A lot of gear comes across our desks here at Pinkbike. Check Out is a monthly round-up of everything our tech editors have gotten their hands on. Sometimes it's products we're doing long-term tests on, other times it's stuff we're stoked on but don't have time to fully review. And, sometimes it's crazy shit someone sent us unsolicited and we're having a laugh.
Smith Wildcat Sunglasses Features• Goggle inspired coverage
• Frame colors: black, moss, citron
• Two position nose piece
• $199 USD
• Includes ChromaPop lens and additional clear lens
• Hydroleophobic lens coating
• Lifetime warranty
•
www.smithoptics.com | Yes, you can buy safety glasses at the hardware story to keep your eyes free from flying debris, but the clarity and scratch resistance of those inexpensive options tends to be lacking. Smith's new Wildcat glasses are on the higher end of the spectrum, but they're nice and light, with a wide field of vision and tons of of coverage. I've only used them on a few rainy rides so far (based on the weather forecast it'll probably be awhile before the tinted lens gets any use) but they worked very well on those initial rides, remaining comfortable and fog-free for the duration.— Mike Kazimer |
Stryve Trail Mix Features• High quality mix of nuts and seeds
• Air-dried beef biltong flakes
• Gluten free, no peanuts
• $4.99 USD (60 gram pack)
• Long lasting energy, 20 grams of protein
• No hormones, antibiotics or additives
• Original, dark chocolate, and jalapeno flavors
•
Stryve Snacks | It would be tough to pack more energy into a 60-gram pouch. Stryve's mix of seeds, nuts and beef biltong takes up almost no space in a pocket or pack, and the ingredients deliver the staying power you need for long days in the saddle. A zip-lock pouch allows you to nibble at will, or add other ingredients to suit your taste. Five bucks may seem outrageous for a 60 gram bag of nuts and artisanal beef jerky, but three hours into an epic trail ride, you will be praising your purchase once you've tasted this delicious power food. I'm a fan of the dark chocolate.— RC |
Pearl Izumi Versa Softshell Hoodie Features• Softshell fabric
• Two hand pockets, zippered security pocket, zippered back pocket
• $175 USD
| Pearl Izumi's new Versa Softshell jacket has the relaxed fit of a comfy cotton hoodie, but it's made from a polyester fabric that'll keep the wind out, and won't soak through immediately if there's little drizzle or snow. It's a good choice for chilly fall adventures, or for those pre- and post-ride moments where you need another layer for hanging around at the trailhead. The drop tail hem and reflective bits in key areas are clues that it's made for cycling, but it doesn't scream "I'm a bike dork," which means you can wear it around town without getting any strange looks.— Mike Kazimer |
Giro Riddance Women's Flat Pedal Shoes Features• Water-resistant breathable microfiber upper
• Laced closure with lace keeper
• Rubber toe and heel reinforcements
• Rockprint reinforcement for enhanced durability
• Available in whole sizes from 35 to 43
• Two colours: Dark Shadow/Berry or Glacier/Mint
•
www.giro.com• Vibram Megagrip ISR rubber outsole
• EVA midsole optimized for vibration damping
• Molded DH EVA Footbed with arch support
• 400 grams (size 39)
• $129 USD
| Giro's Riddance Women's shoe is a welcome addition to the brand's line-up of women's mountain bike shoes which has mainly focused on more cross-country oriented clipless models until now. In fact, this is the brand's first flat pedal gravity shoe with a women's last. The women's version has a little less volume in the forefoot and a narrower heel cup when compared to the men's version. The Riddance uses Giro's new Vibram Megagrip ISR rubber outsole, and the low top allows for considerable movement around the ankle while pedaling. I have high arches and narrow feet, and I find the Riddance a very comfortable shoe with a supportive fit.—Sarah Moore |
Ion Tee LS Scrub Select The Scrub Select is about as basic as it gets - it's a waterproof jersey one small pocket and a goggle / glasses wipe.
