Pinkbike Product Picks

Oct 24, 2013 at 14:51
by Jordan Carr  
Lizard Skins Lock-On North Shore grips

Grips have to be the simplest and least expensive way to dramatically change both the feel of your bike and improve comfort while riding, and Lizard Skins has been behind countless different grips for long as we can remember, as well as frame protection and other items. Lizard Skins is still producing those chain stay guards but they also offer a massive range of grips to choose from, including the Lock-On North Shore model that we've been using for the past while. These relatively thick and textured grips have been designed to be super comfortable with or without gloves, and Lizard Skins also donates a percentage of their sales towards trail building efforts on the North Shore, which is obviously a win-win for your hands and the trails. Other than providing funding for trail efforts, the North Shore grips are Lizard Skin's thickest, most padded lock-on option, featuring a wide squared texture that measures 33mm in diameter and 130mm in length. Standard colours are black or grey, but they also offer a customization program (for an upcharge) that allows you to choose from nine different lock-on collar colours, nine more plug colours, and text engraving of your specification using twenty different fonts. MSRP: $30.00 USD. www.lizardskins.com

Lizard Skins grips review test
Comfortable but thick, the North Shore grips will be a favourite with riders who have big hands or prefer a soft grip.

Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesWhether you ride with gloves or without, grips are almost as personal as seat choice, with one person loving a design that another can't stand. You'll know what you're a fan of after spending countless hours holding onto a variety of grips, and that perfect-for-you pair can make all the difference day-in and day-out. With that in mind, the North Shores provide a nice balance between shock absorption and diameter, with the extra thickness compared to slimmer options making a noticeable difference in regards to vibration damping. This results in all-day comfort while still offering plenty of friction to keep your hands glued to the bars, gloves or no gloves. Pairing the added comfort with a functional lock-on style grip makes the North Shores a great option for riders looking to add some coziness to their bars, but their 33mm diameter won't be for everyone - if you prefer a minimalist grip, these may not be the best option for you. Wear rate seems to be par for the course, with them not losing material faster than anything else out there, although their extra thickness could mean that they'll be useable for longer than a set of thinner grips. - Jordan Carr



Kitsbow Soft Shell A/M short

Based in Marin, California, Kitsbow aims to design and produce high quality mountain bike apparel with a minimalist aesthetic and subtle tailored details - you won't find any neon highlights here. They set out to create the best functioning, no-corners-cut mountain bike trail short knowing full well that there were already plenty of reasonably priced options on the market, and that they felt they could offer something different. Made in Vancouver, B.C., with durable and stretchy Schoeller dryskin soft shell fabric, the short is designed to fit like a custom suit. It features one inch sizing increments rather than an adjustable waistband that would depend on buckles or Velcro, and their cut is meant to fill the void left by the not so “performance fit” of many baggy mountain bike shorts on the market. Subtle design features are found throughout: the back of each knee is shaped so it won’t brush your calves, and the inseam breaks right where your knees naturally bend. All of the inner seams are taped and finished, the pockets employ a stretch mesh liner so they can also be used as vents, and the quilted waistband is positioned so that it sits high enough to offer full coverage. Other design points include reversed YKK zippers to keep them flat along the leg, as well as a nifty slider snap waist closure that locks shut via a short track. One of the more interesting features is how the pockets are positioned, with them being angled back slightly towards the rear of the short rather than straight down. MSRP: $269.00 USD. www.kitsbow.com

Kitsbow shorts review test
The best short on the market, period. Comfort comes at a price that might make them an unrealistic option for many riders, though.

Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesWe're not about to tell you to rush out to spend $270 USD on a short - that is a lot of money no matter how you look at it - but there is certainly room for the Soft Shell A/M short given that there are countless reasonably priced options already on the market if you can't see yourself spending this much dough. For those who are both interested and have the financial means to consider the Kitsbow short, read on. If you spend loads of time on your bike, comfort and quality are of the utmost importance, and Kitsbow absolutely nailed those two points. They fit and perform like no other short we have used, with a bit more of a conforming design that is far less baggy than most others. Inseam length is spot on with no extra fabric to catch on the seat, and the same can be said about the leg length. The Schoeller soft shell fabric also proved to be quite weather and stain resistant, but also manages to not feel thick and un-pliable like many ''durable'' fabrics. Our favourite feature of the short has to be the strategically placed leg pockets that make carrying a smartphone or heavy multi-tool almost unnoticeable while still being readily accessible when needed, something that is possible thanks to how the pockets aren't as loose fitting and their positioning more towards the rear. Complaints? They can be a touch warm in hot summer weather, and the pocket position meant that we sometimes found ourselves sitting on our tool or phone when not in the saddle, but that's about it. Are the worth $270? That's for you to decide, but we have to step up and say that they are the best performing short we've ever worn. It isn't one specific design point, but rather all of the combined efforts that make them both the most comfortable and well executed short on the market. There are tons of shorts that perform very well and cost much less, but the Soft Shell A/M short is a step above them all. - Jordan Carr




