Spank Spike Race28 Wheelset
Vital Review“Tested: Spank Spike Race28 Wheelset”
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Race Face Flank Core Guard
Vital Review“Tested: Race Face Flank Core Guard - Lightweight Protection”
Geax Datura Tire
“Geax Datura 2.2”
The Good: Traction for miles! These tires are predictable in almost all situations. In muddy condition they have all the traction that could be asked for and clean out once you get the speed is above a crawl. Loam trails are that most fun with traction that could be considered overkill, you'll be leaving dirt bike sized corner ruts with these, and breaking results in quick predictable stops. Sand traction is also really good.
The Bad: All of this traction can result in a bit of rolling resistance on all mountain efforts, it becomes noticeable on long sustained flats and uphills. Large damp or wet rocks provide difficult riding at slower speeds I have the hardest compound tires. on hard pack high speed trails there is a sort of floating or drifting feel but I mean high speeds like in the 30+mph range, and even with this feel the drifting is predicable and iv never lost control.
Overall Review: I really have a blast riding with these tires they feel like dirt bike tires and inspire a lot of confidence going into corners. They are some of the best tires I have used for new England style trails that are either loam, mud or sand andvery rarely hard packed. The only characteristic of these tires I don't like is the slow speed traction on rocks the massive treads just get unpredictable. This isn't enough to make me change tires because at high speed your normally jumping rocks and flying into corners where this tires shines and at slow speeds a kick out over rocks isn't catastrophic. I would highly recommend these tires for Read More »Easton Havoc Wheelset
“solid performer for all mountain and jump trail use”
The Good: light weight, smooth rolling, low maintenance hubs
The Bad: proprietary rims, difficult to find spokes, soft rims
Overall Review: This review is for the previous generation havoc wheel set with a 135mm rear wheel.The Havoc wheel set should be used for trail, all mountain or smooth bike park riding. I have been happy with the performance of these wheels when used for these intended purposes. These wheels roll very fast and smooth especailly when set up ghetto tubeless (Maxxis Minion DHF EXO sealed up just fine). The problem is that it's way too tempting to run them for DH and that's where durability of the rim becomes an issue. I have replaced a pair of rims riding DH. On the other hand, the hubs have been flawless after hundreds and hundreds of miles of aggressive trail/jump line riding . Bottom line: If you find these wheels on the internet at blow out prices, get them for an all mountain bike. It's worth it.Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evolution Tire
“Fast-rolling, fast-wearing”
The Good: Rolls quickly in the 2.25 size. Provides enough traction for most hardpack/loose-over-hard riding conditions.
The Bad: Center knobs wear out quickly. Does not have the cornering grip to really push the bike.
Overall Review: Schwalbe's Nobby Nic tires came stock on my Giant Trance, and I decided to try them out before going back to my preferred brand of tires (WTB, for reference). Although the Nobby Nic rolled surprisingly well and made my trailbike feel lighter than its true weight, the rear started to wear out sooner than I would have expected. When I rotated the front tire to the back and put on a WTB Bronson in front, I realized what I'd been missing in cornering traction. The Nobby Nics are fine for trail riding that leans more toward the cross-country end of the spectrum, but for more aggressive trails I'll be sticking with a tire that can hook up more confidently in the turns.2012 Transition TR450 2 Bike
“stable, stiff, dh sled for the bike park”
The Good: stiff, stable, durable, superb in the air
The Bad: frame weight, wheel set
Overall Review: The Transition TR450 is a great choice for dh riders looking for a bike park sled. Ride Impression: The frame design is incredibly stout and you can feel it on the bike. Consequently, the bike tracks very well in the rough or through corners. The TR450 suspension delivers a plush ride but is not mushy under power once you dial in the Fox DHX RC4 shock. I have to admit I was skeptical of the "single pivot" design but the linkage actuated design does not have any flaws that an average bike park rider will notice. The TR450 feels good with the wheels on the ground but feels even better in the air. I was instantly comfortable Read More »2013 GT Zaskar 9R Elite Bike
“Captain America would not want his name on this bike”
The Good: Lightweight
The Bad: Grips, seat, tires, tire/derailleur spacing, lockout device, super noisy chain banging
Overall Review: I returned this bike after 3 months of nothing but problems. Day 1: I had to have lockout mechanism replaced, new one didn't work after a month properly. There are few tires that will work on this bike. There is little space for the tire and derailleur clamp. I went tubeless and the stock tire is not good for tubeless and only found one tire that worked from continental and it was replaced after 47 miles under warranty. In my 3 months the derailleur and lower frame bracket ripped off, breaking spokes and shredding tire. It was a nice 3 mile hike. I ride non technical single track in the desert. Some terrain is hard and rocky, Read More »Giro Remedy CF Full Face Helmet
“Protective - will take hits”
The Good: Strong, protective
The Bad: Need to make an XS size
Overall Review: See the review on the FLY Racing Default Helmet. I bought the Fly helmet to replace this one as an inexpensive one for doing training and practice. The Fly failed in less than 24 hours resulting in a fractured jaw. The Giro helmet protected my son with much bigger hits that the Fly and he walked away completely fine.Buying this one again! Protect you head, protect your face - buy this helmet.Fly Racing Default Full Face Helmet
“Poor materials - 8 year old fractured jaw at low speed - Best sold @ Toys r Us”
The Good: I suppose you could say the looks (from a distance)
The Bad: Poor quality, Strength, Protection, Value. Will take you straight to A&E in a crash.
Overall Review: My son, weighs in at 20kgs and is aged 8. He had a full face impact (nothing unusual here as he has had many whilst BMX racing).The impact resulted in the Chin Bar cracking and folding back into his face, causing his jaw to fracture and suffer concussion. The Chin Bar is not certified for Downhill usage (make a note of that)! In fact the helmet is only certified at the most basic level for head protection.Not worth the risk.http://www.flickr.com/photos/55910689@N02/8960656971/lightbox/Urge EndurOmatic Open Face Helmet
Vital Review“Tested: Urge Enduromatic”
