Strengths: Fully customisable. Can be built up light enough to be a hard trail bike but still has the freeride muscle for the mental bits. Fifth Element coil, no bob, stunning performance. Simple design, just point and shoot.
Weaknesses: Paint scuffs easily, but hell, if you've got one of these babies it's going to get ridden hard. Paint scars are souvenirs of great trails. May do severe damage to my relationship with my other girlfriend. Sure, it's not cheap, but life is short and this is what money is for.
Overall: Jaw still on the floor two weeks in. Ridden the White Level trail in Wales, and it climbed the 6k of switchbacks before descending like a demon. Thrashed Leith and it's taken my riding up another level. Jumps and drops are a dream. Ridden the South downs and it has performed like a bike 5lb lighter. Happy, happy, joy, joy. Going to do the Marin Rough Ride on it,- not many freeride rigs that you could do that on. I do ride like a maniac and wanted a machine that would take me to the next level but still go up hills. Built up with a Marzocchi FR150 with lock out to 30mm for the climbs, the Bullit does it all.
Strengths: Fit and construction. Confidence. I have enough scar already. Fox logos on them- yeah we all end up being label queens in the end.
Weaknesses: Lots of bad reviews for the old ones, as pictured above.. Bit pricey
Overall: I've beeen looking for pads for a while and with a switch to flatties and increasingly taking calculated risks chose the new pimp looking Fox 911's. These are big pads, if you are looking for subtle or superlight weight go for Dainese. But if you want protection and go hard, these are the babies. The Fox's fit really well, decent straps in the right places and quality construction. They stay in place and are comfortable. I use them for hard trail riding, and they aren't too hot for a full day on the bike unlike full wrap pads like Kona/Roach. What more can you ask for? Very pleased.
Strengths: Confidence inspiring rubber, soaks up impacts. Stable landings, grips well. Burly as you like, makes your bike look like it's been snorting testosterone.
Weaknesses: none yet
Overall: I ride trails hard in that freeride/ xc crossover zone and these tyres are perfect for the sort of violence I put my machine through. Long rides and climbs as well as drops and jumps. Was a bit concerned about them being too playbike dh specific, but they are natty treads. I wouldn't go back to skinny ones. Very chuffed with them.
