Grams Light Bikes - Mountain Bike and Gear Reviews, and News: November 2009

Monday, November 23, 2009

Traveling with a bike

I was heading out to Thousand Oaks California for my Nephews Bar Mitzvah, and I really wanted to do some mountain bike riding while I was there. My Father In-Law has a cruiser bike, but getting to hit the nice singletrack in their local neighborhood was more my cup of tea! Although they do have some wicked steep hills in their neighborhood, and the cruiser bikes gearing makes for some good training. Last time I came out that way I drove with the family, and I brought my bike with me. This time I was flying, so I had to think of a way to transport it. I didn't feel like paying an oversize charge for a normal size bike box/crate, so I decided to try and get a bike suitcase that stayed within the maximum luggage size, which is a 62 inch girth (length+width+height). Ritchey makes a soft sided case for their breakaway bike, but it hard to come by and a bit pricey for what you get. I had seen an S and S Machine bike metal case that has the proper regulation size. After speaking with S and S, I ordered up their 10" Butterfly Latch hard case, which has a size of 26"x26"x10".

Syntace Vector 31.8 Carbon Handlebar Review

I have been testing the Syntace Vector 31.8 Carbon handlebars on my Moots Mooto-XZ 29er for 5-6 months now, and I am highly impressed. I have never used a set of carbon handlebars that had such a wonderful feel to them, and dare, I say they actually have a touch of the silky titanium property! They are not only bombproof, but they look good, have a nice sweep to themselves and are decently wide.

GoPro HD HERO - Impressions

Go to http://www.gramslightbikes.com/2010/04/gopro-hd-hero-review.html for the full review!

The longingly anticipated GoPro HD HERO has finally been released, and at first glance and usage it has met a lot of my expectations.

I really liked the original GoPro HERO Wide that I tested and reviewed about a year ago, it was rugged, lightweight and got the job done in a simple fashion. It brought a lot of unique features to the table, such as its waterproof and durable housing, and an incredible assortment of attachment accessories, such as the best quick release vented helmet mounts in the business. Unfortunately, it was lacking in high quality video, especially in comparison to some of its competition of late.

GORE-TEX ALP-X Jacket and Short - First Look

Go to http://www.gramslightbikes.com/2010/05/gore-bike-wear-alp-x-jacket-and-shorts.html for full review!

I recently received the Gore Bike Wear ALP-X jacket and shorts for some testing. We just passed the rainy season in Colorado, so for now it will most likely get more snowstorm activity than anything? I wish I had this set, especially the shorts, during a rainstorm that I got caught in this last summer, refer to "Be prepared better safe than sorry" for that horror story.

The ALP-X set is made from GORE-TEX Paclite Shell material, which is very lightweight, extremely breathable and obviously is waterproof per the always excellent GORE-TEX standards. The Paclite shell is comprised of a nylon face fabric, followed by the hydrophobic GORE-TEX membrane, and then a protective layer of an oleophobic substance and carbon.

It is amazing how easy it is the pack away the jacket and shorts into my pack, plus it hardly weighs anything, which is very convenient since it is one less reason not to bring it with me on any outing.

The jacket has a couple of nice features. The foremost for me as a biker is the drop down tail on the rear of the jacket. Just simply unsnap the tail, and it keeps water rolling right off your back and but. The addition of a small bit of elastic so that the tail snugs up against your butt is a very nice, although it sort of looks like a baby diaper!

I also liked how snug the jacket zipped up on my neck, which is nice when you aren't wearing a hood, it keeps the rain from sneaking into, and dripping down your neck. Other features for the jacket are reflective piping, a rear and front pocket and some nice wrist and hem closures.

The jacket didn't come with a hood, but it does have a simple attachment point for one. It seems to me that if someone spends this much on a top of the line jacket, it should come with a hood, whether it's attached or not?

I really liked the shorts. I can't count how many times I have had a decent rain jacket with me, but I always would get soaked to the bones in my shorts. They are comfortable, lightweight, and packable, so why leave home without them? Features include reflective piping, a small rear pocket, innovative leg closures to keep them snug and an elastic portion on the rear for some stretching room.

As a set I really liked how comfortable the Gore Bike Wear ALP-X jacket and shorts were. They are lightweight, extremely packable, breathable and waterproof, so who could ask for anything more? I am looking forward to some more extensive testing this winter with this fine set of gear from Gore Bike Wear.

GORE-TEX®