Mags can't get things right.

Just flipped through the latest issue of Australian MTB and they have a 3 way test of the Blur, Spider and Truth. I didn't fully read the article but i noted that they had set up the Spider with a Psylo and the Blur with a Maverick fork. Maybe it wasn't the magazines choice but I know that both these forks would, in their long travel setting, void the warranty on each bike. Notwithstanding that they would throw out the bikes geometry. (I think max on the Blur is 108 and max on the Spider is 100).

I know i should probably get over it but its a pretty fundamental mistake.

Anyways, I decided not to by the mag.

Mags can't get things right.

Just flipped through the latest issue of Australian MTB and they have a 3 way test of the Blur, Spider and Truth. I didn't fully read the article but i noted that they had set up the Spider with a Psylo and the Blur with a Maverick fork. Maybe it wasn't the magazines choice but I know that both these forks would, in their long travel setting, void the warranty on each bike. Notwithstanding that they would throw out the bikes geometry. (I think max on the Blur is 108 and max on the Spider is 100).

I know i should probably get over it but its a pretty fundamental mistake.

Anyways, I decided not to by the mag.


...is an annoyingly futile read. They used to try and clone the British Mags, even down to using UK slang like 'well sorted', 'having a laff' and 'give it some welly' (probably more) but now they are just generally adrift. Reviewing 'new' products that everyone else has known about for months, or more usually, is already riding.

Their cover pages are indistinguishable from one issue to the next. Usually a shot of a some lame ass Red-Bullish type gravity exploit. Seen it done, bored. 8 year olds in Motocross races do exactly the same things only without the ute ride to the top of the mountain.

This rag really needs a personality transplant. Say what you want about the US mags Mountain Bike and Bike, at least they had some character. It was so funny when RS pulled their ads from MB after they rubbished the Sid Carbon, saying it was flexy, fouled up easily and just generally piss poor. It may have even cracked. In an aussie mag, you'd scan down to a heading entitled "The Ride" and read something like "...the fork soaked up the bumps effortlessly, providing a plush ride on long downhills whilest still tracking predictably whenever the trail pointed skyward...". Yawn, if we promise not to be objective will you still send us some new products? What shite.

Bike always had (maybe still do) excellently themed issues. I remember one of them was The Dark issue, with an almost totally black cover. MB copied them. It was all about night riding riding, illegal trail use, atmospheric photos and articles and bikes that evoked emotion, like the Spooky Darkside. Man, I lusted after that bike. Still do.

AND another thing..! Would it kill AMB to do an article on Sid Taberlay? Ok, more than once then!! Whenever you read a race report, it's always "Paul Rowney said something offensive and funny, Trent Lowe said something kookey, the women raced, Matheson won, Rowney is funny, conditions are dusty, dedicated fans braved elements, Rowney is cool, Men took the start line, Rowney is in to 5th place, Chris leads, Trent chases, they battled it out, epic struggle, true grit, eyes on podium, olympic berths, Sid won"
Sure the guy is relatively quiet, but he's a two time national champ. Nothing against those other chaps, but balance the exposure forchrissakes.

Sigh. Can you tell it's raining where I am?

F.

It's stopped raining here!! And whats better I start a month long holiday this weekend!! We'll have to catch up one weekend.

I loved Aussie MTB a few years back, but it has really gone downhill the last year or so. MBR isn't too bad, (when I can get hold of it) it kinda fluctuates a bit though. I'm from a XC - Trail background, but I've been reading a fair bit of "Dirt" magazine of late, although it's becoming more of a kiddies porn mag rather then a bike mag of late (not that I'm real worried.....) atleast they have some decent content.

BTW - I totally agree that Aussie magazines need to expose more of out talent, not just Sid (christ, what a rider though!!) but there are many others out there that deserve a mention.

Cheers, Dave.

...if you are in a the South of the State (I assume so, the Launceston Uni Campus email says 'newnham' in the line, doesn't it) you can come for a ride with Trevor and myself.

