Strengths: These forks are untroubled by the technical singletrack I primarily ride. They are fairly stiff and handle this 14st rider without noticeable flex. They are also reasonable weight and smooth throughout the travel. The travel adjust is a good feature.
Weaknesses: Not overly impressed with the Launch Control. The threshhold adjuster is a bit fiddly and to be honest I don't really use the LC anymore.
Overall: I picked up an ex-demo fork for £250 around 6 months ago. The fork has performed flawlessy although I gave up fiddling with the launch Control. The build is excellnt quality. I'm not sure if I would consider them at full price though.
Strengths: Super tacky, extra grippy, lightish, fast rolling. Good on rocks, hardpack, fire roads.
Weaknesses: Not suitable for warm tarmac!! Haven't tried them in the wet or mud. Here's hoping it doesn't rain...Slight question mark over cornering on gravelled turns. Be prepared to slide!
Overall: Not had these for long but mightily impressed so far. Plenty of grip means confidence when chucking the bike round berms and rocky sections. Time will tell on the durability. In conclusion, looks like they'll be a top summer tyre.
[Update 25/10/07] Slight question mark over durability but I canot fault the performance of these tyres. Super grippy!
Strengths: Comfortable. Fine in the washing machine.
Weaknesses: They stretch a bit so maybe buy a pair that's slightly too small to begin with? £20 is maybe a bit steep.
Overall: As with most cycling clobber, gloves are a personal thing. These fit me like the proverbial glove after a few hours of riding. They last well....still going after almost 12 months.
Strengths: Good shifting. Strong - seems to be more solidly put together than other chains tried. Shiny gold finish makes cleaning a doddle. It is also quieter then the (admittedly worn) chain I relaced it with.
Weaknesses: At full 2006 price, £30 ain't cheap.
Overall: Mrs BoxFish: "What have you bought now?"
BoxFish: "A new chain. It's gold"
Mrs BoxFish: "It doesn't go with the rest of your bike"
BoxFish: "It's not a handbag, it's a bicycle chain"
[Update 17/05/07] 6 months down the line and it's obvous that these rings are more duarable than the XT rings.
Weaknesses: None so far. if they don't last much longer than the rings they replaced, I'll be reviewing this. £70 is quite steep but if they last twice as long, then they are worth it.
[Update 17/05/07] NOt as smooth shifting as XT but no chain-suck either.
Overall: Bought to replace XT HT2 chainrings, you know, the ones that have 'durability issues'...
Strengths: Excellent breathability. Lightweight pac-lite jacket that takes up a small amount of space in your backpack. The rain is still beading off months later. Surprisingly warm due to it's good fit.
Weaknesses: No pockets. Zip can be a bit sticky when using just the one hand. As with all single layer breathable fabrics, be very careful how you wash it.
Overall: £140 is expensive...got mine for £100 from CRC. As long as you follow the care instructions on the label, it should last. If you wash it with ordinary washing powders, it will lose it's breathability and possibly it's waterproofness.
3 for value...it's not worth £140, more like a ton.
Strengths: Seems fairly robust. Using on a single speed bike. It's quiet compared to the 9spd chain I used previously although that was probably down to excessive wear...
Weaknesses: Hopefully, it doesn't have any weaknesses.
Overall: £11 is a fair price. Easy to install. Seems well built and chunky just like chains used to be before we all started riding bikes with 27 gears, 37 suspension pivots made of Expensium alloy and NASA grade carbon fibre widgets.
Strengths: Fit. Comfortable. Wearable off the bike.
Weaknesses: Not waterproof. A pain to clean suede bits.
Overall: Having wide feet, I've found it difficult to get cycling shoes that fit. New shoes can feel OK in the shop but it's not until you've ridden for a few hours that you can tell if a shoe is a good fit.
