Pinkbike Product Picks
POC Iris DH goggle
POC's Iris DH goggle uses a flexible polyurethane frame that can be bent in half without causing any damage, and they are sized slightly smaller than most other goggles for an ideal fit within POC's Cortex full face helmet. Both the upper and lower ridges of the frame feature large, foam covered openings to help keep air flow high and the chance of fogging low, with that cause further aided by an anti-fog treatment applied to the clear lens. While the Iris DH doesn't come with tear offs, the stock lens does come equipped with tear off posts to accept them, and the adjustable, but not replaceable goggle strap uses silicone strips to keep it in place on your helmet. The Iris DH goggle is available in white and orange colors, and retails for $99.99 USD. www2.pocsport.com
![POC Iris DH goggle]()
![POC Iris DH goggle]()
Pinkbike's Take:
Truvativ Holzfeller DM stem
It's hard to remember a time when direct mount stems weren't around, with them now pretty much considered compulsory equipment for any proper downhill rig. And for good reason: they not only improve front end rigidity, but also eliminate the chance of twisting a stem in a crash. Truvativ's Holzfeller direct mount stem is just one of many options, but its burly 3D forged construction and solid appearance should make it a favorite with bigger or aggressive riders. The 185 gram (with hardware) Holzfeller fits the BoXXer mounting bolt pattern that many other forks use as well, and is available in both a 60mm length for tall riders, as well as a more common 50mm reach. The Holzfeller features updated graphics and can be had in black, white and the red color shown here that matches the red used on RockShox's BoXXer fork. It retails for $85 USD. www.sram/truvativ.com
![Truvativ Holzfeller stem]()
Pinkbike's Take:
Answer ProTAPER 780 DH handlebar
Answer's ProTAPER were once the bars of choice, with their anodized gold option showing up on the front of bikes of those in the know. Fast forward a few years and there are many other aftermarket options to choose from, but the ProTAPER name is still alive. Their latest DH model features the same comfortable 4° up sweep and 8° backsweep, but in a 780mm (30.7'') wide package - with cut marks to make trimming it down easy - that many of today's aggressive riders are looking for. The ProTAPER name comes from the bar's internal taper that puts material where it's needed most without adding unneeded bulk to other areas. The 335 gram DH model is available in two height options, 12.5 or 25.4mm, and standard color choices include red, gold, black and white. Looking for something that stands out from the crowd? Answer is producing a limited number of bars that feature one of two standout graphic designs: either the red, white and black Canadian C-Works scheme, or the darker Chaos version shown below. The graphics are not your usual film dip, but rather fused into the bar's anodic coating pores before the finish is sealed off. Answer says that the result is a far more robust surface that will look great for a long time. The ProTAPER 780 DH retails for $65 USD in the standard colors, or $95 USD for either of the two limited edition graphics. www.answerproducts.com
![Custom Answer ProTaper bar]()
Pinkbike's Take:
Have you used any of the products featured in Pinkbike's Picks? Share your impressions below.
POC's Iris DH goggle uses a flexible polyurethane frame that can be bent in half without causing any damage, and they are sized slightly smaller than most other goggles for an ideal fit within POC's Cortex full face helmet. Both the upper and lower ridges of the frame feature large, foam covered openings to help keep air flow high and the chance of fogging low, with that cause further aided by an anti-fog treatment applied to the clear lens. While the Iris DH doesn't come with tear offs, the stock lens does come equipped with tear off posts to accept them, and the adjustable, but not replaceable goggle strap uses silicone strips to keep it in place on your helmet. The Iris DH goggle is available in white and orange colors, and retails for $99.99 USD. www2.pocsport.com
POC Iris DH goggle offers a unique fit that may be just the ticket for those with small faces.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | With their slightly smaller than average size the Iris DH goggle is a great option for those with smaller faces, or for use with full face helmets with a tighter opening. As you'd expect, the fit with POC's own Cortex helmets is spot on, but they also play well with Troy Lee's D2 lid, a full face that can present some fitting issues with certain goggles. Unfortunately, that same small shape that has them fitting so well in certain helmets will have some riders cursing the goggle's frame that is in the rider's field of view slightly more than larger options. Fogging didn't seem to be any better or worse than the competition, despite the large vents on the top and bottom of the Iris' frame, and an additional coating of an anti-fog treatment will go a long way to keeping your vision clear during the rainy Fall riding season. Bottom line: be sure to give the Iris DH goggle a test fit before buying - they could be perfect for many riders, but the fit is unique. - Mike Levy |
Truvativ Holzfeller DM stem
It's hard to remember a time when direct mount stems weren't around, with them now pretty much considered compulsory equipment for any proper downhill rig. And for good reason: they not only improve front end rigidity, but also eliminate the chance of twisting a stem in a crash. Truvativ's Holzfeller direct mount stem is just one of many options, but its burly 3D forged construction and solid appearance should make it a favorite with bigger or aggressive riders. The 185 gram (with hardware) Holzfeller fits the BoXXer mounting bolt pattern that many other forks use as well, and is available in both a 60mm length for tall riders, as well as a more common 50mm reach. The Holzfeller features updated graphics and can be had in black, white and the red color shown here that matches the red used on RockShox's BoXXer fork. It retails for $85 USD. www.sram/truvativ.com
The Holzfeller direct mount stem is as solid as they come, but the same can't be said for its finish.
