QBP Call Up - June 2014 - Family & Mountain

Bringing the best in cycling to the head of the field

CALL UP Product / Tech / Trends / Know-How / from QBP and Friends

Family & Mountain / june 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Tech, Trends & Know-How 10 BMX: Stuck On The 20 14 NICA: Coming Of Age 22 STC: Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment 30 Last Stop

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Family & Mountain Product 4 Burley: Park And Ride 8 Children’s Bikes: A Lifetime Of Firsts 16 Crank Brothers: More Than Just A Pretty Face 20 Enve: Any Mountain. Every Rider.

26 Race Face: The New Standard

lead out / about this issue Sharing The Ride

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ello. I’m Todd Cravens, QBP’s director of National Accounts. I’ve worked in the bike industry for 40 years, 20 of those at QBP. I’ve owned a bike shop, managed bike shops, worked for bike companies, and I’ve had a lot of jobs here over the years, too. That variety of experiences serves me well, especially this time of year as the selling season for bicycle retailers starts to heat up.

This issue of Call Up is about cycling and families. I know a few things about both. My father introduced me to riding, specifically to riding as a family on the trips we took over the years. It was a neat thing to share together. Those trips were all about freedom, adventure, and accomplishment. As my wife and I had our own kids, we started them on bikes early. They’re almost grown now and we still go out riding together. It’s something we cherish.

For the local bike shop, families like mine were a small gold mine. We bought accessories, wore things out, and upgraded to cooler bike parts. Family cycling can be a wonderful opportunity for shops to sell a whole host of items, but of course it’s more than that. It might sound corny, but when families come into your shop you have the opportunity to help forge lifetimes of cycling adventures. You help families navigate the wide variety of products and experiences cycling offers to tailor a fun and memorable cycling experience.

As a category, family cycling might be the broadest one out there; like bikes, families come in a wide variety of types and sizes. Successful promotion of family cycling doesn’t have to be hard, though. Step one is to familiarize yourself with what’s available. QBP has a wide selection of products for cyclists of all (and I do mean all) ages. If you haven’t looked in a while, you’ll be amazed at the variety. It’s a great time to be a kid who rides bikes. We can help you sort the details.

Once you know what’s out there you can start to find ways to let people know that your shop caters to families. Small, focused displays built around products are simple, fun, and visually interesting ways to capture the attention of kids and adults alike. Creating a family-focused environment is not just about product, though; it’s also about making sure your whole store is family friendly. Folks should be able to shop comfortably with their kids, whatever their age, without feeling stressed or worried for their kids’ safety.

One of the best ways to connect with families and help create customers is bring bikes to them. Perhaps you can develop rides in a local park, with a bike inspection before and a cookout afterwards. Or give presentations at schools in April or May (before school lets out for the summer) about fun, safe ways to ride bikes. Offer overnight, shop-led family camping trips. Show folks just how fun and easy family cycling can be. After all, you don’t just sell bikes; you help kids of all ages create their own adventures and memories. That’s why I’m still doing it.

“You don’t just sell bikes; you help kids of all ages create their own adventures and memories.”

on this page: Wade Simmons riding near Cajon Pass, California.

Photo by Ale Di Lullo, courtesy of Race Face.

on the cover: QBP Art Director Andy Wood’s kids, Lily and Drew, enjoy a sunny afternoon with their bikes.

CALL UP / Volume 1, Number 5 / June 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

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Park And Ride Spending a day at the park with your kids is easy thanks to the folks at Burley.

For more than 30 years, Burley has been providing safe and reliable ways to transport kids, pets, and everything you need to leave the car at home and spend a day on the bike.

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D’Lite Child Trailer

MyKick Balance Bike

BT3110 / HG900B

TW3001 / JG160R

Sleek design, comfort and maximum versatility come together in the Burley D’Lite. Cutting-edge features include: bowedout sides, adjustable suspension, reclining seats, tinted UV protected windows, retractable sunshade, latching system for easy folding, and seating for one or two children.

Burley MyKick is a no-assembly-required balance bike.

It has rubber flat-free tires, easily adjustable cushioned kid-sized seat, and adjustable handlebars. Kicking along will be hours of fun.

Bee Child Trailer

BT3100 / UT432H

BT3140 / LK432C

The Burley Travoy bike trailer helps you get more done.

Providing a hassle-free way to transport up to 60 pounds of cargo, the Travoy only weighs 10 pounds and folds to briefcase size.

The Burley Bee lets families bike on a budget without sacrificing safety and durability. This bike-only trailer features suspended fabric seating for one or two children, wheel guards, and a convenient rear tailgate for easy access to cargo.

Travoy Urban Transit System

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The good stuff / stock your shop for summer

KEEP THEM SAFE, KEEP THEM HAPPY Lazer’s kid-specific helmets feature comfortable retention systems and great ventilation.

