Shimano Announces New 2013 Saint M820
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 9:26PM The original dedicated gravity component line is more focused, more advanced and more
dedicated to speed than ever with the new M820 group for 2013. The now 10-speed Saint M820
group embraces Shimano’s latest technology and debuts all-new advancements in both heat
control and drivetrain stability. With new ICE Technologies and Saint’s take on the Shadow Plus
rear derailleur, the M820 group promises riders a pure riding experience and the gift of focus
through seamless and stable bike control.
The New Standard In DH Rear Derailleurs
New chain control and silencing technologies in the new RD-M820 are a game changer for gravity riding. In addition to the proven Shadow Plus RD design, a Saint specific, high durometer urethane bump stopper (between the RD and the dropout) was added to reduce impact noise. Now 10-speed, the new RD-M820 features a durable super wide link that serves as the backbone of the DH parallelogram. Ready for track and trail, the mode converter easily adapts between two settings for MTB cassette gear ratios (11-32, 11-34, 11-36) and road (11-23, 11-25, 11-28).
;)
ICE Technologies Even More Advanced
The new Saint disc brake embraces Shimano ICE Technology and advances it, reducing heat and improving performance through multiple combined features. In addition to finned brake pads, self insulating ceramic pistons and three layer rotor construction, new M820 disc brake systems will also see the introduction of a 30mm aluminum banjo fitting and an innovative finned rotor, that reduce operating temperatures by increasing the convective surface area. The new SM-RT99 Ultimate Clad rotor is a significant performance enhancement reducing heat by 50 degrees, creating 20% more stopping power, eliminating brake fade and increasing pad life. A new, longer 30mm banjo fitting extending from the caliper further reduces heat at a critical location where oil transitions from hose to caliper. Saint shares the excellent ergonomics and system stiffness found on Zee brake systems and is also ISPEC compatible.
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Improved Shifter Ergonomics, Easier Shifts
Advanced DH ergonomics including longer levers (+5mm) and textured paddles combine with low friction ball bearings to reduce shifting effort on this gravity specific shifter. Designed specifically for Shadow Plus and Vivid indexing, these shifting enhancements reduce base shifting effort by up to 37%, so that on-trail shift effort is as light as ever. Instant, effortless shifts create a whole new paradigm for the most durable, gravity-ready drivetrain on the market. Premium
functions include instant release, multi release and 2-Way release. An I-SPEC bracket option will be available to reduce weight and handlebar clutter.
;)
Reliable DH Race Cranks
New Saint Hollowtech II cranks are hollow forged Duraluminum, creating a lighter weight crank set with an axle that is 250% stronger than trail options and an arm that is double strength. The single-only setup looks great with custom aluminum hardware and is available in three lightweight chainring options (34T/36T/38T) and in two crank sets: FC-M820 (68/73mm BB) and FC-M825 (83mm BB) that both offer Presfit BB compatibility. A steel pedal insert adds durability at the pedal interface. Note: MTB Press fit BB: SM-BB71-41A (50mm chainline; 89.5x41 BB shell), DH Press fit BB: SM-BB71-41C (58mm chainline; 104.5x41 BB shell)
;)
New Saint Hubsets
New Saint hubs are lighter and easier to adjust. All weather rated with top quality sealing, adjustable angular contact bearings, and precision ground, integrated cone construction, these hubs track straight and roll true. Centerlock mounting for alignment and braking efficiency, Saint hubs are available with 20mm axles up front and 12mm axles in 135, 142 and 150mm configurations.
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New Wider, Lower Profile Saint Flat Pedals
After years of success, the crowd favorite DX flat pedals are succeeded by new PD-MX80 Saint-branded pedals that feature a wider (+3mm), lower profile (-8.5mm) platform with an easy replacement pin system. Adapted to modern riding, the PD-MX80 retains the durable, smooth rotating axle and concave ergonomic platform that made the MX30 a legend.
;)
2012 US Grand Prix Of MTB Kicks Off In Port Angeles, WA
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 7:00AM 
Escondido, California (April 16, 2012) – The 2012 US Grand Prix of Mountain Biking (MTB GP) is set to make its official debut in less than 2 weeks in the picturesque town of Port Angeles, Washington. From April 26-29, the MTB GP, in conjunction with the NW Cup, is set to host one of this year’s most highly anticipated races on US soil!
