Castelli Uno Plasma LS Base Layer Features:

• Nano Plasma fabric to speed moisture management
• Minimal seams for added comfort
• Provides a layer of air next-to-skin for maximum evaporation
• MSRP: $59.99

Castelli Uno Plasma LS Base Layer Review

When layering up for a cold-weather ride, it’s always important to start with a great base layer. That base layer may not always be just a jersey or a long-sleeve jersey. In my case, I’ve been starting my layering with the Castelli Uno Plasma LS. While I’m typically a Merino snob, the Uno Plasma’s polyester fabric quickly won me over with its amazing wicking properties.

I’ve worn this in combination with the Castelli Espresso Due Jacket on freezing cold days and underneath a jersey and vest on cold days. Without question, the Uno Plasma wicks moisture and keeps me comfortable. Of particular importance is just how well this breathes as it relates to the performance of your outerwear. With the Espresso Due, you naturally get great breathability, but with a shell (like the Sugoi Majik Shell), you have to be more judicious on your base layer of choice. I can honestly say that the Uno Plasma increased the breathability of the Majik Shell jacket by optimizing moisture transfer.

Not only does the Uno Plasma help breathability and moisture management, it also feels extremely comfortable next-to-skin. I found the sleeve length to be perfect, but I did find that completely disregarding the drying instructions (you should let it drip dry) has allowed mine to shrink a little more than I’d like. Lets just say that a bare midriff is not a great thing in a base layer. Luckily, I wear bibs, so it’s not that big of a deal, but it is still annoying when I wear it for cold MTB rides.

Note to self: Get another Uno Plasma and don’t just toss it in with the regular load of laundry at the house.

Good Uno Plasma

• Really comfortable next to the skin
• In spite of being synthetic, I really like it
• Excellent warmth and moisture management
• When layered, it’s great for cold temps (low 30′s) and cool temps (40-50′s)

Bad Uno Plasma

• Could be a couple inches longer in length — especially after a few washes
• Gotta follow washing/drying instructions (see bad #1 above)

Bottom Line: Castelli Uno Plasma LS Base Layer

A great cycling base layer can be hard to find and the Uno Plasma is highly-breathable and comfortable next-to-skin. Just follow the drying instructions and you’ll be golden.

Buy Now: Visit RealCyclist.com

Specialized Henge Expert Saddle Features:

• Patented Body Geometry design is lab tested to assure blood flow to sensitive arteries
• Medium density super-light EVA padding for longer rides
• Stiff, carbon-reinforced shell for longevity and all-day riding efficiency
• Flush mounted scuff guards for increased durability
• Lightweight and durable hollow titanium rails
• Tough, light and water resistant Micromatrix cover
• Size 130mm/ Weight 212g
• Size 143mm/ Weight 221g (tested)
• Size 155mm/ Weight 230g
• Colors: White, Black
• MSRP: $120 at your local bike shop

Specialized Henge Expert Saddle Review

Not a whole lot has changed when it comes to saddles, but Specialized continues to progress their saddle designs in a way that improves versatility, durability and comfort without adding unnecessary weight. My test saddle was the 143mm width version and tips the scales at a very respectable 221 grams. It features a carbon-reinforced shell with titanium rails for stiffness and durability with a dab of bump compliance.  And while the weight is relatively low (there are obviously lighter saddles), the padding perfect — resulting in rock-solid all-day comfort.

The Henge is a little shorter than some saddles on the market and I feel it’s length is just perfect for long climbs and descents as well. With shorter noses, some riders may not get as much leverage leaning into high-speed corners, but this one, never left me lacking inner-thigh leverage. I could stand up on my pedals and use my leg to leverage the saddle without thinking twice.

The Micromatrix cover is durable and smooth for transitions in-and-out of the saddle. It features a mixture of grippy and smooth material to keep your shorts firmly planted when needed but not be so grabby that it snags your shorts. Never did I feel like the saddle grabbed my shorts or inhibited my flow on the trail. And to keep it looking good longer, the wear areas are reinforced with scuff guards that have kept mine looking like new.

