2013 Shimano Saint Group Set - First Look

      The New SAINT focuses entirely on the gravity segment of mountain biking and that’s something you can clearly see in the new features. By providing increased rigidity, braking power, durability and ergonomics, SAINT allows Downhill racers and Freeriders to concentrate entirely on their line in gravity situations. 


      To make sure that new SAINT group set excelled in the extreme riding environment of downhill racing, the group set was developed in close collaboration with pro racers like Aaron Gwin and Gee Atherton. These riders provided Shimano engineers and designers with valuable input that was critical to improving SAINT on the race course. 
The result? An unprecedented 5 World Cup wins, the World Cup Overall title and a Saint group set that consumers will discover is more compact, stronger, lighter and more silent than previous generations! Winner of the 2011 World Cup, Aaron Gwin: “New SAINT rocks! It is powerful, reliable and strong. It’s the best I’ve ever ridden!” No distraction, at least not from your drive train!


    Multiple Downhill World Cup winner and World Champion of 2010, Gee Atherton about the SAINT drive train: “The new SAINT group set is incredibly good. The SHADOW RD+ is a big advantage for DH riders because the chain is so stable and the crank is so stiff that every push is put into power!”

Because gravity riders need more stability in critical situations, SHIMANO has developed the new SAINT 10 speed rear derailleur with a SHADOW+ RD. This technology, adopted from Shimano’s XTR rear derailleurs, offers a very quiet drive train for gravity riding. The derailleur has a switch at the pully cage (see right image) to activate a stabilizer that counteracts the forces of up and down chain momentum in rough terrain. To change the rear wheel the switch needs to be in turned ‘off’ position.
The SHADOW+ RD offers better control, reduces chain dropping dramatically and provides a more silent drive train. It lets you focus on what’s most important… your line.
SHIMANO also added a bump stopper to the rear derailleur to reduce hitting noise. A super wide inner link offers maximum stiffness that is so important in gravity riding.
To make sure that your SAINT group set is also ready for Freeriding, SHIMANO has added a mode converter. This mode converter is at the mounting position of the rear derailleur and offers you the opportunity to switch between a Downhill ratio 11-28 or a wider ratio for Freeride 11-32.

Shimano engineers understand the enormous amount of pressure that is exerted on the crank in gravity situations and have used a steel axle and steel pedal inserts to counteract this. SHIMANO was still able to drop the weight of the already reliable Saint crank by using HOLLOWTECH II technology and a lighter 4 arm spider. Chainrings are available in a 34T, a 36T and a 38T and the new crank is compatible with different varying bottom bracket sizes (68/73/83mm and pressfit BB’s).

Light shifting performance For more control on the demanding downhill tracks SHIMANO created longer Rapidfire Plus shift levers (the main lever is 6% longer and the release lever is 10% longer than the current M810) in close cooperation with our pro downhill racers. Next to that SHIMANO improved rider ergonomics and performance of the SAINT shifting system. The operating force needed to shift through the gears is very light and extremely consistent. Even in the low gear numbers! (Maximum 37% lighter compared to the M810). These shifters also feature 2-Way Release technology that allows the release lever to be operated in two directions; Multi-Release to shift multiple gears in one stroke and Instant Release to shift gears as soon the lever is activated.

The Stopping Power of a Pine Tree!
Top DH pro rider Brendan Fairclough says: “The brakes are amazing! They do exactly what you want and I trust them with my life.” The new SAINT offers you unbeatable stopping power and brake control with “Ice Tech” disc brakes. 

A high power one way bleeding 4-ceramic piston caliper construction in combination with the 1-finger brake lever does the rest. Especially for extreme gravity conditions, SHIMANO has developed the ultimate 203mm rotor with a radiator fin. This rotor is very effective in heat management. On top of the Ice tech sandwich construction the radiation effect cools the rotor an extra 50 degrees Celsius. The result is 20% more stopping power than the Ice technologies rotor without a fin. As we like to say, “The new SAINT brakes have the stopping power of a pine tree without the lengthy stay in the hospital”.

Concave shaped flat pedal For even more control and pedaling efficiency, SHIMANO has developed a new concave shaped flat pedal. The SAINT pedal is 3mm wider and has a lower profile (-8.5mm) than the previous pedal. The pedal possesses an excellent mud shedding design featuring new style replaceable pins while maintaining the proven axle durability of its predecessors.

for more information: visit shimano.com

2013 Shimano Zee Group Set - First Look

    In 2013 Shimano will introduce a completely new gravity line specially designed for young entry riders… ZEE! ZEE is Saint’s younger brother, designed for riding on extreme gravity trails, ready to battle with the established order and waiting for young entry riders to unleash its potential. It has a young and fresh look and the best balance between perfect gravity features at an affordable price point so everybody can enjoy gravity riding. The name ZEE is derived from zero. ZEE will give their riders a sense of freedom when they hit ‘zero gravity’ on the extreme trails. Because gravity riders need specific features for their extreme demands, Shimano packed ZEE with the latest technologies like a Shadow RD+ rear derailleur and high performing disc brakes.