Charge Scoop seat

Charge designs performance minded products for the mountain, road, and commuter scene that offer great features at a reasonable price. With its rounded top, the Charge Scoop features the aesthetics and performance comfort of many higher end saddles, but at a more fiscally responsible price: less than $100 USD for the titanium railed model, and they also offer a chromo railed version that retails right around $59 USD. The Scoop features a nylon upper with a bonded cover, and the lighter of the two options weighs in at 245grams. It features a 145mm width in the rear and is 280mm in length, while its padding is somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. MSRP: chromo - $59, titanium - $89. www.chargebikes.com

Charge Scoop seat review test
A reasonably price seat that offers a rounded shape.

Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesSeat preference is obviously a very personal thing, so this or any other seat will not work perfectly for every rider. Luckily, I prefer a more rounded shape to keep me centered comfortably on the bike. The Scoop did this, and did it amazingly well. After spending the majority of my time aboard Fizik saddles, I have become accustomed to their fit and feel, and the Scoop was an easy transition that I was able to spend three hours on with no issues at all. The rounded nose and tail kept me right in the sweet spot of the saddle, while the padding offered a nice cushion to take the edge off on the hardtail I mounted it to. Overall, the Scoop is a great option for riders who prefer a rounded hammock shaped and are looking for something quality, but don't want to spend $200 plus dollars to find it. Having said that, it won't be ideal if you prefer a flat saddle shape that lets you slide around to get in to your desired riding position - the Scoop sets you in its sweet spot, making setup a crucial component. - Jordan Carr

Photos by: Tal Roberts



Author Info:
JordanCarr avatar

Member since Aug 7, 2013
42 articles

170 Comments
  • 158 8
 $270 shorts. I'm NOT keeping up with the pace of this mad world man.
  • 31 4
 That's f*cking stupid. Where will the madness end? I assumed $100 would be it
  • 48 2
 I need a reach around if I'm buying that
  • 11 2
 A reach around would be ok, but at 270, I think a dry wristy is more like it.
  • 82 4
 but it's enduro specific. so it must be worth it.
  • 40 2
 If you read the whole thing youd see that it clearly states they add 5+ hp
  • 8 3
 I can see paying 100 bucks for shorts or even MAYBE 150 but not 270! And to make it worse i live in California and after taxes that would be almost a 300 dollar pair of shorts. Let me think about that. how bout NO! On kinda a side note what is up with them reviewing really expensive clothing lately? Or is that just me?
  • 46 2
 Only $270? Have Jeeves run out and fetch me a couple pairs post haste!
  • 7 5
 Pinkbike's Take:

"Complaints? They can be a touch warm in hot summer weather, and the pocket position meant that we sometimes found ourselves sitting on our tool or phone when not in the saddle, but that's about it. Are the worth $270?"