While Body Geometry saddles don’t eliminate numbness for me, they certainly reduce it and give me a comfortable ride for hours in the saddle. With the carbon-reinforced shell and titanium rails, the Henge offers a forgiving ride and durability that will keep it on my bike for a long time.

Good Henge Expert

• The perfect combination of light weight and comfort
• Body Geometry design keeps your man area happy
• Never interferes with normal riding movement

Bad Henge Expert

• Dirt can be hard to remove from micro-grooves in the saddle’s cover

Bottom Line: Specialized Henge Expert Saddle

A lightweight, comfortable and forgiving saddle, the Henge Expert is a gem at $120. I’ve loved it on a variety of bikes and consider it one of the best saddles for my riding style on the market.

Buy Now: Visit Specialized.com

Granted, this jacket is made to be as svelte as a runway model, but no question this remains a huge feat to have delivered a field tested, well-designed, functional and durable jacket in less than 90 days. I think it’s remarkable and should serve as an example of what can be done elsewhere in North America with other outerwear manufacturers.

Read the official release from Westcomb on the Shift NeoShell Hoody:

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (for immediate release) — Prior to the 2012 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market show, the Westcomb Shift didn’t exist.

Not as a name, not as a prototype, not as an idea.

Yet this month, the Shift will debut as the newest, most innovative Westcomb Outerwear creation to date, arriving on the shelves at more than a dozen retailers nationwide.

At 11 ounces, the Shift is Westcomb’s – and the world’s – lightest Polartec® Neoshell® jacket, easily besting the previous record holder: the 14-ounce Westcomb Switch. In addition to setting a staggering new standard for lightweight performance, the Shift also upends the conventional timeline for manufacturing: deftly condensing the “traditional” timeline of inspiration, creation, design, manufacturing, sales and delivery from as much as two years to less than three months

“The breakthrough of the Shift is about more than just an evolution in high performance lightweight gear. It’s a fresh approach to how outdoor equipment can be crafted and distributed,” said Alan Yiu, president and lead designer at Westcomb. “This is a big shift in the manufacturing timeline, but it’s also a significant shift in attitudes and perceptions about how the outdoor industry is expected to work.”

The Shift idea was directly fueled by Westcomb’s longstanding commitment to domestic manufacturing. Owning and operating its own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Vancouver, British Columbia, Westcomb’s local staff of designers, tailors and seamstresses have always operated in a nimble, effective manner.

With the Shift, however, Westcomb is pairing its most innovative lightweight design with its most aggressive manufacturing strategy, ever.

“This is really just a step forward in doing things the Westcomb way,” added Yiu. “In addition to creating the ultimate backcountry shell, the benefit of the Shift process is that we’ve created something that’s not just responding to market trends. It is the market trend.”

Soft for extreme comfort, waterproof for Pacific Northwest winters, and lighter than a small bottle of water, the Westcomb Shift is made primarily of Polartec NeoShell® – a technical fabric whose current buzz and demand is so strong, its the equivalent of the cool kid from California who shows up just in time for senior year.

Showcasing Westcomb’s signature creativity and detail, the Shift maximizes weight savings in numerous micro-adjustments including a strategic refinement of seam usage. By using narrower, 2-ply seam tape (as opposed to 3-ply), the Shift smartly saves more than 60% of the weight from this specific category.

To ensure strength and durability without adding weight, the Switch features 20 stitches per inch (SPI) top-stitchless construction – a measurement which exceeds industry standards by at least double, and enables a lifetime of rugged use.

The full list of features on the Switch include a Napoleon Dry Pocket that protects and provides easy access to crucial gear and essential items; single-hand adjustable hood and waist; Velcro cuff closures and an internal media pocket.

Blending a perfect Westcomb fit, the year’s hottest fabric, and an ideal list of features, the Shift seems like it was made-to-order for the needs of spring 2012.

Because it was.

