Gore ALP-X WINDSTOPPER Soft Shell short While best known for their waterproof, breathable fabric, W.L. Gore & Associates has an extensive product portfolio, which includes everything from medical equipment, vacuum filters, guitar strings, as well as a cycling apparel division (
Gore Bike Wear). The Gore Alp-X Windstopper shorts are constructed of a soft shell fabric and are windproof, breathable and highly water resistant. Intended for mountain biking in cooler weather, the shorts have a slim fit and a 14 inch inseam. The waist is adjustable on each side via a buckle that slides on a piece of nylon webbing. The inner leg and the crotch area, the highest wear areas of a bike short, are made of an abrasion resistant fabric. The Alp-X shorts also have two rear zip pockets, each with a strip of reflective material on them. MSRP: $119.99 USD.
www.goreapparel.com  |
| The Gore Alp-X Windstopper shorts proved to be an excellent choice for foul weather riding. |
 | We received our test pair of Gore's Alp-X shorts just as the temperatures began to drop and the rain began to fall in the Pacific Northwest. Since then, we've been reluctant to wear anything else - they're that comfortable. The stretchy softshell fabric is reminiscent of a well-worn pair of sweat pants, but with the added benefit of being water resistant and breathable. The fit was first-rate, with the top of the short falling just below our kneecap. While the Alp-X short has a slim cut, the stretchy fabric let us wear knee pads underneath without any trouble. Most of the time we used these on all-mountain rides, wearing them with a pair of knee warmers on cooler days. On rainy days the fabric worked as advertised, keeping us dry much longer than a typical riding short would. During heavy rain the shorts would eventually soak through, but they dried quickly as soon as the rain let up. While the lack of any kind of venting means the Alp-X would likely be too warm for summer riding, the shorts were comfortable even in temperatures up to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The only slight bobble in the shorts' design is the two rear pockets - any items placed in them end up pressing directly into the back of the leg when riding. Other than this minor detail, the Alp-X shorts are an ideal garment for riding in cool, wet weather. The excellent fit, comfort and performance of the Alp-X short place it high on our list of recommended riding apparel. - Mike Kazimer |
Specialized Butcher Control 2.3 tireSpecialized's Butcher tires first arrived on the scene a few years ago on the bikes of the Monster Energy/Specialized team, whose input was used to develop the tread pattern for this tire. Since then, a number of different versions of the Butcher have become available, from the Butcher DH with its dual ply casing and soft rubber compound, all the way to the Butcher Control 2.3, which is the lightest of all the options. Measuring in on the wide side of 2.3”, and weighing approximately 730 grams, the Butcher Control is intended to be an all-mountain tire capable of working well in a variety of conditions. The tire uses a 50a durometer rubber compound throughout the entire tread, and has a reinforced sidewall that Specialized claims offers 15 percent more cut resistance over their non-reinforced offerings. The Butcher Control is a folding bead tire, and is tubeless compatible. MSRP: $50 USD (26”), $55 (29”).
www.specialized.com  |
| Looking for a tire that won't disappoint when the trail gets technical? With its reasonable weight and price, the Specialized Butcher Control is a worthy candidate. |
| We rolled the Butcher Control through a wide range of conditions, from the dusty, dry and loose trails of summer to the wet, slimy and muddy trails of late fall/early winter. Throughout it all, the Butcher was a predicable and reliable tire, no matter the terrain. It's one of those tires you don't think about; it fades to the background, performing its job without any erratic behavior or odd handling that would draw attention to it. We didn't notice any more rolling resistance than expected from this style of tire. Granted, it's not as fast rolling as the glorified cyclocross tires XC racers ride around on, but despite its meaty tread the Butcher didn't feel sluggish, even on long, gradual climbs. Credit is due in part to its weight (730 grams), which is very reasonable for a tire of this width and with such an aggressive tread pattern. Cornering performance was admirable - even in loose, flat corners the Butcher dug in and held its own, gripping tenaciously. The 50 durometer rubber compound was much appreciated when the mud season returned - we were able to find traction on slippery roots where other tires would have spun out. The Butcher Control would be an excellent choice for an all-mountain or enduro rider looking for a wide tire that can handle rowdy terrain and won't break the bank. - Mike Kazimer |
Sombrio Spun glove Approaching their fifteenth year in business, Sombrio makes a wide range of mountain bike apparel and accessories. The Sombrio Spun glove is a bare-bones, minimalist glove featuring a wood grain patterned, breathable mesh back panel and an unpadded AX Suede palm, which is designed to be highly abrasion resistant. The fingertips are reinforced, and have a silicone pattern (
in the shape of a mustache) screen printed on the first two fingers for increased grip. The Spun gloves close with an elasticized hook and loop closure at the wrist. MSRP: $15 USD.
www.bike.sombriocartel.com |
| The Sombrio Spun glove was light and comfortable, but didn't have the durability we desired. |
| Sombrio's Spun gloves were very comfortable from the beginning, with no break in period required. The Spun's mesh back panel is stretchy, which let the gloves conform well to our hands. The back panel also allowed for excellent ventilation on warm days, and places the Spun squarely in the summer glove category - these gloves wouldn't be warm enough once the temperatures begin to drop. The mesh back panel did begin to pill up after a few close encounters with shrubs and bushes that were encroaching on the trail. Also, after only a few days of riding, the thumb crotch seam began to come apart on both gloves. The seam splitting seemed to reach a certain point and then stop, but we don't have high hopes for these gloves in the long term. Although the retail price of the Sombrio Spun glove is very reasonable, it seems to be a case of "you get what you pay for." In a pinch, say, you're on vacation and forgot your gloves at home, the Spun would work as a simple, well ventilated glove, but for long term use we'd like to see the durability issues sorted out before we can recommend them. - Mike Kazimer |
