New for 2010 is the WTB Aviator, a saddle so tough it flies through the air wearing Carhartts! WTB built this saddle to withstand the abuses of a downhiller or freerider, meaning it will be able to handle multiple crashes, heavy riders, and jarring impacts.

The WTB Aviator saddle is covered by the same material that Carhartt uses for their jeans so naturally the material resists tearing and stains. The circumference of the saddle is covered by a rubber strip, offering more grip and abrasion resistant corners. The over-sized 8mm chromoly rails are designed to resist bending while the comfort zone cut-out, soft padding, and flex-tuned shell make it suitable for long days in the saddle. The Aviator weighs 315 grams which is about average for a normal saddle and fairly lightweight for a DH saddle.

The Ride

The WTB Aviator is a very impressive freeride/downhill saddle. One of the best things about this saddle is its shape: at 137mm wide and 272mm long, the Aviator is a bit wider than a typical XC saddle. Despite its width, you can easily maneuver your bike side to side and front to back without the Aviator snagging your legs or armor. Maneuverability is an important feature for DH saddles because you are constantly moving the bike around. The wider profile also makes the Aviator is a very comfortable saddle, offering support in the right places with ample padding. The “comfort zone” cut-out provides noticeable flex and comfort where you need it most.

WTB claims that the rubber siding on the Aviator helps the rider change direction on the trail or in the air and I definitely noticed the extra grip when I pinched the saddle with my knees during braking and jumping. For me the extra grip was tougher to notice during cornering since I only knock the seat when initiating a drift. The canvas cover is also grippy which lets you put power to the pedals more effectively when seated. All of this adds up to increased confidence on the bike.

I’ve ridden this saddle on numerous shuttle days, race tracks, and bike parks and it has virtually zero wear on it. The Aviator is so tough that even though I crashed hard enough to break my seatpost during testing, the saddle remained unscathed! I have noticed some discoloration in the canvas (it’s now a few shades darker) after riding in conditions ranging from very muddy to dry and dusty. The discoloration is purely a cosmetic thing but it’s something to keep in mind if you like keeping your bike looking brand new.

The Verdict

The WTB Aviator ($80 MSRP) is an excellent choice for any downhiller, freerider, or Clydesdale who is looking for a durable, relatively lightweight saddle. It’s shaped well, comfortable, looks great, it’s grippy and will last longer than most saddles out there. If you’re in the market for a new DH saddle and you need it to last you a good long while, the WTB Aviator is a great choice.

Thanks to WTB for providing the Aviator saddle for testing.

Over last 5 years, more and more riders have been choosing to equip their DH and freeride bikes with Syncros FR Wheelsets. These wheels are easy to identify thanks to their distinctive white rims and prominent logo placements. Syncros parts are quite popular in British Columbia, Canada, where the company started and the Syncros-sponsored NSMB team is also located in B.C. Here in the east, however, Syncros wheels are not as widely used which is a shame. As a former resident of Vancouver’s fabled North Shore, I’m excited to test these wheels since many of the riders I look up to used Syncros FR Wheels.

The 2010 Syncros FR Wheelset features their strongest rim yet, the DS 32, laced to the Syncros FR hub, which uses an impressive 4 bearings per wheel. All that strength comes with a slight weight penalty as the Syncros FR wheels weigh 2725 grams as tested which is about 500 grams heavier than many DH racing wheel sets. However, if you value long-term durability and build quality over weight, the Syncros FR wheels should fit the bill.

These wheels are individually hand-built with DT Swiss spokes and nipples, ensuring excellent quality and maximum durability. The FR wheelset is built with standard J-bend spokes in a 3X pattern. They come in matte black or white hubs while the rim is only offered in white. These wheels are available in 135×10 and 150×12 rear hub spacing and a 20mm thru-axle only front hub.

First Impressions

These wheels feel much lighter than they are when installed because the bearings roll so well. The distinctive white rim looks great and makes your bike stand out. The tolerances on the FR Wheelset are very tight, so much so that installing the thru-axles required more force than usual both front and rear. This isn’t a bad thing, because there is literally no play - an important feature when you’re hucking around. These wheels are true and still spinning fast after weeks of pounding at Joyride 150, an indoor bike park. Stay tuned for a full review in the spring after I have a chance to test these wheels on some real DH terrain.

Thanks to Syncros for providing the FR Wheels for testing.

About Syncros

Syncros started operating out of a Vancouver bike shop in the 1980’s, producing parts that could withstand the pounding riders dished out on the nearby North Shore Mountains. Syncros was bought by Ritchey in 2003. Today Syncros produces high-end components built tough enough to withstand the most difficult trails while maintaining competitive weights and prices.

