Mountain Hardwear Alakazam Jacket Features:

• Totally waterproof, breathable softshell loaded with ski features
• Removable, adjustable, stretch powder skirt
• Pit zips for additional ventilation
• One-handed hood and hem drawcords for quick adjustments
• Zip handwarmer pockets
• Plenty of interior pockets for all your gear
• Soft, “Butter Jersey” cuffs
• Micro-Chamois™-lined chin guard eliminates zipper chafe
• Colors: Blue/Grill, Black/Grill, Red/Grill (tested)
• MSRP: $375

Mountain Hardwear Alakazam Jacket Review

At Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2011, I was introduced to Mountain Hardwear’s new fabric technology, Dry.Q. It represented a line in the sand between Mountain Hardwear and long-time partner W.L. Gore. Mountain Hardwear was so confident in their new fabrics that they were cutting the cord and moving on without the most recognizable waterproof/breathable membrane on the market. It didn’t take much convincing to sell me on the finer points of Dry.Q as I tested the Effusion Power Jacket and now the Alakazam Jacket.

The Alakazam is packed full of ski-specific features, like the detachable powder skirt and “Butter Jersey” cuffs. It features an efficient fit without a with just enough room for a typical light to midweight underlayer. Overall construction is superb and on par with what I’ve come to expect from Mountain Hardwear.

Wearing the jacket around, one of the first features I appreciate is the semi-detached collar design. In fact, I like this feature so much that I’d call it the Alakazam’s most impressive feature. Typical hooded jackets feature a rollover collar that flows into the hood. The result is typically a poor seal between the back of the neck and the jacket. The Alakazam remedies that by its semi-detached, fleece-lined collar. You can stand the collar up and keep all the heat in with or without using the hood. It allows you to enjoy the jacket with or without using the hood.

For simplicity, all the zippers on this jacket are of the waterproof variety and all have worked well, except for the upper-chest pocket. The problem is not necessarily related to the zipper, but to the design of the outer zipper flap. The way it’s designed, water and snow gathers inside the lower part of the zipper flap and gets frozen there. In my world, I’d get rid of the outer flap and just go with the zipper.

While the Alakazam does feature a zip-off powder skirt, this jacket still doesn’t pack down all that small. There are better lightweight jackets that pack up super-small, so keep that in mind. No, it’s not huge and bulky, but it does take up more room than my typical lightweight shells in my backcountry pack. Yes, you can lighten it up by zipping off the powder skirt, but it’s still a tad bulkier than I’d like for dedicated backside use.

Back to a few more great features, it’s impossible to overlook the quality and design of the hood. It goes on easy and adjusts to fit a helmet or bare noggin with ease. A single pull on the rear pulltab and it cinches down in just the right places. Another great feature is the Monkey Man-like  shag insulation that lines the upper-back, shoulders and upper-arms. That fleece greatly adds to the warmth and comfort of this jacket.

Breathability of the Dry.Q Elite fabric was as expected — superb. On a particularly snowy day at Deer Valley, the temperatures were cold on the ridgelines, but in the protection of the trees where the snow was piled high and deep, I found myself in a close-encounter with a scrubby pine tree that snagged my arm and sent me tumbling. With one ski missing, I began hiking uphill in waist-deep powder. After a few minutes, I began sweating and the Dry.Q Elite fabric breathed like a champ. In fact, I never needed the pit zips.

Good Alakazam Jacket

• Dry.Q Elite fabric breathes better than other waterproof/breathable fabrics on the market
• Exterior fabric is bomber and has withstood serious abuse
• Butter Jersey cuffs are comfortable and keep the snow out
• Semi-detached, fleece-lined collar gives you the best of both hooded and non-hooded worlds
• Strategically-placed insulation on shoulders and upper-arms extends warmth
• Awesome hood works well with or without a helmet

Bad Alakazam Jacket

• A little heavy and bulky with all the pockets, powder skirt, etc.
• Sleeves could be an inch longer
• Ditch the pit zips… unnecessary fluff to appease old-school nay-sayers
• Chest pocket flap captures snow

Bottom Line: Mountain Hardwear Alakazam Jacket

Knowing the origins of Mountain Hardwear’s new Dry.Q Elite fabrics, it’s no wonder it works so well. I’m sold on its superior breathability and continued weatherproofness. The Alakazam Jacket is a great ski-specific jacket with all the bells-and-whistles you could ever want when bombing the deep on the frontside of the mountain. And, should you need to push its limits in high-output situations, it will not leave you cold and clammy.

