His answer to our question, “WHY BACON IS SO GOOD!”

Bacon…..giving pigs a purpose!

Now he’ll look as cool as this guy!

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Here’s their claim to fame:

Chocolate #9 is different because it:

is sweetened only with organic agave.
contains no refined sugar or other HIGH glycemic index sweeteners.
has been – tested and certified – as a “LOW” glycemic index (GI) item.
Chocolate #9 LOW GI gel reduces the negative effect of repetitive insulin “spiking” during sustained exercise.
won’t cause a sugar high or a sugar low – bonk.
is an excellent energy choice for endurance athletes.
is suitable for most diabetics – and used by Team Type 1.
is an excellent choice for those not wanting to eat refined sugar.
is vegan, low fat and gluten free.
contains no synthetics – no unpleasant aftertastes – tastes great.
contains no “mystery” ingredients, colorings, or preservatives.
is easy on the stomach.
best of all — Chocolate #9 tastes great.

The nutritional facts on the package, 70 calories per packet.

How it looks.

I bet you’re wondering how it tasted? Well…I gotta say this has to be THE BEST TASTING energy gel I’ve EVER HAD! No exaggeration! Chocolate #9 is not overly sweet, and not too chocolatey. In fact I thought it tasted just right. With other brands, their chocolate tastes like chocolate milk syrup, but with Chocolate #9, I thought it tasted like a mild cake frosting. It was simply good!

The texture was very smooth, just wash it down with a swig of water and within 15 or so minutes, you’ll start to feel it working. When you’re riding this stuff (see below) for a few hours, you’ll eventually need a snack or something to help keep you pedaling. With the Chocolate #9, it can fit into your shorts, jersey or hydration pocket and pull it out at your next snack break.

So does this stuff work? I’d say it did for me. Not once did my stomach hurt or feel like I crashed from the sugar rush. I guess that’s where the benefit of a low glycemic energy gel comes in handy. Basically the whole idea is to have a slow burn so it will last you through out your ride/work out. If you feel that you want a change in your energy gel, you should really consider Chocolate #9.

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A bit of background on how I tested this bike. Since it is truly an entry level bike (based on price and specs), I decided to take it through one of the best newbie trails there are, the world famous Fullerton Loop. Mind you, we say this is a newbie trail, there are more people that get hurt on this trail than any other that I know of. I think what it is, people just don’t expect it to be gnarly or challenging, so their guard is down and when they least expect it, BAM! The Loop strikes!

Before we go on, here’s the specs. The Skookum has an MSRP of $529.99.
Specs:

Specifications

• Lightweight alloy frame in 4 sizes.
• Suntour XCT 80mm travel fork.
• SRAM/SR Suntour 24 speed drivetrain.
• Reliable mechanical disc brakes.
• Low profile knobby tires-excellent for traction in all conditions.

Ok let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Though we consider it an entry level bike, the Skookum can handle abuse from a seasoned mountain biker. Not once did I ever experience ANY mechanical issues with the bike. From the time I assembled it out of the box to the last day of testing, the gears shifted precisely, brakes stopped on a dime and the wheels stayed true. The Suntour XCT 80mm fork lacks adjustment controls, it only has pre-load. But if the fork was upgraded to a type that has air/rebound and compression, then you’d be stepping away from $529.99 price point.

Unfortunately, the spec sheet doesn’t show much info about the tires. To my surprise, they are fantastic! They actually remind me of far more expensive tires, the Kenda Small Block Eight. The small knobbies provided great speed without sacrificing traction.

There wasn’t much information about the tires, other than the website name on the sidewall. But even after checking their website, I couldn’t locate the model.

As I mentioned, shifting is spot on with the SRAM X4. Not once did I have to adjust it.

As far as mechanical brakes are concerned, the Promax disc brakes performed really well! They never faded or did the rotors warp at all. They are even adjustable on both sides of the pad. If coupled with a set of compressionless brake cables/housing, you could totally make them feel like hydraulic.

Though it is a 24 speed drive train, it is pretty reliable.

The Alex DC19 wheels stayed true through out the testing period.

