I rode the Maxxis Ignitor 2.35’s on the 2009 Kona Dawg Supreme with excellent results. This tire is an excellent choice for soft and tacky conditions and even does well in loose, rocky terrain.

More info from Maxxis:

The Ignitor tread pattern was designed for the most discerning professional racers and already has laid claim to multiple World Cup victories. The well-spaced tread pattern fills in nicely to provide low rolling resistance in the straights, while the ramped pentagonal knobs provide excellent traction in the corners and in medium soil.

Specs on the Maxxis Ignitor 2.35:

• Sizes: 26 x 1.95, 2.10 or 2.35 (tested)
• Bead: Foldable
• Casing: Lightweight, single-ply
• Weight: 520 (1.95) – 790 grams (2.35)
• Durometer: 62 or 70
• MSRP: $48 (2.35)

Maxxis Ignitor 2.35 Tire Review

With its widely-spaced knobs and rounded profile, the Ignitor is fast-rolling and capable of hooking up when pressed hard. At 790 grams, the 2.35 width is smack-dab in the middle of the pack when it comes to weight. It feels like a nice balance between ultra-thin sidewalls and beefy DH treads.

Riding at 20-22 psi, front and 25-27 psi, rear, I found the Kona Dawg Supreme to hook up well on rocky, soft and hardpack trails. I pushed these tires hard into corners and they always provided Velcro-like traction. Rallying down fast downhills and rolling through tight, twisty singletrack brought out the best in the Ignitors.

Climbing traction also feelt very solid. Every time I pushed them on something steep and technical, traction was nearly always there. The only exception came with really loose, rocky terrain–and that gives all tires fits.

Good Ignitor

• Rounded profile is great for all-around use
• Feels fast rolling
• Lightweight
• Hooks up in the corners
• No flats in 3 months

Bad Ignitor

• Can lose climbing traction in dry/loose sand
• XC purists may gripe at the width and weight
  

The Bottom Line: Maxxis Ignitor 2.35 Tires

These new treads from Maxxis offer excellent trail feel and hook up nicely in medium to hardpack trails. Should you get some mud, the widely-spaced treads will shed it lickedy-split.

Buy Now: Search for Maxxis Ignitor 2.35 Tires

But, with those positives, come lots of compatibility questions and other problems. So, I’ve compiled a quick list of what I see as positives and negatives of both the Shimano CenterLock and the 6-bolt standard used by everyone else. You make the call which is preferred and chime in below with your own take on things. I’m not set either way, but always lean towards sticking with the standard 6-bolt, however, if Shimano is onto something, maybe that “standard” should change?

Shimano CenterLock Rotors

This system involves a channeled rotor attachment and matching hub that provides a secure and always-centered rotor. The system is patented by Shimano and licensed by several hub manufacturers including DT Swiss and Mavic. Here are the positive and negatives I see with the Shimano CenterLock design:

Good CenterLock

• Rotors are always centered around the hub
• Stripping a bolt and rendering the hub useless is eliminated
• Rotors are more difficult to bend due to the reinforced inner spider ring
• Easy rotor removal for shipping or transport
• Hub weight can be less than ISO 6-bolt due to reduction of reinforced side area

Bad CenterLock

• Compatibility issues have resulted in funky adapters
• Lack of mass-market adoption and options from high-end hub makers Chris King, Industry Nine, etc.
• Really only compatible with Shimano brakes, but their brakes are solid performers
• Oddball 180mm diameter rotor vs. 185mm from other manufacturers
• Rotors are slightly heavier and can cost twice as much
• Need to buy a Centerlock wrench

ISO Standard 6-bolt Disc Rotors

This is what has been used by all manufacturers since it was adopted in the late 1990’s. Rotors are simple and available in standard rotor diameters that are readily interchangeable between all other brake manufacturers including Hayes, Avid, Magura, Hope and even Shimano. Yes, Shimano still plays in this market while at the same time pushing the CenterLock option.

