What have they done so their damn straps don't instantly tear out? Looks like the same design there to me.

You can be under biked on anything other than a full blown DH bike.

Based on MY experience, I would recommend this pad to nobody. Would you recommend a product to somebody if it left you with open sores after a day at Whistler?

I've had many pads over the last 20 years from 661 to raceface to fox to other troy lee products, this is the first time I have had this specific issue with pads. I am also on the sweatier side of the spectrum. I'm happy for you that you have found a pad that works for you, alas the hunt for my perfect pad goes on.

That was ridiculously rad. When you've got skills, you've got skills no matter what you're on.

With everyone making the same tires and there being so many competitors, why haven't we seen the cost of tires come down to a reasonable amount for what the product actually is? Have tire companies formed like an OPEC like organization to keep prices high?

Yes, Rampage is the sitcom of the freeride world. It provides the drama and mass appeal. It rewards test dummys so they keep doing ridiculous feats for the enjoyment of others. The modern day coliseum as they say.

The issue as I see it is that "freeride" just isn't synonymous with competition. Making it into one takes away from the entire ethos of the sport. The fest series is really onto something and taps into what the sport is all about at its core (riding with your buds and pushing your limits... for YOU not anybody else). Rampage's only purpose is to commercialize the sport and give these guys a platform that companies will pay them for. It's an obligatory means to a paycheck, a way for these guys to live the dream, a necessary evil.

"We are not asking for special treatment, but rather for an equal playing field"... special treatment is EXACTLY what you are asking for numb nut.