When they wheeled it out from behind the counter, my jaw dropped and all four mechanics stood as if at attention… this bike is something to behold. I couldn’t help but keep staring at it either… wow.

After a photography session fit for a rockstar, the Ibis Mojo custom build is now ready to hit the trails and get dirty. I’m anxious to see how it performs. The first dirt times are scheduled for later this week, so I’ll soon know if this bike is all looks or if it also packs some solid trail slayer moves under that sexy skin. The details on the build are as follows:

• 2010 Ibis Mojo with 2010 Fox RP23
• 2010 Fox 32 TALAS RLC with 15qr
• CrankBrothers Iodine All-mountain wheelset
• SRAM X.9 drivetrain
• Shimano SLX crankset
• WTB Wolverine 2.2 tires
• Ibis handlebars and seatpost, Syncros AM Stem
• ODI Lock-on OURY grips

More Photos: Visit My Picasa Album

Osprey has expanded into the daypack and laptop bag market with Swiss-like precision–choosing to deliver a targeted lineup that wouldn’t alienate their core set of customers. The new Osprey Flapjack pack is part commuter bag and part backpack, but with all the outdoor flair that Osprey owners love.

About the Osprey Flapjack

When someone like Osprey builds a courier or laptop bag, they apply their years of experience building bomber backpacks to the problems at hand. The Osprey Flapjack has a number of great features:

• Padded laptop sleeve for up to 15.4″ laptop (easily fits my 15″ MacBook Pro)
• Drawcord top for weather protection
• Reflective materials for safety
• Headphone cord keepers
• Flap cover to stash jackets, etc.
• Ribbed shoulder straps and back padding
• Multiple strap colors to accessorize (ooo la la)
• Colors: Pepper, Khaki, Black (tested)
• Size: 1500 cu. in.
• MSRP: $89

Osprey Flapjack Laptop Bag Review

New for Fall 2009, I’ve had an advanced preview of the prototype. This pack is a medium-sized bag that’s suitable for day-in/out schlepping of your laptop and various essentials you wish to haul around with you to and from work or school.

While it’s not a huge pack and doesn’t have a ton of organization pockets, overall fit is spot-on with some unique Osprey style thrown in for kicks.

An all-day schlep is just as comfortable as a quick haul from the car to the office–thanks to the ergonomic shoulder straps. The padded laptop sleeve pocket can accommodate a 15″ MacBook Pro with ease (similar PC options should fit just fine). I found that pulling the laptop out of the bag was a little difficult with the drawcord cinched down, so keep that in mind.

The main compartment is large and can fit plenty of books, clothes or shoes, but it can be somewhat of a black hole when looking for smaller items that have been left on the bottom.

One gripe with the sternum strap on the prototype was that it was located too high up on the strap, thus making it more like a choke-collar instead of a sternum strap. One other piece of feedback that I’m told will be addressed with the production models is the lack of any exterior-accessible pocket.

As far as comfort while loaded, the pack is surprisingly comfortable under load–even though the back panel consists of only a flimsy sheet of plastic. But, the ribbed back panel cushioning allows a bit of airflow and aids in overall comfort. The anatomical shoulder straps curve in just the right places to distribute the load.

One really nice thing about the Flapjack is the addition of a waistbelt. For some reason, many bags in this category lack that all-important feature. Though I didn’t use it often, when I did, I truly appreciated it.

Good Flapjack

• Ribbed straps and back panel make for a comfortable fit
• Commuter-bag style flap-top panel adds to versatility
• Good size and ample external carrying capability on-the-fly
• Internal organizer pockets keep things straight
• Large padded laptop sleeve can carry about any laptop on the market
• Great to have a waistbelt option

Bad Flapjack

• Main compartment can be somewhat of a black hole as items get stuck at the bottom and underneath the padded laptop sleeve’s bottom
• Exterior zip access to the laptop sleeve would be nice
• No exterior-accessible pocket (I’m told this has been corrected for production)
• Sternum strap too high (I’m also told this has been corrected for production)

The Bottom Line: Osprey Flapjack Laptop Backpack Review

A great mix of backpack and commuter bag, the Osprey Flapjack laptop bag allows you to schlep your laptop and plenty of other items in comfort and style.

