CamelBak Skyline LR 10 Hydration Pack
The CamelBak Men’s Skyline 10 LR and Women’s Solstice LR 10 are lumbar All Mountain oriented packs and include new upgrades and features. The lumbar design’s lower center of gravity means more stability on bumpy trails and free upper body movement.
The innovative new dual-wing hip belt system offers amazing load-carrying stability, comfort, and ventilation. The packs feature a 10-liter capacity, a 3-liter Crux lumbar reservoir, a tool organizer roll, and functional pockets and storage compartments. The Skyline and Solstice LR (Low Rider) packs are light, rugged, comfortable, and carry the water and content weight securely down on the lumbar.
The Skyline comes in Black and Burnt Olive Kelp colors, while the Solstice comes in Black/Silver and Gunmetal/Blue Haze, and they both retail for $135. For an in-depth look, refer to Skyline LR 10 Hydration Pack Review.
Thoughts => The CamelBak Skyline 10 LR is an excellent All Mountain pack that is extremely stable and comfortable due to the synergy of the lumbar design, low slung reservoir, conformable back panel, harness, and extremely functional dual-wing hip belt system. It has become my go-to pack for the season.
Magura MDR-P Rotors
The Magura MDR-P is a two-piece rotor that features a unique Dovetail Interlink technology that interlocks the outer and inner disc rings (think woodworking). When the outer ring expands from heat, the interlocking mechanism provides additional support and strength for the inner ring. This technology means the torque is transmitted over the entire surface of the system instead of just at the rivets, which is the case with a standard floating disc design. The result is increased rigidity and improved heat dissipation, which is much more effective under continuous and heavier braking loads.
This new technology and design mean that the MDR-P is Magura’s most powerful rotor, with reduced vibration, fade resistance, and decent weight for a gravity and e-bike oriented disc. It comes in a 203 mm size (216g) and their first-ever 220 mm size (241g), and they both retail for $75 each.
The new 220 mm size rotor generates around 10% more braking force than a 203 mm model and 20% more than a 180 mm model – for the same manual force. The higher mass also reduces the risk of brake fading and reduces brake pad wear by 15%. The temperatures that are critical for the brake pad are reached much later by the MDR-P rotor.
For a more in-depth look at the rotors, refer to Impressions – MDR-P Brake Rotors.
Thoughts => The innovative dovetail interlocking design between the inner and outer rings of the MDR-P rotors offers increased rigidity, improved heat resistance, and reduced vibration, all of which offer an incredibly powerful and superb performer for a braking system. You can pull in hard for the maximum stoppage, dab as needed to scrub speed, or feather lightly, all with the utmost precision and control on any terrain.
Click here to purchase MDR-P Rotors
Pearl iZUMi X-ALP Elevate Shoe
The X-Alp Elevate is Pearl iZUMi’s premier mountain bike shoe, and they offer an ideal combination of pedaling power transfer and walkability. They provide optimal comfort and efficiency on epic and everyday rides. The shoe has been updated with features that make it lighter, more comfortable, grippier, and more adjustable with its dual BOA® Closure. It features a seamless synthetic upper for comfort and durability, toe and heel guards, sticky soles, and clipless compatibility.
It comes in a Phantom/Berm Brown color scheme, sizes 39-46 (with halves), 47-49 (fulls), and retails for $200. See a full review at Pearl iZUMi X-ALP Elevate Shoe Review.
Thoughts => The shoes are comfortable, decently protective, have an optimal blend of power transfer and walkability, and have dual BOA® dials for ideal fit tuning and foot entry and egress. Its uppers are water-resistant and breathable for any weather condition, while the midsole dampens terrain chatter and provides pedaling comfort. The Vibram outsole’s sticky compound provided plenty of grip on any terrain and has been very durable, and the tread pattern offers plenty of bite with excellent shedding.
Click here to purchase the X-Alp Elevate shoes
Sprindex Adjustable Coil Spring
The Sprindex adjustable coil spring system allows you to alter your existing coil shock’s spring-rate without needing to swap out coils or utilize any tools. You rotate the Sprindex collar by hand to add or subtract 30 to 80 lb/in (version dependent) to the spring rate in 5 or 10 lb/in increments (version dependent). It’s a simple design with just the replacement coil and spinning its adjuster and some adapters.
