21
February

First time for everyone!!!!!

I thought at first I was just seeing things wrong but No!!!

On further inspection it was confirmed

Not only is it a first for the Bike scene but soon for the Motocross world too.

WHAT AM I CHATTING ABOUT????

At first look you might even miss it but look again this is The New Formula RO brakes that are the first brake to feature OVEL piston’s.

“The RO is the newest brake from Formula, combining top brake performance with the elegant looks of an Italian design. The new and unique oval piston technology allows a compact caliper design increasing the piston size by 18% in comparison to The One. With just 361 grams the RO sets the benchmark for brake power and performance at a XC brakes weight.”

I LIKE !!!!

Cheers for now
Stevie

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16
February

Self Elevating Seatposts???????

As more and more manufacturers drop in to the world of self elevating seatposts we are really spoiled for choice.

Now that Brands like RockShox and FoxRacingshox are on board they really are reaching new heights with some of the best technologies that we could ask for.

I myself would love one but as I am still at the stage where a short rest at the top of a climb is more than appreciated I have yet to purchase one.

That said as my fitness level improves I will soon to be faced with the choice.

What is your view on them?

2012-Fox-DOSS-dropper-seatpost-seal01

Rock Shox Reverb

Rock Shox Reverb

Stevie@FreeFlowBikes

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31
January

Go on SRAM your old stuff in the bin

Unrivaled. XX The original 2X10 mountain bike group took pro racing by storm the day it was released and has dominated ever since.

It’s no secret why: XX delivers flawless X-Glide Technology shifting in the heat of battle. It saves weight so you fly up the climbs. And it’s proven reliable in the most punishing conditions. When it comes to competition, XX reigns supreme.

 

 

 

SRAM X0 brings the right gear to your most heated trail battles—any terrain and every time. Building an X0 bike is a serious, zero compromise endeavor. Only X0 combines the highest-level technology options with a style that matches you perfectly.

A flawless bike needs to do more than just work every ride; it needs to look the part.
In addition to the current colors, they are introducing the new chrome and polished X0 SILVER, reminiscent of the classic X0 design.

Heavy metal look. Crazy light weight. Build the Perfect Bike.

 

 

Engineered to Endure. From steep, endless climbs to hair-raising, technical descents, X9 is engineered to handle whatever comes your way. Smooth, precise shifting helps you cover more ground, faster. The lightweight, stiff and always reliable crankset lets you maintain your momentum through the rough stuff.Whether you’re sprinting for the finish or tackling an all-day epic, your best ride starts with X9.

 

 

For the Ride Ahead. The versatile, highly capable X7 product family brings high-end precision and reliability to mid range mountain bike components. Unbeatable X-Glide shifting and race-bred technologies boost your confidence in all types of terrain, from your local trails to the most challenging back country single track terrain. Prepare yourself for the ride ahead.

 

 

Up for Every Challenge
With race-ready performance and technology, X5 components help off-road enthusiasts take it to the next level. With smooth, precise X-Glide shifting and legendary SRAM 10-speed performance, X5 brings out the best in any bike—and in every rider.

 

It is a very good produced both to ride and work with so why not treat your-self.

Give us a call on 0141 630 0021 or check out our website.

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20
January

Treads For Trails

Tyres for Trails

It is one thing that most folk just can’t agree on whether it is Brand, model or size it is always a good conversation for the journey down.

It is a chance to mentally mess with your mates head and wind them up.

I find it a simple choice even just on the look of the tread on the tyre as for brand it starts to get a little different. It also helps if you have an Idea of the surface of the trail.

Brand:
Look for a brand that have been in the game for a while as there is more chance that they are tried and tested and should be well refined as to sidewall and compound technologies. That is not to say they won’t have lots of choice’s in these fields but it will give you more effective performance across a wider range of terrain.

For example if you know that the trail is man-made with a imported trail surface that is relatively smooth with no sharp edges then no need for re-inforced or dual-ply sidewalls as not much chance of pinch flats.

Size:
1.95 up to 2.35 XC
Ruff guide!!!!!
2.35 up to 2.50 DH

Tread:
As for tread pattern it is really quite simple.

Larger nobbles widely spaced apart will work well on soft surfaces in damp to wet conditions

High Roller

High Roller

Swampthing

Swampthing

Wetscream

Wetscream

Larger nobbles spaced close together will work well on hard surfaces (rocky) in all conditions

Minion F

Minion F

Minion R

Minion R

High Roller

High Roller

Smaller nobbles widely spaced apart will work well on hard-packed with loose top in all conditions.

Medusa

Medusa

Smaller nobbles spaced close together will work well on hard-packed surfaces in all conditions.