Buy Now: Search for Osprey Packs

The latest news comes from the Cannondale crew with the introduction of the Cannondale Flash carbon-fiber XC racing machine which tips the scales at an absolutely featherweight 16.56 lbs!

Coming to showrooms later this Fall, the Cannondale Flash is built with many of the same high-modulus carbon fiber as their high-end road racing frames. To achieve such a light weight, some unique techniques were also employed to unify the toptube/seatstay junction and improve lateral stiffness at the same time.

All models will sport the Cannondale Lefty fork with 110mm travel. No doubt the frame is a beauty and will be available in three trim levels:

Flash Carbon 2

• Lefty Speed Carbon DLR 110
• DT Swiss XCR 1.5 wheelset
• FSA V-Drive BB30 44/32/22 crankset
• SRAM X-7 shifters, X-9 rear derailleur
• Avid Elixir R disc brakes
• Price: US $3,749

Flash Carbon 1

• Lefty Speed Carbon SL 110
• Shimano XTR wheelset
• FSA K-Force Light BB30 44/32/22 crankset
• Shimano XTR shifters/derailleurs
• Shimano XTR disc brakes
• Price: US $6,399

Flash Carbon Ultimate

• Lefty Speed Carbon SL 110
• DT Swiss XCR 1.2 carbon wheelset
• Schwalbe Furious Fred 26 x 2.1 EVO folding tyres
• Cannondale Hollowgram SL BB30 42/28-tooth crankset w/ custom spider for SRAM XX
• SRAM XX groupset
• Fizik Antares carbon-rail saddle
• Price: US $9,599

Also introduced is the Flash Carbon 29er with 80mm front-travel delivered via the venerable Lefty fork in two trim levels:

Flash Carbon 29er 2

• Lefty 29er Carbon DLR 80
• DT Swiss X470 29er rims
• FSA V-Drive BB30 44/32/22 crankset
• SRAM X-7 shifters, X-9 rear derailleur
• Avid Elixir R disc brakes
• Price: TBD

Flash Carbon 29er 1

• Lefty 29er Carbon SL 80
• Stan’s ZTR Arch 29er rims and DT Swiss 240S rear hub
• FSA Afterburner BB30 44/32/22 crankset w/ carbon spider
• SRAM X-0 shifters, X-0 rear derailleur
• Avid Elixir CR carbon disc brakes
• Price: TBD

Hopefully I can get a look at these bikes this Fall while at Interbike… maybe even swing a leg over one.

More Info: Visit Cannondale.com

Images: Gary Boulanger from BikeRadar.com

DaKine has typically produced freeride-style jerseys for the hucking and speed-demon crowds, but many of their pieces can crossover to everyday trail riders. New for this year is the DaKine MTN Shield short-sleeve bike jersey with enough style to keep you from being ridiculed wherever your pre or post-ride activities take you.

About the DaKine MTN Shield Bike Jersey

Made from moisture-wicking polyester fine mesh, the MTN Shield is made for freeride and trail riding with extra-vented mesh underarms, a generous cut and a fancy little sunglass chamois on the inside lower-left seam.

• Fabric: Moisture-wicking polyester mesh/fine mesh combo
• Colors: Olive, Black, Slate
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• MSRP: $44.95

DaKine MTN Shield Bike Jersey Review

Out of the box, the MTN Shield has a slightly generous fit, so be prepared to size down if you would like a little more athletic fit. As it stood, the Large fit me just fine, but I think I could have done well with the Medium for a little more racy fit and shorter sleeve lengths.

Speaking of the sleeves, the length is a tad long (may be better in a Medium), so when I got all sweaty, they stuck to the front of my biceps (I’m no Popeye) while on the trail, which was annoying.

The fabric is very comfortable and wears well underneath a hydration pack. But, I found the fabric to be a little thicker than I’d prefer for mid-summer rides. It breathes OK, but under the beat-down summer heat, the dark color (olive) and rather thick fabric didn’t expel moisture fast enough.

I did appreciate the underarm vents as they sped up the breathing process.

Styling is nice and casual–at home on a post-ride lounge wherever that may take you.