“When we came back from Outdoor Retailer in February, we were exhausted from the trade show but saw a clear opportunity. Instead of taking all that beautiful feedback about what retailers really wanted right now and applying it to 2013 or 2014 – which is what ‘normally’ happens in the outdoor industry – we decided to make a deliberate manufacturing shift and create a new product for this season. Because we can,” said Gabriel Cote, Westcomb brand director.

For the average consumer, the thought of designing a market-perfect performance jacket in February and delivering it to store shelves by May is probably no big deal. But for retailers in the outdoor industry, the idea is as foreign as accepting Chinese currency.

The pace of “creation” in the outdoor industry can be exhaustingly lengthy. Even the best ideas can take years to trickle through the production process: starting as a concept, working upward through design and sourcing, materializing as prototypes and sales samples at a trade shows, being scheduled for manufacturing, shipped to domestic warehouses, and then finally delivered to the retail floor.

In contrast, the timeline for the Westcomb Shift began the first week of February, when Westcomb returned from Outdoor Retailer. By March 1, the first prototypes were built in Westcomb’s Vancouver factory. By April 1, field testing of the prototypes had been completed and final sales samples were delivered to key accounts. By April 15 the first retail orders were confirmed. And by May 1 … the Shift shipped to retailers throughout North America.

“What we’ve done is to condense several aspects that traditionally take an incredibly long period of time into an incredibly short and nimble time frame,” said Yiu. “In the old way of thinking, you come up with a bunch of ideas and present them at the shows, and then drop what doesn’t work. With the Westcomb Shift, it’s the other way around. You listen to what people want, and then you give it to them.”

ABOUT WESTCOMB: Westcomb (www.westcomb.com) creates innovative, stylish, performance-driven outerwear for men and women that is 100% made in North America and 100% committed to performance. Made to be worn in the most demanding conditions, Westcomb gear achieves a standard of excellence that is attainable only through the constant access and oversight provided by their industry leading commitment to local manufacturing. Conveying a true passion for the outdoor experience, Westcomb’s 2012-13 collection features strategically minimalist designs, blending essential features for active athletes with an international, athletic fit. Westcomb builds their unique performance apparel with a remarkable roster of industry leading supplier brands including Polartec NeoShell, eVent, Schoeller, Primaloft, Pertex, YKK, Mapp, Riri, and the world’s finest Hutterite goose down.

More Info: Visit Westcomb.com

The North Face TKA 80 Fleece Features:

• Layered venting system
• Lightweight micro-fleece/wicking mesh combo
• Thumb loops
• Zip pocket in upper arm
• Reflective piping and logos
• MSRP: $65

The North Face TKA 80 Fleece Jacket Review

Fleece has come a long way since 1995. Back then, it was pretty much just thick and bulky Polartec, but now there’s so many different varieties of fleece that make it warm, moisture-wicking and packable. The TKA 80 features lightweight fleece with ultra-wicking mesh material along the sides and underarms. This combination allows for the most warmth while breathing extremely well.

The full zip is a great feature of this jacket. I have other fleece pullovers, but this makes the on/off process (especially post-workout) much easier. I wore this in combination with my The North Face Hydrogen Vest on colder/windier runs and alone on cooler runs. The fleece on the TKA 80 offers deceptive warmth and stays comfortable up into the 50-degree range without feeling like I’ve stepped into the sauna.

One of the key fit areas is always the collar. When it comes to versatile, athletic jackets, you’ve got to have the collar right in both diameter and height. This one sits perfectly in both departments while fully-zipped or unzipped for ventilation. The small zippered pocket in the left upper-arm is just big enough for an iPhone and kept it in place well during my runs.

On long runs, I found the performance to be solid for the price, but there’s room for improvement. The majority of the non-stoke is due to the oversized nature of this jacket. My size Large sample wasn’t as snug-fitting as I’d like. A Medium may have been better, but I don’t know how the sleeve length would have fared in the smaller size. A more snug fit aids in moisture wicking and reduces bulk. On one long run in the rain/snow, mine got a little soggy and started feeling loose and floppy. On all my dry/cold runs, it didn’t suffer that same fate.