1 1 Bob Helmet HE1651 / JY30P • Unisize infant helmet with Comfit 3 retention, featuring a flat back for more comfort in trailers 2 Max Helmet HE1440 / QU36D • Offered in a wide variety of fun designs, the Max lets kids dial in their fit with the Turnfit retention system

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3 Cyclone Helmet HE1781 / XN48X • Nineteen vents provide plenty of ventilation, and the Turnfit system dials in the perfect fit

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4 P’Nut & P’Nut MIPS Helmet HE8721 / EZ72J • Sixteen vent in-mold helmets with Autofit retention system and no-pinch Magic buckle. Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) versions also available 5 Nut’z & Nut’z MIPS Helmet HE8730 / VE72W • Sixteen vent in-mold helmets with Autofit retention system and no-pinch Magic buckle. Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) versions also available

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1 House of Talents Oblong Basket BG0031 / OR72M • Each basket is handcrafted by master weavers; no two baskets are alike • Leather buckle straps are included for easy mounting

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2 Natucket Kid’s Basket BG0044 / SW36G • Nantucket offers classic style, fun colors, and quality construction • Made from durable rattan that can carry up to 9 lb

3 Delta Smart Phone Caddy EC9001 / DI32F • Fits iPhone 5, and phones up to 2.9 wide x 5/8 deep x 5-1/2" tall (including most Android 4.3" phones) • Includes stem and handlebar mounts

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4 Dimension Bugle Horn BE1054 / XU10R • The classic bugle horn lets everyone know you’re on the scene

Photo courtesy of Burley

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A Lifetime Of Firsts That first bike is a monumental moment in every child’s life, and a stepping-stone to a lifetime of firsts. Soon they’ll be riding to school for the first time. Then, they’ll ride to their first job. Before you know it, they’ll be going away to college, leaving the car at home, and once again relying on a trusty bicycle. All these pivotal milestones in their lives started with that first time they swung their leg over their first balance bike.

1 Adams Trail-A-Bike Folder 1 BT5003 / GH280M

Simple single speed is easy to pedal and ride. Bike folds for easy storage and transport.

Ideal for children ages 4–6.

2 KaZAM Balance Bike TW4348 / OW128D

Uniquely designed with a foot rest to help teach proper balance and maintain center of gravity—similar to riding a traditional bicycle.

3 Strider 12 Pro Kids Balance Bike

5 Burley Piccolo

TW4403 / ND200A

BT3032 / UE504L

All-aluminum, high-end model with durable aluminum frame, quickrelease saddle and handlebar clamps, mini-grip handlebar with safety pad, motocross-style number plate, and light weight at 5.3 lb.

Features a versatile 7-speed rapidfire style thumb shifter, adjusts easily for growing children, and offers superior stability with Burley’s patented aluminum ballbearing guided hitch, which securely mounts to the Burley Moose rear rack (included).

4 Strider 12 Classic Kids Balance Bike TW4401 / GG106Q

Skill-building, entry-level model with durable steel frame, adjustable saddle and handlebars, puncture-proof EVA polymer tires, premium cartridge wheel bearings, and launchpad footrest with grip tape.

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our team / QBP employee profile

Stuck On The 20

QBMX, QBP’s BMX division, is composed of first bikes, neighborhood jumps, double dares, huge tabletops, won races, and full-contact high-fives. These guys love helping kids get into BMX, and understand from experience why people stick with it.

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wenty inches. That’s the wheel size that often represents a turning point in our life with bikes. We tested our mettle and survived on that hand-me-down, 20-inch-wheel, “little kid” bike. Then our elders decided we’d earned something bigger, flashier, and capable of longer-range travel. More often than not, though, this first bike—20-inch wheels and all—is where our personal attachment to bicycles, and the feeling we get from them, began. We all remember our first bike, which was likely made in the classic BMX style.

The team at QBMX is loyal to the 20-inch wheel, and has been as long as they can remember. While some cyclists that started with that wheel size kept moving on to bigger diameters, this crew always comes back to the “20” for their favorite type of riding. Being around and staying actively involved with BMX has led to interesting travel and lifelong friends for these guys, and allowed them to witness the developments, and know the people, that have made BMX what it is today. That wheel size devotion has led them to jobs they love, which comes through in how QBMX fosters the scene and the shops that support it.

Ben Austin, QBMX’s category manager, has been involved in BMX since he got his first bike. “I bought my first bike in 1996, 18 years ago, for riding trails, then street and park.”

Andy Fuchs, inventory planner, has also been involved with BMX for most of his life. Purchaser Brian O’Neil, 36, is a relative newcomer to BMX, having gotten into it within the last five years. “The first time I saw a clip of Josh Stricker doing a 360 over a tall wooden fence, I basically gave up skateboarding and got a bike,” he says. He certainly appreciates the culture too. “It’s all about riding with friends and having fun.”

When you ask any of these guys what they love about BMX, “fun” is the unanimous answer. “BMX has always meant freedom and friends to me,” says Austin. “Growing up, BMX was a taste of getting out of the house, getting to know new and interesting people, and riding without rules or restrictions. I think the element of free expression is a common thread within the culture, and allows riders to more easily connect regardless of age, location, or status.”

“BMX is a way for a person of any age to let loose and experience a different kind of freedom that you don’t get on a baseball diamond or a football field,” explains Fuchs.

Give younger people a great in-shop experience, and they will keep coming back over the course of their riding lifecycle, be it for BMX, mountain, or road.

Dan Maier

“It all started for me on my seventh birthday, when I got my first BMX bike” says Jay Schlie, who’s now 38 and in charge of marketing. For Dan Maier, product manager, the inspiration came from the big screen: “When the movie Rad! came out, I watched it hundreds of times,” he says. “I tried to copy all of the tricks in the opening sequence, although I never wore leathers riding on the street.”

