'BRLLIANT RIDING, EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATION AND NICE HOSTS'
Strengths: Great riding, tuition for beginners, amazing scenery and good local cuisine
Weaknesses: None (weather could have been better but that couldn't be helped)
Overall: My girlfriend and I spent the last week of October 2008 in the company of Martin and John and had a great time. Whilst Martin and I hit the black runs at the beginning of the week, John took my girlfriend Julia out and provided some excellent tuition as she has just started riding. The trails in Spain are excellent though due to some really horrendous weather, we weren't able to do the Zuheros ride or any of the trails at the Bat Cave. Still, we both had an amazing time and by the end of the week, Julia was hitting the black runs with the rest of us. We will definitely be going again :-)
Strengths: Large enough for day rides (4+ hours). Very easy to remove and reinstall bladder. Large enough to store essentials like a multi-tool, puncture repair kit, couple of bananas and a spare tube. Secure pocket is big enough to hold cash, mobile phone etc. Pump pocket can also hold inner tube at a push if necessary. Ergo valve is a nice touch, no drips at all when closed.
Weaknesses: None that I can think of. Waist strap is unnecessary for roadwork.
Overall: A good piece of kit to use on the roadbike. Comfortable during long days in the saddle and the airmesh back panel helps to keep your back cool and dry when the temperature rises. I wouldn't say it was overpriced either as the price has come down during its development. Well worth the price and a very useful piece of equipment to have.
Strengths: Good padding in the palm area. Long fingers help with protection whilst riding through undergrowth.
Weaknesses: None so far
Overall: I bought these to replace my Fox XC gloves that have given up the ghost after 7 years use. The Body Geometry padding to a little while to get used to. Good breathability though unsure of drying time when wet. Also unsure of durability as have only used them twice so far.
Strengths: I've only just got this brake fitted and already I've been able to stop in the pouring rain. I wouldn't have been able to do that on V-brakes. It's nice and powerful with one finger stoppies a lot easier to do since it bedded in. Reasonably light and very simple to set up too. Made by Hope Technology......'nuff said.
Weaknesses: I only have one gripe eith this brake. Once it had bedded in, it howled all the time. the rain stopped it till the disk had warmed up but it started again. I contacted Hope and they sent me some new pads the same day. They arrived the next day. Now the brake doesn't squeal but it needs bedding in again now.
Overall: This is a very good brake. The finish and design are top notch and it is very powerful. Only time will tell if it is as powerful as my mates Mini disks...
Weaknesses: They squeal like pigs stuck under a gate. Spongy (even with new cable and outer). A pain to set up....
Overall: Overall, I was very displeased with this brake. The original ones I purchased were perfect until the pivots wore out. I thought these would be the perfect upgrade....wrong!!! Not to worry, just ordered a Hope Mini disk brake instead!!!
