Hi Folks,

We are proud to announce that Epic 2011 is ON!!

Plentong Epic 2011. This ride will cover 60km of nice trail cutting across various terrain in Plentong.

Beginners – Experts levels all are welcome to join us for this fun ride.

Please be invited to join the
Plentong Epic Ride 2011 Johor Bahru

The Trail:-
Over 60km of wonderful trails cutting across various terrains in Plentong, Johor Bahru with many new sections of fabulous single tracks.
Beginners or EXPERTS, THERE are something for everyone-fast fire roads, gorgeous single tracks, lung-busting climbs and adrenaline pumping downhill and the most important is, less tarmac and all are rideable, There is also a chicken loop for the not so strong RIDERS.

The details of the event as below:
Fee: RM45 / SGD20
Date: 13th Nov 2011 (Sunday)
Time: 7.00am – 4.00pm
Venue: Plentong, JB

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Tips:-
GPS Coordinate: (Location Registration)
N1 31.420 E103 49.242

Google Map Direction: (Best route for you come to us)
http://maps.google.com.my/maps/ms?msid=218078000551059377329.0004671a2c6f518bd1018&msa=0&ll=1.52427%2C103.818505&spn=0.005641%2C0.010568

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Registration:- Is now OPEN

For online registration:
- Go to this link below and fill up the detail
- Once the fee is transferred do email to us the transaction references or bank slip as payment
- http://cyclemotion2000.com/epic/register.php

For team registration:
- Download the form from the link below
- Fill up all riders details and email back to us the complete form together with the bank slip or any online bank transaction references
- http://www.cyclemotion2000.com/document/2011_Epic_Team.xls

Registration will be close on 30 October 2011

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Contact Details:-
Website : http://www.cyclemotion2000.com/extreme
Email : jbcyclemotion2000@yahoo.com
(Pls send your bankin-slip/tranfer receipt to this email)

General Inquiry:-
(+6012-7111091) Joseph Neo
(+6017-7717123) Norisham
(+6013-7783696) Mulyazam

Registration Inquiry:-
(+6012-7566440) David Chang
(+6012-7872232) Kvyn Son – kvynson@hotmail.com

Fax: 03-20349533
(Fax for team registration please contact Kvyn to confirm your fax received)

Bank-in Account;
CIMB current account (01200000515103) Son Boon Fung – MY
POSB saving (039-69980-0) – SG

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Trail Update:-

Starting point to Checkpoint 1:
- Trail recce done
- Distance: +/- 22km
- Be prepared for mud fest and donuts upgrade for tires
- 30% of fabulous single trail and 40% of fire road and 30% of plantation trail.
- Trail difficulties 6/10

Join the forum discussion on this post

KL Mountain Bike Carnival 2011 is back for the 9th edition, this year featuring a RIDE and a RACE. Quick Release Adventures has been organising the KL Mountain Bike Carnival since 2003, with our title sponsors Astro, Maxis and Tanjong, with the objective of raising public awareness on mountain biking as a sport and to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Date : Saturday and Sunday, 16 and 17 July 2011
Venue : Taman Lembah Kiara carpark, Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Time : 7.00 am onwards

Race Carnival (Revised race course)

This year racers will experience a faster and smoother race course with new sections. Please check the race course out at www.klmtbcarnival.com.my

Majority of the racers are neither elite nor professional riders but weekend warriors with normal 9 to 5 jobs but they take their racing very seriously. One of the major highlights of this race is the attractive cash prize money at RM27,000. An increasing number of participants are coming from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and even Australia to race on one of the most technically challenging mountain biking courses in the region.

Come see mountain bikers pit against each other on Kiara Trails, known as the nirvana of trails amongst mountain biking circles. This is also the place for talent spotting of the younger riders as we introduced the Youth category back in 2004. Many of these youngsters have put a few mountain bikers to shame with their technical abilities and fearlessness. Please register online to sign up.

RIDE Carnival (Saturday, 16 July 2011)

Most mountain bikers prefer to ride Kiara instead of racing it. We hear you all loud and clear, so this year we have added a RIDE Carnival on top of the usual race for those who would like to check out what Kiara is all about. The long ride will be about 15-18km (3 hours) and the scenic ride about 7-10km (2 hours) on the Saturday morning. Do not underestimate the seemingly short distances. There will be an event shirt and a brunch session thrown in after the ride for the riders. Please register online to book your spot.

