Volume 26, No. 12 December 2011
| BIKE TESTS The Niner Jet Nine RDO A favorite gets a carbon fiber makeover. The Specialized Status 2 Podium ready without a high entry fee. The Giant XTC Composite 29er A racing thoroughbred that loves to shred trails. The Spot Rocker SS A belt-driven single-speed makes chain lube obsolete. The Airborne Wingman Cheap seat for your next flight. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Leatt DBX Comp II Neck Brace It’s like a helmet for your neck Leatt Chest Protector Adventure Protection below the chin. SMAC Platform Pedals Feets, do your stuff. SMAC Moto Bars The widest bar to date. Camelbak Charge LR Hydration Pack Keep the weight off your back. Fox 36 TALAS 180 RC fork Lightweight meets long travel. Panaracer CG AC AM Tire A fast Frenchman gets the grip. Shimano XT Trail Pedal Feel sorry for all the other pedals. Shimano M-315 Shoes Don’t put them in the toaster oven. Continental X-King Tire German black chili peppers. DESTINATION The Cuyuna County States Recreation Area Minnesota’s gift to mountain bikers. CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE SPECIAL 108 Ways To Have A Holly Jolly Christmas Gifts that most mountain bikers don’t deserve. FEATURES Mountain Biking Hoarders What we carry on our rides and what we leave behind. TRAINING AND FITNESS Eight Unique Tips From A World Champion Ideas that work for racers and riders. TECHNICAL Meet The Riders And Their Rides Lea Davison and her Specialized Fate 29er. Garage Files The basics of setting sag correctly. Tech Savvy Proper chain lubrication. Brakes Get The Carbon Fiber Treatment Magura’s push into the future. PEOPLE Riders Who Inspire. Helping wounded soldiers rise out of the ashes. |
 ON THE COVER Mikey Sylvestri scrubs some speed on the Specialized Status 2 during our testing at the Northstar-at-Tahoe Bike Park. Photo by John “I know scrubbing is faster, but can’t you sky it out for a photo” Ker. Niner’s amazing carbon fiber Jet Nine RDO (inset). Photo by Pat “Can I keep just a few more days?” Carrigan. |
