CHUMBA VF2 Ride Stoke on the French Alps ..

Our friends in France, Lois from Draille Bike sent us these amazing photos in the French Alps aboard the VF2 trail bike.

Tips for Healthy Riding As We Age

This is an opinion piece and not necessarily reflective of the views of CHUMBA Racing.

So I received my MRI results back for my spine, and on my C2-3 there is a 2mm disc bulge; and on my C5-6 a 2mm disc protrusion caused by an "annular tear."  I have been experiencing a lot of pain recently after someone ran a red light and hit the front fender of my car; and finally was able to verify the causes.

So, for someone who loves riding bikes, what does this mean moving forward?  Now, I'd like to preface that I am not a medical professional, and these are purely my own thoughts based on common sense and my experiences; anyone who is actually injured should seek consultation from a medical professional.

There are a few things that I would suggest to anyone, whether a beginner or experienced, and I'm sure many of you already know most of this, but just in case:

1. Always know your trails.  If this is your first time on a trail and with a new group; if you feel a certain area is sketchy, walk it first, then choose your best line and go.

2. Wear soft shell pads.  661 or TLD knee/shin/ and elbow guards can save you a lot of skin and joint damage in the long run; for a minimal weight and convenience penalty.

3. Nothing wrong with walking.  Just because you are on a 6" bike; doesn't mean you need to huck or jump everything you see.  Too many of us have families to support, jobs to handle, and have responsibilities that extend far beyond the trails.  Just because all of your buddies are catching air on big bikes, doesn't mean you have to.  But, if you insist, there are plenty of good camps out there where you can meet a qualified instructor who can help you.  Here's a link to a great one: http://www.bikeskills.com/blog/  I'm personal friends with some of the guys; and they're a great bunch to learn from.

4. Always make sure you are on the right equipment.  Last December, a buddy of mine took his 4" XC bike that was set up extremely firm with an upright position and followed me down some nasty trails.  He took a spill and ended up falling face first ending up with 12 stitches.  Moral of the story?  Bigger bikes are safer when in doubt; and always make sure to do the research first on what trail you are riding, the level of difficulty, and if you are unsure, walk parts of it first to get a feel for it as mentioned in Point #1.  Ultimately, as well-meaning as companions might be, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.

 Take your longer travel 5-6" bikes on unfamiliar trails for increased safety


Well, thanks for listening, and if you've read this far I guess the article was mildly interesting.  If you have anything to add, shoot me an e-mail at alan@chumbaracing.com.

Happy trails,

A.

Eccentric Bottom Bracket Instructions - 29er Hardtail HX2

Hello everyone,

Forgive me if this article seems like I'm stating the obvious; but we really have had more than a few inquiries on our eccentric bottom bracket (EBB).

First, the EBB should slide in and out of the bottom bracket shell freely.  It is recommended to put a small amount of grease on it; just so it doesn't get lodged in the shell after mud and debris accumulate and harden over a period of time.

Second, the EBB mounts into the shell by means of an allen bolt and 2 clamping pieces that slide horizontally.  As the clamping pieces move towards the center, they will be elevated causing the EBB's diameter to effectively increase and lodge into the shell.

You can see in this picture the 2 clamping pieces are perfectly horizontal.

As you screw the bolt in, you can see the pieces slide horizontally elevating along the grove increasing the diameter of the EBB.

So, that's really all there is to it, just tighten the bolt, and loosen it, with a 5mm allen wrench, and use a little grease before you get your frame so you don't have lodging problems later down the road.

HX2 29er Hardtail Promotion - Summer Sale!

We only have a few remaining HX2 frames left.  We can help you build one up or you can just get the frame.  We only have small and large left; but several colors to choose from.  Inquire at sales@chumbaracing.com or contact your dealer or distributor, and they will make sure you get hooked up!

Progressive Bikes UK CCDB Promotion

Check it out on Bike Rumor! Our UK Distributor, Progressive Bikes has a great write up on Bike Rumor, with a good explanation of how the frame and shock works together; along with a nice promotional package!

http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/07/13/chumba-racing-uk-cane-creek-double-barrel-promotion/

2010 VF2 Complete Bike Information!

2010 Updated VF2 Complete Bike Information Here!

You may also e-mail info@chumbaracing.com or call 714-986-9100 from 10am to 5pm M-F Pacific to discuss substitutions and custom builds.  Look forward to hearing from you!

Anodized Gold Rear End for XCL

Custom-color combination from customer.  Anodized gold with black front triangle.

RCS and IMBA Trail-access Fund Raiser July 23-25

Vancouver Island, BC - Renegade Cycle Solutions (RCS)  is committed wholeheartedly to the philosophy that everybody who rides off-road should support IMBA, either by donation or trail maintenance or both.

We recently made the commitment to offer any IMBA Canada member 10% off any product we distribute. Now we are going one step further. July 23-25 is the East Coast Open DH Race at Blue Mountain Resort (Ontario) promoted by Sirbikealot Racing. At this first-of-its-kind historic race we will raffle off a brand new Chumba Racing F5 frame outfitted with an X-Fusion Vector HLR shock, (MSRP $2600 CDN). Tickets are just $5 each or 3 for $10 with all proceeds going directly to IMBA Canada.

RCS and Chumba both support grassroots racing, so get off your couch and hit the slopes. While you are there, why not buy a few tickets, pickup a new ride and help a cause close to every rider's heart.
Check out bluemountain.ca, sirbikealotracing.com, and r-c-s.ca.

Brian Kuhn
Renegade Cycle Solutionsbrian@r-c-s.ca
www.r-c-s.ca
(250) 483-6677

All-mountain HX2

Here's a HX2 built up in Italy with some AM parts.  Notice the pictures of the massive tire clearance of the CHUMBA, and the attention to design with the one-piece CNC machined oversized seatstay yoke.

1st Pic: CHUMBA Tire Clearance
2nd Pic: Standard Tire Clearance