Baby Blue APEX -- Fully Built Up!

Just in time for Christmas...

Only 23-1/4 lbs -- not bad for steel!

Built up with Easton XC One wheels, WTB ExiWolf 2.1 tires, SRAM XO drivetrain, Manitou R7 fork with 100mm travel, Hope Mono-Minis with 160mm floating rotors, XTR 12-34 cassette, Truvativ Stylo Team GXP cranks, Truvativ 31.8mm oversize carbon bars, Thomson Elite seatpost, SDG Bel Air Ti saddle and Thomson X4 31.8mm oversize stem

Gate Slammer Dual Slalom

Here is a screen image of a custom '06 Gate Slammer dual slalom frame design. For 2006, the Gate Slammer receives some fine tuning of the front end geometry to accommodate the new Fox 36 RC2 fork. One of these frames is in progress so stay tuned for more updates as they become available.

Reynolds 953 - Carbon Fiber Alternative?

Reynolds recently introduced a new, high strength stainless steel in conjunction with Carpenter Alloys - it's called 953. HTo compete with titanium and carbon fiber, 953 may be the answer...here is a quote from Reynolds:

"Benefits: Ultra strong steel, with the advantage of a stainless finish for maximum weight reduction from very thin walls. And the legendary ride of steel."

I just placed my first order - expensive - and it should arrive in February '06. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available from Reynolds.