Interview with Joe about Life, Riding, and the Brand

We had a chance to catch up with Joe Forsythe from Tampa, Florida.  A great all around-guy dropping some wisdom about bikes, riding, and living.  Here goes:

1. Why did you choose a CHUMBA, a brand that is not as well-known as some of the larger brands?
I had the opportunity to test ride one and fell in love with it's performance and looks.

2. What has your experience been, after purchasing the bike?
I have owned two Chumba bikes and have had NO problems.  I have ridden my VF2 for close to two years and it looks immaculate.  I ride hard and the finish holds up to all trail debris.

3. What would you recommend people to do who are considering the CHUMBA brand, but are a bit unsure because its a much smaller company?
I would say try to locate someone on the Chumba Forum, maybe someone in your area has one.  Once you can touch and ride one you will fall in love.

4. How does the bike stack up versus bikes you've had in the past?
I have owned several other major brand mountain bikes.  None of them could perform up to what I was looking for.  I always felt like I was compromising an area that restricted me in reaching the next level of mountain biking.

5. What do you like to do besides mountain biking?
Camping, fishing, snorkeling and rock climbing.

6. Describe a favorite ride you've been on recently.
I recently rode at Alafia River State park near Tampa, FL.  It was amazing because the winter here provides nice trail conditions.  We had a group of about 20 people from all over the state of Florida.  I really enjoyed showing them my Chumba VF2 as they were mesmerized by it's styling.

7. How does it feel to support a small, rider-owned company?
I think it's a great feeling to support any small business.  I appreciate that Chumba's goals are my goals.  They really desire to connect with the rider not profits.

8. You are known as one of the guys with the CHUMBA tattoo, where does the loyalty come from?

I proudly display my Chumba tattoo on my left calf.  I went thru a really bad divorce and custody battle.  My life was filled with anxiety and I desperately needed to do something for my health.  When I found Mountain biking it changed my life.  I have gone as far to say it saved my life.  I was able to reduce my blood pressure, relieve anxiety and lose weight.  Chumba's people supported and cared about my passions.  They realize that this is more than just a hobby or sport but a way of life.

9. How do you deal with people who are negative about going with a smaller, local brand versus some of the more mainstream brands?
I usually share with them that I have ridden the same bikes they are on and making the switch was the best decision I have ever made.  I tell them about the awesome bike reviews written and that I support the review with almost 4 years of proven experience on a Chumba.

Amen Joe, Amen.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts and keep the passion and the positive vibes going!

- the CHUMBA Team

F5 Riding Videos from Fontana, California

Fontana 2012 on pinkbike.com

CHUMBA Featured in Mountain Bike Action

Nate, one of our good customers from Sacramento, found this picture of the F5 under one of our young racers in this month's Mountain Bike Action on page 118.  There was also a full page shot of Albert's VF2 at Lake Tahoe in DirtRag a few months ago.  So keep the photos flowing into the magazines guys, they are getting published!

EVO G2: "Incredible power transfer...Very stiff and stable"

  When I received my frame from Chumba, I took it out of the box.  I immediately could tell it was a well built and well designed frame.  The welds finish, and the CNC components were flawless.  The factory surfaced bottom bracket and head tube made assembly very straight forward. 

    After final assembly, I set up my suspension and hit the nearest trail.  With each pedal, I got immediate feedback.  The power transfer was incredible with little to no pedal bob.  I rode the trails for a bit and made some suspension adjustments.  That’s when my EvoG2 showed its abilities.  This bike rides on rails inspiring complete confidence.  It sticks to any rough terrain absorbing raised roots, rocks, etc. and responds to every input I make.  The rear triangle is very stiff and stable with little flex.  

    I had knee surgery 8 months ago and I can’t wait to be able to do more climbing and jumping with this bike.   

Scot
Florida


**Customer Information Availability: Not sure if CHUMBA is right for you yet? We can put you in touch with current customers to help answer any questions you may have, and give you a real-world, accurate picture of our products and company. E-mail brad@chumbaracing.com to discuss any products or inquiries you may have.

EVO G2 Cable Routing: Innovative Design

Dear Friends & Customers,

There has been some confusion about cable routing on the EVO G2.  The EVO G2 uses cable routing that routes down the downtube, and below the bottom bracket.  We've not had one complaint from anyone who has routed their cables in this manner about the imaginary fear of having rocks bash the cables.

Just in case you were wondering, there are a ton of bike companies that route the cables in the exact, if not very similar method that we use for the EVO G2.  One of them is Specialized, who recently had the cables in full display on the cover of a recent Mountain Bike Action.  Similarly, Yeti also routes their cables along the bottom of the BB.

We particularly liked this method of cable routing because it hides the cables on about 95 percent of the front triangle, and tucks them away very neat.  For people who are not used to this style of routing, we would recommend for them to give it a shot!

U.S. and International Sales Agent Brad Kula

Hello all fellow Chumba Riders,

Recently I had the opportunity to join the Chumba Team I will be head of all U.S. and International Sales. I look forward to working with all Chumba riders! If any dealers, individual riders, or anyone interested in Chumba has questions, feel free to send me an email at Brad@chumbaracing.com I Look forward to working with you all! 


We are ready to make 2012 the year for Chumba. My main goal is to deliver a great product in a timely manner promptly responding to any concerns with a strong focus on customer service. With that being said, I'm proud to announce myself as Head of U.S. and International Sales. 