I'm so embarrassed to wear a hot shorts with mini tool under ass and cost $300 including tax.
  • 3 4
 I've got some Intrepid Apparell shorts, they were £80 retail and are pretty much the best "Enduro" shorts I have worn. The pockets are big, the material is soft but strong and if you like to listen to music it has an iPod pocket just at the base of the spine keeping it above your saddle. I've also got some Troy Lee Moto's but they're just too heavy for longer rides.
  • 6 1
 $270 for a pair... Pft ill but 3 pairs of top notch shorts for that.
  • 10 3
 The price is definitely too high, but about $200 would be reasonable for what you are getting. These are not your cheap fabric, look cool, Troy Lee/Dakine/Sombrio specials. Schoeller dryskin has been in use for 15-20 years in the outdoor market--skiing, hiking, mountaineering, etc. It's what started the soft-shell clothing market and its really great stuff. Almost every schoeller dryskin pant product in the outdoor market is $175-250. The Kitsbow shorts should be in that range, not $270.
  • 3 3
 Not gonna lie if I had the money right now id probably get a pair but I have recently bought some Rapha cycling jeans for my commute and they are really nice. They should be for the £150 RRP.
  • 14 3
 For $270 these shorts needs to have a tent in the pocket that I can open it and live there. Period.
  • 6 4
 For $270, Louis Vuitton badge is a must
  • 23 10
 Cry me a river. No one is making you buy them. Are you also furious that a Ferrari costs $300k+ and you're driving a Hyundai? How dare they make a car you can't afford!
  • 21 12
 alexeyter - I don't understand this negative attitude towards luxury goods either. We at the tap deserve products that will allow us to separate ourselves from owners of aluminium 26" bicycles with obsolete standards and out-dated suspension. Wouldn't be surprised if their bikes were stolen goods bought second hand. I wish to take one of pictures of me on my boat in Monte Carlo throwing a party for EWS best riders and throw it in the face of those hecklers. Seriously people... seriously stop that. There's more to the world than btchn on gear designed for twats. It is designed for twats, not everyone wearing it is one. Don't judge... pfffkhmpfff... seriously
  • 19 4
 So I'm assuming that anything designed for twats is exclusively what WAKI buys and wears?
  • 2 1
 How much longer will these last over my £5 pair of biking shorts? mine have served me well for 3 years, not quite sure they'll beat it, and mine are hella comfy too. whats the crash resistance like, think they should be put through a wood chopper and if they stand up to it, then worth the money imo
  • 17 7
 No. I am a conformous posh hipster, I ride in stuff not made for bike riding just to confuse people: like surfing shorts, ski helmet and moto goggles. I own a 10k worth 650B compatible bamboo replica of V10.4c and pride myself with spotting every grimace: "but whyyyy" I removed Kashima coating from upper legs of my 2014 Fox 40 and applied DLC. Yesterday I was on my first internet rehab meeting and they told me to take those pills.
  • 1 0
 Boardshorts is about the only type of shorts I own.
  • 2 0
 They had me at Schoeller Dryskin, but then quickly lost me at $269.
  • 3 0
 For $270 they better last through the apocalypse!
  • 9 8
 They will last a sharknado!
  • 4 3
 WAKI - I have nothing else to contribute to this article other then your comments have been hilarious... please continue your psudo-yuppiness persona!
  • 10 0
 That's a fair price. I saved 20 grams!
  • 9 7
 @Waki, yeah I already know you are a twat, there's no need to tell us what you are in detail.
  • 6 0
 Will these shorts help me ride better than $70 ones? Not a chance. So I'll spend my remaining $200 on tires that will.
  • 6 3
 @Ryan - how about you write a story about it? Next time try composing a PM whenever you feel an urge to go personal with somebody. What are you on about? Gathering a head flushing party?
  • 5 1
 Big Deal, at 270 they know it is not a product for the masses. It is a niche product for someone who doesn't mind spending the money. Would I ever buy them, probably not. But just because I won't doesn't mean that i think they shouldn't be made. Relax everyone, its only a pair of shorts.
  • 1 0
 15$ stripy NewYorker baggy shorts, ones which are not cotton so they don't get sweaty. I wear them all season, all mountain and they make me happy. You can also look for color which matches you bike or take fixie and write Enduro specific on them if you'd like..
  • 6 0
 as long as ya don't buy what ya don't need with the money you don't have to impress people ya don't know it's all fine. do i wanna try these? yeah. do i have to? nah.
  • 6 6
 @fullbug you obviously do not understand the principles of economic growth. The guy on the News said: no growth = horrible things. At least that's what I got out of it. He was barely 30 and looked like he knows stuff, otherwise he wouldn't be on News. I base that on the fact that I did not understand 80% of the words he said. He was also talking percentages and strange formulas, then he went into politics, and ultimately I did not understand anything, and then i thought how smart he is. Unlike you who make perfect sense, so it can't be true. According to lady that spoke afterwards, I must take loan in Swiss Franks on somthing called "fixed interest rate", then keep savings in silver, then shift all my fund assets to bons, then invest the remaining money in State obligations and closely observe the situation on the rates on Euro and Norwegian Crown, in case I would need to sell the bons to put the money to Swiss bank on variable rate which is risky but may be extremely profitbale as a short term investment.
  • 2 0
 haha. i learned early not to trust people over 30 a long time ago, though! myself included. 'sides principles are rarely practiced these days anyway. hehe
  • 3 0
 @AlexeyterThat's not the point, people are upset because they don't believe that the shorts are worth the $300. It's like taking your Hyundai and putting it at the price of the Ferrari. Over exaggerating, yes. But it is essentially the same thing.
  • 6 0
 $270 is more expensive than almost every pair of shorts from Rapha, and that's saying something. I think they're trolling to see if mtn bikers are as dumb as some of the roadie guys.
  • 9 0
 for 270$ i would at least expect a secret stash nug pocket with at least a couple grams in there already when you buy the shorts
  • 5 1
 lol WAKI is the shit. Keep it up bruh
  • 2 0
 a gram - more like a zip for that price. designer mtb shorts come free with each purchase.
  • 2 0
 i think I have almost hit this point. Prices in this sport have hit the ridiculous.

