Come see us at the USGP!

We are excited to be present as a shop for this year's US Grand Prix of Cyclocross Derby City Cup! We will have a tent out on the concourse both Saturday and Sunday. We are equally excited that our Rocky Mountain rep, Rob, will be joining us with a few demo bikes for you all to try! All you need to do is bring your helmet, shoes, and pedals! We will have a Solo CXR Team in a 60cm for the tall folks, a Solo CXR in a 54cm, and an Altitude 30 5" travel full susser in a 19".

The Solo CXR lineup is meticulously designed so that when your legs are screaming on a run up or your lungs are burning on the bell lap, the bike is the last thing on your mind. It's snappy, which is a must for my tastes, quite stiff, and feels great in the corners. The geometry allows for easy shouldering - even in smaller sizes. The team bike can be seen this year under the likes of Geoff Kabush and Alison Sydor, as well as local favorites Mitchell Kersting and Mike Kennedy. Both the CXR Team and CXR are drawn from the same custom Rocky Mountain 7005 Super Triple Butted tubing, but the Team bike adds unidirectional carbon seat stays for added comfort on the rougher courses. Both also feature surprisingly stiff, smooth Rocky Mountain designed UD carbon forks; here, the Team frame boasts a full carbon steerer as well! The Team edition comes built with SRAM Rival, and the CXR comes with the workhorse 105 gruppo from Shimano.

The Altitude is one of my favorite bikes currently on the market. It's a 5" bike billed as a marathon XC masterpiece, but it's geometry and suspension allow it to climb so well that it is pretty rock solid in the usual "XC" applications as well. The Altitude features Rocky Mountain's "Straight Up" geometry, which largely refers to the ultra-steep 76 deg. seat angle that makes this bike such a rocket on the climbs. Starting steeper than the common 74 deg. allows the rider to sag into something more like a true 74 deg. seat angle, which is biomechanically optimal for climbing, and it also takes a considerable amount of pressure off the lower back and more "sensitive regions." Combined with the super efficient SmoothLink suspension, which totally eliminates pedal bob, this is a bike that will go up and down and back up all day long. For 2010, it is also available as a 29er, which I had the luxury of riding at Bootleg Canyon out in NV. Of all the bikes I tested, this one was the most fun. It had all the speed of a 29er, but all the tight handling ability of a 26", and the climbing speed of a hardtail. It was plain nutty. Rocky Mountain did a lot of homework on the center of gravity, and designed a bike that feels low, but performs high. It took a moment to get used to the slightly shorter cockpit, but I immediately realized this kept my balance centered and allowed me to climb with a great deal of ease and speed while remaining in the saddle, even when those around me were huffing and puffing and stomping on the cranks. With five full inches of travel, it took the downhills just as well. And as a result, was a whoooole lot of fun to ride.

We'll be on site both Saturday and Sunday, so come by, bring your pedals and helmet, and experience a Rocky Mountain. Once you ride one, you'll know.

Come see us at the USGP!

New Article

Pua is featured in the new Max Muscle Magazine. You can click on the images to see the full size, or check out the magazine for yourself!

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The Wild, Wild West: Our 24Solo Experience

Last weekend was the National 24 hour solo championships in Moab, UT. Neither Aaron nor I had ever made the pilgrimage, and certainly nothing east of the Mississippi could have ever prepared us for what we would find.

After 12 hours of various airport delays and multiple schedule changes, we finally made it to Salt Lake City around 1:00am MST on Friday, Oct. 9, where we cut our losses and parked it for a night. After catching a few hours of sleep, we climbed in our surprisingly spacious and fuel-efficient Ford Edge to make the five hour trek into Moab.

Very shortly after our arrival, we went to work. Aaron took his Garmin Edge 705 out for a lap on the somewhat gnarly course so that we had an exact map for distance purposes. In the mean time, Ron and I headed out on the RZR to practice our routes between feed locations and get a feel for the time in transit. The RZR was amazingly fun; we were bounding off rocks at 45mph, climbing jagged slabs and drifting through sand dunes! It didn't feel so much like work to me! It was actually quite reminiscient of a past rendezvous in the Atlas Mountains.

Once we had our routes planned, we headed back to the trailer to prepare Pua's Infinit Nutrition for the race. Apart from an occasional Solo cup of pasta or a bite of a banana, the Infinit coolers would be her primary fuel for the whole 24 hours. She has two blends that she alternates, one for endurance and one she calls "light" that is more of an XC blend. Between these two, she is able to take in all of the calories, protein, electrolytes, and hydration that she needs to keep going.

