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The Quickstrike series showcases core products, or those you need and those that have to perform but are based on preferences and riding style. We can tell you how well they are constructed and how well designed they are; but the choice still remains with your personal preferences and what works for you. This week we take a look at some Pro-Tec Helmets

The B2

Sometimes you don’t want to look goofy wearing your finely tuned, vented and styled XC lid on the DJ track or indoor biking acility. Maybe you want to jump on the longboard or even hit the local skatepark and brush up on your kickflip to noseslide with visions of Koston (eS shoe days) and watching Kris Markovich in Fight Fire With Fire  (did we just date ourselves?) because goddammit, looking like a dork at your age is something you’re just not willing to relive.

Enter the B2; the most modern looking dirt bucket on the outside but all the comfort and technology of a modern helmet on the inside. Coming with Pro-Tecs “Multi Impact SXP” liners, your head will stay protected with the impact absorbing qualities of having the material “rebound” back to its original shape after a crash. The shell is made up of durable ABS plastic made to withstand light crashes. The B2 comes in 5 colourways with 3 signature models with custom sticker-packs (Chase Hawk, Scotty Cranmer, Allistar Whitton) depending on which one you pick for about $60

For more info check out -> http://www.pro-tec.net/b2-bike-helmet.php

Shovelhead 2

Pro-Tec has a full-faced helmet in the stable, the Shovelhead. Popular at the local BMX race circuits, the Shovelhead finds its way onto the DH race track and bike park amongst the sea of TLD and 661 cans for 2012. This aggressively priced option (about $130) comes with all the modern tech of its competitors (EPS liners, ABS shells and CPSC cert) and in sizes to fit all noggins.  The best colorway is the white/black/red with an awesome hand drawn collage. Removable liner means you can wash away all the sweat and the fit is comfortable with adequate ventilation.

Check them out here -> http://www.pro-tec.net/shovelhead-2-bike-helmet.php

After a long and very snowy winter in Whistler, the first rays of summer are finally hitting the mountain, warm weather is moving in and the first Giant Glory bikes have arrived. With Trail Crew putting in countless hours digging, raking, packing and repacking, Whistler Mountain Bike Park is almost ready for its first riders of the year. Check out Part 1 below for a sneak peek into summer riding, #SummersBack

This interview fits in our “Legends” series, where we catch up to those who helped define the sport and pave the way for future riding generations or who have influenced the direction of the sport.

In recent news, the cry of “we are the 99%” and of Occupy insert cause here has caused people to take a good hard look at the economic and social impacts of having a very powerful top 1% of earners and wealth distributors and raised doubts whether the very system we employ to govern our economies is inherently flawed. Our situation here a bit different, but cycling still does have its 1% of (earners) athletes that have the perfect storm of genetics, will and brawn to carry the sport on their backs into the future. One such man is Brian Lopes; the 40 year old cyclist is still occupying podiums and news storys in whatever class he decides to be in that day; a force in 4x and one of the most winningest riders in MTB history, we try to catch a glimpse at the view from the top…

For those who for some reason may not know who you are; who are you and what do you do?

My name is Brian Lopes and I am one of the most fortunate bike riders ever.  I started racing bikes in 1975, turned pro when I was 17 and have been making a living ever since.  I have won 26 world cups in 3 different disciplines, 6 overall world cup titles, and 4 world championships. 

Where are you now, describe your surroundings for us

Right now I am in my hotel lobby in the Czech.  Hanging out with a couple of friends, all on our computers.

You have been in the cycling game for a long time all while having the natural ability to stay on top of the competition. In your opinion, what’s changed throughout the years and what’s remained the same in the racing world?

The competition has changed a lot.  Being in the game so long i have met a lot of people, some still around and also many new faces.  Bikes have changed a lot and the competition has increased or maybe it just feels that way now that I am 40.  What has remained the same is I’m still racing at a top level and I honestly didn’t think I would be racing, especially at this level for so long.  It will end someday though, but when you have done something for so long it is hard to stop.  The next move in life will be…?

 How does the industry fare in your assessment of what’s changed? There’s been a lot of ridiculous stuff to come out over the years.

There have been a lot of crazy concepts that have been tried, but there has been many great ones as well, so I think in the big picture the industry has benefited.

Like you, we are HUGE fans of X-Fusion…Since you have recently signed with them to help in development and product awareness; talk a bit about your direct experience with the company and why you decided to ride for them.