vernon.kijiji.ca/f-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-dirt-bikes-motocross-W0QQCatIdZ307

new bikes are the same as MTBs..

prices for protective gear are also cheaper. We are getting priced out of this sport!!!
  • 3 0
 I am holding out for $100 grips Smile
  • 2 0
 1 buy shorts anywhere for under $50
2. Get whatever patch you want for under $10
3 invest some time to apply patch to shorts.
4 congratz, you now have Fox shorts for under $60 ( or whatever brand you like )
  • 2 0
 Waki, you are a twat, But a twat i love

and your bambo 650b santa cruz v10.4c is amazing Big Grin
  • 2 0
 get some TARTY BIKES shorts.. same stretch.. third of the price.. and better fit options.. Salute
  • 1 0
 Primark FTW !!
£6 shorts, yeah bitches !!!
  • 39 4
 Am I the only one here that think that the Charge Scoop seat looks really cool?
  • 10 3
 no
  • 4 1
 I thought instantly I want that on my bike
  • 4 2
 charge makes SWEET frames as well
  • 2 2
 yeah i wonder how comfy it is though
  • 2 1
 I will be getting that seat for my new bike.
  • 3 0
 Great price. Would deffo try one.
  • 2 1
 dammit pinkbike stop telling people about these super affordable very comfy and good looking saddles!

www.pinkbike.com/photo/8414077

www.pinkbike.com/photo/8270196

www.pinkbike.com/photo/7827628
  • 1 1
 My Charge Mixer is an awesome commuting bike. Charge makes good stuff.
  • 1 1
 Couldn't agree more. I quite like all their frames cos they're all straight tubing and neat. And their graphic is nice. But I LOVE their saddles. Soooo comfy. And cheap.
  • 1 1
 I'm thinkin I'm gonna try one of these as soon as I get a new seatpost (I have to run a seat with extra long rails right now to counteract the setback on my dropper.)
  • 3 0
 Not for me. WTB 4 life.
  • 2 0
 Agreed. WTB makes the best saddles I have ever sat on.
  • 1 1
 wtb's are really comfy. but, it's wtb Blank Stare it's like riding a boobar. i know its the same as any other bar, but just out of principle i wont put anything on my bike that says boobar Smile
  • 2 0
 Boobars are a Truvativ product.
I don't get what youre saying?
WTB stands for Wilderness Trail Bikes.
  • 1 1
 i'm kidding. was trying to be a pb hater/troll, if you will. i'm actually looking for a wtb silverado on ebay at the moment lol
  • 2 2
 I'll sell you a black Thinline Silverado with a small tear on the back.
  • 23 4
 $270 is a lot of money for shorts rated only for All mountain. What if I want to enduro, aggressive xc, trail, or light freeride in those shorts. Sure they could probably handle it, but like all season tires, they are probably less then ideal when stretched out of their intended use.
  • 14 2
 I dunno if I would risk it, you wouldn't want to go XC riding in them just in case it voids the warranty, cause I mean then it might be just a bit of a waste of money
  • 21 1
 I might consider them if the came with an integrated enduro specific fanny pack
  • 4 0
 Hey, we all know fanny packs are worth an extra .05 seconds.
  • 4 0
 Only if you have an enduro one though, XC ones are worth -0.5 however you do get a bonus 13 endurance points.
  • 3 1
 I wish I knew the difference between AM, enduro, aggressive XC, trail or light freeride.... can't they make shorts suitable for just riding your bike?
  • 18 1
 Father, have Jeebs fetch the Bentley and take me to the shop to buy me a pair of those shorts immediately as well as a diamond encrusted velociraptor egg. I simply have to have them mmm yes
  • 9 0
 Jeeves- "but sir, its the off season! The Bentley is snowed in."