Buy Now: Visit MooseJaw.com

In the shop, I gave the bindings a visual run-down. Some of the first things I noticed were:

• The torsion bars are much lower profile than any other similar bindings on the market
• Changing the bindings from ski to tour and back to ski modes is super-easy
• The toe pivot is smooth and stiction-free
• The climbing bar only has two settings but moves into and out of position easily

I took a few close-ups of the bindings to call out their specific features.

The overall construction is impressive with solid engagement into and out of touring mode. The ski shop pivot test felt smooth and the low-profile torsion bars really made the Guardian’s ride low to the deck.

Switching it to touring mode requires a thumb or some ski poles to slide the grey tab back and change into touring mode. It did require a firm movement just to make sure you don’t do it accidentally, but can be easily done with or without gloves or using your poles. And… drum roll please… you can do it all without un-clicking from them. Ta da! Switching back into ski mode was as simple as returning the climbing bar to the ski mode and stepping down — it latches back into place with ease.

The two-position climbing bar features a spring-loaded engagement into the highest position, thus making it very easy to hit that position with the flick of a pole in either direction. I found that dragging your pole basket from the back was the easiest way to move it from the ski position to climbing. I did wish for a position inbetween the two offered positions.

While on a short tour, I was impressed with the smooth and efficient stride. While these are no replacements for Dynafit’s in the backcountry, they felt smooth and natural. The ever-important switchback test yielded a 10 on the easiness factor. I was immediately whipping out switchbacks without any difficulty.

As far as ski-ability on the frontside, I didn’t do any twisty-flippy-switchy-pipe-charging-hucks, but I did ski them aggressively and fast. They did what I’d expect a good binding to do — held my boot in place and became invisible. Like any binding, if you are dropping insane cliffs and skiing Bode Miller-fast, you will out-DIN any regular bindings, but for the 99.99% of us, the 7-16 DIN will be perfect.

I can see the new Guardian bindings as the de-facto choice when I want to buy an alpine-friendly binding that doesn’t limit me to frontside use only. I like their overall function and am impressed with the package. They don’t come without some minor faults, but overall they are going to be my top choice for those seeking a “do-it-all” frontside/backside binding.

Good Guardian

• Low-profile design keeps you low to the deck
• Smooth touring stride
• Super-solid clamps allow you to charge with chutzpah
• Switchbacks are easily mastered
• Getting back into ski mode is as simple as stepping down firmly

Bad Guardian

• I wish they had a middle-tier climbing bar setting
• Moving the climbing bar from ski mode and flat mode to climb mode  wasn’t always easy to do with just your poles

Bottom Line: Salomon Guardian 16 Alpine Touring Bindings

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Marker Duke or something burlier than your Fritschi Freerides, these will be your ticket to ride. With a low-profile design and easy-to-use touring system, the Guardian’s are now the sidecountry bindings to beat.

More Info: Visit Salomon.com

Sugoi Resistor Shoe Covers Features:

• Piston 14o Fabric (76% Nylon 24% Spandex) features a smooth, buttery hand feel with uncompromised 360 degree stretch
• PU coated stretch lycra provides lightweight wind and waterproof protection
• Stretch bound edge fits snugly around shoe and positions cleat hole
• Rear entry zip with velcro closure tab
• Signature grip ankle elastic
• MSRP: $40

Sugoi Resistor Shoe Covers Review

If I could pick out one of the key pieces of cold-weather cycling gear that has kept me out on two wheels all Winter long, I’d have a hard time not including the Resistor shoe covers on that list. While these aren’t insulated, they make up for that with excellent wind protection that keeps my feet warm — even down to 30-degree temps.

Looking them over, you may not think they would add much warmth, but don’t be fooled. For me, just blocking the wind allows my feet to keep the warmth inside and sort of marinate. I’ve been wearing these with my Specialized S-Works Road Shoes in combination with the Resistors and they are very easy to put on and take off. I did use them with my MTB shoes for a couple of rides and getting these over the more aggressive treads on my MTB shoes is much more difficult than my road shoes.

Overall durability is about what I’d expect. I do have some scuffing on the toe area, but nothing that affects the performance at this point. Maybe after a couple of seasons, you might see more damaging scuffs, but what I’ve now got is pretty minimal.