Pinkbike's Take:
| While there are many direct mount stems out there that have enough material removed that we really do have to question their longterm performance, with some of them even using a split, three piece design, the Holzfeller has a comforting and burly look to it that never had us questioning its reliability. At 185 grams, including hardware, it isn't the lightest, but it isn't trying to be, and it feels as stiff as a rider could ever hope for (although any 50mm direct mount stem worth its salt should tick that particular box). Tolerances are spot on, and we loved how Truvativ has put the torque numbers for the bolts right onto the stem - you have no excuse for messing up this install! We also have to mention the 60mm length option, something that not too many other stem makers offer, but an option that tall riders will appreciate. Add in the stem's reasonable $85 MSRP and you can't really go wrong with the Holzfeller. Our single complaint is merely cosmetic related: its finish seemed to mar easily, with our test unit looking a bit used sooner than we would have hope for. - Mike Levy |
Answer ProTAPER 780 DH handlebar
Answer's ProTAPER were once the bars of choice, with their anodized gold option showing up on the front of bikes of those in the know. Fast forward a few years and there are many other aftermarket options to choose from, but the ProTAPER name is still alive. Their latest DH model features the same comfortable 4° up sweep and 8° backsweep, but in a 780mm (30.7'') wide package - with cut marks to make trimming it down easy - that many of today's aggressive riders are looking for. The ProTAPER name comes from the bar's internal taper that puts material where it's needed most without adding unneeded bulk to other areas. The 335 gram DH model is available in two height options, 12.5 or 25.4mm, and standard color choices include red, gold, black and white. Looking for something that stands out from the crowd? Answer is producing a limited number of bars that feature one of two standout graphic designs: either the red, white and black Canadian C-Works scheme, or the darker Chaos version shown below. The graphics are not your usual film dip, but rather fused into the bar's anodic coating pores before the finish is sealed off. Answer says that the result is a far more robust surface that will look great for a long time. The ProTAPER 780 DH retails for $65 USD in the standard colors, or $95 USD for either of the two limited edition graphics. www.answerproducts.com
At over 30'' wide and with its eye catching Chaos color scheme, the ProTAPER garnered a lot of attention on the trails.
Pinkbike's Take:
| While wide bars are certainly not for everyone, we bolted up the 780 DH to a 100mm travel 29'er (oh, the blasphemy!) and have never looked back. The added width, over 1.5" on each side compared to the stock bar, raised the bike's fun factor and had me riding the bike in a much more confident manner, even if I had to watch my knuckles when it came to squeezing between tight trees. The ProTAPER's eight degree bend had my hands feeling like they were at home, and the low, half inch, rise worked well to compensate for the bike's bigger 29'' wheels. As advertised, our custom "Chaos" finish seemed to be quite resistant to scratching, with it not looking any worse for wear after having the bike's brake levers rotate multiple times from crashing. We also can't complain about the bar's reasonable $65 USD (for the standard colors) asking price, with it coming in at less than many other options. Any downsides? The 335 gram weight isn't exactly anything to brag about, but it is about par for the course when talking about 30'' wide handlebars... we just wish it wasn't. - Mike Levy |
Have you used any of the products featured in Pinkbike's Picks? Share your impressions below.
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Member since Oct 18, 2005
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www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12544013&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=5880
But I have to add, that I guess it's like any other bike, bike component, set up, girl - we all have different taste in things and we are all influenced by the environment/place we are in.
Personally, If you compare POC with Troy Lee helmets for instance, the price is really not that different, but since it's Troy Lee, people don't complain but I would go with POC any day.
As for the Goggles, compare prices with any other goggle, it's somewhat within the range.
@Smike I know POC's quality is way better then the Troy Lee, that's what I meant to say.
If you have a small face try Oakley Crowbar or Spy, both fit quite small, crowbar has advantage of strap not being directly attached to frame so fit is really good.
STAY TUNED FOR NEXT WEEKS EPISODE OF "POINTLESS ARGUMENTS ON THE INTERNET"
They are a good shape, weight and width though and i'm happy on that front.
Did Trek let you take a few goodies home for a few months?
I'm more interested in Point1 stems, I like my Zeal goggles (even more poser than POC goggles), and no preference in bars yet, though Easton tends to find its way onto my bikes in a too narrow form.
That stem look sweet, wish it fit my old 888.
Answer pro taper always a great value and strength to weight ratio very competetive.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/7361948