Check Out: A Full-Coverage Half Shell, Lightweight Norwegian MTB Clothing, 'The Rolex of Pressure Gauges' & More

Jul 26, 2021
by Alicia Leggett  




A lot of gear comes across our desks here at Pinkbike. Check Out is an occasional round-up of items our editors have gotten their hands on recently. Sometimes it's products we're doing long-term tests on, other times it's stuff we're stoked on but don't have time to fully review. And once in a while it's crazy shit someone sent us unsolicited and we're having a laugh.



Efficient Velo Tools Bleedin' Gauge

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Features

• Fully serviceable mechanism with filter to prevent sealant from getting in
• Unaffected by temperature
• $93 USD
• No batteries or screens
• Made in Washington, USA
efficientvelo.com

bigquotesThe Efficient Velo Tools Bleedin' Gauge is for the gear hound who loves to fine-tune, wants quality in everything, and can feel the difference of half a PSI. The gauge is made in the company's Washington, USA, factory using parts sourced from the region. Unlike most highly sensitive gauges, the Bleedin' Gauge is purely mechanical, so there are no screens to read and no batteries to replace. It's also unaffected by temperature, so the readings are consistent and reliable.

The Bleedin' Gauge comes in five pressure ranges: 0-15, 0-30, 0-60, 0-100, and 0-160. Efficient Velo Tools says the gauge is most accurate in the middle of the range, so the 0-30psi option is recommended for mountain biking.



Bluegrass Rogue Core MIPS

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Features

• Full coverage in a lightweight model
• 16 generous vents
• $180 USD
• Magnetic Fidlock closure
• MIPS
met-helmets.com

bigquotesThe Rogue Core MIPS from MET Helmets' gravity-oriented subsidiary Bluegrass delivers everything I want in a helmet, meaning that when I'm out riding with it, I don't really think about what I want in a helmet. The full-coverage helmet feels sturdy and secure while keeping things cool with 16 nicely sized vents.

Given that this helmet is designed for trail, enduro, and eMTB riding, I think it does a great job of balancing substance with ventilation. At 350g in size medium, it's on par for weight with other helmets in the trail category without feeling like it sacrifices any protection.

Other perks: lots of adjustability in essentially every direction, gel padding, helmet and goggle compatibility, and an adjustable visor.



Norrona's fjørå MTB collection

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fjørå Equaliser Lightweight Long Sleeve

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fjørå flex1 Pants
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fjørå Mesh Gloves


Features

• Flex1 Pant - Made for pedaling, wind- and water-resistant, well-ventilated, adjustable waist and ankle closures, lots of well-placed pockets - $199
• Equaliser Long Sleeve - Moisture-wicking, lightweight, cut for mountain bike riding - $79
• Mesh Gloves - Lightweight, breathable, grippy, snug fit - $69
• 1% of annual revenue goes to environmental causes
• Norrona actively works to improve sustainability
norrona.com

bigquotesI have been quite impressed by my three sample items from Norrona, a Norwegian company that makes technical clothing and equipment for a wide range of outdoor adventures. I tested the Flex1 Pant, the Equaliser Long Sleeve, and the Mesh Gloves, all from the fjørå mountain biking collection.

The Flex1 pants have just the right features without anything extra. The lightweight fabric is flexible (hence the name) and plenty comfortable without feeling too flimsy. The pants would be ideal for all-day alpine adventure rides that call for a balance of ventilation, comfort, and an extra little bit of protection. The pants come in men's and women's versions with plenty of color options (from very Euro to more neutral). I found the sizing to run just a smidge large, so size down if you are between sizes.

The Equaliser Long Sleeve is a lightweight, paper-thin jersey that provides sun protection without being too hot. Since I'm tall, I love that the medium has a bit more length in the arms and torso than some other jerseys do, though that's something to consider if you are someone with shorter limbs. Again, I'd size down if you are between sizes, because the jersey was a bit bigger on me than I expected. Also, I should add that unlike some of my other bike-specific clothes, I think both the Flex1 Pants and the Equaliser Long Sleeve will stay in use through the winter and when I'm doing my non-MTB sports, because while they're made for biking, they feel like all-around nice athletic clothes.

