You expect a few unknown brands at the Cycle show. This The Extreme Downhill Bike comes from a company I'm not familiar with called 2Stage but it caught my eye straight away and stole the show for me.

The geometry just looked right and the style is sweet and smooth. I saw a downhill skills instructor take it for a test ride in the Bike Park and it is swift that is for sure. The guy got off and just said "Wow" . 2 Stage are a New Zealand company and I got to speak at length about the company, it's philosophy and journey with the Managing Director Dave Evans.

Key to their plan is UK and then international distribution so I sense we will be seeing a lot more of these folks down the line.

The company believe and to quote them.....

"that no matter what track you may choose we are looking for adrenalin junkies and weekend warriors who can find peace while screaming down the mountainside. You may call it insane. You have our blessings".... sounds good to me..

Four years of refining has created a unique system of suspension that differentiates these folks. They are called 2Stage because their dual shock technology consists of two air shocks tha work in turn - one of the shocks is for the small bumps and the second is tailored for big bumps. The reason this is cool is that when you pedal the big shock is disengaged maximising the energy into the pedalling. Only the smaller first shock is engaged getting you through the terrain whilst maximising speed. Hence when you get to the jump you are are going fast giving you a strong jump pop as you leave. Then when you drop seriously the second suspension kicks in and you ride off smooth. To them it is all about the beauty and thrill of air. Smart hey! I saw it in action. It works. Plus these are nice folks trying to do something better.

Check out there website for videos of this and more info and keep your eyes peeled. Oh! there is also a just as cool Freeride Rig the Zed8 and the AM8 All Mountain in the range worth serious consideration.

Check out the video gallery on their site

http://www.2stagebikes.com/

Spec: Elite9 Downhill

Check out the Public Gallery for more Cycle Show pics of the latest Bike Candy

http://ibikeride.com/option,com_ponygallery/Itemid,68/func,viewcategory/catid,7/