Month In Review: July August

Today we have for you a rundown of the important news, reviews, previews, events and much more that happened over the course of the last two months. We understand that our readers don’t always get to check Sick Lines as much as they’d like. We want to make sure that everyone gets a chance to catch up and revisit our stellar content.

Check inside to catch on up on some Sick Lines content you may have missed or an article you’d like to read again.

Sick Lines Reviews:

• Review: Lowepro Fastpack 250
  

“If you’re searching for a sleek bag that can carry many items at once the Fastpack 250 might be the solution you’re looking for. It has the ability to carry your laptop, SLR camera, and all the accessories you’d need to bring along. I thought the Fastpack 250 was comfortable to wear, even when fully loaded, and kept my equipment safe and secure. The pack was easy to use and offered many thoughtful features that come in handy during trips and excursions.”

• Review: RockGardn TrailStar Chest Protector
  

“The TrailStar is perfect for those who are looking for some protection that want armor that can quickly and easily come on and off. Shuttling with full armor can become quite hot in the summertime and instead of going down the hill without any protection or having to remove your jersey and the subsequent armor underneath, the TrailStar might be just what you’ve been looking for. It’s priced quite competitively and has many ad ons that help embellish the TrailStar.”

• Review: Po1nt One Racing Split Second Stem

“The Split Second stem from Point One Racing is proof that parts don’t have to only be either strong or lightweight. Parts can be both, given you take the time to thoughtfully design the part with innovative features and attention to detail. Point One was able to save weight by integrating the top cap assembly into their stem and removing excess material in strategic areas. The wide stance clamp design of the Split Second offers increased strength and stiffness all riders can benefit from. Made 100% in the USA, Point One Racing delivers a product that looks as good as it functions with the testing to back it up.”

Sick Lines Previews:

• Syncros Fixed Flat Top Handlebar
  

“The bar works very well for dropping the front end of the bike down to a minimum which offers a better rider position those who prefer a low cockpit. The stock length of the bar isn’t too wide (690mm) so take care if you like wider bars. If this is your style of riding, checking out a flat bar like the Fixed Flat Top might be worth a try.”

• Twenty6 Product Hayes Stroker Levers
  

“You can see more what they look like below. Tyler modified the pivot point slightly to allow for quicker brake engagement. If you’re looking for a brake lever that engages quicker, this might be the lever for you. The feel of the levers is quite nice and offers an improved feel in our opinion.”

• Truvativ HammerSchmidt
  

“The Truvativ Engineers will without a doubt keep improving this already impressive system. Any rider can appreciate the benefits of this system and the bottom line is that HammerSchmidt will change the way you ride. Now if they can make the rear end work similarly!”

• Inertia Project FOX 40 Crown
  

“Available in a few variations, the Inertia crowns offer some benefits over stock crowns. They make crowns that fit the Marzocchi 888 as well as the FOX 40. The Inertia Project crowns are 100% US made in Portland, Oregon. They are available in two versions; a half kit and a full kit. Both kits Function says will fit all FOX 40’s (R & RC2).”

Events:

• Plattekill Extreme Series #2 and Gravity East #4
  

“Kyle Hickey had a very good weekend with podiums in both DS and DH. While Gavin Vaughan’s 4 second victory in DH was impressive over a very tough field of pros. In all 22 states were represented reflecting the huge amount of attention east coast racers are giving this series.”

• Psychosis 2008

“This was the last year for the Psychosis race and Chris Kovarik took the victory for the pro men over a lot of fast riders like Sam Hill, Tyler Morland, and Andrew Mitchell. Claire Bouchar won it for the pro women.”

• 2008 Canadian National Championship

“Cove Bikes team rider Andrew Mitchell rides away with 2008 Canadian National Championships DH crown at Mte. Ste. Anne Quebec this past weekend.”

• 2008 USA National Championships

“Geritt Beytagh had a great weekend and took the win over a highly competitive mens field of athletes. Cody Warren followed in second with Duncan Riffle taking third. For the Pro women Melissa Buhl took the title with Marla Streb coming in second and Dawn Bourque getting third.”

• 2008 UCI Downhill World Cup #4 - Mont Sainte Anne

“Greg Minnaar took the win followed by Sam Hill and Gee Atherton. Rachel Atherton took the win for the Pro Women.”

• Norco VPS Fest 2008 - Blue Mountain

“Nested away in Collingwood, Ontario, Blue Mountain hosted the 2008 Norco VPS Fest that took place on July 12th. Started in 2003, VPS fest was created to give back to the Norco consumers and give everyone excuse to ride together. VPS has a lot to offer as they give away tons of prizes, free mechanics, as well as the opportunity to ride with the pro’s.”

• 2008 UCI Downhill World Cup #5 - Bromont

“Bromont is the fifth stop this year for the UCI downhill. The track is looking good and should prove to be another stellar race that will come down to the line. Once again rain is eminent and could play a factor. Greg Minnaar took over the points lead at MSA and Sam Hill is not far behind!”

• 2008 Crankworx Colorado

“In its second year, Crankworx Colorado has stepped it up a notch from last year. The event takes place at Winter Park, and contains a variety of courses for competitors to compete on. The mountain offers a wide variety of terrain to suit the various events Crankworx Colorado is hosting: All-Mountain, Super D, Downhill, Best Trick, and Slopestyle.”

• 2008 Kokanee Crankworx

“Whistler BC’s Kokanee Crankworx. The most ground-breaking gravity fueled mountain bike festival in the history of all things badass. Nine action packed days featuring the sport’s most fearless and talented athletes. A war for freeride glory in the only coliseum qualified for such prestige - the air and stunt infused dirt of the world famous Whistler Bike Park.”

Sick Lines On Location:

• Course Update: Seven Springs, PA
  

“Over the fourth of July holiday weekend we went and visited Seven Springs, PA to see their updated course. They’ve been developing several new trails as well as a pump track. We saw many welcome changes to the course that make it much more enjoyable than last year.”

• Resort: Copper Mountain, Colorado

“Copper Mountain, CO is an area that those in mountain biking may not be familiar with. We visited Copper Mountain and experienced what they had to offer. It offers a warm environment for families and a great place to relax and have some fun.”

Other News Content:

• Giant Downhill Prototype

“Giant’s new downhill bike that a few select racers will be racing this weekend at Mont Sainte Anne’s UCI World Cup.”

• Red Bull Rampage Returns For 2008

“Santa Monica, CA - August 20, 2008 - Red Bull Rampage, the premier freeride mountain biking competition, held annually from 2001 to 2004, is blasting back onto the scene in 2008, bigger and badder than ever before. From October 2-5, Red Bull Rampage: The Evolution will draw the greatest riders in the world to a new venue just outside Virgin, Utah, offering the most challenging terrain mountain bike competition has ever seen.”

• 2009 Intense Uzzi Prototype

“Jeff Steber posted some shots and details on mtbr of some prototype Intense Uzzi’s they’re working on for 2009. Pictured above is a 135mm version (it can accepts standard qr / 12mm / maxle). Since this is a prototype, anything could change (standard Intense replaceable dropouts option possibly, etc).”