evo 27.5 x 2.8” Brakes Magura MT4 180mm Rotors Stem Haibike TheStem 31.8 mm Handlebars Haibike TheBar 31.8mm 740mm Seatpost Haibike Alloy post 31.8mm Saddle Haibike TheSaddle Motor Bosch Performance Line CX Battery Bosch PowerPack Li-ion 36V 13.4Ah (500Wh) Display Bosch Purion (left mount; fixed) Max Torque 75 Nm Charger Bosch standard 4A RRP: $6499 WEIGHT: 23.1KGS…

In the game of bike porn there is a level you can reach where it’s not so much about how it looks, but knowing what the performance advantages are. Bearings adorn our bikes, from headsets to hubs, pedals, bottom brackets, suspension systems and jockey wheels. Good bearings mean our bikes work better. They roll faster, respond better on the trail, or shift better. Upgrading bearings to a higher quality unit has been popular in mountain biking for decades. Chris King even make their own bearings, and claim that they wear in, and not out. Lots of bottom bracket manufacturers have ceramic bearing models, and that has expanded to jockey wheels too. Brands like C-Bear and Kogel are often used by riders who are looking for extra performance and durability. Danish…

Pre jumping is something pro level mountain bikers do all the time. Often the movements are so subtle and fluid they go unnoticed for the most part, but at other times the motion is blatantly obvious. The concept of pre jumping is simple – keep the bike on the ground as much as possible where you would normally be flying through the air and utilise the terrain to your advantage. When you are mountain biking, traction equals control and when you are off the ground, you have no traction. Pre jumping is a way to anticipate the terrain and use it to your advantage. In effect what it entails is a small jump (bunny hop) into a feature to get you planted on the ground sooner. It can be used…

It has been a while since I have written for the AMB and I am stoked to be back. Over the course of the year I hope to bring articles with a focus on helping you become better riders and generally increase the froth you all have on the bike. Being fitter, stronger and faster is not just the realm of the elite pros it is within the grasp of every rider to enhance the riding experience. We are going to cover a gamut of topics from FTP Training riders like Josh Carlson and his training for Enduro riding. Race preparation and tips for Marathon riding with Cam Ivory and what it takes to tackle your first stage race like The Pioneer. In this first article I have engaged the…

Earlier this year we ran an epic subscription competition with Swiss Tourism and Reho Travel. With a prize value of close to $10,000, it really is a dream mountain bike holiday. Offering return airfares for two people, first class rail passes, accommodation and bikes to use – you really couldn’t ask for more. Finding the best entry that told us why Switzerland was a dream mountain bike destination wasn’t easy, and there could only be one winner. The entry from Andrew and Katrina in Launceston, Tasmania won – and they’ll be off to Switzerland to enjoy their mountain bike holiday. Thanks for everyone who subscribed and entered the competition. Remember, people do win these prizes, and you have to be in it to win it!…

1 SHOTGUN KIDS BIKE SEAT Here’s the solution to getting your young kids out onto the trails! The Shotgun Seat fits over the top tube and downtube of your bike, clamping on via rubberised pads. The seat is adjustable and works for 2-5 year olds up to 22kg. With an optional handlebar, you can let your kids get the sense of trail riding in no time! Thanks to a quick release fitting it won’t cramp your style on your solo rides, but can really let you share the great outdoors with your kid. RRP: $220 ($49 for bars) From: pushys.com 2 MALOJA ALPAN WAY COLLECTION Maloja (say it with us, “mah-low-yah”) bear the name of the Swiss pass beyond St Moritz, but the German brand reach well beyond the Alps…

If you opened Instagram at all in July it would have been filled with late 90s German Electronica. Listening to it on its own without video probably sounded like finger nails on a chalk board, and if by chance you are in your late teens and are actually reading a magazine article you probably have no idea what a chalk board is. The “darnce” music I’m talking about doesn’t really mean that much to you until it’s played from a loudspeaker on a French peak (or Pic, if you love a good baguette) in the second week of July. When you hear it here, among 400 odd somewhat skilled riders, looking down freshly groomed snowpack with a chopper circling, it sends the senses into another realm that not many other…