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“Whether you are riding or watching from afar, the BMX lifestyle draws people in. These committed riders create and try new things, travel as much as they can, and meet interesting and memorable people. And many of them will turn these experiences into related jobs or careers like I have done. I believe anyone can get into BMX at any age, but the lifestyle is ingrained at an early age.”

It’s because of these things that everyone on the QBMX team can say with conviction that BMX isn’t going anywhere any time soon. “BMX still has a fire and spirit that it did when I first started, just so many more know about it now,” says Schlie. “BMX is everywhere,” adds Austin, “from dense urban areas to small towns. I’m always surprised by how global the sport is too—there are huge BMX communities in Japan, Australia, and all across Europe and the Americas. It’s also

Ben Austin

Jay Schlie

something you can do as a family. I often see parents and siblings participating in or providing support at both skateparks and racetracks.”

Making the case to carry BMX in a bike shop is easy for Austin. “BMX provides a point of connection—and sustainable sales—within a key youth-oriented demographic,” he says. “Give younger people a great in-shop experience, and they will keep coming back over the course of their riding lifecycle, be it for BMX, mountain, or road. That’s just good business for a dealer who wants to be competitive over the long term. Plus, the products and brands have huge crossover potential for other riding categories.”

“BMX is the gateway into a life of cycling,” says Schlie.

Maier agrees. “If someone gets involved with riding BMX as a kid, they will probably keep riding some type of bike throughout their life,” he says. “If they have kids, they will likely get their kids interested in riding as well, probably starting them out on a BMX bike and following a similar path.” Fuchs asks

Glenn Dussl

the tough questions: “Do you see many kids having a total blast on a road bike? Okay maybe some, but BMX is much cheaper, easier to maintain, and highly inclusive.”

QBMX looks forward to continuing to be a big part of the growth of the sport, and doing what it can to keep riders of all ages and shops excited. “We have new brands, new products from existing brands, and exclusive products in the works for 2014 that we are really excited about,” says Austin.

“Keep your eyes on qbpbmx.com or our Facebook page for the latest announcements.”

Schlie adds, “We will be out around the U.S. this summer with a bunch of teams set for great times, riding, and stopping into shops.” And most importantly, O’Neil gives a heads up for “more QBMX eating challenges!” Regardless of what the future holds, QBMX will be there, ready to keep feeding the flame.

For any and all questions regarding QBMX, check out the website at qbpbmx.com.

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The good stuff

1 1 Topeak Baby Seat II 26” Disc Mount Rear Rack RK2516 / FG50V • Strong and stiff tubular design that is compatible with disc brake bicycles

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2 Topeak Baby Seat II 29” Disc Mount Rear Rack RK2590 / EP60Z • Strong and stiff tubular design that is compatible with disc brake bicycles

3 Topeak Baby Seat II Carrier with Disc Compatible Rack RK2517 / ZI216X • Wrap-around design with six-point safety harness offers security, protection, and comfort • Quick Track System allows easy installation of seat without tools

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1 R-32 Fork FK9352 / ZB174L • The R is for Race but these forks are built to ride anything and everything you can throw at them. These 41-Thermal forks are strong, light, and look great on any BMX bike 2 JC/PC Pedals PD9203 / BL46Q • Extremely lightweight, bearingless plastic pedals with metal pins that offer great grip. Remove the pins from one side for pedal grinds and the pedal still functions normally 3 MPEG, 14mm Pegs HU9530 / HN20Z • 4140 CroMoly for strength and three possible peg positions for longer peg life. Grind all the rails and ledges with the MPEGs

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4 Mike Aitken Railed Seat SA9038 / LU34F • Old school meets new school with the classic look of this Mike Aitken signature seat. The diamond patterned cover is tear and scuff resistant 5 Chase Hawk Tire TR6908 / ND32C • Chase Hawk is stylish and fast, and so are these motorcycleinspired tires. This slick tire offers great grip on concrete and yet still works for riding trails

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THE SWEET STUFF 1

Honey Stinger blends nutrition and great taste in its honey-based foods­—perfect for refueling during a ride.

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New Flavor!

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New Flavor!

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1 Thule RideAlong Child Seat RK2120 / QA206C • Delivers on smart design innovations resulting in a safe and easy-to-use child seat • DualBeam suspension system provides the child with a comfortable and safe ride 2 Wald Training Wheels TW0002 / FW28P • USA-made training wheels provide safety thanks to all-steel construction • Options to accommodate 12–26" wheels 3 Dimension Kid’s Bike Streamers HT9018 / GD8S • Like fireworks for your bike!

• Three color options available

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4 Klean Kanteen Kid’s Water Bottle WB4901 / XR20E • Stainless steel construction is easy to clean and doesn’t retain flavors • Smaller design is a great fit for little hands 5 Pearl Izumi Youth Glove GL7965 / SC22U • Gel foam padding and a synthetic leather palm will keep little hands comfortable on those long rides 6 Camelbak Eddy Kid’s Water Bottle WB1970 / XS16F • Smaller size, with an easy-to-use bite valve • Shielded vent valve helps prevent leaks

1 Organic Energy Gel EB5863 / BZ44C • Box of 24 2 Gingersnap Waffle EB5895 / FS28J • Box of 16 3 Kid’s Organic Chews EB5878 / EB8T • Box of five 4 Kid’s Waffle EB5898 / GD8Z • Box of six

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7 Thule Coaster Trailer/Stroller BT2110 / IE512K • This durable bicycle trailer and stroller all in one will be available soon at QBP

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digging deep / exploring the industry

Coming Of Age NICA Helps Create Mountain Biking Families

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ince arriving on the cycling scene in the 1970s, mountain biking has opened up new places to ride, new ways to ride, and new technologies that create even more possibilities.

