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Inverted MTB forks

RockShox RS-1 - http://www.pinkbike.com/news/rockshox-rs-1-review.html     

X-Fusion REVEL - http://enduro-mtb.com/en/test-report-the-classy-x-fusion-revel-hlr-in-short-test/

The inverted fork.. So both X-Fusion & Rockshox have now released  their versions of the inverted MTB fork, with the benefits of: increased stiffness, better tracking and constantly lubricated stanchions and reduced static friction, all in a single crown design. While some inverted forks have had problems with lateral stiffness, Rockshox has overcome this by completely re-designing a new hub making use of oversized bearings and axle for a more rigid design, with X-Fusion using their patented Gold-E-Lock system and 20mm axle. 

On the one hand it is exciting to see suspension companies looking at alternative ways of doing things, but on the other hand we have the lefty fork. First brought to market in 2000, Cannondale have just about perfected the inverted fork. While the Lefty is a dual crown fork ( crowns at the top and bottom of the headtube ) it is still the lightest and stiffest fork on the market today while being an inverted fork and about 2/3 of the price of the above forks (including hubs).

With such a great inverted fork on the market, it seems Rockshox and X-Fusions attempts seem to be of the "lets see if we can do it" variety, which seems to me a costly exercise for both the company and the consumer, considering the reviews of these forks were not outstanding even through their price is. If we are to see both these companies move the product lines in this direction due to the known benefits of fork inversion then i am all for it, if not, then i feel we have just witnessed a design exercise rather than exciting leap forward for mountain biking.

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Some interesting technical packs from evoc from the 2015 core bike show

The STAGE 12L - Has adjustable shoulder straps that allow adaptability with riders wearing MTB specific protective gear.

The TRAIL BUILDER - A pack for those who love to get remote with their trail building. Can accommodate 3L drinking systems and has  chainsaw and axe carrying attachments! 

While the discipline of Enduro in MTBing has certainly been elevated to lofty heights in the past few years, there is no doubt that this has fuelled a renewed interest in mountain biking as a whole and as such we are seeing a big step forward in mountain bike design and discipline specific gear like the evoc backpacks above. This can only be good for the mountain biking community.

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Want a fully carbon MTB? All you need is a 3D printer, says bike builder Adrian Smith.

As a nerdy Industrial Designer and an avid mountain biker this is the coolest video and idea i have seen in 2015! A new level of DIY design. Hats off to you Mr Smith

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After a little winter Olympics research to find out how Australia was going, i came across some interesting design related news.

The “snow camouflage” pattern on the US’s free skiing teams uniform designed by Columbia, an outerwear company, was actually designed to disguise motion, a key element in the judging criteria in the mogul event. Interesting concept, let's hope for Australia that this isn’t the case! 

Columbia also is looking to use the Olympics to showcase and test the latest products for the winter sports market. 

“We wanted to build the best product we’ve ever built…we’re using this really as a product design and development opportunity. Some of these skiers are the coolest kids on the mountain; to get their feedback is priceless.”

These jackets also have a small yellow star stitched inside them made from the same fabric that was used in gear that went to the top of Everest in the 1963 American expedition. 

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Having spent hours at the bottom of cliffs, i completely understand the market for such a product. As an industrial designer its hard not to love CU's laser cut stainless steel, colour customizable belay glasses that solves a specific problem.

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An interesting concept that gives the consumer almost total control over their garment. While i agree this is an interesting way for "Wild Things" to differ themselves from competitors, the mixed reviews as to the quality of the garments to me render this idea unsuccessful. While this idea may work for guides and other outdoor professionals who know their specific needs and have a working knowledge of the fabrics they are choosing, the average consumer might be unaware of these and inadvertently choose the wrong combination and thus the mixed reviews.

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“Something I have learned in my climbing years is that time management is really important, but the most important thing is fun. It’s not worth training hard for a good result in a competition or to climb a hard route, if on the other hand you lose the fun which climbing should be. It doesn’t matter if you have climbed the route or you’ve won the competition. When you feel like chilling or doing something totally different, just do it. Sooner or later you will find your way back to climbing because it’s simply the best sport on earth.”

Well said Alex

A DMM climbing team member, Alex Megos just recently climbed Spain's Estado Critico , a climb that is widely accepted as the world’s first 9a onsight. Congratulations Alex! Did i mention that he is just 19 years old.

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Many a tour and commuting hours have been spent on my Imperial B17 BROOKS saddle. A saddle that i have come to love not only because of its old world aesthetic but the fact i have yet to find a more comfortable saddle out there.

So when i came across a press release on the BROOKS website asking for people to test their new saddle, i gladly put my hand up.

A vegan saddle from BROOKS is a very fascinating prospect considering that they are known for their leather saddles. It would be interesting to know the market research behind this new product. Offering 100 test saddles out to people around the world is a great way to engage new customers to BROOKS that were previously unaware of their brand or that are new to cycling.

http://www.brooksengland.com/cambium/

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Sarah Drummond, Co-founder and Director of Service Design Social Innovation outfit Snook, discusses the mindset shifts needed to move towards a design-led approach to social innovation.

Hard not to be inspired by such passion

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http://www.pinkbike.com/news/SRAM-Development-training-center-Tour-2012.html

A behind the scenes tour of SRAM's German product development and testing facility, the birthplace of the eleven speed XX1 drivetrain.

An interesting photo in the article shows a series of working test rigs followed by the final production model.

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http://climbing.ilooove.it/

I Love Climbing website.

Amazing source of not only inspirational climbing photography from around the world but also an explore option that links all the locations in the photos to Google maps. So you can track down that elusive crag

All photos are submitted by members and users of the website.  It's great to see social media linking communities around the world.

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So i test rode the Salsa Vaya yesterday (size 55, 700c wheels).

700c wheels certainly offer a sprightlier ride than my 26"beast. There was a notable difference in rolling speed down hills and on the flats

While the 55 was one size to big for me, the shortened top tube compressed the cockpit a lot more than i am used to. This made for a more relaxed riding position with less weight on my arms and hands.

Disc brakes with drop bars GENIUS

With all the braze ons a cycle tourist could want, the Salsa Vaya was certainly a contender for my new frame. Unfortunately the Vaya only comes with 26" wheels in their smallest sized frames (52 & under.) This for me is a deal breaker..I was test riding in the hope that i would fit a 52, but alas.  I love the ride of the 700 wheels, but after difficulty trying to source 700c wheel parts in regional Australia, what hope would there be in more remote parts of the globe? So its 26" for now.

An excellent bike that really lives up to its hype as a do anything bike 

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Probably one the best product promos to ever be released

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At 165 grams, the Petzl SIROCCO helmet has become the new standard for lightweight rock climbing and mountaineering gear.

Made from expanded polypropylene (EPP), a type of plastic foam with excellent energy absorption and high strength properties. The SIROCCO's monobloc construction (molded in a single piece) has excellent air flow and a chin strap fastening clip employing magnets for single handed opening & closing. 

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http://www.outdoorresearch.com/blog/gear-geek/unique-demands-of-sidecountry-backcountry-skiing-influence-apparel-design

A great article by Outdoor Research on their blog about the emerging trend of sidecountry in snowsports and the key features they have identified, to create better products for the changing needs of snowboarders and skiers.

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And remember...Always say YES to snowboarding and good times folks!

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Another great example of service design by the folks @ Outdoor Research.

This image was a survey they posted on their facebook page asking which design people like more. What a fantastic way to engage customers with the design process, ultimately giving them a level of ownership over the up and coming product