Non heavy 24" kids bike

Our Customer wanted a bike that would really jazz his kid into riding. Because if Son wants to go riding, Dad gets to go riding. But he wanted his son to have something capable and well off-road worthy.
As some of you with kids may well know, there is a lack of really nice and light kids bikes out there on the market. Lots of nice ones, lots of mid weight ones, but none really nice and light. Merida bikes do a lovely wee 24" Dakar Lite. Lovely lightweight rims and a nice light weight frame
This was a perfect wee bike to base a build off.
First I stripped the bike down......completely. I dismantled the wheels, leaving me with just the rims. These I built onto some Stans disc hubs, dropping some 300g from the wheels.
I then fitted a lovely FSA Headset, into which I fitted a RST first air fork. This fork is air sprung, has adjustable rebound and weighs only 1650g. It has standard v-brake mounts and also post disc mounts too. AND only cost $300. If you want a fork for your kids 24" bike that actually works well and isn't a boat anchor, we do have a few pairs in store.

I then fitted a Gravity lite stem and some FSA k-force flat bars. On which some ESI grips in Nico's preferred colour (blue) would go on once the shifters and brakes were fitted.

On went the Shimano Deore XT 10spd front and rear derailleurs, the XT shifters, and XT cluster in 11-36

In with some custom shortened Truvativ Isoflow cranks. There are no nice real options for front shifting cranks under 165mm so we shortened these down to 153mm. Perfect for his 7-8 year old legs. XT chainrings and FSA bash-rng were added as well.

Then Shimano M505 brakes in a lovely white colour scheme were added. An adapter was needed for the rear brake as no disc mounts were on the frame. This fitted on with only a few modifications.

Now our customer can take his kid riding, his son won't struggle with an overly heavy bike and the shifting and braking performance will be awesome.And instead of lifting a 30odd+ pound kids bike he'll only have to lift 24.5pounds
If you would like to get your child on something that makes it easier for them to go riding, come and and have a chat. We can make a difference. Remember if you equated most kids bikes to adults, it would be like riding a 50+ pound hardtail with very basic suspension...............

Oh hai Rain, pah! I laugh at you

Yet another damp and soggy day in the murky depths of Winter. But wait, you're sick and tired of being put off by the bad weather. Hanging out to go riding? We have some solutions for you.
A huge range of mudguards, including Crud catchers (the official brand) and coming soon the amazing Marsh Guard (as seen on Greg Minnaar's and many other top DH pro's bikes) 
And Endura Jackets - Ranging from the super lightweight Pakajak to the amazing Stealth Jacket

Pakajak Jacket

 Performance Ultra packable Showerproof Jacket (available in black, red, green, white, yellow, ladies pink, baby blue and black)

• Ultra lightweight and showerproof ripstop fabric
• Bonded and laser cut storm flap with zip guard
• Reflective trims on sleeves, shoulders and rear
• Underarm mesh vents for optimal breathability
• Elasticated cuffs, rear neck and hem

Laser II Jacket

 Laser II Waterproof Jacket (available in Orange and fluro yellow)

• Compact 2-layer waterproof breathable fabric
• Waterproof rear zipped pocket with reflective print
• Folds into rear pocket with Velcro® frame straps
• Single hand cinch drawcord at collar and hem
• Slimline Velcro® cuff adjusters
• Reflective piping and shoulder prints visible through 360
• Waterproofness: 5,000mm
• Breathability: 5,000gms

Luminite Jacket

 Luminite Jacket (available in fluro yellow and black)

2.5L Breathable/Waterproof - fully seam sealed Luminite LED Light Strip fibre optic unit with 50hr flashing run time bonded into rear of jacket providing additional safety light Multiple reflective flashes around whole garment Large rear pocket with storm flap Zipped pit-vents with easy-grab pullers Stormflap on front zipper with reflective piping trim Waterproof Napoleon pocket on chest with media port Cozy-touch lining on handwarmer pockets and inner collar Drawcord adjustment at neck and hem. Velcro® hem adjusters

MT500 Jacket

 MT500 Hooded Jacket (Don rocks one of these)

• 3-layer waterproof/breathable PTFE Protection™ technology plus Cordura® fabric
• Fully seam-sealed
• Grown-on helmet-compatible hood with 3D adjustment, reflective trim and visibility perforations
• Extended waterproof zipper vents which double as cargo pockets
• Discrete Napoleon chest pocket and waterproof zipped wrist pocket
• Detachable internal stretch wrist cuff with mesh venting fore-arm
• Seam-free shoulder panels in Cordura®
• Waterproofness: 12,000mm
• Breathability: 28,000gms

Stealth Jacket

Stealth Jacket (I run one of these and it's outright amazing)

We’ve combined the latest ultrasonic welding construction techniques and external seam-sealing technology to create the first ever and Eurobike award-winning fully waterproof, breathable soft-shell cycling jacket
• Externally seam-sealed waterproof breathable soft-shell fabric with stretch Entrant® fabric front collar, underarms and side panels create a superbly well fitted garment
• Ultrasonically welded seams offer ultimate comfort by creating a smooth internal surface
• Flexible ventilation is provided via side and underarm zip vents (accessible even when wearing a back-pack)
• Waterproof wrist zips ensure a snug-fit and facilitate closure over gloves
• Waterproof zipped rear pocket and welded chest pocket with iPod® port
• Reflective on chest, back, shoulders and sleeves
• Waterproofness: 10,000mm
• Breathability: 5,000gms

Whats up in Mudland

The last few weeks have whipped on by. In that time we've seen and done many things, tweaked this, moved that, had things stickered up.
My own personal bike is running like a dream, 29er Mudcycles Mudslut. Full XT, Carbon wheels, Marzocchi Corsa fork.  The bike sits in at a respectable, but sturdy non weight weenie build of 23.6 pound (10.7kg).
Super stiff and aggressive race machine, every thing about it makes you want to go faster.

Not a bike for comfort, but that's what I have a Trail bike for.

Look out for another one of these to be built soon, even flasher and blinged out.

We now have a heatpump in store, so we don't freeze and you can shop in comfort away from the inclement weather.
And you are all more than welcome to come in and sift, chill on the new couch, watch some MTB DVDs on the telly, and regale us with tales of trail carnage.

Angry Clive has a new rig all primed and ready to go. Niner RDO. Super lush.

Red Porsche?

Custom shortened cranks for a kids build. 153mm cranks suit 7yr legs much better

Big ole pile of XTR Bits for some lucky lady

Fork Servicing

Would you let your vehicle go well past it's oil change? Sure it'll still work, maybe not as nicely, and the chance of a really big mechanics bill goes right up. And if it's a performance car, that's doubly so.
So why would you let your suspension go without servicing.
Over time a fork will get sticky and dirty, and because the performance degrades slowly, you might not even notice it. Just because you fork doesn't have oil leaking out, doesn't mean it doesn't need a service.

Cartridge from a Lefty Fork

After a service here at Mud Cycles, your fork will feel like new again. We use only the finest oils and lubes, and do all the work in-house. Fox, Rockshox, Marzocchi, even Cannondale Lefty's.
Ricky can even service your rear shocks, and replace all the bearings in your rear suspension.



 Front Fork Service from $70
Rear shock Air Can Service $35
Suspension Pivot Service from $80

You wouldn't buy a performance car and treat it like a Morris Minor, cos it will end up driving like one.  
Don't do the same to your bike