KIDZ Ride (10 year and below)

A fun ride for children 10 years and under, this ride aims to get children excited about cycling and also to provide an avenue for children to make new cycling friends. Simple and fun, this is something your children should not miss. It will include short laps for younger children even those with push instead of pedal bikes and an obstacle course ride for the older children. ADMISSION IS FREE and the first 100 children to sign up will go home with a special edition Kidz goodie bag and a medal. This event will be co-organised by www.littleriders.com.my

Do not miss the opportunity to catch up with fellow mountain bikers at Taman Lembah Kiara. More information about KL Mountain Bike Carnival can be found at www.klmtbcarnival.com.my

Join the forum discussion on this post

…woweee…plentong EPIC ride…15 Nov 2009..

…yesss…woweee…plentong EPIC ride…

…kudos to all who put time, effort and butt skin to sort out the 25km, 35km and 55km rides…

…these were the stage 1, stage 2 and stage 3….get the stage stickers pasted on your registration number plate….

…alas…most of us rideables did not have…we crew, workers and ride sweepers, medical aiders lah….okieee…

….thanks to asheng who biked up on his bmw to be with the admin people…got my well earned can of cold coke after ending the ride…

….yes…bb and pai-kah tong helped out at registration…and followed up to bring up the rear riders with charlie…

…ahgan and squarepants with punisher gainleem to ride with the rear pack and help sweep….najib got a big job bring up the rear also…

…of course all cyclemotion were at the stations…and some riding….azhar who endoed at a wooded bride with broken planks…thank goodness he has only bruises..

…yes kelvyn…also riding and noting the rear had gone round and round at the two wooden brides and water crossing….ooops who put pink paper on that route…

…but actually the rear riders didn’t want to believe us to lead them out of it…..next time we should have a tee shirt which says “believe me…let me save your sorry ass!”…

…anyways alls well…we proceed to stage 1 checkpoint….well got to meet PCC fellas riding in a group….they say they lost 2-3 riders….have you seen white helmet, white bike, black top…

…oops opened my mouth…there’s a pocket rocket looking just like that…ooops asked pocket rocket aka mini compo…and was asked why ah she looked so common….okiee better keep my squarepants mouth shut…okieee…

….stayed close to cut off time….1030H… for stage one before we move to stage 2…..got your sticker???…top up your water???…..anyways i take a spill as i slipped off a camber…tried to power up a camber before the front tyre slipped ..

…yes fell on my tushy but luckily not on the water pool just beside….it was just at neo’s brothers truck water point…..still heading into single trail country….

….ah so …we get into better to faster riding tracks…longer climbs…still in the bush….did not notice the mossies…but the fellas we are beginning to cramp up on the trail…

…okiee stopped to help hash person…gainleem says later that no word of thanks even later at the end!…so much for helping…actually it was a few times this one asked for the heat spray….

….and yes stage 2….sticker…faslun and co were there ….oh panjang was there to do his duty…here is the splitpoint….35km to complete the 55km and 15km to complete the 35km ….tick…tock…tick…tock…15 minutes more to 1130H cut off….

…okieee….time is up…panjang takes off…faslun wish us happy riding back the 15km…sorieee guys big climbs ahead….yup big long climb…..some cursing….what lah….lots of people pushing, stopping as i passed them along the way…

….more fellas on the side….some totally cramped up and just happy to take a rest on the trail….

…here the 35 meets the 55km …..new rush as the home trail is fast….

…yes….home back to starting point…..cold coke…..people washing bike….thanks asheng for the cold coke…meal packet there but just didn’t feel like eating…bee hoon and fried chichen….so many medals left…where is the 1st 100 riders back….came back too early????

….waited….waited…see ahgan….okiee…relax…meal good ahgan???…all medals gone….we decide to get back to neo’s….we walk ….and see punisher….turbo tong and bb….

….where is mike?

….got charlie…charlie stayed true to bring up the rear…he also has a crew tag on him…where is mike?….

…all bathed…some washed bike…where is mike?….

…hey…lots of food left and tim and neo ask us to help ourselves to the lots of food left….does somebody have an issue with us???….where is mike?

….satay freshly off the charcoal grill…rendang…bee hoon….rose drink…where is mike?…

…punisher begins to fall asleep….where is mike?…i had a long chat with graham douglas of the hash…close to 70 and still riding like 30…where is mike?…

…typhoon….didn’t see typhoon earlier….typhoon is back….looking for gainleem for his goodie bag…..where is mike?

…finally…mike…yes mike walks in……says he has broken rear d….also carries a seapost in his pack…i first thought he had broken that also….