Good 6-bolt

• Rotors and adapters are readily available
• Plethora of brake options
• Lots of hub choices
• Rotors can be half the price of CenterLock designs

Bad 6-bolt

• Can install rotors off-center
• Removal for shipping is cumbersome
• Risk of stripping a bolt
• Multiple points of failure (6 bolts)

In the end, the choice is up to you as there are good and bad with each design. I’m always reluctant to adopt any proprietary design, but the CenterLock has some merit if you are starting from scratch. But, if you are retrofitting your bike and wish to use Shimano CenterLock, you’re in for some serious sticker shock with all the parts you’ll have to replace.

Chime in… what do you see as good/bad with each design?

Buy Now: Search for Shimano CenterLock

The pro team lineup looks strong with a few notable riders including: Floyd Landis,  local rider and 2008 Tour of Utah winner, Jeff Louder and other national and international riders.

I will definitely be on-hand for the Park City to Snowbird stage and hopefully the Thanksgiving Point to Mt. Nebo stage as well since both of them pass right on by my house. Get out and cheer on these pro teams as they tour our great state.

More Info: Visit TourofUtah.com

Apparently ScottUSA feels the same way as I do (we’ve both take our sweet time realizing it too) and is introducing their first 29er for 2010, the Scott Scale 29er. This hardtail looks to be a straight-up aluminum frame (no doubt a carbon-fiber version is either on the way or in the works) with solid, all-mountain geometry. The mid-level model (pictured here) will sport a RockShox Reba SL fork and a mixture of Shimano Deore and XT drivetrain components. Look for the price to come in at an estimated $1600 with availability TBA (but I’m sure this Fall or Winter).

Photo & Info: Bikemag.com

More Info: Visit ScottUSA

The first project is entitled “Follow Me… No One Rides Alone” and is scheduled for release sometime in the Spring of 2010. This short profile of freerider and all-around nice guy, Matt Hunter, has him taking us through his two-wheeled experience, which began at a very young age. The footage was taken in and around Hunter’s home of Kamloops, British Columbia with his friend and riding buddy, Kurt Sorge.

For more video shorts and previews from the forthcoming film, “Follow Me… No One Rides Alone,” visit AnthillFilms.com/content/videos.

More Info: Visit AnthillFilms.com

BC Bike Race has always aimed to exceed expectations and to be ‘the best mountain bike race in the world’. Race organizers believe that their ongoing commitment to the best course possible will create the best experience possible. The BC Bike Race team shares the same values and the same goal: to provide an awesome mountain bike experience like no other. Only at the BC Bike Race are participants set up day-after-day to ride world-famous singletrack featured in countless mountain bike media sources.

The lure of riding the best of BC’s world-class mountain bike trails has already attracted a broad range of competitors, from weekend warriors to some of the world’s finest mountain bike racers, World Champions and Olympians. This year’s competitor list is a who’s who of mountain bike talent:

Women’s Category:

• Alison Sydor and Lea Davison – Team Rocky Mountain Bicycles
• Cathrine Pendrel and Katarina Nash – Team Luna

Mixed Category:

• Sue Butler and Bryan Alders – Monavie-Cannondale
• Georgia Gould and Ryan Trebon –Team Luna and Team Kona

Men’s Category:

• Kris Sneddon and Barry Wicks – Team Kona (2008 Winners)
• Chris Eatough and Jeff Schalk – Team TREK (2007 Winners)
• Seamus McGrath and Chris Sheppard – Team Jamis and Team Santa Cruz

The seven-day odyssey will begin for the 400 intrepid adventurers. Stay tuned for all the action and watch some of the notables stretch their legs and their mountain bike skills as they undertake the BC Bike Race.

More Info & Results: Visit www.BCBikeRace.com

The course will wander through some of the best singletrack Park City has to offer. And with over 300 miles of the world’s-finest singletrack at their mercy, it’s bound to be a killer race. While the final course layout has yet to be fully completed (finalized by July 15), course organizers are going into it with the following goals in mind:

1. 90% or more of the course must be single-track
2. 75 miles or more & 10,000 or more feet of climbing
3. Minimal crossings (intersections) and no multi-directional use of trail
4. Must hit all three of the Park City area resorts (Deer Valley, PCMR and The Canyons)

Course Layout Map: Visit Google Maps

How Do I Register?

