Strengths: German engineering, accepts 203mm forks, no flex detected yet, disc mount & dropout inserts (not long before everybody else will be doing this), cheap, lightweight, features (lockout / high+low compression / air pressure / rebound), fit and forget setup
Weaknesses: Very stiff seals, can be tricky to set up as you lose a lot of pressure when using a non-magura shock pump to set it up
Overall: A bargain, £270 (but no pump inc.) for a sturdy german engineered 110mm fork
Strengths: Digital gauge at top mount, so can be easily read. The smarthead adjusts automatically to presta/schrader valves and doesn't lose much air when fitting/removing. Micro adjuster button releases tire pressure if you've over pumped your tire. Gauge reads in either psi/bar/kg cm. Tells you when tire pressure has reached your setting.
Weaknesses: READ THE BLOODY INSTRUCTIONS FIRST because you can very easily re-set the gauge's pre-set function when the smart head is engaged therefore showing pressure in the tire as zero....(when actually 40psi) resulting in blowing up your tube and suffering from temporary deafness until ringing in ears has stopped...d'oh
Overall: An expensive digital floor pump loaded with features and built to last with its aluminium base & shaft. The hose dock and handle lock aid storage when in boot of car.
Strengths: The ride, handling, climbing ability, strength, paint job, frame warranty, an excellent lightweight UST wheelset, neat seatpost QR, the 2004 XT/XTR drivetrain is brilliant, with the exception of the chain. 29.5lbs weight.
Weaknesses: The shimano chain supplied was absolute pants. Bontrager front wheel QR came loose after a rocky descent, but I have had no further problems after a clean/grease/rebuild. Not yet decided about the Bontrager tires but very pleased with no punctures, and personal prefence would be to lighten it a little bit more - but where!
Overall: Bought in the clearance sales so obtained at a very low price. The Minute 2 Fork and Swinger 3 Way shock are brilliant. I can't believe how much faster this bike lets me go downhill in one piece compared to my HT. I actually prefer the flippy shifters as well.
Strengths: Allows you to ride for longer without the bad back the day after. Lightweight for a suspension seatpost. Range of springs available.
Weaknesses: Very expensive for the performance. My rear muduard doesn't fit very well to the narrow seatpost. Will require shim for 90% of frames.
Overall: Not a valid alternative to a full bouncer, but does offer a softer ride for those with bad backs. Cheaper than swopping your stiff aluminium frame for a flexy steel one. But it is what i'd recommend over buying this product.
Strengths: A very strong British Hardtail, great looking, reasonably lightweight, was bought secondhand 6 months old so very good value.
Weaknesses: Long stem, the avid v brakes suck and the Axel fork is way too soft (WHY do manitou provide such soft springs? for 10 stone girlie riders)
Overall: My first true mountain bike that is slowly being upgraded, so far extras include Hope brakes, mavic wheelset, Fire XC tires and XCR shokpost. The frame is very strong/stiff and has handled everything throw at it, unfortunately my back has not, hence the shokpost...
Strengths: Solid yet light for the size, spare parts, simple action, lots of float, cleats bed in quickly, comes in a amazing box which just screams of quality, very strong. Come with four shims for cleat adjustment and different length screws. Work really well in the mud.
Weaknesses: A bit pricy at £82 and the replacement cleats are a bit steep as well, the large cage has been bashed a couple of times on the dragons tail. When you fit the cleats make sure you screw them on very tightly or you'll lose the screws like me (muppet in training)
Overall: I tried these as my first clipless pedal and simply loved them, they offer clipless efficiency/security and when the going really gets a bit too hairy, can be used/pedalled when not clipped in.
Strengths: Good looks, quick break in period, reasonably quiet, available spares, good value, power!
Weaknesses: The resin pads don't last long in UK winter conditions (though do work), holes in rotor could be larger for cleaning purposes, 160mm only f&r rotors
Overall: Came as OEM on my Liquid 55 and provide enough power for my needs, although i quite fancy putting the new Saint 203mm on the front. The modulation is not as good as on my hope mini monos but overall these are lightweight but powerful XC disc brakes
Strengths: Great performance in terms of puncture resistance. Good value, £25 for the pair, including two inner tubes and as Mike says, excellent for tow paths/cycle paths/country lanes and road use. They also do not look as daft on a hardtail as those 1'/1.5' tires do.
Weaknesses: Have experienced a bit of snaking on muddy singletrack and loss of traction on the climbs, but only because I couldn't be bothered to change tires and used them on singletrack that they are not designed for.
Overall: A good multi-use tire for those summer recreational and commuting rides.
Strengths: Good looking bargain priced helmet. The M/L sizing fits heads 56-64 so may fit those with odd shaped heads. I measure as a 60cm and find it much more comfortable fit than the Giro Havoc. The large vents make it nice and cool on the warm days.
Weaknesses: On my second helmet, the first one's internal plastic cage snapped off from the helmet after one week, but LBS replaced with no questions asked. Second one has lasted 3 months with no problems (approx. 100 hours use so far).
Overall: Available in two colours (black/charcoal and blue). Comes in two sizes fits all (s/m 52-60 and m/l 56-64). Good aesthestics, good secure fitting, good venting all with a bargain price..
