Innholdsfortegnelse for issue 182 i Australian Mountain Bike

Riders: Sian A’Hern and Troy Brosnan The National Championships in Bright were just ahead of the first Downhill World Cup, which was postponed due to the coronavirus. Troy Brosnan made it home in time to contest the men’s national title and won, and Sian A’Hern was the fastest rider to win her first Elite Downhill national title. Riders: Bec McConnell and Dan McConnell Just because you have won a lot of XCO national titles doesn’t make it a given. Bec and Dan McConnell had a great preparation for the Olympic year, and winning the elite XCO titles would let them take the jersey overseas again. But we all have to wait for that last bit. Riders: Luke Meier-Smith, Josh Carlson The amount of racing at the National Championships has really…

The Dwellingup 100 is one of Australia’s most popular marathon races, and on September 12, 2020 it will host the 2020 Cross-Country Marathon (XCM) National Championships. This will be the first time that a national mountain bike title will be held in Western Australia. Given the popularity of the Dwellingup 100, Cape to Cape and the Western Australia Gravity Enduro series we suspect the titles will be strongly supported locally. The Dwellingup 100 route avoids repeated loops, which is different to any previous XCM national title race for the last 10 years. With 10 years of experience and a popular course, we expect plenty of mountain bike racers to make the trip to Dwellingup to contest the titles or test themselves on the singletrack this September. dwellingup100.com.au…

They’re back again! In 2020 the AMB Photography Awards presented by Shimano adjust their focus onto photography – sounds wild, right? We have created a mix of categories that represent a range of mountain bike photography styles. The terms might not be too technical, but you will need to brush up your skills to really nail and win a category, or the overall. Given 2020 has thrown up many challenges, we encourage you to go through your stock photos to find images that suit. If riding outside with one other is safe and allowed in your region – go right ahead and get something fresh. There will be four categories. Each will have a winner, second and third place as voted by you from a short list that we put…

There is every chance you have heard of Cyclinic. The Brisbane-based outfit are suspension service specialists, and have worked to become a true market leader in their craft. In late 2019 they moved their workshop and shop space to a much bigger premises. We visited earlier this year to talk mid-stroke, spring rates, squishy bits, servicing and suspension sales. ALL ABOUT SUSPENSION “It’s a fascinating concept, even for me,” reflects Aiden Leffman, owner of Cyclinic. They are not a bike shop, or a bike service centre. They just do bike suspension servicing and sales. It’s a highly specific area to work in. “If we wind back the clock 6 years or so, the initial thought was that Cyclinic would be very service based with the odd sale as a result…

In most places around Australia, we are blessed with warm temperatures and trails which remain clear and rideable year-round, with the most significant barrier to entry being short days. There is no reason to completely hang up your mountain bike this winter, read on to find out how the crew at AMB stays fit and sane during the winter, and our tips for training indoors. INDOOR TRAINING When the weather sucks and trails are wet, spending some quality time on the indoor trainer can be a huge benefit to your riding. Equally, when your outside movements are restricted for health reasons, you can still get a solid workout inside, and have some fun doing so. “I think mountain bikers are actually ideal indoor training candidates, as backwards as that may…

NITERIDER LUMINA 850 Lumens: 850l Battery life at max power: 1.5hr Claimed weight:130g Price: $99 EXPOSURE DIABLO MK 11 Lumens: 5000l Battery life at max power: 3hr Claimed weight: 386g Price:$430 NITERIDER PRO 2200 RACE Lumens: 2200l Battery life at max power: 1.5hr Claimed weight: 484g including battery pack Price: $599 EXPOSURE SIX PACK Lumens: 1750l Battery life at max power: 1hr Claimed weight:120g Price: $870 LIGHT AND MOTION TAZ 2000 Lumens: 2000l Battery life at max power: 1.5hr Claimed weight: 216g Price:$399 LIGHT AND MOTION TRAIL 1000 Lumens: 1000l Battery life at max power: 1.5hr Claimed weight:121g Price: $249.99 MAGIC SHINE 5000 Lumens: 5000l Battery life at max power: 2.2hr Claimed weight: 91.5g for the head unit Price: $259.95…

