Ash - VELO-DIRECT.ch

ride
sketch, design, solidworks, prototype, ride,
discuss, analyse, sketch, redesign, tweak,
solidworks, prototype, ride, race, name,
colour, ride, manufacture, package and...
ride
All of our products
begin and end
with a ride.
How else do we
know what works in
the real world?
design:test:manufacture
all in Barnoldswick
England.
1992 OW
EN - Stil
l with H
ope TOD
AY!
Scrapbook, polaroid style DPS of images over the years
89-09
‘93 world road race champ, kevin
schwantz
To include famous riders, icon products, factories etc...
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BRIT-ENG-ineering
Doing it yourself is how to get it done when it needs to
be done too.
Cantilever brakes definitely weren’t doing the job
properly, especially on the wet Pennines ex Rolls
Royce engineers Ian Weatherill and Simon Sharp were
hammering down. Their motorbikes had disc brakes
though and soon their mountain bikes did too. Brakes
designed, built and proved themselves. Soon the screw
on hubs they’d adapted were replaced with dedicated
self designed and self made disc brake hubs. Hope
Technology was born.
20 years later we now make over 1881 components for
691 products in 8 colours at Hope, but our reasoning
hasn’t changed. We make gear that we want to use. Gear
that improves performance. Gear that lasts where other
stuff fails. Gear that fills a gap that real riders can see but
marketing departments can’t or accountants don’t think
is big enough.
We still make all our components ourselves in
Barnoldswick, Lancashire too. Design them. Build
prototypes. Test them. Develop them. Cut components
from billet. Polish them. Anodise them. Heat treat them.
Laser etch them. Assemble them. Box them and send
them out. We even make our stickers here. Because
doing it yourself is still how you get it done right.
Take hubs: Our Ti Glide rear hubs were one of the first
Shimano compatible hubs available. Our Bulb hubs were
the first to take either 9mm QR or 20mm thru axles. Our
Pro II hubs are the first - and still the only ones - to take
9mm, 15mm, 20 or 27mm front axles and 9, 10 or 12mm
rear axles. All made because we knew riders like us
needed them and needed them now.
Because we’re making it ourselves we can constantly
update, improve and evolve. We don’t have a year’s
worth of offshore inventory to work through before the
next change comes along. Often we don’t even have a
day’s worth of inventory. When the box runs out upstairs,
we ring downstairs and they make some more. If we can
improve a product between one day and the next we will.
If we can make a totally new product to do the same job
even better we will. Simply because we can.
While our approach might be simple there’s nothing
simple about how we achieve it though. Our 5 axis
milling machines are truly state of the art. We were one
of the first UK engineering companies using Solidworks
3D design software. One of the first to have a 3D rapid
prototyping machine too. We’ve even modified and re
programmed loading robots to feed our milling machines
exactly how we want, because nothing we could buy
would do the job. Because if you want a job doing...
As much as we love making the stuff we use, the fact
that other riders like our stuff has made every day in 20
years as fresh, exciting and rewarding as the first.
In 20 years several World Cups have been won on our
products. Loads of national championships all over the
world too. Future engineers have cut their teeth thanks
to our science academy support and future riders are
honing their skills on trails we’ve sponsored – and even
built – ourselves.
Along the way we’ve got a fair batch of industrial,
engineering and innovation awards too, most of which we
didn’t know about until we won. We’ve even been used as
a shining example by men in suits and politicians down
in London.
Most importantly though we like to think that at any
moment someone in the world is having a better time
riding their bike because of what we’ve done.
It’s that passion for what we do that keeps us working
24/7 too. Well except at weekends when we leave the
machines to run themselves so we can go riding.
Riding. Making better stuff. It’s what we’ve done for 20
years and it’s what we’re going to carry on doing.
two
northern
Blokes Nuff said
Simon Sharp
Hoping since 1989 - Owner
Favourite Hope product: “V2 Vented - loads’a power and ultra
consistent in the wet or dry. I like that they are ‘Moto’ inspired
as well.”
Simon was the one who was determined to make fully hydraulic
brakes work on his bike. This year he used the latest brakes to
take 158th place in the Mega Avalanche and 11th in the
Fort William DH Enduro.
Favourite saying: “I dunno”
Ian Weatherill - Owner
Hoping since 1989
Favourite Hope product: 1 LED Vision
Adventure - I use it for biking, running,
digging trails, working outside - anything
when it’s dark! - I keep one in the landy as
well, you never know when it might break
down!
Whether it’s the latest Hope product, a
project like the Malsis school trail which he
built or just life in general you can be sure
Ian is totally passionate about it.
Favourite saying: “No Problem”
Followed closely by...
“Never trust a man in a suit.”
“I don’t trust carbon fibre. It’s the asbestos of
the 21st century”
“I’m sick of all these companies importing
stuff from all over the world and then
pretending to be green by giving you a
biodegradeable bag!”
“TIFI. This Is F’ing It”
“Don’t even get me started on making things
in China. You’d have to be mad!”...
It sounds like he’s a grumpy old man, but
that he is not, he’s having a great old time
at the moment. It’s the best it’s ever been.
It must be because he’s actually got time to
rant about stuff!” (as far as we know he’s still
going too...)
Available
From
//:: Top entry pad fitting
//:: Wide angle hose connector mount
//:: 140, 160, 183mm rotor sizes in 3, 4 or 6 bolt
//:: Weight: from 340g
Woody
Hoping since 1998 - Log
istics
Favourite Hope produc
t: Seatpost - it’s
a bit of an exclusive
as I’ve had the
only one on my bike for
the past
couple of years!
CRC/Intense on Hope!
//:: CNC MACHINED IN BARNOLDSWICK, ENGLAND
//:: FLIP-FLOP LEVER DESIGN
//:: EXTERNAL REACH AND BITE POINT ADJUSTMENT
www.hopetech.com
2009 will see the mighty CRC/Intense Team on
Hope brakes. Chris Kovarik, Julien Camellini, Matt
Simmonds and Junior World Champion Ruaridh
Cunningham will be using Tech V2’s, Tech M4’s and
Tech X2’s onboard their Intense machines.
Winter testing went well, with some great feedback
from the riders and both Hope and the team are
looking forward to the 2009 World Cup season and
some fantastic results.
For more info on the team, riders and results, check
out the website - www.crcintense.com
ham
OldTURN
Pauel2000
ER
- CNC
Hoping sinc
Favourite Hope product - SP XC3
y.
wheels - superlight and race read
Design
The creative team at Hope are not your
typical ‘bought in’ designers. They all work on
different products and projects in a ‘free range’
environment. The vast majority of our products
are born out of a need from the people that ride
and work here, rather than a marketing team
and statistics deciding what should be produced.
We don’t have product years, 12 month lifespans
and release dates to adhere to - we design
something when the need arises, we manufacture
it downstairs in the 30,000 sq ft workshop and
then ride it on the hills that surround the factory. It
really is that simple.
