Strengths: Light Stiff Build quality Smooth small bump control
Weaknesses: Remote lockout looks poor.
Overall: Lovely fork. Out of the box they felt supple straight away, surprisingly smoothing out small bumps far better than most 'race' forks. Bigger hits are controlled and the big difference over my old Fox Floats is the stiffness. I'm not the heaviest ride but I certainly find them solid as a rock.
The build quality is great except the lockout, a rather flimsy looking lever on the bar instead of the more practical switch on the fork leg top that they had in 2008. Fashion over function perhaps!
Strengths: Light Uncloggable Smooth and positive engagement Float
Weaknesses: Bearings/cleat wear Bars can wear sole
Overall: Fantastic design. They never clog and the 4 way entry and nice slick action is great.
The bars of the pedal can mark or groove a softer shoe over time but are fine with most race type stiffer soles.
I've worn out one pair-after 2 years and another set on one bike needed a (cheap) bearing rebuild. I now strip and clean/lube mine every few months-a ten minute job. The cleats wear out about too (rather than the pedal itself) but unlike SPD's the release/engage does not noticeably deterioate over time.
This may sound a faff but they are so nice to use that is is well worth it.
Strengths: Platform damping works brilliantly Adjustable rebound useful Smooth and plush
Weaknesses: Takes time to set up. Every time you check the platform pressure it loses air!
Overall: Excellent lightweight rear shock. Take time with setup and you may also want to fiddle with platform and main chamber pressures for very different terrain but when right it can give you that 'almost locked out feel' that just eases low level trail clatter and keeps great uphill traction but when the platform pressure is exceeded you get nice soft linear travel. Unlike the Spesh Brain shocks (at least the early ones) there is not sudden step transition either.
I used to think the platform chamber leaked pressure but realise that it is so small that just connecting the shock pump means it drops 20psi! Best to leave it once set correctly.
My original shock leaked from new, however it was sorted return of post and the replacement has done 2 years of hard usage and feels as silky as new.
Strengths: Easy set up, adjustable. Powerful smooth and easily modulated braking
Weaknesses: Not cheap. Pad wear a bit quick Care with Ti bolts-bit soft and can get 'rounded off'
Overall: The Juicy range has a flyweight XC member now but don't expect it to be weak. After a short bed in the brakes really deliver with a light and easily modulated action. Especially impressive in the wet compared to the Hope Mono Minis previously fitted, although this may in part be due to a softer pad compound (which wear quite swiftly).
The levers are neatly designed, easy to adjust and the whole set up process is a doddle.
Used for XC riding I've had no issues with overheating and they seem well made and reliable so far.
Strengths: Comfortable and effective across wide range of conditions Snug cut
Weaknesses: None
Overall: A brilliant bit of kit. If it is not tipping with rain or really warm weather you can basically grab this jacket almost every day. Wear it with a skinny base layer in the cold or 'next-to-skin' at other times if needed. It is close-fitting, warm, never seems to feel claggy and even resists a bit of rain. It wiashes and dries easily too. Great kit.
'Warm and super-comfy. Very light for a winter boot.'
Strengths: That marvellous Sidi fit and quality. Stiff and very light for the spec. Cosy and dry
Weaknesses: Narrower than some brands Price
Overall: Sidi make marvellous road shoes, and although they can appear light and fragile they tend to last for ever. After two months these shoes look to be just as durable. It fits well (although the Sidi shape is a bit narrower than some), and it is warm but much lighter than the Shimano equivalent. It feels pretty stiff, in fact like a good race shoe.
The big velcro tabs work well, at the top closing the ankle cuff snugly although water will always get in if submerged.
Strengths: Fantastic fit and comfort, on and off bike Light. Stiff.
Weaknesses: How much? Slim fit may not suit all. Not really for the winter.
Overall: OK, I picked mine up half price but oh what a lovely shoe! If you can cope with the traditionally snug Nike fit these are just a dream. They feel like a silken glove yet hold your foot in all the right places. The sole is stiff and strong and they are seriously light. They are also really comfy off the bike, with good grip when you need to push rather than pedal.
The are beautifully made and the ratchet is easily adjustable, although it can pop open at times if you catch it on something and I wonder if it looks a bit fragile. The uppers feel light and soft but generally the shoe has worn well through a summer of use. They'll be put away when it gets really wet though as high breathability means little insulation.
Not sure I'd ever pay £130 for a pair (or indeed for a pair of any MTB shoes) but if you can find them reduced then you should be very tempted.
Strengths: Agile and sharp, brilliant VPP suspension supple when you want it. Anodized finish.
Weaknesses: Pricey. BB a bit low.
Overall: The Blur is deservedly popular but if you want a slightly sharper tool the XC fits the bill. Trimmed in weight and with the geometry tweaked it is now more of an XC racer. All the Blur characteristics are intact, in particular the VPP system that makes the bike so effective over the bumps but pinsharp when you want it. It works especially well with the 5th element air shock. The shortened geometry also makes it eminently flickable but it is still a stable flier down the steeper bits. Over the really lumpy stuff I seem to ground the chainrings more than on my old bike but in general it has taken me everywhere easier, faster and more entertainingly than either my previous hardtail or C'Dale Scalpel.
Ideally a bike this good needs no skimping on components. The SC suggested build kits are fairly rounded but you might want to change a few details. Most feature SRAM heavily. Eventually you'll need to think of 2.5 to 3 k for a really good specification. Build quality looks very good though and the ano finish looks excellent, and is a lot tougher.
Overall: Superb. Everyone should have one of thier merino layers. Use mine for all outdoor sports. Warm and comfy but cool when sweating, a perfect companion to a fast wicking top. Care is not an issue I think-partly because you end up washing them so rarely. A quick hand rinse and dry flat does it, mine never shrunk. Not cheap (but cheaper than some merino) but after a year of almost continous use it is as good as new.
Cool company too-their other clothes are generally well made and fun. Hassle free to deal with too.
Strengths: Keeps you dry and warm Good fit, grippy palms
Weaknesses: Too warm for other than real winter use Cuffs too short
Overall: An excellent winter glove, feels very tight when new (and they are sized a bit smaller than you'd expect) but they do loosen up and the cut is very good around the fingers. Shame the cuff is too short-hard to get it overlapping with your waterproof as a result. They feel tough enough and are very grippy.
They really are warm though, and get very sweaty if it is not too cold.
