Alan Mandel Surfing in Utah and testing helmets the hard way – It’s hard to argue with getting pumped up for a weekend of riding by watching talented mountain bikers shred trails in beautiful locales. Working with his goggle and helmet sponsor Shred Optics, mountain bike rider Alan Mandel heads out into the deserts of Utah to go big riding steep chutes in this new short movie by filmmaker Tim DaCosta…
“When I drop into any line on my Mountain Bike, The last thing on my mind is if my helmet will protect me. The comfort, style, and level of protection from the SHRED. Brain Box gives me the confidence to go for it and ride how I want to ride without the worry and concern of the safety of my head. That is why after my crash while filming “Surfing in Utah” resulted in me throwing up the rock sign and running back up the hill to do it again. I credit the SHRED. Brain Box for that moment, keeping me safe and allowing me to keep on shredding.” – Alan Mandel
Never forget that together with Alan’s Surfing in Utah inevitably comes the Crashing in Utah. It’s always a bit of excitement & dread when we get a full-face helmet in to test. We try to stick to reviewing fit, comfort, ventilation, and the like – and hope not to test the impact protection itself. ShredOptics.com
Advocacy & Where to ride
- You Can Ride With Us connects underrepresented cyclists with locals – The new all-volunteer initiative You Can Ride With Us aims to bring together local cyclists around the USA (and beyond) to create an inclusive way for female, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented cyclists to ride in areas where they may not feel safe riding solo. There are many beautiful rural places to explore in America, where not every cyclist feels entirely welcome. So hundreds of individual cyclists, families who ride, and cycling organizations have volunteered to be ride partners – so anyone who wants to ride can feel safe. Find out more, sign-up as a safe ride partner, or find someone to ride with over at: YouCanRideWithUs.com
Gear & Deals
- Save 30% off select Swift touring bags – While much of Swift Industries 2020 production has been seriously disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of their carry-over touring bags that are still in stock have been seriously discounted. While supplies last, save 30% off their Jr. Ranger Pannier Set and Ozette V2 Randonneur Bag in select colors. BuiltBySwift.com
- Save 10% off select Brooks pannier bags – Along similar lines, whether looking for a bikepacking adventure or avoiding mass transit by commuting by bike, Brooks is offering a 10% discount off their Norfolk and Suffolk pannier bags. Waterproof, hard-wearing materials & big storage make them a solid choice for outfitting your bike. The discount ends July 31 or when stock runs out. Use code “SPECIALPANNIER10” at checkout to save. BrooksEngland.com
- Save 25% off Roka eyewear & gear TODAY ONLY – Roka’s big summer sale ends today, so use code: “SUMMER25” to knock a quarter of the price off of their regularly-priced, in-stock sunglasses and sportswear. Roka.com
- Get your Pivot Mach 4 SL in Deep Lake Blue – This is just a new special edition color added to the latest Pivot Mach 4 SL, which we reviewed last spring. But it’s hard to argue with such a good-looking bike. The new Deep Lake Blue color is available in all sizes (XS-XL) and all builds now from: PivotCycles.com
- Get your new Commencal Meta AM 29 & Clash with a RockShox Zeb fork – We already just covered the latest Meta AM and Clash that Commencal launched each a couple of weeks back. But while we had to tread softly around the available specs on the 160mm Meta All-Mountain 29er and the bigger 170mm Clash 27.5″ park bikes, now we can share that you can pick either up with RockShox’s all-new long travel single crown ZEB enduro forks. Commencal-Store.com
- Rondo recalls 2020 Mutt front fenders – Rondo bikes has issued a voluntary safety recall for all of their 2020 Rondo Mutt bicycles outfitted with full coverage mudguards. A front fender issue has been identified, which “may cause accidental front wheel stop and possible crash”. If you have one, take the bike (or fender) back to your local dealer to get an updated replacement. Full recall details & procedures at: Rondo.cc
Industry News & Race updates
- Ocoee Bikes shall from now on be known as Obed Bikes – Just a quick update on the next stage in American Bicycle Group’s affordable consumer-direct carbon all-road, gravel & mountain bike brand & rebranding. After recently learning of the injustices of the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Riots, Ocoee Bikes (née Remōt), has found a new name. Rebranding in homage to the scenic Obed River area running through their Tennessee backyard, ABG will start rebranding all future bikes to be sold, and will even offer new decals for free to current Ocoee owners. (for the time being still) OcoeeBikes.com
- Dirty Kancelled 2020 – Much to no-one’s surprise Life Time has decided not just to postpone, but now to cancel the 2020 DK event due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The decision to cancel comes after thorough input from community leaders and reviewing the latest scientific data trends on the Coronavirus pandemic. The DK team at Life Time is still trying to figure out rebranding of the event after realizing the negativity of the event’s Dirty Kanza name, and are looking ahead to bring the even back next year with a promised new name, fresh look and a continued focus on growing the sport in 2021. DirtyKanza.com