As always, thumb holes are great to have in case you need “half gloves” in a pinch — a great feature to have just in case. It also makes it easy to keep the sleeves down as you put on various outer layers that may cause the sleeves to bunch up.

Good TKA 80

• Lightweight and versatile as outer or midlayer
• Great price for what you’re getting
• Arm pocket holds iPhone
• Thumb loops are always great to have
• Full zip makes getting on/off easier, but does add weight
• Flatlock seams reduce bulk and improve next-to-skin comfort

Bad TKA 80

• Could be a little more athletic cut (or I should have sized down)
• Jackets like this can always use a small back pocket
• Can’t pull the zipper one-handed

Bottom Line: The North Face TKA 80 Full Zip Fleece Jacket

The TKA 80 is a great lightweight layer for both insulation and outerwear. I used it primarily for running and hanging out on cool mornings. I’d just make sure to get the right size to avoid extra bunching or saggyness when soaked.

Buy Now: Visit Moosejaw.com

This was a year to forget, and my backcountry touring time was limited to a single outing, so my review of the backcountry-focused Surface Walk Free skis will be groomer-focused for now. Luckily, this ski carries over to next season with minimal changes, so my fingers are crossed that the Winter of 2012/13 will be filled with endless skintracks and bottomless powder runs in the Wasatch.

Surface Walk Free Ski Features:

• Traditional camber with early-rise tip
• Slight tail lift for catch-free touring
• Poplar wood core with Kevlar bands
• Lengths: 176cm (tested), 186cm
• Radius: 19.5 (176cm) 20.5 (186cm)
• Dimensions: 137/100/124 (176cm) and 140/100/126 (186cm)
• Weight: 8.0/8.9 lbs per pair
• MSRP: $574

Surface Walk Free Ski Review: Goomer-focus

With the thin snowpack, I was able to spend a full day spinning laps at Alta on the Walk Free’s with traditional alpine bindings. After riding my fully-rockered Live Life’s for the past two seasons, getting back onto a traditional-shaped ski had me feeling wonky at first, but then felt like an old friend by the end. You see, rockered skis are amazingly fun and versatile, but they lack a true tail, so you never really finish a fully-carved turn.

With the Walk Free’s, I immediately felt like the skis were Velcro’d to the snow from tip-to-tail — an odd feeling at first. I was admittedly thrown into the backseat on my first few turns until I realized just what that tail was for. In no time, I was rocking the groomers like it was 2005 again. These skis are fun rail-to-rail and will reward you with amazing smoothness in both short and long-radius turns. I really had a hoot arc’ing tight turns at speed and laying these things on edge.

At 100mm width at the waist, these are about as narrow of a ski as I’d ever consider and the full profile hooks up well throughout the turn. The early-rise tip is helpful in crud and pow (didn’t get much of that this year). On my lone tour, the 176cm length was snappy and fun. I stayed on top of the variable crust and was thankful for the early-rise tip.

Good Walk Free

• Light and snappy in all types of turns
• Feels light while touring
• 176cm length is surprisingly-capable for my 5’11″, 175lb frame
• Rolls well from edge-to-edge
• Early rise tip extends capability in pow and crud

Bad Walk Free

• Though the 176cm length is good, I think something like a 181cm would be my length of choice

Bottom Line: Surface Skis Walk Free

While these are built for the backcountry, they are still very capable frontside tools. They are light and snappy in all types of turns and are capable enough to handle anything from Deer Valley corduroy to leftover Cascade Cement at Crystal Mountain. Next year, I’ll give them the full backcountry one-two.