Ardent

Ardent

Crossmark

Crossmark

so have a think about it, have you got the right tyre for the trail???

I will follow up soon with some compound choice’s in the next few days but for now hope this helps.

Why not check out our range of MTB tyres.

Stevie
Head Mechanic

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10
January

Schwalbe Ultremo ZX Tyre – Review

Yesterday I purchased the February Issue (Issue #258) of the Cycling Plus magazine.

2010 Cube Agree GTC ProAfter skimming through the magazine I came across an interesting guide on the top 10 Race Tyres and instantly recognised the number 1 tyre as the tyre I run on my 2010 Cube Agree GTC Pro road bike.

The tyre that received 5/5 by Cycling Plus Magazine and named as their top race tyre was the Schwalbe Ultremo ZX HD Tyre.

I personally love this tyre, it grips well on the road in both dry and wet conditions, and offers very low rolling resistance without compromising grip. As for puncture proof, not wanting to tempt fate and put the kiss of death on it, I have yet to receive a puncture! Mmm not looking forward to my next cycle as I’m guaranteed a puncture now aren’t I! Another great feature is that this tyre comes in several different colours so you can really pimp that bike up!

Myself and 5 others headed out last Sat and tallied 36 miles on our road bikes, Andy who was on his new shiny Specialized bike, fell victim to not ONE but THREE punctures! He was fed up after the third puncture and phoned his wife to pick him up. He wasn’t using Schwalbe Ultremo ZX HD tyres, he was running Specialized ones.

So if you’re looking for a new set of road tyres for the new season I can highly recommend the Schwalbe Ultremo ZX HD tyres.

 

Cycling Plus Review
Stuart
IT Manager

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4
January

Mondraker Summum

I have had my Mondraker Summum for the best part of a year now and I am certain on one thing it was the right choice as I have yet to find something to be unhappy about.

The Stealth tubing not only gives the bike a very nice look but also makes for a very stiff and solid frame witch is key point in a high-end Downhill bike.

The frame also benefits from a link system that in my eyes is second to none.

The shock is compressed from both ends.Effectively the shock floats between two links giving the bike extremely good grip and is very active on small pumps yet is one of the best pedaling DH bikes I have ever used and with the adjustable head angel and wheel base it can be tweaked to suit almost every rider and any trail.

Mondraker Summum

Mondraker Summum

Stevie
Head Mechanic

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4
January

Mondraker Factor RR

After a short time of buying a Mondraker DH bike I had the chance of riding one of Mondraker’s XC bikes with only 120mm travel I was a tad apprehensive but keeping in mind just how impressed I was with the Summum I gave it a try.

The frame has the same link that compresses the shock from both end’s giving extremely good small bump sensitivity and an endless feel to the travel this also gives an insane amount of grip on small rocks’n'roots and in loose corners.

The head tube on the Mondraker Factor is tapered and the frame still features the stealth tubing giving a very strong stable feeling small travel bike.

And the verdict was!!!

The one in the pic is my custom build and it is sweet

Mondraker Factor RR

Mondraker Factor RR

Stevie
Head Mechanic

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23
December

And let there be LIGHT!

Winter riding and the thought on everyone’s mind is what light to choose, with a huge variety on the market ranging from budget to bank buster what one is right for you?

First on the list and coming in at number 5 is……

The Hope Vision one a fantastic little 240 lumens light at only £90.00 this light attaches to your handle bars with the use of the new reinforced nylon handle bar bracket which fits both standard and O/S bars or to your helmet with the new helmet bracket. With the average power lasting 3 hours the light takes 4 AA batteries, rechargeable or regular the choice is yours.

Number 4 is the Lezyne Power Drive, at £79.00 this little 300 lumen light is small, compact and very sleek looking, perfect for the commuter, the High –capacity Li-ion battery can be recharged using the very handy USB charger perfect for use at the office or at home.

Number 3 has to be the fantastic Hope Vision two at £195.00, kicking out a great 480 lumens this 2 LED light can be handle bar or helmet mounted, this fully waterproof light is sleek and discreet with the battery pack held in the custom made plastic case which can be attached to the stem by the strap. The 7.4v battery will last for an outstanding 30hours on low and 2 hours on high.

Number 2 sees the Lupine Betty 7 an outstanding 2600 lumen light, is so much light really needed? Only you can answer that question, with a runtime of 2.50 hours at full power this light will never let you down even on the darkest of nights. Available as helmet or bar mounted this light is for the more extreme rider looking to take that next step and at £799.00 it is worth every penny.

Finally the number one spot has to go to the outstanding Lupine Betty 12 this 2600 lumen floodlight is the queen of all lights with a 11.2 ah smartcore rechargeable battery you will never be left in the dark well at least for 3.40hours at full power. With its £850.00 price tag this light is not for the beginner but buy this light and you will never need another light again.