….no…no….or yes…yes…in fact he has done a ron on us….won on lucky draw….yes lucky fella won a seat post…..so lucky…..so lucky all of us were waiting for him….waiting for him ….waiting for mike….mike waiting for lucky draw????…waiting for lucky draw while we were waiting for him…..like how long did we wait???…one and a half hours……lucky draw mike…

…what this lucky draw mike?….

…rain coming…we decide to go back by causeway…cut down a lotta time…thanks charlie…like you said…no jam….yee-ha…

…well done…good job…good one….to all who sacrificed time, effort and butt skin to do this Plentong EPIC….

….neo-is everyone back from the EPIC ride?….we left when you were leaving on your motor-bike to check….
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Reviewer: Rich Herberth (Five-0)

oday was the Plentong epic in JB, which Ching Soo, David Gan, Ping and I rode. Here’s my version of events…Sorry, its long.

I sprang out of bed at the ungodly hour of 4:45am to the sound of my phone ringing. It was the taxi driver letting me know he couldn’t get through to Ching Soo who was scheduled for a 5am pickup. Would we be late? CS was on time though and they got to my place and we made our way to Woodlands checkpoint and over the border, no problem. It was still dark when we arrived at the venue. I was instantly bitten by a few mosquitoes. Despite the early start we arrived in good time, no rush faffing with bikes and kit.
The start point was housed in a basketball court. CS and I positioned ourselves in the corner in order to jump the rope and get a head start on the riders at the actual start line. Sadly we guessed wrong and the ride started in the opposite direction, so we had actually jumped ourselves straight to the back. CS remedied this by short-cutting through some nearby shop houses and got himself right behind the landrover which was leading the ride. I got wedged in mid-pack. At the count of 3-2-1, we were off.

I knew it would be a mistake to race off, and guessed that a lot of people would sprint from the start and fade in the first couple of miles. The ride started with a little tarmac, over which I gained a few places, but my bike started making some strange new noises that did not sound good. It was definitely not the brake callipers falling off this time though. The first bottleneck led into some nice single track, but I was stuck behind some slow riders after stoppin g to try and work out what was causing the knocking noises. We headed down into a steep gully and across a wooden bridge, then back down to a foot soaking water crossing. I cleared it intact and dry, with the bonus of seeing some other people get both feet in the stream, hehe! My schadenfreude was short lived, as I ended up following a group which took a wrong turn, and led us back around the same gully, brigde and river crossing. Gutted. On round 2, there were far more people so I wasted about 20 minutes queueing up to cross the stream and this time got a wet foot!

Finally I got ahead of some slower riders, spotted the turn that I’d missed the last time and headed up onto some nice singletrack. Going at my own pace I managed to cover the ground quicker than I thought I could. After the time wasting 2 lap incident and the weird bike noises I’d lost a lot of places to slower people, so spent almost the entire ride overtaking them again. This was often hard on the sing letrack, but there were plenty of wider double track and road sections giving some overtaking opportunities.

There were some very nice trails on this ride, somewhat similar to the ones in Ulu Choh the week before, but with a larger range on nice swooping singletrack. Climbs were mostly short with enough grip to ride, and there were lots of smiles on the long downhills on a mixture of dirt roads and winding singletrack with some small jumping opportunities – my favourite. The temperature was cool and there was a slight breeze, perfect conditions, although I was still soaked in sweat for the entire thing.

Luckily there were frequent water stops, some of which also had bananas and 100+. Just like in Singapore, it had been raining here for several days, meaning huge puddles of murky stinking water all over the place. Bikes and riders ended up very dirty, and my drivetrain lost all its oil in the first 30km and ended up being lubricated solely by dirty water, whic h drowned out the noise from my bike’s rear end and allowed me to focus on riding.

On a slightly uphill bumpy clay road, about 30ish km in I started to tire. I decided to stop for a cake, an out of date powerbar and a big chug of carbo drink. This was just the motivation I needed to keep going until the end. The final 20km went by in a flash of dirtroads, muddy ditches and slippery roots. Not far from the end I spotted Ping waving at the side of the trail, another nice motivation, although I immediately took another wrong turn into a farm and had to back track.

The last km was on tarmac, and ended back at the basketball court where it all began 4 hours and 45 minutes earlier. Some smiling ladies put a medal around my neck and handed me a voucher for some noodles. Finally it was over. 55km was tough but very good fun. Ching Soo finished about an hour ahead of me. Very fast! I thought my pace was pretty good, but I couldn’t have gone faster. I can’t wait to do another event like this.