Good MTN Shield

• Nice fit… not too large or too small
• Mesh panels add to breathability
• Built-in ultralight chamois for glasses/goggles
• Subtle styling

Bad MTN Shield

• Sleeve length is a tad long… they occasionally inhibit movement
• Fabric weave is a little thick and doesn’t breathe as well as other jerseys

The Bottom Line: DaKine MTN Shield Jersey

A stylish and affordable option for the freerider or trail rider looking for a casual and functional jersey that’s suitable for all but the hottest weather, check out the MTN Shield jersey.

Buy Now: Search for DaKine MTN Shield Jersey

I rode the Maxxis Ignitor 2.35’s on the 2009 Kona Dawg Supreme with excellent results. This tire is an excellent choice for soft and tacky conditions and even does well in loose, rocky terrain.

More info from Maxxis:

The Ignitor tread pattern was designed for the most discerning professional racers and already has laid claim to multiple World Cup victories. The well-spaced tread pattern fills in nicely to provide low rolling resistance in the straights, while the ramped pentagonal knobs provide excellent traction in the corners and in medium soil.

Specs on the Maxxis Ignitor 2.35:

• Sizes: 26 x 1.95, 2.10 or 2.35 (tested)
• Bead: Foldable
• Casing: Lightweight, single-ply
• Weight: 520 (1.95) – 790 grams (2.35)
• Durometer: 62 or 70
• MSRP: $48 (2.35)

Maxxis Ignitor 2.35 Tire Review

With its widely-spaced knobs and rounded profile, the Ignitor is fast-rolling and capable of hooking up when pressed hard. At 790 grams, the 2.35 width is smack-dab in the middle of the pack when it comes to weight. It feels like a nice balance between ultra-thin sidewalls and beefy DH treads.

Riding at 20-22 psi, front and 25-27 psi, rear, I found the Kona Dawg Supreme to hook up well on rocky, soft and hardpack trails. I pushed these tires hard into corners and they always provided Velcro-like traction. Rallying down fast downhills and rolling through tight, twisty singletrack brought out the best in the Ignitors.

Climbing traction also feelt very solid. Every time I pushed them on something steep and technical, traction was nearly always there. The only exception came with really loose, rocky terrain–and that gives all tires fits.

Good Ignitor

• Rounded profile is great for all-around use
• Feels fast rolling
• Lightweight
• Hooks up in the corners
• No flats in 3 months

Bad Ignitor

• Can lose climbing traction in dry/loose sand
• XC purists may gripe at the width and weight
  

The Bottom Line: Maxxis Ignitor 2.35 Tires

These new treads from Maxxis offer excellent trail feel and hook up nicely in medium to hardpack trails. Should you get some mud, the widely-spaced treads will shed it lickedy-split.

Buy Now: Search for Maxxis Ignitor 2.35 Tires

But, with those positives, come lots of compatibility questions and other problems. So, I’ve compiled a quick list of what I see as positives and negatives of both the Shimano CenterLock and the 6-bolt standard used by everyone else. You make the call which is preferred and chime in below with your own take on things. I’m not set either way, but always lean towards sticking with the standard 6-bolt, however, if Shimano is onto something, maybe that “standard” should change?

Shimano CenterLock Rotors

This system involves a channeled rotor attachment and matching hub that provides a secure and always-centered rotor. The system is patented by Shimano and licensed by several hub manufacturers including DT Swiss and Mavic. Here are the positive and negatives I see with the Shimano CenterLock design:

Good CenterLock

• Rotors are always centered around the hub
• Stripping a bolt and rendering the hub useless is eliminated
• Rotors are more difficult to bend due to the reinforced inner spider ring
• Easy rotor removal for shipping or transport
• Hub weight can be less than ISO 6-bolt due to reduction of reinforced side area

Bad CenterLock

• Compatibility issues have resulted in funky adapters
• Lack of mass-market adoption and options from high-end hub makers Chris King, Industry Nine, etc.
• Really only compatible with Shimano brakes, but their brakes are solid performers
• Oddball 180mm diameter rotor vs. 185mm from other manufacturers
• Rotors are slightly heavier and can cost twice as much
• Need to buy a Centerlock wrench

ISO Standard 6-bolt Disc Rotors

This is what has been used by all manufacturers since it was adopted in the late 1990’s. Rotors are simple and available in standard rotor diameters that are readily interchangeable between all other brake manufacturers including Hayes, Avid, Magura, Hope and even Shimano. Yes, Shimano still plays in this market while at the same time pushing the CenterLock option.

