Gamut USA has launched a new P30 bashguard designed to protect 36t single ring set-ups. The design consists of a new polycarbonate blend and a never before used spoke and cavity structure that reduces the weight by 25% while providing greater protection. By employing a smarter approach to energy distribution when absorbing impacts, the new design channels energy away from the frame and more critical (not to mention expensive) drive-train components.

In early 2007, Gamut started working on prototypes to break the 200 gram mark for a complete guide/device system. At 222 grams, the new P30 is the lightest guide available which can take the rigors of a World Cup season. It utilises a new material developed by Mitsubishi Motors that is much better at absorbing energy, making it highly resistant to cracking and fatigue.

“Although the riders we survey demand weight reduction in so many areas of their bikes, we knew we needed to lower the weight without compromising protection. The new material enables us to create the lighter structure which distributes energy away from more critical and expensive drive-train components and in no way compromises the frame or ISCG tabs like direct mount options” states Juan Graziosi, co- founder of Gamut USA.

Gamut’s approach to protecting drive-componentry is derived from rider feedback which surfaces 5 main elements; performance, durability, weight, ease of installation, and cost. These same principles were also followed in the design of Gamut’s new Race Rings which will be out later this year. “We had riders on our Race Rings all last season and now we are getting ready to release them to the market. They are lighter than anything else we are aware of and compliment the guides nicely” said Mike Poutre, co- founder of Gamut USA.

Gamut has also been working on their dual-ring chainguide, which will utilize the new bashguard design making it the lightest dual-ring on the market. Gamut would like to give special thanks to the riders who provided input and to our guys and gals that tested our prototypes all of last year. They help make Gamut’s products a reality.

Banshee Factory riders Markolf Berchtold and Marcelo Gutierrez have both claimed victory at the 2008 Pan-American MTB Championships held in Venezuela. They claimed wins in Elite Men’s and Junior Men’s respectively, which will secure them positions to race at the World Championships in 2009 for their federations; Brazil and Colombia respectively.

They both piloted their new rides to victory, 3 seconds clear of their 2nd place counterparts. A solid victory over some very fierce competition. Marcelo rode with a spring that was 150 lbs too heavy, so well done for even getting that thing to turn Marcelo!

Well done to both of them from us here at XXIV and everyone involved in Banshee in Australia. A great result by both and a fantastic result for Banshee, proving that they are producing not only fantastic, well engineered bikes; but bikes that will pin it and take the victory!

Results:

Downhill - Male
1 - BERCHTOLD, MARKOLF - BRA - 02:20,593
2 - FRANCO NAVARRO, JUAN FERNANDO - COL - 02:23,543
3 - MIRANDA, WALACE - BRA - 02:24,053
4 - ARAYA, CRISTIAN - CHI - 02:24,149
5 - BASCUÑAN, PABLO - CHI - 02:25,550

Downhill - Female
1 - MARGGRAFF, DIANA - ECU - 02:44,840
2 - MIRANDA, VERONICA - CHI - 02:56,337
3 - RODRIGUEZ, KATHERINE - VEN - 03:04,623
4 - LASSO, JULIA - ECU - 03:20,999
5 - FIGUEROA VERGARA, GRECIA - VEN - 03:49,136

Downhill - Junior Male
1 - GUTIÉRREZ, MARCELO - COL - 02:25,364
2 - LEON, JOHAN - CHI - 02:28,049
3 - KUKULIS, ANDREAS - CHI - 02:35,780
4 - ZESCHAU, BRUNO - BRA - 02:35,110

Downhill - Junior Female
1 - DROMUNDO, DIANA LORENA - MEX - 03:02,818
2 - ANGULO, ANDREA - VEN - 03:25,709
3 - TORREALBA, IVONNE - VEN - 03:45,736

Jeff Lenosky is under review by the Guinness Book of World Records for his records after it has come to light that Lenosky may have been using performance enhancing products when he set the world record for side hopping 48 inches.

At the centre of the controversy is a Precision Engineering firm; Straitline Components. It appears Straitline has been manufacturing illegal performance enhancing products for Mr Lenosky for some time now, so we set out to dig up the dirt on this spiralling relationship.

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