Santa Cruz Syndicate And SRAM Part Ways After 8 Years

The Santa Cruz Syndicate and SRAM/RockShox brands have been synonymous with one another for 8 years, from the inception of the Syndicate in 2004 through 2011. It is with sadness and great respect that we are parting ways in 2012.

This has been an incredible journey, and the partnership has helped our racers achieve an impressive set of goals and dreams—2 UCI World Cup Downhill overall titles, 10 UCI World Cups wins by Greg Minnaar, 3 World Cup wins and a historic World Championship title by Steve Peat, and a Junior World Championship title by Josh Bryceland. These results were made possible using SRAM, Rockshox, Truvativ and Avid products, along with the world-class technical support of the SRAM team.

The Syndicate Team Thanks SRAM For 8 Years 

2012 Troy Lee D3 Test

The next generation of action sports protection, the brand new D3 Helmet is the pinnacle of style and safety. A technologically advanced Composite shell and titanium hardware gives the D3 a featherweight feel. 20 high-flow intake and exhaust ports, including a revolutionary injection-molded intake system, combine with new deeper EPS channeling to provide optimal ventilation.

It's been over 10 years since Troy first introduced the D2, and during that time TLD has accumulated valuable feedback from racers and customers, and studied the latest technology to design this helmet. TLD spent the last 3 years refining the design and improving the features that make this helmet unique. 
The biggest improvements over other helmets are increased safety, with a thicker, more protective EPS, increased airflow with 20 vents, improved fit and comfort, and the most obvious feature, the distinctive futuristic styling.

The D3's EPS gains several millimeters of thickness in critical parts of the helmet, which greatly improved the impact testing results. The D3 also boasts a Dual Density Shock Pad System, a unique shock absorption system developed by strategically adding EVA padding to channels within the EPS. This system helps absorb smaller impacts and also greatly improves the helmet's comfort."

2012 TLD D3 Helmet Review

2012 IXS Downhill Cup Changes

Already in its tenth year, the iXS Downhill Cup series has grown up and presents itself in a new look. Not only the logo has been redone, it also comes with a new online presence.
 
With the four series under the flag of iXS running for some years already, the layout of the cup had to be dusted off. This has been done with the design of a new logo and the redevelopment of the website. But it's not only the look that has changed, there are also changes within the series as well. The organizers have revised the time table at some stages, but most significant are the changes within the rules of the iXS European Downhill Cups.


2012 ixs Cup Changes And Schedule

Lezyne Partners With Team Norco International

San Luis Obispo, CA – Lezyne is proud to announce a partnership with Jill Kintner and Bryn Atkinson of the newly formed Team Norco International for the 2012 season. Jill Kintner, an Olympic BMX Bronze Medalist, is one of the most dominant female cyclists in the world, and is ready to take on the 2012 race circuit in DH, 4X, and DS. Bryn Atkinson is a top downhill racer on the World Cup scene who has come up through the ranks along side some of the industry's best. Jill and Bryn are dedicated to toping the podium at every race they attend around the world.


Lezyne Teams Up With Norco International

2012 Nukeproof Complete Bikes

New for 2012, Nukeproof complete bike builds based on our highly acclaimed framesets available in Comp & Pro build options!

Take to the Alps with the Nukeproof Mega AM Pro; built around our race proven Mega AM frame which has evolved from a prototype that placed highly in the 2009 Megavalanche event. The Mega Comp features a high end component spec that will offer high levels of performance in your local Enduro events yet be ready for the starting beeps when the Megavalnche rolls around!

Hrdroformed Double-Welded 6061 Aluminium Frame & RockShox Lyrik RC Fork
Our custom drawn hydrofoormed double-welded 6061 aluminium frame offers 150mm rear travel and designed to match with 150-170mm forks up front. The Mega is a versatile frame that combines plush descending prowess with pedalling efficiency. Utilizing our 'Erosion' linkage giving a smooth progressive action with a well controlled mid-stroke to avoid wallowing under pedal loads; suspension travel is controlled by the RockShox Monarch air shock. The main bearing pivots are contained within a bespoke CNC-machined Bottom Bracket Assembly to ensure alignment, durability and precision. An asymmetric chainstay design gives clearance for a double front derailleur (with a 22t-36t chainring set up) and compatibility with all leading models of ISCG-05 mounted chain retention systems.Geometry is based around a 66deg head angle and 75deg seat angle, with a BB height of 13.69” for climbing and descending prowess. A 44mm headtube standard keeps the front of the bike light, with Nukeproof headset options allowing all fork steerer option compatibility.
A RockShox Lyrik RC2 DH fork presents a new level of performance for AM assaults with a balanced 160mm of infinitely adjustable air sprung travel. The Maxle Lite 20mm thru axle will provide positive tracking on the roughest rock strewn descents and increases front end stiffness and braking performance.