The Hutchinson Python mountain bike tyre is synonymous with cross-country mountain biking. From a time when Michelins were green (or red) and the really good Hutchinsons had gold or silver shoulders, the Python was a high-volume, low tread height cross-country tyre that was popular across the globe. The Hutchinson range of mountain bike tyres have a new home in Australia thanks to Ride Sports in Queensland. The Python is just one of many treads they are importing, and the 29” rubber is available in 2.1” and 2.25”. We opted for the 2.25” to test, as it’s a size that suits modern cross-country and some fast trail riding, especially in Australian conditions. While it depends where you live, many of us ride on loose over hardpack trails, and the greater tyre…

Nothing sets off a bike like having the right cockpit setup, from both a looks, fit and performance perspective. Ben Morrison did a big feature on handlebar width and diameter a couple of years ago, and plenty of people were surprised that many pro riders didn’t reach for the widest bars, or 35mm clamp sizes, as a matter of course. They needed their bars to offer the fit and qualities that were right for them. Increasingly, we have seen trusted bar and stem manufacturers bring out 35mm clamp bars and stems. Not because they couldn’t do so before, but because they have spent the time making a product that actually performs better than their 31.8mm clamp models. PRO are one of those brands, and their new Tharsis 3Five handlebars and…

Riding through big dips or gullies is something which may seem relatively simple for an intermediate or advanced rider, but for a newbie to the sport, riding through gullies can be absolutely terrifying. The main challenge is the quick transition from heading down to heading up. This, combined with the sudden acceleration of dropping in and the fear of not quite making it out quickly adds up to something which might seem relatively simple, becoming something which a rider can quickly generate a fear of. The reality is though, even for advanced riders, if you do it right it can make the process a whole lot easier, a whole lot safer and require way less effort if you focus on a few key elements. For me, riding through big dips…

As our last issue went on sale in March, it became clear that we would all be living through an event that would change the world. A global pandemic had been announced and that has made a huge impact on everyone. Two months on and social distancing is common practice, photos of groups of riders look weird, and everyone is a little unsure about when they might get to travel to ride their bike again, or test themselves in a mountain bike event. We put this issue together as all this happened in the real world. Reading through the tips on how to prepare for an enduro stage race like Trans NZ, or the recap from YakRu in the Himalayas made it easy to be swept away to a different…

When pushed for what service work can be terrible, Lefmann admits that there’s a corner of Australia that can really give suspension a hard time. “If it’s from someone who has lived in Cairns their whole life and never even thought about servicing their suspension – it’s a big job. I’m sure local stores in north Queensland will agree. Some of what we have seen come out of there is mind-blowing, we need to spend a few hours cleaning the work space after the service as it leaves that much of a mess!”…

JET BLACK VOLT RRP: $1299 Max resistance: 1800-watts Max incline: 16% Claimed accuracy: +/- 2.5% Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, ANT+ FEC Axel compatibility: 130mm, 135mm, 142mm, 148mm TACX NEO 2T RRP: $1999 Max resistance: 2200-watts Max incline: 25% Claimed accuracy: +/- 1% Axel compatibility: 130mm, 135mm, 142mm, 148mm WAHOO KICKR CORE RRP: $1199 Max resistance: 1800-watts Max incline: 16% Claimed accuracy: +/- 2% Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, ANT+ FEC Axel compatibility: 130mm, 135mm, 142mm, 148mm SARIS M2 RRP: $799 Max resistance: 1500-watts Max incline: 15% Claimed accuracy: +/- 5% Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, ANT+ FEC Axel compatibility: 120mm, 130mm,135mm, through-axle adaptor required for 142mm, 148mm…

From 11-15 March, the Alpine Shire town of Bright was consumed by mountain biking. For the second year in a row, the National Mountain Bike Championships were held in the town, pulling riders in from around the country to race, support and spectate. The event ended up being one of the last major sporting fixtures with spectators in Australia, and one of the last competitive mountain bike events to be held around the globe. But that didn’t change the fight, as with National Titles on the line everyone was going all in. HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE DOWNHILL NATIONAL TITLE Highs and lows are all part of the downhill game, a single mistake can cost you everything. While only a short amount of relative work, 3 minutes on an afternoon…

