Bringing the best in cycling to the head of the field
CALL UP Product / Tech / Trends / Know-How / from QBP and Friends
Mountain Issue / february 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
Tech, Trends & Know-How 14 Enduro: The Secret Everybody Knows 16 Tubeless Tires: Seal the Deal 24 Dave Larson: The Long Game 30 Last Shot
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Mountain Product 4 Pedals: No More Missed Connections 6 WTB: Stuck to the Trail 8 Wheels: Circulation Aids 10 Dropper Posts: Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out 12 SRAM XX1: Addition by Subtraction 18 Product: The Good Stuff
lead out / about this issue
Welcome to Call Up!
O
ur goal at QBP is to help you succeed, and this new publication is one more way we’re doing that. Each issue of Call Up will bring you thoughtful, in-depth original articles about the products, companies, and people that help drive your business. Call Up will dive into complex topics and help make them more understandable. We’ll supply you with the latest technical information, help you unravel and understand emerging trends, and showcase the coolest products in the industry. We’ll bring you thought-provoking interviews with bike industry movers and shakers including some of our own employees. We’ll provide tips and advice on everything from advances in tubeless tire technology to ways you can run your business more profitably. Every issue will focus on a unique aspect of cycling, from road to mountain to cyclocross to BMX and beyond, and we’ll present each in a timely way that will help you stay ahead of the game. The fact that we’re doing it all in-house is really exciting for me personally. I’ve always been proud of the incredible talent of our staff. The people who work at QBP are the best and brightest, from the buyers who choose the products to the engineers and artists who create our trend-setting brands to the folks that get your orders out the door on time. Simply put, we attract exceptional talent and it shows. For example, not long ago QBP was recognized by the Minnesota chapter of AIGA, an organization for design professionals, as a Twin Cities company producing sophisticated, highly creative work in design and advertising. It’s an incredible honor. When my wife and I started QBP in 1981, our catalog was a few Xerox copies stapled together. Now we’re able to produce a magazine like this. Amazing. We’re dedicating this first issue to mountain bikes. It may seem odd to talk about mountain bikes in the dead of winter but spring is not far off, so this is the perfect time to get up to speed about the stuff that most of you will be selling when it warms up. It’s also a bit poetic. QBP and mountain bikes came of age together. Mountain bikes broadened everyone’s view of where and how a person can ride a bike and attracted all kinds of people, both established cyclists and new riders, just as we were starting our business. Today most riders have grown up with mountain bikes and as a result the skill level of your average offroad rider is amazing. Better skills have demanded better equipment, and better equipment in turn has enabled better skills. Technological developments have made riding hard terrain accessible to even moderately skilled riders. Frames and wheels are lighter and stronger than anything that came before, disc brakes offer amazing control without serious weight, there are tires for any condition you can imagine, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. All this means that the bike nerds of the world (us included) have another way to make a living doing something we’d be doing anyway: getting people excited to ride. And so it makes sense, both practically and emotionally, that the first issue of Call Up highlights some of the components and technology that define mountain biking as we know it today. Enjoy the ride!
Each issue will focus on a unique aspect of cycling
on this page: Mountain selfie on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo by Brian Mulligan, Q-West
Cover photo courtesy of Salsa Cycles
CALL UP / Volume 1, Number 1 / Feb. 2014 Published by Quality Bicycle Products 6400 West 105th Street Bloomington, Minnesota 55438 www.qbp.com Customer Service: 800.346.0004 customerservice@qbp.com If you’d like to stop receiving a paper version of Call Up, please contact Customer Service. All brands, trademarks and content in Call Up is the intellectual property of QBP or our vendor partners, all rights reserved. © Quality Bicycle Products, Inc. 2014
—Steve Flagg
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NO MORE MISSED CONNECTIONS Finding that “one and only” you click with is what keeps us cyclists moving forward. Maybe you’re lucky enough to know exactly what you like, or maybe you’re still searching. Either way, QBP lets you be choosy whether you’re getting out there for the first time or looking for something to get dirty.
MSW, iSSi, Crank Brothers, VP, Exustar, Look, and Time have all had success finding compatible partners through QBP. Look no further for your next trailmate.
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Exustar PM218
iSSi Pedal PD2700–08 / $37.50
Crank Brothers Egg Beater 3
LOOK S-Track Race
PD9452 / $55.50
Durable forged aluminum body. Wide contact area increases stability and control and maximizes pedaling efficiency.
Dynamic colors. SPD-style cleats. CroMoly spindle, sealed bearings, proven technology, and fully rebuildable.
PD8206–07 / $65.00
Minimalist aluminum body with CroMoly spindle and steel wings.
Injected carbon body with lightweight spring. Aftermarket S-Track Cage can be added for increased support and control.
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MSW MP-100
MSW MP-200
VP VX Adventure
Time MX8 Carbon
PD3300 / $24.99
PD3301 / $34.99
PD9343 / $40.00
PD2210 / $138.00
Entry level pedal with CroMoly spindle and ball bearings. Light action SPDstyle cleats included.
Machined and polished CroMoly spindle and sealed bearings. Open design helps clear mud. Light-action SPD-style cleats included.
VP’s largest platform in the VX series bridges the gap between flat and clipless pedals. The extended platform adds stability while clipped in.
Oversize carbon composite body is tailor built for the demands of Enduro and trail riding. Time’s proven ATAC interface self cleans debris and offers both lateral and rotational float.
