REPORTED: Neshaminy XC, M.A.S.S. race-o-rama

Matt gives a 'pain face', details on tonight's news.

Gonna keep this one short and sweet.  This past weekend the Giant Mid-Atlantic crew were in PA racing the Neshaminy XC race, part of the Mid-Atlantic Super Series.  It was a hot day, as has been the norm this year, and the field was deeper than normal.  The course was super-fun, with challenging twists and turns, log-rides, switchback descents, and just enough rocks to keep you on your toes.

Jordan focuses on the start while matt checks himself out in the mirror he set up course-side.

Jordan took off strong, sitting in 3rd at the end of lap 1 of 3.  Matt was more conservative, sitting back just outside the top-10.  The heat of the day dictated that the pace be a little slower, and Jordan settled back into 7th, while Matt held position on the second lap.  On the last lap, Jordan was able to put in a small surge and pick up one spot for 6th, finishing within a minute of 3rd.  Matt did the same, moving into 9th by the finish.  After a string of super-strong finishes, a racer always has to accept that some races won't be as strong as others.  And if a 6th & 9th are our finishes on a less-than-stellar day, than we really don't have much to complain about!

HUGE thanks as always to Giant Bicycles, Geax Tires, Oakley, Stan's NoTubes, Intercourse Brewing Co., Elete Electrolyte Replacement, ESI Grips, Hincapie Sportswear, Shimano, and BikeFlights.com!

TEAM ISSUED: ESI 'Chunky' Silicone Grips

By:  Giant Mid-Atlantic

White ESI 'Chunky' silicone grips on GMA team Anthem X race bike.

It's been a few months now with our new ESI Silicone grips.  Throughout that time, we've put them through all sorts of conditions and scenarios, including last weekend's muddy race at the Cascade Classic.  The entire team received the 'Chunky' version, as opposed to the 'Racer's Edge' version, for its extra padding and comfort.  Here's the low-down on the goods:

First Impression:  Out of the packaging, these things are hot looking (especially in white, pictured above).  Once out of the packaging, the first thing that hits you is the incredibly light weight of these grips.  In fact, the packaging is heavier than the grips.  I kid you not.

Installation:  Amongst the team, we've used water and rubbing alcohol.  Both seem to work very well and leave no residue.  Just wet the inside of the grip and slide on, making sure the thicker side is facing up so your palms are resting there while riding.  Note:  if using rubbing alcohol, installation should be performed quickly, as it is volatile and evaporates quickly.

First Ride:  Once installed, the grips are solid on our bars.  No slipping, twisting, sliding, etc.  The feel is superb, with a great balance of softness and firmness.  Without gloves, you still have adequate grip on the bars, and with gloves it's like your hands are glued on.  The team had previously used a mix of grips, and everyone has been able to adjust to these immediately without problem.

Long-term performance:  The grips are still in great shape, very little wear is noticed after countless rides in dry and wet.  Our white grips are still relatively clean as well, maintained with soapy water and some elbow grease.  They are still solidly installed, with no slipping, twisting, or sliding since installation.

Final Verdict:  It's hard to imagine using any other grip for our race and trail bikes.  The overall performance of the ESI grips is heads and foam above the competition.

Get yours at www.esigrips.com

Race 1 in the books!!

GMA's Matt Miller headed down to Florida to race in the SERC #1 AMBC race in Gainesville and chalked up the first race on dirt for the team.  The northern boy raced to 16th against a stacked field of tan, race-tuned Pros.  Good place to start the season!

Some equipment notes: Anthem X with XTR; Geax Saguaros- 2.2 TNT up front, 2.0 UST in the rear; 34 tooth single front chainring; and wide bars with a garnishing of soft blue ESI grips

Now where's that tanning oil...

soft like...

Liking the new ESI grips.  Paired with some new Easton Monkeylight XC riser bars, the Anthem is a total comfy cush machine riding on some fat Geax Saguaros. 
I like.