Reviews

My reviews on bikes and parts.

2009 Santa Cruz Nomad – AM Mountain Bike

The new linkage design features 15mm diameter alloy axles bolting directly into the frame that are locked in place with ultra-trick collet heads. These control preload on the angular contact bearings in the lower link, which are in turn easily lubed up via the grease ports in the link.

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Some Troy Lee Carbon

I ran into a deal that I just couldn’t say no to from Mark at T2 Bikes, and I picked up a Troy Lee Designs D2 Carbon. The helmet (off the bike) is much lighter and a lot more comfortable. I am hoping that the blue and red flames on the TLD make me faster than the ghost flames on the Specy…but I am not going to hold my breath. Now I just have one more product has more bling than my riding!

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SRAM DoubleTap

These new shifters combined with the new Hammerschmidt front shifting device is bound to make it a HUGE Interbike for SRAM this year. It really seems like they are starting to think outside the box of conventional shifting. I welcome this change. Shifting has been done the same for a long time. It’s time to shake things up a little bit.

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Clix Wheel Release System – MTB Quick Release

CLIX Systems, Inc. has introduced a revolutionary new wheel release system, called CLIX™. For the first time ever, riders are able to install and lock their front wheel with no cam adjustment, and with only one hand. The traditional quick release was invented in 1927 and is a safe and effective system when operated correctly. However, correct operation is not inherently obvious to all riders.

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Truvativ HammerSchmidt Update

As “Fall 2008” grows closer, we are getting more teasers out of the SRAM camp on the new front shifting mechanism called “HammerSchmidt.” This update included several videos that almost show you the testing and final product. They do a great job at being humorous about “almost” showing the front cranks/shifting.

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Ergon GP1 Grips Review

The GP1 series of grips offer maximum comfort and the best possible pressure distribution. They are specially cut for a small to middle sized hand (Size S: 6.5 / 8.5 – particularly good for female hands), as well as for middle to larger sized hands (Size L: 8.5 – 10.5). They feature a forged aluminum clamp for fast and secure installation.

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Industry Nine vs. Chris King

The Industry Nine vs. Chris King hub debate is one rivalry that has gotten a lot of press over the last couple of years. The rookie, Industry Nine, has stepped in to try to claim the title. In every great match-up, the race is pretty close. I have owned or currently own both of these incredible hubs. How do they measure up?

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Hindsight – Rear View Camera

Bicycle Design posted up an article today on his ride with the prototype of the Hindsight: My ride with Hindsight. This device provides all of your cycling computer needs, plus GPS, with one really cool feature that no one else has…a rear view camera.

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Maxxis Ardent 2.6 3C and 2.4 60A – Tested

I have finally gotten enough time on the new DH Ardents from Maxxis to give a full review. This impressive new tread pattern from Maxxis should be making its way to the public soon. This sample set is the 2.6 3C (run as a front tire) and the 2.4 60a (run as the rear). The test bike was my Ventana El Terremoto 6.0.

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