www.pointoneracing.com

(Sorry for the sniffle, it was windy and a bit cold in Pacifica.)

The Quick: The Good: 137g w/o top cap bolt. OMG that is lightweight! Stiff and strong. Beautiful, slick craftsmanship, precise engineering. No top cap. Super narrow back to save the knees. #4 wrench for all bolts.   The Bad: No top cap? Have to cut steerer tube to fit. Don't loose, damage, flanged top cap bolt. Normal one will cause damage. Price, ($119.00) for some.

 

Review: Point One Split-Second 50mm Stem $119

Point One, a small start up component company out of NorCal, has decided to go straight after, and frankly out do, the top product manufacturer in the stem market, Thomson.

 

I had never heard of this company until Sea Otter. A friend showed me two stems that he was going to be using that year. FYI - this friend won semi-pro DH 2008. No slouch of a rider, but he is a lighter guy. Can't quite put the force down on the stem for testing. That's where I come in. I was especially interested in testing this stem when he told me it was 50gram lighter than a Thomson Elite X4. You had to think for a minute, where did they cut weight? Thomson makes one of the lightest DH stems out there. These guys are lighter, and they are just as strong? Let me try that!

 

When I got the stem in the mail, held it in my hand, comparing the Thomson Elite X4 in my other hand, I could tell right away the Split-Second was noticeably lighter. On the scale is came out at 137grams w/o top cap bolt. Adding the bolt adds 5.5grams. The Thomson 50mm Elite X4, w/o top cap and bolt 178grams, add a Chris King top cap and it comes out to 188grams. This Split-Second stem is a full 40-50grams lighter. I am well aware that this fact doesn't rock everyones boat, but for those wanting to make the lightest race bike you can, and especially take some weight off the front end, this is the stem for you. Point One shaved a ton of weight by hollowing out the inside of the stem as much as possible. To make the stem strong enough its design is noticeably tall. Five or so millimeters taller then my Thomson. Which at first irked me, but after a week, I could not have cared less. And bar height, rise, is not effected.

 

(click on images for bigger versions)

One quickly notices that this stem is a bit different, there is no place for the steerer tube to come through. No top cap? It is all supposed to fit neatly inside the stem. I was a little distraught at first over having to cut my steerer tube shorter. If this turns you away right off the bat, well, Point One isn't try to sell it to you then. This is race oriented, lightweight, cut your steerer tube! We're shaving grams off here people! So, the no way to keep your steerer tube length long didn't really bother me too much after I got everything cut and set up. I did have some question as to how short to cut the steerer tube. It would be nice if Point One put a little marking line on the outside of the stem so one knew what the correct length should be from the top of the last spacer. If it is too long, the stem can't clamp down and you'll have a loose headset.

 

I have run this stem now for a couple weeks on both a single crown and a double fork. I noticed no flex or bend in the stem when switching from the one to the other. The steering feels just as responsive as when the Thomson was on. The stem's pinch bolts are also very well thought out. It uses a number 4 for all bolts, which are very beefy, well done bolts. Not the cheap kind that can accidentally be stripped out. The back is super narrow and on my single crown there was no need to worry about hitting my knees on it. A stem not only for DH but for dirt jumping too. My only concern at this point is durability. There is nothing evident that piqued this concern, it is just a new product, so, it hasn't had any prolonged testing. I will follow up with this review in 6 months to let you'll know if anything has gone wrong.

 

So, any bad news, or is it all sunshine and glory? Well, the only problem I had with stem, which is really just a problem with me, is that I lost the flanged bolt that comes with the stem. I used a regular bolt in its place, and the regular bolt sliced out the flanged hole when it was being tightened, several times over. So, as long as you are not an idiot like me, you wont have this problem. My fix, a small washer. Problem solved, and it is still super light. Just not as clean looking.

 

On a side note. I will get the right bolt and re-take photos. My work around pretty much screws up the slick lines of the stem.

 

Overall, this stem is absolutely great. Very light weight, very stiff and strong. You'll find this on my rides from hence forth.

Value Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

I give it 4 stars for value because $119 is pretty darn expensive. Hopefully price will come down after it catches on.

Overall Rating:

4.5 out of 5 Stars

4.5 stars for overall, because this stem rocks! Light, stiff, strong. What more do you need? Though .5 point off because I am still somewhat undecided if cutting the steerer tube all the way down is good or not. This I think really will make or break peoples opinion of the stem. Though if you want to watch the weight, you've got the trim the fat.