PD6191 / $141.00
PEDAL PUSHER PROMOTION STOCK UP ON ESSENTIALS OR TRY SOMETHING NEW! For a limited time, get great discounts on your favorite pedals. Be ready for spring sales with models from LOOK, Crank Brothers, Time, and our great new brands: iSSi and MSW. Save up to 10% with 60-day terms. Road or MTB, choose any combination of brands and models. No matter what your customers ride, we have you covered.
• Tier 1: $1,000, 5% discount, 30 day terms • Tier 2: $2,500, 10% discount, 60 day terms • Orders ship immediately • Offer valid February 17 to April 18 • Terms OAC To find out more or to place an order, visit preseason.qbp.com/qbppedalpromo
FEBRUARY 2014 / Mountain Issue / 5
Stuck to the Trail Wilderness Trail Bikes has been designing and producing mountain bike components, tires, and rims that have influenced the sport for 31 years. From the tread design of the now legendary Velociraptor in 1994, to the highly acclaimed Vigilante tire and KOM rim on today’s Enduro circuit, WTB continues to innovate in ways that allow riders to go harder and faster without worrying about losing their line.
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Get ready for spring with new hoops and rubber 29" KOM TCS Rim
30mm TCS Rim Tape
RM1669 / $50.00
RS1617 / $9.00
4D drilling eliminates the need for eyelets. On-ramp cavity shape aids fast seating of tubleless tires. Also available in 26 and 27.5".
For the KOM and other 25mm inner width rims when converting tubeless. Also available in 24, 26, and 28mm widths.
34mm TCS Valves
29 x 2.3" Vigilante TCS Tire
PU1604 / $12.50
QBP STOCKS MORE THAN
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Aluminum TCS valve has a tapered design for optimal fit, and features a removable valve core for uninterrupted air flow. Also available in 46mm length.
TR1741 / $35.00
Offers stability and control when you’re pushing your bike in loose conditions and steep lean angles. Also available in 26, 27.5", or Grippy Gravity DNA Rubber Compound.
WTB
PRODUCTS
FEBRUARY 2014 / Mountain Issue / 7
a l t u i o c r n i C Aids Industry 9 Torch Trail 26 Wheelset
Syntace W35
WE0233 / $775.00
Scandium 35mm rims give tubeless tires new authority over the trail. PinkBike’s “Most Anticipated Wheels of 2012.” Also available in 26 and 27.5". 1,872g/set in 29".
Torch wheels are the first fully designed by Industry Nine. Trail versions have pre-taped 28mm tubeless-ready rims and the newest I9 Torch hubs. 1,490g/set.
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WE9020, WE9022 / $800.00
SUNringlé Black Flag Pro SL Wheelset WE2230 / $555.74
Designed for XC and trail use with Stan’s NoTubes BST Technology. Straight-pull hubs with 9, 15, and 20mm front and 12 x 142 rear end caps included. 26" weigh in at 1,450g/set. Also available in 27.5 and 29".
Some have argued that how a bike rides is 50% frame, 40% wheels, and 10% components. However you do the math, the impact of a high-quality wheelset cannot be denied.
QBP carries a large selection of mountain wheels from Crank Brothers, SRAM, Industry Nine, SUNringlĂŠ, Quality Wheels built with Syntace rims, and many more. All have unique design characteristics that can boost your ride and change the way you take on the trail.
Crank Brothers Cobalt 3 29er Wheelset
SRAM Roam 50
WE3091 / $575.00
Roam 50 wheels blend stiffness, weight and versatility. 25mm pre-taped UST compatible rims are laced to asymmetric hubs so only one spoke length is needed per wheelset. 1,610g/set in 29". Also available in 26 and 27.5".
2014 Crank Brothers wheels are wider, lighter and easier to use tubeless. Cobalts feature a 25mm wide rim. The 3 Series has more machining and a 1,735g/set weight in 29er. Also available in 27.5".
WE4435, WE4437 / $718.13
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Turn On Tune In Drop Out For the types of terrain riders are tackling these days, there are times when there is simply nowhere for a saddle to go but low and out of the way. By lowering the saddle on descents and raising it for maximum pedaling efficiency on climbs, dropper posts give novice and seasoned riders more confidence and control. They’re an easy add-on sale for all your MTB customers. QBP carries the most in-demand models from Kind Shock, RockShox, Thomson, and X-Fusion; all ready to help you get dowwwwwn.
Kind Shock LEV DX
Thomson Elite Dropper
ST0360 / $225.00
ST7250 / $330.00
The new DX makes KS technology affordable without sacrificing the reliability you’ve come to expect from LEV. 30.9 or 31.6. 100, 125 or 150mm of travel with fixed cable routing from the handlebar remote.
Thomson precision for the dropper post crowd. One-piece forged inner post with the forged Elite clamp. 15mm of return travel slows to prevent testing the limits of your chamois. 30.9 and 31.6 with 125mm of travel.
RockShox Reverb
X-Fusion Hilo
ST6912 / $241.67
ST0140 / $135.00
RockShox’s Reverb uses fork quality seals and the hydraulic XLoc Remote to control infinitely adjustable travel. Adjustable return speed at the remote, and 30.9 or 31.6, with 100, 125 or 150mm of travel.
The Hilo has unlimited adjustability with fluid hydraulic travel. Includes both a handlebar remote and a postmounted lever. 27.2, 30.9 and 31.6 diameter, and 100 or 125mm travel.
