'Powerful, yet affordable, single LED front light.'
Strengths: Good, focused beam. (Use in conjunction with flood e.g. Electron 9-led for off-road use.) 5 position 'click' adjustment useful if you want to 'dip' the light for another cyclist. Weight ~260gm + bracket Can be had for £30 inc. p&p from http://www.kinetics.org.uk/ or for about £45 (with rechargeables, charger & rear light) from German e-bay shops.
Weaknesses: Attachement to bar bracket rattled on mine - fixed with a little sticky backed foam. Battery retention cap a little fiddly, but seems to work....
Overall: Very good light for the money - credible (an less expensive) alternative to Cateye single LED headlights.
Strengths: Cool look. Long sleeves keep the UV off your arms. Wicks well, yet has some warmth when needed. Long front zip for those long climbs. Highish neck for those long cool descents. 3 rear pockets (1 zipped for the valuables).
Weaknesses: Takes longer to dry than pure polyester (e.g. Coolmax). Doesn't take too kindly to brambles.... Price - when VAT and Post Office's handling charge are considered.
Overall: An excellent off-road jersey that does it all and looks good. You get what you pay for!
Strengths: Easy to fit, and despite previous comments they don't fall off! I've used them on 2 bikes for several years with no problems. Very easy to take off for fork maintenance or cleaning.
Weaknesses: Judicious use of foam tape between the guard and fork crown can give a more secure fit. Vee-brake noodle may require straightening a bit to clear mudguard.
Overall: Quality fit and forget kit for those that don't like a face full of crap.
Strengths: Light (100g) with simple bracket fixing under bottle cage. Plastic with alloy metal bits so minimal corrosion worries. Secure cap to keep the crap out. Has always worked when needed despite 100% neglect.
Weaknesses: Almost invisible - but maybe bling-free is a strength? Bit of a effort to get 40psi - good for getting warm on cold days......
Overall: Fit and forget pump that works when required.
Strengths: Light, easy to service (good support from U.S.E. - very clear service info on web site), good range of springs and shims available, quiet in operation
Weaknesses: The Alien clamp is very fiddly to set up. Not something to be repeated at regular intervals as the 3mm cap screw heads (2.5mm allen key) have a short life (in my hands, anyway), even using a new key..... Once the saddle position and angle is right, just tighten the cap screws after the first ride and forget it!
Overall: Expensive but effective; you don't realise what it is doing most of the time - until you go back to a rigid post Ouch!!! Personally, I'd recommend an SX (as on the missus' bike) with its simple seat clamp - only bought an XCR as the seat tube bore was too small for the SX...
Strengths: Light (#100gm + bracket) and compact (30mm dia x 85mm long) Good 'medium flood' beam pattern which works well with a Cateye HL500 (tight beam and road legal) Should be rainproof ('O'-rings on joints) Lasts well (have not yet tested the 7hrs+ claimed) Intense blue light wakes up car drivers
Weaknesses: Not that easy to turn on / off (screw end cap in / out) so can't be courteous to oncoming cyclists.....
Overall: Fine bike light - useable off-road on clear tracks (but not for fast down-hilling!)
Strengths: Fleece inner collar - snug when all zipped up with a fleece underneath. Simple, yet very effective ventilation. Front zip long enough to go over your helmet so quick and easy to put on when it turns chilly or damp.
Weaknesses: Not waterproof. Flaps on arms if not worn over a fleece.
Overall: Does what it says on the tin. Deceptively simple and effective.
Strengths: Very adjustable They work (and keep working!) Excellent support from WindWave
Weaknesses: Weight Oil height way to high when delivered. Less than perfect manual......
Overall: Competent, if slightly porky, mechanicals let down by poor manual and factory preparation. A good buy (excellent discounts available) provided that you are prepared to get oily in setting them up (a Marzocchi air pump also helps).