Registration is now open to both solo or duo team riders with the following entry fees:

• Solo: $120 – register
• Duo (easy/hard split): $190 – register

The Duo category is perfect for husband/wife or father/son teams where a stronger rider can team up with another rider who may not be as comfortable with the distance and/or climbing required. This one is destined to become a classic for years to come.

More Info: Visit ThePCPP.com

Impressive to say the least, every Fox fork I’ve ridden as of late has delivered in spades. And with the introduction of the 15QR platform, Fox is hoping to remove all 9mm quick-releases from mountain bikes in the future (bless their souls!).

About the 2009 Fox 32 FLOAT RLC 15QR Fork

The FLOAT offers lightweight performance in a 140mm (5.5 in) air-sprung package. With all the adjustments to make the garage monkey happy, but with simple performance to work well out-of-the-box, the Fox FLOAT 32 is a performer. For 2009, the FLOAT not only got the 15QR option, but also went through a weight reduction program that would make Jenny Craig proud. This refinement included new lower legs, crown and steerer.

Here’s what Fox says:

Our FLOAT® trail fork, famous for its lightweight and incredible damping performance, goes under for a nip and tuck for 2009. A new crown, steerer, and lower leg combine to shed weight and increase stiffness. Damping is again refined for seamless transitions for traction and cornering, and our new 15QR thru-axle system option offers incredible stiffness and steering precision. At 5.5 inches, FLOAT is THE choice for your lightweight trail bike needs: light, tough, and looking good.

Features of the 32 FLOAT:

• Travel: 140mm (5.5″)
• Adjustments: Low speed compression, lockout force adjust, lever-actuated lockout and air spring pressure
• Lower Leg Options: 15QR or 9mm QR with post-mount disc brake
• Weight: 3.97 lbs (15QR w/axle) or 3.74 (9mm QR)
• MSRP: $750 ($665 @JensonUSA)

2009 Fox 32 FLOAT RLC Fork Review

With the advances in air spring technology over the past few years, lightweight trail bikes can take advantage of the weight savings and performance offered by today’s air-sprung forks. There are a handful of great options that come to mind, but the headliner has and continues to be the Fox FLOAT and TALAS air-sprung forks.

Just recently, I had someone ask me if they should go with the Fox FLOAT (air) or Vanilla (coil) 32 fork on their Yeti 575. After talking back and forth, I just told him flat-out that unless he’s going to do big hits, drops or pound the Whistler bike park on a regular basis, he wouldn’t necessarily NEED the Vanilla. The difference in travel quality on a trailbike is negligible and the weight savings (1/2 lb.) is just what gram-savers desire.

Don’t get me wrong, the Vanilla is an awesome fork (read my Fox 32 Vanilla review), but suppleness is no longer squarely had in the coil-sprung crowd–the FLOAT delivers a supple ride with enough adjustments to change its attitude with a few twists or pumps of air.

The much-debated 15QR axle on the FLOAT is a simple design that provides similar trail stiffness to a 20mm thru-axle. I’ve long sworn off the standard 9mm axle, so it doesn’t make much difference to me whether it’s 20mm or 15mm–it’s all good. And, with most wheels offering interchangeable 9mm, 15mm and 20mm axle options, compatibility is much less of a worry.

On the trail, the FLOAT performs on par with what I’ve come to expect from Fox. A few trailside air adjustments to get the right feel (for me, 70 psi) and a couple of clicks of the rebound knob and I was set for all-mountain thrashing.

Once broken-in, the FLOAT displayed suppleness that was once only found on coil-sprung forks. But, should you wish to have a little stiffer initial stroke for XC race performance, the low-speed compression knob makes quite a difference. And, should you wish to lock it out entirely, you can do so in a fine-tuned fashion using the adjustable lockout force knob (blue dial on bottom-right lower). I loved this on long climbs since I could dial in the blowoff pressure just how I like it.

Lateral stiffness on the trail is superb as this fork simply tracks where you point it. I had no worries as it soaked up rock gardens and drops galore with smooth, controlled precision.

The overall package is easy-to-tune and has performed without a hitch over the past three months. This fork will provide years of use with the proper maintenance and care.

