Suspension Experts and Liberty Bikes Team Up With the SRAM MTB Ride Experience 1

Asheville, North Carolina - June 18, 2013 – Representatives and product designers from SRAM, a top component manufacturer in the cycling industry, are pairing up with Asheville-based Suspension Experts and Liberty Bikes, to facilitate the SRAM MTB Ride Experience – an On-The-Bike product engagement taking place at Bent Creek Experimental Forest. On June 29th and 30th, local riders as well as visitors to the area are invited to test a range of products, including the highly anticipated RockShox Pike.

"We are excited to be part of this event for so many reasons,” notes Kevin Booth, co-founder of Suspension Experts. “It brings together members of our local mountain bike community and is a rare opportunity for local riders to meet the guys behind the development of the Pike,” adds Booth. “We've known Asheville is on the map for mountain biking and this shows that leading manufacturers are also well aware that our region is emerging as an ideal testing ground for innovative products in the industry.”

The multi-day MTB Ride Experience will commence on Friday, June 28th with an evening party and gathering at Suspension Experts’ Asheville shop. The kickoff party, which is open to the public, will serve the purpose of welcoming to Asheville the staff from SRAM / RockShox. Those who attend the party or SRAM’s Ride Experience will have a chance to meet Ed Nasjleti, Tony Francione, Alex Berge as well as influential product designer Jeremiah Boobar, who was instrumental in the development of the new Pike fork.

“Liberty Bikes is thrilled to be helping facilitate the MTB Ride Experience and we take great pride in being able host representatives from SRAM and RockShox here in Asheville,” says Mike Nix, co-owner of Liberty Bikes.

The MTB Ride Experience will occur from 10AM to 4PM on Saturday and Sunday at Bent Creek’s “Trail’s End.” Attendees will be able to experience a range of bikes featuring SRAM’s XX1 Drivetrain, Rise 60 Wheels, RockShox Suspension / Reverb Seatpost, and the reborn Pike. Riders will have about an hour of ride time and should come prepared to ride with their own gear, including pedals (there will be a few extra sets of pedals on hand for rider use). SRAM and RockShox staff will be on hand to answer questions.

To find out more, please join us at Liberty Bicycles, Friday evening, June 21st at 7PM for a Ride Experience party. The local SRAM Representative, Cleve Blackwell and Kevin Booth from Suspension Experts will be there to show the technology, and talk about what will be available to ride the following weekend. Liberty Bicycles is located at 1378 Hendersonville Rd. Asheville, NC 28803.

About SRAM Ride Experience:
The SRAM Ride Experience connects riders with SRAM product, tuned by SRAM technicians. The Ride Experience is more than a test ride; it is a connection between riders and the specific performance-driven components that enhance, enrich, and enliven the total ride experience. Find us via SRAM.com/RideExperience on Twitter @RideExp Instagram: SRAMRideExp. RideExp@sram.com.

About Liberty Bicycles:
Liberty Bicycles, an award winning, full service bicycle store was founded by Mike and Claudia Nix in 1980 on the Corner of S. Liberty and Chestnut Streets, after being in their home for 4 years.  The store was founded on the principals of educating customers and providing quality service and equipment.  Liberty has supported the cycling community through sponsoring events and working to improve conditions for bicyclists both on the road and off. For more information, please visit www.libertybikes.com or call the shop at 828-274-2453.

About Suspension Experts:
Founded in 2005, Asheville, North Carolina-based Suspension Experts serves riders, bike shops, and manufacturers with rebuilding and tuning of all major brands of mountain bike suspension systems and retail sales. Experienced riders with the technical know-how to restore and maximize performance on brands including RockShox, Fox, Cane Creek and Manitou, the staff at Suspension Experts provides unparalleled personal service and fast-turnaround time so that riders can get back out on the trail in top form. For information or driving directions to the shop, call 828-255-0205 or email info@mtbsuspensionexperts.com.