Boxxer Stem
The 5 man design team uses cutting edge
Solidworks© 3D CAD software, which gives us
the freedom to enjoy the very latest advanced
computer aided design functionalities. The ideas
Stress Analysis
that happen out on the trail come to life here usually very quickly after being thought of. We
don’t design products for the coming year and then
redesign them immediately for the year after - we
sometimes couldn’t tell you what products we will
have available for the year we are in, let alone 2012
and beyond!
Because the designers are also riders and
engineers - they can design products that are
achievable and not just pretty to look at on
paper. Design, function & engineering all come
before where the best place to put a logo is
(although we think we end up with some pretty nice
looking products anyway!) This link between
the design side, the engineering side and the
riders really helps with what works and what can
be done.
The process of creating a product can be incredibly
quick, particularly to the prototype stage. Once an
initial design has been drawn and modelled in 3D
CAD, we have rapid prototyping capabilities in the
form of full scale 3D modelling via a Dimension®
3D printer. This state of the art piece of equipment
enables us to use the plastic models within reallife assemblies. We can use them to fit bearings
into hubs and calipers to frames, in fact virtually
Tech Lever Assembly
anything - so we can physically see what products
look like in situ and see if there are any problems
that the computer screen can’t show. Changes
can then be made over and over again if needed,
well before the CNC machines are programmed
and costly, time consuming metal prototypes are
made. It has been known to take an idea to CAD, to
model and onto working prototype in just a couple
of days! (and many more re-working and testing
of course!)
world testing before we are happy to release
anything - and this testing process is another
integral part of the designers work as they are
the ones likely to be riding their protoypes on a
daily basis!
This CAD design work is followed by FEA (finite
element analysis), using fully integrated
COSMOSWorks® software. This allows
the product to be optimised for strength preventing mechanical failure while
allowing the removal of excess
material in order to create the
lightest
possible
structure.
All parts are subjected to this
analysis along with lab and real
Dimension® 3d Printed Hub
X2 Caliper Parts Diagram
Ash
Guillaume
Hoping since 2002
Brake Designer
Favourite Hope product: Mono M4, because I
designed it.... In a week!
Favourite quote: “Pu!*in d’ordinateur!”
Hoping since 2004
Lights Designer
Favourite Hope product: 4 LED of course!
Favourite quote: “but it’s not in my job
description”
The mastermind behind our LED’s, furtively
created the now legendary Pink Petal Mini
brake for his wife and currently working
with local mountain rescue teams to develop
outdoor lights systems.
Owen
Hoping since 1990
Hub Designer
Favourite Hope product: 3 bolt hubs - one
of my babies!
Favourite quote: “Stella please!”
brake to go faster!
Will Longden
Braking properly is a skill in itself. It’s easy to drag
the brakes all of the time but you can learn to use
the power and feel of brakes - like the Hope Mono
4’s or Moto’s, to scrub your speed cleverly and
efficiently in small isolated sections of the trail. If
you follow these simple tips, you should be able
to brake less, go faster and ride with way more
confidence.
Firstly, think of your set-up. A brake lever that’s easy
to reach and comfy enough to rest one finger on will
give you a lot more confidence than a brake lever
that’s a struggle to get to in time.
Keep your head up and scan the trail for whatever you’re just about to ride. If you spot a corner
or rocky section a few metres away start to brake
before it. By getting your braking done early enough,
you’ll be able to accelerate through the difficult part
and come out with way more speed and control. A
bike off the brakes has loads more grip and you’ll
stay far more relaxed than you would if you’re
braking all the time.
Remember that your front brake should be doing
most of the work. Modulation is key. Apply
pressure gently through the front lever whilst
moving your weight back. Use the back brake to
control, rather than stop the bike. Learning how
the brake feels should mean you shouldn’t feel
like you have to grab a handful all the time.
Gently does it! Pro downhillers will constantly be
modulating their braking, feeling for grip at the tyres
and letting go when things start to slide.
By Chris, director of Dirt School
Bikes have always been a part of Will Longden’s
life. From the day he sat on his first bike,
just before his third birthday, his dad gave
him a push and he started pedalling, stopping
however was down to dragging the old Clarks
leather shoes down the pavement! Thirty years
later and some might argue he could again do
with that push to get him going! Racing BMX,
cyclo-cross, road racing and just about any
bike race he could get an entry in as a child.
He moved into mountain biking at the end of
the 80’s and was immediately hooked.
(1) Position your lever where it’s comfo
rtable, which might
not be just next to the shifter.
“ I remember all my mates getting mountain
bikes, when they were a fashion accessory and
I used to go along for rides with them on the
cyclo-cross bike, thinking they looked heavy
and hard going. After smashing all my wheels
up I took the plunge and got a Rock Hopper,
that was it, I was sold!”
, so it’s comfortable
(2) Adjust the lever for reach and travel
for your finger.
nt and the lever
get a good bite poi
(3) Make sure you
.
led
pul
en
ckle wh
doesn’t trap your knu
Chris is the founding director of Dirt School,
a mountain bike coaching company, the UCI
Technical Delegate for the DH/4X World Cup
and World Championships and amongst other
things does some writing and works for Scottish
Cycling. If there’s one thing he’s learnt over the past
decade, it’s how to brake…
Will
travelled
around
the
country
competing and soon found that downhill
racing came naturally to him, years of riding
in paddocks at motocross races while watching
his dad, then the BMX and of course the
cyclo-cross had given him the skills to
ride the familiar terrain without a second
thought.
In 1993 he started to race in national events
and was selected to ride for Great Britain at
the World Championships in France.
16 consecutive World Championships later and
Will has earned selection for the GB team in
every single one, a mark of his consistency
and something no other rider has achieved.
“1995 was a big year for me, I got my first
pro ride for Rocky Mountain in the UK and
left my job at the steel foundry, then won
my first British Championships, the National
Series and the big event of the time, The
Coors Dual Descender Series, which had a big
prize purse and helped set me up in a career
doing all that I’d ever wanted to do since
watching David Baker and
Tim Gould as an Under 12’s cyclo-cross rider!
In that same year Oakley approached me and they
have sponsored me ever since. That was
another ambition of mine having grown up
with Dave Thorpe (3 times 500cc moto-cross
Champion) as my hero.”
So as the 2009 season knocks on the door, Will
is more enthusiastic than ever, a new ride
for Lapierre bikes, supplied by Hotlines, a
fresh desire to take on the best in the World
once more and of course, Hope brakes to stop
him instead of the old Clarks school shoes!
Follow Will’s season at www.willlongden.com
o
r
u
d
n
E
l
il
h
n
w
o
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s
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u
HOPE No F
September 2008. Fort William. 6 members of staff and
6 hours of the World Cup Downhill track. This was a
very long day out.
