Team Chain Reaction Cycles 2008

Just got a cool email from snapper Jacob 'Milky' Gibbins, who's been out filming with Matt Simmonds this weekend gone for the new flick 'Foot Out Flat Out'.

Matt's just got his hands on his new Intense and team gear for Chain Reaction Cycles / Intense.

We'll have the full lowdown, interviews and more in Issue 7!
An update on filming for the flick 'Foot Out Flat Out' will be in Issue 6 (out VERY soon)

Bionicon Ironwood - First Look

Check out what just landed at Wideopen's Bristol HQ...

I met up with Bionicon's UK guy Roger today for a quick chat and to get my hands on their big hitting, do-it-all bike the 'Ironwood'. Basically, it's a sub 40lbs, long travel bike with a rather nifty suspension system that lets you alter the geometry for climbing or descending.

I'll have it for the next couple of weeks to rag around the South West and for a repo in Issue 7 and on the webber. Stay tuned!

For more check out Wideopen Issue 4 here
Or the Bionicon homepage here

MRP XCG Chain Device

Seems like the chain device industry is going mad at the moment with new product appearing all over the place.

The latest is the MRP XCG, a super light-weight (100g) bash guard aimed at riders that run front mechs but don't want to loose their big ring or add weight with a heavy bash plate. The setup is pretty simple with a 4mm thick alloy bash plate and a replaceable poly skid plate to take the hits.

Interestingly, there's also a single-speed version that will fit up to 36tooth front rings. Could be one to look at for your hardtail build..?

Price and availability is still to be confirmed.

http://www.ison-distribution.com
http://www.mrpbike.com

New Raceface Atlas FR crankset

Raceface have just announced their all new Atlas FR crankset. Touted as lightweight but heavy duty these could well be a great choice for DH race bikes or enduro set ups.

Here's some specs:

LENGTHS: 165, 170, 175mm
COLOUR: Bad Ass Black or Blue Steel
WEIGHT: 1085g (175mm with double ring bash & BB)
BB: 68/73mm, 83mm & 100mm BB shell options
RING CONFIGS: Arms only (83mm & 100mm BB’s), 22T,32T,BASH and 24T,36T,BASH

RRP is £139.00 arms only/£199 with triple ring.

Check out:
http://www.silverfish-uk.com/
http://www.raceface.com/

Josh Brycland on MRP for '08

Hot off the press from Grand Junction, Colorado... UK ripper Josh Bryceland has signed with MRP chain guides for 2008. He'll be running the MRP G2 on his V10.

The G2 is MRP's latest guide and looks top class. It features a 5mm thick poly skid plate that wraps around the bottom bracket and lower chain guide. Look out for our full repo on the guide in Issue 6 of Wideopen.....

'08 will be Josh's first season with the Santa Cruz Syndicate super team and looks set for biiiiiig things. Give him a cheer at the races. G'luck fella!

www.mrpbike.com - MRP homepage
www.ison-distribution.com - UK distro
www.santacruzmtb.com - Santa Cruz home

RideUK 2008 Photo Issue

The Ride photo issue is out and again it's absolutely jam packed with amazing images. Definately essential reading for aspiring photographers and riders alike.

There's interviews with loads of UK bmx photographers including Nathan Beddows, Streetphire's H-Man, John Dye, Rob Fenlon and - of course- regular WO contributor Kung. Also loads of rider interviews based around photography, random images and their assorted stories, a great interview with a Philadelphia photolab and another one from editor Bancroft about getting your photos in the mags. You've also GOTTA see Nathan Beddows' shot of a whip cheered on by the incredible hulk, 3 zombies, one corpse and a load of fake blood. Amazing!

Question though... Are any of the shots better than Issue 113's Brian Foster scrub shot?? Whatever... Just grab your copy NOW!

www.rideukbmx.com

Ben Lomond...mental!

Well folks, I rode Fort Bill last year and boy-oh did my arms and hands hurt. Yesterday, I climbed Ben Lomond and the descent reminded very much of the Fort Bill feeling!

