2008 Bianchi Sok 29er

I don’t want to make a blanket statement about 29ers, but I will say I am converted! Wow! I now have three solid rides on my Sok and things are just getting better and better. My first ride was the well known Laurel -> Pilot loop in Pisgah. The Pilot Rock trail is a technical, steep, rocky, switchback filled descent with a massive rock garden towards the end, and I was able to clean the trail from beginning to end! I had never rocked the trail like this before I hopped on the big wheels!

The Sok has a large wheelbase, nice tight responsive cockpit, and rather high standover. The bike feels big until you get in the saddle and then you’ll feel right at home. I upgraded my ride with a Easton EC90 seatpost, EA70 stem, Monkeylite carbon bars, and King headset. Even without these upgrades the bike is VERY well spec’d with a killer SRAM based component group. All this for only $1800!!

I am riding better than ever on this bike. The Easton ultralite frame is stiff and responsive, and even better when paired with the Rock Shox Reba SL fork. The frame is also built with horizontal dropouts for an easy single speed conversion.
BioWheels-Asheville will be stocking the Sok in the geared and single-speed versions. We’ll give you a free bottle cage if you can tell us what Sok means!!

If you ride trails, you want a Maverick.

has come to both BioWheels stores. “Everything in Moderation - Even Moderation” is a great phrase that explains their philosophy. It is hard to imagine that any one bike can stand out so boldly in the clutter of available trail bikes. The Maverick approach is to put the rider in complete control of the rig, not follow form or material limitiations. The result is a 27-34 lb (wheels & parts making the mass difference) trail bike that is perhaps the ultimate cushy, yet capable ride. Perfect for the Super-D course, 50-miles backcountry, or a casual ride for achey ol’ bones.

Having walked the line between XC & trail (freeride) bike for many years, I was blown away when I got on the ML8. I took it up some of my favorite climbs, and bombed it down some of the greatest down’s in WNC. After 90 minutes, I knew I’d have to order one. The next week I took it to DuPont, SF, for 4 hours of fast-rolling XC with big hucks. WOW. It pedals so well in out, or hovering on the saddle. Surprisingly, the DUC 32 fork has some torsional flex in the parking lot, but firms up in its travel. Moreover the inverted-oversized fork has a unique plushness & low mass to it. Yes, it is very easy to ‘manual’. The ground clearance is exceptional, making it just about ideal in a rock garden with downed trees. Whatever challenges you, the ML8 will have you looking conquering ‘that section’ with new-found confidence… just don’t hesitate!

Up the hills, the fork drops about 2 inches & firms up with the turn of a knob. This gives the bike an acceptable position for even the steepest climbs. The rear-end is going to deliver the best traction you’ve had since youir first trip to Moab.

When you order your Maverick dont’ forget the Speedball seatpost. Flick the switch, and the saddle is out of way. Your collarbones will last longer if you learn to drop your saddle in gnarly situations. Oh yeah, their name registry supports personalization of your Maverick. I named mine “Beefy”.-mj