Pompous prick- "very well Jeeves, looks like you'll have to saddle up your fanny pack and walk to the store then, doesn't it! Hmm yes. Bring me those beautiful shorts URGENTLY!"
  • 5 0
 I hear when you make an omelet out of dinosaur eggs, that shit smells WILD. I also like to sprinkle diamonds in my breakfast cereal.
  • 2 0
 it makes your doodoo all shiny
  • 5 0
 sparkle. makes it sparkle.
  • 2 0
 It makes your dookie twinkle!!
  • 11 0
 My shorts were on closeout at cambria. $6.
I have another pair by fox. the crotch is ripped out and they are awaiting sewing. I found them behind a boulder. I figured a bear got the rest of the guy.
a van down by the river please
  • 12 0
 $270 shorts....... hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahhahahahahahahaha
  • 9 2
 what about mid range enduro bikes or free ride (if there is still left)...brake pads...mid range rims... normal prodoucts that avrage rider need to replace for from to time...
  • 5 2
 The average rider doesn't have to replace grips or a saddle "from time to time"?
  • 3 1
 costwize its not haevy Expense,saddle are not that often reaplace .but u have a point here with the grips Smile
  • 6 0
 after reading about the kitsbow shorts I immediatly scrolled down to read all the regular pinkbike whiners opinions on why things shouldnt cost more than they can afford. its pretty entertaining! I come on pinkbike to see cool videos, bike stuff that is awesome (that i usually cant afford), and see the same users whine about everything. thanks everyone!
  • 5 0
 I use the Charge Spoon Saddle, hands down the most comfortable saddle I've ever used. Got mine for 20 euro can't go wrong. Proof that good gear and good companies aren't always trying to empty your bank account

www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-spoon-saddle-with-cromo-rails
  • 3 0
 Effin' $270 for a pair of shorts! Here I thought that bike shorts with the chamois is damn expensive! WTF?!? I guess some rich dumb sap with a $10,000 carbon frame trail bike would want such a pair of shorts for riding on city streets and paved pathways. My god - does it have a special pouch for popping a boner while you're riding?
  • 7 4
 Am I the only one that seems to really like the Kitsbow stuff? They have a great website. The shorts look really good, maybe a bit pricey, but you can wear these shorts on and off the bike. A lot of people here ride $5000+ bikes and you guys are whining about a $270 pair of short that you would actually use for a few years.
Kitsbow - Stuff looks great. Thanks for putting out a really nicely made product.
  • 6 1
 A lot of people buy $270 shorts. Rappers, reality show stars, Arab sheiks...
  • 2 4
 You've got to be laying down some serious shred to get away with wearing these shorts and not looking like a twat. Also, these do not look great off of the bike, they look like bike shorts, and wearing bike shorts out of context also makes you look like a twat.
  • 7 0
 @SlodownU = fashionpolice = twat.
  • 6 2
 "You've got to be laying down some serious shred to get away with wearing these shorts and not looking like a twat."

That was the gayest shit I've ever read on pinkbike.
  • 2 3
 Really, this is the gayest thing you've read here? Gayer than listening to you ass jockeys try to justify a $300 pair of shorts because you think they look good? Maybe they make a pair in the same color as your man purse. Bitches.
  • 2 0
 Just keep laying down the shred you big ol badass
  • 3 1
 Too bad Mr. Carr didn't open up the good things about the lizardskin grips. These grips are my weapon of choice - they have ****loads of grip, a proper diameter for my fingers so that I'm not making pressing holes to my palm when I'm in bad situation and cannot control the squeeze of my hand, different type of grooves at both ends lengthwise so you know where your hand is every time you take a grab your bike. Comfort is the thing I've never even thought about regarding these grips. Blah!
  • 1 0
 I still run the old North Shore lock ons because they are stiff. I bought the new ones and they were too soft giving me arm pump so I switched back to my deteriorating grips. Anyone out there know of a large diameter grip that is on the hard side?
  • 4 0
 Try the Moab or logo, both are also very comfy but not too soft.
  • 2 0
 +1 for logo, also ODI vans edition is my all time favorite grip and im a grip-junkie. bought three pairs they are perfect.
  • 1 0
 The vans are super hard and thin, though (have a set). My next pair I'd like to be some super chinkies.
  • 1 1
 ODI rogue and they're super sticky
  • 1 0
 I have a set of rogues those are nowhere near as large as logo's, not even close.
  • 5 0
 anyone else think those grips are just ourys?
  • 3 0
 but they're "north shore" ourys! would get them but they might clash with my enduro bike and decidedly non north shore commencal v3
  • 1 0
 If any of you road road bikes you may understand that spending money on GOOD quality riding apparel is paramount to being comfortable on a long or even short ride. Check out www.assos.com their shorts for road riding are horrendously expensive, but f*ck they are awesome and I don't ride in anything else. Even where em under my mtb shorts!! On a side note: shorts at this price should at least look cool!
  • 9 3
 $270 shorts? Blow me.
  • 45 1
 That's extra.
  • 2 1
 While $270 for a pair of shorts is expensive.

