Pinkbike Product Picks
Dakine Derail Short
When designing their new Derail short, Dakine took a less-is-more approach, focusing on fit and durability instead of trying to see how many pockets and vents they could cram into one piece of apparel. Constructed from a double knit nylon / spandex blend that has been treated with a DWR coating, the Derail has a 15” inseam that places the bottom of the short below the knee, and the lower leg openings are designed to have enough room to fit well over knee pads. The waist is adjustable via a hook and loop closure on each side of the waist band, or by making use of the belt loops. There are also two non-zippered hand pockets and one zippered pocket on the right leg. Colors: black, charcoal. Sizes: 30, 32, 34, 36, 38. MSRP: $75.00 USD. www.dakine.com
![Dakine Derail short review]()
Pinkbike's Take:
Kenda Nevegal X Pro Tire
The X Pro is an update to Kenda's classic Nevegal tread pattern intended for usage on everything from loose to hardpack conditions, and uses a dual tread compound featuring harder, 60a durometer center knobs and softer, 50a durometer side knobs for cornering traction. It shares the same basic tread layout as the traditional Nevegal, but the shape of the intermediate knobs has been changed, with a hexagonal knob sitting where there used to be a square, siped block. The center knobs have changed shape as well, and are rounder and less blocky when compared to their predecessor. The UST compatible Nevegal X Pro is available in either a 2.1 or 2.35" width for 26 and 27.5" wheels, and in a 2.0" version for 29ers. We tested the 27.5 x 2.35" version, which weighed in at 780 grams. Price: $64.95 USD. www.kendatire.com
![Kenda Nevegal X Pro]()
Pinkbike's Take:
MET Parabellum Helmet
MET's Parabellum helmet is unique looking, to say the least, and without its visor it wouldn't be out of place on the head of a rider in the Tour de France. But rather than spandex clad, skinny tire usage, the Parabellum is aimed squarely at all-mountain riders, with extended coverage at the back of the helmet, goggle compatibility, and a removable helmet camera mount that can be installed in seconds with one hex screw. The Parabellum uses in-mold construction around an EPS liner, and has 30 vents spread over the entire helmet. Instead of the typical cloth front pad the Parabellum uses MET's Gel O2 pad, which is constructed from 'thermo-stabilising polyurethane morpho gel'. That might sound like something from a science fiction movie, but the material was originally developed for the medical industry, and was selected due to its anti-microbial properties and claimed ability to channel sweat to the sides of a rider's head. Weight: 284 grams (actual, size M). Sizes: M 54 – 58cm; L 59 – 62cm. EN 1078 and AS/NZS2063 certified. Price: $200 CAD. www.met-helmets.com
![MET Parabellum Review]()
Pinkbike's Take:
When designing their new Derail short, Dakine took a less-is-more approach, focusing on fit and durability instead of trying to see how many pockets and vents they could cram into one piece of apparel. Constructed from a double knit nylon / spandex blend that has been treated with a DWR coating, the Derail has a 15” inseam that places the bottom of the short below the knee, and the lower leg openings are designed to have enough room to fit well over knee pads. The waist is adjustable via a hook and loop closure on each side of the waist band, or by making use of the belt loops. There are also two non-zippered hand pockets and one zippered pocket on the right leg. Colors: black, charcoal. Sizes: 30, 32, 34, 36, 38. MSRP: $75.00 USD. www.dakine.com
The Derail's simple design and excellent durability make them a recommended choice for all-round riding.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | We've been abusing the Derail short for nearly three months now, but they don't show any signs of giving up. The fabric has withstood multiple muddy rides, and even after all of the hours of grinding mud and grit into them they don't look any worse for wear. The DWR coating has worked well to keep moisture at bay on drizzly rides, allowing us to extend our saddle time before becoming completely saturated. The length and cut of the short is excellent, providing enough room for pads, but without being overly baggy. Most of our rides have been in cooler temperatures, but the fabric is still light enough that we wouldn't hesitate to grab them on all but the most sweltering days of the year, when we would go for something with more ventilation. We did have one minor issue, more of an observation really, and that's regarding the flaps on the rear of the short. These flaps are where a back pocket would be, but there's nothing under them - they're purely for show. It seems like a waste of resources and time to go through the effort to sew on false pocket flaps, especially on a short as basic as this. Other than that very tiny detail, the Derail is an excellent, simple short that's proven to be both durable and comfortable. - Mike Kazimer |
Kenda Nevegal X Pro Tire
The X Pro is an update to Kenda's classic Nevegal tread pattern intended for usage on everything from loose to hardpack conditions, and uses a dual tread compound featuring harder, 60a durometer center knobs and softer, 50a durometer side knobs for cornering traction. It shares the same basic tread layout as the traditional Nevegal, but the shape of the intermediate knobs has been changed, with a hexagonal knob sitting where there used to be a square, siped block. The center knobs have changed shape as well, and are rounder and less blocky when compared to their predecessor. The UST compatible Nevegal X Pro is available in either a 2.1 or 2.35" width for 26 and 27.5" wheels, and in a 2.0" version for 29ers. We tested the 27.5 x 2.35" version, which weighed in at 780 grams. Price: $64.95 USD. www.kendatire.com
The Nevegal X Pro uses a dual tread compound, with softer durometer rubber used for the side knobs and a harder rubber in the center, a design intended to improve the tire's lifespan.