This sport that we cyclists hold dear, that enables us to make our livings and make our mark, has become entwined in the lives not only of dyed-in-the-wool cyclists, but also everyday folks who are as likely to play football or basketball on the weekends as ride a bike. Mountain biking has become a popular recreational pastime for hard-core cyclists and families alike. It has come of age.

Take, for example, NICA, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, a non-profit based in Berkeley, California NICA exists to develop young cyclists, to teach technical cycling skills, as well as to promote teamwork and respect for community and environment. Though existing racing series offer age categories for high school-aged racers, such categories typically see fewer than a dozen competitors. The youth who show up typically don’t know each other, and don’t come based on where they live or what high school they attend—they’re just coming to race because a race is offered. NICA organizes high-school-only races that allow youth teams to compete against each other in a league; these races bring families and school communities into the fold as well.

“The students like racing against other students their own age, not being mixed in with much older or more experienced racers,” says Gary Sjoquist (pronounced SHO-quist), QBP’s bicycle advocacy director. “Additionally, NICA draws a more diverse crowd to these races, including female racers and a much wider range of ethnicities. This kind of diversity is important for the cycling industry, which traditionally is old, white, and male.”

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NICA is funded by a combination of foundation grants and national sponsorships. As a grant sponsor, QBP’s involvement with NICA runs deeper than mere dollars, says Sjoquist, who works to promote bicycles and ways people interact

“NICA literally creates cycling families,” says Sjoquist. “Twenty percent of the students participating in the Minnesota League are new to cycling. But through their involvement they often bring their parents into cycling as a way to share the activity.” with them at all levels. Solquist’s job ranges from lobbying the federal government to working with individual cities, towns, and community groups to develop bicycling education and infrastructure. One of his many accomplishments in these efforts has been to help NICA develop the Minnesota High School Cycling League.

“Right now, I’m working around the state to help form new teams,” says Sjoquist. Minnesota’s league has seen impressive growth. It had 155 racers on 15 teams its first year. This year, its third year, Sjoquist estimates 425 racers on 40 teams.

Perhaps the most lasting measure of NICA’s impact is its effect on the families involved. “NICA literally creates cycling families,” says Sjoquist. “Twenty percent of the students

participating in the Minnesota League are new to cycling. But through their involvement, they often bring their parents into cycling as a way to share the activity.”

“Since our son Brandan started with the Minnesota High School Cycling League, we have learned a lot about a sport we knew nothing about,” says parent Tom Eisma. “Brandan says that mountain biking is a stress reliever for him. It keeps him active and outdoors, which is something he really enjoys.

Furthermore, our family has found a new activity that we all enjoy. Brandan’s brother and I have both joined in on the mountain biking bandwagon. We go on mountain biking excursions including many trails around Minneapolis, and Brandan has researched and helped arrange trips to Cuyuna, Fruita, Moab, and Telluride. This has led to some great experiences for all of us.”

Dan Ball’s daughter also races in Minnesota’s NICA league. “Before biking, my daughter lacked self confidence, had typical tween/teen girl drama and the like,” says Ball.

“In the last couple years of biking, she has not only gained confidence, but gained an interest in physical activity and exercise.”

Another parent, Bonnie Finnerty, was a casual mountain biker herself who had started taking her kids to Cuyuna when the trails first opened. But it was when her family got involved with NICA that things really took off. “My husband signed up to be a ride leader and we would all go to the practices together,” Finnerty says. “Most of the races were out of town so we had a lot of time in the car and during the races to bond with our kids, as an entire family. Not only has mountain biking through NICA brought our family closer together, it has strengthened my husband’s and my marriage.

We finally have something that we can do together.”

“In the last couple years of biking, my daughter has not only gained confidence, but gained an interest in physical activity and exercise.”

Clearly, NICA is making an impact, one that results in positive experiences for racers, their families, and their schools.

“For the schools, NICA provides a new way for students who traditionally don’t engage in team sports to become productive members of a cycling team,” explains Sjoquist.

“No one gets cut, so all contribute to the team’s success.

And since it’s not an official school sport yet, cycling doesn’t cost the school anything. All liability and costs are shared between NICA, the Minnesota League, and the racers.”

NICA’s success also benefits local shops—and local ridership in general. Ultimately what NICA does is solidify mountain biking as a way of life. It builds the structure by which people earn their wings, and in so doing it helps create the future of cycling. It doesn’t take much to see that’s good for all of us.

NICA develops high school mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. It focuses on skills development, excellence, teamwork, professionalism and respect for the community and the environment.

To find out more about NICA, visit their website: www.nationalmtb.org.

