SaddleRags's Product Reviews

Dependable and strong brakes

Rating:

The Good: this is what a brake should be like, reasonable price too

The Bad: these quiet brakes won't scare off wild animals or hikers

Overall:

Brakes make a huge difference in both ride performance and confidence on the trail. These are at the top of the pile of brakes I've used in the past decade. Shorter levers allow for controlled one finger braking with plenty of power, and when paired with the cooling fined brake pads and ice-tech rotors, I have seen a noticeable difference in fading (or the lack thereof) from other brakes. Add to that some big rotors and it can even work for lighter DH riders.

As far as the XT level componentry goes, thankfully Shimano has created their brakes to work nearly identically as the higher end XTR, while being a mid-priced offering. The bling factor and a little bit of the feel of the lever are all that separates this from the XTR (which I have on another bike). When I add all the positives together, I can recommend the XT trail brakes without any reservation.

Solid performing shock

Rating:

The Good: works great without complaints, easy to adjust

The Bad: almost as expensive as a top tier shock

Overall:

Coming off some of the lesser fox offerings and previous model years, this shock is a real step up. All the adjustments are useful and straightforward and is a great match for the enthusiast who still wants a hand-full of settings to dial in the ride, yet doesn't want to shell out the cash for a super high end shock. After having ridden a CCDB, I can see that there is another level up in performance out there (compared to the RC4), however there are services that offer custom tunes for the Fox so that opens up options for future upgrades if desired.

As far as the performance goes, the reason I love coil suspension so much is that it eats up small chatter and yet doesn't blow through to the bottom on big hits. The times I've maxed out the travel haven't felt too rough - with a couple of notable exceptions:) The suspension seems to track rough terrain better than my DHX 5 from a few years ago, but they were different bikes too so that may be part of the difference I'm feeling.

The fact that Fox is so well represented in the mtb community means that just about any shop can help you out with questions or issues should they arise. For me, two years and no problems is a good sign... knock on wood.

Functions well

Rating:

The Good: looks good, relatively easy to install

The Bad: seems pricey for what it is

Overall:

The LG1+ provides both bash protection and chain retention for a single ring setup. It has worked without problems on my bike park rig for over a season.  Since I replaced the one that came with it (which was complete garbage), it really makes me appreciate a system that doesn't drop chains and that keeps your chain ring safe from the occasional rock bash.  I like the smooth plate facing the chain ring on this device as it doesn't collect mud and debris. Speaking of nasty conditions, if you ride in heavy mud, watch out for the pulley getting jammed up. I guess this is why many of the newer models are going to a skid plate rather than a pulley...

As far as the looks go, the angles on the e*13 product are nice and I like the lack of logos on it.  The one thing I wish was that they had a smaller version for those running a 32 tooth or smaller front ring. MRP has done this on their micro G2SL and it provides about a 1/3 of an inch better clearance for bash protection.  Not a big deal if you rock the smooth trails but with the chunky step ups/downs of the desert west, every bit counts - especially since bike manufacturers are lowering bottom bracket height to improve cornering, etc.

Maybe it's unfair for me to ding the rating of this for the price of these devices since most manufacturers are in the same ballpark, but I just don't get what makes these so expensive.  I have a rear derailleur and a crankset that cost less than the price of this item. Oh well, it does its job so I can't complain too much.

Solid fork for your 6 inch bike

Rating:

The Good: strong, Titanium coil spring!

The Bad: oil level was a little off from the factory

Overall:

Let's be honest, price is a concern for most of us when making a bike purchase. The fact that this fork was much less than the competition when I bought it (online blowout a couple of years ago) was a big factor in me choosing it over other brands.  Having said that, I was really impressed with it once it was installed on the bike.  The strong 35mm stanctions were enough to keep things from being noodly in rough terrain and the feel of the coil spring was nice and buttery smooth.  The weight of a coil fork is usually a bit of a penalty, but in this case Marzocchi has done a good job of keeping it relatively close to other air forks with the same travel.

The only gripe I have is that it is hard to dial in air pressure. The fork can be aired up with a regular shock pump but it requires a special sensitive kind to be able to read the small pressures they recommend using to add to the coil spring.  Instead, I've found that you just have to memorize your preferred setting that goes something like this: from zero air in the fork, I will pump 7 strokes using my regular shock pump. Once you have it dialed then you're good.

BTW, I'm reviewing the 2011 model which is 160mm of travel and I believe the newest 55 RC3 has 170mm of travel.

For what I paid, this fork has been terrific and no major issues have come up.

Good idea that doesn't go far enough

Rating:

The Good: not bulky or hot

The Bad: not that great of protection

Overall:

This sub gear shirt does a good job of adding a little extra protection, mostly for the shoulders, without getting too hot or cumbersome.

Notes about the fit:while it does loosen up over time the fit out of the box is rather tight.  I guess that's just part of how compression gear works and how protection in general fits, but it takes a little getting used to if you are accustomed to riding in a loose t-shirt or jersey.