Hi folks, not too long back I wrote about the Formula RX brake set and since then I have really been enjoying the great modulation and awesome power. I recently installed a set of sintered pads in place of the stock organic ones and the performance has been pretty amazing. But wait, this little article isn’t about the RX brakes but the new 2010 THE ONE brake set. If you thought the RX brakes were impressive wait until you take a look at these!

THE ONE brakes utilize a patented forged caliper that encases huge 24mm caliper pistons to generate über amounts of stopping force. I am sure that those of you who follow what’s new and hot on the the slopes and World Cup events have heard about THE ONE. For those of you who haven’t, these are Formula’s top dog, no-holds-barred brakes for DH racing. At just 308g these are lightweight - very lightweight to be exact. In fact, with some brands it’s tough to find XC brakes this light! With rotor sizes of 160mm, 180mm, 203mm, 220mm, you’re sure to find the size you need.

Once I get these on my test bike I will have a chance to see how well they perform on the mountain. Formula claims THE ONE brakes modulate extremely well and if the RX is any indication I’m pretty sure these brakes will blow me away.

Taking a peek at the construction I have to comment on how small and tight the overall package is. Talk about really shaving weight where you can - the forging process allows these brakes to achieve a small form factor without loosing any strength. Compared to other brakes, THE ONE’s forging process results in tightly squeezed metal molecules, resulting in a more dense, stronger, and uniform material to start the machining process. The only drawback to this is the higher cost of manufacturing and thus final retail cost. Once the weather gets better I will give everyone the skinny on THE ONE’s.

Here are some of the highlights:

MASTER CYLINDER

• Forged radial master cylinder (M/C)
• Patent-pending high capacity, integrated reservoir
• Removable handlebar clamp
• Flip-flop master cylinder assembly
• Dual M/C bleed ports for easy-on-the-bike-bleeds
• Forged aluminum lever blade (optional carbon)
• Laser etched logos
• MiXmaster available

CALIPER

• Patent-pending forged one-piece post mount caliper
• Huge 24 mm caliper pistons for amazing power
• Top vented caliper allows for wheel on pad changes and eliminates overheating effects
• Bottom vented caliper pistons provide additional cooling
• Laser etched logos
• Top loading pads simplify pad changes

Thanks to the folks at Formula brakes for providing these brakes for the article.

In mountain biking there are very few “classic” designs that haven’t been torn to shreds over the years as tech advances to produce bigger and better MTB components. Sometimes, though, designers and engineers hit upon a design so effective that it withstands the test of time with very few tweaks over the years. The Maxxis CrossMark mountain bike tire is proving itself to be one of those product designs.

On a recent group ride at Yellow River, 3 out of 7 of us were riding CrossMark tires which isn’t too surprising given the versatility of these skins. The CrossMark features a directional tire tread with ramped intermediate knobs that can be ridden front or rear (or both), depending on conditions. As a front tire the CrossMark is tough to beat but if you’re riding in loose to muddy conditions you may want a rear tire with a little more bite (the Maxxis Ardent is a good choice). On hardpack trails the CrossMark rolls fast and efficient thanks to tightly-spaced center knobs while the raised and slightly wider spaced side knobs bite well in corners.

At 605g each, the CrossMark 29 is a fairly light tire, thanks in part to the lightweight 60 TPI casing. For those who aren’t familiar, TPI stands for “threads per inch” where the threads are part of the cloth reinforcement embedded into the tire rubber. A higher TPI allows for thinner tire walls which makes the tire more supple and lighter but also weakens the sidewalls, making them more likely to be damaged by rocks and sticks on the trail. At 60 TPI the CrossMark 29 is a durable tire that will stand up to a lot of abuse. For weight weenies with 26″-wheel bikes, the CrossMark also comes in a 120 TPI version for a roughly 10% weight savings.

Many tires claim to be low rolling resistance and sadly there isn’t a widely used measurement of rolling resistance out there (though in theory a test should be easy enough to develop). For me the best test is taking a mountain bike tire out on the road and listening to it hum. A loud tire on the road signals a tire that’s sucking energy while a relatively quiet one signals good efficiency. The CrossMark 29 passed the road test with flying colors and felt smooth with very little noticeable vibration on smooth surfaces.

Mud clearing ability is important for any XC tire and even though the CrossMark 29 isn’t designed for muddy conditions, the tire does a decent job at shedding the big stuff thanks to the moderate-to-shallow tread depth. The tiny cross pattern in the center does make it tough to get the tire completely clean and in my tests even miles of pavement couldn’t loose some of the stickiest bits.