My next task was to suit up and head out for a spin with Pua to make sure that both of her bikes were race ready. I have to admit this left me shaking in my lycra. Each of her bikes has at least $6k of DT Swiss on board, and I certainly didn't want to be responsible for a mechanical! I found myself ultra-assessing each situation to ensure that I could absolutely ride it without so much as a dab. Talk about pre-race jitters... and I wasn't even in the race! After our 25 minute spin, we took the bikes back to Aaron, who made a few adjustments and had both bikes singing before too long! I still have DT Swiss 190s in my eyes.

Next stop on the agenda was the pro meet and greet / press conference. It was here that we learned that Chris Eatough would not be starting the race (his last pro race) due to illness, and he was announcing a very, very saddening early retirement. He was incredibly pale and ghastly, and it was hard to tell which was more responsible - the flu or his disappointment. You had to feel for the guy; no one wants to go out like that. Aaron and I definitely enjoyed being a part of that experience to see what it's like on the inside of the media circle. One final trip to the grocer's, and then it was time for a much welcomed appointment with our pillows.

Work started early the next morning with a final errand trip in town before heading out to the venue. Once there, Aaron immediately started with the final inspections on Pua's bike while I headed down to the famed Solo Row to set up our pit. Once we had the tent up, the nutrition table, and the mechanic table in place, it was time to check in on Pua - to make a list of her questions for the rider's meeting as well as what she would need for her warm-up. I've been to a lot of rider's meetings in the past, but I've always been representing myself. It was just cool. Plain and simple.

The race began at noon on Saturday with a 384 rider Le Mans start. Pua was caught up a bit by some slower folks in the run, but still managed to rocket across the course, setting the record for fastest female lap on this course, ever, at 1:10:59. This was a solid enough effort to put her a full seven minutes ahead of the nearest competition. The next few laps were equally exciting! Her legs felt good, and she looked incredibly solid. She was taking in nutrition on schedule, and her lead just kept growing and growing.

Unfortunately, about seven laps in, she started uncharacteristically slowing down. By lap ten, we knew something was wrong. She was beginning to have a lot of pain, much greater than the usual pain that accompanies 24 Solo racing. We knew that if she could just keep turning the cranks, her lead would hold and she would still win. When Ron caught her out on the course for her next feed though, she was barely even able to stay on the bike. Her vision was blurry, and her body couldn't seem to regulate her temperature. She decided to finish the lap, mostly walking, to keep herself in the race. Ron ran down to the finish with some warm jackets to meet her, and after she checked in, he carried her back to the trailer where he did everything he could to get her warm and immediately called their doctor.

It was quite a sad way to end such a stellar performance, but to still come away in 5th place after only riding 18 of 24 hours, and setting the female record lap speaks volumes of Pua's abilities.

In an effort to move onward, after getting a good day's (and night's) sleep Sunday, Ron led us on a ride that began at Hazzard and continued around to Porcupine Rim. I had the luxury of being the only other person to ever ride Pua's A bike... it was a luxury, I promise. Aaron rented a 29er from Moab Cyclery that wasn't quite as luxurious, but it was a rental afterall; apparently they don't stock those with carbon wheels and DT suspension. The altitude at Hazzard definitely got to me, so I only hung on for a few sections before peeling off on a really cool, scenic dirt road. Aaron made it all the way down to Porcupine and found himself riding along an exposed cliff with a 5000ft penalty. Yikes! After four hours of descending, they met us back at the hotel - both of them giddy. They even passed a couple of guys in baggies who looked at their lycra and proclaimed, "Man! Those roadie guys have some skillz!" The riding there was unlike anything we've ever attempted, and I'd imagine that anyone who's ever ridden there comes out with skills that are head and shoulders above where (s)he started.

All-in-all, we're very fortunate to have been a part of this experience, and we are looking forward to working with Ron and Pua again sometime... perhaps in Europe...!

Here is Ron and Pua's (much more succint) account:

"Chris Eatough and Pua were scheduled to defend their National titles but this would not be the case. Chris showed up at the press conference with the flu and had to back out of his final race before retiring. This was a big disappointment for all. Pua was ready to go and we had taken all precautions to try and keep her free from any viruses before the race. She had a perfect start putting about 7 minutes on her closest competitor during lap one. After several hours she had about 30 minutes on the entire field.

As things progressed Pua started to feel that something was wrong, she was still gaining on the chasers but much less per lap. She told her pit crew that her stomach felt bad. Her lead grew to about 45 minutes, but something was wrong; she felt body aches and her vision was shaky. We pressed her to go on but feared for the worse. She lost some of her lead and now it was down to only 30 minutes; she felt so sick that she could not continue, so we urged her to just go to the finish line and pull out of the race.