The idea was simple - as many runs as you can in 6
hours on the notorious Fort William DH track. For 6
members of staff, this was a challenge that couldn’t be
ignored. For one - his first race. Another an opportunity
to ride where some of the greats have ridden and for
others an unmissable experience to test themselves
against 350 other racers.
n
Name: Rob Brow
e
ak
Br
n:
Occupatio
ing
ed
ble
&
bly
m
asse
om
Rides: Scott Rans
bladder,
Camelbak Mule &
Go
SiS
p,
m
Pu
ini
Scott M
,
be
Tu
Bar and Go Gel,
sue
Ruber bands, Tis
Windproof Jacket,
Topeak Alien2,
er,
lev
psils,
re
Ty
r,
pe
pa
r & wipes, Stre
Zip ties, Plaste
Pencil
,
ttle
Bo
Cuddly toy (!),
e,
lub
, Finishline Wet
M,
Vision 1 LED light
k, Suunto T6 HR
, Sram power lin
lts
bo
d
(?!), Assorte
are pads
Latex Gloves, Sp
there as well,
some food in
ve
ha
a
y
all
rm
“I’d no
tend to ride twice
e I’m riding. We
er
so
d
wh
en
ing
ek
nd
we
pe
e
de
er th
tory and once ov
, and
week from the fac
that I don’t need
e
er
th
in
ing
eth
m
so
ing
s
ay
nd
pe
alw
de
s
e’s
ther
or glove
t of arm warmers
I usually have a se
’s doing”
what the weather
Neil
Ian
Everyone was a little apprehensive to one degree or
another. Would we make it down, run after run? How/
where we would pass? Would we be able to hold on
after 3 or 4 hours? When would we pee? (!)
Those questions would soon be answered. After a Le
Mans style start and a 15 minute fireroad climb (on DH
bikes) we started the descent back to the gondola station. We’d started! The clock was running and hearts
were pounding, lungs burning and the race was on!
Making our way to the top lift station for the first time,
lines were pointed out that hadn’t been seen and as the
track unfolded in front of us, the 6 hours of punishment
we were about to endure were becoming very real.
Approaching the gondola station, we could already
see the first few riders beginning their descent and it’s
difficult to sit there knowing they are making time up
‘
on you and there’s nothing you can do about it. Quickly
on the bike though and the first descent begins. It’s a
balance between being cautious and not puncturing or
crashing and giving it as much as you can to keep the
average speed up. There wasn’t much traffic, which was
one of the concerns pre event as the riders were strung
out by the gondola on this first run. You don’t get much
time to ‘get into it’ at Fort William, the top section is fast
and quickly sends you into the rocky top section. Corner
after corner come and go and you’re soon at the deer
gate, a sort of mid way point where a break can be taken
if you’re on a sighting lap or for some a place to stop
and give their hands a rest! Continuing down through
the hard switchbacks, line choice is all important and the
narrow, slightly wet chute that takes you to the wall ride
and a singletrack where mistakes can be made.
This is where the pedalling starts and the whole lower
sections need constant effort, to keep speed to conserve
energy. You won’t make the backsides of the doubles if
you don’t have enough speed, so pedal and make them
or back off and roll them - the choice is (not always!)
yours.
(www.nofussevents.co.uk) putting together a great
concept. Check out the website for other great (and often
just as daft) events.
So how did we finish? Well Helena (graphics) managed
5 runs before injury put her out, Johnny (assembly) did
14 runs which was amazing as it was his first ever race!
Dart (sales) was also on 14 but with a faster overall time,
Ian (owner) was on 17 runs and that was good enough
for 3rd overall in vets, Simon (owner) also finished on 17
just in front and was 2nd overall in vets and Neil (who’s
writing this) was also on 17 runs but managed them in a
quicker time so ended up 10th overall.
For anyone looking for a DH challenge - this is perfect.
You don’t get this sort of time on your bike anywhere else
in the UK - so pack plenty of spares, do some forearm
training and get up there (August 1st this year) a race no
DH rider should miss!
Finally the finish is in site, the big jump into the steep
drop and the 2 jumps into the finish and you’re done!
Now that took about 6 minutes if you were quick and
over 15 if you weren’t! So just ride and repeat another
16 times!
The event was run fantastically with No Fuss Events
Simon & Ian make the podium!
Dart
Guillaume’s 1400km ride from
Argentina to Chile
HOPE Bikes
Woody JNR - Giant 24” xtc
STARTS Hoping 2015 - Woody’s Job
Favourite product: Happy Meal
Favourite saying: “Can I have...” , or “Can we go in the van”
It’s not every 9 year old that gets a pick of products and a
dream bike like this for his Christmas gift. Unless you’re Dan
Hole - Woody’s son and up and coming trials star! Bikes have
long been a part of both Woody and Dan’s lives - and so when
the opportunity came for a ‘proper’ bike - it was grasped with
both hands AND the blue anodising tank!
This little Giant is tricked out. Everywhere. Tech X2 brakes, Ti
bolts, Machined down cranks arms, Custom Pace Forks and
one off braces - you name it, it’s here. And before you can
point a dissaproving finger at spoilt kids and ‘overkill’ - you’ll
be pleased to know that Dan would most probably ride your
socks off! So it’s totally justified! He can trial, XC and DH and
what’s more, he can do it all day long if he wants!
Alan Weatherill
Van Nicholas Mamtor
Hoping since 1989
Neil pinched my title, so I don’t know what I
do now. (Actually Head of sales and I.T.)
Favourite Hope product: “the 1st Ti-glide
hubs - they were a long time coming from my
perspective and caused me a lot of grief in
getting there - so they are my favourites as
they made life a little bit easier! “
SPEC: Van Nicholas Mamtor, Fox Talas RLC
Truvativ Noir, Sram X0, Race Face Next
Handlebars, Tech X2 brakes 183/160, Hope
Ceramic BB, Hope Seatpost, HOPE Hoops
wheelset – 5.1 Rims (AWAITING trick 300gram
rims to arrive), Hope Headset, Hope finishing
kit in black.
It sounded like a good idea at the time... riding through some
of the most spectacular parts of South America. Just myself,
a good friend, our bikes and trailers. Self sufficient, simple, a
trip that great memories are made from. We had 2 months of
holidays planned, with a rough route taking us through
Argentina and Chile, from the South to the North. In hindsight
this was actually a bad idea as it turned out, because it means
travelling against the wind, and at more than 50° South of
latitude the wind is really, really strong and relentless.
On the human side we were delighted by the hospitality
of the Argentinean people - often offering us shelter, food
or whatever they could give. Kroat found Chilean girls
very friendly too! Throughout the whole journey we were
welcomed into villages and towns and felt like explorers, not
cyclists! It’s wonderful to meet people with whom 27 gears,
disc brakes and breathable fabrics have no relevance at all!
We seemed alien like at times, but never felt in danger or in a
compromising position - in fact quite the opposite.
We got to ride and hike through some of the most beautiful
national parks such as PN Torres del Paine and PN Los
Glacieres with the mighty Fitz Roy mountain and the famous
glacier Perito Moreno. Travelling by bike meant we could do
some border crossings on small horse tracks like we did
between El Chalten and Villa O’Higgins - once away from
the main roads and tracks, the riding we came across was
awesome. Rocky singletracks littered with rivers and gullies
and some of the most amazing views - we spent some time
un hitched from the trailers and explored the steep peaks and
narrow animal paths that are almost everywhere in this part
of the world.
Although the trip was a personal journey, a holiday you might
say - we also had some new products with us to give a real
world testing to. This is no place to have equipment failure.