So far in the short amount of time X-Fusion has been one of the best companies I have ever worked with.  It is a small group who all love and care to make the most out of the opportunity we are given.  I tested the product and got along great with everyone involved and felt we would all work well together, hopefully bringing the brand awareness to more people while providing them with the best product available.

How do you stay motivated? Also, how do you look to improve? Does winning virtually every discipline of cycling ever get old?

Oh man, it is hard to stay motivated for racing at times.  The pressure to always do well isn’t nice.  I have no problem to be motivated to ride every day, just the racing part sometimes is hard to get exciting for.

Improving is something I think everyone likes, so this is why I challenge myself with new types of riding.  We all have room to improve and the more we improve then hopefully I am gaining knowledge which I can pass along in some way shape or form. Winning never gets old, sometimes it may not be so exciting if you have won thing often, but it is always way better than losing.

What kind of training do you do? How much of it is off the bike and what are some tips you can offer to some younger riders entering competition?

I mainly train on my bike now.  I use to do a lot gym workout when I was racing four cross, dual slalom, DH, but now it is mainly on bike.  I think young riders should really just start by finding it is exactly that they have fun with.  Hard to give tips on such a general question.

Our first legends of MTB we interviewed Brett Tippie and had him share an “Oh Shit” story from the vault, now it’s your turn. Have something that went horribly wrong over the years?

One that comes to mind was when I was doing a Oakley photo shoot at James Stewarts’ house and I got pulled into a 54ft double on his moto track and i didn’t calculate that I would lose so much speed on the take off because it so tall and I cased it.  Luckily we got the shot and Oakley still ran the ad, but all I remember was being in the air way up there and saying , “oh shit, this isn’t good”… Luckily all that happened was a crack in my thumb from casing so hard. 

 How much of professional racing is bullshit politicking, poor attitudes and personal vendettas? Or would it not be professional racing without those elements? How does one block all that stuff out and just do work?

Oh I don’t think there is much of that really.  Sure at times there may be some, but nothing that was ever that big of an issue for me.  I think there are plenty other things you need to block out as a racer and everyone deals differently with this stuff.  At a certain level a lot of racing is in the head.

Any regrets in your professional career? If you could go back in time to change anything, would you?

There may be a time or two where I wish I could go back to a time i crashed and do something different or maybe a time where I should have made a different decision for a better race finish, but you live and learn.  You have to learn from mistakes, this is the best gift you can take away from them.

The modern bike is an incredible machine, especially comparing to your 1996 DH National win, what’s the biggest change you’ve noticed? Have the bikes surpassed the rider’s abilities?

I don’t think there is just one change that has made the bikes that much better than they were in 1996.  Carbon fiber, disc brakes, better tires, better brakes.  Not sure that just about every part has gotten better since then.  I don’t think the. Bikes have surpassed the riders; I think the riders continue to push the limits of the bikes.

Us being from Central/Eastern Canada; have you ridden this far east at all? Ontario has some great riding and some lift accessible parks also…would you decline an invitation?

I have only raced an indoor four cross in Ontario, nothing else other than the world cup in MSA.  I won’t say I will decline, but can’t say that I will be available, but if the invite happens I will look it to see if it can happen.

Explain to us, the art of the scrub.

You can’t… You just have to watch it be done and try to emulate.  Like you said, it is art and some have the skills to do it properly, others can only wish they could duplicate.

What are your goals for the 2012 season? Anything upcoming that you want to promote?

Have Fun, Travel to some new places and experiences some new events.

Who are you riding for this year?

Ibis, Kenda, Xfusion, Pearl Izumi, Lazer, Novatec, Magura, Oakley, Ks, Odi, Mrp, Wtb Saddles, Kmc Chains, Troy Lee Pads, Ht Flat Pedals, Raw Rev Food, Kicker

And finally, as we ask everyone; What’s your favorite cereal?

Couldn’t Tell You, I Rarely Eat Cereal

 Thanks Brian!

Photo Credit:
1. Dan Severson
2. Adam Yunker
3. Cleghorn Photography
4. Cover: Felix Burke

Crankworx Whistler will be back August 10-19, 2012 to once again defy physics, worship gravity and crown legends. The constantly evolving event line-up, including the new Dual Speed and Style presented by Avid on August 11, delivers on Crankworx’s mandate to host the most progressive freeride events in the world. One of the largest cash prize purse in downhill racing will also be offered at the Jeep Canadian Open Downhill, ensuring the best DH bikers in the world are richly rewarded in Whistler this summer.