The CrossMark 29 is faithful big wheel extension of the venerated CrossMark design and is a versatile tire any XC rider can appreciate. Blending high rolling efficiency with decent cornering control, the CrossMark is a big-wheel-friendly tire that is a solid choice for a wide variety of conditions. Get the CrossMark and you’ll always be in good company when you’re out on the trail.

Thanks to the folks at Maxxis for providing these tires for review.

A little while back I did a review on the INK helmet from THE and absolutely fell in love. Well, Toby Henderson and the boys at THE Industries did it once again. The guys took all that was awesome about the very successful THE ONE helmet and managed to improve what was already a nearly-perfect product. The ONE still retains its great close-fitting shape but now sports an advanced silver anti-bacterial material embedded in a “Cool Dry” liner which is breathable, moisture wicking, and odor free (perfect for those who tend to neglect their equipment). All kidding aside, the liner is easily removable which makes for easy clean up.

The Picture above shows the Carbon Tiki on the left ($299 MSRP) and the Composite Celtic ($199 MSRP) on the right. Both helmets exceed CPSC and CE standards for safety and impact which, let’s face it, is easily the most important feature in any helmet.

Beyond improving the technical features of ONE helmets this year, THE has added several hot, new graphical styles for 2010. So many in fact, that I had a really hard time choosing two to write about. I finally decided on the Tiki for myself and The Celtic for Bob_the_Builder (BTB) to get his perspective.

Taking a look at the Tiki you can see the eye-popping Polynesian-inspired graphics that allow the carbon underlay to show through, giving the helmet an overall tribal pinstriping look like no other.

The venting layout provides great air flow to your face and channels the breeze around your head and out the back, doing a good job keeping your head cool for a full face helmet. They may be tough to spot but there are actually 15 external air vents on both helmets which direct flow to 4 internal channels. BTB felt like he needed just a bit more venting on his Celtic and found removing the foam filter on the front of the helmet just behind the steel mesh of the front opening improved ventilation.

THE ONE helmets boast impressively competitive weights. At 36 oz, the Carbon Tiki stands to be one of the lightest full face helmets out there. The Composite Celtic, at 41 oz, is a bit heavier but is still middle-of-the-pack as far as weight is concerned. As a comparison, most full face MTB helmets weigh between 36 oz and 50 oz+.

This year THE decided to change up the double-D chin strap rings slightly by having them treated in a black oxide treatment instead of last year’s chrome look. BTB and I both agree that we prefer like the new dark-out look. The double D ring also provides a positive no-slip solution that will not break or loosen during a bone-jarring runs.

Each THE ONE helmet comes with two visors which is something most helmet manufacturers don’t include. The last thing you want is to try to order up a new visor to match your helmet after you munch up your previous one with a face full of dirt. The front opening works well with goggles from Oakley, Spy, Fox, Giro, and Smith and your field of vision is really only limited by the style of goggles you choose. If  you decide to run without goggles (not that I recommend this for DH or FR, but let’s say you’re hitting jumps in a bike park), you’ll find the opening is not limited or obstructed by the sides or chin guard.

For most of our testing we took the helmets to Joyride 150 to get out of the bad Toronto weather where it’s been barely above zero degrees C (32° F). Both BTB and I received numerous  positive comments on the bold and unique look of the Tiki and Celtic helmets. Having been to Interbike and seeing the entire line up, all THE ONE helmets look great but I particularly love the look of these two units. The stunning red scroll work on the Celtic with its accented black and grey pin striping really sets the look apart. Likewise, the intricate blue print and highly detailed center stripe on the Tiki is really something to behold up close.

BTB on the progressive jumps doing what he does best.

Well folks, if you’re looking for a great fitting, safe and sturdy helmet, give THE ONE a try. I’m sure you too will enjoy these close, form fitting, light-as-a-feather helmets wrapped in rad graphics.  Stay tuned for other exciting products from THE!

Thanks to the folks at THE Industries for providing the Celtic and Tiki helmets for reviews and Joyride 150 for a place to ride and do our tests.

There’s been a lot of discussion about GPS and mountain biking around here lately so we thought we’d put together our first ever Mountain Bikers’ Buyers Guide to help you make the right choice. Look for more buyers guides for other MTB products coming soon!

Basic Features Most GPS Devices Include

While there are a wide range of GPS choices available, most will at least include the basics:

• USB connection: Older GPS units used serial connections but today’s devices include a way to connect to your PC or Mac.
• Speed and distance tracking: Standard on 99.9% of GPS units.
• Ability to mark points of interest: These are called waypoints and most devices give you a way to mark your current location and add a short title to help you remember what you marked.
• Elevation tracking: GPS devices have varying degrees of accuracy around elevation/altitude readings but almost all are accurate enough for consumer use.
• Path tracking: Most GPS devices are constantly marking where you are on screen so you can follow your path back to the start in case you get lost. This series of data points showing where you’ve been is called a “track.”
• Basic navigation: At a minimum, most GPS devices will help you navigate (via straight line) from point A to point B.