As for the gloves? They are very, very nice. The mesh back lets in plenty of air, while the suede palm is grippy and doesn't crease on the bars. They fit, all in all, like a glove. They'll be my go-to for any hot days and long trail rides when I want the backs of my hands to feel some breeze.



Dirt Gloves

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Features

• Machine washable and Velcro-free
• Four-way stretch
• $24.95 USD
• Touchscreen compatible
• Microfiber thumb
dirtgloves.com

bigquotesWe've written about Dirt Gloves before, but they're back on Pinkbike because the California company just keeps doing more. Dirt Gloves makes comfortable gloves in all kinds of patterns, and their standard version is just the right weight for bike park days and trail rides. They're the gloves I'll be reaching for on spring and fall days, when I want midweight protection and a tiny bit of warmth, though I have no complaints about using them in the summer, too. They are touchscreen compatible, are made of four-way stretch material, and have a handy microfiber thumb.

Dirt Gloves also makes summer and winter versions that I haven't tried, but they look like solid options for when the Goldilocks midweight glove isn't quite right. Dirt Gloves has also recently partnered with mudguard company Dialed MTB so you can match all your accessories, and gives 1% of revenue to Can'd Aid, an organization that helps get kids on bikes.



Sidi Dimaro SDS

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Features

• Lace closure with velcro cover
• Elastic heel collar to keep debris out
• Vibram sole
• Insert to adapt between SPD and flat pedals
• $149.99 USD
sidi.co

bigquotesThe Sidi Dimaro SDS shoe is a versatile SPD shoe that can be adapted to flat pedals with a screw-on insert, though the shoe seems best suited for clipped-in enduro and gravity riding. The Vibram sole is sticky enough to provide grip off the bike and to provide an extra bit of security on the pedals, and there's reinforcement over the toe for extra protection. The shoes also have my favorite type of shoe closure, the Velcro-over-laces. Laces provide dependable adjustability without plastic dials or doodads, while the Velcro cover holds it all together neatly and keeps the grit out.

The shoes do seem to run a bit wide, so that's something to note if you have narrow feet. Also, the cleat track allows placement under the ball of the foot but not much farther back, so the shoes may not work for riders who prefer midfoot cleat placement.




Author Info:
alicialeggett avatar

Member since Jun 19, 2015
738 articles

108 Comments
  • 79 2
 Five Ten Ravens: I'm the undisputed king of shoes that look like corrective shoes without actually being corrective shoes.

Sidi Dimaro SDS: Hold my corrective beer.
  • 22 0
 Shimano AM9: ‘I coulda been a contender’
  • 23 0
 "Efficient Velo Tools says the gauge is most accurate in the middle of the range, so the 0-30psi option is recommended for mountain biking."

You don't have to take their word for it, that's a known factor for pretty much all gauges.

