Strengths: Good quality cover with D rings at only a small increase over the normal 3Litre bladder.
Weaknesses: The case adds to the weight but you can always use it without it... Doesn't come with an ergo 90 degree mouth piece.
Overall: I have a 2 litre bladder which I use for a variety of rucksacks. I found that on longer day rides and adventure races I run out of water. I was going to buy the standard 3L model but realised for an extra pound or so you get a case, bargain... which is not only useful for tying it to the outside of rucksacks, trees (as a shower!) or golf bag(?) but keeps it cooler when it's warm out. If you're going to buy a standard 3L add an extra pound and get this one for an almost free case!
Weaknesses: Mine started fraying around the legs on first ride. But not enough to make them come apart at the seams.
Overall: I bought mine for long day rides and adventure races. Really help to prevent saddle sore and don't have that horrible shiny lycra look about them.
Strengths: Quality finish, seems strong and durable. Alot better than excercise bikes at similar price.
Weaknesses: If you leave the rollers pressed against the rim while not in use they develope a flat spot and it sounds awful next time you ride it...
Overall: Like the adjustable tension on handle bar... Seems to fit well on the quick release. Is not as quiet as expected but alot quiter than a tyre one.
Strengths: Cushions everything! Rebound adjuster works well. Easy to alter pressure with pump. Looks great. Easy to fit. Supplied by www.mojo.co.uk who were great. Half the weight of the old coil shock on my Marin Alpine trail
Weaknesses: It was hard to justify the cost to my wife.
Overall: It's Great. If you have a coil shock and want an upgrade this is the one. Just abit hard on the wallet.
Strengths: They look good, are compact, and the post mount caliper for the manitou shox's fit a treat... Hope (The company) have good customer service when things don't quite go right. Which in my book is a big plus.
Weaknesses: The pads wore out after 1 ride. Hope must have some duff pads as they've sent out some more FOC. Thanks Hope.
Overall: If your pads disappear after showing them a hill speak to Hope, they'll probably send you some replacements. They get a bad score this time. After a few rides we'll come back and review again!
Strengths: Compact enough to use while running aswell as mtbing. Stays on your back and doesn't slide about. A handy zip and mesh pocket for phone, keys and food. Tough material.
Weaknesses: Getting a little outdated now, new design appears to be better. The tube can freeze in between the bag and the bite valve but this has been solved on latter models.
Need the cleaner kit to keep the mold at bay but this is same for all designs. If you want storage space for wind/waterproof get a bigger one.
Overall: Keeps you hydrated due to ease of drinking. Keeps your hands free to hold onto the bars. Ideal for having energy drink in a bottle on your bike and water in the camelbak.
'BUY THESE BEFORE SHELLING OUT FOR MORE EXPENSIVE ONES.'
Strengths: They work! At £40 I was dubious but I've had them a year now and never wished for more light when out doing XC.
Weaknesses: There are a few things but at £40 you can put up with them. 1) bracket wobbles all over the place. I drilled a hole either side of mine and ran a cable tie through it and around the handle bars... worked a treat and you can still remove the lights. 2) Heavy battery. But I can wedge it in my Marin alpine trail bottle holder which holds it nice and secure. 3) Be careful about charging the batteries. My mate has burnt out two by over charging and over draining. 4) the little red button to hold the lights on the brackets bust the first time I used them. Doesn't make any difference though as they still stay on the bracket well.
Overall: For £40 you'll be amazed how good they are. 3 of my mates have them aswell, when teamed up we look like a juggernaut coming down the road. Never needed more light. Buy these first before splashing out more as you'll probably find they'll be more than adequate for what you want them for.
Strengths: Buy one, it's an excellent rear light. I've seen time triallest using them down dual carrigeways in the daytime and you can still see it a mile off. Very light, compact and robust.
Weaknesses: none that I can think of.
Overall: An excellent rear light. Proves how well lights have developed in the last few years. So bright that you'll see red dots if you look at it to closely!
Strengths: Robust and strong. I don't get saddle sore on long rides. I drilled a hole in the rear plastic vent and fitted my cateye light to it so that its easily seen and doesn't get all the muck as its above the rear crud catcher.
My wifes just had a baby so it must work!
Weaknesses: Heavy and bulky.
Overall: Alot better than the standard seat that came with my 1998 Marin. It's very hard wearing with none of the material coming away from underneath even after 1 years riding.
Strengths: Good stopping power although as mentioned above they do lock up quite easily (I have the dent in my left knee to prove it!). For the price they're great and quite light.
Weaknesses: The adjustment dials seem to move around abit when riding and they've always needed resetting when I remove/install the wheels.
Overall: Excellent value. Work well for cable brakes. Fairly light. They don't squeal much which is great. You do have to set them up each time but this takes less than a minute per wheel. Fit my Marin Alpine trail with a rear adapter which is £10.