There are many more lights available at FreeFlow Bikes website so why not have a look.
And remember we currently have a 10% off everything including sale items just use code FFB10

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Colin
Sales manager
FreeFlow Bikes

betty 12

betty 12

lezyne power drive

lezyne power drive

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22
December

Best ride of my life

When I first joined FreeFlow I was a bit unsure of what brand to go with and what model, after a few months and a lot of heated debates I landed on Mondraker. A brand that is still very young in the mountain biking market. Founded in Alicante, Spain 2001 Mondraker started off with only 7 bikes in their range catering for the newly developing freeride scene in Spain. Since then Mondraker have rapidly climbed the ladder to huge success as one of the leading high end bike manufacturers and now cater for every style of riding from the DH world cup winning Summum Pro Team to the very sought after Duel Pro Team Pro BMX.

In 2010 Mondraker lunched the new Stealth tubing frame and Zero suspension system. The Stealth Tubing is one of the most advanced structures and designs used in the Mondraker range. Stealth is characterized by flat faces and sharp edges opposed to the more traditional curved or rounded shapes. You can really feel the stiffness of the frame when you are up out the saddle peddling the frame stays solid on the uphill and in every stroke you feel the force drive through the frame into the back wheel ensuring you are getting the most efficient pedal power.

So I hear you asking what model did you go for and after much research and debating I decided upon the Dune R a bike that I felt would handle my inexperience and progression alike with its oversized frame and stealth tubing the Dune R takes a beating with ease and trust me it gets one.

After a few pedals around Mugdock country park I started feeling a little more confident and started following some trails into the trees, I quickly found myself at the top of a hill and the only way was onwards and downwards. This was my first experience of any real natural trails and found myself having to drop off what I thought at the time huge rocks, Stevie later showed me what a HUGE drop off looked like, my experience then looked more like a pavement. So over rocks and roots I went frantically holding on to the bars gripping for dear life my feet firmly glued to the pedals due to the outstanding combination of FiveTens and DMR Vaults in and out the trees I went trying to follow the line previously left until bang sky ground sky ground sky ground…..ground laying out flat on my back I looked up and seen the Dune still upright handle bar held by a branch, picking myself up I had a look around, great no one about. Jumping back on the bike I was surprisingly keen to pick up some speed. More rocks more roots and the Dune just glided the rear Zero suspension system absorbing every bump that I encountered, Then before I knew it I was back on the main path grinning from ear to ear heart racing and wanting more.

I have been thrown in at the deep end trying to keep up with the likes of Stevie and Gaz but even though my skill level can’t keep up the bike can, I definitely know I have chosen the right bike as it pedals up hill and around the country parks with ease but also tackles the more advanced DH routes at Glentres and alike.

Mondraker Dune R

Mondraker Dune R

new toy

Colin
Sales Manager
FreeFlow Bikes

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22
December

Let’s Stick Together!

After pretty much neglecting my hardtail since I purchased my Carbon Road Bike just over a year ago, I was tempted back into the saddle by my mates who have recently purchased hardtails. I must admit I have really enjoyed getting back on the hardtail for some “Fun”.

I switched from flats to SPD’s on the hardtail several years ago and haven’t looked back, until now that is. After a recent ride down the muddy glen I felt a little uneasy as I wasn’t able to bail as quickly as I would have liked. Not having the technical riding knowledge I felt I wasn’t attacking the ride as much as I would have liked. Then I made the decision I’ve been contemplating for a while now……… I purchased a pair of Five Ten Impact 2 Low shoes and DMR Vault Pedals.

Boy I have not been left disappointed! With the Stealth sole of the Impact 2 Low and the grippy pins of the Vaults, my feet stick like glue to the pedals, with the ability to bail a lot easier if I need to now! It’s also a lot easier to walk in the pub for that after ride pint or mid ride pint! So far, touch wood, I have managed to avoid rattling the pedal off my shin, which looks like it could do some damage if it made contact! Think it would be advisable to look into purchasing some form of knee/shin protection.

Not only is the Five Ten Impact 2 Low shoe grippy, it’s comfy, fashionable and very practical. The DMR Vault Pedals come in come in 8 different colours with replaceable pins.

Five Ten Impact 2 Low

DMR Vaults

Why not create your perfect pedal/shoe combo by checking out our range of Five Ten Shoes and DMR Pedals. There’s not a better time to create your perfect combo, use discount code “FFB10” to get 10% off your entire order, that INCLUDES sale items! You’ll need to be quick though as this offer is for a limited time only.

Stuart
IT Manager
FreeFlow Bikes

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