We meet with about 15-20 other riders at the very top end of Pottery Rd (Lenah Valley), every Saturday morning, rain, hail or shine. The group leaves at 8am sharp, usually taking in the Cascades, Knocklofty, Inglewood and surrounds. Rides are about two hours in length, very social, pauses to chat at the top of hills, all enduro trail riding, no drops, but lot's of technical singletrack and the like.

Drop me a message or reply if you are interested, or just turn up.

I ride a gold Specialized, Trevor rides a blue and grey Giant Rincon (race bike) or his Ellsworth (training, commuting). Actually, you've all got exams, so I know the score about that. Anyway, come along.

F.

Hmmmm - I'm at the NW campus in Burnie (live in devonport). The E-mail server is in Launceston.

Last exam this friday, then I've got 5 weeks or so off. I'm helping set up a course first thing this Saturday, so I won't be able to make it this weekend. I plan on shooting down towards hobart sometime during my break, (I'll see if I can get some mates down for a trip with me) we'll see what happens.

Cheers, Dave.

I think Trevor needs some guidence as to what bike to ride where... I'm sure that TCR would be a great light-wheight trail machine with some 29" knobbies!!

WOW, I thought I was the only person who noticed that. I don't by the magazines, but I see news agents as a library and thus always check out what's on offer. I was fairly surprised to see the 2 of the 3/4? bikes review with such misleading setups and what really surprised me is that the bikes were almost definitely provided by the respective distributors in Australia. I actually saw the Blur being ridden down at Penrose before the second round of WW series and laughed to myself...

Unfortunately I think the magazines featured the bikes with such over the top because they wanted to represent them as being such fancy/bling bling bikes or something features all the big parts people recognise when after all the bikes are merely bikes that are just over priced here in Australia.

I couldn't agree more with Feideaux on the points he raised and this is why I don't bother any more. The typical commentary provided in the magazines is typical of Australian cycling. Just come to one of the big events and you'll have the pleasure of seeing it first hand. The majority are a bunch of cliques with the same names being called out each lap as if they were the only ones performing well, and the other good performers not being recognized. Perhaps SID doesn't get recognized because he is so down to earth and doesn't posses the arrogance that some of the newer names posses....I have no idea why cyclists like SID are not really talked about all that much. If he is not featured in the next magazine it will show just how myopic they are as he has demonstrated not only to his home town but to the world that he can consistently ride within the top 10 in the world, out riding the big $$$ American/Canadian team riders.

Heck, I almost sound bitter, but I am just trying to stay side tracked from this Law study I am supposed to be doing....

Speaking of SID he is moving up in the world, points wise:

22nd in the world now...

http://www.vitesseonline.it/uci/mtb/riderdetail.asp?IDRider=6079

back to the study trev..... How many to go??

back to the study trev..... How many to go??

3 Starting this monday. 3 really tough exams IMHO.

I had one take home exam in the form of a 5500 word paper.

Well I actually went out and bought the thing just to read this test. I always feel slightly guilty about reading a magazine in the newsagent so I'll usually give it a flick through and then decide whether to get it or not but that's another subject.

Disappointed was my first reaction after reading the tests. The first reason was that the Blur didn't win. Damnit it's supposed to win and I have one and damnit it's supposed to win because I have one. In case you haven't seen it the Ellsworth Truth won the shootout between it, the Santa Cruz Blur(second) and the Intense Spider(third). Actually I'm happy in a way in that they actually made a decision in favour of something instead of the easy out of "there is no loser in this test but Mtn Biking is certainly the winner" which I half expected. They at least had a go at picking some faults rather than their usual everything positive spiel.

Second reason is that I always feel slightly cheated after reading test in AMB but particularly this one. They stated at the start it was basically a frame shootout as that is what they are available as in Australia. Only 1 of the bike was set up as it should be and that was the Truth. Granted it was set up to show off all the stuff sold by Dirtworks but at least it matched the intent of the frame. The Blur had a Maverick on the front with 150mm of travel. Even the magazine admitted it was mismatch for the bike but because it was supplied with it, courtesy of the distributor of both Santa Cruz and Maverick, they ran with it. Surely it can't have been too hard to put a better matched fork on it. Same with the Intense. They ran it with a Rock Shox Psylo. Surley this is a bike crying out for, once again, something like the Fox on the front of the Truth. Again they admitted it wasn't the best match but they ran with it.