The US MTB GP is widely seen as the most prestigious series in North America. Top domestic and international mountain bike racers test their skills on some of the toughest downhill mountain bike tracks in the United States has to offer. Port Angeles has been the official start to the US season for the past several years & will now be the official start of the premier series in the United States – the MTB Grand Prix – priming the region for a World Cup atmosphere!
;)
The Port Angeles MTB GP has attracted an international compilation of the world’s finest gravity racers including reigning US national series champion Cody Warren (USA, DRD Intense), current World Cup downhill champion Aaron Gwin (USA, Trek World Racing), Santa Cruz Syndicate’s Greg Minnaar (RSA) & Josh Bryceland (GBR), Morewood United’s Mick Hannah (AUS), Yeti Fox Shox’s Jared Graves (AUS), Trek World Racing’s Justin Leov (NZL), & many more!
Join us as we set sail for an exciting beginning to the future of mountain bike racing!
The MTB GP official kickoff party will be held on Friday evening at the Vern Burton Gym, with a raffle & ‘Strength in Numbers’ movie premiere. Join up with hundreds of friends as we celebrate the start of another great race season!
Schedule
| THURSDAY, APRIL 26 | |
| 11AM | Registration Opens |
| 12PM-5PM | OPEN PRACTICE |
| FRIDAY, APRIL 27 | |
| 8AM | REGISTRATION OPENS |
| 9AM-1PM | CAT 1,2,&3 PRACITE/NO JR-EX |
| 1PM-5PM | PRO & CAT 1 JUNIOR PRACTICE |
| 7PM-11PM | STRENGTH IN NUMBERS MOVIE PREMIER/RAFFLE PARTY |
| SATURDAY, APRIL 28 | |
| 8AM | REGISTRATION OPENS |
| 8AM-12PM | CAT 1,2,&3 PRACITE/NO JR-EX |
| 12PM-4PM | PRO & CAT 1 JUNIOR PRACTICE |
| 5PM | PRO & CAT 1 SEEDING RUNS...(POINTS AWARDED) |
| SUNDAY, APRIL 29 | |
| 8AM-9:30AM | OPEN PRACTICE-->ONE RUN ONLY PLEASE |
| 10AM-COMPLETED | RACING ALL CATEGORIES |
| IMMEDIATELY AFTER RACING | AWARDS |
For additional information, feel free to visit www.nwcup.com, www.mtbgp.com (coming soon!) or check out our facebook pagehttp://www.facebook.com/USMTBGP!
Event Schedule: http://nwcup.com/information/
Registration: http://reg.ccnbikes.com/index.php/event/2012-northwest-cup
2012 Plattekill Season Announcement
Sunday, April 8, 2012 at 9:29PM ;)
Plattekill Bike Park located in Roxbury, NY is proud to announce the 2012 Plattekill downhill riding season. Plattekill has been hosting downhill mountain bike riding and racing for over sixteen years. That will continue full force in 2012. The bike park will open for riding April 14-15 weekend, the earliest in the East and the earliest ever at Plattekill. Plattekill Bike Park extended the 2011 Riding season into December in 2011 making for the Longest lift assisted mountain biking season in North America.
The first race of the season will be the Third Annual Gravity Open on Memorial day Weekend, May 23-27, 2012. The Gravity Open will be part of the prestigious USA Cycling National Pro GRT and the POC Eastern States Cup Series’. The race takes place Memorial Day weekend and will feature many national and international stars. Previous winners have included UCI World Champions. Plattekill Bike Park will host four POC Eastern States Cup Series races, the finals of the USAC NYS State Championships and the USAC Eastern Regional Championships.
;)
Due to the early start of the riding season and a late March snowstorm the bike park will spread 5-work weekend during the season. The goal this summer is a groomed trail fro top to bottom. Stay tuned for more information.
The trails at Plattekill are endless and offer something for riders of all abilities. The fall line trail sections are steep. The natural terrain offers loose shale with large rock drops. Plattekill Bike Park uses two lifts accessing two distinct peak areas. Lift attendants place your bikes on the chair for the ride up. The base lodge offers a cafeteria, bike shop and restrooms. On the deck great burgers and refreshments will be available.