We were trying the new Pro3 SP-XC3 wheel sets - 24 spoke
straight pull XC wheels, and although having the extra burden
of the trailer and all our equipment we didn’t have a single
spoke failure, bent rim or bearing failure through the entire
trip. Although this isn’t normally how we test the products we
design and make - it is a great way to find out if there are
any problems or weak spots in a design. We overused wheels
and brakes for the duration of the trip (we also used Mono
Mini Pro brakes with 160mm rotors!) and although at times
we had reached the limit of what they were comfortable doing
- we still didn’t have failures or issues that stopped us from
continuing on the journey.
Of course we also had some long days, with hours of sweating,
pushing, struggling, feeling like going nowhere… Sometimes
against the infamous howling wind, sometimes on a
terrible corrugated gravel track that seems to go on forever,
sometimes on a tiny path where you just cannot go with a
trailer but where we try to go anyway because “it’ll be all
right…”! and occasionally a few of these things combine to
make the day hell! But all this struggling was soon forgotten
when looking at the magnificent scenery surrounding us (not
including the flat and wind beaten Pampa though!)
Most of the time we would camp wild, bathing in rivers or
staying on more civilised camping grounds occasionally. If we
wanted to treat ourselves we would rather sleep rough but
have a huge steak in a good restaurant!
If you ever have the opportunity to undertake something like
this, then take it! A little careful research will help with wind
direction and conditions, but it’s definitely an opportunity not
to be missed. Of all the places to go biking it might not be top
of the list, but for awe inspiring scenery and a get away from it
experience - it must be hard to beat.
Flew to: Buenos Aires
Back from : Santiago de Chile
With: Iberia
Time of year: January - February
Currency: Peso argentino - Peso Chileno
Guide: Lonely Planet and local knowledge
Language : Spanish
Guillaume Leon - a 32 year old Frenchman, is a Barnoldswick
‘local’ (sometimes) who as well as designing some of the Hope
brake range, also tests it. If he’s not plugging away at a bleak
Yorkshire Dale whilst in England and at the factory, he’s to be
found ripping around the local trails in the real mountains near
his home town of Briançon in South Eastern France.
Occasionally he gets away on ‘proper’ testing time like this
little 1400km ride through South America from Ushuaia
(Argentina) to Osorno (Chile).
Stainburn Forest
is a hidden gem and somewhat of a local riding spot to
the Hope Factory - starting from the Norwood Edge car
park just off the B6451 between Otley and Pateley Bridge
in North Yorkshire.
The circuit, although compact is one of the most
challenging XC circuits in the UK, and is as natural as
a man made course could be! There’s no real facilities
(make like a bear if you have to!) but the quality riding
opportunities can be split into four (ride them on their
own or as combinations, it’s sort of a stacked loop
design) - there’s the red loop, the boulder trail, the
descent line and the pump track.
The trails are designed and built by people who love
technical riding and in this wood that means rocks and
lots of them. The local stuff is gritstone, fantastically
grippy but with phenomenal bike, rider and gear
eating qualities. It’s also a small steep wood and in order
to make it a place worth coming for a “proper” ride at,
somehow it had to be made “longer” and so it’s been
made really, really hard!
The Boulder Trail is arguably the hardest technical
manmade trail in England, if not the whole UK. It’s
somewhere to session, puzzle over lines and techniques
and then grin at cracking another bit. Keep your head
down and soon sections will link and flow will come. We
hope you like it. Lots of people seem to and if you don’t
then at least appreciate that trails, like life, are all about
variety, thankfully.
The Boulder Trail
Through the posts out of the car park, first left turn along
50m of trail and you’re into deep, dark woods.
Rocks, roots, stoppers, float it,
clatter it, whatever, but hit “The
Slab” to experience the first full on
technical feature volunteers built.
Imagine a few dozen folks, some
barrows and hand tools 5 years ago.
Imagine what it took to get the trail
to this bit built, nevermind the rest
of it. Not so easy now is it, this trail
building lark?
All the rest is a follow your nose
and signs grinder of technical rock
features alternately encouraging you to blast it, tip toe,
float through or hang on for grim death. A rare berm
after a boulder spine section spins you round down
a gently contouring, falling trail line. Feature after
feature eventually brings you to a virtual about turn on
pitched rock trail falling steeply down. “Hovis Corner”.
Down “The Cascade” and over boulders, then climb to
descend again on timber and rock to pop into the open on
high level northshore. Deal with the height, wobble the
skinnies and teeter the totter until you’re back on rock
and aggregate. Big jump, boulder spine and yet more
technical features until you hit the stark edge of trees
marking the start of the climb back to the start. The skills
session doesn’t stop here, and there’ not a fireroad in
sight - it’s a black grade, technical and lung busting climb
all the way. Eventually you’ll get back to the car park.
Ignore the push-up no matter what the temptation. Skills
are skills, however you get them it’s all good. Ride don’t
walk!
Total loop is about 3 or 4 km, although it feels like a lot
more to most. Combine this one trail with the descent line
(and climb back up), red loop, and top side of the forest
and you can have 15km of riding, all varied and all
technical!
Stainburn
SingletrAction
Malsis School
What exists now is testament to the dogged, bloody
minded, tenacious efforts of people daft enough to think
something could be created in these woods to challenge
even the most accomplished riders without spending
hundreds of thousands of pounds. We wouldn’t mind all
that cash but sometimes you just have to manage with
what you can get. Whilst some financial support comes
from members subs we wouldn’t be where we are,
especially in the early years when it all came down to
being able to afford 20 tonnes for hardcore for the next
section, without the generous support of local shops and
businesses.
The track was inspected by the British Cycling Federation
and is now a recognised course. Built within the school
grounds, the track offers plenty of variety for learning and
improving skills and fitness. A huge amount of work went
into the construction, including stone, gravel, woodwork
and digging. The facility is now being used as an example
to other schools as to what can be achieved - and given
the success and the enjoyment the children are now
having it can’t be long before we start to see cycling next
to football and cricket on the school sports day!
Stainburn is a unique collection of trails developed for
riders by riders in collaboration with land managers
Forestry Commission. All the trails have been planned and
designed by volunteers at SingletrAction, a dedicated and
passionate group of (unpaid) volunteers who are into trail
design, construction and advocacy.
To them and everyone that swung a shovel or pushed a
barrow, cheers!
If you want to get involved check out the website
www.singletraction.org.uk
In the summer of 2008, work was completed on the Hope
Technology MTB Trail at Malsis school, near Skipton. The
trail, the first of it’s kind in the UK, was professionally
designed and built by Hope’s owner & director Ian
Weatherill and a team of helpers to give the children at the
school the opportunity to ride mountain bikes as part of
their daily curriculum.
“Love or loathe man made trails - they are often the best
thing for getting people into biking”
“This kind of course can be built by any school or group
and it is by providing these facilities to the young that we
give a start to the potential World and Olympic champions
of tomorrow.”- Ian Weatherill
DOUGIE LAMPKIN
SHAUN SIMPSON
2009 will see twelve times motorcycle trials World
Champion Dougie Lampkin begin a new chapter of his
long and illustrious career. For the last decade and a half
Dougie has totally dominated the World of trials, making
the Yorkshireman one of the most successful motorised
two-wheel riders ever to grace the planet.