She did that and we got her the medical attention she needed right away.

After a ton of nasty coughing and other bad stuff we don't need to describe, Pua was stable but the race was over. We got her checked out with our Doc and he made sure she did what she needed to get over the sickness.

We were very disappointed in the outcome of this race but the real topper to all of this was that we were robbed. After we came back from getting Pua checked out our easy up (10X10 tent) that we were loaned by Moab Cyclery was stolen! We had only left for a few hours into town and when we came back it was gone along with our 15 gallon water tank we use to survive when we are out training in the wilderness. We are so disappointed in that someone our Mountain Bike Community could even do this, but now we have to pay the price. Sorry to Moab Cyclery for this situation.

All in all this was a crazy roller coaster of a race and we will never forget all the drama. Thanks to our crew for your great, great support (we love you guys!); without you this would not work.

And also a big, big thanks to our sponsors for so much great support!

Ron & Pua"

The Wild, Wild West: Our 24Solo Experience

It's gonna be a party! Saturday, 7pm

After you swap out all your gear at the Trail Store's LOGJAM on Saturday (11am - 5pm), come over to our party! We are celebrating the first local OVCX race as well as gearing up to head out to Moab and provide race support for Pua Sawicki, as she attempts to set the world record for miles ridden off-road in 24 hours and win the national championship... again!

We'll be showing the film 24Solo as well as providing quality brew and pommes frites! I've also heard rumors of a homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting... As always, we'll have some killer auction/raffle prizes, such as size 39 Lake Custom Moldable Shoes ($500 MSRP), 26" DT Swiss 1450 Race Wheelset ($1064.10 MSRP), Lazer Genesis helmet ($175 MSRP), Ergon BD1-M pack ($150 MSRP) and grips, shop gift cards, and probably a few other goodies...! The fun starts at 7:00pm, and I'll look forward to seeing everyone there!Also, for more chances to win, check out the Pontificate Pua's Pedaling Contest from Team Mata!

It's gonna be a party! Saturday, 7pm

News, news, news! Try out some tubulars!

We're back from Interbike, and we'll have photos up later this weekend! We got to check in on a few of our favorite companies, and test ride some phenomenal bikes out at Bootleg Canyon. We'll post more on the trip later because there is much to show and tell!

For now, let's get to the important stuff:
Tubular wheelsets are now available for rent! 'Cross guru Adam Myerson, who is a member of the UCI cyclocross commission, promoter of the States' oldest UCI 'cross race, coach, and a darn fine racer is notorious for touting that tubulars are critical in 'cross. Earlier this year he told Cyclocross Magazine:

"I would unequivocally recommend a set of box section tubulars over any aero clincher. The performance of tubular tires in 'cross cannot be matched by any clincher. I raced at 20psi in a race yesterday in Belgium. You can't do that on a clincher."

If you're not sure what the hype is all about and just want to try them out, or you are looking for advantage in your goal races, stop in and reserve a pair for your next big race! We have four sets available for the Fisherman's Park OVCX race this coming weekend, Oct. 4th!

Options are all 32h:

1. DT Swiss 340 hubs laced to Mavic Reflex rims with DT Swiss Super Comp spokes, Challenge Fango 32mm tyres (MSRP $750 + labor) - $60/weekend (Friday - Tuesday)

2. Shimano Ultegra hubs laced to Mavic Reflex rims with DT Swiss Revolution spokes, Tufo Primus 32mm tyres (MSRP $650 + labor) - $50/weekend (Friday - Tuesday)

3. Shimano Ultegra hubs laced to Velocity Escape rims with DT Swiss Revolution spokes (front) and DT Swiss Comp spokes (rear), Tufo Cubus 32mm tyres (MSRP $600 + labor) - $50/weekend (Friday - Tuesday)

4. Shimano 105 hubs laced to Velocity Escape rims with DT Swiss Revolution spokes, Vittoria XM Mud tyres (MSRP $550 + labor) - $50/weekend (Friday - Tuesday)

Please let us know if you are interested in renting a set or if you are interested in a custom set of your own - email, call, or stop in! If you decide to purchase the wheels and tyres after rental, 75% of your rental fee(s) will go toward the purchase total.

News, news, news! Try out some tubulars!

Bob's Red Mill / Rocky Mountain Sweeps Podium at Heath 'Cross!

