Strengths: Luddite-appeal simplicity for those that dont want to move to hydraulic systems. Simple and high range of adjustability and low(er) cost. Good stopping power ( even on 160's: I havent tried 180's). Full kit cost about £130, No mucking about with bleeding the brakes
Weaknesses: Require more fiddling with than Hydraulic systems as the bite point doesnt self-adjust. Return springing when covered in gunk( particularly on my rear brake) can be a bit hit and miss: the brake pads dont seem to always return to the same distance from the rotor, v. fidly to set up perfectly in UK winter conditions ( again this is on my rear brake so i think there may be something wrong here...) Hydraulic sytems can now be bought for £120-£140 front and rear...
Overall: Good introduction to Disc brakes as they are simple to set up on the bike but, and its quite a big but, they dont seem to be that good in very muddy conditions. I have had thse on the bike for 8 months and have gone through two set of rear pads in 2 months due to fast wear... now trying EBC gold pads to see if these make a difference. My opinion is that Hydraulic systems are now probably more reliable and only slightly more expensive so it down to personal preference.
Strengths: Hard as nails build quality, generally good stiffness, easy to set up. Good tracking and handling through corners and over roots, plush air shock performance and good damping control ( getting sweeter with every ride). ETA is good compromise between lock out and travel adjust ( does anyone really want to muck about to the nth degree with fork travel?) new ETA lever is a lot more solid and can be activated on the move. Made in Italy!
Weaknesses: Still running them in but: Breaking in time ( this takes about 20hrs but I guess thats just an excuse to go riding ). V. Slight fore-aft flex ( though nowhere near as bad as my old manitous) Slightly tacky/bling graphics ( but this is growing on me). Small bump sensitivity ok but could be improved but this may be due to them still being bedded in.
Overall: Got these on both my LBS recomendation and from reading many posts on the kit forum here. They are slightly heavier ( about 200-250gms ) than equivalent Rockshox or Manitous but to be honest I can't feel the extra weight on the bike. Have transformed the feel and ride of my bike to be tighter and more controlled.
Good, tough, all-round forks if you cant stretch to the cost of Fox/Pace
Strengths: As Merlin Malt 1 Ltd edition: Really low price, good quality allu frame, sloping top tube, suspension corrected geometry, tough, etc,
I built a full rigid courier bike up from this frame using P2's and a lot of bits from previous bikes for less than £170 all in. As a road hack/ winter training bike I cant fault it. Stiff frame accelerates really well.
Weaknesses: Paint chips easily, didnt come with stickers (not really a problem) Had to get used to hardtail after years on full sussers: very stiff, unforgiving rear ( kicks like hell but at this price who cares) Would have prefered polished alloy frame, but thats just being picky.
Overall: Just right for my commute, really nimble, fast and light ( the bike weighs about 24Lbs) and sufficiently tough to take potholes, kerbs etc in its stride. Cheap enough to be used in town (wont mind too much if stolen as it's cheap enough to be covered on basic home insurance)
Just like my first mountain bike as it always puts a grin on my face when I ride it.
Strengths: See above, also good campaigning, legal, access, touring info etc
Weaknesses: The people who write in extoling the virtues of Brooks Leather saddles and wearing Oilskins and Sou'Westers on a bike as winter gear which they have used since 1932...Also still arguing the pros and cons of Helmets.
Overall: Campaigning aimed at all cyclists and starting to recognise the importance of MTB's.
Strengths: Price, quite light, simplicity, it works! The red colour looks a lot better than the Day-Glo yellow!
Weaknesses: Needs slightly better ventilation: its only really good for October to March as you can overheat but for winter its excellent. Needs velcro cuffs though. Dont use it with a ruckasck as the rear vent gets covered over, this is not such a problem with a camelbak. I would like to have more reflective material on it.
Overall: Really good value, simple light jacket that is good for both road commuting and off-road. Great if you cant stand the idea of spending £150 on a GoreTex jacket that gets worn for 2 hours a week.
