Sponsors
We’re very proud to be one of the only xc teams that X-Fusion supports. We’ve been using their suspension for years now and have loved how easy they are to set-up and tune. The Velvet R fork is super simple, stiff and and does exactly what a fork should do. Their line of rear shocks is equally as good, with different levels depending on what you’re looking for (we like to O2PVA, or the new 02RC with remote lock-out). Look for us this year on the new Velvet. If you’re looking for a fork that is a “set it and forget it” kind of deal, check them out.
Santa Cruz bikes are kind of our dream bike deal. Wether it’s a 24 hour, an xc race, or a tuesday night stress burner, their bikes perform. We’re on the Blur XC frames and the Tallboy (there’s always one in the crowd…), but we’ve also spent extended hours on the Superlight/Juliana as well as the Blur LT. As Ferris said, “Do pick one up if you have the means… they’re so choice”.
Ergon has been with Troupe since the beginning. In fact, they were our first official sponsor. Take a look around at the big endurance events. All the cool kids and top riders are sporting the team green Ergon grips. We’re honored to be part of their few, their proud, their factory team.
Ahhh…… fi’zi:k saddles.
Wrapping yourself in a towel to change next to your car in the parking lot is weak sauce. Sqivvy gives us the one-up by allowing us to change easily into our kits without falling over. They pop up in seconds, have inside pockets for your stashables, and even a partial floor so you don’t have to stand in dirt… cause we all know how unpleasant that is. Visit their site and order one for yourself. At checkout, use promo code “Troupe” for 10 bucks off and free shipping. Take THAT.
we heart knog. they’re weird. cool…. maybe a little disturbing… but its all good… or is it? not sure… we dont care… they don’t either. or do they?
Good enough for Troupe means they’re good enough for Lance. Thats what we think. Plus, some French XC rider did pretty good on them, too. Their tires are light and grippy, and there are tons of tread options for any condition. Absalon, Armstrong, and Troupe: a marketing department’s dream-come-true.
Riding good is important, but so is looking good while riding good. Hincapie kits are the best. The quality of their production is top drawer. Their chamois keeps things comfy after long hours in the saddle. There’s not a race that we’re at where someone doesn’t comment our kits. We owe a lot of our team’s image to the group at Hincapie – thanks guys!
Unless you’re a professional, you are your own soigneur. They’re here to help. Soigneur is creating products that enhance your athletic experience, to motivate you to start your workout, to enjoy the ride, and to recover from training.
We use embrocations even in SoCal. It’s cold during those lonely hours of a 24 hour race, or at the crack of dawn at the start of the Vision Quest. Having a soigneur with us to help get the party started means everything.
Kinetic trainers are new to the 2010 line up. We’re really excited to be part of their program and now have some tools for warming up and setting up a more pro pit at races… Of course, they’re handy for those few rainy days we have in California. They’re easy to use with a quick-release/preset lever that makes getting the bike in and out super quick. #1 Big cool factor: they provide a second skewer interface that works perfectly with our cobalt wheel split skewers! #2 Big cool factor: they’re green.
If you’re a fan of endurance or 24 hour racing, you probably know Lynda and the athletes she coaches. She knows what’s up and how to train riders for everything from shot track to 24 hour solos. We’re proud to be one of the teams she works with!
Troupe has made the switch to Formula brakes after years messing around with finicky brakes. The Formula R1 is designed for xc race machines and are for sure the lightest brake we’ve used. The set-up and pad change is very easy. The RX model, at just a few grams more, has also made it on to some of our race bikes, too. No fruitiness, no weird potions, just no-nonsense stopping power.
expect to be surprised. the innovative quality of their products are not just a reflection of how they work, but who they are: a small design company, based in laguna beach. above all, they are impassioned people; their work is their life and they live our work. this in itself, is what ignites and makes their every idea and product a reality.
We chose to work with Hammer after some failed attempts using the “other guy’s” products. Hammer’s stuff just works. Plain and simple. Their gel is the best, and we never train without a bottle of Recoverite afterwords. Their site offers tons of nutritional info, so if you’re struggling with your nutrition, check them out.