Source: Specialized and Giant UK 2009 Test the best:
Specialized and Giant bikes announce the return of their popular demo partnership bringing the best full suspension bikes to great riding areas around the UK.Please note I never wrote this, it's a corporate press release. I'm just letting you all know that if you're UK based and looking for a new ride in '09, then you want to be all over this like a bad rash..Si
Chessington, UK. Specialized and Giant have worked together to coordinate the new Test the Best Series, following on from their successful partnership in 2007 and 2008; 2009 will bring a return to the country wide tour.
SPDs not included, someone's finally listening!
For 2009 Specialized and Giant will be taking an extensive range of Mountain bikes for both men and women to some great locations in England, Scotland and Wales. At each venue riders can expect a hive of activity with both Giant and Specialized Technical representatives making sure that your demo experience truly allows you to Test the Best.
There are 5 dates and venues across the country to choose from with challenging terrain and true off road Mountain Biking. In addition, Specialized and Giant will be supported at the events by Mountain Bike Rider Magazine, Clif Bar, CTC, SRAM and the riders will be hydrated by glaceau vitamin water.
Bring along a set of flat pedals and show them who's boss
SRAM will be in attendance at the events, giving bicycle set up clinics to make sure everyone can get the best of their bike and ride more.
In 2008 Specialized teamed up with Dirt Divas to offer free Women’s skills training at three of the Challenge Series events, these were hugely popular and 200 women are now better riders having more fun on the trail. In 2009 Specialized wants to open up the training to both Men and Women and increase the number of courses to all five locations.
At all of the new Test the Best venues Specialized will be offering limited places to both men and women for skills training in conjunction with the CTC and their off road training group. 40 places are available in the morning and 40 in the afternoon for Men and Women who are over 18 and have their own bike. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis and the course is designed to help people enjoy their ride more.
Skills training should be booked over the phone on 0870 873 0061.
The venues and dates for the Test the Best Series 2009 are as follows:
• 8th February – Glyncorrwyg, Wales 10:00 – 15:00
• 15th February – Cannock Chase, Staffordshire 10:00 – 15:00
• 8th March - Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire 10:00 – 15:00
• 29th March – Bedgebury, Kent 10:00 – 15:00
• 5th April – Carron Valley, Scotland 10:00 – 15:00
For more information please visit: http://www.test-the-best.co.uk (
live from 5th January 2009)
'After two successful years of the Specialized Challenge Series we are pleased to continue in 2009 with the Specialized Test the Best Series. Consumers again will have the opportunity to test ride the latest Specialized mountain bikes in five new locations around the UK. There is no better way to experience Specialized's winning technology' says Richard Hemington, Managing Director of Specialized.
“We’re back for 2009 with the newly named Test the Best Series, which offers you exactly what it says on the tin. We want consumers to come and experience the best riding, with the best technical support on Giant's award winning Maestro system, whatever your ability come along and experience the winning formula” says Ian Beasant, Managing Director of Giant UK.
Why is this pic in the title? I typed in Special Giant into Google Images and this is what came up first.
About Specialized:
Specialized was founded in 1974 by riders for riders. Headquartered in Morgan Hill, California with global distribution, the company focuses on making everyone’s time on a bike better by delivering functional and technically advanced equipment that provide a performance benefit.
About Giant:
For more than three decades, Giant has devoted itself to the growth of cycling. At Giant, the bicycle is more than just a machine, it’s an integral component of society, a way to explore and expand the boundaries of your world. Healthy, fun, challenging and responsible a bike is all these things and more. Giant’s wide-ranging 2009 line of bikes is dedicated to inspiring adventure in all types of riders everywhere in the World.
Corporate suit over and out..
Stay Unclipped.
Si Paton.
www.Descent-Gear.com RRP Neoguards £12.99 Posted!
They don't make you faster and ride with more control, it depends on the riders abilities... Just because someone can go out and buy a set of shiny new spd pedals and booties doesn't mean they will go faster and ride with more control. It may be your opinion, and I am not telling you that your opinion is wrong, its just not correct. Sure if you ride XC with two feet of your seat tube sticking out it is beneficial. For Freeride, and DH you have to be retarded and/ or a psychopath to run spd's.
first pic that comes up.
and this dude Si Paton is really annoying with his shitty talk "never clip in"..