There is little doubt that twenty-year old Shaun Simpson
was one of the big sensations of the 2008 moto-x
season. The young Scot from Fife shocked even the most
experienced paddock pundits as he jumped from outside
the World’s top twenty to finish an incredible fourth in
the last year’s final rankings. Simpson followed up his
success on the World stage by also winning
the MX2 British championship to crown
an outstanding season for the KTM
UK rider.
At thirty-two years old Lampkin is now by far the oldest
rider on the FIM World Trials circuit, however he
continues to be a threat to his younger challengers, many
of who have learned their craft on trials bicycles. Lampkin
explained. “Even during my reign the sport has changed
dramatically in many ways. I came from an era when
throttle control was one of the key ingredients to be a
successful rider, but now it is much more about sheer
bike technique. Both Adam Raga and Toni Bou, who are
the current top two riders, have come from push bike
trials, and that really shows in their riding style.”
“In terms of pure technique I am now playing second
fiddle, but through a mixture of experience, a bit of brute
force and an absolute desire to continue to win I can still
manage to be up there amongst the best, especially when
the conditions are really tough.” Lampkin continued.
Dougie will not contest the indoor World series in 2009 for
the first time in many years, and a championship he has
won no less than five times. The recent World indoor event
at Sheffield arena brought a close to this era for Dougie,
allowing the highly decorated rider to switch his attentions
to his new pursuit of indoor and extreme enduros.
An enthusiastic Lampkin stated. “I am really looking
forward to the new challenge that this will give me. At the
moment I am only planning on doing six or eight selected
Shaun’s rise through the ranks
has been anything but instant,
with the youngster having
served his apprentice
in the youth ranks and
on the national scene,
following his father Willie’s
long international moto-x
career. Racing for the
Simpsons is a real family
affair, with younger
brother Stefan having
been recruited as Shaun’s
mechanic in more recent
seasons to work under
the watchful eye of team
manager and father Willie. Shaun’s
mother Vanda, who also came from a
racing background, is left to mop up
all those vital but unwanted jobs.
events. These will include a couple of rounds of the indoor
enduro World series and some Red Bull extreme events
like Last Man Standing and Ezberg.“ Dougie finished
off with. “Hopefully my trials experience will be a good
benefit, as there are many similarities. Depending on how
things go, I may shift my focus this way in the future.”
Riding his Santa Cruz Blur packed with Hope goodies is an
important part of Dougie’s training programme, especially
as he prepares for the 2009 season. Dougie is using Tech
X2 183/160 with floating rotors, Hoops Pro2/5.1, Ceramic
BB, 90/10/OS stem, Headset, Vision 4 LED and a HOPE
finishing kit. For more information about this sporting
legend, please visit www.dougielampkin.co.uk
Dougie in the factory
Whilst Shaun’s recent success has forced him into
the glare of the international media, his strong family
values and his mature personality mean that he remains
with both of his feet firmly on the floor. In Shaun’s words.
“The attention is nice, as it is recognition of what I have
achieved, not only this year, but over a several years and
very much thanks to the support of my family. However
whilst I have had a great season, there is still a lot of
hard work to be done if I am going to achieve my goal of
being World champion one day soon. So I am not about
to become too big for my boots, as being me has taken
me this far, and that’s how I plan to keep it now and in
the future, whatever happens.”
2009 will see Shaun join the KTM factory team, the same
squad that won the 2008 MX2 World title, so he will be
in good hands. The physical element of modern moto-x
is vitally important to all top riders, and is something
Shaun takes seriously. Simpson’s training began back in
November, alongside ten times World moto-x champion
Stefan Everts, and is heavily focused on cycling and
swimming. Equipped with his new KTM Strada 3000
road bike and KTM Lycan MTB (complete with Hope Tech
X2 160mm F+R, Pro3 SP-XC3 Hoops wheelset, Ceramic
BB, 4 LED lights and a full Hope finishing kit), Shaun has
already spent many hours in the saddle to ensure his
position amongst the front-runners during 2009.
Follow Shaun’s progress by visiting www.shaunsimpson.
com
MANUFACTURING
The second stage of our in house procedures
paying dividends are when designs are passed
to our machining department. Speed and
communication between these two departments
are second to none. Situated within the same
building, the process of moving a part from
theory and a 3d drawing can progress to a
working physical part in a matter of hours.
The more complex parts, typically master
cylinders and calipers are programmed for
machining from a solid model provided by
design. Gibbs® software is used to produce
a programme for the machine, although even
at this stage the programmer
has license to change the
design as not everything
the designers design can be
produced on the machine!!
This is a common point of
controversy between the 2!
Design wanting machining
to be able to make it, and
machining wanting design to
re design it!
This one off part is made
in order to enable physical
testing,
anodising
and
assembling to take place. This
is done in conjunction with the
designers and the hope staff,
Tooling – machine tools have to be sourced,
some of which will be custom made to produce
more than one feature at a time and many
costing over £250,000 pounds, so getting the
selection right is critical.
who all take a role in using and developing
the latest products in real world
conditions. This procedure may take
more than one attempt to get perfectly
right, and so the cycle is repeated.
Once this has been finalised, fixtures used
to hold the raw material are produced in
house by our highly skilled toolmakers. Again
using hi-spec machines, years of experience
and some clever thinking - we are able to
produce parts quickly and effectively in
order to start the production ball rolling.
Again the speed in which this can take place
is key. Day to day changes can be thought of,
designed into a product and then made again.
Quickly, efficiently and precisely.
Once in production, all parts go through
the same process of machining, monitoring,
inspection, washing, cleaning, drying and
polishing / anodising where necessary (all
aluminium parts are anodised) after anodising
parts are identified and logo’d using the
latest laser marking technology.
Once a product is finalised, planning starts
for producing the individual parts. This
includes:
Material specification - whether to produce
from off the shelf material or to have a
special extrusion made which helps to cut
down the machining time and waste.
Machine choice - time, availability, speed
and operator input all have a bearing on
this.
Quantities - how many to produce at a time to
make best use of the machine and to keep the
whole production schedule upto date. It’s no
good having 1,000 lever blades if you don’t
have a master cylinder to bolt it to!
It’s then off to assembly where the
individual parts are built up into works of
art for you all to enjoy!
LinDley
Hoping since 1989
Works Manager
Favourite Hope product: Sh1t Shifter, at
least we don’t machine any of it!
Favourite saying: “no problem!”
Lindley keeps production running and the
products coming, organising what gets made
and when.
For 2009, the Hoops range of
pre built wheelsets is growing!
Adding to the the hugely popular range of DT rim specced
wheels, we have for this year also included Mavic
and Stans options. This means you now have over 20
different combinations of hub/rims and spokes to choose
from (including tubeless ready wheels)
Each range of hubs (standard flange, straight pull, 3 bolt &
4 bolt) has a DT, Mavic and Stans rim option. We have XC,
FR and DH spec rims and the DT spokes and nipples are
specced accordingly.