SHIMANO Zee Crank

SHIMANO Zee caliper brakes

SHIMANO Zee brake levers

SHIMANO Zee shifter

SHIMANO Zee rd

for more info: visit shimano.com

First Look of Suntour Rux DH Fork Prototype

   
   Suntour's all-mountain Durolux fork has been well received by riders and media alike, including here on Pinkbike, but they have also been working hard behind the scenes on the newest Rux, a long travel dual crown fork for the downhillers out there. While the fork pictured on the front of Buehler's bike isn't yet a production unit (and Suntour hasn't chosen a release date), we can expect the 8" travel fork to employ the same 38mm stanchions once it becomes available to the public. An MSRP has also not been decided upon, but we can assume that it will retail for a sensible amount given Suntour's competitive pricing

      Damping duties are handled by a long travel version of Suntour's RC2 cartridge, with external adjustments for both low and high speed compression, as well as rebound. The cartridge is a sealed, full aluminum unit that keeps the damping oil separate from the lubrication fluid, but is also fully serviceable by the consumer. The RC2 cartridge also receives Suntour's QSP (Quick Service Product) designation, meaning that it can be pulled out and swapped quickly if an issue does arise.

Suntour Rux details:
• New dual crown DH fork model
• 200mm of travel (internally adjustable)
• 38mm stanchion tubes
• RC2 damping cartridge (sealed, serviceable)
• Air sprung w/ volume adjusting spacers for a linear or progressive feel
• Externally adjustable rebound, separate low and high speed compression
• Direct mount stem compatible top crown
• Weight: TBA
• MSRP: TBA
• Release date: TBA

      The left fork leg houses the Rux's air spring, with its schrader valve hidden under the anodized aluminum top cap. The fork employs a volume adjustment system via removable spacers, allowing riders to create a more progressive or linear stroke depending on the conditions. While this system isn't as user friendly as a external volume adjustment dial, it likely uses much simpler internals to accomplish the same goal. Compression adjustments are made by turning the anodized blue and grey dials atop the right fork leg, with rebound found at the bottom of the same leg.

The Rux offers enough tire clearance for even the largest volume tires that are currently out there (left). The fork's 20mm thru-axle system doesn't require any tools, but it does differ from Suntour's tool-less Q-Loc axle clamp in that it has been designed to provide more clamping force.

The Rux's top crown uses a standard direct mount stem pattern that allows you to choose from the large selection of aftermarket choices.

Here's are some photos:

Figure 1

Figure 2

for more information..visit www.srsuntour-cycling.com

Mountain bike "Jump" techniques

Mountain bike "Jump" techniques

You've always wanted to do the jumps you see in videos or magazines. The problem is when you're ready in the dirt you always hesitate. Here's the simple method and tips to help you achive an effortless execution of jumps and troubleshoot errors in execution.


Your goal: Land at the receiver's backside with same height as thetake off.

How to pull it off:
1. Right speed.
2. Right body position. Crouch like a cat before you approach the jump with your feet leveled on the pedals. Pop up your suspensions once your bike hits the take off. Lay back during airtime and when landing to give a smoother landing versus being stiff and over gripping.

Tips you should know:
1. Confidence is the key. Do not hesistate when approaching jump because you already know what to do.
2. It's okay to fall. Wearing the right armor should push you to try. In case you won't able to reach the back side of the jump in your first try, you should either increase your speed or pull your handle bars even harder.
3.When casing a double let your suspension absorb the impact with help of your body by bending your knees and elbows as an added suspension to lessen impact.
4. If your foot lifts off the pedal practice your pedal grip by doing bunny hops.
5. Aim for the receiver. Look forward to the receiver.

Risks:
1. Nose dive will happen if you won't pull your handle bars right.
2. Casing is due to lack of speed.
3. Flat landing happens when you over jump because too much speed or pulling to hard on the handle bars gap between the doubles.

Your goal: Land the backside of the receiver that is lower than the take off.

How to pull it off:
1. Right speed. Step down jumps need precise speed to land perfectly. Estimated speed to pull usually is 40-45kph.
2. Right body position. The receiver is lower than the take off this means that you should aim lower just like doing a free drop. Be off the saddle with your elbows and knees slightly bent. As you hit the jump, try to soak it up for the bike to do a free fall.

Tips you should know:
1. Aim lower. Remember that the receiver is lower than the take off.
2. Step downs have harder landings because the airtime will be greater.
3. You may feel a bit intimidated because you will not see where you will land as you approach the jump. Just follow your line and be confident to reach the landing area.

Risks:
1. Over-speeding means a great air time and over jumping the receiver. Stronger impact with the ground may cause you to involuntary let go of your handle bars or wobble.
2. Not enough speed will make you case or even fall in the gap. But unlike casing in a  regular doubles or a step up casing in a step down has greater impact.