But, wouldn't the 0-60 really be a bit better? Not many people are running 15 psi in 2.4-2.6 "normal" tires. I think the contemporary norm of low to mid 20s is closer to the middle of the 0-60 than the 0-30.
  • 9 3
 Correct. Nobody is gonna run 15psi on a normal mtb.
  • 56 1
 @atrokz: 30 PSI in my minions, I don't care about your opinions
  • 4 0
 Was going to say the same thing. And, I've replaced the gauge on my pump with a better version, and went with 0-60psi for exactly that reason.
  • 11 3
 I’d imagine the gauge on the 0-30 is a little easier to read than the one on the 0-60, hence that recommendation. It’s not like the gauge only works at 15psi.
  • 11 0
 For whatever PSI you run on your minions...
Meiser Accugage 0-15, 0-30, 0-60, 0-160 PSI
$12.99
www.jensonusa.com/Meiser-Accu-Gage-Dial-Pressure-Gauge
Since it doesn't come with the "fully serviceable mechanism" I just bleed by pressing the core and rechecking with gauge. And actually carry the 0-30 in my backpack. Managed to eventualy clog one after 3 years. Wish they made them smaller though. Beats the topeak digital in ease of engagement on the valve, and also precision in smaller PSI variations in the 15-25 range IMHO (just personal experience though on the psi variations).
  • 2 0
 @atrokz: i do. then again l live in socal and dont hit big jumps and weigh 120lbs
  • 3 0
 Yep. 0-60 is where it’s at. The lowest pressure I run is 26, in wet conditions. I have a high accuracy certified gauge from work. Ridiculously expensive Japanese gauge that was going to be disposed of (because it was in psi and not bar) connected to surplus plumbing from the junk drawer. I am pretty confident that when it says I’m running 32.7psi, that I am actually running 32.7psi.
  • 9 0
 @Afterschoolsports: it doesn't really matter how 'accurate' the gage is....as long as it's precise. By my gage, I run 24-25, that may be 26 on yours, and 23 on somebody elses. It's why "comparing" PSI's is largely meaningless unless folks use the same gage, if you use mine your new number may be 24....
  • 3 0
 @mikekazimer: Then why was the recommendation included in the same sentence as the accuracy statement? Of course it works outside of just 15 psi, but to tell us it's more accurate in the middle and then tell us to get one that puts us further from the middle, that doesn't make sense.
  • 2 0
 @RadBartTaylor: a calibrated and certified gauge literally allows measurements to be meaningful and allows us to use many different instruments with a strong degree of certainty. The margin of error is minimal. That’s why we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on metrology at our engineering firm.
  • 3 0
 @mikekazimer: It is best practice to not use pressure gauges within 20% of either end of their range. With a 30psi gauge, anything 24psi or over is of questionable accuracy. 0-60psi is the correct range if you're running tire pressures in the 20-30ish psi range. Buying a $93 precision gauge with the wrong reading range kind of defeats the purpose.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: yes think i agree unless folks want to run 30+ this is a great range. my pump gauge starts at 20 and goes to 120. pretty much useless at setting mtb pressures. anyhow its the fine tuning capability rather than accuracy is the benefit of a 0-30 .
  • 1 0
 @m-t-g: how easy to 'see' the increments tho?? you just halved the accuracy of the 0-30?? you get my point??
  • 1 0
 @mior: makes sense. I'm at 28 and 32 on a 2.4 but I'm 230lbs
  • 1 0
 @Afterschoolsports: if there was a 'correct' value you'd be right...like tolerances on the space shuttle...bike tires are subjective, there is no right number.
  • 1 0
 @a-d-e: Definitely! EVT 0-60psi gauge still has 1 psi increments. Check their website for a pic. If it didn't have 1 psi increments, that would also very much defeat the purpose of an expensive high precision and accuracy gauge!
  • 1 0
 @atrokz: plus and fat bikes actually still exist.
  • 2 0
 @RimCyclery: I clearly said normal MTBs. Those aren't normal.
  • 15 0
 Full Coverage in a Half-Shell? Isnt that like...still a half shell? What, are we gonna start calling Road helmets 1/3rd coverage?
  • 12 0
 Heroes in a half-shell... turtle power!
  • 15 0
 I'm sorry is that a 70 dollar pair of gloves. What.
  • 1 0
 Better than another version of the identical disposable Chinesium gloves everyone seems to be rolling out
  • 13 1
 I've never had a gauge/floor pump get gunked up, the valve's however get sticky over a year or so. $93 for a Gauge? I thought rent was cheap in Portland because everyone is escaping the street Zombies.
  • 3 0
 I've had the same experience. Instead of putting a sealant filter on there, can you just make it include a dozen presta valve cores?
  • 13 0
 Meiser Accu-Gage is literally half the price (or less), is available on Amazon, jenson or half the local bike shops I know, and is fully mechanical. I don't understand the point of this hipster version.
  • 34 2
 @ratedgg13: Because you're not wearing straight leg black slacks pulled high enough so I can see your socks and low cut Doc Martins, with your black turtle neck tucked into your pants and carrying a tote bag with some type of vegetable printed on it upside down with a stupid catchphrase like 'we grow together'.