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Addition by Subtraction Add simplicity, efficiency, and functionality to your rig by losing a front derailleur and a shifter. SRAM’s XX1 proves that less is more with a drivetrain comprised of fewer, smarter parts. A chainring with teeth that never let go is mated to a beautifully machined wide-range cassette and kept in line by a derailleur that keeps your chain on no matter what.
SRAM 2014 XX1 Trigger Shift Kit-In-A-Box KT1126B / $808.35
SRAM’s revolutionary XX1 drivetrain. Just add brakes and a bottom bracket to fit your frame.
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Tyler Morland and Chris Winter in Italy, blasting through the rough stuff without a second thought. Photo by Adrian Marcoux, courtesy of SRAM
digging deep / exploring the industry
Enduro:
The Secret Everybody Knows W
e all have a love of bikes. We wouldn’t be in this business if we didn’t. Each of us is drawn to a different discipline, a style of bike and riding that fuels our need for challenge, escape, and camaraderie. But while general categories such as road, BMX, and mountain biking are easily differentiated, subgenres within each can be blurry. Despite having been around for several years, the difference between enduro bikes and other mountain bikes is not clear for many people. Enduro components and designs don’t appear much different on the surface than other bikes people are familiar with, and the category is young enough that it hasn’t yet shed all the fragments of its genesis. Is enduro a form of downhill? Is it beefed up cross-country? For many people, ‘enduro’ remains a murky, ill-defined term. For others, however, enduro is an important, well-understood part of their lives. Regardless of where you fall, enduro is undeniably growing in popularity, shaping bicycle culture and technology, and driving sales at bike shops throughout the U.S., Europe and other parts of the world. Enduro is well past being a fad. At this point in the game, it’s a full-blown category, both driving and drawing from existing technology, and for many shops it’s a crucial part of their bottom line. In this article we’ll unravel some of the mystery and help get you up to speed on a category that is defining modern mountain biking. All the confusion is not entirely unwarranted. Just as cyclocross spans the gap between road riding and mountain biking, enduro bridges subgenres of mountain biking, borrowing from the styles and technologies of other forms of off-road bikes. But unlike cyclocross, it is not as easy to see where the edges are. Enduro exists somewhere between cross-country and downhill, and it is that middle ground that makes enduro so attractive to so many people. While DH has become increasingly extreme and XC racing little more than a suffer-fest, enduro is an equalizer, rewarding downhill skill, technical prowess, and the athletic fitness necessary for long days in the saddle and hard climbs. Enduro riders muscle through challenging, though not usually crushing, ascents and are rewarded with extended downhill sections. DH tends 14 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
to attract ballsy, hard-core adrenaline junkies, and XC bonethin, hard-muscled athletes; enduro attracts a wide variety of riders, from focused racers to fun seekers, making the atmosphere around enduro racing and riding more relaxed than either XC or DH. Enduro is popular in large part because it is the Everyman mountain bike category, requiring less fitness than XC and less expensive kits than DH. This is not to say that enduro is easy. Enduro events are long; riders climb and descend for hours at a time, but as the skill of average and professional riders alike continues to increase, enduro presents a fun, new, and accessible challenge. Another part of enduro’s appeal is its suitability to a variety of terrains. Although an undeniable part of its allure is descents longer than a few seconds, enduro doesn’t demand long mountain runs. In fact, there are two basic types of enduro racing. Enduro downhill made its name in big mountain races such as France’s Megavalanche and Mountain of Hell, where the point was long-form downhill racing, precipitous descents laced together with climbs. Venues in less mountainous locales spawned gravity enduro, which more closely balances climbs and drops. Basically, if you’ve got decent sized hills you’re smack-dab in enduro country. Like so much else in cycling, enduro is driven in no small part by racing. In recent years, pro-level racers from both DH and XC disciplines have increasingly begun focusing on enduro. This in turn helps bring attention to it, and for average riders the interest is transformed to attraction by enduro’s accessibility, big fun, and the level of commitment required. Most enduro bikes are very much like bikes riders own or are at least familiar with, and special clothing and accessories are minimal, often the same sort of gear riders already possess. So what makes an enduro rig? Most these days are purpose-built, with geometries and components that balance efficient climbing and forgiving descents, and have fairly common suspension systems front and rear. There are a few hardtails out there but the vast majority of bikes utilize full suspension to make the ‘endurance’ part of enduro more palatable. Mid-travel full-suspension bikes dominate the
Photo by Matt Wragg Courtesy of Life Cycle Team
