FiveTwo Race Team update July 2010

Amazing results over the weekend for the team at PORC Mini DH and Round 4 of NPS 4X (downhill MTB races)

Check the team website for a detailed race report write up and don't forget to check in the gallery on the website for the latest images.

Also on the front page is a message from our injured rider Claire to bring you up to speed, following a hefty bang on the head.

http://fivetworaceteam.weebly.com/index.html

Away from racing a fun day on the chase with FiveTwo Racing and a few Cannock regulars

Knox Handroid passes driving test

Barely six months since it was unveiled at the motorcycle show in Birmingham, innovative Knox Handroid hand armour is winning praise from road testers on the UK’s best-selling motorcycle magazines.

“They have to be the trickest gloves on the market, everyone has commented on them favourably, and it’s not just for show” writes Adam Child of Motor Cycle News.
Comfort and control has featured prominently in feedback;

“Initial feel is of supreme protection, because of the wealth of it in the glove's construction” states Fast Bikes’ Benjamin Kubas Cronin. “Despite the palm leather being thicker than many of their rivals, feel is not compromised and they've lasted longer than any other pair of gloves I've used thus far.”

Alan Dowds at Superbike adds; “They do look cool, of course, and the click of the Boa lacing system sounds even more cool. Once on though it’s the fit and comfort that really pleases, plus there’s loads of feel for the controls through the kangaroo skin on the palm.”

The exclusive Boa lacing system has proved popular; “Aside from the obvious and cool bio-mechanical protection running the length of the fingers, by far the best part is the cuff-closure system,” comments Benjamin. Adam concurs; “The fastening mechanism works really well, simply turn the dial to fasten the glove effectively and quickly”.

Featuring patented technology including the Exo skeletal flexible spines, Scaphoid Protection and Boa lacing systems, Knox Hand Armour is redefining the motorcycle glove. Available from all authorised Knox retailers, call 01900 825 825 or visit http://www.knox-lab.com/ for details. See the video at http://www.youtube.com/planetknox

Karl Harris signs for Oxford Tag Triumph

Former European Superstock and three times British Supersport Champion, Karl Harris has signed with the factory supported Oxford Tag Triumph team to ride the Daytona 675 in the British Supersport Championship for the remainder of the 2010 season.

The 30-year-old from Sheffield has signed for Rob Winfield’s Triumph Supersport team following a difficult start to the year campaigning an uncompetitive machine in the Metzeler National Superstock Championship.

Looking as fit and as motivated as ever before, Harris brings to the team a wealth of experience in the Supersport class with a proven pedigree and the confidence that he can start bringing in the results that both he and the Triumph Daytona 675 are capable of.

Karl will be reunited with two of his former race technicians, namely Lee Machin and Carl Buckle who worked alongside Harris during his time with the Hydrex Honda Superbike team.

Karl will test the bike over the next couple of weeks as the team focus on getting the triple-champion accustomed to the Triumph Daytona’s unique engine and chassis character.

For more information or for hi-resolution images of the Oxford Tag Triumph team in action log onto www.tagtriumph.co.uk

Knox to launch 2011 collection at Intermot

See the 2011 collection from Planet Knox at Intermot, the international motorcycle, scooter and bicycle fair, which runs from 6 to 10 October 2010 in Cologne.

Open to both trade and public, Intermot is the perfect platform for Knox to promote its range, including back protectors and body armour for motorcycling and cycling, hand armour, Cold Killers windproof mid-layer and the Dry Inside technical base layer.

For details on Internmot 2010 visit www.intermot-cologne.com

For further information, call Knox on 01900 825825 or visit www.knox-armour.co.uk

WIN ultimate touring accessories from Planet Knox

Planet- Knox is offering riders a chance to win the ultimate accessories for touring this summer in a free to enter competition.

The prize consists of a Pair of Recon Gloves from the innovative Hand armour range, a Dry Inside base layer top, an ultra-light CE-approved Kompakt Back Protector and a Six Pack rucksack. The total value of the prize is more than £235.

Visit www.planet-knox.com/competition/ to enter online or call 01900 825825 for further information.

Knox Handroid First Impressions - Benjamin - Fast Bikes Magazine

I've always struggled with gloves; mostly finding a set that fits my hands correctly. What I found most surprising at first about Knox's new Handroids, is that not only did they fit my hands perfectly, but seemed to also fit other hands that were the same size (but with different proportions in span and finger length), almost as perfectly as mine.

Initial feel is of supreme protection, because of the wealth of it in the glove's construction. It does create an odd feeling when you first grip a set of bars, but this goes away quickly as your hands acclimatise to firstly the comfort, and then the way that crucial riding information is transmitted through them without any degradation. Despite the palm leather being thicker than many of their rivals, feel is not compromised and they've lasted longer than any other pair of gloves I've used thus far. Ordinarily a set of sports gloves lasts me no longer than 3 months, maximum. My Handroids lasted over 5 months before I needed to hang them up, which we estimate to be nearly two years of 'average' motorcycle use.