It features a proprietary steel coil spring, with three different overall lengths to fit shock stroke lengths of up to 2.2″ (XC/Trail), 2.6″ (Enduro), and 3.0” (DH) in length, with 290 – 610 lb/in spring-rate range options. It includes three sets of thin Delrin adapters to be compliant with almost every major suspension manufacturer’s shocks (Fox, RockShox, DVO, MRP, Marzocchi, Cane Creek, Öhlins, RockShox, X-Fusion, and Push) and retails for $140.
Thoughts => I tested the 55mm x 380-430 lb/in version on my Ibis Ripmo V2 with the DVO Jade X Coil. It was simple to install: take off the shock, remove the old coil, install the new coil with its Derlin adapters, and replace the shock. The Sprindex offers excellent tuning capabilities, and I could bump the spring-rate up or down by 50 lb/in in 5lb/in increments. When I knew I would hammer hard, I could dial it up for more stiffness, and when things calmed down, I dropped it down a notch for more comfort and plushness. When doing more climbing, I could crank it to the max for a better platform, or I could add some softness if I knew I’d have the shock locked out. The Sprindex coil weighed less than the default DVO coil, which was a pleasant surprise.
Wolf Tooth 8-Bit Pack Pliers
The Wolf Tooth Components 8-Bit Pack Pliers is a lightweight multi-tool with 17 functions. Eight attachments nest inside the handles of master link pliers using magnets and a clever storage system. These attachments then fit into an 8mm ball detent swivel head with a 4mm opening for hex bits, which adds functionality to the already-versatile master link pliers.
It comes in black color with 8 accent colors and retails for $69.95.
Thoughts => This is a nice addition to their tool suite. I tested their Master Link Combo Pliers, and I found it to be a compact and well-made aluminum 6 in 1 multi-tool that was amazingly functional for dealing with minor issues out in the field. The new 8-Bit Pack Pliers takes those same characteristics and adds more usefulness, plus the slightly longer lever arm will make it easier to deal with chain links. It was easy to pop out the hex bits, the valve core cleaner, and optional chain quick-links. I liked having the 8mm hex for dealing with pedals, the small widget for spoke/valve cores, and of course, the pliers for chain links and valve core nuts.
Click here to purchase the 8-Bit Pack Pliers
GORE Wear C5 GORE-TEX Trail Hooded Jacket
Highly packable and lightweight weather defense
Combining two GORE-TEX tried and true technologies and years of experience, this is the only jacket you’ll need in foul weather while being small enough that you can carry it with you, so you’re always prepared. Rugged, weatherproof, and lightweight, the GORE-TEX PACLITE Plus fabric allows this jacket to pack down very small while strategically placed GORE-TEX Active panels increase breathability in key areas. Fitting it in your trail pack on a big day out will never be a problem. The MTB cut will easily fit over your regular riding clothes but is close enough to the body to prevent flapping when you truly get up to speed. This relaxed styling also means it won’t look out of place if you wear it off the bike. Hidden front pockets add to the jacket’s versatility, ensuring it will be used for a lot more than just trail time. Refer to GORE Wear.
Thoughts => I used this jacket throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall, which provided excellent wind, rain, and snow protection. One of the nicest characteristics was its breathability, and even when I was slogging uphill on a tough climb, I didn’t feel like I was in a sauna. The jacket is so packable that I could bring it along on any ride since it fit into hip packs, normal packs, frame packs, etc. The hood fits nicely under my helmet, and the jacket saved me more than once when I encountered heavy rain and hail storms. It was nice to be warm and dry!
Click here to purchase the G5 Jacket (On-Sale)
Backcountry Access Tracker 4 Beacon
The new BCA Tracker 4 follows its Tracker brethren’s footsteps and offers lots of excellent upgrades. It features an extra-durable, rubberized casing, bright yellow/orange coloring, and a larger LED display that can be seen in bright sun and with polarized sunglasses. It utilizes the highly functional Tracker interface that displays search progress and helps guide users to found signals, and it includes internal electronics upgrades (it’s smarter and quicker). It retails for $389.95.
Tracker avalanche transceivers have long been the fastest, easiest-to-use beacons in the industry. The Tracker4 just took it up a notch, with a rubberized over-molded case, larger LED display, and the same Tracker interface that basically makes it impossible not to find your companion. Signal suppression and Big Picture modes for no-nonsense multiple-victim searching. Motion-sensing auto revert-to-transmit mode. Upgradeable software and electronics performance testing for fleet management.