Merida Bikes need little introduction, especially for their pedal-assist mountain bikes. Merida took the eMTB world by storm when they released the eOne-Sixty in 2017, and it was the eOne-Sixty 900E that truly won accolades, with a parts spec that was the envy of many, and better value than many bikes on the market that lacked the Shimano STEPS pedal-assist unit! In 2019 Merida updated the eOne-Sixty platform so the frame geometry and suspension matched current market expectations – and they made the mainframe carbon. With an eOne-Forty model also produced, Merida acknowledged that a lot of riders who bought an eOne-Sixty did so for the eMTB assistance, not so much for 150mm of suspension travel. The eOne-Forty platform uses the same mainframe as the eOne-Sixty, but with a shorter…

Setting your mountain bike tyres and wheels up with a tubeless system can be one of the best upgrades to your bike. Most bikes will come just about ready to go, and a good bikeshop will ensure your bike is setup tubeless when you roll out the door. A tubeless setup isn’t a safety net for all punctures, and like most parts on your bike regular maintenance goes a long way for ensuring proper function. If you make sure the system is working correctly, then the chances that your tubeless setup will repair a puncture while you ride is much greater. There are a few speed bumps in good tubeless performance. A good seal with the tape, valve and tyre, strong sidewalls, and the age and quality of your sealant…

A healthy lifestyle supports a healthy immune system, particularly if you’re active. In people training regularly, immune function plays a role not only in fighting off infections, but also in promoting recovery from training. Being proactive with your diet ensures your immune system gets the nutrients it needs to be fighting fit. Try these tips to keep your immune system firing on all cylinders. FOCUS ON EATING GOOD QUALITY FOOD Now more than ever it is really important to focus on eating a wide variety of good quality foods. Research shows improving nutrition status (or how well-nourished you are) helps to support optimal immune function. In particular, vitamins A, B, C, D and E and the minerals iron, selenium, and zinc are essential to fighting infection. To make sure you…

All of a sudden, staying healthy has evolved from a peripheral issue we only pay attention to when it directly effects us, to the forefront of our existence. The emergence of COVID-19 has lead to a social emphasis on health, increased hygiene, and social distancing measures; but what does this mean for cyclists? CYCLING AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM There are a host of reasons why cycling is beneficial to health, from a cellular to psychological standpoint. Moderate levels of moderate intensity exercise are related to an increase in immune function, but when that tips over into high-load and high-intensity the risks of infection rise again. This temporary immunosuppression (and/or peripheral migration of immune cells, depending which study you read!) result in increased susceptibility for infection, which is particularly evident during…

Since March, we’ve seen everything from the biggest to the smallest mountain bike races postponed or cancelled. As this is written, there is word that restrictions might be lifting. The first half of this year has seen the Cape Epic being cancelled, plus the opening rounds of the Downhill and Cross-Country World Cup, and the Enduro World Series. The Olympics have been postponed until 2021, and the World Championships have also been postponed. New Australian events like the Dragon Trail MTB Stage Race in Tasmania was postponed, and countless others, including industry behemoths like Sea Otter. With travel restricted and restrictions on numbers of people gathering – what can you still do? GO AND RIDE YOUR BIKE We are still able to ride outside, unlike in some countries. So enjoy…

The Epic MTB Series were quick to adapt with their date change for Port to Port, moving the race from May to September 10-13. While the dates have changed, the 4-days of good times on great trails haven’t. The Port to Port team worked to update some of the routes for 2020, and we might be speaking out of place, but September is a cracker of a time to ride in the area, possibly better than May! Head to the event page to enter and get more details on the trails in store for September. Porttoportmtb.com…

SHIMANO WH-M8120 WHEELS Shimano stepped back from wheels a bit with the introduction of their 12-speed group sets. What they wanted to do instead was make sure the wheels they offered stood out. With the WHM8120 being a Deore XT level wheel, Shimano have matched the super smooth Deore XT M8100 hubs to an asymmetric, welded alloy rim. The rims have a 30mm internal width, and the 28 j-bend spokes have zero dish – making a stiffer and longer lasting trail wheel. Each spoke is also the same length for easy spares. These will be going straight onto our long term test bike! RRP: $599 shimano.com.au 2021 FOX SUSPENSION In April, Fox wowed us with the all-new Fox 38. A hard-charging fork that will take aim at the Enduro World…

