Weaknesses: Not cheap but buy the big one and it's cheaper than you think. Plus you don't need to make it half as strong as they say.
Overall: Make this to the manufacturer's recommended strength and it's unpalatable, but a bit of trial and error can make it very nice indeed (I've only ever had blackcurrant). It's well-balanced and doesn't make you bonk like more sugary drinks do. It's fine for sticking in the Camelbak for all-day stuff, and if it's cold I wouldn't leave without it; keeping your energy up wards off getting too cold.
Weaknesses: Terrible sealing Cheap tacky bearings Heavy Badly designed
Overall: Well, it lasted a few months before all the bearings died and it started making a noise like death. For £30 I really would have expected more - add the cost of the cranks (£90 RFs) and you're looking at £120, which is enough to get yourself some Hollowtech II kit, which is actually thought out properly and not made of cheap tack. It's quite obvious that in an attempt to get a cheap ISIS BB out and convert people to ISIS, RaceFace have cut a lot of crucial corners. Not impressed, and don't even get me started on the cranks. Just buy Hollowtech II instead - cheaper, lighter, stronger, the list goes on....
Strengths: Absolutely will not drop the chain. Comparitively easy to set up. Pretty quiet. Doesn't slip even without ISCG tabs. Not that expensive as chain guides go. Looks ace!
Weaknesses: None discovered yet. But I've still yet to work out why the going rate for a chain device is £90+.
Overall: I really love this chain device. It strikes a good balance between simplicity and function, seems well designed, and it made of good thick plate. Setup is surprisingly easy thanks to a well thought-out design. It might not be cheap, but it works as well as an MRP, looks better and is about 2/3 of the price. Seems to be a good fit-and-forget piece of kit.
Overall: When I first saw a picture of this stem I thought it looked a bit tacky. However, having seen one in real life I can confirm that they look ace! Not that you'd buy it just for looks of course... fortunately they're pretty reasonable for a DH stem. The most impressive thing though, is the attention to detail. The corners have been well rounded-off at the back to save your knees, and the bolts are quality M5 units to keep everything tight. Add to that the fact that it's actually quite light and I think it's pretty much perfect. Obviously long-term durability will be the key, but this has so far survived several slams without flinching. Buy one for your DH bike!
Strengths: More grip than should be legal Tough enough not to pinch No clogging
Weaknesses: Slightly expensive?
Overall: These tyres really are ace in the mud downhill, there's loads of traction and when the traction breaks it's predictable. The profile means they can be leaned in SO far you wouldn't think it possible. The compound is about right too - a good balance of durability and stickiness. Obviously riding them in the dry would wear them out very quickly, but then they're mud tyres!
Strengths: Excellently made Well thought-out Comfy Tough Understated good looks
Weaknesses: List price is slightly steep perhaps.
Overall: For an all-round short, these are hard to beat. They're tough enough to ride (and crash!) DH, but light enough to ride XC. The waist-adjusters on the side is an excellent idea, although I still wouldn't want to fall on them. They're not waterproof but will withstand the odd splash. I can't comment on long-term durability yet, but they have shaken off a crash without flinching, and seem strongly-built. Oh, and they look really good! Buy some.
Strengths: Will never break Strong as you like - actually makes a stiffer back end
Weaknesses: Pretty damn heavy Too much money for a hub
Overall: This a great downhill hub, but if you're a weight conscious downhiller get the BULB - this is a beast of a hub. It builds into a strong wheel and will last forever, it's just a case of whether your wallet can stand the price....
Strengths: Frame survived 5 years of use and abuse. Handling is absolutely superb, this bike eats singletrack. Can be turned into almost any sort of bike with a few component changes, and will excel at whatever you do with it.
Weaknesses: Some of the stock components were a bit suspect, even way back in 98. Indy C forks for example are pure rubbish. I replaced them with Manitous and then Shiver SCs, which probably hastened the frame's death. No disc mounts. Slightly overpriced, but the frame is better than most hardtails at this price.
Overall: This really is one of the most versatile bikes ever. This is proven by the fact that I used mine (with slightly different set-ups) for XC, dirt jumping, DH racing (!) AND trials. By the end of its life I had replaced all the components, but that's not the point - this bike (with a few tweaks) can be turned into whatever sort of bike you want it to be. I'd say its ideal use is for singletrack riding: the famous Kona handling is definitely there.
Strengths: Totally water proof. They seem well designed, although I've not fallen off in them yet. Reasonably priced I suppose.
Weaknesses: The sizing is ridiculous. I may be small but I had to send the small size back because I couldn't get the waist tight enough, despite the fact it was supposed to be 25-28 and I'm 28. I now have an XS pair and they're ok in the waist, but made for very tall people. The cut is interesting too - about right in the thighs but if you have calf muscles they could be a bit tight. As the other reviews say, they can get a bit sweaty (even in the Lakes in winter!), but that's inevitable.
Overall: If you're tall and thin, go for it. Otherwise, I might recommend looking elsewhere.
Strengths: It doesn't conform overly to the usual BMX philosophy of "weight-no-object" strength. That's not saying it's light; I think it's 32lbs which is a good balance between strength and weight. It's a great bike as stock; all I've done to mine is cut the bar down and add chain tugs. It works equally well down the trails, in the skatepark or even (if you've turned to the darkside) for a bit of street. Decent 3pc cranks on a £300 bike is a bargain. Oh and it comes in the nicest shade of blue!
Weaknesses: I've no idea why almost all BMXs are specced with one knobbly tyre and one street tyre - not the best for UK trails! The stock brake pads are awful, but who needs brakes anyway?
Overall: Ace! Amazing for £300 (dunno why it says £400 above). Rides really nicely through trails, although if you like your bikes short and high it might not be for you. Even if you're a bit of a weight, this bike will never die. Buy one and spend the winter riding trails on it, it'll make you strong AND smooth!