I like how well they fit around my shoes and the cuff height is perfect. I’ve found them to be easy to zip up and down and on the road, they quickly become invisible. There’s enough flex in them that any ankle movements are uninhibited and smooth.

Good Resistor

• Super-easy to take on/off
• Provides excellent wind protection — even down to 30 degrees
• Excellent water protection for inclement weather
• Not too tight… just right
• Budget-friendly price tag

Bad Resistor

• Fabric scuffs pretty easily
• The giant tag gets in the way of the zipper
• A little challenging to take on/off with MTB shoes

Bottom Line: Sugoi Resistor Shoe Covers

Keeping things simple, the Sugoi Resistor Shoe Covers are easy on the wallet while being highly functional and versatile for a variety of weather conditions. My feet have stayed warm down to 30-degrees in them, so buy them for wet and cold weather to boot.

Buy Now: Visit Altrec.com

Merrell Hoffman Shirt Features:

• 100% polyester flannel
• Merrell Opti-Wick fabric for moisture transfer
• Weight: 16 oz (size large)
• 30” center back length
• Single left chest pocket
• Three color options: Boulder (tested), Michigan, and Lava Plaids
• MSRP $65

Merrell Hoffman Shirt Review

After a good hard winter’s workout, there’s nothing like slipping into a comfortable shirt to lounge around the house after your warm shower.  But what if you have to gather up some wood for the fire later, or take on a list of chores after watching the game?  In those cases, a shirt that can do double duty is doubly appreciated.

Merrell’s Hoffman shirt uses a midweight polyester fabric that is slightly coarser than cotton flannel, but still fairly comfortable against the skin.  The cut is perfect for layering over a T-shirt, but slim enough to wear under a jacket.  Warmth is reasonable for a midweight flannel, especially when worn as a top layer.

If you have to return to the active outdoors, no need to change clothes: Merrell’s Opti-wick technology moves sweat away from your skin, and allows the material to dry quickly afterward.  The fabric is durable enough for hiking, camping, or general outdoor activity; this year, the Hoffman was my shirt of choice for our annual Christmas tree cutting, as well as for sawing the tree apart after the holidays.  And when your work is over, you’re already in your comfortable shirt again.

Calico cat not included

Good Hoffman

• Durable fabric construction
• Effective moisture transfer

Bad Hoffman

• Less soft against the skin compared to cotton flannel

Bottom Line: Merrell Hoffman Shirt

Equally suitable for lounging in front of the TV or working outside in the yard, Merrell’s Hoffman is a versatile flannel option for kicking around the campfire or coasting your way through a weekend.

Buy Now: Visit Altrec.com

Castelli Sorpasso Bibtight Features:

• Thermoflex and Thermoflex Core Due fabric
• Progetto X2 seat pad for maximum comfort
• Giro++ straps on bib
• Giro++ ankle grippers position the tight and seal around shoecover
• Metallic ankle zippers with reflective ta pe for high visibility
• Rated Temp Range: 39-59 degrees
• MSRP: $179.95

Castelli Sorpasso Bibs Review

This year has been great for road riding. Even more so, this Fall has been outstanding. Yeah, it’s been chilly finally, but it’s been dry. As such, I’ve been riding strong well into December and now January (not typical for Utah). This weather has been the perfect testing grounds for Castelli’s Sorpasso Bibs.

Seeing as these were my first pair of Castelli bibs, I was initially worried about the “legendary” race fit. I was guided to the size Large and my 5’11″ and 175 lb. frame fit into them perfectly. The overall fit is just right for me. Pulling these on does take a little bit of a multi-step approach. I’ve found that it’s best to pull them up into position over the knees, then stand up and pull them up slowly. A few side-to-sides and leg stretches later and you’ve got the ultra-comfy bibs in place.

Something notable about the Sorpasso’s is the unique strap design. The thin straps have a unique, grippy material on the inside that keeps them in place without being too sticky against your skin. It’s a departure from the typical bib straps I’ve worn with other shorts. The way the uppers are made, the frontside ends a little abruptly and digs into your stomach under certain circumstances — really the Sorpasso’s only notable flaw.

Riding in cold weather down to 30-degrees, the Sorpasso’s keep my legs warm and cozy. I love the fleece-backed Thermoflex and Thermoflex Core Due panels that offer wind protection to keep out the bite of the cold. Only on extended descents near 30-degrees do these start to show their limits as the wind starts to chill the man area a little more than I’d like.