Position: Unknown, but in first 100 over 55km.
Crashes: 2x over the bars, 1x slip on a slimy corner
Injuries: cuts and scrapes
Bike damage: none
Time: 4:45
Avg heartrate: 147bpm
Cals burned: 4,240
Ride food:2x Bananas, 2x expired powerbars, 6L water, 8hydration tablets, 2x cans of 100+, 2x banana cakes.
Freebies: Plastic medal, t-shirt, snacks, noodles.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading.
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Reviewer: Barbarian (Singapore Bike Hash)

Is Plentong the Mecca of the mt. bike universe? – well it certainly was on Sunday when almost 500 riders from across the region descended on the small Johor kampong of Plentong for what must be one of the largest gatherings of mt. bikers ever seen in Asia! If you are going to host an event of such magnitude then you must have the trails to equal such an occasion – and we were not disappointed. Superb riding, particularly the single track down narrow wooded trails was both exhilarating and pretty. Even when we were not in the forest, which was the highlight of the cycling, the rest of the trail was of high quality. Plantation both rubber and palm, some open countryside, grasslands, flat or mildly undulating – no real big hills to speak of, this ride had it all. I say ride but that was just a generic terms as there were in fact three separate trails – 25, 32 and 55km. How our hares could find time to recce and lay over 112km of trail is beyond all belief. Most of the time it is a struggle to get hares to lay 20km of trail let along 115km…….. and not just any trail. Well marked, with plenty of paper on the ground and directional signs as well it was, or should have been, impossible to get lost.

The day started early with most people gathering between 7.00 – 7.30am at the local basketball court which had been seconded for the occasion. A very professional and organized sign up counter saw all riders registered, recorded and tagged. Five hundred race numbers, there’s a job in itself which when you consider that our organizers are a bunch of enthusiastic amateurs is amazing. No professional events coordinators present on this day just a bunch of dedicated local enthusiasts. As well as the sign in there was a host of support from local bike shops and there was a real carnival feel to the whole proceedings. The big ride was flagged off at eight o’clock by our local dignitary Y.B. Tan Cher Puk MP for Johor Jaya who had come out especially to support this ride, however he was not the only visiting royalty and we were graced with the presence of Colin Tan from Bike Haus (Singapore) who finally stopped talking about bikes long enough to ride one. There were riders from all over and far too many to individually mention here but it was good to see Paul Moir in the field back from his recent triumph at the Exterra World Championships in Hawaii.

With so much good trail it would be impossible to do justice to the quality in this short article but visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY2zig2MKw and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp4FRJjTc_w for some excellent footage of the day’s events (TV coverage provided by Mark Roos – Hash Flash in Waiting – of the Singapore Bike Hash).

The first riders on the 55km trail were home around 1120am in an amazing 3 hours 20 mins and we then witnessed a steady procession as 500 riders spread over the Johor countryside made their way back. With medals, lunch and lucky draw prizes waiting for them as well as the bike wash facility, which as usual, seemed to be the main attraction of the day! ….and what a day it was? One of the best rides ever, certainly best trails ever we take our “hats off” to the organizers and all the field support staff of which there were many but special mention must be made of our hares Jesus ‘Whorenet’ Tosca, Tim ‘Copy Cat’ Magee, Wendy ‘Goes Both Ways’ Lee (all of whom are expecting Ride of the Year honours at this years Hash Awards), our local man on the ground Neo and the Cyclemotion team, without which none of this would have been possible, the sponsors and lastly all riders for helping to make this one hell of a day to remember.

On On

Barbarian
Grand Master
Singapore Bike Hash
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Reviewer: scott_lover (Team Prisons)

It was a fantastic ride and enjoyed every minute of it even though it was tiring. I suffered cramps along the way but was helped by other helpful riders who gave me deep heat to reduce the cramps.

Some feedback:
a. It will be nice if we can have a finisher’s medal as long as we complete the ride. It will be good commemorative item.

b. The direction marking is very helpful but it will be better if the distance markers are added to inform riders how far more to the end point.

c. There was a long bottleneck at the entrance of the trail. Something could be done to minimise such issues again.

All being said, I will still continue to participate in next year’s event if it is planned.

Cheers.
Team Prisons
Singapore
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Reviewer: Robert Meek

From: robert meek
Sent: Monday, 16 November, 2009 11:00 AM
Subject: Epic ride

I want to say a big thank-you again for all of the effort that you put in to make our weekend so much fun. Both Caroline and myself had a fabulous time, the trip to JB was so easy with the taxis that you came up with, the hotel recommendation was spot on, we had a brilliant dinner at the Matterhorn Bistro, and the ride on Sunday was one of my favorite rides of the year!