The 2009 season got off to a great start for newly formed cyclocross team Bob’s Red Mill/Rocky Mountain as they filled the Heath Cross elite podium. The race took place east of Columbus, Ohio on a fast, grass course featuring multiple gravel sections and just enough elevation change.
The finishing order was determined quickly. In the first minutes of the race Mitchell Kersting moved off the front of the field through a sweeping right hand turn and never looked back. Mike Kennedy soon followed as the course turned off a gravel section and into a gradual climb. Third place finisher Chris Nevitt moved away from what was left of the field in an off camber section near the end of the first lap.

Mitchell Kersting is expected by many to be a contender for the OVCX overall title. He expressed his pleasure at the way the 2009 season is taking shape, “Things have come together nicely with the team. This is my first race on the Rocky Mountain and it felt really good. Mountain Bike Depot has made sure we have everything we need and Bob’s Red Mill is keeping us fueled for competition. We’ve got a good set up; that helps a lot.”

Bob’s Red Mill/Rocky Mountain will be racing the Kings CX weekend September 19th and 20th. Sunday is OVCX number one. “The OVCX is going to be very competitive this year. We know it’s going to be a big challenge and we’re looking forward to that,” offered Chris Nevitt.

Mountain Bike Depot & 'Cross Supply is very proud to be a part of this program! All of the team's sponsors are very excited to see the results for next weekend's OVCX opener!

Bob's Red Mill / Rocky Mountain Sweeps Podium at Heath 'Cross!

Come one, Come All Cross Supplies Here!

Hey folks,
I know everyone is thinking about 'cross season, starting to get everything in order, and we're here to help. We've been doing our stocking up throughout the year to bring a steady supply of 'cross specific goodies. One of our favourite parts of the new season has been the Paul's Chain Keeper. Its a bulletproof way to run a single ring on your 'cross bike (or mtb), thats much more elegant than a bashguard and inside watcher. We have them instock for all three sizes.


Another cool new item is a brakeset from FSA. Its a superlight brake set that competes with the lightest, but at nearly half the price. They have a nice dark polished finish, and come complete with road-style carriers, and are fully adjustable. I would much rather have the adjustability than the bling, but these have a little of both.

Tyres are another item that folks seem to be scrambling for, and once again we are the place with the best selection of 'cross tyres around. We have clinchers from Challenge, Kenda, Michelin, Maxxis and Stan's; and a plethora of tubulars from Challenge, Vittoria, and Tufo.

The Kenda Kommando in a 35mm for a great all around use tyre that really has a great amount of grip for its reserved tread. The Small Block Eight is a suberb tyre in the dry, but has pretty limited grip when moisture sets in.


The Challenge Grifo, Fango, and Grifo XS are all great tyres, and use exactly the same construction as their tubular counterparts, but instead of being sewn up, they fold a kevlar bead into each side. That ensures the highest quality clincher that you can get a hold of. They are great as a training or race tyre, but seem to have the highest value to folks who race on any of the tubular versions as their training tyre.

Now for the fun stuff.....Tubulars! Anyone that knows me, knows that I swear up and down the merits of tubular tyres. Its the only way to race cross, and the benefits are numerous. I could write for years about all of their benefits, but you just have to ride to understand.

Challenge offers three tread designs that I talked about above, with the Grifo being the popular choice. It is a near 30 year old tread design that originated with Clement. Used for years, copied for years, its a stand by.

The Fango is my current favourite tubular though. It is going into its second year of life, and I was one of the first adopters of it. To me it is the ideal tyre for most of the season here. It has super aggresive side knobs, yet a very fast rolling centre tread. I've used them in a 34, and love the grip and ride.

The Grifo XS is the tyre for the dedicated crosser. Nothing rolls as fast, and nothing will surprise you as much as the Grifo XS. It has an enormous amount of grip for a semi-slick, and has proven rideable in conditions varying from concrete hard dirt to tacky mud and snow. We've got a few sizes of these in, but I recommend the 34's for the maximum float and best handling.

Vittoria also jumped back into the fray this year with their new and revised line up of tyres. Their standby tyre the Cross XG continues this year, but they also offer a 290 tpi version for a bit more supple ride. I'll focus on the new tyre, the Cross XM. Its a full-on rip-roaring mud tyre that has big scoops to get traction in the nastiest of conditions.

We have good stock on these tyres, especially tubular tyres, so count on us for your tubular tyre needs. We are also the only place in town that has Aquaseal instock, as well as all the tricks for keeping your tubies happy for years to come.

I'll follow up soon with custom tubular wheelsets as well tomorrow!

Come one, Come All Cross Supplies Here!