SRAM Pro Groupset
The Snap Pro features a full SRAM groupset. Shifting is taken care of with SRAM X7/X9 shifters and derailleur’s to deliver flawless performance and crisp gear shifts. The SRAM X0 2x10 chainset is at the heart of the transmission and when paired with the 11-36t cassette provides the perfect blend of lightweight performance with a gear ratio that will make short work of the steepest ascents!
The RockShox Reverb seatpost is a revelation in terms of increasing your enjoyment. With a simple flick of the bar mounted remote lever you can drop the saddle height for increased standover clearance for descending and at the flick of a switch raise it again for climbing increasing the bikes race ready credentials.
Avid X0 hydraulic disc brakes are paired up with 180mm rotors front and rear providing powerful, fade free braking in any conditions.
Nukeproof Finishing Kit
Finishing kit is our own tried and tested Warhead series of components. Our Generator Race wheelset combine low weight in a bombproof build for all-day epics. Steering is precise and sharp with our Warhead 760 riser bars and Warhead stem combination with our lock-on grips ensuring you never come un-stuck! Our Warhead plasma “Mega” edition saddle completes the build adding unique style.

Specifications
•Frame: Hydroformed Double-Welded 6061 Aluminium Single Pivot Design Featuring Erosion Linkage Driven Suspension, 150mm Travel
•Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch 
•Forks: RockShox Lyrik RC2 DH SoloAir, 160mm Travel, Tapered Steerer, Maxle Lite 20mm Axle
•Handlebars: Nukeproof Warhead 760 Riser Bar, 25mm Rise
•Stem: Nukeproof Warhead, 60mm
•Grips: Nukeproof Lock-On
•Headset: Nukeproof 44IETS 
•Chainset: SRAM X0 DH GXP, 34t, 170mm 
•Chainguide: Truvativ X0 ISCG05, 36-40t Black
•Chain: SRAM PC-1071 
•Cassette: SRAM PG-1070, 11-36t, 10-Speed 
•Shifter: SRAM X0
•Rear Derailleur: SRAM X0
•Brakes: Avid X0, 180mm Rotors
•Saddle: Nukeproof Plasma Mega
•Seatpost: RockShox Reverb
•Tyres: Maxxis High Roller Tubeless Front & Rear 26” x 2.35” MaxxPro 60a
•Wheelset: Nukeproof Generator Race, Thru Axle 110mm-20mm/135mm-12mm 
•Weight: 13.7kg (Medium)
2012 Nukeproof Bikes Announced

Lars N Bars Episode 3

Transition Bikes employee and pro rider Lars Sternberg welcomes guest rider Matt Slaven for some amazing January weather in the Northwest in search of the path least traveled. Their goal was to find super technical all mountain terrain that most mountain bikers wouldn't think of riding. Lars also welcomes professional photographer Tim Zimmerman along as they try to capture images for a Dakine ad.


Lars N Bars Episode 3

Specialized Butcher Tire Test

Specialized have been making bikes for decades now. They have slowly begun to produce their own parts and accessories for bicycles as well. With the demands of the UCI World Cup Circuit and having a strong team of riders to help them Specialized began developing Downhill oriented tires. 2010 saw the release of the Specialized Butcher Tire.

Features

• Casing: 60 TPI, dual ply
• Compound: Base 70a / Top 42a
• Bead: Wire
• Pinch Protection: Butyl inserts at bead
• 26" x 2.3; psi 25-50; approx. weight 1250g
• 26" x 2.5; psi 25-50; approx. weight 1260g

Specialized Butcher Tires

GT Bikes And Atherton Racing Join Forces

Atherton Racing is proud to announce its partnership with GT Bicycles. Beginning in 2012, the mountain bike race team of Dan, Gee, and Rachel Atherton, will join non-family GT rider Marc Beaumont and form the new team GT Factory Racing.

“Atherton Racing is one of the most progressive teams in the history of mountain biking, and is known for taking the sport to the next level,” said Mark Peterman, Global General Manager GT Bicycles. “We’re excited about the partnership because it both continues GT’s legacy as the brand that helps progressive riders push their limits, and because of the opportunities it presents to develop new products.”

Athertons Join GT

Jill Kitner And Bryan Atkinson Join Norco World Team

Vancouver, BC – January 4, 2012 – Norco Bicycles Welcomes Jill Kintner and Bryn Atkinson to Norco World Team

Norco Bicycles has partnered with Jill Kintner and Bryn Atkinson, as title sponsor, to re-launch the Norco World Team. For 2012 the team will racing the downhill race scene aboard the newly designed AURUM downhill bike. Bryn and Jill are dedicated to reaching podium positions at every race they attend and representing Norco on the world stage.

Jill Kintner is one of the most successful female cyclists to compete on two wheels. With a collection of titles in BMX, 4x, slalom and downhill that spans from an Olympic medal, to world titles in 4x, and multiple national championships in all 4 disciplines she is a dominant figure on the race circuit. She finished 9th place overall for 2011 in her first year of World Cup downhill, and for 2012 is looking to come back with vengeance and best this result. 

“With a new trainer and new bikes, we are now running a program with a fantastic list of sponsors; it feels like everything is clicking into place! The new Norco bikes have an incredible feel; I especially notice with the shorter rear end a difference in my balance point and turning ability thanks to the Aurum’s GRAVITY TUNE. These bikes are really well designed, and I am honored to be a part of the Norco family.” – Jill

2012 Norco World Team