As I mentioned, the Torker Skookum is an entry level bicycle. So what does this mean? Well if you’re just starting out in the sport of mountain biking and you’re not quite sure if its something you’d want to invest too much money into, then this is where the Torker Skookum comes in. With its parts spec and low MSRP, the Skookum makes for the perfect bike for someone that is getting into the sport.

An ideal situation would be this, let’s say you’re an avid mountain biker, but your wife wants to “try” it. You and I both know that it would be foolish to get too excited and get her a $2000 bike without the guarantee that she’ll like the sport or not. The great thing about the Skookum, even if the newbie rider were to fall head over heels (no pun intended) with the sport, they can simply upgrade parts on it if they really wanted to. The Skookum frame is pretty tough and light enough that if you were to mate it with a lighter fork and possibly a wheelset, you could easily have a decent XC race bike. Overall, I liked the Skookum because of the fact it’s a gateway bike. A bike like this will help get more people into our beloved sport. One thing I may add, I LOVED the paint scheme! Black with Green looks pretty legit to me.

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Description

Wheel slot accommodates all types of bikes from 20mm road tires to 2.4” wide MTB

Spring loaded arm easily holds front or rear wheel without the risk of scratching rim or spokes

Hands free use allows you to roll bike into the wheel slot for storage or display

Modular design supports multiple RAKK’s connected together

Price $35

Easy to use and easy on the eyes.

The Airborne Wingman rolls right into the RAKK. The 2.3 tires are not a problem.

But what’s more impressive are the 2.5 tires mounted on the Airborne Taka. The RAKK easily supports it.

The Feedback Sports RAKK is a great addition to any mountain biker. Keep it in your car so when ever you need to get your bike and gear ready, you can just set it up on the RAKK. It folds flat so storing it in your car or garage isn’t going to be an issue.

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One of our first customers for the RAD jersey was Jeff Morgan. Here he is with his son from a ride on Sunday. I think Jeff looks RAD!

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Boss Man RL is going for the big 2-9 today… or was that the 3-9… awwww fuhgedboutit.

Boss Man RL is turning a year older today. Not only does he have the best mountain biking blog known to mankind, RL is also a great family man and friend. We can all attest that we are better for having known RL.

Thanks for the blog, thanks for the mountain biking and most importantly thanks for the friendship. Happy Birthday, RL!!

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DAINESE brought to the sport of mountain biking  the first CE rated back protector, plastic elbow/knee guards (That were CE rated.), gloves with palm sliders and composite knuckles, plus the first fully padded downhill specific suit which incorporated back, shoulder, elbow, chest, tail bone, hip, femur, and knee/shin/ankle guards made with CE rated plastic protection, all this before the host of others you see out there.

There dedication has been to the protection of the racer as well as the casual riders out there.

NEW INNOVATION

This year DAINESE showed off some new gear at EuroBike and InterBike. The new OAK PRO knee and elbow guards and a new RHYOLITE vest with chest/rib, shoulder, and back protection.

The OAK Pro incorporates a BOA retaining ratchet system that will tighten on the Knee with a twist of a knob just like on a ski boot with the same system. It also has

BACK VIEW OF THE BACK PROTECTION

an aluminum knee slider on it just like there road racing suits, plus there will be a type of rubber impact material to absorb a hit to the knee.
The RHYOLITE vest that is coming out will incorporate the same rubber material as on the knee in the chest, and sides. The back will have their new memory foam that absorbs impact.

NEW DAINESE RHYOLITE PROTECTION VEST

NEW OAK PRO KNEE WITH BOA SYSTEM AND ALUMINUM KNEE SLIDER

PRESS RELEASE WITH STYLE
I was at the 2012 DIANESE product press release where they went all out to show off their new motorcycle line. They do it up right with great food, great drink and a great show bringing out models to show off the new DAINESE line and AGV helmets.

YOU TO CAN LOOK LIKE ROSSI

All the motorcycle media was there for a great presentation from the staff as well as two of their AMA sponsored racer’s Blake Young and Steve Rapp.