I bought shorts for $100 , that didn't ride very well/ fit/ etc... and ended up buying another pair of shorts ($125) that work much better. So I spent $225+ time and energy finding better shorts+ riding discomfort.

If I could spend more up front to save time and riding discomfort later, that's not a bad deal.
  • 2 0
 What guarantee do you have that these $270 shorts will fit your particular body shape any better than the $100 ones?
  • 1 0
 Seriously those shorts are ridiculously priced even if they come with gold hardware LOL Smile I tried a few MTB Specific shorts in the last few years but none fit me right, even the more pricey ones Frown One day I hopped on my bike wearing my MMA shorts, gunned the trails and when I got home I neatly folded up all my MTB specific ones and put them all in storage Smile These shorts are for fighting and are very comfortable and tough, just long enough to cover my padded cycling shorts, have a stretchy in-seam, nice long slits on the sides which never get snagged on anything and are very resistant to elements... I usually just dust them off, rinse with cold water and air dry. Rarely and usually after a mud-fest I hand wash them in cold water which takes me 5 mins Smile Don't need any special vents as they are nice and open and I can easily wear leg armour too Smile No pockets, but I always have my backpack or use those on back of my jersey. They also come in various shapes and crazy colours with names and logos that are way cooler and more aggressive than any MTB gear on the market Smile They cost me 60 bucks Smile
  • 1 0
 Why does it cost so much to have a pair of shorts with a decent inseam? EVERY pair of shorts i've ever had has had a far too short inseam, meaning I always catch them on my seat, and it pisses me the f*ck off. How difficult is it to make a decent pair of shorts for a not infinite amount of money?
  • 1 0
 I just bought a Charge seat and I was really impressed with the quality and durability. I put it on my DH bike and the rails have held up to some hard landings and crashes and remaind comfortable. Best seat for the price.
  • 6 3
 What has the mtb world come to?! $270 for shorts!
  • 6 1
 There's still plenty of biking shorts out there for under $100, it's not as if these are the one and only brand/model of shorts you can buy. Do you complain about the car industry and companies that make $100,000 + cars? You have choice, simply buy within your means...
  • 5 0
 I didn't mean that, I was just saying that because some shorts can be that much and I think it's ridiculous. Don't take comments to literally.
  • 3 1
 but those 100,000$ cars are well cars... these shorts are something some dude/chick patched together for 40$ at the most but eh that's markup kids
  • 1 0
 I don't have a problem with exotic sports cars, just like I don't have a problem with these shorts being produced. If these companies can find suckers to buy their overprice stuff then more power to them. But I will, when I see someone wearing these shorts at my local trail (or driving a Ferrari around town), look at them like they are a moron. Those cars are without a doubt awesome, but whats the point when you are never driving it around on 40mph roads.
  • 1 0
 Ha! Ok, so now you're saying people with a lot of money are morons for buying something that is more expensive? I guess mountain bike racers with $10,000 bikes are morons then. If someone has the money to spend on an exotic sports car and drive it mostly in the city and maybe sometimes take it to a local track to use it to it's full potential, that's great, maybe they just enjoy owning a great piece of design and engineering. And as far as expensive shorts go, what's the probelem? Someone wants it, they buy it and stimulate the economy...no harm done.
  • 1 2
 if they pay 10,000 for a bike they are morons, I wait till end of season deals because I'm not a moron, also non morons buy used, although I don't mind if people stimulate the economy, a friend of mine can't ride bobsled on fromme (green trail for you non shore people, here's lee lau's edit: www.pinkbike.com/video/161742) top to bottom on my commencal v3 so he's going to buy a session 9.9, it's nice to have something to laugh at once in a while
  • 1 0