 

 

A word from Po1nt:Utilizing fully CNC machined aluminum and advanced manufacturing techniques, the Split-Second Stem cannot be matched. Our uniquely designed stem not only offers superior strength, but is extremely light weight, thus creating the highest stiffness-to-weight ratio of any stem we have tested. Such impressive torsional rigidity is due to its oversized 55mm clamp width and unique split-clamp design. Proudly made in the USA.   Lengths: 50mm, 70mm, 90mm Clamp Diameters: 25.4, 31.8 Colors: Black, Limited Edition Nickel Weight: 137g (50 X 31.8), 128g (50 X 25.4) Zero degree rise. Integrated top cap design, eliminating unnecessary pieces, and thus eliminating unnecessary weight (Saving up to 20g).

www.pointoneracing.com

 

Point One also makes a direct mount Split-Second Stem, and some sick headset spacers.

 

Click Here to see MTBR users reviews

 

Snow Melt Photos Show the Coming of Another Great Riding Season

May 6 2008 Downieville, CA - Spring is here! And Downieville Outfitters is posting bi-weekly status reports on our website with pics through spring so you’ll know when the downhill is fully rideable. With the pictures you can see the melting down of the snow on top of Packer Saddle at the Sunrise Trail trailhead.

Snow melt began in April and we plan to open and start shuttling May 24th - Memorial Day weekend.

Check the latest conditions reports here:

http://www.downievilleoutfitters.com/conditions.php

Downieville Outfitters is also giving away full day shuttle rides to 10 lucky riders!

The winners will get a day of shuttle rides for themselves (2 shuttles) for use anytime during the week of May 24th to May 30th. That includes Memorial Day weekend! Give it a shot here:

http://www.downievilleoutfitters.com/shuttles_free_tickets.php

About Downieville Outfitters:

Downieville Outfitters is Downieville’s longest running bike shop. Now offering higher end models of Specialized and Ellsworth bicycles to accommodate the growing need due to our intense geography.

source: Patrick Cavender

Cycle Solutions O-Cup DH#1 Race Report Presented by Commencal bikes

 

 

It was a wild start to the first race of the season, rain hammered the Niagara Escarpment for 3 consecutive days, culminating in a 7hr drenching on Saturdays practice day. However it could not dampen the spirits of the riders, if anything it motivated them more. Our second ever largest turnout was welcomed by sun on Sunday morning which combined with some wind dried the course out nicely for race runs.

A great womens field was trumped by Sheila (the great) Morris (Cycle Solutions/Angry Johnny’s), chasing her down were Kristen (Poisonfrog.ca) and Caroline (Jamis/Bikezone) both getting in under the 2min mark!

 

1. Sheila MorrisCycle Solutions/Angry Johnny`s RacingBarrie 1:44.903
2. Kristen Courtney Poisonfrog.ca Toronto 1:57.842
3. Caroline Arsenault Jamis/Bikezone RacingToronto 2:00.185

 

Next up everyone was watching the Junior Expert field, the return of Rob Fraser (Poisonfrog.ca) and Andrew Gotuaco (Sweet Petes) along with newcomer and last years cadet champ Robert Bailey (Commencal). And surprise surprise guess who showed up on the podium Rob, then Andrew, the Robert!

 

1. Rob Fraser Poisonfrog.ca Pickering 1:29.863
2. Andrew Gotuaco Sweet Pete`s Collingwood 1:36.066
3. Robert Bailey Commençal Cambridge 1:37.750

 

The anticipation grew as the day grew on waiting for the Pro Men, would all this extra time help dry out the course??? Yes it would! Drew threw down the gauntlet with a ripper a full 2 seconds faster than the fastest time of the day. Tom followed up with a stellar 2^nd place and Brandon pulled in a healthy and well deserved 3^rd.

 

1. Drew Pautler Primary-Devinci Brampton 1:24.385
2. Tom Kakamousias Cycle Solutions/AngryJohnny`sRacing Toronto 1:26.9232
3. Brandon Cassell Adrenaline Racer/Industry Skate Park Strathroy 1:29.131

 

Our next stop is back here at Kelso June 14/15, we are building a brand new course so be ready for something sweet!