Trips like the one we have had don’t just happen and require planning, emails, reccees and loads more, we just turned up and had fun. We really appreciate it.

Thanks,
Robert and Caroline
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Reviewer: Tim Magee (Singapore Bike Hash)

From: tim magee

Date: 11/16/2009 10:18 AM
Subject: thanks from all

Neo,

Can I add my thanks for an amazing effort. I hope it all worked out OK in the end and you got everyone back in one piece and you got everyone home before too long.

Everyone from the hash really enjoyed the trails and the way it was laid out. The riders were very happy with the quality of the markings and the support crew, and loved the whole day..

Please pass on Wendy and my thanks and tell them we hope to see them again in the new year.

Fantastic.

Tim
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Reviewer: Barbarian (Singapore Bike Hash)

Neo,

The EPIC ride (as opposed to Singapore Bike Hash Ride 386) was awesome. I take my hat off to you and your organizing committee. The planning and logistics worked perfectly. Good facilities at the start and end of the ride. Excellent facilities on trail. Please pass my thanks to all the trail marshals who stood out in the jungle for many hours watching over us. Refreshments on trail were “A1” and the ice cold 100+ a god send. I know there was a “cast of 1,000’s” please pass on our thanks to them all. This ride was superb whether you were a hasher or just a mt. bike rider and as good as you can get anywhere.

On On to EPIC 3?

Barbarian
Grand Master
Singapore Bike Hash
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Reviewer: Bengt Boberg (Anza)

Hi Neo,
Thanks again for a VERY nice event. The riding was fantastic!!!
Will you post the result on internet?

Cheers,
Bengt
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Reviewer: dshshsg (SMBF Forum-er)

dshshsg wrote:
Thanks guys for arranging this event.

Very well done and 3 cheers to u!!!!!
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Reviewer: mercedes88 (SMBF Forum-er)
mercedes88 wrote:
I have to agree with dshshsg that this is a very well planned activity, simple and elegant.

Food and drink provided at the right place and time.

We missed the stage 3 due to the cut-off time but this is due to the long wait at the starting point due to fallen trees and others. Consider that a blessing in disguise as we may not survive it anyway, anyway this “Chicken home run” is also well thought off too.

Prize giving ceremony is fast and furious with so many prizes but my group got nothing Sad

You guys who organized it deserve 3 cheers from us!!!

Hope to see you all next year

Cheers
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Reviewer: ipoh (SMBF Forum-er)

ipoh wrote:
this trail is very very fun ,i feel that it was combine all the singapore train together,there have a single track downhill look like kent ridge park,some up hill like bukit timah and pulau ubin.

i very enjoy the single track downhill exspecially got one trail is a “8″shape turn both side cover with the grass look like the carpet.
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Reviewer: Ah Liang (BigBomb Cycle)

First at all, on behalf of my team I would like to thanks CycleMotion for organize such amazing event in Johor Bahru. The most surprising me that was 100plus supply at feeding point Grin, nothing can describe whereby a bottle of cold 100plus was gave with FOC when you nearly exhausted.

Overall the trail was great, not tough but also not too easy… at least there was no crazy hill to climb or steaming you under hot sun , just some dirty mugs to pull you back and try to cramp your muscle. Over 60% of singletrack was great, it is not an easy job to maintain such long singletrack especially in this raining season, trail condition may change day to day with fallen tree or missing bridge… thanks again for Cyclemotion teams to clean up the trail.

Singletrack is fun, however it also cause some problem because of many late coming riders were stuck in the jam. Jam on the trail is the only complaint I heard, maybe this is the bottleneck for Plentong trail which too much singletrack, if next year Cyclemotion still continue sponsor such big event and the riders keep growing this the issue may consider.

In lucky draw session, thanks for the sponsor of local bike shop and Singapore bike shop. But for lucky draw structure, some of lucky man/lady was able to get 2 presents which at least 2 of my members was. I think it will better if everybody only got one chance in order for other people to get more chances.

Regards
Ah Liang on behalf of BigBomb Cycle
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Reviewer: Ride to Death (Cyclemotion Forum-er)

Hye…being one of the participant in this great event is such a good momento for me this year. And being one of the 100 with medals is sumething that i shud proud also.