2012 Crankworx Whistler Event Schedule:
Friday, August 10 – Fat Tire Crit
Saturday, August 11 – Canadian Open Enduro
Saturday, August 11 – NEW Dual Speed and Style presented by Avid
Sunday, August 12 – Garbanzo Downhill
Monday, August 13 – Ride Day
Tuesday, August 14 – TBA

Wednesday, August 15 – Air Downhill
Wednesday, August 15 – Deep Summer Photo Challenge
Thursday, August 16 – Teva Best Trick Showdown
Thursday, August 16 – Ultimate Pumptrack Challenge presented by Rock Shox
Friday, August 17 – Red Bull Joyride qualifying
Friday, August 17 – GIANT Dual Slalom
Saturday, August 18 – Red Bull Joyride Finals
Sunday, August 19 – Jeep Canadian Open Downhill

Event registration will open June 1 and mountain bikers of all ages and competitive backgrounds can sign up to compete for over $175,000 in cash and prizes. Ten days of non-stop action will attract hundreds of athletes from elite World Cup downhill racers and the top freeride stars to ambitious amateurs looking to challenge the world’s best riders.
“We are still firming up details for a few more exciting announcements, but in the meantime everyone should get the event line-up for Crankworx Whistler into their calendar,” says Darren Kinnaird, General Manager of Crankworx. “We are adding a new event, the Dual Speed and Style presented by Avid. It will feature an invitational field of riders including top FMB athletes, the best dual slalom athletes and some of the best all-around riders in the world.”

“The other exciting announcement is that in partnership with Jeep, we have been able to increase the prize money for the newly titled Jeep Canadian Open DH. This will be one of the richest prize purses currently offered in downhill racing with $10,000 up for grabs for the men’s first place and $5,000 for the women’s first place,” says Kinnaird.

One of the highlights of 2011, the game changing Red Bull Joyride slopestyle, will return to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park for freeride glory on Saturday, August 18. The Joyride slopestyle course is being built once again by Paddy Kaye’s team at Joyride Bike Parks with major input from the riders themselves.

”We’ve compiled the rider feedback from 2011 and have started discussing new ideas with the athletes for 2012. The common theme seems to be ‘bigger,’” says Kaye.

Fusing elements of slopestyle, dirt jump and North Shore mountain biking, Red Bull will be calling on the world’s best riders to compete in Red Bull Joyride, one of only two Diamond stops on the Freeride Mountain Bike Association World Tour.

With more announcements and exciting new partnerships to announce in the coming weeks, stay tuned to www.crankworx.com and connect with Crankworx through Facebook.com/crankworx or Twitter.com/crankworx. Watch the latest video for Crankworx 2012 right now: www.crankworx.com

Home to hundreds of game-changing moments in freeride mountain biking’s history, Crankworx Whistler is a ten-day festival devoted to celebrating epic endurance, supreme flow, monster air and vertical-dropping riding. Crankworx Whistler attracts the downhill, slopestyle and enduro legends of the world, to defy physics and blow minds, with their hard-charging, tail-whipping, back-flipping ways. Pay homage August 10-19, 2012 at Crankworx Whistler, the most progressive freeride event of the year.

The ninth annual Crankworx Whistler is presented by Whistler Blackcomb and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Crankworx Whistler is the biggest annual event held in Whistler and is also the largest freeride mountain bike festival in the world. Crankworx Les 2 Alpes will take place for the first time July 9-15, 2012 and is the first Crankworx event to take place outside of North America. This new event will build on Crankworx’s legendary legacy in the arena of freeride mountain biking.

Specialized is pleased to support Andrew Bigelow in his debut on the FMB tour. Andrew has been a staple on the Ontario park and street riding scene and we’re stoked to see him bring that style to the dirt.

Music by: Molly Hatchet – “Flirtin’ with Disaster”

he plan is to gather as many riders as possible at each bike shop and go out and ride their local spots and skateparks all together. We will be giving out stickers, posters, t-shirts and even Kali helmets for some lucky ones! At the end of the ride, everyone comes back to the bike shop for the BBQ and some sweet givaways!