Strengths: Comfortable The mesh really does keep you cool Decent value at 20 quid
[Update 07/09/06] they do last - had them over a year now, but the lettering comes off
Weaknesses: Won't fit the largest of hands No protection in a crash I wonder how long they wil last
[Update 07/09/06] still don't want to crash with them on velcro tabs seem to come loose, they aren't very adjustable as i have quite skinny wrists compared to xxl hands.
Overall: A great xc and road glove for all seasons except winter Downhillers and those with huge hands go elsewhere
[Update 07/09/06] still a great glove when the temperature is above 10 degrees or so, can even be worn on the hottest days. nice and tacky and very little padding so you can 'feel' your bike really well. i'm thinking about getting a glove with a little more protection though
Strengths: comfortable - you don't know your wearing it the pads protect your ankles which are often ignored till you smash them on a peddle
Weaknesses: far far too expensive - but the alternative by 661 is even more expensive at 20 quid BE CAREFUL they fit on with your own riding clogs, bring them into the shop and try the different sizes
Overall: An excellent product that is outrageously expensive! As for reliability i've only had them for a weekend so who knows - they seem decent enough quality though with good stitching along the seams n.b. these are the ankles protectors that come included with the knee guard plus from dainese
Strengths: huge reservior just enough storage for a longer ride comfortable as new after a year of use
Weaknesses: your back can get a little sweaty - as with most packs though not cheap, but can be found for around 10 quid less than the rrp
Overall: The pack has a variety of useful pockets for stashing a small toolkit first aid pack, waterproof camera and gloves. It can be done, thats what I had in it on my last winter ride. The pack is quite comfy with a variety of straps and plenty of adjustment, but is a little long for riders under 5ft 8ish. The camelbak lockable valve is pretty cool and the large opening on the bladder is pretty useful so not to spill water everywhere when filling. Top Tip - insert some (clean) plastic golf balls for drying the bladder out after a ride
'04 VERSION TESTED - ALRIGHT BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SIZING'
Strengths: Lightweight All round protection - good with spiky flat peddles Would suit riders with bulky lower legs
Weaknesses: Price - why are all pads so expensive somebody is making a killing out of these things The grey mish rips - but that looks cool anyway Who designs the sizing - you need huge legs if you want to get the large size tight As with all Dainese products - expensive
Overall: These pads would probably stay in place if you have wide lower legs. As it is with me, 6ft tall with average to skinny calves the large size just doesn't work and the medium size is too small. Also the top strap above the knee is horribly uncomfortable and i only do it up on the downhills. I have a feeling many others are in the same boat something needs to be done about that dreadful design flaw. I seem to have been a bit harsh so far, so I will remind everyone that these take the knocks well and are quite comfortable apart from the top strap when peddling. This review is for the 04 version, light grey mesh with discreet red logo - I don't see any significant changes in the 05 model.
'LIGHT , STRONG AND CHEAP - I HAVE NO IDEA HOW IT JUST IS'
Strengths: Great weight Great Price Great Strength - not a freeride or dirt frame but will handle some jumps and drops Disc and v brake mounts
Weaknesses: ermm...
Overall: This frame was built into a bike for me at merlin cycles with a lx spec and duke race fork and seems to suit the combination fine. The frame is amazingly light and flies up the hills as well as holding its own against heavier designs on the downs. Take note the frame will not take more than a 105mm fork. I have given this frame a good hammering for two years and it is still in great condition. Put simply if you can get your hands on a Kinesis frame, any of them you will not be dissapointed
Strengths: Good geometry and width Very light Great value
Weaknesses: Not as good for non technical rides as flats
Overall: I bought these bars to replace a mangled pair of EA50's flats that had actually performed a remarkably good service, but I decided it was time to move to riser bars. I won't get into a great debate about that but I belive flats are better for faster less technical rider and risers the opposite. Although you can ride both bars on most type of riding. I am yet to have a really hard crash on these bars and would rather not crash at all, but they are in great shape still so they score a 4 for reliability.
Strengths: Lightweight and quite breathable Stay in place quite well even when peddle Eat hard XC impacts for breakfast
Weaknesses: Like every knee shin combo I have tried, a little uncomfortable around the knees - on this pair it is due to the top strap As on all Dainese products the upper mesh wears out and tears, but that only seems cosmetic damage Pricey
Overall: Firstly a little bit about the reviewer. I am 6ft and have average to skinny lower legs I also ride more technical cross country, the kind where drop offs and jumps of a smaller kind make an appearance. I got these pads after a few scary crashes as I want to save my legs from a serious injury. I don't know who decided on the sizing for Dainese products but I am in the 5ft8 to 6ft range and I settled on a large pad. I don't know who designed the straps but they are far too long for me and all but those with the 'girthiest' legs, I actually wrap the bottom two straps right around the front of the pads, which seems to work. Anyway after trying a variety of pads including the Dainese Freestyle 04 and 661 veggie I can conclude that these are the most peddle friendly - that is there is the flexibility to move your legs for a a decent length of time. It does help to have the quick release on all of the 3 straps. Often find myself undoing the topmost strap above the knee on the climbs and fireroads, as that strap is the uncomfortable one. A top tip is to wear a loose elastic bandage around the knees as it stops the strap rubbing so much. Phew that was a long review - check out my reviews on the 661 veggie and Dainese freestyle if you want a true comparisson
'HONEST REVIEW - TOUGH, WARM AND QUITE WATERPROOF'
Strengths: Nice and warm Substantial velcro adjusters Reflective strips Quite comfy Good price
Weaknesses: Not totally waterproof Only really suitable in colder weather Size gap for a 6ft rider with 31.5 inch waste - I can't find size that fits (have tried them on in shop)
Overall: These are good pants for commuting and off road biking. You can overheat in warmer weather and they are only waterproof in light to medium showers. Lycra still beats them for road use as it is lighter weight.
Strengths: Cheap Lightweight Tough for an XC bar Good with bar ends
Weaknesses: You lack some of the control you get with a riser bar. But still suitable for quite technical trails such as Marin Trail , Gwdyr forest
Overall: I've recently broken this bar after falling about five feet onto it, so it takes a bit of a pounding, (this isb't the first crash.) But would I have crashed if the extra leverage a riser has was available to me on that jump?? However I was using bar ends which is what bent/ crushed the bar. I suggest getting some tough bar bungs with it and then it really is a great cheap and light solution. I have just bought a 'low riser' raceface and x-lite xc2 bar. Check the reviews out if your unsure what you want.
Strengths: Really easy to clip in Shed mud brilliantly Decent amounts of float Can handle really hard crashes
Weaknesses: If you think spds are safer than flats be careful. I have injured my knee whacking it with one of the 'whisk' edges and because they are so small I've been out for 4 weeks now. Buy some light shin pads if you ride techincal stuff
Overall: These are good cross country or enduro pedals. They are really easy to use and light. However I would advise the more techy riders to get some knee / shin protection as hitting one of these on a fall hurts a LOT more than it does with flats.