Aside from the obvious and cool bio-mechanical protection running the length of the fingers, by far the best part is the cuff-closure system. It'll go as tight as you want and should never wear out, giving you a good feel that your hands are locked in and won't be ripped out in event of an accident.

The only problem I have is that I haven't had an accident in them, to test their protection first-hand. If you don't mind, I'd rather not, but overall I'd feel confident that the Handroid would protect my hands as well, if not better, than most other top-spec gloves on the market. For a first-time effort, Knox has hit the proverbial nail on the head first time out. Well done!

Benjamin - Fast Bikes mag

Lougher in the thick of the action at Scarborough

Blackhorse Kawasaki team boss Ian Lougher was in the thick of the action at the annual two-day Cock o' the North Road Races at Oliver's Mount, Scarborough. On the first of his two visits planned for the North Yorkshire venue this season, Ian came away with five third place finishes, a fourth and one fifth.

The first two races were six lap heats for the 175cc-1300cc machines, the first nine in each progressing to the two eight-lap legs. It was a Kawasaki one-two-three in the opening heat with Ryan Farquhar first, Michael Pearson, second and Ian a comfortable third.

Ian's second outing of the day was the first leg ofthe 600cc Supersport over eight laps and again the order was the same with Farquhar first followed by Michael Pearson and Ian on the ZX-6R, just 0.28 seconds behind in third.

Ian was straight back out again for race five, the first leg of the combined 125GP and 400cc race, again over eight laps, which he finished in fifth.

There was no rest for Ian as he brought the Blackhorse Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R to the line for the first leg of the National Superbikes. At the end of the first lap, Pearson had a 0.380 of a second lead over Farquhar with Ian third, 2 seconds down on the leader. Lap two and Farquhar was half-a-second in front with Ian still third, Derek Shiels, Dave Hewson and Ivan Lintin completed the top six. At the chequered flag it was Farquhar from Michael Pearson with Ian bringing his first day's action to a close in third.

Blue skies and bright sunshine once again bathed Oliver’s Mount for the second day’s racing. Ian's first race was the second leg of the Superbikes, over eight laps and there was disappointment when he retired at the end of the second lap. Undeterred he returned for Race 12 for 125’s and 400’s and managed a secure fifth.

The second leg of the 600’s was next up, at half distance it was Farquhar, Pearson and Lougher in the top three positions and it remained this way at the finish with Ian again close to a runner-up spot.

And so to Ian's final event of the meeting, the feature ten-lap Cock o’ the North Race. Michael Pearson, last year’s winner got the hole shot from Ryan Farquhar and was in front up Sheene’s Rise. At the end of the first lap Pearson still led the pack by 0.772 of a second with Farquhar second and Ian up to third from the second row of the grid. Positions remained the same on lap two, but on lap three Farquhar took the lead from Michael Pearson, with Ian still riding strongly in third. On the fourth lap it was still Farquhar but behind him Lougher had closed on Pearson with only half a second between the two, a lap later positions were the same with Pearson slightly increasing his advantage over Ian by 0.1 seconds but Ian pulled this back on the following lap. On lap eight Pearson's advantage over Ian was just 7/10th of a second. At the flag it was Farquhar from Pearson with Ian a battling third, just 0.299 seconds down on Pearson.

Ian Lougher uses Knox-Armour.

Photo courtesy of Chris Machin

RECON re-defines road riding

Planet Knox - world leaders in the development and manufacture of body protection systems - has added a third model to the Hand Armour range. Designed for touring and leisure riders, the Recon offers levels of protection usually only found on racing gloves, but doesn't sacrifice the comfort, feel and control crucial for long stretches in the saddle.

Heading up the Recon's safety features are unique Opaque Knuckle Protectors. Unlike other ‘hard shell' protectors, they contain a medical grade, impact-absorbing, honeycomb gel; specifically developed to absorb and spread impact forces away from the wearer's hand.

The Recon also features Knox's Patented Scaphoid Protection System® with the Low Profile SPS, and additional sliders on the fingers, wrist and cuff for extra abrasion resistance.

Soft and supple, drum-dyed aniline leather sections feature on the fingers and back of the hand for maximum flexibility with durable, tear resistant goat leather on the palm, which is reinforced with Schoeller Keprotec for added protection and overlaid with an Amara Grip Pad for improved control.

The Recon also features the Dialled-in Boa Lacing system, used across the entire Knox Hand Armour range. This unique closure system has a simple dial-in to fit mechanism, which uses aircraft grade stainless steel wire to draw ‘side pods' over the wrist, for targeted multi-adjustable closure. Quick and easy to operate - even with gloved hands - the Boa Lacing system provides even tightening, and is micro adjustable for a perfect fit. It also helps to ensure that the Recon will stay on the hand during an accident.