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More Than Just A Pretty Face 1 Iodine 2 Wheelset

2 Candy 3 Pedals

3 Iodine 11 AM Carbon Riser Bar

WE3093 / TO820K

PD8204 / VG130P

HB3067 / LL200A

A new addition to the Iodine line, the Iodine 2 27.5" fills the need for an all-mountain riding wheel that is light enough for serious climbing and robust enough for the biggest descents.

Simple with a side of high-end design, the Candy 3 spindle is CroMoly durable as well as rebuildable and easy to maintain.

Lightweight, high modulus and unidirectional carbon (read: stiff and responsive) make the Iodine 11 your go-to all-mountain bar.

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When you’re bombing down descents or maneuvering your way through tight singletrack, you want wheels and a cockpit that you can rely on. Not only does

Crank Brothers have an attention to design details and aesthetics that sets them apart, they also put in-depth product development and testing behind all of their products.

4 Cobalt 11 XC Carbon Stem

5 Mallet 2 Pedal

6 Cobalt 3 Wheelset

SM8171 / IK290E

PD8162 / DF96B

WE3091 / YM1150S

Updated with a four-bolt design—two-bolt clamping system for the steerer tube and handlebar—the Cobalt 11 stem is twice as stiff and even lighter.

Utilizing an Eggbeater inside a larger platform with adjustable pins for traction control, the Mallet 2 is the pedal version of pigs in a blanket.

Nicely updated with the new generation of wheels, the Cobalt 3 29" is lighter, stiffer, wider, and stronger.

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The good stuff

Add Some Comfort And Control To Your Ride

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1 RockShox RS1 High-End XC 29’er Suspension Fork FK7124 / DQ2464P RockShox reimagined the fork’s structure, blending the legs, crown, and steerer tube in a carbon mainframe, resulting in an unprecedented level of integration and material optimization. The nature of the inverted design ensures the seals are constantly bathed in oil, and minimizes binding between stanchions and bushings. Fork and hub sold separately.

2 Pedal iSSi PD2700/PD2702/PD2704 / DX76T Adjustable entry/release tension and 4 degrees of float make these pedals great performers and a great value.

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3 Universal Fit Disc Wheels WE3130 / LS130U Thru-axle wheels at the lowest price around. Available in QR, 15mm, 142mm axles with Center-Lock hubs (free six-bolt adapter included) in 26, 27.5, and 29".

4 SRAM X.0 Predictive Steering Front Hub HU4811 / SG286W Predictive Steering features a stock 15mm Maxle Ultimate mated with a solid oversized axle running through the hub, the Torque Tube.

The Torque Tube axle becomes a structural part of the fork, providing unparalleled stiffness. Fork and hub sold separately.

Photo by Ian Highlands, courtesy of Crank Brothers.

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Any Mountain.

Every Rider.

Mountain bike wheels have come a long way since ENVE launched the first carbon mountain-specific rim in 2007. Carbon rim technology has advanced greatly since then, culminating in this: ENVE’s M Series line of mountain bike wheels.

Each M Series rim is designed and manufactured in Ogden, Utah with a specific rider profile in mind, tuned to reflect the amount of climbing versus the amount of descending a rider typically does.

The M Series has something to satisfy all types of riders.

XC riders who spend an equal amount of time climbing as they do descending will love how lightweight the M50 Fifty is, while downhillers need look no further than the M90 Ten’s ability to handle World Cup-level descents.

For the all-mountain riders out there who do more descending than XC riders but less than downhillers, there’s the M60 Forty and M70 Thirty. Across all models in the M Series, ENVE was able to shed grams without sacrificing stiffness, making each rim in the lineup optimally light and stiff, giving riders the ultimate ability to further tune the quality of their ride.

Application Guide: Find the MSERIES Wheel for you

Terrain: Trail/Enduro

Terrain: Cross Country Tire Size: 1.9–2.25”

Tire Size: 2.1–2.4”

Suspension Travel: 0–100mm

Suspension Travel: 105–150mm

Terrain: Enduro/Big Mountain

Terrain: Downhill

Tire Size: 2.3–2.4”

Tire Size: 2.4–2.7”

Suspension Travel: 150–190mm

Suspension Travel: 195-250mm

Beadless Tire Retention

The key to a good tubeless system is a tire and rim that work harmoniously to create a seal at the tire bed of the rim. By eliminating the “hook” from the top of the rim sidewall, ENVE is able to produce rims to more precise dimensions, allowing riders to run lower tire pressures without the risk of unpredictable air loss or pinch flats.

M SERIES

Prev. Design

M50/Fifty Wheelset

M60/Forty Wheelset

WE0710 / IP4400K

WE0712 / TY4400L

Designed as ENVE’s no compromise XC race wheelset, the M50/Fifty is light, efficient, comfortable, and durable.

Tough enough for use as a trail wheelset, but light enough for XC, the M60/Forty wheelset is a jack of all trades—and a master of all.

M70/Thirty Wheelset

M90/Ten Wheelset

WE0716 / SN4400F

WE0718 / XC4400S

The M70/Thirty wheelset is super durable for the descent, but is light enough to let you pedal back up to the top for another run.

Not satisfied with their World Cup-winning DH rim, ENVE reduced weight, increased durability, and created the M90/Ten as the ultimate DH rim.