While these will start to get too chilly below 30-degrees, I rode these mountain biking in 16-degree temperatures and they were awesome when worn under the Sugoi Gustov MTB shorts. So, if you have the need to ride in the cold, slap a good pair of baggy shorts on top and the added protection will keep you comfortable.

On the flipside, when ascending long climbs and working hard, the Sorpasso’s breathe very well without ever feeling too hot all the way up into the upper 40′s and 50′s. And, the Progetto X2 seat pad stays comfortable in the saddle without ever feeling too bulky or cumbersome. It’s very well-designed to keep your sensitive bits comfortable.

Good Sorpasso

• Fits true-to-size
• Chamois is comfortable on long rides
• Love the bib straps… very minimalistic, but they work great
• Lightly-lined legs keep things cozy
• Thermoflex fabrics offer excellent wind protection
• The multi-panel design contours the body well
• You get what you pay for… these are worth the price of admission

Bad Sorpasso

• The top of the frontside of the bib can push into your stomach just a tad (or maybe I need to lose my Winterweight)
• Below 30-degrees, you’re gonna get a little bit of a chill

Bottom Line: Castelli Sorpasso Bibtights

With the extended cold, but dry weather this Winter, the Castelli Sorpasso Bibtights have been the perfect riding companion on my regular rides. I’ve loved the fleece-lined legs and wind protection provided by the Sorpasso’s. The unique strap design keeps things in place and the overall fit is as good as can be.

Buy Now: Visit RealCyclist.com

Sugoi RPM Jacket Features

• HydraShield outer shell for wind and water resistance
• Firewall 220 fabric
• Full waterproof separating zipper to prevent seepage
• Waterproof taped seams
• Core ventilation zippers
• Raglan sleeve construction
• Elastic cuffs with adjustable Velcro closure
• Elastic back hem with flat front
• Microfleece lined collar
• Semi-form fit
• 3M Scotchlite reflective accents add visibility
• Colors: Tomatillo, Super Nova, Chili Red, Black (tested)
• MSRP: $120

Sugoi RPM Cycling Jacket Review

Waterproof and breathable is the dream combination of winter performance gear – unfortunately, in practice those two elements are almost mutually exclusive; true waterproof stuff doesn’t breathe, while truly breathable stuff doesn’t resist water.  It’s a tricky equation that’s practically impossible to solve.

Sugoi’s RPM jacket has outstanding water resistance, as the entire exterior surface is composed of HydraShield, made with a woven outer shell fabric containing DWR coating.  It also seals off all the places water might sneak in, with a fully waterproof zipper and waterproof taped seams.  The rear hemline stays in place, and the mock-turtle-height microfleece collar can be secured with a Velcro closure.  In other words, water’s not getting in this thing.

On the breathability side of the equation, the RPM uses takes a couple of different approaches to let sweat and heat escape; one is a fabric strategy, and the other is a design element.  The fabric is Sugoi’s Firewall 220, which utilizes three-layer construction: a knitted, breathable interior membrane, a performance wicking middle layer, and a weather-resistant surface on the outside.

The design element is quite simple: large core zippers on either side of your trunk allow air to pass through and help regulate moisture management and body temperature.  Another benefit of the core zippers is that they allow you to reach into the back pockets of your base layer – an important point, as the RPM doesn’t have any pockets of its own.

In practice, the overall breathability of the jacket is decent, but not fantastic.  If the rain clears and the day turns out sunnier than you expected, you’ll get warm in a hurry.   If water resistance of the RPM is a 9 out of 10, ventilation is probably closer to a 5.

Zippered core vents; Firewall fabric visible on interior

Fit of the RPM is comfortable through the trunk without feeling baggy, and can accommodate either a single base layer or two thin layers.  Full range of motion is provided by stretch components of the fabric, as well as raglan sleeves to prevent restriction of the shoulders and arms.

Good RPM

• Outstanding water resistance
• Strong insulation for cold temperatures
• Convenient access to rear shirt pockets

Bad RPM

• Limited breathability
• No pocket storage

Bottom Line: Sugoi RPM Jacket

Better for stormy days than sunny ones, Sugoi’s RPM Jacket offers great water resistance for riding through rainy fall or winter conditions.

Buy Now: Visit RealCyclist.com

I will say that this year has been particularly difficult to pin down as I’ve become even more selective about the products I’m reviewing. But, these products certainly stand out from the crowd.