ANOTHER FIRST FOR DAINESE

DAINESE does it again by bringing out the first fully functional air bag system for road racing safety, call the D-AIR racing suit. This suit has a air bag that deploys when it senses the rider is about to fall or impact the ground. All this is done in milliseconds of impact using sophisticated electronics, gyro scopes, and a charged canister linked to a GPS satellite. “Very impressive!”
The air bag is not unlike the air bag in a car, when it deploys the bag inflates around the neck and shoulders giving even more protection around the rider.
DAINESE has done there homework on this and I mean home work. It has been ten years in the making with extensive testing in the lab as well as on the MOTO GP circuit with the like of Marco Simoncelli, Valentino Rossi, and just last year the first D-AIR suit hit the U.S. AMA circuit with our racer Blake Young.

THE NEW D-AIR SUIT

VENTED TITANIUM SLIDING SHOULDER VENT PLATES

WHEN YOUR LIT UP, YOUR GOOD TO FALL DOWN. WELL HOPEFULLY NOT.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING
Well it could mean the next step in safety for us. Think about this, forget the current crop of neck braces out there and put this in it’s place. No hard stress on the shoulders or back where you have the vertical brace on your back and you won’t feel it while racing.
This could be a good thing to come for us, so lets hope for it and start writing DAINESE to bring one out for us mountain biker’s. “Oh and by the way sign me up for one when they come out.”

Click here to see the D-Air in Action

NEW AX-8 EVO DOT HELMET

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If you haven’t already seen it, check out this well done video by Specialized featuring the Carve Pro 29.

Specs:

FRAME Specialized M4SL fully manipulated alloy frame, 29″ XC geometry, fully butted w/ smooth welding, tapered head/seat tube, forged post mount 160mm dropouts w/ replaceable derailleur hanger, disc only
FORK RockShox Recon Gold 29 SL, magnesium lower, 32mm alloy stanchions, 1-1/8″ to 1.5″ tapered alloy steerer, Solo Air spring, TurnKey damping w/ Pop-Loc remote LO, external rebound adj., 80mm travel
HEADSET Integrated 1-1/8″ upper and 1-1/2″ lower threadless, Campy-style, full cartridge bearings
STEM Specialized 3D forged 6061 alloy, 4 bolt clamp, 7º rise, 31.8mm
HANDLEBARS XC flat bar, double butted alloy, 10º backsweep, 4º upsweep, 31.8mm
GRIPS Specialized Body Geometry XCT Men’s lock-on, dual compound, Kraton rubber, closed end, 131.5mm
FRONT BRAKE Shimano Deore Servo Wave hydraulic disc brake, metallic pad, post mount, 180mm 6-bolt rotor
REAR BRAKE Shimano Deore Servo Wave hydraulic disc brake, metallic pad, post mount, 160mm 6-bolt rotor
BRAKE LEVERS Shimano BR-M596, hydraulic lever
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore, 10-speed, 34.9mm clamp, bottom-swing, dual-pull
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano XT Shadow, 10-speed, SGS cage
SHIFT LEVERS Shimano SLX, 10-speed Rapidfire plus, SL type w/ optical display
CASSETTE Shimano 10-speed, 11-36t
CHAIN KMC X-10L, 10-speed, hollow outer links, reusable Missing Link
CRANKSET Shimano Deore, 2pc., 10-speed, outboard bearing style
CHAINRINGS 42/32/24, replaceable
BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano, outboard cartridge bearing, 73mm, included w/ crankset
PEDALS Alloy 1pc. body and cage, reflector kit, 9/16″
RIMS Carve Disc 29″, alloy double-wall, sleeve joint, 32h
FRONT HUB Formula disc hub, alloy 7075 axle, high-low flange, double-sealed cartidge bearings, machined disc mount and flange, QR, 32h
REAR HUB Formula rear disc hub, cassette, high-low flange, double-sealed cartidge bearings, machined disc mount and flange, 19mm contact, QR, 32h
SPOKES Stainless, 2.0mm (14g)
FRONT TIRE Specialized The Captain Control, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, aramid bead, dual compound, 29×2.0″
REAR TIRE Specialized The Captain Control, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, aramid bead, dual compound, 29×2.0″
INNER TUBES Presta valve
SADDLE Specialized Body Geometry Carve SL, hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm width
SEATPOST Forged 6061 alloy, 2 bolt head, 27.2mm, 12.5mm offset, micro adjust
SEAT BINDER 31.8mm, forged alloy, extruded QR lever

Stick around because in a few short weeks we’ll have a full review for you.

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Here I am matching with the cake,

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