Beyond the basics, you need to decide what you want to use your GPS for on the mountain bike trail.

Navigation or Fitness… or Both?

There are two main uses for GPS devices on the trail: navigation and fitness training. Of course many of us want a device that does both and that’s certainly possible - but it’s generally more expensive than a single-use device.

Navigation

If you want a GPS to use for trail navigation, you’ll want to choose one with a color screen, the ability to load detailed maps, and support for an external memory card. Keep in mind that detailed “basemaps” may or may not come pre-loaded with your GPS and can cost up to $100 each. Some manufacturers make a distinction between topographic and driving maps so if you want turn-by-turn directions like the ones you use in the car, make sure you get driving maps in addition to topo basemaps for the trails. Almost all basemaps show things like bodies of water, roadways, railroad tracks, cities/towns, and other landmarks which are useful for navigation.

Fitness

For workout and fitness level tracking, choose a GPS unit that can be paired with a heart rate monitor, power meter, etc. Also consider the included and compatible fitness training software for your GPS. There are plenty of fitness tracking websites that allow you to upload your GPS data directly via web browser for analysis.

Other considerations

Beyond general usage, consider other features you may find useful:

• Battery type: Some devices include an integrated rechargeable battery while others require AA or AAA batteries that must be replaced.
• Form factor and bike mounts: Larger units, like those designed for use in the car, can be mounted to bike handlebars but they’re often awkward. Scope out compatible bike mounts before you choose your GPS.
• Other usage: If you’re into outdoor activities other than biking (say hiking or running), look for a device that can do double (or triple) duty. Just remember, cycling-specific GPS units perform better on the trail than multi-purpose devices.

Recommendations for Mountain Bikers

With all those considerations in mind, here’s a list of our top picks for mountain bike GPS devices in three categories: cheap and good, mid-range, and money is no object. Also be sure to read all the reviews here on singletracks to find out what mountain bikers are saying about other devices we didn’t include.

Cheap and Good GPS Devices for Biking

• Garmin eTrex H: Does all the basics but doesn’t include navigation or fitness functions. No matter, it’s available for less than $100 and is the only GPS we used for years before upgrading.
• Garmin Forerunner 205: This wrist-mounted fitness device is great for both biking and running. Consider getting a bike mount for the Forerunner since it tends to impede wrist motion on the bike. For heart rate monitor compatibility, you’ll need to spend a bit more for the Forerunner 305.
• Garmin Edge 205: At $249 MSRP, this is the most expensive of the “cheap” devices but it’s also the best suited to mountain biking. Still, it doesn’t contain robust fitness or navigation features so you may find the need to upgrade sooner rather than later. Includes bike mount.

Mid-range GPS Devices for Biking

• Garmin Edge 305: One step up from the Edge 205, this device adds support for a wireless heart rate monitor and other fitness tools. Bike mount included.
• DeLorme PN-40: Available online for less than $300, the PN-40 includes a color screen and basemaps for navigation. It’s a little bulky on the handlebars but is a great choice for color navigation on a budget and does double duty as a great hiking GPS.
• iPhone: We weren’t sure where to place this one but if you already have an iPhone you can get decent mapping apps for less than $10 each. Of course the iPhone is a bit more fragile than devices specifically made for outdoor activities and you may not have access to basemaps if you’re out of cell tower range.

Money Is No Object

• Garmin Edge 705: If you have the coin to spend and are looking for a GPS to use primarily for biking, go for the Edge 705. This GPS does it all, from color screen navigation to wireless fitness tracking, all in a convenient and easy to use package for mountain or road biking.

Where to Shop for Mountain Bike GPS Devices

While more and more local bike shops are stocking GPS devices these days, you’ll generally find the best selection online at electronics retailers like Amazon.com. You’ll also get the best prices at Amazon, in some cases lower than what cycling retailers pay. Of course it’s always a good idea to support your LBS so check there first to see if they have what you need.

Summary

Choosing and buying a GPS for mountain biking takes a bit of research and planning but it’s well worth the effort. The right GPS can help you say on the trail, find the best singletrack, and elevate your training to the next level. Happy trails!

When I was a kid I had this idea for a clear bubble that enclosed my bike so I could ride in the rain and not get wet. Of course the idea wasn’t original and in fact enclosed bikes have been used to break bicycle speed records - but at the end of the day a bubble bike isn’t all that practical. Fortunately Gore has come up with a more fashionable, versatile solution for staying dry on the bike: the Alp-X Jacket.