Possible for u guys to upload the listing& picture taken for that 100 persons who get the medals on that day . Many2 thanks bro.

Hope can joint u again next year……

Cheers!
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Reviewer: PCC Kuala Lumpur

In our hunt for longer rides to prep ourselves as Penang’s infamous
Jamboree approaches, we found ourselves heading South towards the
unknown playground of Plentong in Johor Bahru…well, it’s more or less in
between JB town and Pasir Gudang. Having checked out the contour of the
area, the little elevation change would mean a steady paced ride that did not
involve massive hill climbs. Well that was true in a sense, but little did we
know that this little gem of an area brought some of the sweetest most flowy
cross country single track I’ve ridden in a long time.
Huge Kudos to the Cyclemotion team and the Singapore Hash chapter for
putting together a great ride, and some beautiful trails. We look forward to
perhaps a joint PCC ride with you guys there in the near future.
In the mean time, we do hope that the Plentong Epic Ride will be a permanent
feature on our mountain biking calendar from now on.
And one thing for sure…we were spun out to see the famous “nuts bike” that
we have only read about. Super !!
Ed – This is 2 in a row…not bad…
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Reviewer: Mohd Rezuan Haji Masoud (Facebook)

best trail semalam… cyaioookkkk… harap2 cyclemotion anjurkan lagi pada tahun hadapan…!!!!
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Result from the polling

Join the forum discussion on this post

Colorado-based Yeti Cycles have today announced the launch of a new bike on their Twitter feed – the SB66. Two years in the making, this 6in-travel (152mm) all-mountain rig uses a new, patent-pending suspension system called Switch Technology, described as an ‘optimised dual-link design’.

Essentially, the SB66 looks a linkage-activated single pivot. However, rather than being fixed in place, the main pivot is mounted eccentrically (off-centre) on a rotating ‘micro link’ housed in a large bottom-bracket-style shell built into the seat tube — the design effectively (and technically) makes the SB66 a dual-link design.

This means that the lower pivot is continually repositioned, with the swingarm actually changing direction about 100mm into the bike’s travel. Yeti say the initial rearward path of the SB66′s rear end gives a linear feel and aids efficient pedaling (anti-squat), while the forward movement towards the end of the shock stroke stops the suspension being impeded by chain growth or pedal feedback over bigger hits.

The upper linkage pivot uses a 17mm axle and angular contact bearings; the lower main pivot relies on a 15mm axle, which pierces the eccentric Switch link

Yeti say this gives the bike “a more aggressive, sportier feel” than the 575, which will stay in their lineup for those who prefer a plusher, more comfortable ride. “The SB66 works best when it’s pushed hard – into berms, over jumps and blasting through rough terrain,” they say.”[It] encourages more rider input and has a decidedly more ‘performance’ feel.”

Other features of the new bike include a tapered zero stack head tube, a bottom bracket shell compatible with splined ISCG 03/05 adapters (thus removable), oversize pivot pins with Enduro Max bearings, post mount rear brake tabs, internal cable routing on the rear triangle, cable stops for a dropper seatpost, a direct-mount front derailleur fitting and a choice of 135mm quick-release or 12x142mm through-axle rear end (via Yeti’s chip system).

Head and seat angles are 67°/70.9° with a 150mm fork and 65.9°/70.9° with a 160mm unit. Claimed weight of the alloy frame is 7lb (3.17kg); a 1lb-lighter carbon fibre version is set to follow in December. The SB66 is available in four sizes (S,M,L,XL) and four colours (black, lime, turquoise, white). The alloy frame costs US$2,200 with a Fox Racing Shox RP23 Kashima shock.

Four complete bikes are available in the US, starting at $3,500 for the ‘Enduro’ build with Fox 32 F150 Kashima RLC fork, mainly SRAM X7/Truvativ Stylo kit, Avid Elixir 5 brakes and DT Swiss M1900 wheels. The top-end ‘Pro XTR’ upgrades to the titular groupset, a Chris King headset, DT 240/XR400 wheels and a mix of Thomson and Easton finishing kit for $6,150. There’s no word yet on UK pricing or options, although a July launch has been mooted.

For more details: Yeti Homepage

Source: bikeradar.com / Sicklines.com

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2nd June 2011
Start driving at 10pm heading towards Kota Damansara to meetup with the rest of the convoy team before heading to Hatyai. JB gang only consists of 3 riders in a car. After stopping by KL, took a short break, then we starting to head on to Hatyai.