If you did these things, you'd understand.
  • 5 2
 You don't get this gauge for the same reason you don't wear a Rolex and Rapha - don't overthink it.
  • 4 1
 @ratedgg13: The AccuGages eventually crap out, I've had 2-3 over the last 8 years slowly start to fade due to sealant....that is a lot of use, CX and MTB checking every ride....I'd probably be $ ahead if I bought this in the long run
  • 4 0
 @suspended-flesh: what is a Rapha?
  • 1 0
 @Jvisscher: i assume this is a “If you have to ask you can’t afford scenario”.

But yeah - what is it!?
  • 2 0
 It's not even $93 bucks for the "gauge". The gauge is just a bog-standard pressure gauge (I think a McDaniels R7 based on product photos on EVT's website), which can be purchased online for ~$12. So you are actually spending $81 for some CNC'd and anodized jewelry. If that ain't hipster, I don't know what is.

Accugage have pretty much the exact same documented accuracy as the McDaniels (2% in the sweet-spot). Bought both of my Accugages for a gnat's fart over £12 each and have never had a problem with gunk. Oh and of course those Accugages are not bothered by temperature either, none of the gauge-pressure gauges are! (at least not in the temperature ranges that we are going to be using them in).
  • 15 1
 My hand-o-meter pressure gauge is very well calibrated by 30+ years of squeezing tires,and was given to me by my parents.
  • 9 0
 Nice try Dirt, but you’ll never have me abandon my collection of ridiculous FIST gloves
  • 4 0
 Same! Love fist gloves.
#fistarmy ✌️
  • 5 0
 I buy those AccuGages off Amazon which are ~$20 but they get gunked up with sealant after a couple years, this looks like a solid option - I'd spend the $.

Those Sidi shoes are cool - with that had a true flat pedal version though.
  • 1 0
 I've had the same Accu Gauge for 8 years. It's never gunked up, and I always run 2x the suggested dose of sealant.
  • 2 0
 @wyorider: I could only get an accugauge to last two months. I drop things a lot. And Borden tube gauges are very fragile.
  • 6 0
 Why is velcro free a positive in a glove? I've tried a few gloves without a top closure system (usually of velcro) and none feel as good and have minimal bunching as a good velcro closure glove.
  • 2 0
 I also prefer the snug fit from the velcro closures on my gloves. Unfortunately most of my jerseys are full of snags from that velcro.
  • 10 0
 Hate Velcro on my gloves. To each their own I suppose!
  • 3 1
 The velcro fails or peels off and the gloves won't work anymore. I'm never having velcro gloves again.
  • 2 0
 @BiNARYBiKE: Same here, I despise velcro on most clothing.
It always sticks to something it shouldn't, like my very comfy wool jerseys, which ruins them over time.
  • 4 0
 Park bike with the stems at the bottom. Before moving bike, roll stem to the top. Pump with proper pump or inflator. Go ride. I'm sorry but have never needed or have seen the need for a separate gauge in many decades of riding.
  • 6 1
 $150 for gloves? Laughable.

And same for the pressure gauge. That is a bunch of fancy fluff for a regular gauge.
  • 1 0
 That has to be a typo.
  • 3 0
 I just bought som Norrøna pants for a recent marathon bike race, cost me an arm and a leg, also my left kidney at more than 300 USD for a pair of pants.
The Fjørå Dri1 pants, though damn good for shitty weather, that price is horrendous.
Think the gloves are around 70 USD, assuming they cost about the same as here in Norway, which is still crazy expensive for some gloves.
  • 2 0
 @Losvar: Care to tell where are they actually made? If it is somewhere with 1st world salaries, that price is expensive but "can" be understandable. If it is Vietnam, Norröna can get the f*ck off.
  • 2 0
 @Vindiu: No clue, only got them because that's what was available locally.
I'd assume somewhere in the far east, like most other things nowadays.