Power of banana in biking and its health benefits

         Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes

I also list some health benefits of banana:

==> Dietary Supplement: Because bananas are so high in vitamins B6 and B12 and so low in sodium they are a perfect dietary supplement. They also contain magnesium and potassium along with the sugars sucrose, fructose and glucose.

==> Digestion Aid: They are also the "B" in the Banana, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) diet, a food regimen recommended for children recovering from gastric upset. Note that the BRAT diet is not recommended for extended periods as it lacks protein.

==> Sports Tonic: The potassium and magnesium makes in a near perfect sports food for those lactic acid related cramps. I have personally found that a banana, after a particularly grueling run or bike outing, will relieve muscle cramps within fifteen minutes. 

==> Regulate the bowel system:  The best solution to constipation is eating a banana a day. This is one of the major health benefits of bananas because it rich in fiber that helps in regulating the bowel functions.

==> Help ulcer patients: Another major health benefit of bananas is their capability of fighting intestinal disorders. Eating a raw banana reduces irritation in the stomach and reduces the effect of over acidity.

==> Increase brain power: A survey was conducted very recently among 200 students at a school in Middlesex. They were given bananas along with their normal diet for their breakfast, break and lunch. Research proved that potassium in bananas helped to increase their mental alertness and boost brain power. Remember this health benefit of banana and make your child eat a banana everyday to score high in studies. I think i really need dozen of banana...hahaha

 So guys, what are you waiting for, lets start eating banana.. :)

How to choose the right mountain bike?

    Nowadays, lots of different kind of mountain bike were exists so it maybe a little bit hard to choose which  one will fit you.The answer is it depends on several factors you should consider. The most important of this to consider is choose what kind of personal/preference riding you want to be. There are four categories of mountain bike to choose from: Cross-country(XC), All-mountain (AM), freeride(FR) and downhill(DH). 

1. Cross country(XC) bikes are the most efficient and would be the best choice for beginners because its light and very easy to ride. If your a commuter biker or just fun riding around the village, this one is for you.

2. All-mountain (AM) bikes are also like XC bikes but has suspension on the bike frame in which helps the rider to be more stable on trail. These are very excellent bikes due to their efficiency, comfort and stability in controlling along the tracks or in trails.

3. Freeride (FR) bikes are usually design for large drops, jumps and  manmade stunts. Its usually like BMX bike riding type which usually see in X-Games that performs lot of bike tricks. These bike also had suspension frame and fork but there are also some hard tail design (like XC bikes) but much much stronger frame than XC bikes.So if your this kind of rider you want to be, freeride bikes is for you.

4. Downhill (DH) bikes are built just for downhill racing. Usually it was design for serious or we can called extreme riding experience because it will cause you trouble when your skills is not enough to handle this thing. If you some kind of motocross type of rider, this is for you. Design, stability, control,endurance and used of these bikes are more likely can compare to an enduro or motocross motorcycle.

Just wanna share also my bike:

         All of these four categories, my bike falls on AM type. I personally choose these kind of bike because it really fit my needs in biking. I can ride everywhere, whether in city or trail riding.

Ride safe everyone.....

All About Biking

          I've been into biking since I was young and I learned how to ride this thing when Im 7 yrs old. It really relax my mind because its really fun to ride and until now I'm still enjoy riding  not only because its fun to ride but also give me a lot of health benefits as i grow older. Lets see some of health of  cycling or biking.

One of the easiest ways to exercise
       You can ride a bicycle almost anywhere, at any time of the year, and without spending a fortune. Many people are put off doing certain sports because of the high level of skill that seems to be required, or perhaps because they can’t commit to a team sport due to time pressures.

Builds strength and muscle tone
Biking builds strength in a holistic manner since every single part of the body is involved in cycling and its one of the easiest way to get fit and be sexy especially for ladies who want to have great body shape.

Improves your cardio strength
           It makes your heart pound in a steady manner and helps improve cardio-vascular fitness. It uses the largest muscle groups the legs, raising heart rate to benefit stamina and fitness. All in all, it makes your body strong.

Eats up calories and fats
    This is one of a good way to lose those unwanted pounds.  Since it helps build muscle, cycling will also boost your metabolic rate long after you’ve finished your ride.
 
Improves heart health
         According to the British Medical Association, cycling just 20 miles a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50%. A major study of 10,000 civil servants suggested that those who cycled 20 miles over the period of a week were half as likely to suffer heart disease as their non-cycling colleagues.


Greatly reduces stress
     This exercise can reduce stress and depression and improve well being and self esteem as also I've experience on myself.  Its also a good way to be one with nature and to feel the breath of the earth. It takes one’s mind out of everyday-life stress and rejuvenates his soul.

    So guys what are you waiting for, lets start riding bike and  be a nature lover. Save mother earth. Ride safe everyone :)