field. 140–160mm of travel is the norm, decidedly shorter than DH bikes, but fork stanchions tend to be beefier than those found on XC bikes, usually about 34mm diameter. Enduro bikes are durable, but are lighter and stiffer than DH bikes for the self-evident reason that too much weight and too much cush makes climbing really, really hard. Remote lockout forks are very nearly a necessity, especially for those who race enduro competitively. Another virtual necessity is a quality dropper post. Dropper posts, for the uninitiated, are telescoping seatposts. Like remote fork lockouts, dropper posts function via
Enduro is undeniably growing in popularity, shaping bicycle culture and technology, and driving sales. a handlebar-mounted switch that allows the post to drop out of the way at the press of a button and return to their original position just as easily. No less an authority than pro racer “Rad” Ross Schnell calls a good dropper post a must-have for enduro, because getting the seat out of the way for descents is not just convenient, it’s safer, keeping the saddle’s nose away from loose shorts. Anyone who’s ever gotten the seat of their pants caught on their saddle knows how distracting and limiting it is. Now try going really fast. There are lots of great designs emerging, each generation improving on the last. Like most bikes in the U.S. market, enduro bikes have moved away almost entirely from 26" wheels. 29ers are popular for the same reasons they work on XC machines: their stability and trail-smoothing ground approach angle equal smooth, fast riding. 27.5" has found perhaps its happiest home in enduro, where the midsize wheels easily adapt to effective suspension designs and a wide variety of riders’ heights and styles. Since they tend to be laterally stronger, and since the speed of rough descents can punish equipment,
27.5" is quickly becoming the norm for bikes of this type. Enduro helped inspire the creation of clutch derailleurs, perhaps the single biggest technological advancement in derailleurs in decades. DH bikes have long used chain guide systems to keep the chain on the ring and to protect it from whatever hits it. On an enduro bike, the added weight of a chain guide system is a real penalty. Clutch derailleurs, however, keep tension on the chain, allowing riders to ditch the chain guide and manufacturers to offer lighter, highly functional 1x and 2x drivetrains. Clutch derailleurs almost entirely eliminate chain slap, too, a nice feature you will never want to give up once you try it. Tubeless tire technology is also being driven by enduro, where the necessity for grip must be balanced against hard hits at speed and the desire to keep overall weight down. The stems on enduro bikes tend to be shorter than on XC bikes, and the bars wider, while wheels and tires are lighter and less aggressive than those used for downhill. When it comes to clothes and accessories, enduro requires little more than XC, and decidedly less than DH. Eye and knee protection is nearly essential, especially for extended downhills. Full-finger gloves are important too, for good grip and protection from flying debris. Full-face helmets are a good idea for faster, rougher terrain, and there are plenty of options out there that are light and allow excellent visibility, but a good trail helmet will suit most riders just fine. All this helps to explain why shops love enduro too. Not only are customers drawn to it, the products shops carry and advice they can give are already mostly in place. Pure enduro thrives in mountainous or hilly regions, but if you have trails, you’re probably already selling many of the same products. For shops and riders alike, the beauty of enduro bikes is that they’re especially well suited to exploring whatever terrain is before them. They tackle rolling hills efficiently and aren’t cowed by technical sections or gnarly drops. Enduro is even adaptable to urban thrashing. Eventually new riders will seek new ways to have fun. Technology will advance, and new forms will confuse the uninitiated. For now, though, enduro rules the day. What’s not to love? FEBRUARY 2014 / Mountain Issue / 15
Tune up / tech tips and info to boost your know-how
SEAL THE DEAL WITH THE RIGHT SETUP, TUBELESS TIRES OFFER AN UNDISPUTED BOOST IN PERFORMANCE. KNOWING HOW TO IDENTIFY COMPATIBLE RIMS AND RUBBER WILL SAVE YOU AND YOUR CUSTOMERS TIME AND TROUBLE. The 3 Types of Tubeless Tire Systems
Universal Standard for Tubeless (UST) Optimal Tire Bead Shape Square mavic x3.1 Wheel Brands
• SRAM • Fulcrum Rim Brands • Mavic
Tubeless-Compatible Designators by Brand
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Tubeless-Ready Optimal Tire Bead Shape Square
NoTubes BST (Bead Socket Technology)
Wheel Brands
Optimal Tire Bead Shape Round
• Crank Brothers • Race Face • e*thirteen • DT Swiss Spline • ENVE • Syntace • Industry Nine Torch
• Q-Wheels with NoTubes or SUNringlé rims • SUNringlé
wtb i23 wtb i23
Rim Brands • Velocity • ENVE
no tubes arch arch no tubes Wheel Brands
Rim Brands • DT Swiss Spline • WTB
• Continental— ProTection Revolution Tubeless Ready (RTR) • Geax—Tube-No-Tube (TNT) • Hutchinson—Tubeless Ready • Kenda—Sealant Compatible Tire (SCT) • Maxxis—Tubeless Ready (TR)
• SUNringlé • NoTubes
• Michelin—Tubeless Ready (TL-R) • Panaracer—Tubeless Compatible (TC) • Schwalbe—Evolution (EVO) • WTB—Tubeless-Compatible System (TCS) Geax and WTB 26 and 29" tires have passed the UST certification process for use with sealant.
