'OK, BUT THICK OVERSHOES WOULD DO AN ALMOST EQUAL JOB'
Overall: Probably the best winter shoe/boot about, but surely someone could do better. Originally these were Shimano's downhill boot, and the heritage shows in the lack of biting grip, no stud option, and inattention to full waterproofing - there's a gap between tongue and cuff. Essentially your feet stay dry up to a point, then you're dependent on your waterproof socks. Personally I find it necessary to wear thermal socks and waterproof socks, and even then they still get a bit damp and cold (but at least only from water/sweat, not wind/temperature). I also find pedalling in them feels a bit dead, but really that's just because I'm so used to lightweight race shoes. They are more durable than an overshoe, but then they're more than double the price.
Overall: My first BB wore out in 6 months, which I'd say is fair, although it was acknowledged at the time that there had been an iffy batch. Second still going strong after two years, and I'm hard on parts.
'GREAT FOR TRAILRIDING, SLIGHTLY UPSETS RACE CLIMBING '
Strengths: Use it for trail, and its performance is impressive, adding about 100-150 grams against a race light post, certainly lighter than full sus.
Weaknesses: Use it for racing, and your climbing rhythm is slightly upset by the changing pedal to saddle length, since there's about 2.5 inches of travel.
Overall: For most riders, I would suggest a quality hardtail and this seatpost is a better bet than a full sus bike, as you still keep that hardtail directness and acceleration, but lessen the fatigue inducing effects of small to medium hits.
Weaknesses: You'll have read the reviews before, sometimes months ago
Overall: I do think this is a good magazine, and my advice is to only buy this, since most of the reviews are simply rehashed from MBUK, but it does collect them all together effectively, and eliminates the need to read all that kiddy nonsense you get in the others just because you've read everything else. It will be interesting to see whether it continues to depend on MBUK reviews. For other reading material, try the admittedly thin American mags and even the roadie mags, and then you'll really appreciate the value for money.
Strengths: Larger, more stable foot to pedal interface. Generally consistent action clipping in and out.
Weaknesses: Still clog up with mud. Too much effort to clip in and out, especially when clogged. Very little usable float (springs centre your cleat).
Overall: I've been running these on mtb, cyclocross, and road bikes since September because almost everyone raves about them. Road is better than SPD and less hassle than roadie pedals, although they feel a bit dead, particularly when sprinting. Off-road they're great for trail riding, but a liability when racing. They just don't clip in and out as fast as loose tensioned SPD. I have to clip out early just in case, and I find it can be hard to summon up the strength to clip in when you're tired and they're a bit clogged (don't forget your shoes get clogged as well). I was inspired originally by the many cyclocrossers who were meant to use them, but seeing the last National Trophy race, the vast majority of riders were using SPD.
Strengths: Light, durable, grip, low rolling resistance, low puncture rate
Weaknesses: Occasionally skittish, slide on thin mud, naff fading colours (but black is available now)
Overall: The 1.8's are superb race tyres, and cope with most conditions. They are the only sub 500 gram tyre that have durability and grip (apart from the scary breakaway handling Conti XC 1.5). I'll be replacing last year's pair with a new set, especially now that I'll be running Stan's tubeless kit.
