Check Out - April

Apr 6, 2016
by Paul Aston  
Check-Out is an article that gives you a glimpse at items under $300 that have crossed the desks here at Pinkbike that we've not had a chance to review yet, but we feel that you may want to take a look at.



Effetto Mariposa Caffelatex Strip Kit

• Tubeless rim-strip makes tubeless conversions quick and easy
• Kit includes two rim strips and two tubeless valves
• Uses proprietary polymer blend
• Super light, puncture-proof and transparent
• Three widths: S (20-24mm); M (25-29mm); L (30-34mm)
• Two wheel diameters 26”/27.5" and 29”
• Price: $34.99 - $39.99 USD
• www.effettomariposa.eu
Effetto Mariposa Caffelatex Strip Kit - Check Out April
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesCaffelatex Strip was made for those who prefer to spend more time riding their bikes as opposed to working on them. At less than 30 grams, the CL Strip is half the weight of butyl rim strips and near impossible to puncture. Mountain bike sizes and fatties are ready now.




POC Tectal Race - Check Out April

POC Tectal Race


• EPS liner with PC outer shell
• Unibody shell construction
• Aramid fiber grid for protection and durability
• Designed to provide more coverage at temples and back of head
• Size adjustment system
• Goggle clip
• Recco reflector.
• Weight 340 g
• Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
• Three colour ways
• Price: €220 / $265 USD
• www.pocsports.com
POC Tectal Race - Check Out April

From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesThe Tectal Race is a well-ventilated helmet specifically developed for aggressive trail riding and enduro racing. The helmet features a reinforced EPS liner, an aramid bridge and a unibody shell construction which enhances the safety and construction integrity of the helmet while maintaining a low weight. The Tectal Race offers a wind tunnel tested ventilation design and provides more coverage than conventional mountain bike helmets, all of which is kept firmly in place via a lightweight size adjustment system.





Burgtec 104 BCD Thick Thin Chainring

• Sizes: 32T and 34T options
• Colours: Burgtec Black, Race Red and Deep Blue
• Designed for the 104 BCD 4-bolt pattern crank
• To be used in conjunction with clutch rear derailleurs for best results
• For 1x9, 1x10 and 1x11 drivetrains
• Material: 7075 T6 Alloy
• Designed and manufactured in the UK
• Price: £39.99 GBP
• www.burgtec.co.uk
Burgtec thick thin chainring

From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesWe have lovingly crafted, manufactured and tested these rings here in the UK's best riding spots. We then gave them to elite riders such as Josh Bryceland, Marc Beaumont and Scott Mears to ensure quality chain retention at the highest speeds. We use lightweight and durable 7075 T6 aluminium to ensure maximum endurance. So that your chain stays where it is supposed too.





Scott Hustle Goggles

• 3-Layer face foam
• No-slip silicone strap
• Scott Truview single Works lens
• NoFog Anti-Fog lens treatment
• 19 Colours and designs to choose from
• Price: $44 - $65 USD depending on lens
• www.scott-sports.com
Scott Hustle Goggles - 2016
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesA true competitor's goggle, the Hustle is the top choice of many professional riders. With the option of either a clear or chrome Works lens and the NoFog Anti-Fog lens treatment this goggle is made to provide clear, unobstructed vision.





POC Crave Glasses

• Lightweight, flexible and durable grilamid frame
• PC lens from Carl Zeiss Vision
• Snap-in hinge
• Hydrophilic rubber stays grippy even when wet
• Interchangeable lenses
• 5x frame and lens options
• Price: from €260 / $290 USD
• www.pocsports.com
POC Crave Glasses - Check Out April
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesThe Crave features a lightweight, flexible and durable grilamid frame which has a snap-in hinge construction to improve durability and ability to withstand breakages during a fall. The interchangeable lens, from world renowned Carl Zeiss Vision, is ripple treated to keep water, fog, dirt and grime off and offers outstanding optical performance. The Crave comes in a variety of colours and lens tints.





Troy Lee Designs Camber Socks

• TLD’s plush Merino wool provides excellent moisture wicking and odor control
• Compression arch support eliminates bunching.
• Thick cushioning on footbed reducing shock, impact and blisters.
• Micro stitch toe construction for peak performance.
• Optimal length for trail riding.
• Price: $18 USD per pair
• www.troyleedesigns.com
Troy Lee Designs socks
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesThe Camber Sock from Troy Lee Designs is everything a trail rider wants in a cycling sock. The Camber is made from plush Merino wool and provides excellent moisture wicking and odor control. Compression arch support eliminates bunching while in use and thick cushioning on the footbed reduces shock and impact and is less prone to cause blisters. To top it off, Troy Lee decks out the Camber in a snazzy striped gradient design!