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he universal clincher tire and inner tube still have a seat for dinner, but when considering the benefits of a tubeless system, and as designs get better and better, that seat might end up being at the dreaded “kiddie table.” Fewer flats and the increased traction gained from the ability to run lower pressures lead to noticeable performance benefits out on the trail. A properly set up tubeless system really has a distinctive ride quality that provides greater trail “feel” and incredible grip, and they’re definitely here to stay. With any new technology, there is always a period where “standards” are created and tested before the industry or consumer preference settles any questions. There are three prevalent systems available now: UST, Tubeless-Ready/Tubelesscompatible, and the Stan’s NoTubes BST, and all have unique features. UST (Universal Standard for Tubeless)
Rim/Wheel • Features a air-tight rim bead, deep center channel and a square rim hook to lock tires into place • May be used tubeless with a UST tire and no sealant or a tubelesscompatible tire with sealant Tire • Does not require sealant, air-tight as a result of a layer of butyl rubber and a uniquely shaped bead to lock into UST rims/wheels • The tires tend to be heavier and are not available in all tread patterns • Tire has a square bead Tubeless-Ready/Tubeless-Compatible
Rim/Wheel • Requires tape to seal the rim bead. Rim hook is a similar shape to UST without the certification • May be used tubeless with a UST tire or a tubeless-compatible tire with sealant Tire • Requires sealant and a good bead lock on the rim to hold air. Bead may be the official UST certified or a similar shape and construction without the certification • Tubeless-ready tires are generally lighter weight than UST, sharing characteristics of a conventional tire in construction. Available in most tread patterns • Tire has a square bead NoTubes BST (Bead Socket Technology)
Rim/Wheel • Requires yellow tape to seal the rim bead, a shallow center channel and a short rim hook to lock tires into place • May be used tubeless with a tubeless-compatible tire and sealant or a standard tire that is safe to be used with sealant. Some UST and Tubeless-compatible tires can be difficult to mount due to the shallow center channel All tubeless set-ups share the “pop” sound that comes from the bead being seated when first inflated. It can be a little disconcerting the first couple of times you hear it! Look for “UST,” “tubeless-ready,” or “tubeless-compatible” on the tire and rim’s label for the most dependable tubeless setup. Manufacturers may have their own acronyms as well so go to the source to verify if their system is intended for tubeless use.
Tips and Ongoing Maintenance An air compressor is ideal for installation, but a good high-volume floor pump that can get a lot of air into the tire quickly will work well too. Removable valve cores make installing sealant and initial seating of tires much easier. Use a shouldered valve nut with the valve stem as it will lead to a more secure fit with the rim. Match the rim tape width to the external width of the rim for the best results and seal. Spray the tire and rim with soapy water to help seat the tire’s bead at a lower pressure. Even tires with tubeless-ready beads should not be inflated to more than 40 or 50 psi because excessive pressure can cause damage to the tire and rim. Climate plays a factor in the lifespan of sealant. Cool and wet climates can allow for sealant to remain effective for as long as a year where a dry, hot climate might require you to add sealant every couple of months.
POS Add-On Many mid- to high-end bikes
come with tubeless tires, wheels, and valves in the manual bag, but have tubes installed for shipping. This is an opportunity to encourage a switch. For customers who are still on the fence, remind them that a standard tube can still be used if sealant doesn’t fix a puncture.
Watch QBP’s tubeless tire tech video: qbp.com, search for “Call Up” FEBRUARY 2014 / Mountain Issue / 17
The good stuff / stock your shop for mountain
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1 Q Wheels DT466d WE3137, WE3138 / $100.00/65.00
2 Fi’zi:k Thar Saddle SA1975 / $89.00
3 Garmin VIRB EC0043 / $310.00
DT Swiss’s new 466d rim is a great match for offroad and commuting bikes, and Q Wheels offers dealers a range of 466d wheels, in quick-release and thru-axle for 26, 27.5 and 29" sizes.
Fi’zi:k Thar lets riders customize the flex in their saddle to suit their taste with an innovative tension system. Designed for 29ers, Thar’s Kium alloy rails soak up vibration better than titanium, and they’re extra long for a wide range of fore/aft adjustability.
VIRB is an HD action camera with builtin Chroma display and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery supplying up to three hours record time at 1080p.
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Your One-Stop Mountain Shop Every month, QBP highlights best-of-category products that your customers want. Check out this month’s selection of buzz-worthy mountain gear that will make the upcoming off-road season faster, lighter, more comfortable, and just about everything else riders look for when it comes to spending time on the trail.
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4 Hope Pro2 EVO Hub HU1868 / $76.00
5 Magura TS8 Fork FK1930, FK1931 / $860.00
6 RockShox PIKE FK6734 / $663.30
Hope’s venerable Pro2 EVO hub continues improve it’s already sterling design. For 2014 you’ll now find a 40-tooth ratchet for quicker response and (slightly) quieter action. It’s still available in a potpourri of versions for any needs: 28- or 32-hole; red, blue or black; QR, 15 or 20mm front; 135 or 142 rear; 10-speed freehub or XD driver.
Magura’s TS8 automatically senses the trail and your body input to lock and unlock the fork’s compression damping, and it automatically unlocks the fork when you’re airborne. 100 or 120mm travel for 27.5 and 29" wheels.
