Empire MX-6

So, the MX-6. This is the next generation product using the DNA of the AP-1: high single pivot point, needle roller bearings, use of precision castings and CNC machined components, and aggressive geometry. The MX-6 is an all-day-warrior, going up hill and down dale with ease. The MX-6 is the younger brother of the AP-1: the modified geometry and component construction produces a bike that offers killer all-day, all-mountain performance. The MX-6 is tough enough to be thrashed downhill but can allow a rider to sprint uphill without excess weight. In this sense, it is an enduro product that can be raced all day. Of course, the MX-6 is designed, tested and manufactured in the UK.

FEATURES OF THE MX-6

Construction

The MX-6 frame uses the same precision sand cast seat tower as the AP-1, because it is has proven to be invincible and timeless. The main frame and swing arm are of a different construction to the AP-1. The swing arm is machined from solid 6082T6 billet aluminium that starts life as a 40kg block. After many machining hours, the finished component emerges weighing just 1kg and has more in common with an aircraft component than your average mountain bike. This is, as far as we are aware, the only fully-machined swing arm in production anywhere in the world. This is a costly process but produces a unique component that has repeatable strength and performance characteristics. The headstock and back bone are also machined from solid billet aluminium. The aluminium box-section links the back bone and headstock together with minimal welding (four hand-welded TIG fillets). The frame components are blasted with aluminium oxide/glass beads and then anodised for a tough, durable finish.

Headstock

The headstock is the current tapered standard type: 55.9mm diameter bottom cup with a 43.95mm top cup. This allows the stiffest single crown forks in the market to be fitted. We have designed it to use flush fit headsets so that the most options are available for alterations to geometry with external headset configurations.

Shock Absorber Mounts

The lower shock absorber mounts are not welded to the swing arm. Instead, they are bolted on to allow for different geometry arrangements. For example, mounts with a rearward offset will produce a slacker fork angle more suited to downhill riding. The same MX-6 rider may later select an alternative mount for a cross-country route, simply bolting this in position. Additional mounts will soon be available via the ‘Spare Parts’ link.

Rear Wheel Mounts

The MX-6 is equipped to fit 135mm or 142mm rear hubs with a 12mm Maxel. This means you can take a standard wheel from any mountain bike that has a 12mm axle and fit it straight to the bike. This is perfect for upgrading to a frame purchase and offers further options for MX-6 users.

Bearings

The MX-6 utilises full-compliment needle-roller bearings, manufactured by INA. These bearings are the best available for the pivot because they are designed to take high loads in a reciprocating motion. The MX-6 swing arm rotates through 25 degrees in its action. The force from this movement is spread across all of the needles within the bearings resulting in precise, reliable service throughout their considerable life.

High Single Pivot

A high single pivot was selected for several reasons. It will yield a rearward wheel action for the first half of the suspension channel resulting in excellent high speed compression damping. Secondly, the position of the pivot results in a linear rising rate of the geometry (so it does not clash with the shock absorber tuning). Thirdly, the widest possible positioning of the bearings is obtained for a super stiff pivot arrangement. Finally, the rearward axel path of the rear wheel matches the rearward axel path of the front wheel thus maintaining the wheelbase dimensions. This results in increased stability.

1:2.7 Ratio Rising Rate

The geometry of the swing arm was specifically designed around a 1:2.7 ratio so that the rear shock absorbers can be optimally tuned.

ISCG 05 Mounts

The MX-6 is equipped with international standard chain guide 05 mounts allowing the user to fit their own choice of chain guide.

Empire Cycles MX-6

2013 Sea Otter Classic Registration Is Open

2012 POC Eastern States Cup Last Chance For Glory Enduro

The POC Eastern States Cup, POC Sports and E-Thirteen are excited to present the First Annual “Last Chance For Glory” POC Downhill Enduro Race at Plattekill Bike Park on November 10-11, 2012. This event is a great way to end the mountain bike race and riding seasons. It’s the “Last Chance” for racers and riders to get together for a unique and fun race weekend in 2012. Plattekill Bike Park is one of last DH MTB resorts still in open this year. Last season Plattekill Bike Park was operating into December, this year the resort will keep operating as long as weather permits.
 
The POC Eastern States Cup and Plattekill have partnered to offer a unique racing format that is sure to please racers and garner the attention of the MTB racing industry. The plan for this USA Cycling inscribed race is 2 timed runs on Saturday and 2 timed runs on Sunday, total fastest time wins. One-day entries will be available for time only. Annual or One Race USAC Licenses will let you race any class including the Pro/Open Class. The Pro/Open classes will split up to $1600 in cash and the amateurs will vie for high-end sponsor prizes. The Pro/Open format encourages the fast Cat1 racers to compete with the pros for the cash awards. POC is offering a $100 cash bounty to the fastest non-USAC pro in the Pro/Open class.
 