Buy Now: Visit EVOgear.com

Sugoi RS Jersey Features:

• Flat seams for increased comfort
• Zone construction: features mesh inserts for breathability and performance fit
• Comfortable stretch with a friction free fit
• Ergo Sleeve contours for natural unrestricted body movement
• Full separating zip with guard
• 3 elastic back pockets slanted at the sides for easy entry
• Engineered collar detailed with shaped back neck
• Hem features signature grip elastic at the back with a flat front finish
• MSRP: $85

Sugoi RS Jersey Review

The RS Jersey is built for serious business. So much so, that the fit is, well… race-inspired. Keep in mind that you’ll likely need to size up with the RS (I had to wear an XL), but once past that, everything else performs as I’d expect. Last Fall, I had a chance to ride with the RS Jersey on several rides — until the weather turned. Now, I’ve been able to round out the review as the weather has warmed and I’ve been back at the tarmac.

The mixture of materials on the RS is built to provide superior moisture management during demanding rides. I found that to be true on warm rides as well as cooler rides (when used under a jacket). The open mesh-style Vector Stretch fabric used on sides and back, breathes extremely well and lets tons of airflow in. As it gets chilly, a vest is required, but warmer temps results in ample wind penetration for excellent cooling.

At the end of long rides, this jersey is hardly wet and I like being able to double-dip this jersey on two rides without having to deal with the typical stank — great for back-to-back lunch rides.

I love full zip jerseys — especially with bibs. It makes for much easier on/off and expands the cooling options for Sahara-like temperatures. For some reason, the zipper can be a little difficult to get going. There’s a small fabric zipper garage and you have to bend it out of the way to engage the zipper before you’re good-to-go. It’s also not an easy one-handed operation when you want to open it up on-the-fly.

While I do wish the gripper material extended all the way around the hem, the RS Jersey does seem to stay put throughout the length of the ride. I appreciated not having to continually adjust the jersey, like you do with some of them. I also found the back pockets great for hauling water bottles, tools and my iPhone. Everything seems to stay secure and in place.

NOTE: It looks like the new version is minimally different than the one I received last Fall. Construction and performance looks to be very similar.

Good RS Jersey

• Extremely breathable
• Stays in place well even after long descents
• Feels comfortable next-to-skin
• Pockets can haul a lot

Bad RS Jersey

• Sizing is off. Large was way too small and XL is slightly too big
• I couldn’t easily one-hand the zipper it up or down

Bottom Line: Sugoi RS Jersey

I love the cooling ability of the RS Jersey. This full-zip jersey offers excellent overall function with ample rear pockets and a comfortable fit.

Buy Now: Visit RealCyclist.com

Arc’teryx Beta FL Jacket Features

• Built with GORE-TEX Active Shell Fabric
• Highly-breathable, simplified design
• Fully-adjustable Storm Hood™
• Athletic fit, with e3D patterning
• Soft brush-lined collar
• WaterTight™ zippers
• Hip length cut
• Weight: 11.4 oz
• Colors: Black, Cardinal (tested), Citron, Squid Ink
• MSRP: $450

Arc’teryx Beta FL Jacket Review

For years, GORE-TEX has been considered the pinnacle of outdoor fabric performance. The classic GORE-TEX 3-layer shell has been a key part of major expeditions and adventures worldwide. And while the standard GORE fabrics have always been waterproof and breathable, they have always leaned more towards the waterproof side than the breathable side.

Several years ago, the market was awakened to a new reality by the introduction of eVent Fabrics, which promised equal waterproof protection while offering superior breathability. A front line battle ensued and years later, GORE has launched a new lightweight, waterproof/breathable fabric: Active Shell.

The folks at W.L. GORE describe it this way:

GORE-TEX® Active Shell laminates combine a lighter, thinner GORE-TEX® membrane with fine denier performance textiles to deliver the ultimate 3-layer solution for the Active consumer. On the liner side, a proprietary lamination technology integrates the backer textile directly into the GORE-TEX® membrane allowing for extreme breathability and excellent next to skin comfort.

The streamlined laminate package, together with GORE’s scientific system level approach to garment design brings a completely new, never before seen level of comfort performance into the world of waterproof apparel.

To sum it up: This stuff is built to breathe. Now, over the past few years, other fabrics have come on the scene and have blown me away with their true breathability, so how does the Arc’teryx Beta FL with GORE-TEX Active Shell compare?

Arc’teryx says that this shell was built for backcountry skiing and GORE says it is built to handle aerobic activity — sounds perfect for backcountry assaults. But, this year has been an off year in Utah, so my backcountry skiing has been very limited. So, to give this jacket the full breathability test, I’ve been trail running in it. I figure that’s about the best test of breathability I could throw at it.

I’ve run in a variety of conditions from 20-degrees and snow to 55 degrees and rain and the Beta FL has kept me comfortable throughout. The exterior sheds the elements with the best of them — that part was a no-brainer. What’s astounding is that this jacket breathes so well. Part of the function of this jacket is owed to the lightly-brushed lining that disperses the sweat across the fabric for speedy evaporation. No matter how hard I pushed it, I couldn’t get it to bead up on the inside.

The rest of the jacket is pretty bare-bones, but with the details only Arc’teryx provides. The fit is athletic, but with a size Large, I have enough room for an insulating mid-layers without feeling restricted. Additionally, the sleeve length is nice and long to maintain the critical cuff/glove seal — even in extreme movements. The attached hood is perfect and easily-adjusted.

The one backcountry ski trip I did take it on yielded equally-solid results with breathability and weather protection aplenty. The only downside was the  smallish cuff diameter, which made it difficult to slide on top of some of my thicker, non-gauntlet gloves. The front zipper doesn’t have quite the same look as most waterproof zippers, but it is a WaterTight Vislon zipper. As you can see below… it is indeed waterproof… no question there.  Not a drop penetrated the jacket after several minutes of puddling.

The only other minor gripe is the lack of a nice chinguard when fully zipped. I know, this isn’t a frontside jacket, but just a little brushed material on the chin goes a long way, in my opinion.

Good Beta FL

• GORE-TEX Active Shell is weatherproof AND breathable
• Brushed inner lining rapidly wicks moisture away from your skin
• Outer fabric is lightweight, yet durable
• Good sized pockets are easily accessed with pack on
• Sleeve length is just right to keep out the elements
• Reflective piping adds a nice touch for night activity
• Stuffs into its included stuff sack for a minimal footprint

Bad Beta FL

• Cuff diameter is on the small side for some gloves
• It can get stinky after a few uses
• All this goodness comes with a hefty price tag

Bottom Line: Arc’teryx Beta FL Jacket

GORE-TEX took their time launching Active Shell and the Beta FL is a killer shell to showcase all it has to offer. There’s no question why Arc’teryx is considered the pinnacle of outerwear and the Beta FL is an amazing hardshell for everything I do in the backcountry.

Buy Now: Visit Backcountry.com

For 2013, their late entry should be one to watch. At least the head tube looks nice! It will be carbon, it will have 29-inch wheels and it will have a tapered head tube. Other than that, I don’t know anything about travel, but I’m guessing 80-100mm travel to keep it more of a race bike. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

UPDATE: 2013 Felt Edict 29 Unveiled Today

The full reveal happened today at Sea Otter and boy does the new Edict 29er look amazing! Granted, the spec shown will likely hit $10k, but it is something to behold. Looking at the fork, it appears to be either a 100 or 120mm travel steed. I’ll update as I get more info.

More Info: Visit FeltRacing.com

Patagonia Fore Runner Shoes Feature:

• Air mesh/synthetic leather upper with perforated nylon reinforcement
• Micro-fiber-reinforced rand and toe bumper provide durability and protection
• Reflective webbing and heel for high visibility
• 100% polyester moisture-wicking, ventilated air-mesh collar and tongue lining
• 15% recycled EVA anatomical perforated footbed supports, cushions and molds to the contour of your foot
• Forefoot shock absorption pad and flex grooves provide forefoot protection and flex with gender specific lightweight 15% recycled EVA footframe (4mm drop: 9mm heel, 5mm toe)
• 1mm forefoot shock absorptions plate distributes pressure, protecting the foot while maintaining forefoot flexibility
• Multi-density sticky rubber outsole provides 360-degree wet/dry traction in varying conditions (5mm thick; web 15mm; lugs 35mm)
• Last characteristics: medium width, medium arch support
• Weight: 259 g (9.17 oz)
• MSRP: $110

