Sun Ringlé Charger Pro - First Look

Go to http://www.gramslightbikes.com/2010/07/sun-ringle-charger-pro-review.html for the full review!

I just got in a spanking pristine set of the new Sun Ringlé Charger Pro wheels for a thorough thrashing. The Charger Pro is an All Mountain wheelset which is available in 26" or 29" sizes, featuring tubeless ready aluminum rims that come with swanky labeling that screams, "Go Fast".

Prestacycle Multi-Purpose Air Compressor Bicycle Tool – First Look

I have been slowly tweaking my home shop, to make it a more useful and functional environment. For Christmas, I got a small air compressor, and I have found it to be an incredibly handy item. However, almost all the attachments to fill tires are for the Schrader valve (American valve), while I deal with only the Presta (Sclaverand or French valve). I have used the cheap adapters that you can find at any LBS, but they don't seal that well and are a pain to use. I finally located a set up that was made specifically for Presta named the Prestaflator, and it even included a nice pressure gauge. The unit is made by Prestacycle based out of Waterford, New York.

The Prestaflator uses a trigger to release air for inflating tires or as a blower through its attachable hose, which has an adapter head for Presta or Schrader valves.

Velo Cache Bicycle Storage Stand Review

For the last several months, I have been testing and enjoying the sweet Velo Cache and Rakk Bicycle Storage Stand from Feedback Sports. The storage rack allows you to hang 2 bikes (optional to 4) from its strong and well made aluminum column, through the use of their dual rubberized arms. It's perfect for the garage, home shop or in the house, but hopefully not your bedroom? It's free standing, so there is no need mar the walls or ceiling. An excellent product to free up floor space!

A rack is a torture device, slang term for breasts, rock climbing gear, billiards frame, amplifier holder, antlers, etc.

POC Cortex DH - First Look

Go to http://www.gramslightbikes.com/2010/07/poc-cortex-dh-review.html for the full review!

The Swedish based POC company was predominantly a snow sport protection company, and they have always had safety at the forefront of their research and technology. They have recently morphed over into the biking protection world, and their full faced Cortex DH helmet is their epitome of safety standards. The POC Cortex DH uses an innovative 2 layer shell, a lightweight carbon fiber wrapped around their aramid (aromatic polyamide) reinforced in-mold liner. The liner has a thin shell of polycarbonate covering the multi-impact Super EPP (expanded polypropylene) core. The double overlapping shell design, uses their VDSAP (Ventilated Double Shell Anti Penetration), allowing a fully ventilated construction with maximum comfort without sacrificing penetration resistance or impact energy management. Future versions of the helmet can be  equipped with the patented MIPS system to reduce the rotational forces to the brain in case of an oblique impact.

Wow, that a head full of techno babble, but when it comes to safety, and especially with my noggin, I am all for it!

Vaude Hyper Air 14+3 - First Look

Go to http://www.gramslightbikes.com/2010/05/vaude-hyper-air-143-review.html for the full review!

Eons ago I recall seeing a Vaude tent at a local specialty shop, and I was highly impressed with its craftsmanship, innovation and functionality. Since then they have evolved into many sectors of outdoor recreational gear and clothing, including bike packs, bags, panniers and clothing. Recently, Magura USA picked up the distribution for Vaude in the US for the bike related items, and they were kind enough to pass along the Vaude Hyper Air 14+3 hydration pack for a test.

The Vaude Hyper Air 14+3, in which the 14+3 refers to a 14 liter carrying capacity, with additional 3 liters expansion. It comes with a 3 liter reservoir bag and a plethora of features.

Yeti ASR 7 - First Look

Go to http://www.gramslightbikes.com/2010/08/yeti-asr-7-review.html for the full review!

I have gotten a couple of good rides on the Yeti ASR 7, and I am pleasantly surprised at some of its attributes. This bike liked to fly! The suspension just soaks up ugly terrain, and it softly flows down a trail like it's floating on air. When climbing steep and/or rocky terrain, the rear end sticks like glue, and it climbs like a cross country bike, and not a 31.9 lb behemoth with 7 inches of suspension.

Uvex Supersonic RS Review

The uvex (pronounced ew-vex) Supersonic rs helmet has been my loyal companion for quite a while now, and I have found it to be lightweight, comfortable, easily adjustable and having excellent ventilation. The German made helmet has a plethora of features, that add not only to its safety, but to the comfort and usability of the wearer.