Pike’s Charger RCT3 Damper has everyone excited for its plushness out of the box plus tons of travel ready for anything the trail throws at you. 26, 27.5 and 29" wheel sizes in 150 and 160mm travel options, plus a 140mm version for 29ers. Available in either Dual Position Air or Solo Air version. FEBRUARY 2014 / Mountain Issue / 19
Photo courtesy of Pearl Izumi
MTB
SHOES
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RUGGED & GOODLOOKING
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footwear for mountain riding
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1 Pearl Izumi X-Project 3.0 MTB Shoe SH9165 / $93.50
2 Bont Riot MTB Shoe SH2650 / $105.00
3 Bont Vaypor XC MTB Shoe SH2486 / $166.00
• Uses a full-length, tapered carbon plate for efficient pedaling and comfortable walking when the trail is impassable • Buckle system conforms to curve of foot • EVA foam absorbs heel impacts
• Pro series features in an entry-level mountain shoe • Heat moldable over whole foot for ideal fit • Fiberglass and carbon composite construction
• Fully heat-moldable carbon shell with a thermo-moldable EVA innersole • Integrated grip plate in the sole is designed to maximize grip and shed debris • Maximum ventilation with vents on frontal area of shoe and air gills in arch area FEBRUARY 2014 / Mountain Issue / 21
The good stuff
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Keep Your Customers on the Trail
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1 G-Form Knee Pads PG0123 / $30.00 • RPT material is soft until impact for durable, consistent shock absorption • Shaped to flex as you move for optimal protection • Slim, low-profile pad on Lycra sleeve stays in place as you move 2 Lazer Phoenix Helmet HE1626 / $60.00 • Sub-1,000g • Five sizes • Five color options • Adjustable visor 3 Lazer Ultrax Helmet HE1766 / $54.00 • Autofit provides rock solid fit • Full-coverage mountain bike helmet • Optional rear light
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4 Lizard Skins DSP Grips HT7101 / $15.00 • Lizard Skins popular DSP material now available for flatbars • Choose from 30.3 and 32.3mm diameters • Available in a variety of colors, in standard or lock-on styles
7 e*thirteen TRS+ Crank CK0242 / $215.00 • A light yet robust Enduro crank for 1x and 2x drivetrains • 30mm spindle with proprietary P3 Connect Polygon arm/spindle interface • Forged Exalite+ aluminum arms
5 K-Edge Go Big GoPro Pro Mount EC1807 / $36.00 • Stable, secure mount for GoPro and Garmin action cams • Made in the USA of machined aluminum • Guaranteed for life
8 Race Face Next SL Crankset CK8482 / $300.00 • Light and strong carbon arms • Unique cinch system allows for nearly unlimited configurations for 1x and 2x drivetrains • Direct mount spiders and rings, multiple spindle lengths including fat bike widths
6 TRP Quadiem SL Hydraulic Disc Brake BR7764 / $142.00 • Four-piston caliper for stopping larger diameter wheels or more demanding trails • Inline master cylinder with carbon lever blade • Includes 180mm all-mountain rotor on alloy carrier
9 Cane Creek Double Barrel Air CS Shock RS8535 / $440.00 • Climb switch adjusts low-speed compression and rebound for traction and control throughout range of travel • Auto-adjusting negative spring
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10 Continental Trail King Tire TR9474 / $35.00 • Long-wear tire with excellent grip characteristics even in wet conditions • Robust casing and reinforced sidewall reduce deformation under hard cornering • Tubeless-ready 11 Schwalbe Thunder Burt Tire TR4996 / $47.25 • Combines elements of Schwalbe’s popular Racing Ralph and Furious Fred tires • Fast-rolling center tread and compound with grippier sides for cornering • Tubeless-ready 12 Park Tool PFP-7 Professional Floor Pump PU6022 / $31.50 • Steel base features folding foot pads that lock during use and lock when folded up for easy storage and transport • Easily re-buildable
A Salsa ride at Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trail in Ironton, Minnesota Courtesy of Salsa Cycles
FEBRUARY 2014 / Mountain Issue / 23
our team / QBP employee profile
THE LONG GAME QBP Senior Buyer Dave Larson talks MTB trends, technology, and what’s changed during his 25 years in the sport.
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f you ride MTB, odds are you’ve been there:
One minute, you’re hammering down the trail, catching air, mud flying—the next minute you’re coming to. Fortunately, when QBP Senior Buyer and avid mountain biker Dave Larson hit a tree on Schultz Creek Trail (Flagstaff, Arizona), he was with his best friend. “I woke up to my dog, licking my face,” he says. “She stayed by my side the entire time. I hopped back on, and we finished the ride down to the car and drove home. Just another day on the trail, I guess.” A 25-year veteran of the sport, Larson can take his lumps. He raced 12- and 24-hour events for 10 years. In 2007 he and a friend took third place in the duo class of the 24-hour Mountain Bike National Championships held in Wausau, Wisconsin. “I was never very good at the shorter events,” he says. “I’m better at those races that come down to everybody being in a lot of pain. I have endurance, and I’m mentally strong.” Currently off the racing circuit, Larson now enjoys some of the more pleasant aspects of riding. He gets out West at least once a year, riding throughout Colorado and Utah, or visits his favorite destination, Downieville, California. “It’s so different from what I ride in the Midwest,” says the Minnesota native. “It’s in the Sierra Buttes so big mountains and extremely rocky. The scenery is stunning.” More often, however, you’ll find him exploring the more than 300 miles of trail in and around the ChequamegonNicolet National Forest near Cable, Wisconsin, where he owns land. The remote wilderness area, dubbed the “Singletrack Mecca of the Midwest,” hosts the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival race each fall and the American Birkebeiner— the largest cross-country ski marathon in North America— each winter. (Incidentally, the latter recently added the Fat Bike Birkie to its event roster to give winter bikers a chance to ride the snow-covered trail.) “I love being outside in the woods,” says Larson. “Whether I’m alone or with a good group of friends, biking helps me relax and get away from everything else I have going on in my life.” Like most of us, this includes work, and yet, as a bike enthusiast, he obviously made a wise career choice. Larson has worked in the industry for nearly two decades and at QBP for the past 12 years. He cites a flexible schedule and an emphasis on work/life balance (which, 24 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
of course, affords more time on the bike) as the main reasons for his long stint with the company. As a senior buyer, he works on some of QBP’s biggest accounts, including WTB, DT Swiss, Continental, Brooks, fi’zi:k, and Selle Royal. “They trust me spending money,” he laughs. “It’s a good gig. I see a really broad part of the market, which helps me better advise vendors as to what products they should go for.” At the moment, he’s got his eye on the 1 x 11 drivetrain by SRAM. “Obviously you can get more [flexibility] with a double or triple setup,” he says. “But the fewer gears you have, the fewer you have to replace when things break. The 1 x 11 is hot right now, and I think the 2 x 10 will remain popular, but fewer people will want the triples.” As for the great MTB wheel-size debate, Larson is partial to a 27.5". “I’m not a tall guy so that midsized level allows me a bigger wheel that doesn’t compromise my standover height on the bike,” he says. “It depends on your part of the country. The 29er has been a good technology for larger, taller riders who live in the flatlands. I think the 26" wheel won’t be as popular going forward.”
