Copyright 2006-08 Norco Bikes Norco Bikes: Cycling News Norco Bikes and Team Symmetrics latest cycling news, updates and more. If you want to keep updated on what's going on in the bicycle industry, you'll want to subscribe to the Norco Bikes: Cycling News feed. http://www.norco.com/news/ James van de Kamp Interview on Pinkbike James van de Kamp is one of the new additions to the Norco Team for 2010. He was recently interviewed by pinkbike on his career so far and his goals for the upcoming season. Check out the interview and video of James at <a href="http://www.pinkbike.com/news/james-van-de-kamp-interview-2010.html" target="_blank"> pinkbike.com</a> http://www.norco.com/whats-happening/news/919/ Fixing a flat without a spare tube It doesn't happen often but every once in a while I will admit I get caught on the trail without a tube. Not because I didn't have one, but because I either gave it away or flatted more than once on a ride. I am slightly ashamed to have admitted this but yes, it does happen. This past weekend I went out riding in Port Moody BC with a friend and it happened to be one of those rides. After Eric flatted once, I followed suit. That was no biggie as we both had a tube, but then Eric tried for round two. Three flats, two tubes, 0 patches. As Eric got ready to start hiking I made a suggestion, one that is simple, easy and quite effective. Tie a knot in the tube and ride out. That is right, this trick is super simple and low tech but can be the difference between a long hike and finishing a great ride. <a href="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Eagle-Mountain-012.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1099" title="Eagle Mountain 012" src="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Eagle-Mountain-012-221x300.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="300" /></a> To fix this flat, you will need to start by finding the hole. Once you do, tie a knot with the hole at the end which is tucked through the knot loop. Pull the knot nice and tight to be sure that it won't come undone once inflated. <a href="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Eagle-Mountain-018.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1100" title="Eagle Mountain 018" src="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Eagle-Mountain-018-216x300.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="300" /></a> You will see that the tube is significantly smaller in diameter now that it has been tied. You will need to insert the valve, then stretch the tube around the rim before attempting to seat the tire. <a href="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Eagle-Mountain-020.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1101" title="Eagle Mountain 020" src="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Eagle-Mountain-020-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a> Once you get the tube around the rim you can start to work the tire onto the rim. You should be careful that the last bit you are trying to seat is not at the knot as this area has significantly more bulk around it and could be difficult to work with. <a href="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Eagle-Mountain-024.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1102" title="Eagle Mountain 024" src="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Eagle-Mountain-024-206x300.jpg" alt="" width="206" height="300" /></a> Now that the tire is on, you can re-inflate.I wouldn't suggest inflating to more than 40psi as the tube is significantly stretched and fatigued. This is not a long term fix but should be enough to get you home. Once you start riding you will likely feel the knot as a bump in your tire. It may be a little rough but it sure beats walking. <a href="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Eagle-Mountain-037.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1103" title="Eagle Mountain 037" src="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Eagle-Mountain-037-211x300.jpg" alt="" width="211" height="300" /></a> If you have your doubts, give it a try. Dustan http://www.norco.com/whats-happening/news/915/ 10 People, 10 Courses, it could be yours That is right executive chef, author and TV host <a href="http://anthonysedlak.com/anthonysedlak/homepage.html" target="_blank">Anthony Sedlak</a> could be cooking a 10 course meal for you and nine friends. Not only that, it is all happening in your kitchen. This Feb. 1, Anthony is auctioning off the dining experience of a lifetime and one sweet Norco CRR2 High Performance road bike. Get the complete scoop at <a href="http://www.cyclebetes.com" target="_blank">cyclebetes.com</a> or you can email kim@cyclebetes.com with any other questions you may have. Bid on the package at: <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140379829599" target="_blank"> ebay.ca </a> http://www.norco.com/whats-happening/news/914/ Dirt Norco Race Team - Here it is! This coming race season there will a Norco Team DH flying down not only the Women's World Cup circuit but also the Mens. For 2010 Norco has partnered with Dirt Magazine to create the Dirt Norco Race Team. World Cup racers Ben Reid and Dan Stanbridge will be aboard a norco through the full world cup circuit. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1087" title="Dirt_01" src="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Dirt_01.