Great rear tire for trail bike

Rating:

The Good: Rolls fast Good grip Drifts predictably Pretty light

The Bad: Short knobs get overwhelmed in deep mud Can get flats in extremely rocky terrain (especially at lower pressures)

Overall:

I've been running the 2.25 crossmark as the rear tire on my trail bike for years. I pair it with a minion DHF and have really come to love this combination.  The crossmark has surprisingly good grip--much better than you would think just looking at it.  It rolls very well, and I can notice a big difference compared to say a high roller or other knobbier tires.  In corners it holds quite well and drifts super predictably.  Paired with a larger/knobbier tire like the DHF I can corner really aggressively because I know the rear will let go before the front and that it will do so in a predictable manner.  If I lived in the mountains, I'd likely run something a little burlier, but for the piedmont area round me which has lots of roots and rocks but not as much high speed chunder it's a great choice.

The standard

Rating:

The Good: Predictable Wears well Versatile Reasonably priced

The Bad: Not the fastest rolling Packs up in sticky mud

Overall:

The DHF has been my go-to front tire on my trail bike (2.35 single ply) and I've used it extensively as both front/rear on my DH bike (2.5 3C). To me the most important part of a tire is predictability--and that predictability is why I keep running the DHF year after year.  It may be that there are tires more suited to a particular condition, that are lighter or roll better.  However, I don't change tires based on conditions except to switch to spikes when things are really muddy.  For me, the DHF works well enough in any condition, although I'd say its at its best in mixed loose over hardpack (what I ride most).  It isn't the greatest in thick sticky mud as it's not as open as some designs and will pack up, but even here I know what it's going to do and can make it work.  As a rear tire I find it drifts (you guessed it) predictably.  I usually run 25-30 PSI for DH and I can't remember the last time I got a flat.  Bottom line, it's a super solid tire that is good to great at nearly everything.  Well worth checking out if, by some crazy chance, you haven't yet.

Great comfortable, protective helmet

Rating:

The Good: Comfortable (for most heads) Light Inexpensive Protective Works comfortably with Leatt

The Bad: Not so bling?

Overall: I've been riding remedy helmets for probably 10 years. I just keep picking them up as they can be had relatively cheaply and I know they fit my head.  I've had my fair share of bad wrecks and can't fault the helmet for anything.  It stopped a pointy stick that was headed for my head, and has worked well with my Leatt when I took an awkward OTB head bounce fall.  I've never found it super hot or super cool.  I do take it off on the lift usually.  What can you really say about a helmet?  It is protective, works with my other gear and there are at least some palatable graphics each year.  No one will drool over it like they will a D3 but for half the price, I'm fine with that.