Good 32 FLOAT

• Sub-4 lb. package
• Smooth, air-sprung travel
• Lateral stiffness on par with beefier forks
• Sturdy 32mm stanchions
• Easy tuning adjustments you can feel on-the-fly
• Lockout fine-tuning adjustments are great for long climbs

Bad 32 FLOAT

• No travel adjust (must buy TALAS)
• 15QR option may require a wheelset and rack upgrade

The Bottom Line: 2009 Fox 32 FLOAT

An air-sprung fork never felt so good. Smoothness on both small bumps and large hits, the 32 FLOAT is an excellent trailbike fork for those not needing travel adjustments.

NOTE: For 2010, Fox has introduced the FIT damper and entirely new internals for the entire 32 fork lineup. I’ve got my hands on a 2010 Fox 32 TALAS RLC for review and will compare how the new FIT system performs with the damper on the 2009 model… stay tuned.

Buy Now: Visit JensonUSA to Buy a Fox 32 FLOAT fork

I can only tolerate the right thickness and type of socks for my activities, but once I’m done running, hiking or biking, the first thing I grab is a nice pair of sandals so my feet can breathe and remain cool and comfortable. For years, my trusted pair of flip-flops has been the Teva Mush Sandals.

About the Teva Mush Sandals

On the surface, there’s not much to mention about the Mush Sandals. They are a flip-flop (or thong, if you prefer)… plain and simple. But what makes them different from other flips is the squishy foam they are made from. Shock-absorbing and foot-comforming, this foam is a thing of wonder and makes up the upper layer of a dual-density outsole.

Features of the Teva Mush Sandals

• Dual-density sole with 7mm Soft Mush EVA
• Available in Men’s, Women’s and Kids
• Arch support wedge
• MSRP: $24

Teva Mush Sandals Review

I have purchased a pair of Teva Mush sandals nearly every year for 3-4 years straight. They are my go-to flips for all-day activities, mowing the lawn or post-ride comfort.

When new, the foam material is firm, but all it takes is a week or two of consistent wear and these conform to every little detail of your feet. It’s amazing how well-cradled your feet will feel with these sandals. If I have to choose from any of my sandals, I’d go for the Mush every time.

Not only is the EVA Soft Mush foam squishy, but there’s a built-in arch support wedge that adds to the overall comfort–especially for flat-footers like me.

The only real downside of the Mush sandal is that the material–while soft and cushioning–squishes out and compresses relatively quickly. Once the upper foam squishes out, the lower, denser foam can start to crack and lose its shape entirely. And, by that time, the heelstrike area is typically bald as bald can be–making for some treacherous stepping on wet, slippery surfaces.

Overall, for the low price ($24), the short lifespan of the Mush sandals is still worth it for the season of squishy comfort they provide.

Good Mush Sandals

• The pinnacle of sandal comfort
• Upper foam conforms to every detail of your feet
• Lightweight
• Inexpensive

Bad Mush Sandals

• Only enough squish for a season of wear - these are one season past that
• When the tread is worn, the heelstrike area is very slippery

The Bottom Line: Teva Mush Sandals

When your feet crave soft, cushy comfort, grab a pair of Teva Mush Sandals and relax away. While they wear out after a season, their low price and customized comfort pay you back in spades.

Buy Now: Search for Teva Mush Sandals

With that solid suspension design, you get a reliable and predictable Kona-signature ride in all conditions–especially on the down. This bike has been a ton of fun over the past several months and is a prime example of just what makes Kona’s well… Kona’s.

About the Kona Dawg Supreme

Built as a do-it-all trailbike, the Dawg Supreme sports 6-inches of squish in the rear and just under 6-inches up front (delivered via Fox Float RLC 15qr). Part of the “Backcountry Dual Suspension” lineup, the Dawg has evolved over the years and is now one of the best trail slayers on the market. The Supreme is the coup de gras in the lineup with top-shelf components and pricetag. But, with all that goodness, you get a durable and capable bike.