For more in-depth information, refer to Backcountry Access releases the Tracker4 Avalanche Beacon.
Thoughts => The Tracker 4 is easy to use and offers a functional LED digital/arrow readout and a loud audio tone during tracking. It offers an innovative Signal Suppression and Big Picture feature to locate and differentiate multiple victims. The unit has glove-friendly controls, has a nice bright color, a rubberized grip, a leash, and an LED that can be seen in bright sunlight. The rear compartment can be opened for battery changes and to update the software.
Click here to purchase the BCA Tracker 4 Beacon
G-Form E-Line Knee and Elbow Guards
The G-Form E-line Knee and Elbow guards are designed for the aggressive rider tackling technical terrain and who wants to conquer long days in the saddle. With a focus on unparalleled fit, next-level protection, comfort, and breathability, E-line is specifically designed to meet these needs.
The E-Line pads are CE 1621.1 certified, using four distinct layers of protection. The outer layer uses a flexible plastic hard shell that allows the armor to slide when impacting a hard surface. Next comes a layer of an Armortex Kevlar blend material for abrasion resistance, followed by their SmartFlex energy-absorbing padding, which stiffens on impact yet remains flexible while riding. And lastly, next to the skin is a soft ventilated foam layer for comfort and feel. They integrate the Active Airflow System with all four layers, and it offers air throughput via ventilation ports for improved breathability and temperature regulation.
For easy on-off without removing your shoes, the pads use a zippered opening on the bottom rear along with top and bottom Velcro closures for fine-tuning the fit. They have an opening behind the knee and feature a mesh back and breathable open weave cushioning for comfort.
They come in S, M, L, and XL sizes, and retail is $109.99 for the Knee and $99.99 for the elbow.
Thoughts => I like the four-layer protection design, which offers the sliding characteristics of the plastic shell, the toughness of the Armortex, the energy-absorbing SmartFlex, and the next to the skin comfy foam. The easy on-off zippered design and the adjustable Velcro closures make for a highly functional set of armor. Even on multi-hour pedaling forays, I found them comfortable with decent airflow to prevent overt sweating on warmer rides. I could stuff them into my pack until I needed them on the descent and the zip-off/Velcro setup meant I didn’t have to hassle taking off my shoes. The E-Line pads are tough, durable, easy to use, and offer excellent protection during an impact.
Click here to purchase the E-Line Knee Guards
SQlab 311 FL-X Carbon Handlebar
The SQlab 311 FL-X (i.e., Flex) carbon fiber handlebars are designed for mountain biking and have a 4º upsweep, a 15mm or 30mm rise, a 16º backsweep, and a 740mm width. The increased backsweep provides improved and more natural ergonomics when riding, which decreases fatigue and injuries. The stem and brake/shifter clamp area have an anti-slip zone to prevent the bars from creeping around, making for easier tuning adjustments. The 15mm and 30mm rise versions weigh around 210 grams and retail for $249.99.
The ergonomic bars utilize functional sweeps and rise and designs to improve comfort, optimize positioning, and decrease hand fatigue and hand-related issues. The carbon fiber damping offers a welcome softening to rough trails without feeling sloppy. The 311 FL-X was designed concerning their flex behavior, and instead of the typical carbon bar damping characteristics between 0% to 15%, the 311 FL-X has between 20% to 30%. This higher flex pattern decreases terrain chatter and vibrations, softens the ride, and offers an overall more soothing tactile feel without losing any steering precision.
For further information, refer to sq-lab.com and in the US at sqlab-usa.com. An in-depth look is given at Just In – SQlab 311 FL-X Carbon Handlebar.
Thoughts => The bars I tested have a prominent 16º backsweep, a 30mm rise, a 740mm width, a 31.8mm clamping diameter, and weighed in at 209 grams. The backsweep prevents hyperextending the wrists, provides ergonomic hand and forearm and elbow positioning and reduces Carpal Tunnel Syndrome issues and hand numbness. The 740mm wide bars can be shortened to 720mm if desired, though I found the 740mm sizing ideal, not too wide and not too short. The 311 FL-X carbon handlebars offer excellent ergonomics and a comfortable and natural hand orientation, with a useful combination of backsweep and upsweep and soothing damping flex.
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