Back in June 2014 I had a new set of wheels built up. The rims and hubs came from Kappius Components, a boutique company out of Colorado, founded by father and son Rus and Brady Kappius. Two high achieveing cyclists and engineers who believe they can make a better hub and rim than is currently available […]
Cannondale F-Si: First Impressions
Cannondale have a long history in the sport of mountain biking, especially in racing. Their F29 hardtail has been the choice of many marathon and stage racers due to the low weight of the frame and lefty, and the ride quality. It would be fair to say the Scalpel has never really met the demands […]
Bike Check: Shaun Lewis’ Specialized Epic S-Works World Cup
Related Event: ABSA Cape Epic
With the Absa Cape Epic about to start, the world’s absolute best cross-country and marathon racers are all making their way towards Cape Town, South Africa. The Cape Epic is potentially the most important mountain bike race in the world. That’s objective, but more people probably know who won the last Epic than the last […]
Swiss Epic Pro Bike: Robert Mennen’s Canyon Lux CF 29
Related Event: Perskindol Swiss Epic
The Swiss Epic attracted some of the very best MTB racers in the World, from XC, to Marathon and Enduro in the first edition in 2014. While there were lots of very special bikes within the field, I caught up with the Topeak-Ergon team to capture Robert Mennen’s Lux CF 29. Robert was racing with Alban Lakata and […]
JetBlack Whisperdrive ridden and rated
I’m lucky here in Australia to be able to ride outdoors year-round, but each summer I’m reminded that the main winter sport for my cousins from the Northern Hemisphere is not cyclocross or snow-shoeing, but the solitary abuse of the home trainer in their lonely basements, garages and – for those lucky enough to live […]
REVIEWED: Stages XTR Power Meter
It’s leg day again. Another bike ride, more efforts, all to get those pistons pumping out more horses than a Ferrari. But what is your effort session really accomplishing? An ego trip powered by a Strava flavoured energy drink or a quantifiable training session, directly increasing your performance? Don’t get me wrong; a ‘Trophy’ filled […]
REVIEWED: BOgear Spare Camel backpack
Backpacks can serve a variety of roles. At their most basic, a backpack is for hauling gear. Perhaps as little as what you need for a day at work or university. But perhaps it’s what you need to ride for a day, or hike to Everest Base Camp. A big sac with some adjustable straps […]
REVIEWED: Maxxis Tread Lite 29×2.1″ Tyre
I have long been a Maxxis fan, with countless hours spent on Crossmarks, Larson TTs, Ikons, Aspens… and of course the Detonator and Re-Fuse road tyres. Riding for the Subaru-MarathonMTB.com Team, I’m lucky to be able to race and train on Maxxis tyres, who are generous sponsors for our riders. One of the new tyres […]
Bike Check: Imogen Smith’s Bianchi Methanol 29 FS
It wouldn’t be long ago that many would say to take a hardtail to the Crocodile Trophy. That’s not to say you can’t, or shouldn’t. But for the 20th Crocodile Trophy, this mountain bike race has more trails in it than ever before. And comfortable can be fast, especially over 9 days. Although Subaru-MarathonMTB racer […]
Reviewed: ZTR Valor 29″ Carbon MTB Wheels
The ZTR Valor wheels have been long-awaited from the brand that brought us lightweight tubeless rims, and the ZTR Crest, Arch and Race Gold wheel set are be found on many marathon and stage racing bikes. But light alloy rims aren’t without their downsides. Flex can be a problem, if not for lighter riders, for more […]