Strengths: Been reliable to date, looks great, good value Soaks up everything and super smooth You can lower the front end instantly for steep climbs
[Update 21/05/08] Very reliable, very plush, tracks superbly, light weight. You can drop the height instantly for steep climbs. Fit & forget
Weaknesses: None Had them 6 months in all conditions and never missed a beet. What more can you say!
[Update 21/05/08] No hose guide so had to make one. If it becomes less active to small trail stones then leave it upside down in your garage overnight with the lockout lever pressed in. This solves it, super smooth again & only had to do this once so not really an issue.
Now 21.05.08 and still not missed a beat. Myfriends Fox Float is slightly better over small trail vibrations.
Overall: I was after a fork to replace my Marzocchi MXC ETA but with more travel & more active on small trail vibrations & some sort of ETA switch equivelent for the Peak District climbs so I can drop the front end quickely. Pace RC40 XCAM does all that and more. Got mine for under £400 6 months ago so good value to. Good alternative to more costly Fox forks.
[Update 21/05/08] Mine is the LTD version from Leisure Lakes & now had this fork on my S Works Enduro 2004 frame for over a year and never missed a beat. Very very plush no matter what the terrain and very reliable.
Strengths: Work well in all conditions, especially muddy conditions so you can use them all year round. Light weight for 2.3" tyre and robust if you get the protection version that I have. I run mine at 30 psi with no problems, even over rocks around Jacobs Ladder.
Weaknesses: Paid £25 each for mine as no deals around but that's the same as the Fire XC or Nokian NBX and these are better. Not as wide a profile as the Nokian for a 2.3 My Nokian 2.3" felt slightly better over rocks in dry conditions but there isn't much in it and these are better in the mud due to the narrower profile.
Overall: If your after a light weight good in all conditions tyre in a 2.3 profile then this takes some beating!
'GOOD GRIP & TRACTION ON ALL SURFACES BUT SLOW IN 2.3 VERSION'
Strengths: I had the 2.1 originally which was fast but unerving on the front due to being too narrow so swapped it for the 2.3 version and all was transformed as far as grip and confidence goes. I then fitted one to the back and no more spinning up the slippery slopes, just grips and goes. I ran them at 25 psi in the mud without and problems and are fantastic at 40psi on hardpack, they just do not slide unless your in thick mud!
Weaknesses: Quite heavy in steel bead version and quite slow due to rolling resistance and weight. I have recently tested about 10 £1500 to £2200 bikes and they all roll a lot faster but don't grip as well so trying to decide whether to stick with what I have or see if I can find a tyre that grips as well and rolls faster. IS THERE SUCH A TYRE? We shall see! Oh, the 2.1 looks like a 1.8 at best and the 2.3 is more like a tall 2.2
Overall: Great so long as you don't need to go that fast once on hard surfaces.
Strengths: Very very comfy, forget I have it on at times. Holds 3 litres of fluid and most bits you will need for a days ride. Got mone from Halford for £28.50, couldn't believe my luck! Can't think how I ever got on without one. Doesn't move about at all which is great for what i want.
Weaknesses: Probably not enough storage if you want to carry spare cloths including a water proof.
Overall: If you want something bigger then get the Blowfish, otherwise this is the one to buy!
Strengths: Only cost me £43.50 out the mags. Didn't want a full on MTB shoe that you struggle to walk in and look daft when nipping down the shops etc. Megga comfy and grip well in all conditions. I ride with them all year round and don't have a problem. The strap is a great idea rather than just having a lace set up.
Weaknesses: The let the water in easy but so do they all if not waterproof or leather.
Overall: Great value, megga comfy, look great and can wear all year round.
Strengths: I bought this after trying on everything from Met, Bell and Giro. It was by far the most comfortable as the Bell were too big and the Giro uncomfortable on the temples. The futuristic styling was a bonus. Keeps you cool no matter how hard you ride. Great warranty policy covering it fot 3 years.
Weaknesses: can be too cool in the winter months. I am going to cover the vents this winter. I suppose you have to say it costs a lot at £80 but how much is your head worth!
Overall: It all comes down to finding a helmet that is comfortable and looks great so you wear it and the V does that for me!
'EASY IN AND OUT, GOOD QUALITY BASIC DESIGN THAT WILL LAST'
Strengths: Compared to Shimano, there is nothing to clog up and they are easier to get in and out of. Cost me £50, that imprest my mate bought some aswell. My knees can hert me when cycling but not had any problems at all since using these for the past 6 months. That easy to get in and out of that I wear them even when with my nipper in the kiddie seat without worrying about not being able to get unclipped.
Weaknesses: From what i had read, I was expecting to be able to wear normal trainers with them when out with the kids but this wasn't the case.
Overall: Feel lost without them now. Want ever go back to riding without a clipless pedal. If your a novice like me then you can still ride the trail even whilst trying to get clipped in due to it being a normal size pedal. Just don't expect it to be a compromise though because it really isn't for riding without your clipless shoes. I wear Shimano Mo37 shoes, great combination Buy either, you want regret it.
Strengths: Cost - got mine from Merlin's for £126 as already had a pump (£25) Tracking's as good as my old Duke XC's but with extra travel. Better over the larger bumps.
Weaknesses: Not as reactive to small trail stones etc but that could be because they are only a few hours old from what I have been told. I get slight vibration through the bars compared to the Dukes! A lot harder to set the right amount of sag than on the Dukes.
Overall: They appear a lot more active than my mates 2002's but not as good as my 2002 Dukes if first impressions are anything to go by. Early days though so will let you know more once bedded in. Still have other bike with Dukes on so can compare.
