Here’s a selection of random shots that haven’t fit into any stories yet. So here they are, in no particular order.
ODI Vans grips
One of only a dozen pairs or so, this is an official collaboration between the longstanding grip company and the shoe firm. It’s a genuine Vans tread pattern and, on a brief squidge, seems ideal for a grippy grip too.
Pointy down stems
How do you fit a short rider on to a 29er? Get a pointy-down stem.
Cheapo Fatties
Seems that fat bikes have now become mainstream enough that you can buy them mailorder for cheap. This bike cost Dain a mere $200. He had to put a front brake on it to make it race legal (it has a coaster brake rear). And apparently Adam Craig will be trying the dual slalom on it tomorrow…
Stan’s Race Gold Rims
Getting a little more sensible, here are Stan’s new Race Gold rims that have been updated with smoother rim profiles. They will also come stock with a new alloy valve to save even more weight.
Pivot Firebird
Pivot’s Firebird was already its all-mountain beastie. It’s now been brought up to date with 27.5in wheels, while still keeping its signature touches, like the front mech that moves with the swingarm.
Bike Washing
You’ve got to love Californians. It’s hot and dry without a cloud in the sky. It’s not rained for weeks, the trails are dry and dusty, yet the Muc-Off bike wash station was busy every time we went by, with riders furiously scrubbing the dust off.
Comments (15)
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Surely if you’ve got to put a stem on with that much negative rise you need to start looking at changing the bike!!! 650b Trek!!
That stem is the dumbest looking thing since Girvin’s flex-stem and thats quite an award.
I hope those stickers come off those stans easily. My eyes!
sponsored riders are show ponies to sell bikes; they have to fit on the production models. also Emily can do whatever she wants, frankly.
Not feeling the pointy-down stem love
Yes, those stems need some viagra!
American Classic have been using suspiciously similar valve stems for a couple of years. They’re nice enough- but not suitable for ham-fisted mini pumping. Ask me how I know :-\
I’ve been running Vans grips on the single speed for years. The Cult BMX versions.
Fair enough John. These are Lock-Ons, though, which are super brand new.
Those stems are brilliant- just in case you were worried that your controls wouldn’t smash into the top tube in a crash, now you can be sure!
Dunno, I think all my bars hit the top tube if I spin them regardless of wheel size, maybe I’m just too flexible.
It’s a bit like roadies getting their knickers in a twist over ‘slam that stem’ but in reverse.
Looks like a top-cap to the face scenario waiting to happen…
Could there be a new market for steerer-top chin-rests?
Love the odi vans grips! Please tell me the pointy down stems have been installed the wrong way up!?!
Short people + 29ers = FAIL!