So if you’re looking for a replacement wheel, a spare
pair, an upgrade item - anything wheelwise, we have a
combination and cost that will suit you. Check out the
website (www.hopetech.com) for more details and to see
the new Pro2 straight pull hubs, SP-XC6 hubs and the
lightweight road wheels.
DT Swiss Mavic
Stan’s
Flow
355 32H
355 24H
Open pro
721
521
717
5.1
4.2 32H
4.2 24H
PRO 2 Std
PRO 3 SPXC3
PRO 3 SPAM4
PRO 2 SP
PRO 3 SPXC6
Pro 3 RS Mono
Pro 3 RSSP
Proper Fast!
HOPE STAFF
Chris Crabtree, Night shift manager
Carolyn Brown, Assembly
Who is Guy Martin?
A professional motorcycle racer, bike engine tuner, truck fitter, Downhill Racer. But more than that he is a one-off, a
throwback to a time before PR men ruled sport. He’s uncensored and unconcerned by who he upsets, he just tells
it how he sees.
Terrence Sharp, Goods in
Sean Chew, Assembly
Jason Whiteley, Hub assembly
Guy wins races and sets lap records in the world’s most hairraising motorcycle races. Races like the Isle of Man TT races,
Ulster GP, North West 200 and Macau GP. This is pure road
racing, between the hedges on roads with lamp posts, potholes and white lines painted down the middle.
Where’s your favourite place? - Isle of Man.
And to ride? - Les Gets
What makes you happy? - Other than riding the fast road
circuits like Ulster Grand Prix and the near 40 miles of the
TT course, you can’t beat me and a few mates going for a
road trip in the van, getting p*****! and kipping in the back of
the van then a day of down hill the next day at Fort Bill.
Whats the best advice you’ve been given? - Never say
never & you don’t get owt in this life without working for it.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RIDE - WEETS
Darren Cockshott, MAM machinest
Daniel Midgeley, Apprentice Turner
Steve Blackburn, Processing
Dave Brown, Brake assembly
Helena Eriksson, Graphics
Matt Kobak, CNC Turner
HOPE FACTORY BIKE RACK
Who do you admire? - Rossi, John McGuiness, Sam Hill
& Tarantino
The last thing you do at night? - Tea- milk, no sugar & get
a plan for the following day.
Biggest crash... - North West 200
2008, Black Hill . I lost the front on
the brow of the hill, smacked the kerb
with my arse at a good 100mph,walked
away, lucky b@$&*∞?!
What do you do first thing in a morning?
Hands off c***s, hands on socks!
Most annoying habit? - always saying “she’ll
be right” and “jobs a good un”
What would your last meal consist of? - Chicken
tikka buhna, keema nan & boiled rice, or if all that
fails, beans on toast.
What have you got in your pockets? - an 8 year
old Nokia 3810i
Best bike product? - Hope ceramic bottom bracket.
Attention too detail, how little resistance?
Favourite rider? - D/H Steve Peat - proper fast, sticking
with it, never to old. Road racing - John McGuiness.
Listening to... Winston Churchill’s old sayings,
Russel Brand’s quick wit .
Bikes ridden... Orange 224 GBR,
Cotic Soul, Orange HitMan 26”,
1000cc Honda!
Follow Hope’s favourite road racer and all round top bloke’s season
on his website www.guymartinracing.co.uk
3
1
2
4
5
6
1 //:: Tom - Junior Race Jersey & Short
2 //::DART - Race Jersey & DH Short
3 //::WOODY - Race Jersey & FR Short
ROB - Race Jersey & DH Short
PAUL - Race Jersey & Short
4 //::Will - Junior Race Jersey & Short
5 //::PAUL - Race Jersey & Short
6 //::GUY - DH Jersey & DH Short
FACTS URES
and FIG time to...
Anodise approx 1,020,000 parts per
year, all by hand!
25,680 Cups of coffee, per annum
in workshop, even more in sales.
Aluminium sheet per annum:
Enough to cover 203 full size
Snooker tables, or 5 tennis courts
Gold 9%
Gunsmoke 5%
Although we pride ourselves on high manufacturing
standards & handbuilt quality, we still get things that go
wrong, break or just need some TLC.
Black
87% Of hub billet is waste (which
is recycled)
Every single aluminium part is
polished with ground walnut shells
Each Tech brakes contains over 60
individual parts
We distribute to 27 countries,
including Taiwan
We machine all the back plates for
our pads before being sent away
for pad material being bonded on
E
N
o
N
o
t
D
N
2
E
C
i
V
R
E
S
54%
It’s unavoidable and we’d be lying if we said we don’t
have any returns. That’s where our service department
comes in. Nick & Mark do all the work in here - as well
as travelling the world offering technical support at
races and events. They offer a factory servicing
facility for shops or individuals to send parts back for
repair or service with quick turnarounds and an aftercare
policy that genuinely is second to none.
If you want to send anything back for a factory fettle - log
on to the web at www.hopetech.com and download the
form in the technical section.
Or, if you need some advice or help email
service@hopetech.com or call them on
+44 (0) 1282 818413.
NICK
Hoping since 2000
Service Engineer
Favourite Hope Product: Brakes! They got me
a job!
Favourite quote: “Margherita pizza”
Red 19%
Sh#1t shifter approx per annum:
17,000 Litres, or 212.5 baths, or
68,000 coffee mugs, or 30,222 pint
glasses
pad retaining pin: 2 min
front hub: 7 min
stem: 22 min
a rotor: 1 min
Blue 8%
Aluminium bar approx per annum:
28,571 metres,
or 17.7 miles,
or 16,806 Bike lengths
machine a
machine a
machine a
laser cut
Silver 5%
Hope Technology is essentially 85
people, 45 CNC machines and some
other big metal monsters. 90% of
all those people live less than 2
miles from work. A lot have been
with us since we started.
Hub Colours
To anodise something black, takes
over an hour (even a hub spacer or
bore cap)
Goodridge make all our braided
hoses
We use over 100,000 litres of
liquid nitrogen for laser cutting
- this equates to a staggering
68,400,000 litres of gas!
At least 10 people work on each
brake - before it becomes a
finished item
We sell over 33,000 seat clamps
a year and over 16,000 pairs of
quick releases!
MARK
Hoping since 2007
Service Engineer
Favourite Hope Product: 3 bolt hubs, I just
like em’!
Favourite quote: “I don’t know!”
Hope Service Vehicle at the Mega Avalanche, Alpe D’Huez, France
For 2009, Tom Braithwaite is riding as part of Hope Factory Racing.
Super keen to impress after an injury laden 2008 season, here’s a
bit of background on the newest recruit to the Hope team.
Coming from a sporting family Tom Braithwaite was an adrenalin
junky from an early age. By the time he was 15 yrs old he had tried
a number of sports - climbing, skiing, etc... along with the usual
school football and rugby, but none had the same impact on him
as riding a bike. “It started off with me and my mates going and
jumping off the biggest stuff we dared, back then I just had a full
rigid Raleigh with cantilever brakes”.