The name Gore is now synonymous with waterproof breathability and with good reason. For more than 30 years the company has been researching and developing high performance fabrics like Gore-Tex with an eye toward serious athletes facing extreme conditions. The attention to detail in the Alp-X jacket is clearly visible from the expertly taped seams to the double-shielded enclosures.

Tightly taped seams inside the jacket.

Although this jacket is versatile enough to be worn on the trail or the road, it really works well for mountain biking for a number of reasons. First, it’s super lightweight and easy to cram into a Camelbak without taking up much space and the jacket can be stuffed into its own rear pocket. My size large jacket weighs just north of half a pound at less than 11 ounces - so light that I usually forget it’s stuffed in my pack (until it starts getting cold or raining).

Now I know what you might be thinking at this point: Aren’t we supposed to stay off the mountain bike trails when it’s raining? I’m definitely a firm believer in staying off wet trails but the fact is that sometimes mountain bikers get caught off guard, especially during epic rides that start in the morning and go until dusk. The Alp-X is the perfect emergency shell for avoiding hypothermia and keeps you mostly comfortable even when you’re pumping the pedals. Although this jacket is very breathable, if you’re like me you’ll probably still sweat a little once your heart rate gets up no matter what the outside conditions may be.

Aside from using the Alp-X to stay dry, I’m finding that the jacket is great for blocking the wind on the trail and on the road. In fact when the air is dry I feel like the Alp-X does an even better job regulating body moisture and smoothing out temperature variations due to climbing / descending / and resting. Even on the coldest days this winter I’ve worn the Alp-X over nothing more than a lightweight long sleeve jersey and have felt great.

Beyond its solid performance, the Alp-X is a seriously sporty looking jacket and I find myself making more and more excuses to wear it out. Gore claims this jacket has a “Euro fit” which apparently means it’s slim and the zipper pull is on the left. The cut is definitely athletic right down to the “pre-shaped elbows and 3D ergonomic fit.” On the trail this means the jacket doesn’t get in the way when you want to throw down sick moves. The Alp-X also includes velcro wrist closures, an elastic waist cord, and an expandable tail to help customize the fit to your body even further. The upshot? Air and water don’t have a chance of getting inside this jacket unless you want them to.

The Alp-X comes is a two high-vis colors but the black and gray version seemed a little more “mountain bike” to me. Before choosing this jacket one of the folks at Gore commented that the black jacket isn’t very visible on the road to which I scoffed - mountain bikers don’t need to be seen. Actually that’s not true (hunters, training rides on the road, etc.) but it turns out this black jacket is very visible at night thanks to its reflective piping and accents. On a recent night ride a friend remarked that the pattern looked like something out of the movie Tron which in my opinion, makes it freaking awesome.

Pac-lite durability and waterproof-ness come at a cost, both in terms of usability and finances. The jacket is crinkly - sorta like a heavy duty garbage bag - which means you won’t be sneaking up on anyone on the trail. Fortunately since this jacket is shaped and fitted, there aren’t too many areas of excess material to flap in the wind while you’re riding. And as you might expect from a rain jacket, the Alp-X isn’t exactly soft on the skin so be sure to don a comfy base layer to avoid direct contact during your ride.

In terms of monetary cost, at $269.99 MSRP this is a fairly expensive jacket. The good news is this is a piece of equipment that will last for years and is guaranteed to keep you dry - forever. So if, in 10 years, you start to notice leaking around the seams on your Alp-X, Gore will repair or replace the jacket at no charge. Considering lifetime costs, this jacket is actually a steal.

Care and maintenance is no big deal for the Alp-X; just toss into the washing machine on warm and let ‘er rip. Dry on medium heat and the jacket is as good as new. In fact, washing and drying the Alp-X actually helps maintain the water repellent finish on the outside so water will continue to bead as soon as it hits the surface.

The Alp-X is probably the closest thing you’ll find to a mountain bike bubble that won’t weigh you down or harsh your flow in the rain. If you’re serious about mountain biking year round, the Alp-X is a great investment that will ensure safe and comfortable rides for years to come.

Thanks to the folks at Gore for providing this jacket for review.

Here is an exciting new tire for those of you who are inspired by going really fast on your XC bike. The Maxxis Aspen 26×2.25 (also available in 26×2.10) is new to the Maxxis XC tire line-up and is a high volume, fast rolling tire that promises to deliver for mile after mile.