Passing climbers on the way I had some friendly banter, though I reckon they all had me down as insane. Up top, and with about a quarter of the 3195ft/974m climb still to go, I took the advice of some descending walkers and my own sanity that 60mph+ cross winds weren't worth the last wee bit of the climb. So, I got my armour on, full face at the ready and off I went.

In summary...rocky as fuck! Bottom half is more rideable and enjoyable, almost a techy singletrack feel to it. No end of twists and tricks thrown up to catch you out. No spills for me though and only one unpass-able section.

I was out riding to test some twenty6 products for issue 6 or 7 (which...ahem, dunno!). A big shout also has to go to the guys at Craig MacMartin Cycles in Glasgow for sorting my bike out, a wee brake service was just what the doctor ordered before attempting this descent!

Now for some snaps...
It's all about the twenty6 Dualielevers (and the bar ends!)


Camo, white, pink...whatever!


This was the only un-rideable section, it gets worse above the staircase here


Epic descent...the trail disappears in the distance...if only there was a helicopter drop off service!


As it got bleak up top, I decided to get a quick snap in, before descending at speed over what can only be described as "rocky as fuck" until the bottom half where it was mint

New TFTuned website

Tim and the TFTuned crew have just launched their brand new website.



There's loads of new info including techy advice on keeping your suspension running nicely, a look at what they get up to in the TF labs and all the dates they will be track side if you want to catch up with them.

They're also working on an online shop to make order bits n' bobs even easier.

Give them a look today at www.tftunedshox.com/

The good, the bad and the stoopid...

Drama down my way...
First off the stoopid..when fettling with your bike, use GOOD TOOLS, not crap ones that round off grub screws on your brakes, meaning SOS calls to your local bike mechanic! I was fitting twenty6 dualielevers and discovered this fact last night. The bad news is that I haven't been testing them all day!
The good news is that I went over to the skatepark in Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow. Tentatively debated in my head whether park is for me or not...decided I want a bmx, tho I did jump a few parts of the park on the Cove. Met some good lads turning in some sick style, Jordan, Paul and can't recall the other lads names...err, sorry one did a sick turndown and the other a sweet wallride though!...


Awesome turndown, 3rd time lucky, bad angle from me to snap at, doh!











Style into the bowl from Jordan











Pinned wallride, the speed round the park was even more impressive!









Favourite shot of the day in the spring light....

Note: YES, Summer has already started in Spring in Scotland! Enjoy it while it lasts...gale force winds this weekend...

Astrix Caersws Cup Rd1

Last weekend's racing was at Caersws for the all new Astrix Cup. Riders were treated to mud, mud and MORE mud meaning sketchy runs for all. No moaning from anyone i've spoken to so far... Just a good days racing at a classic venue.



Ralph Jones redeemed himself from the BUSA's with a top spot, followed down by Beaumont then Ben Baker. Fastest ladies were Aimee Dix, Lynda Davies then Harriet Latcham. Well done all!

For more info hit NPS4X.com
Also check out Jim's excellent repo here: http://fattyre.co.uk/reports/36/

At the risk of sounding like a broken record... Full repo will be in Wideopen 6 thanks to Jim.

Seriously, IT'S ON THE WAY!

Claire's Blog: New bike is here!

Heres a quick blog for ya with some pics of my new Socom frame I got the other day...



Went for an XC ride yesterday in a place that was completely transformed from the last time we rode there. Spring is here and the SoCal desert is blooming....birds are chirping, frogs are burping haha and there are wild flowers everywhere. And even though it all makes me sneeze, I like it. Cuz race season is just around the corner.

The Winter Vomit Series is over and Chris and I both won the overall titles. In the last race of the series, there was no real competition for me but I raced hard against myself and tasted blood after a strong head wind on "the wall".



My new Intense Socom frame arrived back from the powder coaters looking sick! The paint job is a translucent brass finish over raw metal so, although you can't totally see it in the photos here, it looks a bit antique with all the welds and metal patterns showing through. Looks pretty cool.

