Another wonderful day in the Bay.

A small winter WS group ride down the coast to Stinson Beach on Highway 1 in northern California. It didn't feel like winter out there!

Everything is better in HD!!

Due to the success of the Mojo, the bar was very high for this bike (high jump reference, not a limbo reference). After reading what Brian said about the frame, consider that the weight of the HD frame is 6.3lb, half a pound more than the Mojo. Light weight combined with the pedalability of the dw-link along with all that go-fast stuff Brian mentioned means They’ve hit their goal.
The HD is designed to be used with forks in the 160mm to 180mm travel range. Two geometry charts are provided for your viewing pleasure (one at 160mm and one at 180mm)
Although there’s a family resemblance, the Mojo HD uses all new molds and layups for both front triangle and swingarm. The frame is made from the same modulus carbon as the SL. The lower link and Lopes Link are all new too.

Here are some of the various features and design of the HD.






The HD features what’s being referred to (at least this week) as a mixed tapered headset with a 1.5″ lower and a 1.125″ upper.
The 1.5″ lower provides an exceptionally rigid front end platform. Combined with the through axle fork and our very stiff front end layup, you’ll be amazed at the precision found in the front end, particularly when pushing hard.
The HD is also compatible with the King InSet headset.






Lopes’s Influence

The HD has been in development for three years, before the started working with Brian Lopes. They had originally planned on a 68 degree head angle and had already done the CAD models that way. When they started working with Brian he pushed hard for 67 so they actually went back and redid the models. They're happy they did.
Brian and his mechanic Joe also helped us refine the cable routing so that cables are well protected, run clean and friction free and also have compatibility with single and multiple chainring setups and adjustable seatposts.
Although people suspect they do, They haven’t been making special layups for Brian. He’s just been riding the most current rev of the latest proposed production layup and been giving us feedback. They’ve done several versions now and the frame he rode at Downhill World’s in 2009 isn’t as good as the one that the consumer will be able to buy (sorry Brian).
Brian and Joe were also pretty adamant about having the chain guide attach in some way other than just around the BB. They didn’t want the guide to be able to rotate when you hit the bash guard. Joe came up with tapping threads into the main pivot bolt to secure it and it worked really well. The head of the Ibis engineering department (the amazing and incredible Colin) refined the idea and designed a custom guide that they’ll be stocking for it. They’ll be made by MRP and one is pictured below (note the nifty bolt that secures it to the lower link-definitely click on this image for a bigger view).

Pricing

The Frame price is $2399, which includes the RP23 shock.
The initial groups they spec will be an X9 based group and an XT group.

Secure your HD frame!! Get on the list!! To do so call 1-866-497-3624 ext 210 or email

Avi Byer at Avi@wrenchscience.com



Mojo “HD” Specifications

* 160mm of rear wheel travel.
* DW Link Suspension.
* 26″ Wheels.
* Weight for the frame and shock, size large: 6.3 lbs, 2.86Kg.
* 67 degree head angle with a 160mm fork.
* Polycarbonate down tube cable guard.
* Chain stay length: 17.125″.
* 12 x 135mm Maxle rear axle.
* Post mount magnesium left dropout, carbon right dropout.
* Compatible with the new tapered steerer standard: 1 1/8th hidden upper, 1.5 traditional lower.
* Compatible with both Chris King InSet and Cane Creek Frustum headsets.
* If you want to run your current straight 1 1/8″ fork, they have got you covered too. They will have an adapter available, and you will be able to use a King headset top and bottom.
* 2.35″-2.55″ rear tire depending on brand and height of cornering knobs.
* Dual row angular contact bearings in the front of the lower link that have less play than standard sealed bearings. Preload adjustment is not necessary. Large 28mm x 15mm x 7mm radial bearings in the rear for stiffness and long wear.
* The leverage ratio, like the Mojo and Mojo SL is designed for air shocks. The Mojo HD comes with a 8.5″ x 2.5″ Fox RP23. A DHX air will work on all but the small size. A coil shock is not offered because the linkage rates weren’t designed for it. They lowered the top tube to get slightly better standover than the regular small mojo while having a higher BB because of the longer travel (they managed to retain the DHX air compatibility in 3 of the 4 sizes).
* The Bottom Bracket height is 13.8″-14″ depending on tires.
* Front derailleur (if you use one) and adjustable seatpost housing (if you use one) run along the top tube.