The 26×2.25 Aspen is a great balance between light weight (695 grams) (475 g for the 26 x 2.10 120tpi), durability, and traction. The race-inspired center tread is a low chevron, 3mm in height, that grips well enough in most terrain. The tread pattern depth increases to 5.5mm at the side knobs, which look like a cross between the Ardent and Minions DHF side knobs.  The 62/60 dual compound allows for low rolling resistance and long tread life in the center and good traction and stickiness in the corners.

One of the things I really like about Maxxis tires is the ease of installation and minimal need for tire irons.  For my tests I installed the Aspen tires on my Easton XC One wheels with a set of Maxxis Flyweight tubes. Just remember to add a bit of talcum powder to the tube before installation - this will further improve the ride and reduces any friction between the tube and tire.

Climbing

The low profile center knobs offer a surprising amount of climbing traction and control, both standing on the pedals and staying seated. The only time I had any real loss of climbing traction was in really loose soil, muddy, or slimy, rooted conditions. The low (3mm) center tread will load up with gunk quickly which poses a problem with in loose conditions but on the hard stuff  these tires rock.

Cornering

As I mentioned before, the side knobs on the Aspen closely resemble a cross between the Ardent and Minion DHF side knobs, so as you might expect, cornering ability is pretty darn similar in comparison. Not surprisingly, they hold the line very well and the transition between riding upright to hard cornering is smooth and controlled. The transition knobs do a great job of quickly shifting traction and pressure to the side knobs and back again. However, in really loose conditions the tire started to show signs of slippage, but this is to be expected from a lower rolling resistance tire.

Braking

Braking performance was good but not great - if that makes any sense. Because these tires are so efficient, speed can really get away from you if you aren’t careful. Under normal braking conditions, I didn’t even notice the tires were there (this is a good thing). Under really hard braking, I did get the rear to break loose a couple of times, but it was still fairly controlled. Braking in the rough stuff was also above average thanks to the high volume of the tires.

Descending

If you’re into having fun, you’ll also want to use these tires to descend. Now do not confuse these with downhill tires, because they’re not. But when you get to point your XC rig down a hill, these tires do a decent job cornering and stopping. They’re not super grippy by design but they’re certainly good enough to halt that XC bike. These Aspens did clog up a bit but on sticky hardpack, but rather than totally loosing traction, they lost it gradually.

Summary

The Maxxis Aspen 26×2.25 ($56 MSRP) is a fast, smooth rolling tire that’s highly efficient and should work great on any XC racer or even a trail bike that spends most of its time on the harder side of things. Using these tires on rocks, hardpack, rooted trails, and near-frozen trails, these tires did great. On looser stuff like sand over hardpack and muddy patches, the Aspen was just passable. If your terrain is on the harder side of things, definitely give these mountain bike tires a try!

My overall ratings for the Aspen

9 out of 10 for rolling and efficiency
6 out of 10 for loose conditions
9 out of 10 for cornering (hard pack)
8 out of 10 for stopping in a straight line (firmer ground)

Specs from Maxxis:

Durometer 62/60 rubber compound
Usage: XC, XC race
Conditions: hardpack, loose over hard, rocky
TPI: 60
Size: 26 x 2.25
Weight: 695 grams (foldable)

Thanks to the folks at Maxxis for the Aspen tires for review.

Camelbak is a name that needs no introduction. It’s a name that’s synonymous with hydration and hydration packs for cycling both on and off road, adventure racing, hunting, and military applications. Where there are thirsty people, Camelbak always seems to be around with a solution. In 2010 Camelbak is at it again with fresh styles and new, bold colors to address the wants and needs of mountain bikers everywhere. This spring I’ll be rockin’ The Don ($120 MSRP) with Flow Meter (sold separately, $30 MSRP) and no I was not arrested (just in case you were wondering about the pic).

The Don is a full-featured hydration pack designed especially for AM and FR mountain bikers. This pack sports a lightweight but strong rip-stop material which will stand up to the abrasive nature of all-mountain biking. Another great feature The Don includes is the air director back panel which allows your body to breathe and release heat when you’re pumping the pedals. Along with this intelligent yet simple heat release solution, you also get a wider strapping system (38mm) which will both hold the pack firmly in place and distribute pressure evenly across your body, even when hucking gnarly trails. The wide straps are made of the same mesh material as the vented back panels to encourage moisture wicking.

The Don can carry 3L (100oz) of water and 17.5L (1070 cu in) of cargo split into one main compartment and a few extra elastic pockets to separate your nutrition bars and gels from your tools and any other items for your ride.  Splitting up the space into several compartments allows the Don to hold goggles and electronics without fear of scratching them up or bouncing them around too much. I personally love that feature as it allows me to carry camera equipment as well as food and tools without fear of cutting into my sandwich or trashing my camera.