Thanks,


Brad Kula
Chumba Sales Rep 
18 years of High-Performance Mountain Bikes Cypress | California | Tel: 714.388.6937 | brad@chumbaracing.com

Riding with One Leg on a HX2

Quick Ride from Lane Wiley on Vimeo.

Wishing Everyone a Happy Winter Season!

Keep positive CHUMBA friends & family!  Thanks for all your support and looking forward to many more good times in the coming years ahead.  As we move into the Winter season, let us share our smiles and warmth with our friends and neighbors!

Customer Service Forum and Requests

Dear Customers,

We are in a transitional period launching a new forum where you can list all of your customer service concerns, as well as a fully functional store that will list all the inventory we have in stock.

We are trying to be as transparent as possible and improve the overall quality of your customer service experience.  We know that things can be overlooked during this time, and for this, we are sincerely sorry.

We would like to encourage you to visit: http://www.chumbaracing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=4

Sign up and provide feedback, requests, or suggestions, and we will do our best to improve the experience for all.

Sincerely,

CHUMBA Management

New CHUMBA Store!

Check out our new store at store.chumbaracing.com

We are still updating and revising, so if you have any questions before purchasing anything, send us an e-mail at info@chumbaracing.com.  We appreciate all your feedback and all your support!

EVO G2: Proven Performance. Dakota Dulmage in OC.

Customer Satisfaction with ELKA Tune!

Here is a photo of my build. Thanks for your help with the Elka shock. I wanted to wait until I rode it a few times to contact u so that I could tell u what I think. Well, it is sick! I love the bike, the frame is super stiff and precise. The Elka is fantastic - keeping the rear wheel locked on the ground. The performance is so much better than my old bike. During last nights ride I was on my friends tail like never before - they noticed too! It was all due to the excellent geometry and performance of the Chumba. I'm convinced, my next bike will bee a Chumba - ill start saving for the Evo G2!


Thanks again!

P.S. Jim, your bike looks awesome!

EVO G2 in Powder White, Anodized Jet Blue, and Silver Metallic! Available Now.

Check out the latest pictures of the ground-breaking EVO G2.  Incredible finishes, awesome custom options, and the ability to tune your bike's performance like nothing else on the market.  These bikes truly set the standard.  Send an e-mail to sales@chumbaracing.com for size and color availability.

CHUMBA is looking for help! Freelance artists, sales, etc.

Dear CHUMBA Friends,

We are looking for help in the following areas:

1) Freelance artists: must be versed in photoshop, illustrator.  Help design graphics, artwork, brochures, on a per-project basis.

2) Outside Sales Reps: help open new accounts and manage existing ones.

Please inquire at sales@chumbaracing.com.

Thank you!

Custom-Powdercoating Available on Limited Basis

We are now offering custom colors on limited sizes of the EVO G2.  Currently in stock, we have:

1 EVO G2 XS (15") - Metallic Orange
1 EVO G2 XS (15") - Gunmetal Gray
1 EVO G2 S (17") - Gunmetal Gray
1 EVO G2 L (19") - Lime Metallic Green

Send us an e-mail at sales@chumbaracing.com for more information.

Shots of Anodized Jet Blue EVO G2 in ACTION!

Here are shots taken in Mammoth, California this past weekend of the Anodized Jet Blue EVO G2.  You saw this bike being built up on September 12, 2011 in our assembly room.  Now see what it can do!

New, Incredible Pictures of 29er Complete Bike Silver HX2

The CHUMBA 29er leads the industry in build quality, geometry, performance, and rigidity. These bikes are stiff, offer an engineered chassis maximized for handling.  The balance, steering, and handling of this bike is unparalleled.  Further, the features of sophisticated hydroformed tube shapes eliminates gussets and weight.  The tapered zero stack headtube offers precision steering, massive rear tire clearance, and impeccable build quality.  For more information on frames and complete bikes, contact sales@chumbaracing.com.

F5 Video Filmed in Southern California

We found this film we shot awhile back, and thought we'd share.

Awesome Climbing Ability of EVO G2!

Watch the FCC suspension in action.  The frame minimizes pedal bob, transferring all pedaling input into forward motion.  This allows this all-mountain frame to climb like a light XC racer.  Watch as this rider shows what this frame can do.

Sneak Peek of Anodized Blue EVO G2

Dear Friends and Customers:

Here's a sneak peek of our new anodized electric blue EVO G2.  She will be making the rounds for a photo shoot, test ride, and video in Mammoth.  Stay tuned for more pics and hopefully video!

 RAD system. Adjustable wheelbase, and different style dropouts being developed at our on-site manufacturing facility.

EVO G2 in Stock and Shipping Now!

The long awaited day is here, EVO G2 frames are in stock and shipping now in all sizes and colors.  Contact us at sales@chumbaracing.com, or contact an authorized reseller.

Update of Albert Flynn Desilver: CHUMBA VF2 Goes to Tahoe!

Hi CHUMBA:

Thought you'd appreciate this photo of me rockin the stairs with my trusty
VF2, which I'm loving more than ever!

Best wishes always,

Albert DeSilver
Woodacre, CA

Incredible New Shots of HX1 & VF2 from Orange County, California

Pristine dime-bead welding, perfect alignment of tubes, sophisticated tube-shaping engineered for maximum strength and rigidity, massive seatstay and chainstay yokes, with a tapered head tube.  The culmination of 18 years of R&D, not one misaligned frame in our history, and unsurpassed quality. These frames are the pinnacle of quality and development in our industry.

Check out these shots from last weeks photo shoot: