Yeti's Freeland short strikes a middle ground between a slimmer fitting cross-country baggy and a heavy duty DH short, although we'd happily use them for both days in the bike park and long days in the saddle. The fit was excellent, although there did seem to be a touch more material out back than we're used to, and the just-over-knee length felt spot-on to us without being too baggy. One nice touch that is hidden from view is a section of soft fabric sewn in place directly over each knee, making them not only a bit less abrasive during long rides but also providing some extra durability. A clever application of sticky silicone gripper strips to the waistband helps to keep them from slipping down, and two adjustable waist straps let you cinch them down (or let them out, depending on the time of year) to tailor the fit. As with the large majority of riding shorts that feature cargo pockets, these are really only useful when off the bike due to whatever you stash in them flailing around wildly when pedalling. While Yeti may not be the brand that first comes to mind when choosing a pair of shorts, the Freeland is certainly worth a look. - Mike Levy |
With no lower waist strap, the H4 pack's cross-strap harness layout make for a surprisingly comfortable fit. Pressure from a heavily loaded bag is spread out evenly, and having each of the four straps adjustable in length makes it easy to get the H4 to fit just right. Unfortunately, this is where the good news ends. While Leatt claims that their "exclusive harness system eliminates all that excess bouncing", we found the exact opposite to be true when using the bag without a neck brace (it is designed to be used both with and without a neck brace in place). The bag moved up and down on our back constantly, and slid up against the back of our helmet on any sort of remotely steep section of trail. No amount of adjusting the straps seemed to remedy the situation, and we eventually gave up and resorted back to our usual bag. This movement would be a non-issue when using the H4 while wearing a neck brace, but the bag simply doesn't work well in any other situation. The bad news doesn't end there, though, with the 2.5L USWE bladder making life difficult by needing to be filled through the same threaded opening that the hose attaches to, making for a rather messy way to do things. Although we admit that we didn't use the H4 long enough to require cleaning the bladder, the small opening will also likely make doing such a job more difficult than if it employed a large, hand-sized opening. The H4's storage layout is acceptable, although we would like to see the outer mesh pocket be either larger or made from expanding material to allow a thin jacket to be stuffed in - it's far too small to fit much of anything. The H4's compatibility with a neck brace is nice, and it allows brace-wearing riders to carry a tube, pump, and a few tools while smashing out laps in the bike park, but we can't recommend the bag for day to day trail use simply because it moves around far too much compared to the competition. - Mike Levy |
If you've read our glove reviews in the past you might be aware that we're big fans of a minimalist design. While the lack of knuckle and palm protection may be an issue for some, we love the lightweight and near-gloveless feel that the Vapor can brag about. The perforations on the single layer Clarino palm make them ideal for warm days, and the stretchy mesh top lets air flow through very freely. For such a lightweight glove we haven't experienced any tearing or seam failures after months of use, which is more than we can say about many other equally feathery options out there. The one feature that may make or break the Vapor in many riders' minds will be the extra-long slip-on cuff that extends farther down the wrist than most will be used to. It's long enough, in fact, that it extends well over the wrist bone, although the thin fabric won't really provide any protection. While clearly not a year-round glove for our B.C. riding conditions, the Vapor has become the glove that we reach for more often than not for warm weather riding. - Mike Levy |
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That said, in general I agree with your suggestion :-)
Heh, heh...
He said breasts.
Heh.
As for the pack, i doubt any XC riders could breathe while climbing with that thing on.
And as far as the gloves go, I cannot understand why the companies try to make them thinner and thinner. Maybe I fall more often than others, but I NEED a focking leather palm with some gdamn knuckle protection. Ive shredded the tops of my hands, and palms a couple times. Due to CHEAP/thin gloves..Moto gloves ftw
www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/6/2/33079/ITEM/One-Industries-Zero-Gloves---2011.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch
2. The Pack: eye sore, and looks as if you couldnt wear there own neckbrace with there own pack - id call that bad marketing!
3. The Gloves: Sweet.
Try again, Leatt. I'll be waiting (somewhat) patiently.
My Fox Backpack interferes with my Leatt Brace, which is really annoying...
So anyone with a suggestion for a new backpack? Maybe with official Leatt-Integration?
www.jensonusa.com/SixSixOne/Sixsixone-Raji-Glove-2012
Cheers