'LOOKS GREAT, MAYBE TOO PIMPY FOR SOME (IT'S GOLD!)'
[Update 22/09/09] Light weight at 32lb (for a 6"x6" full-susser) Versatile: climbs OK when locked down to 100mm; is great on all sorts of trails and can handle DH and hucking (not that I would) Looks amazing! Encourages me to attack obstacles rather than trying to go round them, so makes me feel like an ubermensch. Componentry is all top-notch. The Fox 36 TALAS is an amazing fork. makes Peak District trails seem like carpets. No problems or faults mechanically so far.
[Update 22/09/09] Fox DHX 5 air has no lock-out, which would be nice to have, especially on road sections or easy dirt-roads. Hydraulic hoses are just basic black plastic Avid ones, which don't do the Juicy 7s (or the bike) justice.
Overall: Only just got it so will get back to you. So far it seems ace. Rides ok uphill and is a dream to ride too. Suspension looks like it'll take some getting right, but I imagine once it is it will be superb. Picked it up for £1700 on ebay, only 3 months old! Opinions canvassed vary hugely on it. Some think a 6" all mountain bike is just overkill on UK trails but it's only a bit heavier than my old rockhopper, and I expect I'll be laughing all the way down Hope Cross. Will come back and update this review.
[Update 22/09/09] Can't believe I got all that for £1700! I only wish I could ride good enough to push the bike to its limits, a la Ryan Leech but alas, it's gonna have a comfy life with me. Love it.
Strengths: Simplicity: zip ties look cheap (and are, moneywise) but work and are quick and easy to put on/take off, or to replace, unlike expensive bracket mounts on other systems. Lamps are very bright and well sealed (mine worked even when the bike was underwater, in the canal!). Battery is good and charges quickly from fast charger. After sales service is excellent, as expected from a small independent manufacturer.
Weaknesses: Only available direct from maker (or is that a strength?). And...er...none.
Overall: Brilliant value system compared to similar from other firms. The 12w spot lamp is good enough for most off-road stuff, with the 20w flood only being needed for rough stuff. I've had mine 2 1/2 years , and I'd never buy anything else now!
'EXCELLENT, MATURE OVERVIEW OF MOUNTAIN BIKING. BEST MTB MAG '
Strengths: Fantastic reviews. Experienced staff who definitely know their stuff. No sneering at other groups (esp. walkers), unlike some mags (hands up how many mtb'ers are also walkers?)! Good routes section (improved recently). Not too many ads but enough to satisfy. Recently moved to bi-monthly.
Weaknesses: Some articles can be a bit vague as to their aims, and occasionally smack of filler.
Overall: So comprehensive that its's the only mag I keep (chuck others in bin). I like it as it's aimed at a broad spectrum of riders, whilst essentially concentrating on that majority who are middling trail riders on middling bikes. Interesting to note the relative infrequency of pics of beanie-hatted hardcore jumpers and triallists. Someone mentioned lack of articles on "how to.." but as someone who has yet to master a bunnyhop, I'd maybe like to see that. Excellent mag. All we need is the yearly binder and the index and it'll sit nicely on the shelf!
'PLUSH MEDIUM TRAVEL FROM A LIGHT AND WELL-MADE FORK '
Strengths: Great looking fork! Cheap (got it for £150). No boots (on my last fork they trapped shite and added to corrosion problems). Very plush at the 80mm setting (which is plenty). Damping works fine (contrary to some reports).
Weaknesses: None so far. Maybe a tiny bit of flutter on hard braking into corners, but what fork won't?
Overall: So someone broke his on landing a 7 foot drop-off? Ha! Well what do you expect? This is a lightweight XC race fork, not a hardcore jump/freeride item! Fool! Sorry about his arm though, but no way will a fork like this stand being jumped on!! As for the noisy springs, wll yes, there is some noise but coil springs tend to be the most audible of all suspension types. Mine can be heard, certainly, but they are stiction free so far. All in all, I consider that I got a bargain and I am well-pleased.
Strengths: Looks like a casual or lightweight walking boot. Fairly stiff, grippy sole makes SPD pedalling easy and comfortable, but with enough flex for walking. Strong construction. Warm (ideal for winter). Keeps mud/wet out fairly well. Velcro lace keeper keeps laces out of chainrings. Broad last makes for a roomy fit (of course, Answer make boots for fat american feet). At £40 it's great value too!
Weaknesses: None from my point of view, after 6 months. Some people mightn't care for the non-racy looks, but as one who likes a pub stop, and doubles as a rambler too, they suit me.
Overall: Similar design to Shimano MO56, but better looking. Well-made and comfortable, but stiff enough for all-day rides. Great value all-round SPD boot, which doesn't look silly off the bike. Buy 'em now!
Strengths: Simplicity: zip ties look cheap (and are, moneywise) but work and are quick and easy to put on/take off, or to replace, unlike expensive bracket mounts on other systems. Lamps are very bright and well sealed (mine worked even when the bike was underwater, in the canal!). Battery is good and charges quickly from fast charger. After sales service is excellent, as expected from a small independent manufacturer.
Weaknesses: Only available direct from maker (or is that a strength?). And...er...none.
Overall: Brilliant value system compared to similar from other firms. The 12w spot lamp is good enough for most off-road stuff, with the 20w flood only being needed for rough stuff. I've had mine 18 months, and I'd never buy anything else now!