What really makes this a FR / park pack is that it has a convenient means for holding your helmets (full face as well as your open face) by a clever strap and flap combination. There’s even a clear flap on the side of the pack to hold your park pass! The straps that hold the flap for your helmet also double as the straps to tighten up the pack when it’s not full.

Taking the Don on (go figure) the Don Valley trails ups here in Ontario was just like strapping on any familiar piece of equipment. You just put the pack on, adjust the waist strap, and go. Just about the only thing I needed to learn was how to use the flow meter that I added to the Don.

The flow meter is actually a simple device: it uses a small magnetic sensor built into an impeller that rotates as you draw in water through a standard Camelbak hose. As the impeller rotates, it registers in the flow meter’s circuit board and display. Now the hard part is setting up the flow meter and using its advanced functions - I felt like I needed a PhD or something.

The simplest and most effective mode I found on the Flow Meter is called Amount remaining /  Total volume mode. Using  AR/TV mode for most all my riding I found that it worked great, giving me all I needed to know about my hydration situation. Clearly the most useful thing about the Flow Meter is it gives you an idea about how much water is left in your pack, something that was previously difficult if not impossible to do without removing the bladder from your pack. In terms of the advanced functions, I admit I fumbled around with the buttons a bit but never really found anything nearly as useful as the AR/TV mode.

Using the Don with the Flow Meter was great, though admittedly the color combo I received (Methyl Blue / Racing Red) was a bit loud for my personal tastes (there are 3 other color combos to choose from). Other than that, the Don is a comfortable and very functional hydration pack. On slope-side rides of 3 hours or more, this was more than adequate for my needs and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this pack to anyone.

Many of us take a small first aid kit on the trail whenever we go mountain biking but for epic, backcountry rides I like to be prepared for anything. Even on fairly short, local rides I’ve been in situations where I wish I had more gear - like the time a friend got severely dehydrated and we had to give him water straight from a small, dirty creek (he survived the dehydration but had a bad case of the runs at the hospital). That’s why I’m so stoked for Gear Pods’ Backcountry survival kit.

The GearPods canister system is modular and you can choose from pre-packaged kits (like the Backcountry which includes first aid and survival gear) or build your own using empty containers. The canisters look like those vacuum tube deals they use at the bank and fit your adjustable diameter bottle cage (though sadly it’s slightly too large for the standard cage I have). Fortunately the Backcountry is lightweight and compact enough to toss into your Camelbak for an all-day ride.

The Backcountry in stocked with items that can help you if you’re hurt, lost, hungry, thirsty, or cold. With first aid supplies, compass, whistle, keychain flashlight, fishing tackle, cook stove, water purification tablets, matches, mini saw, and much more, this kit has almost any situation covered. The kit even includes stuff to help you with MacGuyver-like bike repairs: duct tape, metal wire, and a sewing kit. The entire package is water-resistant which means all this important gear should stay dry even if you’re caught in a downpour.

If you like to get out and explore remote areas on your bike, consider bringing along a small survival kit like the GearPods Backcountry. It just might save your bacon!

Thanks to the folks at GearPods for providing the Backcountry for review.

Here is some stylish bling from Italy for your AM / DH rig. Let’s face it, some of the best things come from Italy like cars, motorcycles, shoes, and yes, bike saddles. Unlike many minimalistic saddles, the 225g Selle Italia SLR T1 ($192 MSRP) is a balance of strength and comfort in a lightweight package. The T1 is a saddle that can soften the blow of rough trails while standing up to the abuse ride after ride.

The seat rails on the SLR T1 are made from Vanox, a combination of  Vanadium and Titanium which is actually lighter than Titanium alone. Even though the rails are only 7mm in diameter I found them to be very durable. Despite many jumps and drops they stayed straight and didn’t creak or groan during the abuse.

The beautiful and flawless Lorica cover (black or white) not only looks great but will maintain that sleek look for a very long time. Lorica is a high abrasion resistant material and the strategically placed Kevlar side reinforcements will keep this saddle from unraveling itself when you tank the bike.

Stripping away the great looks of the saddle we get into the feel of the ride. Gel placed in different thicknesses and densities under the skin of the Lorica allows the folks at Selle Italia to pinpoint comfort without unnecessarily increasing weight. Selle Italia’s gel is one of the lightest out there right now and this stuff absorbs impact 40% better than other saddle gels. After a little while in this saddle the gel will mold itself to your unique shape, further improving the feel and comfort of the ride.