“There’s so much good product development coming out of the manufacturers right now.” Larson admits his predictions have a short shelf life when it comes to the MTB category. “The technology is changing so fast,” he says. “When I started mountain biking in 1989 the bikes were much harder to pedal with bigger gear ratios, no suspension, and rim brakes. Things have changed dramatically. Now, of course, most mountain bikes have full suspensions and disc brakes, and it seems like all the parts are being made of carbon fiber.” Modern technology has made for a nice ride. “Today’s bikes offer much better control, they’re easier on the body, and they’re definitely lighter,” says Larson. And it’s just getting better. “There’s so much good product development coming out of the manufacturers right now,” he says. “I want them to keep at it—keep raising the bar and keep competing with one another to make faster, stronger, lighter bikes for us to ride.” Count on Larson to keep a close eye on the MTB landscape and keep you well informed on all the latest and greatest in new trends and technology.
The Hot List Larson sees a lot of MTB trends come and go. He predicts these five may have some staying power.
above: Flying down Schultz Creek trail in Flagstaff, Arizona on a 1990 Bridgestone MB-1. below: Riding a BMC Trailfox around the giant boulders on Holy Cross trail in Grand Junction, Colorado.
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Tubeless-Ready Tires: It’s no secret that tubeless-
ready tires have taken over as the bestsellers in the mountain tire market. They allow riders to run lower pressure, which provides better traction and braking, as well as added comfort. Not to mention: No more pinch flats and the ability to seal some cuts and punctures. That said, riders who don’t want to deal with sealant hassles and those who change tires often will still use tubes. While UST-certified tires are still the toughest tires out there, sales are dwindling for many models.
Dropper Post: Even though I live in the flatlands, I’m
addicted to my dropper! I didn’t think I’d use it as much as I do and miss it when I ride my other bike. These seatposts are one of the hottest segments of mountain bike components right now, and they are not going away. Durability can be an issue, but I’m confident this will be continually improved.
Color Matching: While the days of flashy components from Kooka, Cook Bros., and SUNringlé are behind us, color is more popular than ever. Complete bikes are spec’d with components that match the frame graphics, or consumers can assemble custom builds to show their individuality. I think this trend will last longer than it did back in the ’90s, but there will always be riders who prefer silver and black. Bottom Bracket Options: Press-in bottom brackets and adapters have seemingly taken over and will continue to dominate due to their added versatility for frame designers and engineers. Broadly speaking, they are lighter and stiffer (with a 30mm spindle) and can provide a narrower q-factor. Frankly, I want the simplicity of a thread-in bottom bracket, which is harder to find these days. Frame Materials: My guess is that carbon fiber
will trickle down from high-end to mid-frame levels and begin to displace aluminum alloy as the material of choice.
FEBRUARY 2014 / Mountain Issue / 25
The good stuff
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1 Cane Creek Double Barrel Air CS Shock RS8533 / $440.00 • Climb switch adjusts low speed compression and rebound for traction and control throughout range of travel • Auto-adjusting negative spring • Hand-built in Fletcher, NC 2 RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 Shock RS8721 / $296.46 • Rides higher in the travel, keeping more suspension available, thanks to twice the rebound range of previous version 3 CeramicSpeed XX1/X01 Pulleys DP0107 / $239.00 • Grade-3 ceramic balls in stainless steel races reduce friction
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4 Formula C1 Disc Brake BR3151 / $105.00 • Clean-looking, versatile hydro brake with innovative cartridge technology for long life and easy maintenance 5 Jagwire Mountain Elite Link Shift Kit CA6572 / $54.50 • Durable, compressionless aluminum housing won’t kink or rust; 20% lighter than traditional housing 6 Avid XO Trail Brake BR5860 / $147.34 • Four-piston dual-diameter caliper, reach-adjustable lever with sealed pivot bearings 7 Magura MT2 Disc Brake BR6205 / $122.50 • An affordable brake set featuring flip/flop carbon master cylinder and one-piece caliper
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8 Formula R1 Racing Disc Brake BR3161 / $255.50 • New pull master cylinder drops weight down to 267g per wheel 9 MRP AMG Carbon Chain Guide CH1930 / $94.50 • Top guide with no lower roller is tailor-built for clutch-type rear derailleurs • Features carbon backplate, nylon guide and skidplate 10 North Shore Billet 1x 104BCD Variable Tooth Ring CH6041 / $30.00 • “Thin-Thick” variable tooth thickness virtually eliminates chain drop when running a single front chainring 11 K-Edge MTB Adjustable Garmin Mount EC1754 / $24.75 • CNC-machined aluminum computer mount replaces top 5mm spacer • Adjustable for ideal position above stem
