Velocity P35 - First Look

Go to http://www.gramslightbikes.com/2010/09/velocity-p35-review.html for the full review!

At the 2009 Interbike, I was highly intrigued by the Australian rim maker Velocity P35 or Pacenti 35 rims. The ultra wide 35mm rim, is 22mm deep with an inside width of 29.5mm, and seemed ideal for fat tires and brutal All Mountain riding. The rim was co-designed by Kirk Pacenti, who is also well known for his development of the 650b wheel size for mountain bike use. The P35 is available in 26”, 650b, and 29” sizes, drilled with either 32 or 36 holes, and comes in black, silver, white, electric red and antifreeze green.

Vaude Hyper Air 14+3 Review

Eons ago I recall seeing a Vaude (pronounced 'Vhod') tent at a local specialty shop, and I was highly impressed with its craftsmanship, innovation and functionality. 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 pack has plenty of innovations, designs and features, including an incredible back panel system and water reservoir. The pack has been comfortable with excellent ventilation, and has proven to be a great hydration pack for mountain biking.

Camlebak The Don - First Impressions

Go to http://www.gramslightbikes.com/2010/08/camelbak-don-review.html  for the full review!

Camelbak has released two new hydration packs made specifically for the All Mountain and Freeride community. The Don (17.5L) and The Capo (11L) have the usual Camelbak features, along with the ability to carry full face helmets and body armor.

Julbo Dirt Review

I have been putting the Julbo Dirt sunglasses through the paces from close to a year now while mountain biking. They have dealt with wind storms, rain, snow, and light varying from the bright desert, to the dark woods, and everything in between. They have gotten bounced around while riding through rock gardens, ridden at Mach 1, been dropped on the ground a number of times and been worn under assorted helmets (even full face). They have turned out to be comfortable, durable, fog free, and offer excellent wind protection, great varying light capabilities and superb optical clarity.

Cane Creek 110 IS Review

I have had the Cane Creek 110 IS on my Ibis Mojo for a year now, and it has been abused through mud, snow and rain, and has been subjected to constant rocky and bone jarring conditions. It has worked so well that I have pretty much forgotten that it was even on the bike. It has remained smooth and bind free, with nary an issue. Outside of setting the proper bearing preload, I have never done any real maintenance on the headset. It feels pretty much the same as when I installed.

Gore Bike Wear ALP-X Jacket and Shorts Review

I have gotten six months of good testing of the Gore Bike Wear ALP-X jacket and shorts, in varying weather conditions, and they have kept me warm, dry and comfortable. They have been a dependable and constant companion, and have been durable, useful and extremely functional. The attention to details, along with their innovations and features makes this set of GORE-TEX apparel a winning combination.

American Classic MTB Tubeless Review

I first saw the new American Classic Tubeless wheelset at Interbike 2009, and was immediately drawn in by the vivid red hubs, and the fact that they were tubeless. After bashing through the snow, rocks, mud and anything else Mother Nature tossed at me this winter, they have proven themselves to be an excellent cross country and trail wheelset. They are light, well made, stiff for their category, and offer great acceleration and low rolling resistance.