3rd June 2011
After more then 12hours driving from JB finally we reach the border, Bukit Kayu Hitam. Stop by a place for breakfast and also to do our entering visa before heading to the custom side. After get the entering visa we head towards the custom side. It was a mess down there whereby the car need to park at a side and the passenger need to walk down to get the passport chop while the driver need to get chop for both passport and also their car permit before can enter to Thai side. It was a big mess whereby there is no clear indication on which counter should be for traveler and which counter are for vehicle driver. We stuck there for about 45mins before we can proceed to cross the border. Finally cross the border and went to a local temple before heading to the hotel.

4th June 2011
Early morning about 5.30am gear up and ride as a big group on the road heading to the starting point. It was quite a distance cycling there so we were all warm up upon reaching the starting point. Arrive at the starting point there was quite a number of riders there and some national riders also. It was reported that 900 overs riders registered but at most about 500-600 riders presents only. The ride officially flag off at 7.30am where the ride was about 3-4km on the local highway but it looks like countryside road to me where we can enjoy the scenic view of the local before entering the trail.

Starting entering there is already a few tiny hill climb where some rider just dismount in the middle of the trail and push up. So there was a small jam in between. After a few km later there is a river crossing where by the stone bridge only allow 1 rider to pass thru at a time. I was stuck down there for at least 10-15mins before i can squeeze through the tiny bridge. Then I was block by a lady in the single track. After manage to get over her I try to catch up with Kvyn who was up in front with Joon. Can’t catch up with Kvyn but manage to cut over Joon on the downhill side. But once on the uphill Joon cut me back as i was pushing it up. Took a minute break before continue on the 2nd climb and this i manage to climb up as not very big hill climb. Later on trail are quite flowy and even pass by some paddy fields and even some small village. Nearly had a fall on the cement road as it was too sandy on the corners. After manage to recover back continue on and head to the first check point.

After check point 1 there is a so called Genting road climb. As the climb is curvy and steep. After the climb the trail was flowy back again till we come to the first bigish climb. The down was rewarding as it was some real fast downhill all the way till I nearly miss the turn. After turn in we back into the trail passing by the oil palm plantation and some rubber plantation. There was a few very nice single track if you were riding a line you can see the beauty of the line going through between the rubber tree it was simply fantastic but too bad it was kind of too short. Probably just about less then 1km ride. Every 10km there is a checkpoint. After the check points 3 heading to check point 4 which is the hardest part to reach check point 4 as this check point is located on top of the mother of all climb. By that time the sun is already on top of my head and my radiator is already heating up. Slowly i push my bike all the way up. It was steep but the climb is rideable as it was on the cement and not gravel. Ask the marshall there we still got 10 more km to go before can reach the end.

The last 10 was relatively easy as there was no big climb and quite rolling trail as the up and down are quite easy if the momentum is good. unfortunately the sun is on top of my head and the heat went up again. So i gotta rush all the way back as i still able to push it up a bit. The hardest part is where by i need to cycle through the damn OPEN area and there is no cover at all and certain area i can’t really see the marking well. Luckily manage to get on the right track and reach back the starting point at 12.21pm but the event was already officially ended. But still the organizer was there to greet us when we back.

After the group all back we cycle back to the hotel again under the hot sun. Stop by a shop to get a quick lunch before head back to the hotel. Overall the trail was fun and the single track is good but too short and certain area are really too open especially near to the end of it it was way too open. Still a great end although the event ended before reaching and didn’t get the top (last) 10 finisher (count from behind la). I would rate the trail 7/10 good trail. The 3/10 is because of the open area and some minor poor marking and no 100plus.

5th June 2011
Early morning start to drive back all the way and manage to reach home by 6pm. It was a great trip and great ride with a bunch of new friend and riders. It was great to see some riders with great riders spirit to complete the ride even thought it was tough.

Sign Off
David the Devil

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Plenty more for XT

Versatility seems to have been the word written across the blackboard in big, bold letters at the XT development lab. The groupset will offer a dazzling array of options designed to address the requirements of cross-country, trail, all-mountain and ‘trekking’ riders alike. The chain and cassette are two of a very short list of components that have escaped redesign – and that’s only because they were updated last year when XT went 10-speed.

While Shimano continue to tout the benefits of a 3×10 setup, XT’s position as a staple for the cross-country market has been acknowledged with the introduction of a two-ring crankset, with a 38-26T option for trail riders and 40-28T for racers. Less shifts means less work for the left-hand shift lever, but rather than complicate things with multiple lever options, the new XT lever features a mode converter for easy adaptation between three- and two-ring setups.