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12 Crank Brothers B-17 Bit Multi-Tool TL8128 / $16.50 • Stainless steel bits and frame • Magnetized bit socket and locking bit holder 13 Birzman Feexman Cicada 10 Multi-Tool TL3153 / $30.00 • Ten forged and machined chrome-vanadium bits • Carbon side panels 14 Lezyne CRV-20 Multi-Tool TL4204 / $32.50 • Twenty tools, including knife • Chain breaker is compatible with both 9- and 10-speed chains 15 Finish Line Max Suspension Spray LU2519 / $5.20 • Fights stiction; conditions and protects seals, o-rings, and other rubber parts
ANTI-FLAT SQUAD
Your first line of defense in the war on punctures 1 Caffelatex Latex Sealant LU0100 / $7.30 • Ammonia free 2 Orange Seal Sealant LU0302 / $7.75 • Special compound fills cavities up to 1/4" 3 Stan’s NoTubes Sealant LU2310 / $9.50 • Convenient flip-top bottle 4 Slime Pro Tire Sealant LU2623 / $6.60 • Permanently seals punctures up to 1/8” 5 Conti Revo Sealant LU9200 / $5.25 • Does not corrode rims or tires
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handle business on the
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6 Whisky Parts Co. No. 9 29er 15mm Thru-Axle Fork FK5204 / $320.00 • Race light, yet tough and versatile • Clearance for up to a 3" 29+ tire • 680g
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7 Manitou Mattoc Fork FK5423 / $450.00 • The guts of the DH Dorado in a 34mm AM/Enduro package • Independently adjustable high- and low-speed compression damping • Hydraulic bottom-out adjustment fine tunes the last 20% of travel
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8 MRP Stage Fork FK7574 / $522.00 • 34mm all-mountain and enduro air-sprung fork featuring compression, rebound and ramp-up adjustments
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9 RockShox SID XX 29er 51mm Offset FK7120 / $556.80 • 51mm offset preserves handling on newer generation 29ers with slacker headtube angles
FEBRUARY 2014 / Mountain Issue / 27
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1 Whisky Parts Co. No. 7 Carbon Bar HB2606 / $90.00 • 740mm wide, 15mm rise, 9° bend, 186g 2 Renthal Fatbar Lite Carbon Bar HB2563 / $105.00 • 30mm rise, 180g, 740mm width • Also available in 10, 20 and 40mm rises 3 Syntace Vector +5mm Carbon Bar HB5056 / $110.00 • +5mm rise, 208g, 740mm width • Also available in -10, -5, +10, +20, and +35mm rises to suit a wide variety of fit needs 4 Race Face Turbine Handlebar HB6842 / $43.00 • Butted, cold-drawn and shot peened • Choose from five colors
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5 Geax Goma Tire TR3691 / $33.00 • Balanced between a XC and DH tire to tackle climbing and descending across a wide variety of soil conditions 6 Tioga Psycho Genius Venture Tire TR4796 / $32.75 • Knobs actively reshape based on rider action and terrain conditions for greater traction 7 Maxxis Ikon Tire TR6119 / $45.00 • Fast-rolling, lightweight race tire with 3C Triple Compound • Now available in tubeless-ready versions 8 Geax Saguaro Tire TR3580 / $31.50 • Fast center tread, predictable cornering on all surfaces
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9 POC Trail Tee JT3810 / $27.50 • Durable, stretchy, fits great and soft as cotton • Men’s and women’s available 10 One Industries Ion Jersey JT0273 / $24.00 • Midweight trail tee with glasses wipe at the hem • Available in red and white 11 Deuter Race EXP Air Pack WB5610 / $85.25 • Cantilevered mesh back pulls pack and 100 oz bladder away from your body 12 Hydrapak Lone Pine Pack WB7311 / $51.00 • Superlight, stripped down pack for just what you need; 70 oz of water and a handful of tools
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1 POC Trabec Helmet HE9054 / $82.50 • Full protection with 16 air gobbling vents • Available in black, white, red, and blue
5 POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard PG9089 / $65.00 • Soft, form-fitting VPD material hardens on impact
2 One Industries Ion Short AB0325 / $72.00 • Premium midweight short with great ventilation but enough durability to stand up to regular trail riding
6 661 Filter Shoe SH1300 / $54.00 • SPD-compatible skate-style shoe
3 POC Trail Short AB3745 / $49.50 • POC’s lightest short, made of nylon and spandex for trail and enduro riding • Available in men’s and women’s 4 Zoic Black Market Short AB7201 / $37.00 • High value short for general MTB, commuting or casual riding
7 Chromag Trailmaster Ltd. Saddle SA0563 / $78.00 • Embossed oiled leather top, solid Ti rails 8 Chromag Women’s Juniper Saddle SA0578 / $46.00 • Low-profile and wide nose provide friendly contact in technical maneuvering situations
11 9 SDG Bel-Air Saddle SA0326 / $33.00 • CroMoly rails, tough Kevlar sides 10 SDG Women’s Allure Saddle SA0344 / $49.50 • Shape and graphics designed by Kiwi enduro racer Anka Martin 11 WTB Volt Race Saddle SA1475 / $30.00 • Light and comfortable, slight whale-tail gives you something to push against during a hard effort
FEBRUARY 2014 / Mountain Issue / 29
Last stop
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Brian Lopes trains for the Sea Otter Classic at Wilder Ranch in Santa Cruz, California. Photo by Justin Brantley, courtesy of X-Fusion.
February 2014 / Mountain Issue / 31
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