My new Socom also has a slacker head angle, lower bb and longer wheelbase than the last one so it will be better suited for the World Cup tracks.

Can't wait to get out there to test it out!


Claire rides for Intense, Sram/Rockshox/Avid/Truvativ, Maxxis, Sombrio Girl, Chromag, e13, Crankbrothers, Mavic, Dakine, Smith Optics, THE helmets, Troy Lee Designs armour, Evolution Bike Shop, Dynamic Core Fitness, Whistler Bike Park. She's currently spending the Winter in Southern California training for the season ahead.

Friday Media...

I love Friday afternoons in the office. There's always a nice and mellow vibe as people start winding down for the weekend. Here's a couple of images to keep you going till 5:30.

Have a good one whatever the weekend brings!

Stuart Roper, shot at Bridport Outdoor Park, riding his mates bike. Photo by Oli Ward.
Shot on 10mm, 1/2000th,f/5.6, ISO 400, Nikon D200

Jim whipping it out on a lazy weekend before heading home to watch Rambo. Photo by Gareth Howell at Digitalbmx.com

Pump Urban Wear Competition!

COMPETITION!

Anyone out there a fan of 4 wheels as well as 2?

Our friends at Pumpurbanwear.co.uk are running a compo to win a Faltown Skateboard.

It's a 1.0 Street Deck with Venture Trucks and "Jason Dill" Alien Workshop 53mm Wheels. Means nothing to me but apparently it's pretty trick!

If you're already a fan of 4 wheels or just fancy giving it a go... pop over to the following and get signed up: http://www.pumpurbanwear.co.uk/catalog/competition.php

I tried it once, fell on my arse and tore my school uniform... My mum was right pissed off.

Maybe you'll have more luck.

The online world of Patt Campbell-Jenner!

Elite rider and WO regular Patt CJ just launched his flash new website at www.patcj.co.uk.

You can log-on for info on his riding, racing and sponsors plus loads of top photos from Chris Smith, Mike Deere and Roo at Flowtography.

Patt is going to be racing the UK NPS in 2008... As well as heading off for his first tour on the World Cup circuit. Busy season ahead and hopefully loads of updates for all of us to check out.

Add it to your favourites!!

Patt rides for Identiti, Halo, MRP, ODI, Shimano, TSG, Finish Line, Schwalbe, Diatech, Gusset, Thor, MTB-Bitz, Duffs and Marzocchi.

Student Champs '08

Last weekend was the Student MTB Champs at Cwm Carn... And a chance for the students of the UK to face-off in DH and XC, mostly still drunk and wearing fancy-dress.

DH Friday/Saturday got the best of the Welsh weather, turning the campsite into a swamp and giving us all some sketchy conditions on track. Last man on the mountain Chris Hutchens (Edinburgh/Mojo) took first place in pretty much the worst conditions i've EVER seen, with Dirt boyo Ralph Jones (Liverpool) rolling in 2 seconds late. Reigning champ Sue Mahony (Bristol) told gold for the ladies, with Briony Croft (Southampton) rolling down 34 seconds behind. Well done all!



No idea about the XC results sadly... I had a puddle in my car-boot and everything I owned was soaked so retreated back home to a warm bed for Saturday night.



Despite the Psunami-like conditions the event was actually a bloody good laugh as usual. Over 300 riders entered the downhill, everyone was up for a laugh and the whole thing ran smoothly. There was also a nice vibe in the race-village with Mtb-direct, Descent-gear, Extreme events and Mtb-Bitz all on the scene to keep everyone rolling.

Big shout to all the organisers who stayed smiling all weekend and kept things rolling along nicely, especially Extremem Know-How and Paddy from BUSA.

Needless to say we'll have a full repo in the next issue with loads more photos...(when it finallly appeares!)

Bling bling

Wideopen is all about supporting grass roots and new people and companies in the sport, and here we have a sneaky peak at some parts we'll be previewing in issue 7 (sorry issue 6 is too full already and I need to test the parts proper!).

twenty6 parts is an all American high quality bike parts company. Tyler from Twenty6 got in touch and has sent me some stuff over. Check out their webby and future WO issues for reviews of some pimp, top quality stuff. Crisp designs too y'all.

