Santa Cruz Syndicate has joined forces with Shimano and Fox, according to a press release published earlier this week. Products from the new sponsors recently underwent 3 days of testing in Italy, mounted to the latest Santa Cruz full carbon V-10s. In addition to providing products, Fox brought a team of suspension experts out for the session.

        Syndicate mechanic Jason Marsh is more than pleased with the new partnership. “I’m super happy that we are using Fox Racing Shox and Shimano for the 2012 season,” he said. “The new Fox 40 forks suit the carbon V-10 frame perfectly and the RC4 rear shock really compliments the VPP suspension design. The riders were all impressed on how good the bikes felt, even after the first run.”

Marsh added, “Saint cranks are super strong, brakes are simple to set up and the rear derailleur and shifter are super smooth and a nice set up. Finish and attention to detail can’t be matched. The support offered by the Fox team over the last few days has been superb and their race support is second to none.”

“Shimano is very proud and excited to be working with Santa Cruz bicycles and the iconic Syndicate race team,” said Joe Lawwill, Shimano’s MTB marketing manager said. “We are looking forward to a successful and exciting 2012 season.”

Magura’s RT8 TT made its UK debut earlier this week at The Bike Place tradeshow in North Yorkshire. Under the motto “Aerodynamics by Cervélo, Hydraulics by Magura”, the Magura RT8 TT has been marketed online as the world’s lightest and fastest hydraulic rim brake for the road since last week – and reportedly seen great success.

As a hydraulic rim brake, the RT8 TT’s biggest advantage over its mechanical counterparts is reduction of friction losses. Though high braking power and better control are both attributes commonly associated with hydraulic brakes, Magura says their creation goes further, and also provides better speed management. "On descents, the cyclist can brake later and more precisely, therefore gaining crucial seconds in those few meters before the curve," explained Magura Head of Marketing, Götz Braun.

In addition, Magura’s RT8 TT integrates ergonomic carbon brake levers and aluminum brake bodies for a total system weight of 495 grams. The system is also maintenance-free, immune to dirt, dust and water. Quick release ensures easy wheel change, and a five-year warranty covers oil loss from the line. Cervélo’s contribution to the RT8 TT utilizes a wind tunnel to optimize the aerodynamic qualities of the brake bodies’. The aero expert hid the hydraulic lines inside the tubes and designed the brake levers to form part of the wing profile.

        An exclusive deal with Cervélo means that the RT8 TT will first appear as part of the Cervélo P5 time trial machine in March at the Ironman in Australia, and later appear at the Tour de France time trial, in line with Magura’s sponsorship of the Garmin-Barracuda team. 2012 will also see the launch of a road bike RT8 converter and cheaper models of both products – the RT6 TT and the RT6 converter.

Trek Bicycle has teamed up with ODI to form ODI/Trek Satellite Racing, a five-person juniors’ squad aimed at developing the next generation of American DH racers. Rich Houseman will serve as Team Manager and mentor, and Trek World Racing’s World Cup champion Aaron Gwin will coach. ODI/Trek Satellite Racing’s lineup of US 16-and-under National Champion Logan Mulally, Jason Schroeder, Charlie Harrison, Matt Branney and John Buckell will compete at domestic US events atop Trek Session 88 bikes mounted with Bontrager wheels and tires.

“Trek has realized a new level of success in the DH world through the new Session and working with Aaron this past year,” said Trek Mountain Bike Brand Manager Travis Ott. “We’re excited to work with him and Rich Houseman to keep the US at the top of gravity racing.”

ODI Brand Manager, Colby Young added, “As a US-based company, it's important for us to continue to grow US presence at the World Cup level. We are excited that Trek has decided to partner with us to continue to develop these young riders into the next American World Cup champions. We are looking forward to a great season.”

Giro d’Italia organizer RCS Sport has appointed SHIFT Active Media as its international cycling media partner for 2012. A specialist media consultancy focusing entirely on cycling, SHIFT’s new job will be to raise the global profile of the Giro d’Italia, as well as RCS’ other races: Milan-Sanremo, il Lombardia, Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico, through a combination of media strategy consulting and effective communication projects. RCS’ new media partner has already made a name for itself among the bicycle industry with its work for big-name brands such as Colnago, 3T, FSA, Santini, Fi’zi:k, Selle Royal, Rapha, Wiggle and IG Markets – a sponsor of Team Sky and several other cycling projects.

“We are hugely proud to be working with Michele Acquarone, Matteo Pastore and the team at RCS Sport. It is clear they are focused on expanding the international profile of their events and have an innovative approach to interacting with the media and cycling fans around the globe,” said Simon Wear, Founder and CEO of SHIFT. “As a highly specialist international media consultancy we believe SHIFT Active Media is well placed to help RCS Sport develop further media partnerships and expand the international profile of its prestigious events.”

Merida founder Ike Tseng passed away at 2 a.m. January 30^th at the age of 81. During his life, the former CEO and company president contributed enormously to the advancement of Taiwan’s bicycle industry in the international market, and Taiwan’s current role as the foremost country for high-end bicycle R&D and manufacturing. After founding Merida Industry Co. in 1972, Tseng successfully built the company into one of the leading brands in Taiwan’s industry and a major player in the international market. Merida was elevated from one of the top 20 international brands in Taiwan across all industries to one of the top 13 in 2011, and has earned famous trademark recognition in China. In addition to his role at Merida, Tseng served as chairman of the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters’ Association between 1997 and 2003.

“Ike Tseng was an honest and principled leader,” said Grace Ruan, Wheel Giant president and fellow TBEA member. “His dedication to product quality and excellent technology set an example for the rest of the industry.”

Tseng’s unexpected death resulted in a unanimous board decision on January 31st to appoint Ike Tseng’s son Michael Tseng as the new president of Merida. Michael Tseng has already made enormous strides for Merida since taking over as general manager in 1995. Under the guidance of his father, Michael Tseng expanded the company to five times its size, and continuously broke sales records. As the chairman of TBEA, Ike Tseng had a slogan: “New material, new function, new use.” Michael Tseng will carry that passion for innovation and dedication to the bicycle industry into the future.