Polartec NeoShell, Gore-Tex Active Shell and Mountain Hardwear Dry.Q

It’s hard to pick a single winner among this bunch, but for consumers, the latest crop of waterproof/breathable fabrics are much improved from the multi-layer laminates of yesteryear. Yes, Gore-Tex did invent waterproof/breathable many years ago, but while it was waterproof, it didn’t breathe all that well. eVent opened the door (or should I say vents) when it hit the market about 10 years ago and now we are finally seeing waterproof be breathable (for real).

I’m in the process of testing The North Face Jammu (Polartec Neoshell), the Arc’teryx Beta FL (Gore-Tex Active Shell) and the Mountain Hardwear Snowtastic Jacket (Dry.Q Elite) and I’m not ready to pick favorites among that bunch, but I will say that all three fabrics have finally hit the mark and for that we can all rejoice.

Fox Kashima Coat Shocks and Forks

I set out to determine if Kashima Coat was the real deal and I came away floored at just how much it improved the suspension feel. My tests included head-to-head test rides between standard RP23 and Kashima version and it took me all of 50 feet to realize that it is well worth the price of admission. My review of the RP23 Kashima is forthcoming, but the 32 Float 29er fork has me wrapped around its shiny golden legs. Read my review…

Specialized S-Works Road Shoes

I can’t say enough good things about these shoes. The Boa Lacing System is the star of the show as you can easily dial in the fit on-the-fly. Just today I was able to adjust the fit of my shoes while wearing my Sugoi Resister shoe covers… try doing that with traditional buckles or straps! Yes, they are spendy, but the comfort and function is off-the-charts good. Read my review…

Giro Aeon Helmet

Scary light and oh-so-comfortable, the Aeon helmet is so well ventilated, it feels like you’ve got the A/C cranked up on high. The fit adjustments are easy to navigate (great for Winter riding to adjust to a skullcap) and the lightweight straps make you wonder why nobody has done that yet. Kudos to Giro on a great road helmet. Read my review…

ControlTech Carbon Comp Ergo Bars

Continuing with the road bike theme, the ControlTech Carbon Comp Ergo Bars have been a delight since I installed them this Summer. I was skeptical since my Specialized Roubiax Expert required re-routing the internal cable lines, but the investment in shop time has more than paid itself off in the extreme comfort and improvements in ride quality these bars provide. Yup, I really dig them. Read my review…

Truvativ NOIR T30 10S Carbon Flat Bars

Truvativ’s new NOIR T30 10S carbon flat bars are perfect for 29er trailbikes. At 710mm wide, I was worried about maneuverability, but quickly became accustomed to the extra width. The ride quality is superb and the upsweep and backsweep of these bars really puts you in the driver’s seat with extra control and steering precision. Read my review…

Platypus Origin 3 Hydration Pack

I’ve worn this hydration pack all season and haven’t even thought about pulling any of my other packs out of storage. Not once have I felt this pack was inferior to even my favorite hydration packs. Platypus really nailed it with the Origin series. The sleek, waterproof design and comfortable back panel have kept this pack in my car all year. Read my review…

SRAM X0 Drivetrain

I’m a big fan of SRAM’s crisp, accurate shifting and the new X0 2×10 drivetrain has now graced three different bikes this season and performed flawlessly on each rig. I love the fast shifting, lightweight design and overall smoothness, but unless you’re on top of your game, the 2×10 drivetrain might leave you wanting on long, steep climbs. Still, nothing I’ve tried beats out X0′s durability and Energizer-esque work ethic. Read my review…

Rocky Mountain Element 950 29er

This one surprised me. I’ve ridden a Rocky Mountain 29er before, but nothing as fun and playful as the new Element 29er. Without question, the new Element 950 should be on your shortlist when considering a new FS 29er. For $3200, you’re getting a flat-out fun trailbike that can be raced or ridden as a daily driver. I’m anxious to get more saddle-time on this one. Read my review…

Specialized Camber Pro 29er

Specialized has quickly cut their teeth on big wheels and this year’s Camber Pro 29er is an awesome example of just how far they have come. I had such a great time on the Camber Pro that I pulled the trigger to keep it around a little longer for comparison. For 2012, the biggest changes are the addition of the carbon frames to the Camber family and a new tapered head tube, but the performance will remain. Read my review…