The T1 is 131mm across and 275mm in length which is pretty similar in shape to other MTB saddles within ± a  few millimeters. For my size and hip width this saddle fit extremely well - just as good as my WTB Devo. Unlike the Devo, the SLR T1 feels a bit softer and although I personally prefer a firm saddle, the T1 was nice as well, especially when riding hard and hitting roots and logs.  Compared to this saddle’s cousin, the SLR XC, the tip of the SLR T1 is a bit more blunt with extra padding, great for when you have the bike on an extreme angle and you’re putting weight on the nose.

For the money the SLR T1 may not be for everyone but it’s tough to put a price on comfort. At the end of the day there are few saddles out there that match the quality of workmanship and good looks of the T1 and it shows. It’s a good idea to test ride any saddle before you buy but if it fits, the SLR T1 is a high performance saddle that will go the distance for miles to come.

Thanks to the folks at Selle Italia and ProNet for the saddle for review.

Ever since I started riding with clipless mountain bike pedals I’ve stuck with the basic Shimano pedal system. Sure, over the years I’ve upgraded pedals and tried other Shimano-compatible brands but I’ve always been a little hesitant to try a completely new system because I falsely assumed I’d might have to relearn how to clip and unclip all over again. Then, a couple months ago, I got a chance to give the Time ATAC XS pedals a try and I finally got to see what I’ve been missing all these years.

Pedal Features

At 350g the Time ATAC XS pedals are slightly lighter than my Shimano M540 pedals which puts them solidly in the mid-weight range for mountain bike pedals. The composite body is super durable, low maintenance, and even rust-proof which is good news for those of us who encounter plenty of stream crossings. The bearings are also waterproof so these pedals will keep spinning smoothly and consistently no matter how much wet stuff you throw at them. Looking at the composite body from the front of the bike you can see it cuts an aerodynamic shape which is a detail most other pedals leave out.

The Time ATAC XS pedals also feature 3 adjustable release-tension settings from low to high which makes it simple to choose the right amount of tension for your riding style. No more futzing with an an adjustable screw wondering how many turns you should put in to get the tension right - in my book simple is always better. You can also choose a 13- or 17-degree pedal release angle depending on the way you install your shoe cleats. The wider 17-degree setting is perfect for more experienced riders who want to avoid inadvertent releases on tricky tech sections. And anyone who has ever had to remove stuck pedals will be happy to know these pedals feature both wrench flats and allen key holes on the spindles for multiple install/removal options.

Performance

Right away I noticed the Time ATAC XS pedals give a very smooth, consistent and solid entry and release. Compared to the Shimano pedals I’ve been using, I could actually feel a satisfying click on my foot rather than just hearing it. The pedal body is also wide enough that it’s easy to find the pedals without looking down and even provides a fairly comfortable platform for short rides without cleats. Time claims “you can step into a Time ATAC pedal faster than into any other” which sounds about right to me - clipping in and out is super quick and easy. Best of all, the cleats are SPD-compatible so your shoes are probably all ready to go!

The Time ATAC XS pedals feature 5 degrees of radial float and 3mm of side-to-side float which is meant to reduce knee and joint tension on epic rides. Radial float is basically the twisting range of motion your foot is allowed before it begins to encounter pedal release tension. Side-to-side float is less commonly referred to but it’s pretty self-explanatory - it’s the distance your cleat can move from side-to-side within the pedal mechanism. On the trail I found the float (both radial and side-to-side) felt great and allowed me to swing my knees and legs in and out more easily for balance on tricky sections than pedals with less float.

At first glance I assumed these pedals would be so-so in terms of mud shedding ability but I was pleasantly surprised out on the trail. Down here in Georgia we have plenty of mud but it’s probably better described as clay and it sticks to EVERYTHING. Despite several rides on tacky to downright muddy, un-maintained trails, the ATAC XS pedals didn’t jam up once. Chalk it up to an insanely simple design that doesn’t leave anywhere for mud to hide and you get a perfect clip-in every time.

After reviewing some high-res photos of the pedals I did notice some minor dings and scratches on the pedal body caused by normal wear and tear. So if you’re into ultra-pristine looking gear and can’t stand the sight of  blemishes on your pedals, you may want to consider another pedal set. You may also want to consider wrapping your frame in Bike Armor stickers too.

The Verdict

After a few rides with the Time ATAC XS mountain bike pedals I was convinced these were the pedals for me. With solid construction, smooth and comfortable performance, and impressive gunk clearing capabilities, these pedals should be on any serious XC rider’s radar. And if 350g sounds too heavy for you, check out the ATAC XS Carbon or Titan Carbon for an even lighter-weight platform. Give Time pedals a try and you’ll see the difference!

Thanks to the folks at Time for providing the ATAC XS pedals for review.