A relative latecomer to the sport, he soon realized that skills
improvement, rigorous training and total commitment to achieving
set goals were necessary in order to progress to where he wanted
to be – racing the World Cup circuit. At the age of 17 and after ‘a
good talking to’ by his dad, he realized that ‘socializing’ the Friday
night before a race weekend, was not conducive to winning results,
so he changed his attitude! Now a consistently high performer
nationally and internationally (best WC finish to date 9th place Vigo
2007), he is as driven as ever to achieve at the very highest level.
Having suffered ill-timed injuries over the past two years, which
inevitably go with Downhill, his progress has been hampered, but
after every setback, he remains as hungry and committed as ever
to resuming training and getting back on the track to achieve that
illusive ‘perfect run’.
A perfectionist where his bike is concerned, you’ll always see
a spanner in his hand at the races. He relies on the services of
Ride-on of Rawtenstall for general bike race prep. His professional
attitude and approach to the sport have won him generous and
loyal sponsors – Mojo (Fox Suspension), Silverfish (Raceface, E13,
SDG), MMA (Maxxis and 661). Long term supporters Hope are
continuing with their support of him and alongside 23 Degrees are
his principle sponsors for 2009.
INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS
HOPESTAR
Tom Braithwaite
USA
Hope Technology USA Inc.
+1 936 756 5004
+1 936 756 5017
Austria
UK Direct
0044 1282 818426
0044 1282 851201
Belgium
usa@hopetech.com
robin@hopetechnology.com
www.hopebenelux.com
Canada
NRG Enterprises Ltd
+1 800 665 4362
+1 250 352 2038
Czech Republic
Yarroline
+420 519 337711
+420 519 337710
Finland
ETSports
+358 (0) 13 821 826
+358 (0) 13 225 864
France
Germany
www.hopetechusa.com
www.nrgenterprises.com
info@nrgenterprises.com
yarrow@yarroline.com
www.et-sports.com
etsports@mail.carelian.fi
www.hopefrance.com
UK Direct
0044 1282 851200
0044 1282 851201
Holland
robin@hopetechnology.com
www.hopebenelux.com
Hong Kong
P.C. Sportech
+852 2960 1245
+852 2960 1065
Italy
DSB srl
+39 035 4824273
+39 035 4824273
www.dsb-bonandrini.com
info@dsb-bonandrini.com
Korea
Xenon Sports International
+82 (0)31 555 0077
+82 (0)31 555 0088
www.xenonsports.co.kr
xenon@netsgo.com
Latvia
FPX sport
www.oks.lv
oks@ml.lv
Luxembourg
mikeho@hotmail.com
www.hopebenelux.com
New Zealand
KRD Imports Ltd
+64-3-3897218
+64-3-3897216
Norway
Bernh. Botolfsen
+47 2263 0610
+47 6382 3686
Poland
7ANNA
+48 585201804
Portugal
B.T. Terra
+351 244 768001
+351 244 768002
Russia
Omni Trading Ltd
+7 (0)95 459 7181
+7 (0)95 458 8120
www.omnibike.ru
Singapore
Two Wheel Action Pte Ltd
(65) 6471-2775
(65) 6475-7652
www.twa.com.sg
Slovakia
Yarroline
0905 641376
www.yarroline.com
yarrow@yarroline.com
South Africa
International Trade
27(0) 832687449
www.intltradesa.com
info@intltradesa.com
Spain
Bike Difusion
34 945 158 288
34 945 158 289
www.bikedifusion.com
info@bikedifusion.com
Sweden
Cykel City
+46 4615 7300
+46 4613 1711
www.cykelcity.se
Switzerland
Agentur Felix AG
+41 71 911 66 16
+41 71 911 66 29
www.felix.ch
Taiwan
Biketech Co.,Ltd.
+886 2 2694 5806
+886 2 2694 6133
www.biketech.com.tw
service@krdimports.co.nz
www.botolfsen.no
info@botolfsen.no
www.7anna.com.pl
info@omnibike.ru
felix@felix.ch
That was the final gap at this years National Cyclo Cross
Championship, between the eventual winner and Hopes
Paul Oldham.
Held on a very windswept northern hillside, the
penultimate race of the domestic national cross
calendar proved just out of reach for the Lancashire
star as his fantastic cross season very nearly had the 2
National Championship stripes he so wanted. Currently
leading the National Trophy series (and being defending
champion), with 1 round to go and leading the now
National Champion Jody Crawforth - it looks like a
fantastic finish to the year, which will hopefully be
capped with selection for the GB Team for the World
Championships in Holland (if the selectors get it right!)
Consistency has been the key this year for Paul - always
there or thereabouts, and not finishing off the podium
at the National Trophy Series all year has given the
required confidence to take the racing up to a level that
the hard and dedicated training deserves so much.
I asked Paul the day after the Nationals (when he was
back at work!) what his plans are for the remainder of
the season....
“More of the same really. Concentrate on the final
round, the worlds and then take it easy. I usually have a
month off after the cross season, and then start training
for the MTB stuff. You can’t go from one to another if
you’re not actually resting properly inbetween. I have
to change things about a bit as well, time is always the
enemy though and it’s fitting it all in around a job &
home that gets difficult. That’s why I like cross, as you
can condense the training into shorter, high intensity
stuff and I don’t have to worry too much about 100
image by Joolz Dymond
7 seconds...
mile road rides every other day. I’ve been taking a more
scientific approach as well with my Suunto HRM - it tells
me allsorts of stuff I never thought I needed to know!
But it’s great to know when to back off and when to
give it some licks! If I can do this, hopefully I can see
podiums at the National rounds and a medal at the
Nationals won’t be out of the question”
So by the time you read this, the full time CNC turner
could have secured another National Trophy title
and represented his county at the World Champs.
Something many pro athletes would be more than
pleased with. We wish him the best of luck - and in true
fashion a final word of thanks....
“Hope for making racing possible and supporting me all
of these years, Sally for standing in so many wet fields
and parks handing bottles out and cooking dinner in the
van(!), Keith and Ian at Scott for the fantastic bikes and
support and perhaps this year, the British weather for
doing it’s best and giving me some pretty heavy going,
which does nothing but help a skinny lad like me!”
TECH SHOP DIRECTORY
The Hope ‘Tech Shop’ is a new programme rolling out
for 2009 - adding to our existing dealer base of over
1200 stores, the Tech Shop is a combination of product
stockist & service centre. We have over 40 dealers around
the country that have knowledge, training and skills in
Hope product, carry the main range of products in good
depth, hold small and spare parts in the workshop and
can give good advice when it comes to choosing the right
products for you.