Edit: I'm extremely satisfied with the product, by far the best pants I've tried so far, but the price is pretty hard to swallow.
  • 1 0
 @halfb: Portugal and Denmark could explain the price tag. Vietnamese workers, on the other hand, typically earn the equivalent of 100 $ a month. I'm fine withe gear meade there, but then the price tag apperas to be either ineffciency, huge margins or both. Since it's a free market, I'm not paying that.
  • 4 0
 It’s not the “Rolex” of gauges unless it costs £565.00 + parts to service and takes 8 weeks to get back, fake news
  • 1 0
 I'm pretty sure Silca could make one for you with those requirements. Though I will admit their customer service is fast.
  • 2 0
 @hamncheez: If you don't pay $750 to inflate your tires, are you even committed to the cycling lifestyle?
  • 2 0
 @fgiraffe: cries in 10 dollar walmart pump and hand tire squeeze gauge
  • 2 0
 @fgiraffe: that Enve doesn't inflate tires. It still requires a pump; it's just a pressure gauge
  • 1 0
 I have the EVT presta inflator for my compressor as well as their nipple tool and both are very nice. Haven't gone for the gauge though. I just got one of those Milwaukee inflators and added a prestaflator adapter and its my new favorite tool.
  • 3 1
 The Sidi shoe is intriguing but I wish it came in colors other than just black. Typical Norrona, crazy high prices. I'd be afraid to crash in their clothes.
  • 3 0
 Agree re: Norrona gear. It's very nice gear and good company values, but damn expensive for MTB clothing which takes a higher thrashing than backcountry ski gear IMO. I'd spend on Norrona ski gear, but not MTB gear.
  • 2 0
 @chacou: I have some noronna mtb shorts that are maybe the worst mtb shorts ever, with open pockets on the rear that can only snag on seats and collect roosted mud. I believe they retailed for $150. Their short-sleeve merino shirt (also ridiculously expensive) is on the other side of the coin , probably the best shirt of all time. I don’t understand their product line, but I know nobody’s more expensive. Even ArcTeryx.
Watched a zipper pull fail between the dainty thumb and forefinger of a small woman during a try-on. $650 backcountry ski jacket.
Are Vikings actually super soft or something? So weird.
  • 2 1
 Fjørå shorts are pretty average in use, but i have 3 pair of Fjørå pants which is hands down the best riding pants i have tried. The oldest one i 3 years old and stills holds up well after a lot of sloppy and dirty riding in spring/fall. Expensive, yes, but would not by anything else.
  • 1 0
 @j0lsrud: i will check which shorts i have and if they're Fjørå you're in big trouble
  • 1 0
 @owl-X:
I like Fjørå pants, not the shorts. But mye Fjørå shorts does not have real pockets, maybe you have the Skibotn?
  • 1 0
 @j0lsrud: i just scrolled through a dozen pics/angles of very serious norwegians on the Norrøna site (got the spelling right, sorry), and I'm not sure I have MTB shorts...they're very similar to the Fjørå flex lite but they have these horrible pockets welded on the rear. I did get them a couple years ago so maybe they heard my cries and erased the pockets.

They're very good for hiking and walking and probably swimming and really anything but mountain biking with a dropper post.

You know what? Maybe it's me. They're fine. No way would I buy them, though.

That shirt? Now that shirt is SO sick Norrøna all day!!1
  • 1 1
 I bought a pair of downhill shorts a couple years back and use them on most trail rides and they still look like new. My endura on the other hand are desintegrating (i did wash them 10°C too hot a couple times) and the fit isn't anywhere nearly as good for me.
It hurts but i think my next pair are gonna be Norrøna again...
  • 1 0
 @chacou: I have really good experience with Norrona mnt biking clothes, superb quality. Expensive yes, but you get what you paid for. Even better buy it on sale Wink
  • 1 0
 @fedfox: their ski gear is really nice when you can find it on sale. I just can't fathom spending that kind of money on MTB clothing which has a significantly shorter lifespan for me than ski gear.
  • 1 0
 @owl-X: I have current version Fjora shorts and multiple pairs of old style Fjora; none of which have pockets on the butt. These are the longer length Fjora Flex. IMO they're one if not the best mtn bike short I've worn over the years. Great fit, thigh pocket holds a modern cell phone, no droppy drawers as the crotch is cut high. Able to fit pads with the knee vents. More robust material at wear areas.

I have the new Skibotn shorts as well which IMO seem to be a more pedal focused short than the Fjora; maybe its due to the shorter leg length of the Skibotn compared to the Fjora IDK. Anyway I tend to take the Skibotn when I'm out for chill road rides or a pedal.