On stage 4 the race would descend from the hill country and towards the thick and steamy jungles. Race leader Yuki Ikeda was ahead with Ajay Pandit Chhetri and Narayan Gopal Maharajan. When crossing a weir, Narayan lost his front wheel and slipped off the edge into the water. While a full search and rescue operation was launched right away, Narayan was found downstream later, having drowned. The race was cancelled immediately. Cory Wallace, who won the Rumble in the Jungle in 2017 and has spent a lot of time racing in Nepal and training with Narayan, had a touching tribute based on how he’d seen Narayan live. “ This world could use more people like Narayan who had found their passion and had really come alive in doing so.…

As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Haka includes an extensive continental spread where you’re welcome to help yourself. Bars and fresh fruit were on hand to pack for ride snacks with all dietary requirements catered for. Often our guides would kindly prepare scrambled eggs or pancakes based on the group’s request. Lunch and dinner are not included in the tour however Haka covered most of the meals and groceries we used up front with a tab we fixed up at the end. This method took the stress out of trying to rush off here and there to buy food and store it, instead it was just like shopping and eating as a big family. With a different ride hotspot each day lunch was discussed as a…

Thok are a new player in the Australian market, but the brains behind the bikes are no strangers to mountain biking. Thok Bikes hail from Italy, a land of passionate cyclists, mountains, good food and coffee and a long cycling tradition. That traditional element permeates much of Italy’s cycling culture on the road, but offroad Italian brands have been quick to innovate. Boutique brands like Leonardi and FRM have been pushing the boundaries with materials and component design for cross-country, marathon and enduro racing. Locations like Riva del Garda have been catering for enduro-style riding before people even knew it was a thing. Italians, like many Europeans, have been quick to jump onboard eMTBs and develop bikes to really excel in bigger mountains riding harder trails. That’s where Thok Bikes…

CANYON.COM/EN-AU Available Sizes S, M, L (tested), XL Frame Carbon fibre Fork RockShox SID World Cup,100mm Shock RockShox Debonair RLR, 100mm Shifters SRAM Eagle Gripshift, 12sp Derailleur SRAM XX1 Eagle Crank SRAM XX1 Eagle, DUB, 34t Bottom bracket SRAM DUB Pressfit Chain SRAM XX1 Eagle 12sp Cassette SRAM XX1 Eagle 10-50 12sp Wheels Reynolds Black Label XC Carbon, Boost Tyres Maxxis Ikon 29x2.2” EXO Brakes SRAM Level Ultimate, 180/160mm Stem Canyon V14 80mm Handlebars Canyon H20 Flat, CF, 720mm Seatpost KS Lev Si, 30.9mm 100mm drop Saddle Selle Italia SLR Lite RRP: $7999 WEIGHT: 10.3KGS…

Bombtrack is a small brand hailing from Cologne, Germany. The Bombtrack brand hasn’t been around long, bursting onto the scene in 2013 with unique looking and feeling bikes that aren’t going to break the bank. If you ever rode bikes with 20” wheels, you may have heard of the BMX brand WeThePeople from which Bombtrack was born, so their bikes ought to be pretty fun then… The Beyond is Bombtrack’s only ‘mountain bike’ platform available. It will accept either 27.5+/29” wheels in it’s Chromoly frame. The model we have on test here is the Beyond+ 2, which rolls on 27.5+ wheels with the intentions of carrying you great distances into the bush, without sacrificing the ability to get a little loose on your local trails. This is a relatively new…

INTRODUCING THE KICKR ECOSYSTEM The Wahoo KICKR is one of the best-known smart trainers on the market, which it shares with others such as the Tacx Neo Smart and the CycleOps Hammer. This year sees the release of the KICKR V4 in Australia, and the arrival of an immersive Wahoo ‘ecosystem’ of affiliated devices such as the KICKR Climb and the KICKR Headwind, which together with platforms such as Zwift or TrainerRoad make your indoor training a more immersive experience than it’s ever been before. In case you’ve not heard of them, smart trainers communicate with apps on your phone, tablet, or desktop using Bluetooth or ANT+. Data such as power, cadence, and virtual speed can be manipulated manually or automatically. If you just want to ride, the virtual trainer…