Patagonia Fore Runner Trail Running Shoes Review

I’ve been impressed with Patagonia’s modest-but-growing trail running shoe lineup. None are flashy nor do they feature any over-the-top technology that’s really just there to justify price increases. Nope, Patagonia keeps things simple and predictable. So, when I first heard about the Fore Runner’s, I was confident they would be a great addition to the line.

While the Fore Runner’s aren’t the lightest minimalist shoes on the market, their respectable 9.17 oz feels downright feathery on the trail. When it comes to minimalist shoes, the lion’s share of those shoes are zero drop, but not the Fore Runner, which maintains a 4mm drop from heel-to-forefoot to satisfy the majority of runners who are still used to that. So, chalk that up to a great feature that’s not overdone as most runners can appreciate a minimalist-feeling shoe, but most runners take time getting used to a zero drop shoe.

That said, the super-hardcore “minimalist” crowd will cry foul with these shoes, but the rest of us humans will appreciate the instant comfort they provide. I opted to replace the standard insoles with a set of Superfeet Black insoles. The Black’s are minimalist in their design and are perfectly-suited to these treads.

The Fore Runner’s are about as breathable as it gets, so if you run in cold or inclement weather, these aren’t going to give you much in the way of protection. (It’s worth noting that softshell versions of these shoes will be out later this year to give them better weather resistance.) But, if you run in the heat, you’ll appreciate how cool they are and how well they breathe.

The outsoles feature a fairly straightforward lug pattern that bites well both uphill and down in wet and dry conditions. Only the loosest of dirt caused these to lose traction slightly. While no minimalist trail running shoes provide bombproof trail protection, these provide the perfect balance between trail feel and protection. Sharp rocks will be clearly felt, but most scree is kept at bay, no problem.

One thing that has baffled me about the Fore Runners is the lacing system. It seems pretty straightforward and pedestrian, but for some reason, I have had the hardest time cinching them down evenly. I have to continually cinch up each section of laces between each eyelet in order to get the right tension. The problem is that tension is not maintained with each eyelet so any slight release of pressure results in a looser-than-optimal lace-up.

Good Fore Runner

• Loving the lightweight feel
• Just the right balance between lightweight/minimalist and capable trail shoe
• Great traction
• Very breathable
• Ample protection for this type of package
• Perfect match for Superfeet black insoles

Bad Fore Runner

• Toe guard is peeling off already
• Laces are difficult to tighten evenly

Bottom Line: Patagonia Fore Runner

What a great shoe to start off the year! As far as minimalist shoes go, these aren’t quite as svelte as some, but I feel these strike the perfect balance between light and capable in an outstanding overall package with really only a few ticky-tacky faults.

Buy Now: Men’s Fore Runner | Women’s Fore Runner

For those of you who don’t know, the Whole Enchilada features over 30 miles with 7,000 ft of descending from the La Sal mountains and finishing up with Porcupine Rim — yeah, it’s pretty much epic. As it turns out, space is very limited on each of the courses, so get on it.

More information below.

Golden, Colo.- Registration for the Big Mountain Enduro Series presented by Yeti Cycles commences Monday, April 16 on Active.com for all three events. Buff Pass Enduro, July 20-22, and Kennebec Pass Enduro, August 31 – September 1, were officially inducted last week, permit pending, to round out the series with the finale at The Whole Enchilada September 28-30. Registration for the first two events is capped at 200 participants and will open at 7 a.m. for all entries. Registration for The Whole Enchilada is limited to 150 participants, with half open at 7 a.m. and the remainder at 8 p.m. to give riders equal opportunity to register regardless of their schedule.