Braking will get a big boost, with the Ice Tech technology unveiled on XTR last year being passed down to its sibling. XT will benefit from the same striking cooling fins and one-way bleed system, as well as new rotors with the same stainless steel/aluminium/stainless steel construction. All-in-all, Shimano claim a 25 percent increase in braking power as well as vastly improved heat dissipation.

The big S are also introducing dedicated XT-level ‘trail’ and ‘race’ wheelsets for 2012. The former has 21c tubeless-compatible anodised aluminium rims, with a 15mm E-thru hub up front and a choice of 12mm E-Thru or quick-release axle out back. The ‘race’ option has narrower 19c rims, with a quick-release rear hub and a choice of QR or E-Thru up front. All the wheels have cup-and-cone bearings, Center Lock disc mounts and 24 stainless steel spokes.

The new groupset will be offered in either silver or black. The latter will provide a good match for the new XT pedals which, as with XTR, include an integrated cage trail option (PD-M785) as well as a slimmer race version (PD-M780). Both have a much bigger surface contact area than the current M770 for improved stability, along with a slimmer axle housing for improved performance in mud.

• Crankset: 42-32-24T triple, 38-26T double or 40-28T double
• Rear derailleur: Improved Shadow design
• Front derailleur: Angled adjustment screws and clamp bolt for easier fitting and maintenance; direct mount option
• Chain: New 10-speed HG-X directional
• Cassette: 11-36T, 11-34T or 11-32T (CS-M771-10)
• Shifters: Rapidfire Plus with Vivid indexing (as on XTR); Instant, Multi- and 2-Way Release; mode converter allows use with double and triple cranksets
• Brake levers: Lightweight, with Servo-Wave technology, free stroke adjuster and tool-less reach adjuster;  one-way bleeding system; Ispec compatible
• Brake callipers: Compact, with oversized 22mm ceramic pistons and one-way bleeding system
• Brake rotors: Ice Tech technology (aluminium core embedded in stainless steel) for improved heat management; 160/180/203mm with Center Lock or six-bolt mount
• Brake pads: Optional Ice Tech pads with aluminium cooling fins
• Pedals: Lightweight cross-country (PD-M780, 343g/pair) and integrated cage trail (PD-M785, 408g/pr) versions

The new XT will be available from July, with pricing TBC.

Trick new bits for ‘trekking’

Shimano have broadened XT’s appeal by developing a series of components and features aimed at commuters and leisure cyclists, or in their terminology, ‘trekking’ cyclists. Durability and practicality is the aim of the game here, with full-length outer casings, hub dynamos and an integrated chain guard for the front end of the 10-speed drivetrain.

The trekking group comes with a choice of V-brakes or Servo Wave disc brakes with three-finger levers. The discs don’t get the mountain bike brakes’ cooling fins but they do come with Ice Tech rotors (160 or 180mm, Center Lock or six-bolt). Shimano claim a 14 percent increase in stopping power over the current equivalent – a considerable improvement for those weighed down by panniers and racks.

The Hollowtech II crankset will be available in two versions: FC-T781 (48-36-26T or 44-32-24T; chain case compatible) and FC-T780 (48-36-26T: not chain case compatible). Both feature an integrated chain guard. Out back, there’ll be a choice of 11-32T or 11-34T cassette.

Two new 6V-3.0W hub dynamos are available. DH-T785 is a disc brake version with Center Lock rotor mount, while DH-T780 has been designed for use with V-brakes. Both have an aluminium coil and axle, bringing weight down to a claimed 483g.

There’s a new trekking pedal to go with the two XT mountain bike options – the double-sided (SPD binding on one side, flat on the other) PD-T780. Claimed weight is 392 g/pair, including integrated reflector. Like its mountain bike stablemate, the groupset will come in a choice of black or silver. Availability is slated for August 2011.

XTR Shadow Plus rear derailleur

At the launch of the new XT, Shimano also unveiled a new XTR M985 Shadow Plus rear mech. Designed to complement the ‘trail’ rather than ‘race’ variant of the group, it has an on/off switch on its cage which can be used to add more spring tension and activate a ‘friction stabilizer’.

The idea is that you switch this on to stop your chain bouncing when riding over rough terrain – preventing it from derailing or damaging your drive-side chainstay, and also cutting noise – but flick it off at the end of your ride to reduce the spring tension and make it easier to remove your rear wheel. The new mech will be available from June. There’s no word yet on pricing.

Source: bikeradar.com

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