Student Champs 2008!

Just about to leave for the Student Champs at Cwm Carn...

I'll be on hand all weekend papping for Wideopen and doing my best not to get too hungover and ruin my race runs!

Look out for a quick update on Sunday night and a full repo in issue 6. I've got all the camera crap, my video camera and Oke/Jim ftmb will also be on hand... No doubt if you're there we'll get you somehow!

Have a good a good weekend!

Pimp New Chalet for Riders-Retreat

Alan at Riders-Retreat just sent over this shot of their sexy new chalet in central Morzine...



"New for this season, Riders Retreat have added Chalet L'Alpin to their impressive line up of accommodation in Morzine and Les Gets. Chalet L'Alpin is based in central Morzine, very close to the Super Morzine lift. With 5 ensuite bedrooms, a living room with a huge flat screen tv and cinema surround, and an outdoor jacuzzi, it makes a great place to be based for riding in the Portes du Soleil. Add to this the large garage and outdoor pressure washer and it is ideally set up for riders.

For more information please visit http://www.riders-retreat.co.uk/ "

We stayed in Chalet Chaumiere last Summer and had a great time. Two thumbs up and thoroughly recommended for a great way to ride France. Give 'em a call if you're planning your Summer trip.

NPSDH Entries are OPEN!

Straight from Superfly Paton... the NPS has LANDED!

Entries are now live at npsdh.com

If you've got £60, a Silver or Gold race license and 5 BC points you're ready to go. Get signed up NOW and support the UK's premier race series!

Make sure you can ride a bike and you could be rubbing shoulders with the all the stars from Santa Cruz Syndicate, Monster Energy, Athertons, Dirt Magazine, Bike Radar, IronHorse, Lapierre, MSC, Orange and many, many more!

Any questions to Si at superfly@descent-world.co.uk
Any entry questions to steveparr66@yahoo.co.uk

Icebike 2008... Nice lunch, nice bikes

I just love escaping the office for the day, especially when it involves oggling bike parts and being treated to lunch. Last Thursday's excuse was 'Icebike'... Distributor Madison's very own trade-show at their HQ in Milton Keynes.

They put on the show every year to give their dealers and us hacks a chance to meet the brand managers, fondle their new products and have a nose around the enormous warehouse.

New Commencal...

The big news was the launch of the new Commencal Supreme DH which the Athertons and the bike's designer Nicolas Menard were on hand to show off. I had a quick chat with Nicolas and he's pretty excited about the bike so far. There's loads of adjustment, an inch more travel, lower centre of gravity and it has been generally beefed up to last a bit longer than the old bike. Sadly it had no brakes and the wrong shock so no test rides for yours truly. You can expect them to start rolling out in the UK at the end of July... And we'll be having a chat with Nicolas in Wideopen issue 6.

The man behind the bikes... Nicolas.

Commencal HT

US company 'Wheels Manufacturing' are now producing a massive range of replacement mech-hangers. They'll be working with BETD/Goldtech meaning top quality... And distributing through Madison meaning zero fuss getting your hands on them. RRP about 17 quid.

Lots of drop-outs and axles

Finally, Animal were showing off their new range of mtb clothing with some really nice shorts, tops and a great looking jacket that I'm desperate to get my hands on! Not much else to report in terms of new product... There's a nice range of Giro glasses about to appear, Hyrdapack and Ogio have got some stylish MTB packs, new Thor stuff looks good as usual.

New Animal jacket...

We stopped by the Bullring on the way

Selfridges has an enormous bull made out of jelly beans. It cost £20K!

Big thanks to all at Madison for a great day out http://www.ultimatepursuits.co.uk/

http://www.fattyre.co.uk/ to see Jim's take on the day

First one to email me an interesting fact about Madison's hometown Milton Keynes gets a goody bag of junk I gathered from the show! Answers to jamie@wideopenmag.co.uk.