- who were the first riders to try out the prototype tread design. When going in to the project, the goal was not only to come up with a modern-day tire that grips the harder packed track surfaces and asphault berms, but a tread designed to retain or increase rider momentum depending on rider input.
"We asked Tioga to create a lightweight tire with maximum traction for today's tracks," commented Redline Marketing Director "gOrk". "Two months later, Tioga had a variety of treads for us to run by our pros and ams. Countless hours of testing proved that the tightly packed low profile central tread zone flanked by angular chiseled should knobs provided the best combination of fast rolling and cornering grip. By the summer of '08, Redline factory riders were testing the first samples. Everyone from Denzel to Dakota Senger have been loving this new design - and have put it to the test."
When it comes to Tioga, they definitely know their tires - a statement proven factual by the longevity of the infamous Comp-III tire. “It’s taken a while but with help from our friends such as Redline, Tioga is able to develop a tire to compete in modern day racing,” said Kai Cheng, Tioga’s Marketing Manager. “The result is an advance racing tire that goes beyond fast rolling or corner gripping – it’s a tire that efficiently transfers rider input into lateral motion” concludes Cheng.
The PowerBlock will be available in the aftermarket in two versions – the performance series S-Spec, with lightweight Cylex casing and folding bead, and the standard spec 60TPI casing and steel bead. The S-Spec is available in 20x2.1, 20x1.95, 20x1.75 and 20x1.60, while the standard version will be available in all S-Spec sizes plus 20x1-3/8, 20x1-1/8, 24x2.1, 24x1.75.
Along with being the longest-lasting sponsor of Team REDLINE, Tioga has also signed-on with the GHP Team to run the new Powerblock's - as well as Olympic Bronze medalist DONNY ROBINSON. In fact, D.R. was aboard Tioga tires for the Beijing Olympic games. Look for Powerblock's on the bikes of top Pros DENZEL STEIN, JASON CARNE$, ALISE POST, RANDY STUMPFHAUSER, GREG HILL and JOHN PURSE .. and more to come!
For more info, check out: tiogausa.com
Up until this point, the only way to get a pair of the new TIOGA POWERBLOCK tires was to purchase a complete 2009 REDLINE Flight bike; which were the first bikes to be spec'd with this modern-day treaded tire. But as of right now, the top-end S-Spec PowerBlock in sizes 20x2.1, 20x1.95, 20x1.75 and 20x1.60, as well as the standard PowerBlock in sizes - 20x1 1/8, 20 x 1 3/8 and cruiser sizes in 24 x 1.75 and 24 x 2.10 are available thru any Dealer who orders their gear from Seattle Bike Supply. ABOUT THE POWERBLOCK: Development of the Tioga POWERBLOCK started in winter 2007, and a key part to the tire's design was disecting vital input from the Factory Redline team
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.