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="170" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1088" title="Dirt_02" src="http://www.norco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Dirt_02.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="170" /> The two members of the 2010 Dirt Norco Race Team, Ben and Dan will travel the world along the UCI World Cup Circuit starting on May 16th in Slovenia all the way to the World Championships at Mt. St Anne in Canada. They will also be making appearances in North America for events such as The Sea Otter Classic in Monterrey CA and Crankworx in Whistler BC. Norco is extremely excited to have come on as a sponsor for the Dirt Norco Race Team. Over the past years Norco's Race Program has made large strides through the sponsorship of Fionn Griffiths and the Norco World Team. The Addition of the Dirt Team is another step forward in proving the Norco Team DH on the world stage. Everyone at Norco wishes Ben and Dan the best of luck in the coming season and we will be there to help everywhere along the way. Read More about the team at: <a href="http://dirtmountainbike.com/news/2010-dirt-team-news.html" target="_blank"> dirtmountainbike.com </a> http://www.norco.com/whats-happening/news/912/ The Best So Far! Submit Your Photos! The <a href="http://norco.com/i-luv-my-bike/see-it/" target="_blank">I Love My Bike</a> Section of norco.com has been up for a while now and the photos have been pouring in. Have you submitted your best shots yet? The <a href="http://www.norco.com/img/ilmb/photos/818.jpg" target="_blank">above image </a>was submitted by Mark Tucker from Gros Morne, Newfoundland. submit your photos at <a href="http://norco.com/i-luv-my-bike/see-it/" target="blank"> norco.com </a> http://www.norco.com/whats-happening/news/911/ Norco Adds Two New Faces to The Team - Now in BMX The Norco Team has grown a little bit more in the past week. The team is now home of two new BMX riders. Ben Kaufmann and James van de Kamp will be riding a rev for the coming year and competing across the country. Read more about the new team members at: <a href=:"http://www.norco.com/blog/1059/the-norco-team-is-growing-welcome-bmx/" target="_blank"> norco.com/blog</a> http://www.norco.com/whats-happening/news/910/ Ryan Leech Keeps Limber With Yoga Ryan Leech began dropping hints in videos and blogs. Knowing his personality it was no surprise to learn he was into yoga. The moves he performs take large helpings of concentration, balance, strength and flexibility. If yoga helps him get there I was keen to know more. read the full article at: <a href="http://nsmb.com/3470-ryan-leech-and-yoga/" target="_blank"> nsmb.com </a> http://www.norco.com/whats-happening/news/909/ Norco Team Rider Ben Kaufmann Reflects on Helmet Choice The world of MTB and BMX could not be more different than when it comes to perception of helmets. While a mountain bike rider wouldn't think of leaving the ground without throwing on a bucket, in the world of BMX, it is nearly the opposite. Helmets are often seen as uncool, uncomfortable and ugly... Well, they also can help in the case of a crash, Norco team rider Ben Kaufmann recently had such an experience. Read about it at: <a href="http://www.macegear.com/blog/?p=572" target="_blank"> macegear.com/blog </a> http://www.norco.com/whats-happening/news/908/ Norco Partners With Team HandR Block Norco Partners with Team H&R BLOCK as Official Bike Sponsor Jan. 7, 2010 (Port Coquitlam BC) Norco Bicycles has come to an agreement to be the official Bicycle Sponsor for the 2010 Team H&R Block racing team. Effective immediately, Norco will be the exclusive provider of Road, Cyclocross and Time Trial framesets for Team H&R Block.<br><br> Norco Marketing Manager Peter Stace-Smith says "Norco is excited to have an Elite racing team on our new Road Carbon Platform and are looking forward to working with the team in proving and further developing the frames. Racing is an area that Norco bikes hold great potential to excel and the H&R Block racing team will be an asset in doing so." <br><br> The H&R block team has come off a great 2009 season and will move forward into 2010 with a focus on Espoir and U26 riders. Team H&R Block will be competing at racing events in BC, Alberta and the Western US as well as the Canadian National Championships. The 2010 race season will be a great opportunity for both Norco Bicycles and Team H&R Block on the road racing circuit.<br><br> More news on the 2010 Team H&R Block can be found at </font><font size="2"><a href="http://teamhrblock.ca/" linktype="link">teamhrblock.ca</a></font><font size="2"> or <br></font><font size="2"><a href="http://www.norco.com/team/road-team/" linktype="link">www.norco.com/road-team</a></font><br><br><font size="2">Follow Norco on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/norcobikes">http://www.twitter.com/norcobikes</a> or the H&R Block Team at <a href="http://twitter.com/teamhrblock" http://twitter.com/teamhrblock/a><br> For more information on the team please contact <a href="mailto:info@teamhrblock.ca">info@teamhrblock.ca</a><br> http://www.norco.com/whats-happening/news/906/ A Winter Fairy Trail With Flow German Norco rider Floinger has put together a video of the riding in his own snowy backyard. The trail is called Fairy Trail and it looks like a whole lot of fun. Watch the video at <a href="http://vimeo.com/8329603" target="_blank"> vimeo.com </a> http://www.norco.com/whats-happening/news/901/