Regular Season Opening April 14-15 Weekend
2012 Ride Fees:
All Day Lift $35
Two Day Same Weekend Lift $55
After 2pm Lift $25
One Time Lift with Bike $10
Trail Access (no lift) $15
Skyride $ 5
Season Pass $329
SEASON PASS SPECIAL UNTIL MAY 1, 2012……$279
Plattekill Mountain is the longest operating bike park in the Northeast with
over 60 miles of bike-specific lift accessed trails operating two lifts to
two mountain peaks.
Roxbury, NY (607) 326-3500
Mountain Creek Bike Park ANd GT Bikes Partner For 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 9:06AM ;)
Vernon, NJ – April 3, 2012 – Mountain Creek Bike Park and GT Bicycles are pleased to
announce that they will be working together for the 2012 bike season. GT Bicycles, one of the
world’s foremost bicycle manufacturers will be named the “The Official Bike Partner” of Mountain
Creek Bike Park and will be available for rental at the Bike Park starting on opening day, May
5th. Additionally, Mountain Creek Bike Park has partnered with SixSixOne to offer the best in
protective equipment for rent or purchase.
“GT is one of the largest bike makers in the world and has such a rich history in bike racing and
mountain biking specifically. We couldn’t be more excited to be partnered with them for our first
season” says Hugh Reynolds, Marketing Manager. “The Fury is one of the best DH bikes on the
market and we think our guests will be stoked to get on the same bike that the Athertons and
some of the top racers in the world ride.”
The Mountain Creek Bike Park rental fleet will consist of thirty-five, 2012 Fury Alloy 2.0 bikes as
the standard rental model as well as a limited number of Fury Carbon Team bikes available as
high performance demo rentals for those who want to ride a World Cup ready rig. In addition to
the Fury Carbon Team, Mountain Creek will also offer the much anticipated 2012 Devinci Wilson
RC for high performance demo rental. This season’s rental pricing will be $89.99 plus tax for full-
day standard rentals and $189.99 plus tax for full-day high performance demo rentals. All bike
rentals come with complimentary SixSixOne protection rentals including: full-face helmet, elbow
and knee pads.
For those Bike Park or hotel guests looking to get out and pedal for their turns, Mountain Creek
Bike Park will also be renting the 2012 GT Sensor 3.0 cross-country trail bikes. The Sensor is
the perfect bike to tackle the Bike Park’s mountaintop cross-country trail network (opening June
2012) or any of the abundant single track and trail riding in the area surrounding the resort.
;)
All the bikes at the Mountain Creek Bike Park will be meticulously maintained by our staff of
in-house bicycle mechanics. “We want to provide our guests with the best riding experiences
possible, and that all starts with the bikes.” adds Marc Tremain, Bike Park Operations Manager.
“We’re very excited about our partnership with Mountain Creek Bike Park for this season.
Mountain Creek offers some of the best riding in the East and in hearing about their plans and
vision for the future of the park, we know that great things lie ahead.” says Chris Hopwood of GT
Bicycles.
The Mountain Creek Bike Park opens for the 2012 season on Saturday May 5th and will play host
to the Mountain Creek Spring Classic a USA Cycling Pro GRT POC Eastern States Cup series race
on the weekend of May 20th. To keep up with all the latest news and events at Mountain Creek
Bike Park, be sure to follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/mountaincreekbikepark and visit
our website at Mountaincreekbikepark.com
About Mountain Creek Bike Park
Mountain Creek Resort is a unique gateway to the mountain lifestyle for millions of local urban
and suburban adventure seekers. Mountain Creek Bike Park is the NY metro area’s closest
lift-served biking destination, located just 47 miles from the George Washington Bridge in
Northwestern, NJ. Mountain Creek offers Downhill Mountain Biking for riders or all ability levels
with 45 natural and manmade downhill biking trails, more than 60 freestyle terrain features and
1,040 feet of vertical serviced by the high speed Cabriolet open-air gondola. Mountain Creek
Bike Park is proudly supported by: Red Bull, Shimano, SixSixOne/One Industries, GoPro, and GT
Bicycles.