The unique format will keep racers busy all weekend while testing their DH skills and endurance. Total race time will approach 30 minutes. Unlike traditional enduro races the riders will use the ski lift for every race segment. Starts will have short intervals and passing will be part of the fun. The tracks will be long, fast and fun with some Plattekill steepness mixed in. They have been selected for their fun, length and equality between DH and AM bike designs. There will be a pedal section and a short uphill on both tracks to challenge racers. Total uphill is less than 2% and those sections are right after long fast downhill sections. Carry enough speed and pedaling will be an option. The Saturday and Sunday tracks will feature different unique finishes that will test the racers and provide a fun time for spectators.
 
POC is a Swedish company, built on a strong mission; to do everything we can to possibly save lives and to reduce consequences of accidents, for gravity sports athletes, by developing and renewing what personal protection is all about. POC has been a big supporter of the ESC and Mountain Bike racing.
 
The Hive is committed to improving cyclists experience through the relentless application of engineering and design principles. In 2010 The Hive merged with chain retention manufacturer e*thirteen. Together, they are building on a shared philosophy of strong engineering principles and quality manufacturing to deliver great bicycling components to customers.
 
Race Awards

Men Pro / Open      $300 – $200 – $150 – $100 - $50* POC Fastest “Non-USAC Pro/Class” $100
Women Pro / Open $300 – $200 – $150 – $100 - $50*
*If less than 10/class cash amounts will be ½ the above.
Amateur will receive prizes from POC and E-13 for the top 3 every class!!
 
Race Classes

• Men Pro / Open  (Pros and Fast Cat1/2/3 and Day Licenses)
• Women Pro
• Women Amateur / Open
• Under 18 Amateur / Open
• 19-29 Amateur / Open
• 30-39 Amateur / Open
• 40-49 Amateur / Open
• 50+    Amateur / Open
• USAC Licenses are required – Day Licenses are available onsite.

 
Race Fee’s:

• $65 Amateur Two Day
• $75 Pro/Open Two Day       
• $45 One Day for Time Only
• All Race Fees Include Lift Tickets!!!

 
Schedule:

• Saturday: Registration: 8-11  Race Starts - 12 noon and 2pm
• Sunday:    Registration 8-10  Race Starts – 11am and 1pm

 
For more information, please visit: http://www.easternstatescup.com/gravity-enduro/

The New Limited Edition Steve Peat LG1+ Downhill Guide

Petaluma, California, October 29 , 2012 – The New Limited Edition Steve Peat LG1+ Downhill Guide is in stock in shops and distributor warehouses worldwide right now. The guide has specific Steve Peat collaborative graphics and production has been limited to a numbered lot of 350 pieces for 2012-2013.

Included in the 350 units are (5) guides that Steve Peat himself signed at his 20th World Championship Race in Leogang, Austria. These have been randomly mixed in with normal shipments everywhere in the world.

The New Limited Edition Steve Peat LG1+ Downhill Guide has been priced at a suggested MSRP of $164.95USD, and is currently available. Contact your local shop or distributor to get one for yourself! 

E*thirteen and the Hive design and manufacture class-leading wheels, pedals, cranksets, chainrings, bottom brackets, drivetrain protection, and chain retention products for discerning cyclists worldwide. 

Neko Mulally To Race In Mexico And Indonesia Next Month

While the official race season may have come to a close, Neko Mulally (USA) will still be keeping busy with two major events in very different parts of the world.

The first event will be next week in Taxco, Mexico. The Downhill Taxco, November 2 and 3, is a street course that meanders through the village, even passing through two houses, and is billed as the most spectacular race in Mexico. The organizers have personally invited Neko and put up more than $10,000 in prize money.

Shortly after his return from Mexico, Neko will be boarding a flight heading west to Asia, visiting the country of I ndonesia for the first time, where he'll be hosted by the local Trek distributor. The Asia Pacific Downhill Challenge Cup has been happening for a few years now and has attracted the likes of Sam Hill (AUS) and Troy Brosnan (AUS) in the past, and this year Gee Atherton (GBR). With $10,000 prize money being awarded across the first 5 placed men, it's another off-season race that rewards the top riders who make the long trip.

Neko says: "I'm very excited for the weeks to come as I will have the chance to travel to new places and participate in some really cool events. The urban race in Mexico is something totally new to me and I'm really looking forward to finally racing one of these legendary street races held in Latin America. Following that, I can't wait to go to Indonesia and getting to see that part of the world. It seems to be a really legit downhill track with some top competitors attending and a lot of media coverage; the perfect time to put down a solid result. It's the off-season now and my training has not been as specific as it is closer to the race season, but I've been riding my bike a whole lot the past month and really feel like I will be strong for these races."

Results will be posted on Trek World Racing's website shortly after each event. www.trekworldracing.com