Overall: For the price paid on these stoppers you're not going to get fooled with Sole brakes. They are the weakest hydro brakes I've tried, but still, they outperform every V-brake when the ride gets dirty and wet. They will do the job as long as it's XC riding in not-extreme conditions. They're not the lightest, most effective brake system out there and they make _a lot_ of noise when braking in wet conditions. The disc brake pads are a real nuisance to adjust and change, compared to more modern design, but they last a long time compared to e.g. Formula Oro brakes ;-)
Strengths: Rolls fast, relatively light and long lasting. Not susceptible to cuts and tear. Good grip in grass, hard pack and rock. Seats well on Bontrager UST rims and can be mounted w/o levers. Holds air well, too.
Weaknesses: Cornering in loose gravel is sketchy.
Overall: I'd recommend these tyres to anyone who wants performance tyres.
Strengths: Bladder access is easy and robust. Mouth piece is easy to suck and give a lot of water w/o any dripping and spilling. Mouth piece can easily be (un)locked. Plenty of small pockets with room for key hangers, multi tool, extra tube, tyre levers, patches, air gun and a mobile phone/ mp3-player. And it's got an elastic string on front of main pocket for spare clothes. For a 2 L bladder it's got a lot of sensible features.
Weaknesses: Sweat build under hydration pack is noticeable. If you're keen on fresh tasting water there's a lot work to be done with the bladder and hose. Especially if you use energy drink, they will grow visible micro organisms after only a couple of weeks use. The stuff is difficult to get completely rid of (luckily, it is almost tasteless). If you go for epic all day rides an extra liter of water would be nice.
Overall: If you're into 2 to 3 hours training go for a 2L hydration pack. If you're into functionality and design go for Camelbak. The good thing about hydration packs is that they free your hands and your attention to stay on the handlebars and the trail. And it'll never fall off the bike when you're riding in rough condition.
Strengths: Braking power is sufficient in any (crazy) situation. Very good brake modulation. The design is good - they simply enhances any handlebar, aesthetically. Low weight, too. Can take a lot of beating in a crash. Good ergonomics. They feel "right" in your hand with sufficient surface to be able to really clamp the brakes hard w/o get sore fingers. Easy to change brake pads. Avid Juicy bleed kit can be used in case the original cannot be purchased.
Weaknesses: A bit troublesome to bleed. Original brake pads are hard to get, copies vary a lot in quality.
Overall: The best brakes I've tried. I use them with Goodridge stainless hoses and 180mm front disc (+ adaptor). In short: They get the job done! Running their second season the levers need TLC (cleaning and adjusting) in a pro work shop. It has not been abused in a crash, but the left lever does currently not release properly, following a pull on the pump. Impossible to fix if you're keen on bike-DIY.
Strengths: Good grip in dry and loose conditions. Takes curves very well because of firm sidewall knobs. Will last very long, used as a front tyre. Brakes really well on steep downhill sections with grass and loose dirt/ rocks and pebles. Sidewalls resists wear and tear from rocks and stones. Tyre holds air very well. Price.
Weaknesses: Can't think of any ...
Overall: Value for money. Good allround tyre that is reliable, strong and performs very well.
Strengths: Ergonomics, design/looks, stiffness of sole. Price.
Weaknesses: Fixing plate under inner sole. The shoe's tongue is thin and gets torn easily, just above the first strap.
Overall: Value for money, aestethically, ergonically and with regards to finish. Perfect fit shoe with small technical, design related flaws. The inner plate can be felt, using Crank bros egg beater cleats, because of the shoes thin inner soles.
Strengths: The forks plushness and great adjustability. Stiffness is a plus, too. PopLoc is easy to use and keeps your hands on the handlebars.
Weaknesses: Embossment for V-brakes. The arch is hollow on the rear side, this saves weight but it also collects mud. The huge range of different adjustments can be both tiresome and confusing if you're not keen on DIY.
Overall: The best forks I've tried yet. And they come w. an excellent pump, too.
'PUZZLED ABOUT THE RAVE REVIEWS COMPARED TO OWN EXPERIENCE'
Strengths: Okay grip in wet and loose soil. I bites well in hardpacked snow and rainsoaked forrest floors. Roots, it'll take too. And , surprisingly, it seems almost *fast* on asphalt.
Weaknesses: Wear and tear is high. Avoid it if you ride on asphalt on a regular basis, it's not worth the extra money. Grip in mud - which is it's acclaimed and award winning prime quality - is really not that fantastic. I ride a lot in wet clay and soaking wet mud, singletracks w. many little creeks, and I JUST CAN'T GET THE TYRE TO PERFORM AS WELL AS EVERYBODY AND THEIR MOTHERS BRAG AND WRITE ABOUT? It slips and slides and it packs w. mud - just like for instance a new Schwalbe Big Ben 2.25 would do. It simply isn't *the* perfect mud tyre. I wonder if all the "dual compound" hype is just that - hype? Anyway, the tyre hasn't performed any miracles for me.
Overall: An expensive tyre with a short lifespan. Enjoy it as long as it lasts ...
Strengths: Fit, scratch resistance, eye protection, quality of lenses, huge product range. Looks, if that's an option.
Weaknesses: Lenses damp when sweating in no wind. Mumbo-jumbo tech-talk marketing is ridicoulous. Too high price tag. Lousy overseas online shopping service (they don't accept VISA cards).
Overall: Really good sun glasses. Looks seems to stay in fashion a couple of years more.
Weaknesses: Click button is tight, click strap is thin and flexy. Shoe inner sole fit is only for flat footed people. Sole leaks water to inner sole first time you step down in mud/water. Use of sole carbon is too limited, soles flexes like a well done noodle, esp. when running/walking.