2012 POC Eastern States Cup
Monday, April 2, 2012 at 9:02PM 
Eastern States Cup and POC Sports are proud to announce the 2012 POC Eastern States Cup Downhill Mountain Bike Race Series. The series is the USA Cycling Eastern Regional Championship and five USA Cycling State Championships are being contested within the series. The POC ESC has over $35,000 available in cash prizes to amateurs and pros in 2012.
Reaching new heights during its third season, the POC ESC has grown to 14 races and welcomes three new venues. Returning is the $1000 POC Team Challenge and new this year is the $1000 Loeka Women’s Challenge. The POC ESC’s championship payouts for Cat1 Juniors, Men’s Pro and Women’s Pro Classes have been increased and a finals cash purse for the top three men in Cat1 19-29 has been added. The pro payouts at each race have increased up to $1600 with up to $500 going to the pro winners.
“We are very excited about our partnership with The Eastern States Cup” Said Willie Ford, Director of Marketing, POC USA. “We are honored to be part of such a great series and we’re all looking forward to a great season of racing. It’s going to be fun.”
;)
The Series starts off with two USAC Pro Gravity Tour National Series races. The POC ESC/Pro GRT races each have $5000 purses and are used to qualify racers to the USA World Championship Team. The best national and international racers will be there to compete against the POC ESC regulars. Pros like Aaron Gwinn, current UCI World Cup Champion and Amateurs will compete on the same courses as at the renewed Mountain Creek Bike Park and at Plattekill Mountain on consecutive weekends. The Mountain Creek race will be the inaugural USAC New Jersey DH State Championship. Mountain Creek’s new course will feature the infamous Rock Garden section. Plattekill will showcase a new Pro GRT track on the super steep North Face side of the mountain.
Every POC Eastern States Cup venue offers big mountain racing in a close geographical area. Mountain Creek, Jiminy Peak and Windham are new to the series this season. Jiminy Peak’s race will be USAC’s first Massachusetts State DH Championships on what’s guaranteed to be a really fast course. The Windham Mountain track will be the same one used for the 2012 Windham UCI World Cup. The series will be part of the 11th Annual Pats Peak Mountain Bike Festival in New Hampshire. In addition to downhill, the festival offers XC and 6-12-24 hour endurance racing.
Killington, Mount Snow and Attitash all have two POC ESC races in 2012. Mount Snow offered some great tracks in the series last year and they’re building more this season. Killington is reuniting their Beauty and The Beast races as part of the series. Attitash Mountain features miles of DH trails, tons of attractions and swimming in the Saco River. Plattekill Bike Park will host The Stephen Porraro Memorial Race in August and three holiday races: The Pro GRT Memorial Day weekend, the Floodwaters Classic on Labor Day weekend and the Plattepallooza Festival during the finals on Columbus Day weekend.
;)
The series will again work with VonCooper Racing and Productions to bring the popular POC Video of the week to the racers and the world. VonCooper produced a 2011 POC ESC DVD that will be available at races this summer. Oliver Racing brings its famous Bureau’s Sugarhouse and Maple Kettle Korn 4th place prizing to every class at all POC ESC events. Taking pictures for the series is East Coast action Photographer, Matt Delorme. Matt’s pictures and feature articles have been in many national and international magazines and websites. Delorme will also write up a post race reviews.
The Eastern States Cup provides high-level racing, multiple USAC Championships at great venues. The POC ESC strives to provide fun and professional events. The series format will reduce travel, offer fair pricing and provide a set structure to racers.
2012 POC Eastern States Cup Schedule
- May 20 Mountain Creek, NJ Pro GRT 2x points NJ State Championships
- May 27 Plattekill, NY . Pro GRT 2x points
- June 3 Attitash, NH
- June 10 Pat’s Peak, NH
- June 24 Mount Snow, VT
- July 15 Windham, NY
- July 29 Killington, VT
- Aug 5 Mount Snow, VT
- Aug 12, Plattekill, NY
- Aug 19 Killington, VT VT State Championship Finals
- Sept 2 Plattekill, NY NY Championship Finals
- Sept 16 Attitash, NH NH State Championship Finals
- Sept 23 Jiminy Peak MA MA State Championships
- Oct 7 Plattekill, NY ESC Finals 2x points
