Mountain biking is one of the best (if not the best) sports in the world, although we’re all probably a bit biased. The rugged environment we get to ride our bicycles through creates so many challenges and many rewards, but also wears out many of the moving parts of our bikes if we don’t properly […]
A season on Shimano XTR Di2
Since 2012, the MarathonMTB.com Team riders have predominantly run Shimano group sets. Usually a mix of XT and XTR parts, mixed for the best combination of price, weight, performance and durability. Favour fell to parts from Shimano due in part to their parts availability when away from home, especially in Europe. Personally, I’ve aimed to […]
How to service Shimano SPD clipless pedals
There are very few items on a mountain bike which you can just set and forget. And if something was to come pretty close, it would be the higher range Shimano SPD clipless pedals, notably from the M540 up to the Shimano XT and XTR models. Save for a bit of a clean up and […]
Bikes of the Crocodile Trophy: Mike Blewitt’s Norco Revolver 29 FS
Related Event: Crocodile Trophy
The 23rd Crocodile Trophy finished last Saturday, and as usual it was a test of the support crew, riders and their bikes. The 8 day race takes in a huge variety of terrain with about 13000m of climbing and over 600km of racing. I have done the Crocodile Trophy 3 times before, so have a […]
Rocky trails at the Shimano MTB GP
It’s been a while since I put a number on at one of the Rocky Trail Entertainment Shimano MTB GP events. But even since moving to Brisbane two years ago, it’s always great to get to one of the events run by the Martin and Juliane Wisata, who make up the husband and wife event […]
Bike Check: Justin Morris’ Norco Revolver set for Mongolia Bike Challenge
The Mongolia Bike Challenge gets underway in the nations capital Ulaan Batar this Sunday. This race is a unique affair for most MTB stage racers. Hence, a few modifications to my trusty Norco Revolver FS have been made in preparation for the 6 day, 700km stage race across the tundra of the Mongolian Steppe. Rider: […]
Jay Vine and Charlotte Culver win Shimano MTB GP at Ourimbah
Rocky Trail Entertainment’s Shimano MTB GP has become a foundation for many NSW and ACT based endurance mountain bikers. The latest round visited the iconic course on NSW’s Central Coast as Ourimbah MTB Park hosted the race on 8 July. A perfect sunny Winter’s day greeted the Rocky Trail crowd from all over NSW and the ACT. Canberra’s […]
Shimano XTR mechanical vs XTR Di2 – Part two
I recently built my Norco Revolver FS race bike up with 2×11 Shimano XTR Di2 Synchro Shift. There were a few reasons for this. Shimano came on board as a major sponsor for the Subaru-MarathonMTB.com Team, which meant I could afford this kind of premium gear. Secondly, I was in a big accident four months […]
Port to Port stage 4: The Beach Finale!
Related Event: Port to Port MTB
The final stage of the Port to Port aptly wrapped up today in the Port city of Newcastle just north of Sydney. Famous for it’s coal port and steelworks, the strong working class heritage of this town has forged many a strong athlete over the years including 2nd place at this year’s MTB XCO national […]
Port to Port stage 3: The ‘Queen’ stage
Related Event: Port to Port MTB
After a day up and down the mountains of the Hunter Valley yesterday, riders would have no respite today with the longest stage of the race on the menu including a lap of the world class Awaba singletrack and an epic climb up to the slopes of Mount Faulk. Last night riders and spectators alike […]