I’ve been using a dry chain lube for over three years now, sticking mostly to what I know. What I know cleans up well, lasts long enough, and is easy to apply. But Joes Eco-Nano Lube might change all that! This dry chain lube uses an applicator to coat the chain with a thin layer of PTFE. Following the directions of applying it to a degreased chain (never mix lubes or lubricate dirty chains), pedalling, wiping away excess and reapplying after the first ride – I’ve been impressed. The Eco-Nano lube has been lasting longer than similar dry lubes, and so far has been cleaning up about the same. Plus it tends to build up a lot less than some wax-based lubes. I used it for the entire Port to…

The 2018 Cape to Cape is approaching, and after last years huge turnout we are expecting another cracking four days on the trails around Margaret River, with close to 2000 other mountain bikers. The whole course for 2018 has had a bit of a rejig, and Cape to Cape heads back to Cape Leeuwin for Stage 1, although the new route ties in plenty of new trails and ditches the point to point headache. Stage 2 is a tick list of favourites in Boranup Forest, and best of all with a start and finish at Leewin Estate hanging out after the race will never have been so comfortable. Stage 3 might just be the best of the event, with 45km of trails at Margaret River to blast around. Compartment 10…

Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) have now announced Junior, U23 and Elite teams for the Mountain Bike World Championships. Cross-country and downhill racing will take place in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, from 4-9 September. The very next weekend, the Marathon Mountain Bike World Championships will take place a little further south, in Auronzo di Cadore, Italy. AMB will be at both events covering the racing, and what is going on behind the scenes. Don’t miss our updates via AMBmag.com.au and of course via Facebook and Instagram.. DOWNHILL (DHI) ELITE MEN Troy Brosnan Darcy Coutts Connor Fearon Jackson Frew Michael Hannah Dean Lucas Jack Moir Jake Newell (R) Joel Willis (R) ELITE WOMEN Danielle Beecroft Tracey Hannah Tegan Molloy JUNIOR WOMEN Elllie Smith Sally Potter JUNIOR MEN Kye A’Hern Aaron Gungl Nik Barber Cooper…

New is cool. New is different. Sometimes new leads to better. This year seems to be the year of new things that work. In XCO racing we’ve had the new short course event at the World Cups that has proven to be a great addition to the weekend. The racing is close and fast, and with World Cup overall points on offer it has made the hunt for the leader’s jersey tighter than usual. The faster courses in the XCO races also seems to be making things closer and more exciting, or maybe everyone is just getting faster. This would seem to be the case, with each World Cup throwing a new rider’s name into the list of potential winners. It’s great to see ‘new’ names performing on the highest…

CURRENCY The local currency is the rupee. There are plenty of ATMs to withdraw local cash, and most shops accept cards. $1 is about 115 rupees. Many costs are cheaper than at home, but better hotels will have food and drinks priced about the same as in Australia. FOOD You’ll need to love a good curry and dhal. But there is plenty of fresh fruit as well, and in the bigger towns you should be able to find just about whatever you like. Rice, curry and dhal is a great meal when you’re doing a stage race, with plenty of carbohydrate, protein and not as much fibre as pasta. Plus, it’s likely to be better than anything you’ve had at home!…

When looking for a location to explore new mountain bike trails, as an Australian it is hard to look past New Zealand. With its close proximity, postcard worthy terrain in every direction and super friendly folk at every stop you might ask, well why would you need to go on a guided tour? Tim and I have often been fortunate to meet up with locals who know the lay of the land, people who can let you know where to find the hidden gems and the best places to eat. What if you haven’t been before, can’t sift through the online riff raff or Trip Advisor? A trip without some guidance you could leave those epic trails unridden and best experiences missed. We have all seen tour groups before, two…

AVAILABLE SIZES S, M (tested), L, XL FRAME MATERIAL Aluminium FORK RockShox Lyric RC 150mm SHOCK RockShox Deluxe RL 140mm SHIFTERS Shimano SLX M7000 11sp DERAILLEUR Shimano XT M8000 11sp CRANK Shimano, 34t CHAIN Shimano CASSETTE Shimano M8000 XT 11-46 11sp WHEELS SunRingle Duroc Comp, 40mm TYRES Maxxis Minion DHR/ Rekon 27.5x2.8” BRAKES Shimano XT 4-pot, 203mm STEM THOK alloy, 40mm, 35mm clamp HANDLEBARS THOK alloy 780mm, 35mm clamp SEATPOST THOK dropper, 150mm SADDLE THOK RRP: $7199 WEIGHT: 22.24KGS…

