On The Pedals
The Daily Grind
Over The Bars
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Happy Holidays | |
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Another year, another holiday buyer's guide, another article to write reflecting on the past 365 days. With the new year coming up it's time to look back on the past year and see what stood out in my mind. Yes, it's the eternal job of someone who's constantly running components into the ground to pick through and find the best and the worst, but there are always a few bits that rise to the top of the heap each and every time. They are the benchmarks that we set our tests by, they are the pieces that we can't live without, and they are the bits that stopped a ride if we didn't have them. That being said, without further ado, here's my 2007 best bit of kit. | |
Hydrapak Borracho
There's something to be said for a small hydration pack: light weight, low profile, easy on the back and easy to find what you pack in it. The Borracho is a beastly pack with 1300 cubic inches of storage space and the capacity to hold up to a 100 ounce bladder. Freeriders rejoice! There's a set of straps designed to carry arm or leg armor and there's more than enough room for a full face helmet to be attached. With all the space available, this pack could pass as a middle schooler's bookbag, but if you're the type to carry anything and everything, it'll come in handy. The inside is sectioned into several zippered mesh pockets, a couple loops to hold things like shock and tire pumps, a zippered clear pocket to hold small bits, an elastic topped pocket to carry glasses or other little bits, and one huge pocket to stash tubes, jackets, gloves or what have you. Mesh side pockets provide a place to keep bug spray or a good place to stash Gu wrappers to keep them out of the rest of your gear.
The bladder is another wonder of modern technology. Featuring a roll up velcro top, we've had zero leaks through the life of the bladder. The puncture resistance of the bladder has shown through time and time again as well, and the anti-microbial properties are really something special. I've left water in the bladder in a hot car for a couple weeks at a time and it's grown absolutely nothing. And while it is anti-microbial, when it does need a cleaning it's easy to turn inside out and scrub good and clean As a bonus, a thermal sleeve comes standard with the bladder, keeping things cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Overall, I can't be happier: I can carry enough tools to tackle all but the most complex repairs on the trail, never run out of water, and I always have a spare place to stick a camera, jacket or set of pads. I can't see myself using any other kind of pack in the future. Kudos to Hydrapak.
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SRAM X.0 Drivetrain
While it certainly is pricey, SRAM's top of the line X.0 really gives you what you pay for. Machined aluminum and carbon fibre is the name of the game here, and it makes for a stupidly durable set of components. I've tried to run these into the ground every chance I've had, but every shift has been precise and executed flawlessly. The feel of these shifters is unmatched, with a winderful positive feeling and a distinctive snap as each gear is cycled through. Durability is also quite good. I've had no problems with breaking derailleurs or shifters through the two years I've beat on this drivetrain. The modular design of the X.0 system is also a nice touch. The one time I bent a shift paddle (not broke, but bent: the ride was not over after a crash that would normally end a ride) I was able to spend a measely twenty-two bucks and replace the paddle. No need to pay $90 or more for a new shifter: just replace the busted part and keep on your way. The rear derailleur is similarly tough and sophisticated. With a carbon composite medium length cage, forged parallelogram and knuckle and a spring so strong that you could lose a finger if you get it caught in the knuckle, it's built for bear. The medium cage keeps it away from sticks and rocks, and the sealed bearing pulleys stay relatively clean (although I replaced my pulleys with KCNC sealed bearing pulleys) and the shifting is snappy and quick. The derailleur has taken some pretty heavy hits and is still straight and true, so I can't give it anything but excellent marks. The only major gripe I have is the utter pain in the ass that is changing cables. Little springs that pop out of place and require a dental pick or a pair of needle nose tweezers to replace are a major pain in the butt. Oh well, a once-a-year hassle is more than worth the awesome performance. X,0 is definitely one of the best bits of 2007 and beyond. SRAM.com | |
Light and Motion ARC NiMH
This little sucker can be summed up with one word: F'in bright! Putting out around 675 lumens in it's high power mode, it is brighter than many headlights on the car you take to the trailhead. With a low power mode, you lose a touch of light (which is relative when you've got the freakin' sun stuck to your helmet) but gain a fair amount of run time on the battery. Within the light head you'll find the bulb, ballast and switch, which means the entirety of the electronics are protected from impact and from moisture. Double click the button to ignite it, hold the button to shut it off. Simplicity still rules. Included in the box is the NiMH battery which provides around 3.5 hours of burn time on high as well as helmet and bar mounts. The mounts for the helmet and bars include a special feature that we wished would come on every light: a breakaway mechanism. This small plastic disc is designed to snap off before damage can come to the light head. This is a great feature for people who crash a lot (and in the dark, you know you crash more than in daylight) and will save you a boatload of money in replacing bulbs. The electronics allow for two modes, high and low, as well as a 15 minute burn time warning. Once you run it to within one minute of battery drain, it will dim out to warn you to get out of the woods or break out your backup. After that one last minute, it shuts itself down to prevent battery damage, which is a nice feature. Charging is a quick affair with the included multi-chemistry charger (which means no new charger is needed if you decide to pick up a lithium ion battery) and all that power is directed into a nice focused beam pattern with a good peripheral halo. About the only downside we can see is the high MSRP of $409.99. Light and Motion | |
Terry Fly Ti Saddle
I have to be honest; I've beaten the hell out of this saddle for a couple seasons now. It's been through winter, spring, summer and fall riding, it's been crashed, soaked and scraped, but it is still hanging tough. I've loved the support it provides and the cut out in the center is placed oh-so perfectly. Designed with pro racers in mind, the saddle is Italian made and features a durable textured leather shell and titanium rails. The low profile, lightweight saddle is produced using a multi-density injection molded foam to increase rear stiffness and transfer pedalling power better. It's supposed to mute trail and road buzz through the titanium rails. The little fly embroidered on the back is a nice touch too. It does a good job of keeping my ass comfy on long days and it's tough as nails, but it does have a few caveats. The textured finish rubs off when the leather is damp and can stain lighter colored shorts. It's also a pricey saddle to begin with, but comfort is worth every penny. Terry Bikes | |
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Questions? Comments? Love letters? Send 'em to Techeditor@mountainbiketales.com. | |