 No I never said people are morons simply for buying expensive things. People are morons when they buy completely pointless expensive things, like $200K sports cars and then never drive them over 80mph. And no, a mountain bike 'racer' would not be a moron if they bought a 10K bike if they are competitive and take riding seriously. But a guy who rides his local XC trails once a month would be a moron if he bought a $10K bike.
  • 1 0
 Well, you are entitled to your opinion, personally, I don't call someone a moron because they are able to afford more expensive toys than me. What they do with their stuff is their business.
  • 1 0
 Yea I guess moron is not the right word since I don't really have anything against the person. I guess it's more just completely ridiculous.
  • 1 1
 "Best short on the market period" is Jordan Carr on the payroll, please give me a break. Same fabric as sombrio and a italian cobra snap with a couple of pockets, holy markup.
  • 2 0
 I like the looks of those grips, nice and big some grips i feel like they're too small to really grip...
  • 1 1
 I own those grips and I firmly dislike them due to the fact that they feel too small.. the ODI Vans grips are absolutely perfect in my opinion.
  • 1 0
 I'll look into those thanks Smile
  • 2 0
 If the Scoop is anything like the Spoon, it's a keeper. Been running the Spoon for a few years now, and it's dang comfy.
  • 4 0
 Hell yeah Jordan Carr
  • 2 0
 Anybody else have late model shimano levers that leak from the free stroke screw as in his grip pictures?
  • 4 3
 If you pay $270 for a pair of shorts, you need to catch yourself on and wise up. That's idiotic. Pinkbike shouldn't even entertain this. Boooo!
  • 2 1
 They really cost 100$, the additional 170 is because they are so tight that they enhance your package. The Speedos of MTB'ing.
Ha, bow to my kit
  • 3 0
 Are those not just Oury grips?
  • 1 0
 the last time I ever saw a review that I actually would consider buying is that giro full-face helmet halfway through summer.....
  • 1 0
 How can you possibly charge that much for shorts? I don't care if they make you float on top of your seat, that's too much!!!
  • 1 0
 Kitsbow Shorts......Kinda like the $1,000.00 pizza slice in New York. It's there for those who can afford it...
  • 2 0
 already using the grips , i like them alot have helped with hand cramps
  • 2 0
 in order: Yes! f*ck No, and Maybe...
  • 2 4
 if manufacturers carry on with this kind of out of control pricing all they will do is just cripple the market and kill the sport. yes you will keep a few in the sport but a lot will just fed up with it and move along I came to this sport as got fed up of having motorbikes stolen and lose of good earned cash but at this rate it would cheaper to go back to the motorbikes. you can buy TLD motorbike kit cheaper than MTB same as fox and many other makes
  • 6 1
 The Kitsbow short is a single pricey option in a see of shorts that range from well under $100 - there are plenty of less expensive options to pick from. A pair of $270 shorts is going to make you leave the sport? Does a $100,000 car make you not want to drive a $10,000 car? I'm not defending Kitsbow, but I'm certainly defending the right for there to be more expensive, high quality options, not matter what the product, for those who might be interested in them.
  • 1 2
 oh there is always one, did i say i was leaving the sport? i think NOT, but i can take a guess at them $270 shorts probably cost in the area of around $5-15 to make if not less, and they would use the same machinists and everything else as they use to make cheaper shorts except maybe the fabric. unlike your comparison to $10,000 car to $100,000 car the later being hand built with extremely parts with a back ground like Ferrari or Lamborghini or even aston martin which would be built with the best alloy metals and over 15 coats of the most expensive paint unlike your $10.000 car which would be lucky to have more than 3 coats paint and be built out of cheap parts and built by robots. but yes they do have the right and i'm not say they don't have the right but when an industry out prices its self its common sense it will fail or at least reduce in numbers drastically I love this sport and don't want to see it ruined by greed like the rest of the world. i'm entitled to my opinion and will comment on it you don't like it don't read it.
  • 4 0
 I don't think you really have any insight into how these are made. What facts give you the insight to say that they probably cost $5-$15 to make them? It probably costs at least $5 per pair just to ship the material from Switzerland to Vancouver.