Pinkbike's Take:
| We were able to spend time with the Nevegal X Pro on a variety of trail surfaces, from the hardpack of Sedona to the tacky and occasionally muddy trails of the Pacific Northwest. As a front tire, there was a distinct lack of traction under hard cornering, and the rounder tread profile made it hard to find a solid point to push against, no matter how far we leaned it over. However, as a rear tire the X Pro performed much better, especially when paired with a wider, meatier tire in the front. It still doesn't convey that locked in, cornering on rails feeling that some riders require, but if you're comfortable letting the back end kick out once in a while it's very predictable. The tire seemed to work best in wetter trail conditions, where the intermediate knobs could dig in for traction. The open tread pattern, particularly around the center knobs, helped the X Pro shed mud quickly, a plus for the mid-winter conditions that prevailed during testing. The tread life and sidewall durability of the tire didn't give us anything to complain about either - after our time on them the center knob profile has rounded out and worn down a bit, but all the knobs are intact and there haven't been and cuts or slashes on the sidewall. Overall, the Nevegal X Pro worked fairly well as a rear tire, but aggressive riders may find themselves wanting something a little more confidence inspiring, particularly during cornering. - Mike Kazimer |
MET Parabellum Helmet
MET's Parabellum helmet is unique looking, to say the least, and without its visor it wouldn't be out of place on the head of a rider in the Tour de France. But rather than spandex clad, skinny tire usage, the Parabellum is aimed squarely at all-mountain riders, with extended coverage at the back of the helmet, goggle compatibility, and a removable helmet camera mount that can be installed in seconds with one hex screw. The Parabellum uses in-mold construction around an EPS liner, and has 30 vents spread over the entire helmet. Instead of the typical cloth front pad the Parabellum uses MET's Gel O2 pad, which is constructed from 'thermo-stabilising polyurethane morpho gel'. That might sound like something from a science fiction movie, but the material was originally developed for the medical industry, and was selected due to its anti-microbial properties and claimed ability to channel sweat to the sides of a rider's head. Weight: 284 grams (actual, size M). Sizes: M 54 – 58cm; L 59 – 62cm. EN 1078 and AS/NZS2063 certified. Price: $200 CAD. www.met-helmets.com
At only 284 grams, the Parabellum is one of the lighter all-mountain helmets on the market.
Pinkbike's Take:
| Our first few minutes with the Parabellum left us slightly frustrated, due to the issues we encountered when trying to adjust the height of the Parabellum's retention system. There are three different positions that can be selected, but it was very difficult to get the plastic strap to slide freely in order to move from one position to another. The plastic is thin, and wanted to deform rather than releasing its grip to allow the lower portion to move. We eventually got it situated, but it was more of a hassle than it needed to be. Also, the plastic bottom portion of the retention strap angles slightly forward, which gives it a tendency to uncomfortably scratch the back of the head when the helmet is first put on. Once the retention system was in the correct place and the helmet was actually on it was much smoother sailing - the light weight and excellent ventilation was immediately noticeable, and the helmet stayed securely in place on the roughest of trails. Temperatures were fairly cool for most of our test period so we weren't able to see how the Gel O2 pad worked in scorching temperatures, but it still managed sweat well, and it wasn't any less comfortable than the cloth and foam padding most other helmets use. When we first saw the Parabellum the extra length of the visor had us worried it would impede our vision, but there's enough range of adjustment to get it out of sight. Still, we're not quite sure why the visor is as long as it is; it starts much further back on the helmet than what we're used to. The design does provide plenty of room to fit goggles underneath it in its most upright position, although something a bit more low profile would go a long ways to help the Parabellum's looks. In the end, although the Parabellum has excellent ventilation and is one of the lightest helmets in this category, it could use some fine tuning for it to truly be worthy of its $200 CAD asking price. - Mike Kazimer |
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But that's a great idea, that industry is ripe for a talent infusion from other areas. I'd like to see what some of the Italian auto designers would do with a helmet design project. Mountain bikers are typically pretty open to new looks and thinking so it's not like we aren't being receptive to their redesigns, it's just that they haven't quite figured out that design that makes us walk in to our local shop with our wallets open. Hint hint industry folks....
@Pakleni: IXS Trail RS is a good option, but be warned: quite a few customers are dissatisfied because depending on the shape of your head and the size you need, you might not be able to wear goggles (front ends too low PLUS is shaped to be even lower in the middle section).
Also, I think the removable Helmetcam/Headlight mount makes a lot of sense!
And, thanks for the tip!
in canada we pick up women by showing them that bunking up with us men is going to be warm and cozy on the cold nights, im like a hollywood kingsize.
also when you go to the strip joint over here, the ladies like to give a lapdance to someone that can hold them up when they shake ass for you agressively
Faux pockets are lame. I'd love a pair of mountain bike shorts with real back pockets, it's actually the only pocket I don't notice stuff in while riding.
Same with the helmet actually. I wouldn't pay that much money for a helmet without solid evidence that it was safer because I have no issues with cheaper helmets, but the fact that people think it's so ugly just because it looks different are funny. All bike helmets look weird, get over it.
1. Your a dick
2.Shut your trap
3.Don't Try to assume anything about other riders when you know nothing about them
4. This list could go on an on, ill just say your a total idiot and move on.
Best regards, from someone who could undoubtably smash you.