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Tune up / tech tips and info to boost your know-how

Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment The Shock Treatment Center staff at QBP has an affinity for all things suspensionand hydraulic brake-related. Their extensive historical-to-current knowledge makes them an invaluable resource in any bike shop, bringing a pulse back to more than 1,400 shocks, forks, brakes, and seatposts each year.

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he Shock Treatment Center (STC) is staffed full time by two gentlemen you should definitely know if your shop has suspension parts and hydraulic disc brakes coming through the door. Mark Woker and Don Amundson have a combined 31 years of shop and industry experience that can be unleashed at a moment’s notice—and often is. STC is the department here at Q Central to swing through for all sorts of geeking, tweaking, and teching out about the stuff they do best. “Between the two of us, there is little that we have not seen on the suspension and disc brake front,” says Amundson.

Woker has been a mechanic for 20 years, putting in nine years as a service and warranty manager at a Twin Cities shop before starting in QBP’s Custom BikeBuilder/STC in 2009.

In that time, he’s attended and graduated from STU (SRAM Technical University) three times over. After a four-year stint in QBP’s Customer Service, where he acted as a tech and returns trainer, Woker became heavily counted on by coworkers for answers to the toughest questions. He’s taught hundreds of shop folks a cool thing or two over the phone, and now he’s returned to STC to soak once more in 5 weight and mineral oil.

Some riders look at caked-on mud and grime as a badge of honor, showing the world how extreme they are. This is the worst thing you can do to a fork or shock.

Amundson started in an area shop in 2003. A year later, he moved to QBP’s BikeBuilder department. Occasionally he’d fill in at STC, and by 2005 he was full time, becoming the STC tech lead in 2006. He also does tech training, inventory planning, special order purchasing, and STC customer service.

Amundson has been factory trained by every brand that STC services. He’s trained on-site several times at QBP’s biggest suspension vendors: five times at STU, four times at Marzocchi, and twice at Manitou. Smaller vendors sometimes come to Q to provide training, and Amundson sometimes goes to them—but in the end, STC is fully factory authorized on everything they service.

Considering the volume of work that comes through STC, you can be sure their advice is valid and their service is solid.

The Shock Treatment Center is one of the most capable and 22 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW

comprehensive service centers for suspension- and hydraulic brake-related tuning and repair in the bicycle industry, all but eliminating the need for shops to keep an expensive inventory of parts in stock, or keep customers waiting to get back out on the trail.

Suspension service shouldn’t be something dealers or consumers are afraid of, Amundson says. “We’ve seen cases of a forks, shocks, or brakes not working properly, and the user keeps riding this way because they fear the repair will be too costly. When caught early, most things that can go wrong with these components can be remedied with a basic overhaul. It’s mainly when problems go unattended that the overhauls turn into repairs with more costly parts needed.”

Suspension performance degrades slowly over time, and casual riders often don’t realize things aren’t as smooth as they could be. For forks and brakes, the STC pros recommend that riders have service performed at least once a year to ensure top performance and help prevent bigger issues down the line. For some bikes, this can be as simple as fresh oil and new wiper seals on a fork or shock, or a bleed on a disc brake.

For bikes that are on the trail 10 hours or more a week, they suggest servicing at least twice a year. Overall, frequency of service depends on riding time and conditions. Riding in wet, muddy, or sandy conditions will increase service intervals.

“The biggest thing you can do to help keep a fork or shock working its best for a long time is to keep it clean,” Amundson says. “Some riders look at caked-on mud and grime as a badge of honor, showing the world how extreme they are. This is the worst thing you can do to a fork or shock.

We’ve seen many a fork or shock come in with dirt built up around the seals, only to find big scratches and worn-out stanchions under all the grime.”

After every ride, Amundson advises that riders use a damp, soft cloth to wipe the stanchions clean of mud and debris, paying special attention to the wiper seal area. Dry them with a clean rag and apply a favorite stanchion lube. There are some good fork- and shock-specific lubes out there, but plain fork oil on a clean rag will lubricate things quite nicely as well.

He suggests avoiding chain lube, which can have an unpredictable effect on seals.

STC wants every shop with a QBP account to be confident that they can serve their customers with world-class suspension and disc brake repair and maintenance, fast turnaround, and access to the largest stock of service parts of any distributor service center. If a specialty part isn’t in stock, STC can get available service parts from any of its vendors in about two weeks.

STC is a warranty center for RockShox, Avid, Cane Creek Double Barrel, and Tektro disc brakes, and can perform work on those brands, as well as on Magura, Manitou, Marzocchi, Maverick, White Bros., X-Fusion, Hayes, Hope, Formula, and Shimano disc brakes. Dealers can quickly determine if a fork, shock, or brake is still serviceable by checking the list of qualified repairs when filling out the STC work request on qbp.com.

Available services from STC don’t stop with the basic overhaul. Their vast knowledge gets put to good use with custom tuning and setup offerings on new products through the Custom Adjust ’Em Program.

Dealers can pick virtually any new fork, shock, or brake from the catalog and get it tuned before it’s shipped to the shop. This can include a travel change to dial in the axle-to-crown height on a fork; installation of a different tune kit for a rear shock; or a trim-and-bleed for a new set of brakes so they can be bolted on and be ready to rock when the dealer receives them.

One of the other cool services offered through Custom Adjust ’Em is called Race Prep. “With the Race Prep service, we disassemble the new product from top to bottom, ensure everything is as it should be, then re-assemble it using Buzzy’s Slick Honey on all the seals, and set proper oil levels,” says Amundson.

