August's Top Vital MTB Member Reviewer Award

Every month we award the Top User Reviewer with a little prize, and this month Jenson USA pitched in another $100 gift card! Vital member Paracheilinus took home top honors in August after writing a handful of great reviews. Here's a recap of his best:

Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Flat Pedal - "I like the wide surface area of the Stamp. The pins can be adjusted using a #2 Allen key for shallow “barely there” bite to tacky, shin gouging experience. Mine leans on the shin gouging after a few tries. I removed the pins that sides on the axle on both sides of both pedals.

I liked the support of the wide surface especially on rock gardens and flowy trails. I don’t have to think about keeping my feet on the pedals and focus on my lines instead. I’ve had several rock strikes already with scratches on the edges and the pins but its still ticking. I’ve had mine for over a year now and I’ve been waiting to that dreaded play.

There’s no perfect product (or is there?!). The pins on the Stamp are a pain to clean. I’ve had to use a safety pin once a month to scrounge and keep it clean to make it usable for the Allen Keys. Plus, the surface is not concave. It would have been better(er) if it was, for a more engaging ride... Hmm, how about the Mallet?" - Read more»

Smith Squad MTB Goggles - "Not once did I feel any overheating. Good airflow above and below the lenses help to dissipate heat. I also like to ability to choose a lens especially one appropriate for riding here in the Philippines. You can also choose a strap. Its also faster to replace the lens. I had to use the clear lens during the rainy season here in Manila.

What I didn’t like was the lower field-of-view than other goggles. I know this because I’m also particular with my diving masks. There’s 20% less field of view than the 100% Accuri Goggles. This is important if you’re at speed and have only a split second to decide which line to commit. More so in the woods. This is due to the large area occupied by the removable tear-off pins. Now if only Smith will redesign the pins... I would give this product a 10 out of 10. But hey, I’d still pick the Smith Squad MTB goggles over the others. Period." - Read more»

Big congrats to Paracheilinus! Thanks for helping out the riding scene with your thoughts on these products.

Want to be in the running for September's award?

Start reviewing the parts you use in the Vital MTB Product Guide and keep an eye on the Top Reviewer leaderboard. We'll announce the winner in early October.