Product Test: KMC X10SL Colored Chain KMC 2009 Official Chain Sponsor

Our friends at KMC Chain sent us a new gift to test out. We are currently testing the new KMC X10SL chain... now in Color! KMC currently offers several versions of single speed chains with colored finishes, but currently only offers their road chains in either silver or gold (see our previous article for pics). In the world of bike bling, who would not want to ride up to their next club ride or criterium sporting a new KMC chain in blue, white, yellow or pink in our case? The color possibilities are limitless. While the team may not be riding pink chains next year, as is our test chain, you may see some red or white versions on the 2009 Gary Fishers.

KMC has entered into their third year as the official chain supplier for the Hincapie/Gary Fisher Team presented by Barkley, during the upcoming 2009 season. We appreciate their support and look forward to an awesome season of wins on KMC chains. Their products are incredibly durable and shift very smoothly. I recommend a KMC Chain as your next bike upgrade purchase.

On Test: KMC X10SL colored chain

Various color options offered from KMC Chain

Our chain is made of an alloy steel that has been powder coated, pink. Over the next months we will be logging as many miles as possible to test the shifting, durability and lasting color finish on the X10SL chain. We will regularly clean the chain with Finish Line Super Bike Wash and Multi-Degreaser, and keep the chain lubed with Finish Line Dry Lube. We cleaned the new chain and applied lube prior to our first ride. During the first test ride we put the chain through multiple shifting through the gears, the chain shifted smoothly and the finish on the chain looked just a good after the ride as it did at the begining. Stay tuned for more updates.

"Missing Link" for easy removal and cleaning

Hollow pins and hollow X-Bridge outer plate

The KMC Test Group! Making your ride a little more colorful!

"How can I get my own colored chain?" Great question...for now you will have to wait if you are looking for a 10 speed version of this chain. However, you can visit your local shop to order a colored KMC chain for your fixie, track bike, single speed MTB or BMX. To learn more, visit http://www.kmcchain.com/ "Don't hate me because my chain is beautiful."

Short-track MTB Race #2: 2 more WINS in the Dark

Tonight was the first of the 2 Nite Races in the Fall Shorttrack series. The course was fast and smooth after 2 days of raining, an suited us roadies well. It was pretty cold and windy, and starting a race in the dark at 9:00pm is, lets say, interesting! Lori and Lisa had a great ride doing a repeat Win and 2nd place. Ol' Adam also had a great ride to Win the Super Sport division. Chris "I like to do squat workouts before racing" Harkey had to settle for a well fought 3rd place tonight after closing a big gap after Justin crashed out of the lead group on the back side of the course. On a side note: Two of our training partners, Danny and Daniel also took 1st and 2nd in the beginner class after riding away from the other racers. Looks like the winter training plan is paying off.
1st - Lori Harkey (Wms Sport)
Adam Little (Super Sport)
2nd - Lisa Preaslar (Wms Sport)
3rd - Chris Harkey (Expert)
Thanks again to our sponsors for their support...even during the "off season".

BARKLEY Pledges 2009 Team Support

After a great season at the Team's presenting sponsor, BARKLEY has pledged continued support of the Hincapie / Coca-Cola / BARKLEY Team for the 2009 season. BARKLEY's support has allowed the team to enjoy several successes on the road throughout the season spreading the word of the benefits of healthy living. We look forward to racing in the Kansas City area, their home base, and connecting the cycling communities of the midwest and southeast. We would like to thank Andy Woolard, IV Whitman and the Senior Staff at BARKLEY for their efforts in allowing us to represent BARKLEY for another great year! Look for great things to come!

2 WINS on the Dirt - Shortrack Race #1

Saturday marked the first of the Harrisburg short track MTB races, so we figured we would get a little dirty...Lori and Lisa started off the winning streak by taking 1st and 2nd place in the Women's Sport categories. Chris, Justin and Darren rocked the Expert race with Chris lapping most of the field of racers for the WIN with Justin 4th. Adam also had a good time on the mountain bike riding to 3rd in the Super Sport race. We look forward to racing in the dark this Sat in the first series Night Race...stay tuned, see you on the trails.
1st - Lori Harkey (Wms Sport)
Chris Harkey (Expert)
2nd - Lisa Preaslar (Wms Sport)
3rd - Adam Little (Super Sport)
4th - Justin Beard (Expert)
8th - Darren Fuller (Expert)

VA Cycling Cyclocross Weekend

Hincape Team Rider, and VA Tech student, Reid Beloni is helping put on a cyclocross race this weekend in VA for all you cross crazy fans. Check it out and show some love. Proceeds go back to the VA Cycling program. Here is the link to the flyer...

The Importance of Sponsorship

Our team could not exist without our awesome sponsors. We would like to take a minute to thank all of our friends and sponsors who helped make 2008 a great year for the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team. A special thanks has to go out to Hincapie Sportswear, Trek, Coca-Cola, Barkley, Speedplay, The Bobby Labonte Foundation, SRAM and VETTA for your continued help throughout the year.

Many thanks to Andy and the crew at Barkley for putting together this promotional video. The support from Barkley has allowed us to further our program and have many successes this season.

We are currently in the process of securing our sponsors for the 2009 season. We are excited to have a majority of our sponsors returning to the team (look for a post shortly to announce 2009 sponsors). If you are interested in joining our program as a NEW financial or equipment sponsor for 2009, please contact Adam Little at http://www.info@hincapiecycling.com/