18 Bikes Ltd
Hope
T:01433 621111
www.18bikes.co.uk
Bromley Bike Company
Bromley
T:020 8460 4852
www.Bromleybike.com
Grafham Water
Huntingdon
01480 812500
www.rutlandcycling.co.uk
Mtn Trax
Barkham
01189 761130
www.mountain-trax.com
Red Planet Bikes
Swindon
T:01793 522211
www.redplanetbikes.co.uk
Summit Cycles
Aberystwyth
T:01970 626061
www.summitcycles.co.uk
John Atkins
Leamington Spa
T:01926 430211
johnatkinscycles.co.uk
Chain Reaction Cycles
Co Antrim
02893 345515
chainreactioncycles.com
GA Cycles
Southampton
02380 636648
www.gacycles.co.uk
Nevis Cycles
Fort William
T:01397 705555
www.neviscycles.com
Ride-On
Rawtenstall
T:01706 831101
www.rideon.co.uk
Sunset mtb
Cardiff
T:02920 390883
www.sunsetmtb.co.uk
Back on Track Bikes
Malvern
T:01684 565777
backontrack-bikes.com
Ralph Colman Cycles
Taunton
T:01823 275822
www.ralphies.co.uk
Grip Cycles
Scarborough
T:01723 586565
www.gripcycles.co.uk
Nirvana Cycles
Westcoot
T:01306 740300
www.nirvanacycles.com
Royles
Wilmslow
01625 543440
www.royles.biz
Swinnertons
Stoke
01782 747782
swinnertoncycles.co.uk
Bike Bristol
Bristol
0117 929 3500
www.bike-uk.co.uk
Coombes Cycles
Hereford
T:01432 354373
www.coombescycles.co.uk
Iron Horse Cyclery
Darlington
01325 284500
www.ironhorsecyclery.com
North West MTB
Cheadle
0161 428 3311
www.nwmtb.com
Rutland Cycling
Oakham
01780 460705
www.rutlandcycling.co.uk
Swinnerton Cycles Forest
Rugeley
T:01889 575170
www.bikechase.co.uk
Bike Lab
Poole
01202 330011
www.bikelab.co.uk
Corley Cycles
Milton Keynes
T:01908 311424
www.corleycycles.com
JD Cycles
Ilkley
T:01943 816101
www.jdcycles.co.uk
One Planet Adventure
Llandegla
T;01978 751656
oneplanetadventure.com
Sherwood Pines
Mansfield
T:01623 822855
sherwoodpinescycles.co.uk
The Bike Place
Newcastle upon Tyne
T:0845 6341895
www.thebikeplace.co.uk
Bike Scene
Guisborough
01287 610764
www.bikescene.co.uk
Cycleopedia
Watford
T:01923 221901
www.watfordbikes.co.uk
Leisure Lakes Notts/Derby
Breaston
T:01332 872947
www.leisurelakesbikes.com
On Yer Bike
Burnley
01282 438855
www.onyerbikedirect.com
Don Skene Cycles Ltd
Cardiff
T:209 20400900
www.teamskene.com
The Hub Bike Ltd
Glentress Forest
T:01721 721 736
www.thehubintheforest.co.uk
Biketreks
Ambleside
015394 31245
www.biketreks.net
Cycleworld
Arbroath
T:01241 876034
www.cycle-world.co.uk
Moonglu
Ripon
T:01765 601106
www.moonglu.com
Primera Sport
Bournemouth
T:01202 775588
www.primera-sport.co.uk
Stif Mountain Bikes
Leeds
T:0113 225 1111
www.stif.co.uk
Two Wheels
Stourbridge
T:01384 394653
www.twowheelscycles.com
Hope Lights brighten the future for the
Upper Wharfedale Fell
Rescue Association
Formed in 1948, the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue
Association exists to bring help to those in need on or under
the hills of Upper Wharfedale and the surrounding dales.
Over the years it has answered around 1,000 calls from
the police and ambulance service to provide assistance
in dealing with a wide variety of incidents. These have
included the Lockerbie disaster and the tragedy at
Mossdale Caverns in 1967 where 6 young cavers lost their
lives when a severe flood swept through the cave. Luckily,
most of the call-outs attended have had happier outcomes,
with many lives saved.
could be used for rescue work. The light in question was
a Hope 2 LED and it wasn’t long before work had begun
between Hope and Fell rescue and a 4 LED was trialled in
the very harsh environment found in caves. The success of
this resulted in further discussions with Hope during which
they revealed a prototype 1 LED lamp which proved to be
just what the team needed for use as a headlamp, both
underground and on the surface.
The rescue service is made up of over 80 well trained
and well equipped volunteer cavers, climbers and
mountaineers and is on call 365 days a year. Its
membership live in “the Dale” or travel from as far away
as Leeds or Bradford and are prepared to respond to a
callout at any time of the day or night and in the worst of
weather conditions.
Further development and modification to meet some of the
conditions encountered on rescues, led to an order being
placed for 6 of the 1 LED lamps and 4 of the 4 LED
models. In addition, many team members have decided to
invest in one of the 1 LED lamps for their own use whilst
caving or hill walking. The 1 LED has proven ideal for most
situations, close up work, map reading etc as well as
walking in difficult terrain - whilst the vast beam spread
and distance of the 4 gives almost searchlight capabilities
across open ground.
During the past 60 years the team has always kept at
the head of the game by watching developments being
made in the design of many of the pieces of equipment
it uses regularly and, when nothing suitable is available
comercially, it has designed and had manufactured
specific items to meet it’s needs.
Have we made the right decision? Well, we would like
to think so - as the rugged construction and reliability of
Hope products have made them stand out against other
systems. Of course - having the firm right on our doorstep
and designing and manufacturing all the products in house
has had absolutely nothing to do with it!
It should come as no surprise then, that when one of the
teams Controllers came across a light won by his son
at a BOFRA Championship Fell race, a connection was
made between the light that was designed for fell running
and other outdoor activities and an ideal piece of kit that
Harry Long
UWFRA Controller
4LED - 960 LUMENS
CNC machined in Barnoldswick, England
Light Source:
4 x High Power LED
Intensity:
960 Lumens - Max
Beam:
3 x Spot (+/- 5 Deg)
1 x Flood (+/- 15 Deg)
Mounting:
Uni-Handlebar, Helmet, Head
Battery:
7.4v Li-Ion 5200mAh
Charge Time:
6hrs
Weight:
415g, 540g (Endurance)
Power Levels:
4 (+ flash)
Burn Time:
2 HR 15 MIN - 35HR+
Reviews:
“great light for technical trail riding that
won’t let you down” What MTB
“handbuilt reliability is excellent” What MTB
“real world performance for the price makes
it the top choice in this test” What MTB
“tough, super usable trail light, and an
outstanding price too” What MTB
STOP PRESS!
For 2009, several other fell and mountain
rescue associations have taken the Vision
lights as part of their trusted rescue kit.
We’ve also got Team Sport2000 - Lafuma
- Vibram (from the adventure racing world
series - www.team-sport2000-lafuma.com)
and the PGHM (French gendarmes high
mountain rescue) also using the lights
in France. Not to mention the countless
number of other nocturnal activities that
this type of equipment can lend itself to.
Back Cover and Details etc...
Hope Technology Ltd
Fernbank Mill
Fernbank Avenue
Barnoldswick
Lancashire,
United Kingdom
BB18 5UX
Phone: +44 (0) 1282 851200
Fax: +44 (0) 1282 851201
www.hopetech.com
info@hopetech.com
design:test:manufacture
Designed by Nick Hill @ NMD, Hope photography by Nick Hill @ www.nmdesign.co.uk