Niner Jet 9 Al 29er

Niner can seemingly do no wrong, it seems. And, while I’m admittedly smitten by the new Jet 9 RDO, lets not overlook this beauty in the Niner lineup. The Jet 9 Al is a superb XC machine that still has excellent trail manners. Pedal this thing uphill until you puke and then proceed to rip the downhill in a way only a Niner can. Read my review…

Specialized Roubiax Expert SL3

I put a ton of miles on my Roubiax this year and I owe it all to the added comfort and smoothness the Roubiax provides. Without question, the more upright position has allowed me to spin more miles on the pavement than ever before. My lower back thanks me and my lungs are grateful for the added conditioning my morning ascents have given them. I’m looking forward to hundreds more miles on this great bike. Read my review…

Salomon Spirit Shoes

Casual shoes… yup… casual shoes. To the office and around town, I find myself reaching for the Salomon Spirit’s. These ultralight shoes have pounded out the pavement in Las Vegas, wandered around tradeshow floors and around town in amazing comfort. I’ve yet to find a pair of casual shoes that are as equally comfortable and stylish. Read my review…

Smith Vantage Ski Helmet

The Vantage truly is a game changer. It’s lightweight construction and easy-to-use vents are as good as it gets in the ski helmet world. This helmet is very comfortable and feels almost like you’re wearing just a beanie it’s so light. If you are looking for a new lid this season, the Vantage is the one I’d recommend. Read my review…

Patagonia Nano Storm Jacket

Patagonia is leading the charge on so many fronts (sustainability, lightweight design, recycling, etc.) that its no wonder the Nano Storm Jacket is so kick-butt. I love the ultralight feel of the Nano Storm, but also appreciate that it holds up to the worst Mother Nature can dish out. It’s packable, warm and ultra-comfortable. Read my review…

Giro Pivot Gloves Features:

• Silicone detailing on fingertips
• Waterproof wiping surface
• Pertex™ waterproof/breathable fabric repels cold, wet weather
• Hipora™ 100% waterproof construction liner
• Clarino™ synthetic leather palm for maximum grip
• Adjustable cuff to seal out cold
• Super Fit™ Engineered with 3-panel palm for a tailored fit
• MSRP: $69.99

Giro Pivot Winter Cycling Gloves Review

Lately, the weather has been cold and dry, so I’ve been doing my best to keep the wheels rolling instead of skis turning. Gratefully, I’ve had the new Giro Pivot Winter cycling gloves at my disposal to stave off the cold, crisp air. The overall design of these gloves is on par with Giro’s other cycling gloves — ergonomically-shaped, the right mixture of materials for proper grip and feel — but with the addition of lightweight insulation and waterproof membranes.

The exterior is Pertex with a Hipora inner liner. I have several Pertex pieces and have been thoroughly impressed with every incarnation thus far — the Pivot’s are no exception.

I have the size Large, which is my typical glove size, but these initially felt little more snug than I’d like. Over time, they have packed out a tad and stretched just enough to provede a perfect fit. The only exception to that comes when trying to take them off after use or take them off and put them on again to use my iPhone mid-ride. In those cases, the cuff is very narrow and I have a hard time extracting or inserting my hand into the glove. This is magnified when the inside is damp with sweat. I will say that the grippy pull-tab on the cuff is absolutely essential for re-entry.

Further, you do have to be careful when taking your hands out after a ride so you don’t pull the lining away from the shell. Just take it one finger at a time and you’ll be fine.

The weather resistance of these gloves is superb. They are waterproof and still breathe extremely-well. After an hour in the saddle, they do get damp inside, but not overly so. And, though damp, my hands never felt cold. My riding temps have been down to the low 30′s, so I’d say their 35-degree rating is conservative.

Bar feel remains solid with the Pivot’s, but you will never be as precise as form-fitting gloves. I did find myself mis-shifting my Ultegra shifters on occasion, but that comes with the territory. I’ll certainly take that trade-off to keep my digits happy.

After enjoying these on Winter rides, I’ve since taken them out trail running and will likely give them a whirl for backcountry skiing as well. I like their low-profile design and durable materials, so they will work well for my other athletic pursuits in the cold.

Good Pivot

• Excellent warmth down to 30-degrees and below
• Only a little tradeoff in bar and lever feel
• Weatherability is top-notch
• Durable fabrics and construction
• Versatile enough for trail running, backcountry skiing
• Cuff pulltab eases re-entry

Bad Pivot

• Hard to take off and back on after use
• Feels tight at first

Bottom Line: Giro Pivot Winter Gloves

Keep Winter at bay with the new Giro Pivot Winter cycling gloves. These gloves will keep your digits warm without adding too much bulk or reducing bar/lever feel.