The Recon is available in three colours: black, black/white and brown/tan in sizes XS-XXL, at a recommended retail price of £99.99 (including VAT). For further information and to find a stockist, call 01900 825825 or visit www.knox-lab.com/hand-armour

52 weeks at Mega Avalanche 2010 - Part 3

Jumble's race report from the Mega Avalanche; "52 weeks ago I set myself a challenge to compete in the Mega Avalanche 2010 after a 10 year break away from my bike due to a back breaking injury. But after all those blogs and my recent patch of injuries - I can finally say it is finished!"

We won't spoil the story by telling you what position Jumble finished, but take a few minutes to watch the videos, filmed using a helmet-mounted camera - because they are absolutely gripping, edge of the seat stuff!

You'll also understand why wearing top quality CE-approved Knox armour is so important.

Click here to read the report on Pinkbike

Part 1 and 2 of the mega avalanche 2010 so far

"The journey to Mega was long – epically long" writes downhill mountainbiker and tester of knox-armour Jumble in his blog.

"After a 3 hour drive from Derby to Dover followed by a 2 hour ferry to Dunkirk, then followed up with a soul destroying 3 hour straight road drive to Paris - eventually we arrived at Base camp 1 for a mid way break in our journey and a good night's sleep".

Click here to read about what happened when he reached to the Mecca for so many mountain bikers that is Alpe de Huez. Oh, and there are some corking videos too.

Amor back in the saddle and back to winning ways

Planet-Knox protected Keith Amor made a successful return to racing on Saturday when he took victory in the Supersport 600cc race at the Skerries 100cc road races near Dublin. The Falkirk rider had had a three-week break since the Isle of Man TT races but it didn't take long for him to resume his rivalry with Ryan Farquhar. The duo had a race-long dice in the 600cc race where Keith ultimately come out on top.

It was the Open race that kickstarted the day for Keith and although he managed to hold off Farquhar initially, he was struggling slightly with the handling of the KBMG Racing BMW and had to give second best to the Ulsterman. With a bit of arm pump also creeping in, Keith focused his attentions on keeping Michael Dunlop at bay which he duly did for a solid runner's up spot. He then switched to the Kojak Racing Honda for the Supersport 600cc race where he was involved in a terrific dice with Farquhar, Dunlop and William Dunlop.

The lead changed hands in the early laps but Keith fought his way to the front of the group and opened up a slight gap before backmarkers in the closing stages allowed the foursome to close right back up again. However, aided by a new lap record of 107.263mph, Keith got the verdict and crossed the line at the end of the 8 laps 0.349s ahead of Farquhar. He then led the opening lap of the Grand Final before the race was stopped due to a serious accident that claimed the life of a rider and injured a spectator, a sad end to the day for all concerned.

Keith now has a two-week break before his next, the Kells Road Races taking place on July 17-18.

Pictures by Alan Armstrong Photography

COOL IT THIS SUMMER WITH AN AEGIS BACK PROTECTOR

With the summer riding season set to be a scorcher, Knox has made it even easier to look and feel cool, with improved ventilation and a sharp new look for their Aegis back protector. The most technically advanced in the British company's range, the Aegis offers unparalleled levels of comfort and protection.

Uprated venting allows maximum airflow, keeping the rider cool on hot and sticky days, and its unique low profile cut ensures that the Aegis sits perfectly under close-fitting jackets and suits, assuring ultimate comfort.

Independently tested and approved to EN1621-2 Level 2 (the highest rating under current European regulations*), the Aegis features exclusive honeycomb plate design and inclined cell wall technology for maximum impact protection. An adjustable and removable soft kidney section is included for extra peace of mind.

Freedom of movement remains central to the design of the Aegis - flex channels allow the spine section to articulate freely, moving with the rider and allowing the Aegis to sit perfectly around the contours of the back, ensuring that protection is maintained in all positions. The multi-position waist strap can be moved up or down by 2" (5cm), to suit differing lengths of torso, while the automatic shoulder strap slider system self-adjusts for a perfect fit every time.

Topping off this impressive specification is a cool new look for 2010; ice white flex panels and hot red highlights. Available in seven sizes, for men, women and children, the Knox Aegis sells for £89.99 in adult sizes. For further information, call Knox on 01900 825825 or visit www.knox-armour.co.uk. See the video at http://www.knox-armour.co.uk/product.html?product=aegisred

* EN 1621-2 assesses the performance of protective devices by measuring the force transmitted through it when impacted by a falling mass of 5kg. Protectors subjected to this test are deemed to conform to the standard if the average transmitted force of nine tests is less than the following:
Level 1 protectors: The average peak force recorded shall be below 18 kN, and no single value shall exceed 24 kN.
Level 2 protectors: The average peak force recorded shall be below 9 kN, and no single value shall exceed 12 kN.

Knox crew in Morzine

At Planet-Knox we take product testing really seriously ... but we have a lot of fun doing it too! Here are the Knox crew in the Alpine resort of Morzine (with 650km of slopesstarting from the village centre) testing out Knee Guards, Elbow Guards and Knox Dry Inside among other products. The picture on the left shows them before they went rapidly downhill and the second photo shows them after a hard day's riding, sampling a small glass of a locally brewed beverage. Cheers!