 

We can’t thank enough our amazing support staff, Lee Allen, Kris Somers (MC/DJ), Allan Hawley and his timing staff, Kelso Pro Patrol and staff (Barb and Simon) and ofcourse the amazing volunteers and sponsors:

Cycle-Solutions.com Bike Store, Commencal Bikes, Norco Performance Bikes , Kenda Tires, Titec Components, Dropmachine.com, Privateer Racing, To Wheels, Industry Bike park, Trident Distribution, Gamut, YODO bike, E-13, Atomlab and Azonic.

 

For all results and Ontario Cup DH/4X racing info go to

www.sirbikealotracing.com

source: Peter Appleton

 

Alfama is getting ready to host the athletes who already confirmed their presence at Lisboa Downtown. At the 9th edition of the urban downtown international event, riders of all countries will once again show off amazing manoeuvres. The highlight goes to the Downtown King, Steve Peat. The Santa Cruz Syndicate athlete will be in Lisbon on the 17th of May to try to own the 7th victory in a row.

With the dirt trails replaced by Portuguese pavement, typically urban obstacles such as cars and trams have become a challenge for all the athletes of the sport since 2000. Year after year the Lisboa Downtown has become increasingly renowned and lots of riders place the Portuguese competition in their event agenda.

This year was no exception. Samuel Hill (team Iron Horse Mad Catz), the French Cédric Gracia (team Oakley Commencal), Greg Minnaar (team Santa Cruz Syndicate) and Filip Polc (representing Gravity Group) will race from the Castelo de São Jorge all the way down to the Largo do Terreiro do Trigo.

One other rider making his presence is Oscar Saiz, the fastest rider is all eight editions of Lisboa Downtown. The Off Session rider made the record time of 1:25 in 2001.

These are the best among the best and they already granted their place at the most famous urban downhill race in the world. All there is left to know is who will be the fastest - the one to sit on the Lisboa Downtown 2008 throne.

For the 9th year in a row the event is under the Extreme Conteúdos’s responsibility and will take place on May 17th, at 14h00 in Alfama.

The Lisboa Downtown 2008 would not be possible without the support of the Lisbon Municipality, EGEAC, Red Bull, Mondraker, SAPO, Mega FM, Grande Ecran, RTP, Bike Magazine, O Jogo, 24 Horas, Onda Bike and Fonte Viva.

www.

source: Press@extreme

www.jamisbikes.com

source: Craig Hoyt

 

Hey everyone,

I hope you all have taken the time to check out the “ONE OF A KIND” Auction that’s taking place over at www.GO211.com.

“Tara Llanes and GO211.com will be hosting an online auction to help raise money to go towards her ever growing medical bills. The auction will feature some of the most sought after items in the sport today!”

There are TOOOONS of great items up for bid from many of the sport’s famous faces! & as the auction says, it’s “ONE OF A KIND”… you can’t get many of these items anywhere else!! Signed jerseys, signed helmets, signed BIKES! But the best thing of all, is that the money goes to the TARA LLANES ROAD TO RECOVERY FUND! So no matter what you bid, no matter what you win… we all win! It’s all going to a such a great cause!

http://www.go211.com/tara

Here are just a few hot items up for bid…

* Shaun Palmer Signed ‘08 Jeep KOM Title Winning Jersey….. only $50 (current bid)

* Shaun palmer Signed ‘99 Team Specialized / Mtn Dew Jersey….. only $60 (current bid)

* Cedric Gracia’s Signed ‘08 Team Commencal /Oakley World Cup Race Kit….. only $200 (current bid)

* Eric Carter’s ‘05 National Championship Mongoose Bike!….. only $530 (current bid)

* Tara Llanes Signed ‘06 Giant STP Hardtail Race Bike….. only $800 (current bid)

* George Hincapie Signed ‘06 Tour de France Yellow Leaders Jersey….. only $350 (current bid)

* Leigh Donovan’s ‘01 Schwinn Straight-8 World Championships DH Bike….. only $510 (current bid)

* Alison DUnlap’s Signed Luna Chix World Championship Skinsuit….. only $55 (current bid)

* Tara Llanes Signed ‘05 National Championship Custom Painted Giant Trance….. only $1000 (current bid)

& much much more!!