“We service a lot of older suspension items. With Cannondale we service back to 1994. That’s 26 years ago and people are pretty amazed that we can service that kind of stuff. Of course we need to service items within a budget that suits the age of the product and that can be challenging with old parts. Not everyone is willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a very old Headshok. “Fox is also really good in terms of continuity of spare parts and backward compatibility as well. So we can service back to day one of Fox suspension.” If you want to keep your suspension running well – these are the #protips from Aiden Lefmann: 1. Get your stuff serviced. “DIY or have it done. I know I’m a…

GROUND EFFECT RIVET Waterproofing: 23k waterproof / 33k breathability Hood: No Taped Seams: Yes RRP: NZ$269 ENDURA SINGLETRACK MERINO T Relaxed fit Merino blend material Easy care RRP: $69.95 PEARL IZUMI SUMMIT WXB Waterproofing: 10k waterproof / 30k breathability Hood: Yes + Stowable Taped Seams: Yes RRP: $369.95 ENDURA BAABAA MERINO MULTITUBE Warm, snuggly, light and Merino wool! RRP: $29.95 ENDURA SINGLETRACK SHELL Waterproofing: 10k waterproof / 20k breathability Hood: Yes + Stowable Taped Seams: Yes RRP: $249.95 ENDURA HUMVEE Nylon ripstop with DWR Includes a detachable liner and thigh vents. RRP: $119.95…

Forbidden Bike Company is named after the Forbidden Plateau which overlooks the owners’ home town nestled on the western shores of Vancouver Island BC, Canada. An area rich with mountain biking history, wild terrain and surprisingly a year round riding season makes it the perfect location for a new company to develop their first bike, the Druid. What makes the Druid unique is an ever growing landscape of “ultimate trail bikes” and if you haven’t already noticed, the high pivot rear suspension really stands out. It doesn’t stop there, the more we look, the more details show themselves, the Druid is packing technology we are seeing on the World Cup Downhill circuit and has 130mm travel out back and 140mm/150mm up front. So why the high pivot and why don’t…

FIRST RIDE There are so many carbon wheels in the market that claim to be stronger and stiffer than the competition, however more recently we see companies talking about compliance and reduced rider fatigue. Zipp’s 3Zero Moto wheels are at the fore front of this movement and have some layed down some big claims around radial compliance and “ankle” compliance (that’s new to me too) all while maintaining lateral stiffness and reducing rider fatigue. That’s a lot to take in so lets break it down and talk about how that translates on the trail. How they differ from a conventional rim? Inspired by a motorcycles rim design, a single wall construction free from any voids has been used. This thin single wall has a unique layup of carbon fibre and…

One of your most useful components when riding trails are your eyes. Being able to scan the trail ahead accurately, and read the subtle and not so subtle changes in terrain through dappled light and ever-changing conditions is a pretty tough task. A camera struggles to do it, but our eyes do it in an instant. So it’s worth looking after them and making sure they can do their job! Using a pair of high quality sunglasses can really make a difference. Firstly, high-quality sports-specific eyewear uses materials that are shatter resistant. Secondly, top brands have clearer optics for better clarity, especially in mixed light conditions. And thirdly, fit and ventilation are super important when riding off-road. You’ll know about it pretty quickly if the back of the arms interfere…

This issue we are going to run you through the Stan’s DART system. DART stands for Dual Action Repair for Tubeless. That basically means that the plug and sealant work together to seal the hole. Make sure that if you plan on using the DART, you are running fresh Stan’s Sealant in your tyres. 1 You got a flat! Sometimes the sealant isn’t enough to seal the hole well enough to ride on. This large piece of glass made quite a large slice in our tyre. Quickly pull out the DART and remove the cap. The quicker you do this the easier it is to push the plug into a slightly inflated tyre. 2 Line up the tool over the hole. Push the DART into the hole. The conical tip…