Features of the Kona Dawg Supreme

• Scandium alloy tubing
• Kona 4-bar Suspension
• Travel: 140mm (front) and 150mm (rear)
• D.O.P.E floating brake option
• Fox Float 32 RLC fork with 15QR Axle
• Fox Float RP23 rear shock
• Drivetrain: Shimano XT with XTR rear derailleur
• Brakes: Shimano XT (excellent stoppers)
• Wheels: Mavic Crossmax ST
• Tires: Maxxis Ignitor 2.35
• Cockpit: Kona XC/BC bar, stem and seatpost (very solid)
• Color: Light Green Metallic
• Weight: 28 lbs.
• MSRP: $4599

Kona Dawg Supreme Review

I love it when I’m able to hang onto a bike for thorough flogging. Such has been the case with the Dawg Supreme as I’ve had it in the stable now for three months. While the weather hasn’t been as cooperative as I’d wished, I’ve still pedaled my way up and down plenty of trails as I’ve discovered what made the Dawg tick.

The overall parts spec of this top-shelf model leaves little to be desired, but the $4599 price-point should include a handful of carbon bits and an adjustable-travel fork. Those shortcomings aside, the bike is really dialed-in with XT/XTR drivetrain, Mavic Crossride ST wheels and great-looking house-brand bars, stem and seatpost.

The squish is handled adeptly by the Fox Float 32 RLC with 15QR axle and the Fox Float RP23 rear shock. You can’t go wrong with a Fox on both ends of your bike and these have performed flawlessly. For my tastes, I’ve set the fork at 70 psi and the shock at 170 psi (5′11″ – 175 lbs).

There remains plenty of debate on the whole 15mm vs. 20mm axle and why we now have both “standards”. In my tests, I can’t tell the difference between the 15 and 20mm axles in lateral stiffness and tracking–I’m just stoked to have multiple options that don’t include the spindly 9mm standard QR axle (which should be abolished from mountain bikes, IMO). The 15QR is perfect for the Dawg.

The overall geometry on the Dawg isn’t entirely “slack” on paper, but it feels slack on the trails–which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise for those familiar with Kona’s heritage. The 68.8-degree head-angle does provide for slightly floppy handling during parking lot tests. When on the trails, the front-end does exhibit some wandering, but a little body english goes a long way toward keeping things under control. Under all but the steepest climbs, I felt like I could keep things tracking straight with the front wheel planted in the dirt. Some finagling with seat height and location (forward) has reduced it even further.

I’m confident that if the Dawg Supreme had the Fox TALAS 32 fork, this wanderlust would disappear completely. This is the “Supreme” model, right? It really should have an adjustable travel fork as that would make this capable climber even more adept. That said, the quality of travel delivered by the Fox Float 32 is smooth and predictable.

I was also very impressed with the ride quality delivered by the Mavic Crossmax ST wheels. While these aren’t the top-of-the-line wheels from Mavic, they are well-suited to the Dawg. With excellent lateral stiffness and a smooth roll, the Crossmax ST is a solid wheelset.

Where Kona’s shine is on the downhill. I keep telling people that Kona has the 4-bar thing down to a science and all it takes is a few seconds of gravity-induced goodness and you’ll instantly fall in love with the way the Dawg simply devours the downhill. There’s no denying that this bike is one of the most comfortable downhillers in the 6″ trailbike category.

What makes it descend so well, you ask? The overbuilt chainstays mean business and the single-piece rocker arm adds to the lateral stiffness strategy going on back there. Kona just has the 4-bar suspension system dialed-in for all-day, all-mountain fun.

Good Dawg Supreme

• Amazing downhill capabilities
• Responds well to hard cornering
• Rear-triangle is stout
• Solid parts spec (as it should be)
• Kona-brand parts are superior-looking to most house-brands
• Full XT/XTR drivetrain is superb
• XT brakes are excellent stoppers utilizing mineral oil (DOT3 is nasty stuff)
• Excellent weight-to-fun ratio (28 lbs!)

Bad Dawg Supreme

• A tad bit of front-end wander when things are steep and technical
• At this price, it should have the Fox TALAS 32 fork (for adjustable travel)
• Slower climber than other bikes in this range (or maybe I’m the slow one)

The Bottom Line: 2009 Kona Dawg Supreme

The Dawg Supreme has been a stellar steed this Spring.  I’ve enjoyed it on short rides as well as longer rides with 2000 vertical feet of climbing. An adjustable-travel front fork would make this rig unbeatable, but out-of-the-box, the Dawg Supreme is supremely good!

Buy Now: Find Your Local Kona Retailer