Haibike is a German brand that has been doing it’s thing in Europe for 20 years now, establishing itself as a pioneer for crafting eMTBs, with a lot of experience under their belt. I’ve tested the Haibike SDURO HARDSEVEN 7.0, which is their 2018 hardtail eMTB release, sitting at a price point of $6499.00. This is at the pricey end of the market for hardtail eMTBs, but is still significantly cheaper than the dual suspension Haibike XDURO All MTN 7.0 tested last issue, that comes in at $8999. The Bosch Performance CX motor harnesses some new features, including the eMTB mode, with the aim of providing a setting that lets you ride naturally with power when you need it, and better battery life when you’re fine under your own steam.…

LINKSPORTS.COM.AU Available Sizes SM-MD-LG-XL Frame Steel 4130 Fork Bombtrack Beyond Full Carbon Shifters SRAM GX Eagle Derailleur SRAM GX Eagle Crank SRAM GX Eagle GXP 34t Bottom Bracket SRAM GXP Team Chain SRAM GX Eagle Cassette SRAM XG1275, 10-50T (12spd) Hubs BT Bikes Sealed Spokes Steel, Double Butted Rims WTB Scraper i40 Tyres WTB Trailblazer 27.5x2.8” Brakes SRAM Level TLM Stem BT Bikes 60mm Handlebars BT Bikes Trail alloy, 700mm Seatpost BT Bikes 619 Alloy Saddle BT Bikes Origin RRP: $3399 WEIGHT: 12.4KGS…

Mountain biking has a number of classic items that just work, and that continue to do so no matter how the sport changes. And plenty of us have our favourite items. From riders who love the feel of Time pedals, or riders who prefer the fit and style of a Giro helmet, or the clear optics of Oakley sunglasses. It might even be the simple yet perfect Ritchey WCS carbon seatpost – even though the age of the dropper is well and truly upon us. The 4SHAW Race Glove could fit in that space. Offering the full coverage you want from a full-finger glove, with nothing to get in the way. The gloves use a thin suede palm and woven back, with silicone grippers on your braking fingers and thumb…

Earlier this year I was contacted by Oxive, a rim manufacturer in China, about testing a set of their rims. I ordered a set of the 35mm rims (which have a 30mm internal width) in 28-hole. The internal width is about spot on for trail and all-mountain riding via testing we’ve done as a magazine, and 28-hole tends to be the sweet spot for spoke count for overall weight and strength. I had two rims sent out and both rims weighed 440g each right on the nose with a very uniform finish on the rim bed and a consistent internal measurement all the way around. You can get rims with the same measurements in their Ultralight spec, weighing as little as 345g for the 29” model. For hubs, I opted…

TOILETS ✔ Yes. At the bottom pavilion. DRINKING WATER ✔ Yes. At the bottom pavilion, trailhead, and summit. PARKING: ✔ Yes. TRAILS SIGNPOSTED: ✔ Yes. Detailed map at trailhead, all other trails are signposted with bright blue signs. MOBILE RECEPTION: ✔ Yes. All service providers, however there are patches behind Stromlo that lack in reception. BBQ FACILITIES: ✔ Yes – Top Observatory and bottom pavilion ACCOMMODATION: ✔ Yes –plenty of options in nearby suburbs, within 20 minutes ride/ drive to Stromlo.…

We just received the new E thirteen 12 speed conversion kit and thought we’d do a how to as we install it on to one of our bikes. This is pretty simple, but does require you to pull apart your shifter and add a few things to your rear mech. We installed ours on a SRAM X01 shifter and rear mech. XX1 required a few different steps, so check out the E thirteen website for more details if you have XX1. YOU WILL NEED 1. We will start with the shifter. To start, shift all the way down to release any spring tension within the shifter. Undo the 3mm bolt on the top to remove the top cap and cable. Flip the shifter upside down and remove the shift lever…