First Look - Speed Stuff - Stuff

Mountain biking, especially in freeride and downhill guise, could easily be considered an inherently dangerous sport. I still remember the first time I "saw Jesus" while descending far too quickly down an unfamiliar section of trail in Yakima, Washington 8 years ago. Granted I was scared - really scared, but you couldn't wipe the grin off my face for days afterward. That fear-iduced adrenaline rush could very well be what draws (and continues to hold) many of us to the sport. While there may be a certain rush that acccompanies fear, there's another not-so-rosy feeling that accompanies being broken. Thankfully, there are manufacturers like Speed Stuff looking out for us.Our good friend Christian of Cycles Simtra, the Canadian distributor of Planet X, Middleburn and On-One among other downhill, freeride and trials oriented product lines, sent out a big 'ole box of Speed Stuff goodies. In it I found the Warrior Jacket, a set each of Trailride and Warrior knee-shin guards, a Dirt Devil front fender, Airtime shorts and a sweet little multi-bag.

Multi Bag - MSRP $19.99 Canadian

Seeing as I've been spending more of this Spring riding with my 7 year old daughter than I have on the DH course, the first item that saw use was the multi bag. As the name would suggest, the multi bag is designed to fit cell phones, mp3 players, GPS units, keys, tools, tubes, wallets or whatever else you may have that fits into an approximately 5 X 2 X 1 inch space. As if the zipper accessed bag weren't weather tight enough, they've even included a water resistant nylon "shell", like those you'll find on higher end backpacks, that tucks away into an external pocket. The bag is attached to virtually any brand of backpack or messenger bag shoulder straps in addition to top tubes, seatposts and stems. It's even padded so you can rest easy knowing your seatpost-attached cell phone's safe should you and your bike abruptly part ways.

Warrior Jacket - MSRP $383.99 Canadian

While driving from Nelson to Calgary this past weekend, I was fortunate enough to stop by Invermere's Mt. Swansea for some shuttle accessed riding. Unfortunately however, the only bike I had packed was my street ready KeeWee Progressor hardtail. It wouldn't have been so bad, save for the Maxxis HighRoller slicks , rigid fork and rear-only brake system. Sketchy to say the least but thankfully I had packed the Warrior Jacket (MSRP $383.99CAD). With 6 adjustment straps, a zip up front and an integrated kidney belt, the Warrior Jacket is plenty burly and uber adjustable. The jacket features thick, shock resistant chest and back panels in addition to the injection molded arm and shoulder protection. Fit and finish are top notch and on the few abrupt dismounts I made, I walked away unscathed and the jacket was nothing more than a little dusty. Temps have been a little on the low side, so as yet I'm unable to comment on the heat factor, but I'd assume the Warrior will perform like most other armour available today, save for the ultra cool, though skinny-bitch-specific Dainese. I should add the large jacket fit my winter-soft 190 lbs beautifully and the 4 shoulder straps and 2 arm straps have a good range of adjustment allowing for a custom fit throughout the season.

Airtime Shorts - MSRP $108.99 Canadian

Next to the lanyard/keychain included in the box (if you're a key loser, get yourself a lanyard - you'll never lose your keys again) my favourite bit of swag from Speed Stuff has to be the Airtime shorts. With 6 (you read right - SIX!!!) pockets to stash your stash, the moto-look shorts use a front zip-up closure augmented with a velcro and double snapped flap. Ajustment is made with 2 velcro straps located at your hip bone and the large shorts fit my fat ass beautifully. Speaking of ass, the short's fit and feel on the bike was equal to the best shorts I've used in the past and I've yet to have them grab the saddle at inopportune times. Being of cordura construction, you do suffer from a small amount of "sw-ass", but compared to my old school Roach and Sombrio shorts, it's actually quite minimal. The only real downside I've found with the shorts is the moto look. I'm more of a subtle style kind of guy and I'd prefer shorts without the large Speed Stuff logo screaming "LOOK AT ME!!!" ; Alas, that's obviously more of a personal preference since Troy Lee, Fox, Azonic and virtually every other short provider has models screaming those very words. On the plus side, did I mention they have 6 pockets and fit extremely well?

Warrior Knee-Shin Guards - MSRP $107.99 Canadian

Next up is the Warrior knee-shin guards (MSRP $107.99CAD), a beefy pair of neoprene backed, injection molded plastic, 5 strap, well uhhh... knee-shin guards. Fit was less than perfect on my pre-production pair, as the straps were a little on the short side for my large-esque thighs. Christian assures me production versions have addressed this shortcoming and even those riders who can leg press a Volvo should find comfort at the top straps. I did find it interesting that Speed Stuff includes a temperature operating range of 5-50 degrees Celsius. I've seen similar injection molded plastic cups come detached after the stitching holes acted as perforation marks in sub-zero temps. No evidence of that yet, but I'll follow up in the coming month now that riding season's finally back in full force. In any case, they protect well, stay put when adjusted correctly and can easliy be put on/off without shoe removal.

Trailride Knee-Shin Guards - MSRP $77.99 Canadian

Also in the knee-shin protection category is the Trailride guards (MSRP $77.99CAD). These light duty pads are well vented and come equipped with 2 velcro straps and an adjustable knee sock. I was impressed with the pads fit and their ability to stay put, but as stated before they are on the light duty side and do little more than keep your pedals from shredding shins and your stem from swelling your knees. I've taken to wearing them under my jeans on urban rides and I've yet to suffer any pain from unwanted contact with bike and earth.


Dirt Devil Fender

Finally, there's the Dirt Devil fender, an easily set up, super flexible fender that came equipped with 2 rubber donuts for both 1.5 and 1 1/8 steerers and a thick aluminum backbone. What else can I say, the fender keeps the mud away and it's yet to rip off when shuttling - no small feat when I'm the one driving.

For more information on the Speed Stuff line visit www.speedstuff.de or, better yet, visit www.cycles-simtra.com to see the bulk of their Canadian product lines in addition to the Speed Stuff gear.