Thats 2650% markup if they cost $15. The bike industry averages somewhere between 60% to 110% markup in my experience. As outrageous as the markup is in the industry, no company could ever get away with 2650% markup, and if they could, it'd be our own fault as consumers and retailers. You're talking crazy talk.

All that said, paying $270+tax for shorts is completely ridiculous for 90% of the riders out there.
  • 2 4
 Pinkbike, you may get these items for free and to test, but these are all down to personal comfort and not to how a reviewer see's them. Expensive or cheap it doesn't matter, mix some bike components in with these type of items like budget forks and an OTT priced set of brakes, and actually maybe compare them to the nearest rival. It's heading onto winter, i don't need new shorts, why would i change my grips when they are comfy and then risk buying uncomfy ones.
  • 5 0
 Only half the world is going into Winter, and there might be some people out there who just maybe need new grips despite yours being comfortable =) We do have some other things coming up in PP, chain guides, lower priced fork ect. Stay tuned.
  • 1 3
 sounds good to me. Grips, saddles and shorts are just a bit bland for a review section imo, hope we see some stuff put head to head with similar products though
  • 2 1
 Why you keep reviewing product that NO ONES here will actually buy???? 270$ shorts, what a joke.
  • 1 0
 seriously, $280 for a pair of shorts? give me a break
  • 1 0
 I run those grips. Super comfy and good wear. Never did understand the slim grips craze; hurt my ulnar nerve.
  • 4 4
 pinkbike isn't a gucci store. Don't be slippin' on the product picks pinkbike!
  • 2 1
 those shorts must be 29er specific!
  • 2 3
 "The best short on the market, period. Comfort comes at a price that might make them an unrealistic option for many riders, though." THEN WHY REVIEW IT????
  • 7 1
 Because a $270 short is interesting... are they really better? Yes. Will some riders buy them? Obviously. Are they necessary? Oh hell no.
  • 1 1
 interesting, MOD PLUS. ill stick w mu Pearl's thank you every much.
  • 1 0
 I ws goingt to pick the shorts... but wtf !!! $270 ??? are you serious?
  • 1 0
 Do those shorts come with a chamios
  • 1 1
 You are all, mostly a bunch of winging wankers! Let me have it "Waki".....
  • 2 0
 Damn auto correct. Meant let em have it!!
  • 3 4
 I'm sorry but $270 for shorts is ignorant. I don't care how much money you have to blow.
  • 6 3
 Learn the definition of ignorant and irony while you are at it. Its a niche market and a top of the line product. If you don't like it don't buy it that really needs to be plastered at the top of every product pick. I like learning about the top of the line stuff even if I can't afford it. Who wants to read reviews about shitty cheap components? Thats boring, most of the stuff on PB is high-end but thats part of the appeal.
  • 1 6
flag prestonDH (Oct 24, 2013 at 22:28) (Below Threshold)
 Someone sounds a little butthurt. This is pink bike don't take everything so seriously. As for knowing the definition of ignorant and irony, I do. And they are lacking a general awareness of pricing principals in the fact that they think $280 for shorts will sell. I never said I was going to go buy some. Now run home to mommy and have her kiss your booboo poozank.
  • 2 1
 Thats the kind of reply I would expect from a 28 year old man child. These shorts will sell just like a 280 kanye west t shirt will or a 1.2 million dollar car will.
  • 1 3
 I dont understand why some people are as moronic as the pricing coordinator of the company in the fact that they think $280 for shorts is reasonable when there really is not $200 worth of additional value over a pair of $80 shorts. Please explain why these are $200 better than a pair of $80 TLD or North Face shorts, and just because people have the money to spend does not make them smart, there are plenty of stupid rich people, look at politicians.

If i remember correctly, you were the one who started talking trash poozank, I didnt ask for your opinion and grammatical errors and certainly did not want to hear them, go tell someone who cares.
  • 2 1
 You posted your opinion in the discussion section of a public article. You almost literally asked for his opinion. The only butthurt one here is you.
  • 1 3
 I almost literally asked for his opinion by posting on a public article? Wow, you must have been dropped on your head as a baby.
  • 2 2
 i ride with Jeans shorts thank you lol
  • 1 0
 Scholler bike shorts?
  • 4 7
 Why PB keeps picking products that is so pricey and trying so hard to justify the cost of the products?
  • 13 0
 Yes. Those $30 grips and $60-90 seat are just outrageous. How about that opening sentence for their take on the shorts? "We're not about to tell you to rush out to spend $270 USD on a short - that is a lot of money no matter how you look at it" They're just shoving this expensive stuff down our throats!
  • 6 0
 Some of you may have missed the information coming from certain mods on here that pinkbike doesn't necessarily have that great a choice on what to pick since they are likely to have been sent the parts/components from the manufacturer/distributor and asked for their opinion on it.
Think about it like this: I am a manufacturer who makes Fizzogs for your bike at two price points, 25 bucks and 150 bucks. Some of you out their have already made your decision by now as to which one you would consider buying, so my company sees no great benefit in asking loads of media outlets to review the 25 buck one. No Sir. We will send out the 150 buck one and get reviews done because consumers may well have to be shown the reasons why the 150 buck one is worth it before someone will consider buying it. That is how it works. That is why PB is much more likely to be sent the more costly option.
Oh, and don't forget, when the box of parts arrives in the PB office and everyone has a chance to use the stuff on their bike for a review, which one are you going to pick to review? The XTR or the Deore? The XX1 or the X-5? Etc etc. Which one would YOU choose?
  • 1 0
 Give and take. Buy ad/link and we talk about you and are nice with your goods. Quality, functionality is secondary, just send us your bling - cause that looks cooler than the 1$ PRC headset that you make most of your money.
  • 4 6
 Any enduro specific products?
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.036281
Mobile Version of Website