Strengths: loads of error correcting travel, really plush look the part on my stinky can be tuned to any tastes (I like fast and soft, for eating up rocks!)
Weaknesses: damping system not as good shivers (what am I expecting though!) not a proper bolt through get a bit funky with brake dive if you're not careful
Overall: I don't normally like bombers, but after my manitous let me down in the alps, the next thing was to get a pair of Jr Ts off the guide (thanks rod!). They transformed my bike and it handles great now. They are really plush, using the travel pretty effectively (only surpassed by mini shivers, IMHO).
Many folk have mentioned how flexy they are, and I suppose they are a bit flimsy...but it's not so bad as you'd notice all the time and it's certainly better than marzocchi single crowns! I do wish that they would put a proper bolt through (a la zocchi duals, circa 99) on this type of fork, at least as an upgrade. Having ridden a pair of QR20 forks for over a year I'm not convinced of the benefit but maybe they're getting better!
Strengths: Extra stiffness from backwards arch. really plush post mount disc mounts (Iknow they're a pain but I think they're much stiffer) adjustable everything
Weaknesses: plasticky adjusters I don't really need the travel adjuster - it feels awful on the 100mm setting, although I can see it being useful for some, so I won't penalise it.
Overall: Hahha I paid A VERY REASONABLE PRICE for these cos I managed to get through the place where I work, so they are actually the cheapest forks I ever bought (bar RSTs), and the best (Xverts were great though).
They are very soft and I bottom them out a lot, but it's not harsh so at least I am using all the travel.
'BEST ALTERNATIVE TO RAPIDFIRES TO USE WITH SHIMANO MECHS!'
Strengths: super smooth action, which feels really positive but without having loads of friction. shimano compatible
Weaknesses: Sometimes you get accidental shifts if you need good leverage on the bars and grip the shifting part on a technical bit...but that's not such a problem. they take up quite a lot of space on the bars, so you need wide bars to accommadate them. But then I won't ride anything narrower than 26" anyway!
Overall: (this review is actually for the 8spd version, but it's exactly the same in every way - except it has one less index notch) I can't stand rapidfires (even good ones) for some reason, and these make an excellent alternative. Best tip: use an avid rollamajig with any shifter or rear mech cos they reduce the friction loads.
Strengths: strong! It also looks very cool indeed (i have it on a MTB) It supports the bar from underneath, rather than the side so it's very sturdy it's a good length
Weaknesses: It's a tad expenive It's a little overweight (so what?)
Overall: If you're fed up with twisty, flexy stems, and want something which will never ever break, then this is the stem for you. However, you do need to get bars which are desgined for a bmx size stem (such as dmr wingbars or 24seven)
Strengths: These are the only cranks I can think of, that cost as little as this that have not yet been broken. they're really stiff they look nice
Weaknesses: can be tricky to set up. can't easily fit triple rings (uh?) heavy (who cares?)
Overall: I have had these on two different bikes, and it transforms their feel quite a bit. they are much stiffer than anything else I've tried. The bearings are pretty good but the seals are crap. Keep 'em clean. Once you've got 'em set up then they'll be fine for ever. Provided they don't rust. So oil the inside of 'em. Cheaper than race face and stronger than ANY shimano. And probably your bb too...
Strengths: Just grip that you never thought you'd get on a bike. Low pressures are safely available - 15-20psi no probs.
Weaknesses: Weight I didn't weigh it but it's at least 50% heavier than my old 2.3" tioga. price (unless you get it for a tenner like me)
Overall: This tire certainly isn't for everyone - but that isn't me. I am a fairly hefty 12 stone and I'm not grown up yet, so when I go fast I need a grippy tire that you can really brake hard on. I couldn't resist trying this and I wasn't disappointed. I pumped it up to my normal 30psi, but it felt rock solid so I gradually let to down, now it's about 18psi. It sounds soft but it feels normal, without feeling like it will pinch flat. The cornering is pretty good, and the real width is actually only 2.4" on a 30mm rim. It also fits easily through my pace RC37 forks. It does slightly affect acceleration, but once going your bike feels unstoppable. I also run this on my azonic hardtail, so it certainly isn't just for heavy DH bikes.
Strengths: cheap extremely effective look good reduces friction so especially good for griphifter like me
Weaknesses: no
Overall: really good - I have had two of these now now. The first was on my kona which got nicked, then on my azonic but i'd wouldn't have a bike without one now. They improve the shifting of any gears.
Strengths: Keeps the chain on looks so cool mega easy to fit
Weaknesses: it's a bit flexy at the top. the top guide sometimes slip so do it up tight
Overall: Fantastic performance My chain has not come off for ages as it did with all the other mulitide of chain devices I've used (DMR, AC, ROOX, etc). I run it on a DS1, but it would work just as well on a susser. It looks loads better than an MRP too.