Just strange. Pity Mountain Biking Australia is no better. Freewheel is probably the better Australian magazine out there but that's not exactly high praise. At least it has some personality and an Australian one at that.

I think the new concensus is the Maverick Fork will not void the warranty on the SC Blur. That is to say, they're selling them equipped with Fox Talas forks, and the A - C is the same between the Fox and Maverick (despite another inch of travel). The dual-crown bit might throw it out the window, though, as the flex inherent in the steerer that the manufacturers tend to assume will be present is not. See here about Blurs and Mavericks: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=25317

That doesn't change the weak review. As far as trailbikes go, neither the Spider nor the Truth qualify, and the Blur only marginally so. Having seen that Australia offers trails equally as challenging as those in the States, trailbikes on this side of the pond should be equally capable: five inches front and rear, no less. A minimal-travel race bike shouldn't qualify as a trailbike anywhere in the world. (That said, my "trailbike" is a hardtail. Doh!) I'd ride the sh*t out of that Blur (admit it - it's sweet), and it would probably stand up to my abuse; I'd have the Truth broken in the first ride and the Spider shortly thereafter. By the way, do SC Blurs really have the same price tag as Ellsworth Truths in Australia? The SC is HALF the price in the States.

By the way, do SC Blurs really have the same price tag as Ellsworth Truths in Australia? The SC is HALF the price in the States.

When I got my 2004 truth last october, I was also looking at the spider till I called up and got a price. I was quoted more than what the Truth was going for.

In Australia the importers think it is justifiable to double the price of literally everything because of *import duty* and *tax* and...and...

What ever you see in the States, double it and you have the Australian retail..Sometimes Australia retail is more.

The cycling industry in general sucks here in Australia, but thats not to say it isn't good, or doesn't have potential but I think a lot comes down to economies of scale etc.

Unfortunately, like we've discussed before, I think things spin around in a bit of a loop. We need to support our local bike shops, bike manufacturers, etc to get prices down, but we all know that will never happen and that good deals can be made buying direct from the states. As a result, our local bike shop has to bump prices up to make a living, and everyone looks elsewhere. Trevors right though, it's mainly the importers whacking crazy mark-ups on the stuff that comes in thats killing things.

Back to magazines though, I've found that the last few months I'm better off getting my info from here, and other places on the net. Atleast you know everything is up to date, there are 100 reviews of everything, not just one biased review, and you interact with people across the world in realtime!! Good on you MTBR and others!! :D

Cheers, Dave.

(2hrs away from last exam!! :eek: )

By the way, do SC Blurs really have the same price tag as Ellsworth Truths in Australia? The SC is HALF the price in the States.

Pretty close to it. Recommended retail for the frames are:

Ellsworth Truth A$3250
Santa Cruz Blur A$2950
Intense Spider ~A$4000

Welcome to Australian prices. On today's exchange rate of around 69 cents to the A$ that works out be (US RRP in brackets):

Ellsworth Truth US$2243 ($1995)
Santa Cruz Blur US$2035 ($1350)
Intense Spider US$2760 ($1950)

The Ellsworth is a comparative bargain with the other two. The Blur does come stock with the 5th element at the Australian price which adds around $150 to the price in the States making it a little more competitive but still way expensive. Just as well I got a discount.

When I bought my Blur I though long and hard about getting it O/S but bought it here as I figured the one thing I wanted handled here if there was a problem was the frame. Although I have also heard that suppliers in the States have been warned off supplying customers in other countries with a Santa Cruz distributor. Not sure if that's true or not.

The test in AMB still blows though. Thought I'd better make at least one comment on topic.

I doubt very much AMB has anything to do with the specs of the bikes they tested, they would be as supplied by their distributors. However I doubt the people who supplied the Blur or Spider would be putting a FOX forx on them because they will be give the guy who is suppling the Truth (with the FOX forx) free advertising. I once saw this nice Principia hardtail frame (read light) tested by “the other” Australian mountain bike mag and the built was like they have thrown whatever parts they have around at it. 4 pot XT disc, Deore hub, cranks, derailleurs, riser bar, etc, etc it was just wrong. Moreover our pure Roadie mags are very good, “Ride” in particular is very well written and produced. Is a pity really maybe the road market is just a bit more matured and the mountain bike market just need time to “grow-up” so to speak.