Good 6-bolt

• Rotors and adapters are readily available
• Plethora of brake options
• Lots of hub choices
• Rotors can be half the price of CenterLock designs

Bad 6-bolt

• Can install rotors off-center
• Removal for shipping is cumbersome
• Risk of stripping a bolt
• Multiple points of failure (6 bolts)

In the end, the choice is up to you as there are good and bad with each design. I’m always reluctant to adopt any proprietary design, but the CenterLock has some merit if you are starting from scratch. But, if you are retrofitting your bike and wish to use Shimano CenterLock, you’re in for some serious sticker shock with all the parts you’ll have to replace.

Chime in… what do you see as good/bad with each design?

Buy Now: Search for Shimano CenterLock

The pro team lineup looks strong with a few notable riders including: Floyd Landis,  local rider and 2008 Tour of Utah winner, Jeff Louder and other national and international riders.

I will definitely be on-hand for the Park City to Snowbird stage and hopefully the Thanksgiving Point to Mt. Nebo stage as well since both of them pass right on by my house. Get out and cheer on these pro teams as they tour our great state.

More Info: Visit TourofUtah.com

Apparently ScottUSA feels the same way as I do (we’ve both take our sweet time realizing it too) and is introducing their first 29er for 2010, the Scott Scale 29er. This hardtail looks to be a straight-up aluminum frame (no doubt a carbon-fiber version is either on the way or in the works) with solid, all-mountain geometry. The mid-level model (pictured here) will sport a RockShox Reba SL fork and a mixture of Shimano Deore and XT drivetrain components. Look for the price to come in at an estimated $1600 with availability TBA (but I’m sure this Fall or Winter).

Photo & Info: Bikemag.com

More Info: Visit ScottUSA

The first project is entitled “Follow Me… No One Rides Alone” and is scheduled for release sometime in the Spring of 2010. This short profile of freerider and all-around nice guy, Matt Hunter, has him taking us through his two-wheeled experience, which began at a very young age. The footage was taken in and around Hunter’s home of Kamloops, British Columbia with his friend and riding buddy, Kurt Sorge.

For more video shorts and previews from the forthcoming film, “Follow Me… No One Rides Alone,” visit AnthillFilms.com/content/videos.

More Info: Visit AnthillFilms.com

BC Bike Race has always aimed to exceed expectations and to be ‘the best mountain bike race in the world’. Race organizers believe that their ongoing commitment to the best course possible will create the best experience possible. The BC Bike Race team shares the same values and the same goal: to provide an awesome mountain bike experience like no other. Only at the BC Bike Race are participants set up day-after-day to ride world-famous singletrack featured in countless mountain bike media sources.

The lure of riding the best of BC’s world-class mountain bike trails has already attracted a broad range of competitors, from weekend warriors to some of the world’s finest mountain bike racers, World Champions and Olympians. This year’s competitor list is a who’s who of mountain bike talent:

Women’s Category:

• Alison Sydor and Lea Davison – Team Rocky Mountain Bicycles
• Cathrine Pendrel and Katarina Nash – Team Luna

Mixed Category:

• Sue Butler and Bryan Alders – Monavie-Cannondale
• Georgia Gould and Ryan Trebon –Team Luna and Team Kona

Men’s Category:

• Kris Sneddon and Barry Wicks – Team Kona (2008 Winners)
• Chris Eatough and Jeff Schalk – Team TREK (2007 Winners)
• Seamus McGrath and Chris Sheppard – Team Jamis and Team Santa Cruz

The seven-day odyssey will begin for the 400 intrepid adventurers. Stay tuned for all the action and watch some of the notables stretch their legs and their mountain bike skills as they undertake the BC Bike Race.

More Info & Results: Visit www.BCBikeRace.com