“We expect the events to sell out quickly based on the response we have already received,” said Sarah Rawley, Bigfoot Productions public relations. “The Big Mountain Enduro Series brings racing to a new plane in the mountain bike arena, universally accessible by every mountain-biker, and takes no special equipment other than your favorite trail bike, which at the same time is challenging enough for the pros. The Big Mountain Enduro Series is nothing like the stress and tension usually associated with competition, but more similar to going out on an epic ride with your friends to enjoy the incredible scenery and trails Colorado has to offer. This is something for all mountain bikers to enjoy.”

The three venues were specifically selected to satisfy this criteria with each course approximately 30 miles long and best navigated by a trail or all-mountain style bike.

Buff Pass Enduro July 20-22 Steamboat Springs, CO

The Buff Pass Enduro will begin with a mass start by category at 10,180′ and have three miles to spread out the field on undulating climbs and descents before it hits singletrack and rolls along alpine meadows, lush forests and lakes to the junction of Fish Creek Falls and Mountain View. The significant climb on Mountain View will be neutralized (not timed) to the top of Steamboat Ski Area where it will descend for 3000′ to the base of the ski area, for a total of 6,500′ of descending. Riders will need to ride a shuttled provided by the race to the start on Buffalo Pass.

Kennebec Pass Enduro August 31 – September 2 Durango, CO

The race will begin from the top of Kennebec Pass on the Colorado Trail and travel to the bottom of Dry Fork Trail, just west of Durango, Colo. The race will be an individual time trial start with one minute intervals. The race descends for eight miles on some of the most spectacular singletrack in the state of Colorado. There is a 100′ waterfall to grab your attention as you make your way through nine technical sections and creek crossings. At the bridge crossing on Junction Creek, the race will be neutralized (not timed) for three miles towards High Point. From where the clock starts again, the race will descend down to Dry Fork Trail, a wide open, fast, rocky trail with bermed singletrack turns. Racers will descend 6,800′ over the course. Riders will be required to ride from the mandatory shuttle drop at 8,800′ to 11,200′, the start of the race over five miles. This is not a pa rt of the race, but a requirement due to the lack of parking at the start near the top of Kennebec Pass.

The Whole Enchilada September 28-30 Moab, UT

The series finale will race down the most acclaimed trail in Moab, a top five in the U.S. and perhaps one of the most distinguishable trails in the world. At 30 miles and 7,000 feet of descending, The Whole Enchilada Enduro turns an epic all-day ride into a test of fitness and technical skills as riders race from the top of the La Sal Mountains down through four different climate zones to Porcupine Rim, where they finish just above the Colorado River. The race begins at Geiser Pass in mass start categories untimed to Burro Pass where upon order of arrival the will be released in one minute intervals. From Burro Pass the race will descend to Kokopelli, Hazard county, UPS, LPS and Porcupine Rim trails, excluding the final 2 miles of the technical singletrack of Porcupine Rim due to its classification as a Wilderness Study Area which prohibits competitions through there. All racers w ill need to ride the mandatory shuttle provided by the race and attend a mandatory rider meeting on Saturday afternoon at the Archway Inn in Moab along with packet pick up.

Enduro- the future of mountain bike racing

“We are excited to bring some of the best venues in the country to the enduro racing circuit,” said Keith Darner, Bigfoot Productions race director, “that provide a sustained backcountry experience with races between 1.5 and two hours for the winning pro times.”

With the UCI working on establishing an official Enduro Calendar for 2013, Rawley hopes to set a new standard in Enduro racing with US courses. “We have been receiving feedback for years to create a race style that focuses on the best all-around trail rider who can tackle any type of terrain, the fastest. We are fortunate to have this terrain in our backyard and it is perfectly fitting for us and our sponsors, Yeti Cycles, Shimano, The North Face, POC, Maxxis and Dirt Rag to be behind this type of racing,” Rawley said.

These events are under permit of the US Forest Service and US Bureau of Land Management.

More Info/Register: Visit BigMountainEnduro.com