I really like the idea of having some protection for the chest and shoulders that fits nicely under a jersey and that doesn't restrict movement but I hope that future iterations of this product will take the next step and offer a bit more protection (slightly thicker padding) plus add sections for the lower chest and ribs while still keeping a slim package to tuck under your regular riding jersey.

Great clipless pedal

Rating:

The Good: tough, long lasting pedal at a reasonable price

The Bad: jams in heavy mud

Overall:

If you ride clipless pedals and do the Shimano thing, these are where it's at! Like many Shimano products, nearly the same quality and durability found in the highest level pedals (XTR) is also incorporated here in a more economical version. Overall you get great function and years of solid use with the XT trail pedals.

From previous years, they haveadded a cage around the pedal to increase contact area with the shoe and allow for more security in times when you want to ride clipped-out. This also adds long-term durability, as the cage helps protect the pedals from smashing rocks, etc. I have found that this extra platform does indeed come in handy, despite my fears that it would be harder to clip in with a bulky cage.

Just don't be tempted to think that with the new platform you can ride this pedal with a flat soled shoe - it may work if you're riding around the block to get some groceries, but it will not give you much confidence on the trail.

The weakness of these pedals is found in muddy or really sandy conditions. Heavy mud will jam up the release and create a dangerous situation. Also note that if you do a ton of hiking in your cleated shoes, you may want to replace the cleats each season as a chewed up cleat will also bind a bit on the entry and release of the pedal. Replacement cleats are around $20 which seems a little high for such a simple piece of hardware.

Bonus: right now the XT version can be found at a good price from online vendors.

Good price and great quality to match

Rating:

The Good: Does the job without complaining

The Bad: none found so far

Overall:

Headsets don't normally get a lot of love since it's not a flashy item that everyonedrools over. No matter to the Cane Creek folks who are making some really good headsets these days and at reasonable prices.  I've had this headset twice now, one on a bike I had a year ago and sold and now on my do-it-all bike that sees everything from local trails to the bike parks in the summer. This one does the job and has given me no issues whatsoever on either bike. So I guess I could have bought a headset that cost three times as much... but what would I gave gained?

Another reason why I like CC headsets is that they have a handy guide on their website to help you make sure and get the right match with your bike frame and the fork you have.  With so many different headtube types, it's good to know they cut through the confusion and have you covered.

Barring some future issue with this headset, I'd have to say that the price and solid function merit a full star rating.

Great multi-tool to help save your ride

Rating:

The Good: compact, strong

The Bad: some tools are tough to use

Overall:

The first multi-tool I had growing up was twice as big and heavy as this and still only had half the tools the CRV-12 has. Thankfully tools like this have improved over time. This one functions fine and is easy to use with the exception of the size 2 and 8 allen keys. The 2 is just hard to twist around due to the crooked end of it and the 8 is hard to get enough torque on, but maybe that's my own weakness and not the tool's fault!

The thing I maybe like about the tool the most isn't so much the function, though it works well enough, but that it has a nice elastic band that fits around it and keeps the tool from opening up in your shorts pocket and poking around where it shouldn't. Or worse, leaving it's mark in your body like a set of keys do in a crash.

Strong stem for AM duty

Rating:

The Good: simple design, inexpensive

The Bad: hard to find

Overall:

This stem has a simple design that works great. My favorite thing about it was the clamp that fits up with the steerer tube is rounded in an effort to save your knees should you connect with it. Budget bike builders should consider this as an option since the price is good and the stem is strong enough that I wouldn't hesitate to own a used one. You may have a tough time finding one though.

great all-round trail tire

Rating:

The Good: rolls fast, light weight

The Bad: gets a bit overwhelmed on big features (2.25 size)

Overall:

The spacing between the tread knobs helps this tire hook up well in loose conditions, yet it seems to roll quite well on hardpack too.
The rubber compound on this tire helps give you good grip but I did find the rear tire knobs were getting "raw" on the leading edge after a dozen rides or so. While the tire isn't exactly designed to run the tread the opposite way, I did flip it in the rear to extend the life a bit without any adverse effects. The variety of terrain that this tire works on is what makes this a keeper.

Nice, thin, breathable glove

Rating:

The Good: inexpensive, keep hands cool

The Bad: lifespan is less than others

Overall:

For some reason I have a collection of gloves in my bike bag and these Rivet gloves by Royal Racing are some that are pulled out fairly regularly when I'm doing a trail ride. I like the white urban camo look and the thin fabric on top is actually quite tough. It's the material on the palms that get chewed up and tend to wear out faster than normal that is a bummer. Per usual these days, the added silicone grippers on the fingers help when grabbing brakes. Bonus: these slip on so there is no wriststrap to get in the way or Velcro to wear out. 

Great range and great performance

Rating:

The Good: resonably priced, ramped teeth help shifting

The Bad: racers will want a tighter cassette with smaller jumps between gears

Overall:

Though it has been out for a few years, Shimano's 11-36 cassette is a game changer for those who are looking to minimize the front chainring set-up. The extra spread in gears allows mere mortals like myself to power up climbs and still bomb the downs with just a single ring in front.