Nys takes series lead with 50th Superprestige win

Landbouwkrediet – Colnago rider Sven Nys took his 50th victory in the Superprestige cyclo-cross series in Gieten, Netherlands on Sunday aboard his Colnago Cross Prestige.

Nys beat his great rival Niels Albert into third place and iced the cake by moving into the overall lead in the series.

With a 27-second margin over Kevin Pauwels, Nys even had time to collect a trophy featuring the number 50 from fans near the finish and hold it aloft as he crossed the line.

Nys escaped early in the race when Gerben De Knegt crashed on the second lap. Albert struggled to close the gap and rejoin Nys, and before the race was halfway through,

Nys accelerated again, dropping Albert and riding solo to the victory.

“This is a ‘cross for powerful riders,” said Nys. “Normally I don’t love it, because of the lack of technical sections, but today I immediately felt good. I quickly took the lead and did not ever lose it.”

This win puts Nys two points ahead in the overall Superprestige series, a narrow margin that he hopes to defend over the next few months. Three races remain, the next in Diegem, Belgium on December 27.

“The Superprestige was always one of my main goals, but I have lost a few points everywhere,” said Nys. “This time I was able to take points on a course that suited Albert.

I’ll have to be fully focused in Diegem in order not to lose valuable points there. Anyway, it’s better to lead by a few points than to be left chasing.”

He's not just the purchaser at Wrench Science!!!!!

He's also a pilot!!!! In this photo Mitch Truxe the purchaser for Wrench Science serenely soars through the air on his recently acquired Ibis Hakkalugi When asked how do you like your Ibis? Mitch's response was " the air is thin up here"! How can you refute that?

Colnago and Bbox... Special Edition EPS

November 12, 2009 – CAMBIAGO, ITALY – Colnago bicycles today unveiled the new team edition Bbox Bouygues Telecom Colnago EPS frame, with special Bbox Blue paint scheme to match the French squad’s 2010 team kit and brand.

To celebrate the newest EPS color, Colnago also announced that this special team edition “Bbox” paint scheme will be available by January 1, 2010 to consumers at the standard EPS pricing with no color up charges.

“We are proud to be supporting a Grand Tour professional team in 2010, and offering to consumers this special team edition color on the EPS is a wonderful way to celebrate Colnago’s return to Grand Tours,” said Ernesto Colnago, the company’s founder.

Colnago’s sponsorship deal with Bbox Bouygues Telecom will cover both road and time trial framesets beginning with the 2010 season. Colnago is confident that the team will be included in both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. Riders will use a mix of the EPS and CX-1 models for the road, and the Colnago Flight frameset for time trials.

Colnago will also put forth a stronger presence in the U.S. domestic racing in 2010 with the signing of U.S. based Team Type 1, plus a all new Italian based and factory backed Colnago – CSF Inox squad, both of whom hope to be included in next year’s tougher Tour of California.

About the EPS

Introduced in 2009 and made from hand-rolled carbon tubes with design input from Colnago’s engineers, the EPS is Colnago’s flagship road machine. Produced solely in Italy, the EPS is offered in 22 different frame sizes – 14 with traditional geometry and eight sloping. Colnago’s use of 3PRS technology – internal ribs of carbon in the EPS’ top and down tubes – ensures that the frame is one of the most laterally stiff and lightest lugged carbon frames in the world.

About Colnago

Colnago, Cambiago, Italy, is the world renowned manufacturer of the legendary Colnago bicycle. In business 55 years, Colnago produces a broad range of road, track, Mtb, cyclocross and specialty use frame and bicycle designed for discerning consumers.