Also I would like to bring up another point….. I know we have been discussing prices here and we pretty much agree that there is not much we can do about it due to distance to suppliers / distance to customers / unpredictable exchange rates / small demand-population, etc etc. However without naming name certain importer also restricts their sale of spare parts or tools. FOX has got video to show you how to service their air sleeves etc on their web site; DT says you can buy their service tool to service your hub, etc but the distributor refuses to sell you those parts and the only way to get those items fix or serviced is to send the parts to them and be prepared to be hit by a huge bill (eg a friend bent the crown of his 02 FOX Float fork and it ended up costing him ~$450 to have the uppers replaced!). Go figure!

Wayne

I'd have to agree with pretty much all the sentiments here.

As to the mags, the boring writing is one thing but I think its poor that they can't conduct realistic tests. I mean yeah, so ok, they had the guts to choose a winner but if the bikes are set up so inappropriately then it ain’t hard to see that the test and conclusions are effectively meaningless. (Notwithstanding that DW is a major advertiser and distributor of um, Ellsworth)*

And that is not to say I think the Truth isn't worthy, Trevor.

I also agree that Sid T. is a tremendous athlete who should receive more acknowledgements that he gets. You'd expect that the mountain cycling media would be a little more interested in our no 1 XC rider. But that's the media for you, innit. Sigh.


To Low Rider: Yes I think MTBR is a fantastic resource. I look at almost every day. But it has its own issues too. Firstly there is a lot of crap on the site. Misinformation and inexperienced people giving plainly wrong advice. But I guess that is part of the system and perhaps what makes the forums so unique. Secondly, people can be so biased it is amazing. The "I bought brand X so it is the best" mentality is rife. That old-dude guy isn’t the only pigheaded idiot.

It also seems that some companies can do no wrong whilst some can do no right. No doubt if some psyche PhD could capture the data in a meaning full way, it would make an interesting thesis on group dynamics. The whole Ellsworth thing, I thought went way to far. Now Shimano seem to be copping a hiding, even for defending their own intellectual property.

On the other side, Turner has an enviable reputation for producing bulletproof bikes. I am sure they are totally awesome, and would own one in a flash but man, look at the weight of the Burner for instance. Of course its gunna be strong. It’s a six-pound plus frame with less than 4 inches of travel. I wish they'd make a lighter Truth competitor.

SRAM is another company that is gold. I don't see that they conduct themselves any better in business than anyone else. Look at the companies they have bought and moved production offshore. I couldn’t say I have seen any more innovation from them than other companies. Not to say I think they are a bad company or produce a bad product. One of my bikes has X.0 on it.


Pricing in Australia? Where do I start? Perhaps it’s better not to.


Sorry for the rant. I don't mean to sound like a whinger, just voicing some opinions.

Nah, you're right on the ball there. Often with a lot of stuff, importers, reviewers, mags, MTBR members, if you look past the bullsh*t you often find some great stuff, unfotunately in some cases I guess there isn't much left!!

I still buy Aussie MTB every now and then, because at times they do put out a great mag, or something catches my eye. I guess every rider has different things that they look for in a magazine too.

Cheers, Dave.

Intense Spider ~A$4000


Why on earth do they charge such a price. I thought my Ellsworth was overly expensive, but when you consider the value added features: Lazer etched graphics, micro shot penned, annondised it makes the price a little more palatable.

$4000 would get you a lovely custom made Titus Racer X made with Titanium, to your exact needs, featuring Titanium hardware too, which change to spare in contrast......

O.K, in that case, if you put some trigger shifters on your ellsworth and give it to me, I'll buy you the Titus of your dreams......... :p

I also agree that Sid T. is a tremendous athlete who should receive more acknowledgements that he gets. You'd expect that the mountain cycling media would be a little more interested in our no 1 XC rider. But that's the media for you, innit. Sigh.