Average turnaround time on incoming services is three days, and Custom Adjust ’Ems get out the door within 48 hours. Amundson adds: “If a dealer is sending something in that they need back as quickly as possible, we offer Premium Service for a small extra charge, which moves their repair to the front of the line as soon as it gets here and guarantees a 48-hour turnaround provided we have all the needed service parts in stock.”

Dealers are invited to give Amundson and Woker a call if they’re unsure about model years of parts that need service or anything else that they want to send to STC. QBP’s customer service agents have tools to identify fork models and years, and can assist dealers with general troubleshooting or RA setup, as well.

keep your fork grounded

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3 1 G-Form Pro-X Comp T Shirt PG0303 / BF180K • Low profile enough to wear under clothing, the Pro-X T-shirt is your go-to in all-mountain protection • Utilizes RPT pads and an updated wicking fabric 2 G-Form Pro-B Comp Short PG0312 / NJ168A • The Pro-B is the same great short but with an added tailbone pad and integrated chamois

M Series Video Launch.

Riders Linden Feniak and Christian Wright.

Photo by Kevin Winzeler courtesy of ENVE.

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3 ZOIC Men’s Black Market Short AB7385 / GF86H • New for 2014! All the performance and value of the Black Market Short in a cool, new print • ZOIC Essential chamois liner included 4 ZOIC Men’s Premium Liner AB7370 / XF46Q • Upgrade from the standard ZOIC Essential chamois to the Premium for rides longer than 3+ hours • Italian made. 84% polyester, 16% spandex

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The good stuff

SLOW DOWN TO SPEED UP Improved braking control actually helps you go faster, and we’ve got all the hot new disc brake offerings.

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1 FSA K Force BR5199 / CE450E • 300g of XC race hydraulic control, with magnesium bodies, carbon levers, and titanium bolts • Easy, tool-free adjustments for trailside dialing in 2 Shimano XTR XCR BR9881 / OI348H • The new XTR XCR brakes use magnesium alloy and a carbon lever blade to shed 21 grams from its predecessor • Best paired with the Freeza RT99 rotor for ultimate heat control (sold separately)

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3 SRAM Guide RSC BR4808 / KR252C • New master cylinder with SwingLink offers more control and modulation of the power available in the four-piston caliper • Guide RSC features on-the-fly reach adjustment, SwingLink and Contact Adjustment

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4 Hope Tech 3 E4 BR2383 / BF280Q • New Tech 3 Master Cylinder offers more power, plays better with fork and dropper remotes, and is directly compatible with Shimano iSpec shifters • This ultimate enduro brake uses a one-piece, CNC-machined caliper, and 4 x 16mm phenolic pistons for exceptional power

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5 Deuter Hydro Lite 2.0 WB5603 / MQ92A • Airstripes back system and antichafe pads on the mesh shoulder straps keep this pack comfortable all day long

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6 DT Swiss XM 1501 Spline One 29 Wheels WE1357 / NC620P WE1359 / NE790H • Tubeless-ready, wide and light rim • Front is set up for 15mm thru-axle and rear for 12 x 142mm thru-axle • Includes endcaps and RWS for conversion to standard dropouts, tubeless tape, and valves

7 DT Swiss XM 401 Rim RM1959 / OI126T • Same tubeless-ready rim as used on XM 1501 Spline One wheelsets • Pro Head Reinforcement System (PHR) • 2.0 silver alloy Prolock Squorx Pro Head nipples and PHR washers included

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8 X-Fusion Metric HLR Suspension Fork FK0979 / BO1300Q • Features a host of innovative features, including carbon leg guards to protect the magnesium casting and a lightweight crown and casting design to create a 180mm travel fork at 2,200g

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The New Standard Say you’ve got a PF30 crank and a frame with a standard threaded bottom bracket shell. In the mountain biking days of yore, you’d either be buying a new crank or a new frame. If that PF30 crank happens to be a RaceFace Next SL or Turbine, however, you have everything you need. Equipped with RaceFace’s patented Cinch System, the Next SL and Turbine cranks are entirely modular and provide unlimited configurations.

PF30, BB92, 68/73 BSA? No problem. 3X, 2X, Direct Mount 1X? Easy. Have a color scheme that you’re sticking to? Chainrings, chainring bolts, and dust caps come in a wide range of colors.

Even the spiders and spindles are interchangeable, ensuring that you’ll be able to find a configuration that works for you.

1 CINCH Spindle Kit

5 2x10 Chainring Set

CR8324 / GR90A

CR7202 / DX104Q

Allows for CINCH system cranks to convert to all major spindle sizes, including 170 and 190 fat bike standards.

Asymmetrical tooth profiling with more upshift and downshift zones, and CNC-machined from superhard AL-7075.

2 Turbine CINCH Crankarm CK8573 / FG220R

Aluminum alloy crank with RaceFace CINCH system; modular and flexible for single, 2X and 3X setups.

3 Next SL Crank CK8482 / UW600L

The Next SL crank system is the first to utilize CINCH technology— a modular system for crankarms, spindles, and rings/spiders so users can customize their ride.

4 Spider for CINCH System CK8476 / KD60G

Spiders available in 2X and 3X configurations for Next SL and Turbine cranks.

