Strengths: Poise from rear suspension. Great gear at the price. RaceFace finishing kit.
Weaknesses: Tubes are so thin they are practically transparent.
Overall: A great ride from the Maestro suspension system. Bob is minimal, and if that's too much the later Trance 2's have an RP3 shock. The kit for the cash is fantastic, I can't think of anything to upgrade.
The lightweight racey tubes are a weight saving too far, they puncture almost immediately. So throw them out and get some real tubes in.
Strengths: Deflection? Pah! Not brown. Sorry all you 36 Talas owners, but brown is not a good look.
Weaknesses: Not for the faint of wallet.
Not as bad as the £799 tag on this site makes it look. Actually £649 makes it £150 less than the Talas, almost a bargain!
Overall: Over 6" of smooth accessible travel. 3 different springs in the box, so no reason not to tune it to suit you. Extra tune-ability with the RC2 system. Does it make a big difference, I dunno, I haven't ridden a non-RC2 version. If you think it might prey on your mind, pay the extra and get the extra knobs. I've set mine up as Fox recommend, half way on the high speed, all the way in on the Low speed. It is, without doubt, the most solid feeling fork I have ridden. As with all Fox products, it really lives up to the hype.
Strengths: Solid, 6" all-rounder. 5th shock platform helps it pedal like a 4" bike.
Weaknesses: Silver only. Needs a big set of forks to get the benefit.
Overall: Big travel for all day riding. A full 6" on a XC machine. Does not get fazed by drop offs and big lumps in the track.
It feels more solid and together than the previous incarnation of Enduro, which was good, but time moves on.
It is never going to build into a 21lb racer, so weight weenies are going to faint at the weight. Mine is 28lb without going into compromises on strength.
Have only good things to say about the shock, too. Only had experience of Fox shocks before, but the 5th is light, platform is good without being obtrusive, and set up is easy.
'EVERYTHING YOU EVER NEEDED TO KNOW - ALL AT ONCE'
Strengths: Big clear display. Nice clicky feel to buttons. Backlit for night rides.
Weaknesses: Nothing now......
Overall: Bought for a bargain price from Wiggle. Less than £30 for a wireless computer is excellent value, not less a top spec one like this.
Instructions simple; step by step, click by click. Can't find fault with them at all. You do need to read them though (",). So clear and easy to read it is a joy to use. Backlight a revelation on nightrides.
Reliable transmission, even on long travel forks. Much more so than the dreadful Cateye it replaced.
No regrets so far. Lets see how long the battery lasts..!
Strengths: Very light, very tuff. 5 year warranty reassures the carbon novice. Alu inserts for bar ends and reinforced areas fro brakes and stem clamp.
Weaknesses: You have to be careful not to scratch them whilst fitting brakes etc.
Overall: Bought mine at a bargain price (~£62) and well happy. Slightly lighter than the Easton Monkeylite and no problems with fitting barends, either.
Good rise (1.5") and decent width (26"). Other sizes are available to tailor the fit to your liking.
Carbon looks are understated, but no point shouting about it, is there?
If you are in the market for a carbon bar, they are well worth a look.
Strengths: Waterproof. Adjustable fit. Hardwearing.
Weaknesses: Feels strange after lycra!
Overall: Another top Altura product. Absolutely waterproof, even in biblical downpours. Lots of tabs and straps to make a snug fit, and to keep legs etc, from flapping in the breeze. Nice not having a wet backside during the rain! Can also take a spill without shredding. Easy to clean. Don't wash, hang up to dry in the garage, and brush off the mud when dry.
Strengths: Waterproof. Breathes. Cool if you want it to be.
Also funky scotchlite bits which make nightriding fun!
Weaknesses: A bit bulkier than some.
Overall: Great jacket, now available at a bargain price. Tried it out in the mid Nov rains and it has no leaks. Can get a bit warm, but plenty of zips to get air round your bod. Tremendous value from LL, half price, even with fashionable black. A real top class piece of clothing. Recommended.
Strengths: Very light, very cool (in all senses!). Complex shape gives lots of vents which lets lots of air through the helmet. Result- cool breeze ruffles your hair as you ride. Braintrust retention system alows you to get the best fit. You can put your head between your knees, without strap, and it does not come off! Handy adjustable visor that you can retract when you need max airflow across your brow.
All in all, perfect
Weaknesses: Bit pricey, but you can see where the money has gone.
Overall: Top flight helmet. Worth every penny, and no compromises on safety.
Strengths: Capable Suspension. Light for travel. Hard wearing finish
Weaknesses: Needs to be set for higher BB
Overall: Top XC all-dayer. Lots of suspension travel for rapid downhills, firmer setting for quick climbing, lockout for smooth track flying. Understated anodized finish very hard wearing. Builds into a bike that weighs about 28lb without difficulty. Frame is lighter than the Epic's! Get one while you can.
