Osprey Transporter

Ok so it's been a little while since I gave you a review on some Osprey gear.

Over the past couple of months I have had the oppurtunity to try some of Ospreys gear, I want to show you this awsome little bag. They come in a couple of different size pack but this travel pack wieghs in at a touch over 800grams, it folds up to about the same size a small football and once open it has a a large center compartment with two smaller end pockets.

So I guess your wondering what sets this little bag aside from all the brands out there? Well not only do you get a well manufactured bag but it comes with it's own shoulder straps that are easily attached by two quck release buckles. Even chockers the bag still feels comfortable on your back.

Once again osprey has created a very practical bag that looks great and is super versitle. Apart from my Talon pack that I ride to work with, I use this bag all the time and carry all my mountain bike gear in it when I am packing up for those little adventures or even to a race. I have noticed more and more shops getting the osprey gear in and in alot of cases it is out doing other leading bags and hydration packs. http://www.ospreypacks.com/ get on and check it out you won't be diappointed.

Later

Silverback is the new kid on the block as fare as bike manufactures go but, there already making an impression on the Australian mountain bike scene. The Segma 29er in Silverbacks range is fast becoming a popular model.

What do you get straight out of the box? German engineered Alloy frame, Reba Sl forks, ZTR wheelset Tubeless ready, XT 10 speed drive train, Silverbacks own brand bars, stem and post. The only real draw back for some people would be the SLX brakes but, when you add it all up you get a race ready bike for $3000. It’s a very competitive bike build and price.

My own bike has been has had afew upgrades, it runs full XTR 2X10 with RavX carbon stem and post and a set of orange Esi grips thrown onand I have a secret weapon on the xc endurance scene.


To the ride: I have never ridden a 29er before this one, so being on big wheels was going to be a massive shock to the system, at least the impression I had. After some tuning around the backyard it was time to hit the trails, I head to Bunya in Brisbane for a bit of testing. Straight into the first bit of single track the Segma felt right at home. I was amazed by how agile the bike handled through every twist and turn. Having bigger wheels the tree rooted sections and rock gardens were almost effortless to tackle. Descending I didn’t feel at a disadvantage being on the Segma 29er and climbing was great, having a bit more rubber on the track definitely helps with traction. I felt well balanced over the bike also.

Last weekend saw me race it for about 14hrs at the Merida 24hr. The bike was comfortable all the way through and it almost felt like cheating on the fire road sections I almost felt bad for the other competitors riding micro wheels [26 inch]. During the race I was asked whether I felt any fatigue from being on the Alloy frame apposed to being on a carbon. To be honest I don’t really know last year saw me racing a full carbon dual suspension this year a 29er hard tail Alloy. I felt I could have ridden it for the entire 24hr and still had smile on my face.

To sum it up: The Segma 29er is a ready to race bike straight out of the box at a competitive price. On the XC scene, this will bike will do it all and I don’t really run into anyone else on the trails that has one either. Rumour has it theres going to be a carbon version out fro 2012.

Can’t wait for it.

Merida 24hr 2011

I was wanting to have a good crack a the Merida 24hr this year and although my race prep was not great I still had high hopes for a good result.

From the start I was riding the 29er, it was a bit of a weapon on the OHV course. The conditions were perfect after having so many wet races or having them called off it was great to get a mostly dry course apart from two boggy spots. I rode well for the first 8ish hrs and was sitting top 5 somewhere. I think from here mentaly I lost mental drive to race through a 24hr, I stopped got off my bike and in my mind that was that. I have never felt like that before and I felt guilty for stopping. I think it's only fare to everyone to let you know that over the past 6month we have moved house twice and the last move was the weekend before the race. I didnt prepare myself well enough for this race.

All that aside I got to see Richard and Al very good friends of mine complete there first ever 24hr, with Al getting a 3rd, well done to you both. It was a different aspect of 24hr racing stepping off the bike and watching everyone roll around the track. In the early hours of the morining I decided to hit the track once again and had a ball, Ay Ups blazing through the trail, I really do enjoy night riding. Then hit the sack for some sleep.

Around 8 sunday morning, I was standing in the coffee line, Kiri turned around to me and said I should get out and get afew more laps in. By the time Kiri had got back to the tent with the coffee I was changed and ready to roll. Kiri said I was still sitting about 10th so my plan was simple, go out and have fun. turned out after horus off my bike my legs wetre feeling great i manged to smash some sub 50 minute laps which dragged me back up into a top 5 position.

Like I not how i want to race a 24hr but some valuable lessons learnt. Where to from here? well while i am still busy getting our life sorted and into a routine i am going to focus on the 8hr coming up, post that i will try and focus on a big race towards the end of the year.

Look forward to seeing you on the track and once again congrats to all the raced the 24hr and acheived there goals.

Thanks to all my sponsors and last and very much not least My support crew, Kiri you did a amazing job of keeping me alive and thanks heaps Mikey for your help and Hamburgers.

later

Merida 24hr photo

Rolling out of transition during the 24hr on the Segma 29er.

5th in open solo.

Report to follow

29er Ay Up Team Issue

Here is a bit of bling for your eyes.

I have never really ridden a 29er before this one and wasn't to sure if i would even like it. That was soon put to bed as soon as i rode it in some single track. to be honest I really couldn't tell the difference between riding this and riding my normal small wheeled version. LOL

My not so secret weapon for the looming 24hr

later