Features• 4-way stretch fabric
• Loose fit
• 89.95 EUR
| Ion's Tee LS Scrub Select jersey (the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue) is a different take on waterproof apparel. It may look like what wrestlers wear when they're trying to shed pounds before a big match, but it's actually a waterproof / breathable jersey. The lack of vents or zippers means it's not going to be ideal for long rides with lots of pedalling, but I could see it working as a simple layer for those rainy bike park or shuttle days.— Mike Kazimer |
Gore Wear M Windstopper Gloves Features• Minimalist feel
• Colors: Black or Neon
• Sizes XS-3XL
• $59.99 USD
| Thick and bulky gloves are of little use to me on the mountain bike but frozen digits are even worse. The Gore M Windstopper glove has a minimalist feel that doesn't compromise grip on the bars and keeps the wind off while also offering a bit of protection from moisture in cooler weather. The gloves are breathable and pack down small so they're easy to stash in your pocket or pack when they're not in use.— Daniel Sapp |
I had to restitch them, because left and right were different and the thumbs were way too big.
XXL is about the same as with Fox, but bigger than Lizardskins and smaller than Alpinestars.
The reflective print came off after some weeks.
@motard5 If you are the cold-finger type they should be fine from + 3°C. At - 5°C I would prefer cheap insulated ski gloves on a longer ride . Cold fingers are ok for 10min, not for 2hrs. If your ride starts uphill and then goes down quite fast they should be fine when colder, but not in flat land where you wont heat up.
You have to agree these will out perform smith squads
I just think $200usd is beyond ridiculous for a pair of REALLY ugly sun glasses.
1x Pivlock Arena: After a year or so, well you've guessed it, lenses started to crack on the corners near the hinges. So I'm down to one lens and I'm just trying to calculate how long it will last.
I'm very very careful with my gear and always take utmost care with anything. It is just unacceptable that this happens. Even if you accept it, customer support should catch it. What Smith EU actually wrote to me was this: (paraphrassing): "Thank you, we'll let our engineers know about this. Have a nice day." Wrote them again, they didn't even reply.
So no, not buying their low quality stuff anymore. Most of my buddies and family have 100% gear and I wanted to have something different (and design-wise better). It was a mistake in hindsight and whatever I bought from 100% it was great afterwards.
Lens quality is second to none.
I bought some 3M safety glasses in the interm and the edgess of the lenses had a distortion that gave me a splitting headache, they were $9usd. Seems like a waste of $9.
Are you sure about that Mike? That blue and red is hella ugly.
Only thing I don't mind paying for on glasses is proper polarized lenses.
Gimme the cheapest no brand frame but good lenses.
The thing good polarized lenses do is amazing to me. It's like x Ray specs when it comes to water and glare
rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F232987472439
Dunno not all advertised polarized are equal. Had some that are shit and are no better than regular petrol station glasses and some that are mega. Case of suck it and see. Last decent pair I got where asda 30quid jobbys and the ones before that I got from oz for 20$. Find a puddel in the sun and you can tell straight away. Good Pair of polarized and you can count fish on a sunny day 100ft down in water
Is this Canadian English?
Show me something rad with some black in a girl’s fit
Feel like Cinderella dressed in yella in my race kit"
not a girl but my Gf got into mountain biking, hehe:" GUYS, I did it!"
and I totally get bumped when I see a great product that is woman specific but is only in limited options, some frames that are woman specific are even worse than those for men, for the same price!
But yeah. nice shoes but seriously, "Show me something rad with some in a girl's fit"
I really want to buy her something great that is MTB specific.
other than that. you guys are awesome!
Formula: 2 layer poly, 20k waterproof, 20k breathable, pit zips, full front zipper, two side zippers, adjustable hood. Done.
Honestly i can't stand footy or its fans or Burnley in general.
I love it when the world cups on tho as the lake district is empty.