6 Direct-Mount Chainring for CINCH System CR7299 / TR72Z

CINCH-specific ring that installs with a cassette tool for a clean, minimalist design. Ring includes narrow-wide teeth for excellent chain retention.

7 Carbon Crank Boots CR8267 / OP9E

Protect your carbon and extra wide crankarms. Available in a variety of colors.

8 Alloy Crank Boots CR8317 / LS9M

Protect your alloy crankarms.

Available in a variety of colors.

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The good stuff 1

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12 1 Continental 27.5” Mountain King Tire TR9538 / DM70A • Revolution Tubeless Ready (RTR) system is comprised of Revo Sealant and ProTection tires (tires and sealant are sold separately) • All-around performer with uniformly spaced aggressive tread for reliable grip and handling 2 Continental 27.5” X-King Tire TR9540 / KW70X • Revolution Tubeless Ready (RTR) system is comprised of Revo Sealant and ProTection tires (tires and sealant are sold separately) • Cross-country tire with low rolling-resistance and good grip in all conditions 3 MKS US-B Step-In Mountain Pedal PD4108 / AY124H • Japanese designed, high-quality, lightweight mountain pedal with double-binding system and an open design for easy debris shedding; multiple color options

13 4 Lazer Vandal Helmet HE1770 / ST78X • A value leader, with 16 vents and the Rollsys retention system for a great fit 5 Freedom Elite Greenbelt Men’s Saddle SA1986 / LA50Z • Soft, dual compound base, with full-length relief cut out 6 fi’zi:k Tundra M3 Saddle SA1968 / TN178X • Fiberglass thermoplastic composite shell with K:ium rails • Features Wing Flex for efficient pedaling and full range of motion 7 ENVE Riser Bar HB0470 / DB226X • High strength and low weight combine in this premium riser bar—perfect for XC and trail riding 8 fi’zi:k Gobi XM Saddle SA1961 / VV168E • Nylon carbon reinforced shell and K:ium rails • Features Wing Flex and Tail Flex pedaling efficiency and comfort

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14 9 Thomson Covert Dropper Seatpost ST7253 / AS700R • Internally routed version of the best selling Thomson dropper post • The dependability of Thomson with infinitely adjustable 400mm travel—available in 30.9 and 31.6mm sizes 10 WTB Trail Boss 29" TCS Light Tire TR1671 / VM70Z • Folding TCS (Tubeless Compatible System) Aramid bead with lightweight 60tpi casing and Dual DNA Rubber (62/50) • Tight enough tread spacing for high-speed, drag-free onslaughts yet blocky and tall enough to really dig in when it comes time to slam on the brakes 11 Genuine Innovations Hammerhead Inflator PU8068 / TB22N • New push button mini inflator with a trigger-style device • Compatible with all threaded CO2 cartridges—perfect for including with mountain bike essentials

15 12 SRAM X01DH GXP83 Crank Arm Set CK6170 / UO410M • DH crank is sturdier than the standard X01 1x11 version • Uses 94mm BCD X-Sync chainrings; available 30–36t 13 SRAM XG-795 DH 7-Speed Cassette FW6117 / GQ414W • Gear changes between adjacent cogs are larger than 10- or 11-speed cassettes, to reduce the need for multiple shifts • Spoke protector is integrated into the cogset 14 SRAM X01DH Short Cage Rear Derailleur RD6112 / FO362U • Designed for a smaller cog spread than the other X-Horizon Type 2 derailleurs • Cage length needed depends on the chain development of the bike’s rear suspension 15 SRAM X01DH Rear Shifter LD6115 / XY188Q • SRAM’s popular trigger shifter designed specifically for the 7-speed cassette

LOAD UP AND GO

Transporting your bike doesn’t need to be a struggle. Several brands of auto racks make it quick and easy to securely load up your bike and get where you need to go—­so you can spend more time riding.

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1 Thule Vertex 4-Bike Hitch Rack AR2704 / GX360F • For 1-1/4 or 2" hitch • Carry up to four bikes securely in the cushioned Hold Fast cradles • No-sway cage prevents bike-to-bike contact 3

2 Thule STL2 Snug-Tite Lock for Hitch Rack LK2900 / AV68X • Designed with an anti-wobble feature and locking security • Integrated dust cover keeps lock clean 3 Saris Bones 3 Trunk Rack AR6121 / DB188U • Adjustable fit allows the Bones 3 to fit many popular vehicles • Easy setup and secure mounting make this a great solution for bike transportation 4 Kuat NV 2-Bike Hitch Rack AR1700 / EK730U • For 2" hitch • Super easy to use, and can carry 20–29" wheeled bikes with up to 3" tires • Includes hitch lock and integrated bike cable lock 5 Kuat NV 2-Bike Add-On AR1710 / OA500E • Convert your Kuat 2 NV to a four-bike rack

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6 Saris Adjustable Bike Beam AR3037 / EB42A • The Saris Bike Beam provides the solution to those hard-to-fit bike frames

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Last stop

Beth Parsons and Lorraine Blancher ride Whistler.

Photo by Margus Riga, courtesy of Race Face.

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JUNE 2014 / Family & Mountain / 31

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

6400 West 105th Street Bloomington MN 55438

TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT No. 27370

Inside: Everything for kids and kids at heart