Buy Now: Visit RealCyclist.com

In my opinion, components are as much about looks as they are performance. The Syncros FL group has an understated aesthetic that will appeal to those who crave simplicity of neutral colours married with function. I’ll profile the components below (Syncros supplied me with stem, seatpost, saddle and headset) and provide general comments as to whether they are suitable for their intended purpose.

Syncros FL Stem Review

Not much to say about the FL stem (MSRP $89.95). It’s fairly light (110g measured); can be flipped either way (+/- 6 degrees); can be tightened with reasonable torque so it can work with carbon handlebars and steerers. The colour options are utilitatarian basis with either black or white with black accents. The stem comes in lengths from 70 to 130mm in 10mm increments.

After 60 days of use - the FL stem still looks good. The FL headset is install and forget.

Syncros FL Hardcore Headset Review

I have even less to say about the FL Hardcore (MSRP $59.95), which is as it should be. Easily installed and simple to adjust, this standard 1 1/8th headset is light (85g) and was a conventional model with upper and lower stack (12.9mm each stack) and extremely high quality bearings on a race (titanium coated angular contact bearings on forged & CNC’ed 2014 alloy cups). I haven’t noticed it in over 60 days of riding. Oh yes — its a no-fuss black.

FL Carbon Saddle and FL Micro-adjust Seatpost Reviews

The combination of the FL Micro-adjust Carbon Seatpost (MSRP $90.00) and FL Carbon Saddle (MSRP $179.95) is what initially drew my interest to the FL group. There are ultra-light weight-weenie parts that are lighter but I will only use parts that will be ridden not just on gravel paths. The Syncros saddle and post have seen time on my Knolly Endorphin which I’ve ridden in the Yukon, Pemberton and Whistler trails, and in Graubunden, Switzerland. Failure of seatpost and saddle is not an option as the consequences can be dramatically negative. Syncros assured me that this group, while light can still take some hard-riding and they have been proven to be right and my concerns disproven.

At 236g the FL carbon saddle is featherweight yet still has support from its contoured foam. I’m used to WTB (Silverados) and Chromag DT Lynx & Moon saddles so my sitbones like saddles on the firm side. The Syncros saddle might actually have been a tad softer than other saddles I usually use but has a nice flat supportive shape married with a nice round contoured rear profile so you can easily slide on/off for more technical moves. It’s got carbon rails which look incredibly trick; but to be perfectly honest I can’t tell if those rails add any micro-cushioning (carbon rails are supposed to flex and give just a tiny bit). But come on! These are carbon rails! The saddle comes in black or white thus continuing Syncros’s colour themes.

The FL Carbon micro-adjust seatpost was a logical choice to pair with the FL Carbon seatpost. It’s a standard two bolt seatpost, with nice deep stainless steel hardware with deep bolts to resist even the most ham-handed attempt to strip. Diameters are the standard 27.2/30.9 and 31.6 and lengths are in 350 to 400mm. It’s a suitably light 220g in the 30.9. x 350mm tested and comes only in black.

The FL Carbon saddle new and shiny (top) and after 60 days of use (bottom)

There were a couple of quibbles with the seatpost and saddle:

• The seatpost rails are a bit oversized compared to alloy rails so may not be compatible with seatposts which use side-clamping hardware (eg the RaceFace XY or Turbine series) as the clamping surfaces may not be the same shape as the Syncros carbon rails
• The seatpost uses hardware that is not all that long so the hardware will be at its limit when paired with bikes with slack seat-tube angles. For example, when used with my Knolly Endorphin the rear seatpost adjustment bolt was at its limit and I was concerned that it would strip so removed a washer to gain some more space.
• The fore-aft two bolt seatpost angle and hardware is common but that doesn’t mean it’s particularly easy to use. It can be a pain – in – the …. to get seat rails into position so use patience on installation. It would be nice if the forward bolt was slightly offset from the axis parallel saddle as it can be tricky to get an allen key in there for micro-adjustments.