.
This is one thing thats astounded me. Sid got quite a good coverage on SBS`s Cycling Central for Wildside, and this was followed up by some good SBS coverage on the National Championships as well.
But yet when it comes to print media, its virtually like Sid doesnt exist...and for that matter Chris Jongewaard and Josh Fleming....
MTB magazines should be doing everything possible to bring riders of the calibre of Sid & co. to the forefront of their publications.

And while I`m having my little rant.....I cant fathom why people who subscribe to these MTB magazines are made to wait up to 2 weeks longer than those on the newstands to receive their publication. Lets just say mine certainly wont be getting renewed :mad:

I'd have to agree with pretty much all the sentiments here.

As to the mags, the boring writing is one thing but I think its poor that they can't conduct realistic tests. I mean yeah, so ok, they had the guts to choose a winner but if the bikes are set up so inappropriately then it ain’t hard to see that the test and conclusions are effectively meaningless. (Notwithstanding that DW is a major advertiser and distributor of um, Ellsworth)*

And that is not to say I think the Truth isn't worthy, Trevor.

I also agree that Sid T. is a tremendous athlete who should receive more acknowledgements that he gets. You'd expect that the mountain cycling media would be a little more interested in our no 1 XC rider. But that's the media for you, innit. Sigh.


To Low Rider: Yes I think MTBR is a fantastic resource. I look at almost every day. But it has its own issues too. Firstly there is a lot of crap on the site. Misinformation and inexperienced people giving plainly wrong advice. But I guess that is part of the system and perhaps what makes the forums so unique. Secondly, people can be so biased it is amazing. The "I bought brand X so it is the best" mentality is rife. That old-dude guy isn’t the only pigheaded idiot.

It also seems that some companies can do no wrong whilst some can do no right. No doubt if some psyche PhD could capture the data in a meaning full way, it would make an interesting thesis on group dynamics. The whole Ellsworth thing, I thought went way to far. Now Shimano seem to be copping a hiding, even for defending their own intellectual property.

On the other side, Turner has an enviable reputation for producing bulletproof bikes. I am sure they are totally awesome, and would own one in a flash but man, look at the weight of the Burner for instance. Of course its gunna be strong. It’s a six-pound plus frame with less than 4 inches of travel. I wish they'd make a lighter Truth competitor.

SRAM is another company that is gold. I don't see that they conduct themselves any better in business than anyone else. Look at the companies they have bought and moved production offshore. I couldn’t say I have seen any more innovation from them than other companies. Not to say I think they are a bad company or produce a bad product. One of my bikes has X.0 on it.


Pricing in Australia? Where do I start? Perhaps it’s better not to.


Sorry for the rant. I don't mean to sound like a whinger, just voicing some opinions.

...couldn't agree more.

RIDE is a fantastic bicycle magazine. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a better looking magazine anywhere in the world. Good reading too. When my son was born, it took me a whole week (sitting in hospital with plenty of time on my hands) to finish the latest issue.

I had heard that SBS had done a good job with the National Championships, featuring a good amount of Darth Sidious. I must get the tape from someone.

As for prices? A real dillema. I would love to support the local shops more, but I'd never have the rig I do now if I strictly adhered to that philosophy. No disc brakes for one thing.
I would hesitate to replace parts on my car for the cost it takes to keep my trail bike running.

Feideaux.

I had heard that SBS had done a good job with the National Championships, featuring a good amount of Darth Sidious. I must get the tape from someone.

Feideaux.

I have a video with Wildside 04/Nationals 04. Perhaps some Wednesday night or something I can give it to you if you'd like.

I have a video with Wildside 04/Nationals 04. Perhaps some Wednesday night or something I can give it to you if you'd like.

...like a fantastic idea. Not sure when I'll be doing another Treadlies ride though...Let me know if they are getting a decent turnout. Clingo's rides are just around the corner from me, I may have to defect. Although it must be said, I get sick of Mt Wellington, and the Kingston bunch have some fantastic loops up their sleeve.

Good luck in your exams and study. You can do it!!

F.