I'm slowly moving towards Ride NF for pants. Might go there for the shorts too.
But always rocking the Viking steeze whilst shralping snow.
  • 3 0
 Those mesh gloves look only marginally more fancy than the ones I bought from our generic PPE provider at work for 79p
  • 4 0
 Oh good, I can wear that helmet on my emtb. I wasn’t sure lol.
  • 3 0
 Nice for a company to put out a shoe with lace covers like Shimano does. We're not all from California
  • 2 0
 Says Portland Oregon in the photo. Vancouver Washington is on the other side of the river though. Sweet Protection is the other Norwegian short which is $$$ but luv em.
  • 1 0
 Came here to say this. Etching Portland for bike nerd cred I suppose. Kinda fishy. I’ll stick with topeak
  • 1 0
 And then on the website is says they are in Washougal!?
  • 1 0
 Efficient Velo Tools gauge, for the mountain biker smart enough to sweat their tire pressure but dumb enough to spend $93 instead of $20 for a 30psi Accu Gage THAT ALSO LETS YOU GET YOUR PERSSURE 1/2 PSI PERFECT!!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 As a self proclaimed enginerd, I feel I may have to walk the walk and buy that ultra precise pressure gauge.
  • 2 0
 You know, if you are going to be a true self-proclaimed enginerd, you will have to send that guage in for calibration every year.
  • 2 0
 Unless the gauge is Japanese or Swiss, it’s not worth buying. There are lots of high precision gauges available for industrial use that are more drool worthy than this one. We have stunning ones at work for various pneumatic applications. And yes we calibrate them annually.
  • 1 0
 @st-lupo: Strong point
  • 2 0
 @m-t-g: Enginerds gotta have each other's backs!
  • 2 0
 legit question: what spd shoes DO allow a midfoot placement without modification?
  • 3 0
 The new Crank Brothers Mallet shoes allow the cleat to go back further than usual.
  • 2 0
 @Allen82: and it's too far actually! lol. had them a bout a month now and I have scooted them forward 8-10mm at this point. great shoe btw
  • 3 0
 Bontrager Rally goes pretty far back
  • 1 0
 @conoat: Liking them? Thinking of getting some.
  • 1 0
 @Allen82: I like mine a lot
  • 1 0
 @Allen82: yes. a bit roomier toe box than the 5.10 kestrel I was using, super snug and quick closure, and if you run CB pedals the cleat interface area works a hell of a lot better.
  • 1 0
 @Allen82: I like mine. Cleats go back enough for a day full of laps at the bike park.
  • 2 2
 The ones you drill new holes in
  • 1 0
 @conoat: Thanks for that. Yeah I run Mallet pedals. Sizing true to size?
  • 1 0
 @Allen82: seems like it. perhaps a bit wider, but not sloppy or anything. I will say, the tongue and upper padding seems thicker so could be a bit warm if you're in a warm climate.
  • 1 0
 @conoat: I'm in Devon... So no...

Thanks for your input. Ordered some from Tredz. They have 10% off shoes at the moment for those interested.
  • 3 0
 it should be very very very well made gloves for 70$
  • 3 0
 it’s just an industrial gauge with an adaptor and filter,
  • 2 0
 Dirt gloves look identical to Hand Up
  • 1 0
 Giro Chamber, they say, I don't have personal experience. My old Shimanos with drilled slots.
  • 1 0
 "The Rolex of pressure gauges"

Do I have to send my wife to the dealer to get on a waiting list for one?
  • 1 0
 Those Sidi shoes actually look quite good. Quite pricey, but not very pricey for Sidi.
  • 1 0
 These clothes are not dark and brutal whatsoever........
  • 1 0
 Sidis running wide? I’ll believe it when I feel it.
  • 2 0
 They really do. I had a pair for about three rides and they proved to be too wide. My foot felt like it was constantly sliding off the outside edge of the pedal. Not a great sensation by any means. Ended up going back to shimanos which fit a tad too narrow. Really bummed cuz man the SIDI pair were comfortable!
  • 1 0
 @Trudeez: Good to know. May be a good replacement for my Giro Terraduro HV's, which you can't get anymore.







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