More Info: Visit Syncros.com

2012 Fox 32 Float 29 Features

• Factory Series includes stanchions with Kashima Coat
• Air spring
• Adjustable rebound, compression and lockout threshold
• 15QR axle for stiffness (standard 9mm available)
• FIT Damper to keep air/oil separatedFor 2012
• Tapered aluminum steerer (standard 1 1/8 available)
• 100mm travel
• Weight: 3.92 lbs (approx.)
• MSRP: $810

Fox 32 Float 29 100mm Fork Review

Over the past few years, the amount of travel I’ve become accustomed to has decreased significantly from 150mm down to 100mm. During that evolution, I’ve become a 29er aficionado and honestly can’t see myself riding anything other than 29ers at this point. The benefits of big wheels far outweigh some of the misperceptions that are out there or poor designs of yesteryear. With that reduction in travel and increase in wheel size, I’ve been psyched to test out the latest technology in 29er suspension forks.

With the riding season lingering on this Fall, I’ve been able to get out on borrowed time — with just enough miles to comfortably deliver the verdict on the 2012 Fox 32 Float 29 fork. Mated to my Niner Jet 9, the Factory Float 29  has been the perfect match and has provided a noticeable improvement in smoothness over the standard 32 Float 29 and the RockShox SID XX that it has replaced (and both of those are great forks).

When reading up on the hype, you might ask yourself: “Does Kashima Coat really make a difference?” Before I answer that, keep in mind that each year’s fork is always the result of a myriad of incremental improvements, but with the best side-by-side comparison I could perform, I would without question say that yes, Kashima makes a difference. The combination of improved valving and performance along with Kashima Coat makes this fork feel as if it was blessed by the “Smoothness Fairy.” If you still don’t get it, let me use fewer words: Kashima Coat will blow you away.

As with any top-of-the-line fork these days, the options read more like the a-la-carte menu. The Float 29 Factory series 100mm fork is available in either standard and 15 QR axles, standard or tapered steerer and either FIT or Terralogic styles. Luckily, every one of those options comes with buttery-smooth Kashima Coat.

After a quick install, I was anxious to head out on the trails. Luckily, the riding season has continued well into December and I’ve been able to keep riding. While I’ve finally been able to get enough trail time on the fork before posting my thoughts, honestly, this fork had me at first squish. There’s something special about this fork and all it took was a few hundred feet of singletrack to prove that point.

The ride quality of the Float 29 can best be described as smooth and damp without feeling dead. The valving combined with Kashima makes for the smoothest-riding 100mm fork I’ve ever ridden. Honestly, this fork exhibits the best small bump absorption I’ve felt in a long time and even comparable to forks with longer travel. It seems to me that the Kashima Coat can be better felt in shorter travel forks. I believe the added smoothness throughout a shorter-travel design just makes every millimeter count that much more.

Not only does this fork absorb small bumps like a champ, it ramps up really well to absorb bigger hits. Yes, it’s only 100mm, so it’s not bottomless or plush like a 160mm Fox 36, but it is very plush in its XC-centric sphere. I’d definitely call it best-in-class, without question. At the end of long, hand-numbing descents, fatigue was considerably less than with the other 100mm forks tested.

The 15QR chassis is now a well-adopted standard that works great for 29ers. With that extra axle-to-crown height, it only makes sense to step up to a thru-axle design. You can never have too much lateral stiffness, I say and this fork is invisible in that regard… never once did I feel like it was getting away from me or mis-tracking when pushed. It’s stiff as you’d expect, which inspires confidence and allows you to focus on the ride.

Each rider will have to fine-tune the myriad of settings to their weight and riding style. For my 175 lb. frame, I found that setting the air spring at 75psi gave it the right balance between efficiency and shock absorption. I also preferred the rebound setting at 6 clicks in from the slowest setting. I did play around with the lockout threshold a little, but never felt a real need to use it.

Good Float 29

• Kashima Coat is the real deal
• Feels as if the Smoothness Fairy waved her magic wand
• The right balance of trail dampening with trail feel
• Best-in-class small bump absorption
• Ramps up well on larger hits
• 15QR is perfect for this application

Bad Float 29

• Not the lightest in its class
• Though I love the 15QR, you may need a new rack

Bottom Line: Fox 32 Float 29 100mm Fork

The gold-colored Kashima stanchions will mesmerize you with their golden good looks and amazing smoothness. In a crowd of regular stanchions, you’ll be glad to have Mr Kashima aboard as its performance is astounding.  What’s more astounding is just how much it can be felt in a 100mm fork. The Float 29 is a superb choice for a smooth-riding and efficient trail performer for XC efficiency or all-mountain fun.

Buy Now: Visit HuckNRoll.com