It all ends on MAY 9th! So make sure to get your bids in before it’s too late!!!http://www.go211.com/tara

source: PINNED MTB Magazine

Do you ever go to your LBS and check out new jerseys or shorts, and wonder why cycling clothes cost so much? Unless you pick over the clearance rack and get really lucky, one set of jersey and shorts will put you over $100 for most brands! This is where Hoss Technical Gear comes in.

Hoss is a smaller clothing company that is providing quality apparel at a more affordable price point. I have been riding in my set of Hoss Ponderosa shorts and Rustler jersey for over 3 years now, and these items really hold up well.

The Ponderosa shorts fit well, and like a proper pair of mountain biking shorts…they are baggy, but the liner and chamois fit perfect to keep everything in their proper place. There is a buckle on the belt to secure the waist line, and you can cinch them tighter and secure the belt on either side with velcro.

The chamois is comfortable but not bulky and breathes well. The outer shell feels thin to the touch, but I have not snagged or torn them. And one feature that I really like is that the area where the liner and shell met around the thigh, is seamed securely so that you get the baggy style and “feel” but the outer shell does not hang down where it could snag (like on your saddle as you transition your body positioning on the bike).

The Ponderosa is also loaded with plenty of pockets (7 total), but if you are like me, you don’t like the feeling of biking with your short pockets loaded with supplies that can bounce around while you ride. Besides, isn’t that what a hydration pack is for?

That said, one of the things I kind of miss on the Rustler jersey is the back pockets. I prefer to keep my energy bars and gels in my jersey pockets so they are easily reachable while on the bike. If you are like me, you don’t always stop and take a break on your rides, especially if you are riding alone….so stashing consumables in a hydration pack is not always an option. It would be nice to have at least one back pocket on the jersey.

Other than that, the Rustler jersey is a good, lightweight jersey ideal for summer time riding. You might find it a bit thin if you ride in colder weather. Fit is on the loose side, but not overly baggy. Breathability is good and durability is solid.
Hoss has succeeded in providing quality apparel for mountain bikers, with solid features, comfort, durability and styling. As a side note, Karl and Mark from Hoss are really good guys and Mark is very active in the Socal mountain biking scene and does a lot of work for mountain bike access and advocacy. I would strongly recommend the Hoss Ponderosa Shorts and Rustler Jersey. Hoss proves that quality does not instantly mean costly.

I give them 4.5 flamin’ chili peppers overall:

And 5+ flamin’ chili peppers for value:

To check out the complete line of Hoss apparel, check out their website:
http://www.hossmtb.com/

From the manufacturer:

Ponderosa Shorts

-price: $49.95
-sizes: sm, md, lg, xl, xxl, xxxl
-colors: black, blood, camel, chinchilla, dirt, grey, navy, olive, taupe
-also available in Camo Print version, Knicker version, and women’s version

Features and Benefits:

• 8 panel micro fiber polyester outer shell is lightweight and durable
• 6 panel polyester/Spandex liner with CoolMax for moisture management and comfort
• CoolMax sanitized chamois with multi-level technology improves comfort by relieving pressure points
• 7 pockets, including 2 side cargo pockets, 2 secure zipper pockets, 2 side hip pockets and a rear cargo style pocket
• Partial elastic waistband with extra secure belt and buckle closure
• Rear stretch panel for comfort and flexibility

Rustler Jersey

-price: $29.95
-sizes: sm, md, lg, xl, xxl
-colors: available in over a dozen colors/color combinations including camo print

Features and Benefits:

• CoolPlus fabric for moisture management
• Loose fit provides comfort for all body types
• 7” hidden zipper for comfort and temperature control
• Subtle styling

Read or Write reviews on the Hoss Ponderosa Shorts:
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Shorts/product_125002.shtml

Read or Write reviews on the Hoss Rustler Jersey:
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Jersey/product_125000.shtml

originally posted in the Passion forum here: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=399161

This is a ride report that really needs few words. It was so beautiful, I cried. So without further ado, here is my ride. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

It’s been about five months since the San Diego fires. I went out to Sweetwater Reservoir to climb Mama Miguel and see what effect the winter rains and spring sunshine had on the mountain. I was stunned. The regenerative powers of nature never cease to amaze me…

Mt Miguel in the distance, from the top of Mama Miguel, March 2008.

I’d never seen the aftermath of a forest fire…

For comparison, I’m posting my photos from October alongside recent ones taken at about the same spot.

Read the rest of this entry »

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