Strengths: Good close fit so great for my roadie rides too, very comfortable with decent length arms. I sweat like the proverbial pig and despite a rain drenched Sunday at Afan the jacket kept everything out and I didn't boil at all. Certainly in the top 3 bits of cycling kit that I own.
Weaknesses: Cuffs could be better (just being picky) and the Pace version is £50 cheaper but you can only buy this on line and can't try it on (and they only do grey).
Overall: I would certainly buy another one without any hesitation. A cold rainy Welsh Sunday in November saw us going out again after our first loop when everyone else had given up as we were still warm and dry thanks largely to this jacket. Grafham Water Cycling have currently got em at £135 so buy one quick!!!!!
'SMOOTH AS SILK, WORTHY UPGRADE AS AN EBAY DIY JOB!'
Strengths: Very smooth sealed cartridge bearings (stainless steel so should last), easy to fit (with special tools, namely an old screwdriver and a wooden mallet), a bit pricey but got mine off eBay from US for £30 all up!
Weaknesses: None seen yet.
Overall: If you fancy an upgrade of your OEM semi integrated headset then this would be a good place to start. Very easy to fit for even those with no mechanical sympathy.
'WARM, FRIENDLY, GREAT RIDING, CHALLENGING TERRAIN & COFFEE!'
Strengths: Chris & Laura very friendly, great guding service picking out all the best trails (and road rides) to easily fill a week. Great local hospitality with even the chance of a sports massage at the end of a tough day.
Weaknesses: None really, just make the Sierra Navada a bit flatter next time please (oh, and not so cold on the descent, although we did leave thsi til nearly sunset!)
Overall: Excellent value, you can pick your own package, accomodation and flights to get the best deal (Easyjet from Stansted to Malaga £45 return)!! Make sure you get to the top of Sierra Navada, views are fantastic (as is the coming down).
Strengths: When it's well adjusted the changes are smooth and precise, and the general operation is always smooth. Great looking STI levers (on a par with Dura Ace). Breaks excellent.
Weaknesses: Found shifting sometimes a challenge when down on the aero bars, as they seem more prone to a "half change" coupled with a load of chain clattering, than Campag. Not a fan of the STI cables coming out of the side of the hoods (looks messy).
Overall: Very good, but I'd probably go back to Campag next time.
Strengths: Always works, decent positive changes everytime, takes more abuse than a vicar in an S&M parlour and still comes back for more. Helped me up the Mur de Grammont, which can't be bad at my level.
Weaknesses: None that I can see at my level, although more racier roadies will want something lighter.
Overall: Highly recommended for those wanting one up from Mirage. Genuinely does feel smoother now than when I bought it.
Strengths: Cost effective upgrade to any semi decent road bike. Use mine for OD Tris and get good combination of speed, "comfort" and strength/stiffness. Always feels like they will go where you want them to (assuming your frame is up to this). They feel faster when you jump on the bike!!!!
Weaknesses: Not the lightest around but then I don't need them for climbing (and I'm no climber either). Don't forget thy're hollow so fords aren't such a good idea!!
Overall: A great buy, look good and make you feel faster even if you're not (which you will be).
Strengths: Quite good VFM, good visibility, does keep the rain out. Snug fit so good for quicker road rides when it doesn't flap around in the wind like a sail!
Weaknesses: Not really breathable, but for £50 what do you expect! Take it off as soon as you stop anywhere to prevent you getting too damp.
Overall: I'll probably spend an extra £50 on a £100 jacket next time.
Strengths: Decent gears, light strong frame, not a bad wheel package. Handles well and goes where you tell it to go straight away. Brakes "on a sixpence" given they're not discs!
Weaknesses: Front wheel had several loose spokes after the first ride (fixed by LBS), not much room between bars and brakes for a bloke with big hands.
Overall: Well worth the £400 and you get a great bike for the money