Shimano drivetrain parts usually means durability and quality, and this is no exceptionafter a couple of years of abuse. Hopefully this trend continues and we'll see a range like 10-38 teeth take hold in the mainstream offerings from the big drivetrain players.

Better than a plain t-shirt

Rating:

The Good: Not cotton, Soft

The Bad: gives you too many options of things to wear

Overall:

It's nice to have a casual looking "jersey" disguised as a t-shirt for the ride that keeps you from looking too goofy when hanging out with friends later. This one is simple but fits the bill. A few places online like jensonusa.com are blowing out this (and other Fox technical t-shirts) for around 10 bucks which makes this a no-brainer.

Good elbow protection and long-term durability

Rating:

The Good: don't slip, good protection

The Bad: a bit tight at first

Overall:

To pad or not to pad, that is the question...

For my riding style, I don't have a need for the full body suits of armor so individual pads come in handy and can be mixed and matched depending on the riding conditions du jour.

These elbow pads start out really tight and I had to keep checking to make sure I didn't accidentally order a size too small. I'm not a ripped dude either so just be fore-warned. After some rides they tend to stretch out a bit and are actually as comfortable as elbow pads like these get, which in reality is not all that comfortable, but hey that's the price of protection.

Also, despite the fact that "soft" is in the name, the protection for the elbow is a hard shell, which is nice to know that a sharp rock won't just go right through and wreck your day or season. I have a year's worth of riding out of them and expect to have a few more at the rate these are going. The cost is reasonably good so I'd say these Kali elbow pads are a smart investment.

Comfortable SS jersey that looks good

Rating:

The Good: super light and breathable, nice styling

The Bad: thin fabric doesn't handle crashes well

Overall:

Get this jersey if you love a lightweight jersey that dries in an instant and doesn't hold water and smells like a cotton t-shirt.

Skip this one if you can't find a good sale on it or you are extra rough on clothing.

Bonus feature: glasses wipe cloth sewn on the inside of the jersey.

Quality chain tool

Rating:

The Good: Solid feel, fits nearly all chains

The Bad: Probably too big/overkill to take in your pack

Overall:

You might be tempted to try and save a few bucks and use the little chain tool on your fancy multi-tool for home bike repairs, but this tool is much better. I am of the philosophy that the fewest times you have to replace pins and "brake" your chain, the less likely you are to have problems on the trail with it. Park's tool here gives you the best chance at keeping your chain in proper order and offers a big enough handle to transfer the nuances of pin pushing to your fingers. My favorite feature is that you can easily tweak any stiff links without resorting to the bend-the-chain technique.

Do it all tire that lasts and lasts and...

Rating:

The Good: big volume and long lasting tread

The Bad: still searching for one

Overall:

The first thing to note is that I am reviewing the 2.4 UST black chili rubber version, which has a thicker sidewall than the regular version and the legendary sticky, yet long-lasting rubber compound.

I've used this tire at everything from bike parks to the local trails and this tire just plain works. One of the best features is the ability to reverse the direction and swap to the other tire if you run these on both front and rear, extending the life of the tire even more! The UST version has a tough casing which adds protection against scrapes and keeps the air sealed well. These tires aren't light enough for racing but it's nice to know they won't bog you down by rolling too slowly.

For some riders, a true DH tire with the wire bead is needed for the really gnarly stuff. Also, be careful if you have really skinny rims as this is a big tire and wants to squirm a bit in that case. Otherwise, whip one on and go rip up whatever trail you encounter without looking back!

The classic thin grip

Rating:

The Good: Easy To Install, Good grip

The Bad: Odd Tool Size for install/removal

Overall:

The smallest of the ODI family, the Ruffian have stood the test of time and could be considered the standard bike grip against which others are judged. I personally like a bit thicker grip (but not too thick) so I go with the Ruffian MX. If the smaller size is your thing, you just can't go wrong with the classic. The only thing I can think to improve would be for ODI to have a bit more fun with the end-caps - add some color or something!

These wheels truly rock!

Rating:

The Good: light, strong

The Bad: has some proprietary parts

Overall:

I had this set on a bike that I sold a year ago and liked the wheelset so much that I got the newest version (white with black graphics). They are essentially the same wheels minus a few cosmetic tweaks.

If you are a tubeless rider take a close look at these wheels. You can run a tubeless set-up without fussing with funky conversion kits or adding extra weight to your wheels. They look great too and work on everything from AM to FR to all but the craziest DH, where you might want wider and heavier rims.  However, I did see a few riders running these at the Rampage and so I can't imagine a better endorsement.  I just wish the rim were a little wider to give bigger tires a better profile.

The only reason to shy away is if you absolutely hate proprietary parts.

Good protection pads

Rating:

The Good: Good Placement Of Pads, Fly Hole

The Bad: Itchy Butt Tag, should be cheaper

Overall:

These give you the protection for hips and tailbone where you tend to hit in a crash. Extra pads on the thigh come in handy too. Fit is comfy minus the tag in back, so do yourself a favor and chop it off.  These run true to size and the material around the pads is a nice breathable fabric so you don't get too hot.