Strengths: Super slick precision action Works first time every time Thumb downshift is the way things should be! Mind numbingly easy to set up
Weaknesses: None found as yet- other than it isn't quite as bling as the carbon X.0
Overall: So easy to set up and use. I have mine coupled with X9 rear and X7 front mech and everything works perfectly. The shifting is always precise in all conditions, more than I can say for any previous Shimano setup I've had, all of which have quickly shown signs of mechanical wear.
I'll never look back! May have to go for the bling carbon job one day though :-)
Strengths: Easy to setup. Ultra precise shifting- super slick. Works even when buried in mud.
Weaknesses: Not found any yet.
Overall: I can't believe how slick this thing shifts. Even under heavy load the change is smooth and precise. They seem to stay the same in heavy conditions with a thick coating of mud too. I've had to stop with Shimano in similar circumstances and wash the mech to get it shifting! I haven't had any issues with jockey wheels but I do have the latest model- maybe they have fixed the issue or perhaps I haven't run it long enough. I do tend quickly to wash the muck off after every ride and am even known to throw a bit of lube at things, maybe that helps?
I've been a fan of some of SRAMS sister brands (Truvativ, Avid & RockShox) but have always used Shimano for mechs and shifters until now. What have I been missing! I can't ever see myself going back.
Strengths: Simple to setup Great Modulation Awesome Power
Weaknesses: Took longer to bed in than my previous Avid stoppers.
Overall: I'm a fan of Avid brakes. My experience has always been good. Previously I've had the mechanical ones and Juicy 7's (on my last bike that was nicked) and was worried that the 5's (came with the new bike) would be a big step down but this hasn't been the case. I thought I'd miss the pad dial from the 7's but it seems it was totally unnecessary! I have all the modulation I need without having to mess with anything! Overall I'm a fan of the Avid mechanicals- I found them to have just as much stopping power, excellent modulation and no seals or hoses to leak (I'd give them 5's across the board). That said, my 7's never gave me any trouble. I find it hard to say anything bad about Avid but in an attempt I will comment that I've always found it takes two or three attempts at the set up as they bed in. That isn't really a problem though as it is doddle to do. Once bedded in they have never seemed to need anything except new pads. Contrasts with my mate's Hayes Stroker Trails- they seem to need adjustment after every pull of the lever!
Thanks Avid, I'd budgeted to upgrade to 7's but can now spend the money on wine, women and song!
Strengths: Stiff yet comfortable Good aeration very light
Weaknesses: Not for winter use Laces are awkward Sizing small (I need a size larger than normal)
Overall: Great cool shoe for the summer. Mesh upper rules this shoe out for winter. Very stiff sole gives good power transmition and all day comfort when riding. Personally I don't find this shoe uncomfortable to walk in (I've worn them all day at work many times) but I am use to mountaineering boots! Sole wear has been good. Good all-round summer shoe (I even liked them on my road bike). Impressed enough to look at the new Northwave range for my next shoes!
Strengths: Awesome stopping power, particularly on the 185mm rotor. More modulation than my old V brakes No more bleeding hydraulics Install in minutes- They have to be the easiest brake in the world to set up.
Weaknesses: None with the 185mm front (my 160mm rear needs periodic adjustment- see seperate review).
Overall: I have a 160mm rear and 185mm front and the pair cost me less than one Hope mini! I use them with standard brake levers and still get more mod than I did with V's. They stop my bulk everytime regardless of conditions and with all the control I need, more than I can say for V's and at least as well as the hydraulics I've tried.
Strengths: Awesome stopping power More modulation than my old V brakes No more bleeding hydraulics Install in minutes- They have to be the easiest brake in the world to set up.
Weaknesses: Rear brake seems to go out of alignment every month or so. It isn't that major and certainly doesn't affect the stopping power, it just starts to make some noise until the caliper is re-alligned. It isn't much of a complaint as it takes less than a minute to adjust and requires only one hex key. Don't have that problem with the front though!
Overall: I have a 160mm rear and 185mm front (reviewed seperately) and the pair cost me less than one Hope mini! I use them with standard brake levers and still get more mod than I did with V's. They stop my bulk everytime regardless of conditions and with all the control I need, more than I can say for V's and at least as well as the hydraulics I've tried.
Strengths: Comfortable Good ventilation Durable Really do stop numb hands/sore wrists
Weaknesses: Not a single one!
Overall: Having come from road bikes to MTB I found the handlebars gave me numb fingers and sore wrists. The manufacturer's claims for this glove suggested it was designed specifically to counteract my symptoms. Now I take what manufacturers say with a pinch of salt but they weren't that expensive so I thought I'll put them to the test. Guess what... they work- perfectly! Since I've had them I haven't had a problem. I tried different gloves but the problems return, so it really is the BG design that makes the difference. What's more, they are well made, have good ventilation and appear to be very durable. I'd go so far as to say they are the best thing I've ever purchased. If you find yourself getting wrist pain or numb fingers, don't hesitate- buy them. Even if you don't suffer the problems I would still say these are a very comfortable, well made gloves and worth every penny.
Strengths: comfortable when in the saddle. Look good. Wife allows me out in them- she thinks men should never wear lycra!
Weaknesses: Cut a little odd not exactly baggy Lycra inner seems to be as large as the outer
Overall: These shorts look good and are pretty comfortable, most of the time. They do seem to have a very high waist that is larger than the given size and the lycra inner is as large as the outer shell, this means they ride down when you get out of the saddle, especially when its hot as the saddle pad seems to absorb sweat and get heavy. OK, you could say "get a smaller size" but the thighs are tight on me and I don't have the thighs of a XC racer! If they improved the cut of these they'd be fantastic as they are good looking and very comfortable while you're in the saddle. Maybe making the lycra inner short smaller than the outer would help!
Strengths: Comfortable Not too flash Excellent breathing/ventilation Good pocket design
Weaknesses: not a lot!
Overall: This is a great Jersey. It breathes superbly, I haven't felt damp even in the exceptionally hot weather recently. The cut is very comfortable and it looks good, pretty simple and not too flash. You don't have to feel stupid when you get off the bike! It's devoid of logos and advertising other than a very small and discreet label low down on one front seam- great if you don't want to feel like a billboard. The rear pockets are large and easy to get at. The material seems to resist snagging better than most of its type- even after hurtling through the branches of a hawthorne bush and a bramble it stayed intact. If you don't want logos and silly colours then buy it!
