Block 8 - Product 2004

Block 8 has always been known for their burly components. Oversized and not weight conscious they are designed for failure-proof freeride, downhill, street and dirt use. The company originally came on the scene a few years back with the introduction of their 3 piece chromoly crank set to answer the demands of those riders who wanted a splined bottom bracket and strong cranks that would outlast traditional set-ups. Since then, Block 8 has improved and expanded their line of components to include pedals, bars, and seats.

“Magnum Pipes” 3 Piece Chromoly Crank Set

Design changes for Block 8’s 2004 3 piece “Magnum Pipes” chromoly crank set are not just cosmetic, they now use a finer 48 spline count axle, which results in a greater area of contact and improved strength. The previously shielded bearings are now sealed to help keep dirt and water on the outside, and in the spring of next year, a new optional light weight axle will be available for those trying to pinch the grams.

More importantly though is the way in which the cranks are retained, they use to be secured with a pinch bolt that clamped the crank to the bottom bracket, this method has been discarded in favour of an end bolt which prevents the crank from working off the splines. It’s not that the pinch bolt was insecure, just that the clearances were so tight even with pinch bolts backed off the cranks were difficult to remove, thankfully this has been addressed and the new design will end the frustration especially during chain line tweaking. The Magnum Pipes crankset includes cranks, bottom bracket, bearings and either a standard or compact spider.

Sealed and Unsealed Matched Platform Pedals

To compliment their Magnum Pipes, Block 8 offers two types of concave platform matched cage pedals for 2004 with either sealed or unsealed bearings. The unsealed type, which are also available in a super light weight magnesium, are suitable for all applications, though for freeride and downhill applications or for use on dirt, the sweet anodized matt black finish sealed pedals with laser etched logo offer the bearings greater wet and muddy environmental protection and durability. Both sets spin on a chromoly axle and come with a set of replaceable studs.

The “Sofa King” Saddle

Not that you should be spending much time in the seat, but when you do it should be quality time, so Block 8 came up with the anatomically correct “Sofa King” Saddle. The genuine leather cover sits atop soft micro bubble polyurethane foam, and to guard against everyday use and unplanned spills, the “wear zones” are covered with Kevlar. The Sofa King’s strongest points, literally, are the oversized 8mm chromoly rails that should hold up against the ugliest of miss-timed no footers. The Sofa King is available in soft black leather with embroidered logo and either black or light grey Kevlar re-enforced “zones”.

“Off The Handle Bar” and “12 Gauge” Bars

For steering leverage Block 8 covers all riding requirements and style with two budget minded bars, the 6061 aluminium “Off The Handle Bar” all purpose bar, and the street, park, and dirt jump designed chromoly “12 Gauge”.

The black anodized and laser etched Off The Handle Bar comes in a 28 inch overall length, 2 inches of rise and 6 degrees of sweep that allows you to trim and set the bar up to your preferences. For now the Off The Handle Bar comes in the standard 25.4 clamp diameter, though in early next year a “ultra light” and a 31.8 oversized clamp version will be introduced.

Block 8’s street, park, and dirt jump “12 Gauge” bar is set up with 28 inches of width, 3 inches of rise and has a deep cut knurled clamp section to prevent bar rotation. Made of chromoly steel and welded in Canada, the powder coat black or clear bar tips the scales at 1.8 pounds, no doubt it’s up to the task when dealing with the punishing sheer and compressive forces associated with dirt jumping and urban riding.

Availability

Block 8 is constantly expanding their line of products and as the production run winds up for 2004, both a stem and a new hardtail the “Journeyman” will be commissioned, we’ll let you know as soon as information is available.

Be sure to visit [L=http://www.block8.ca]Block 8’s site[/L] and check with their dealer listings for their product near you. For further information contact Eric Larson at Block 8.