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I met Obtanium Performance Products earlier this year at the Sea Otter Classic.  Since then I have been in contact with them.  Based out of Bellevue, WA, Obtanium has developed an aerospace grade titanium spring.   They have long been making springs for the aerospace industry and has now have moved into the bike industry.

They offer springs for a variety of shocks brands such as Fox DHX, Marzocchi, Cane Creek, just to name a few.  They use a standard sized spring so it is compatible with most shocks in the market.  You may need a Performance Adapter (available through Obtainium) for a proper fit. 

Description from their website:

Since the Obtainium Ti spring has a 1.5 inch (38.1mm) inner diameter (I.D) the Performance Adapter will allow the spring to fit a smaller I.D. For example the Fox or Marzocchi shock has a 1.370 inch I.D. By using the Performance Adapter our 1.5 inch I.D. will fit properly without unwanted movement. Also since titanium springs use fewer coils they can be shorter and still have the needed travel.

Obtanium recently sent me a Ti spring for my SOCOM DH bike.  My shock size is 9.5 x 3.00”.  Spring received is a 400 x 300. 

Check back in 2009 as my Team and I will be racing at various DH races.  This unit will get more than its fair share of testing.

If you are looking for a lightweight option for your coiled shocks, visit Obtanium at www.obtainiumperformanceproducts.com. 

MSRP is $285.00

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At Sea Otter I met the folks from Motor Tabs.  While at their booth, they gave me a few samples of their energy tabs.  Below is a description of fluid replacement energy tablets:

§       Effervescent sports drink tablets
§       Optimal levels of sodium and potassium 
§       Multiple carbohydrate blend
§       Dissolves completely in water
§       No Aspartame, Sucralose, acesulfame potassium or high fructose corn syrup

I recently tried the Motor Tabs during the SC Velo XC Challenge in October.  Pleased with the results and the flavor, I contacted Motor Tabs and they provided additional samples.

Since receiving then, I’ve been using Motor Tabs regularly on my rides.  I have to admit that I do feel like I have more energy.  I don’t tire out as fast as I normally do.  I gauge this through the trails that I frequent.  After reaching a certain point my energy level usually drops.  Since drinking Motor Tabs pre/during my rides, I’ve been able to maintain a higher level of energy thus not tiring (where I normally would) and able to pedal through. 

Another example – I recently rode a fairly long trail, close to 20 miles.  Majority of the ride was climbing therefore at the end of the day I was pretty beat.  The next day I rode again, this time on my single speed bike.  Legs still tired from the previous day, I drank one 20 oz water bottle with Motor Tabs – prior and during my ride.  Results – I zipped through the trail as if I didn’t ride the day before.

Motor Tabs comes in four flavors:

§       Fruit Punch
§    Lemon-Lime
§       Orange
§       Grape

Instructions for use:

Use one Motor Tabs tablet for each 20fl oz. of water.  Remove tablet from wrapper and place tablet in water.  Leave the top open until the tablet has completely dissolved.  The effervescent ingredients will dissolve the tablet thoroughly in approximately four minutes so there is no need to shake the bottle. Individual fluid intake requirements will vary.  **Room temperature water.

The last part of the instruction I didn’t see initially.  On one of our hot days last month, I went for a ride and filled both of water bottles with ice and water.  On the way to the trail I dropped the tablets into the water bottle.  Fifteen minutes later, arriving at the trailhead, I noticed that the Motor Tabs have not dissolved completely… now I know. 

Thus far Motor Tabs has worked for me and can work for you.  Give it it a try.  For more information you can visit their site at www.motortabs.com.  I’ll continue to use Motor Tabs in 2009 so check back for a follow-up review.

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Back at Sea Otter 2008 our good buddy Steve Richey from Promologic gave Moe the first ever ride on the Pronghorn PR6.

Pronghorn PR6 on the Sea Otter Demo Track

Moe enjoyed the short ride immensely and it seems, so did Bike Magic which had many praises for the Pronghorn. They have a more extensive review of the “quirky” looking Pronghorn. Here is just a bit of what they had to say:

Most bikes present some sort of first impression when you get on them. The PR6 goes with “fast”. Although the cockpit didn’t arrive with a particularly extreme setup, it’s still quite a forward-set position. It works a treat, though, and the frame isn’t so long that you can’t readily get your weight back should you need to.

Although the Pronghorn as tested wasn’t crazy-light, it still fair flew up hills. That’s thanks to the efficient riding position, taut suspension feel and fast-rolling tyres. It’s one of those bikes that manages to make you wish for flat bars and bar ends so you can get even more power down, and they’re a fairly rare breed. Tempting though the easy-access lockout lever is, we didn’t feel the need to reach for it.

Click here for the review by Bike Magic.

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That’s right folks, the videos we shot and edited made it to the Sea Otter Classic Home Page….AGAIN! This is the second time they’ve used our videos to showcase what you can see at the event.

The videos were a collaboration between the work of myself(footage/editing), Jeremy (photos) and Moe(videos), in other words it was a team effort. The videos they featured were of Ryan Leech’s show and the SRAM Dual Stunt Show. You can check out SeaOtterClassic.com or watch them below to relive the experience.

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Greg “H-Ball�? Herbold of SRAM took a few minutes of his precious time to share with us how Avid’s new brake, the Elixir, works.

Moe videoing Elixir

Elixir is sleeker than the Juicys

A cutout of the Elixir to demonstrate the action inside the reservoir

Popularity: 11% [?]

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