Green Belly Meal2Go

• 5.64 oz performance meals
• 3 X the nutrition of an energy bar
• All natural and gluten free
• Compact and ready-to-eat
• 3 tasty flavors
• Price: from $6.17 USD
• www.greenbelly.co
Green Belly Meal2Go - Check Out April
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesGoodbye subpar 200 calorie bars. Each Greenbelly pouch contains two tasty meal bars that provide a whopping 650 calories AND a completely balanced nutritional profile. Yep - an all natural 33% of your Daily Nutrition for six core nutrients: Calories, Carbs, Protein, Sodium, Fats and Fiber.





Vaude Moab Low AM Shoes

• Terracare® certified leather
• Ortholite® Eco Plush PU foam insole
• Vibram® Vert sole
• Specially developed for flat pedal action
• Rubber toe cap
• Anti-slip heel lining
• Colours: Black or Pebble grey
• Price: $140 / £95.00
• www.vaude.com
Vaude Moab Low AM - Check Out April
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesDownhill mountain bikers who want good traction on any walking/carrying passages are right on track with this top quality leather bike shoe. The custom designed Vibram sole ensures balanced performance. The sole provides a solid support in the mid region, and effective power transfer to the pedal. The front and back sections of the sole have an aggressive profile that offers better foot roll performance and walking comfort while carrying.





Wickwerks Mountain Single Z-Rings

• CNC, High Strength 7075-T6 Aluminum
• MIL Spec. Type 3 True Hard Anodized
• BCD 64 mm, 4-bolt “Compact”
• 9, 10 and 11 Speed Compatible
• Weight: 50g (30t)
• Price: $32.55 USD
• www.wickwerks.com
WickWerks 30T front ring - https wickwerks.com products mountain-single-30t-z-rings
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesThinking about a change to 1X? Considering Narrow-Wide? We have one step better for you in the WickWerks Z-Ring. This is Narrow-Wide Enhanced: enhanced installation flexibility, enhanced durability, enhanced fun!





Melon Parker Goggles

• Triple layer face foam
• 240 custom frame / strap / lens combinations
• 100% UV protection and superior anti-fog
• Switchfast strap system
• Price: USD: $59.99 / CAD: $79.99 / EU: €59.99 / GBP: £45
• www.melonoptics.co.uk
Melon Parker Goggles
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesWe're bringing fun to the table, looking outside the box and letting you choose how your goggle looks, rather than us. We'll be starting with 240 custom frame / strap / lens combinations and growing that number quickly. We've already got some really nice patterns and colourways that we're lining up for next season and can't wait to drop.




NSB 1x Variable Tooth XT M8000 Chainrings

• Fits Shimano Deore XT M8000 1x11 and 2x11 cranks: FC-M8000-1 FC-M8000-2
• 49mm chainline
• Full range of sizes 28T thru 36T
• Weight: 45-55 grams
• CNC machined in Canada from 7075 T6 aluminium
• Hard Anodized and laser engraved
• Price: $60 CDN / $60 USD
• www.northshorebillet.com
NSB Variable Tooth Chainring
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesThe new NSB 1x M8000 chainrings builds on the success of our full line of 1x chainrings. These are our lightest rings to date and use our proven Variable Tooth pattern to retain the chain under aggressive riding conditions. Our tooth profile ensures efficient power transfer by allowing the chain to freely roll on and off the ring, and long wear life due to our thicker than standard teeth. Sizes range from the chain line corrected 28T up to an Enduro racing 36T ring. Go fast or go steep, there is a ring size for every terrain type.





Shimano AM5 SPD Shoes

• Tough synthetic leather
• Extra protection for aggressive riding
• Level 5 stiffness
• Glass fiber reinforced shank
• Ultra grip rubber sole
• 941g (size 40)
• Colours: Black or Army Green
• Price: £69.99 / $99.99 USD
• www.shimano-lifestylegear.com
Shimano AM5 SPD Shoes - Check Out April
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesA Gravity and BMX shoe with a focus on comfort and protection. The AM5 brings a street-inspired style, equally at home in skate parks, trail parks and everywhere in between. With a lightweight and non-compressed flat insole, you get an even and comfortable foot cushion with a platform that's ideal for both walking and riding.





Ti-Springs Titanium Bolts and Washers

• Grade 5 Titanium
• Available in Purple, Blue, Green, Black, Rainbow, Gold and Silver
• M5 Bolts available in: 15, 18 and 20mm options
• M6 Bolts available in: 25, 30, 35 and 45mm options
• Appropriate ti 'bolt-prep' also available
• Prices vary and Ti-Springs ship worldwide
• For more pictures - Gallery
• www.ti-springs.com
Ti Springs Titanium Bolts

From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesTrick your bike out with some coloured titanium bolts. The main benefit of using titanium bolts is to save weight. In most cases you will save around 55% in weight compared to the steel equivalent. Titanium is also corrosion resistant, the bolts won't rust.






Smith Lowdown XL ChromaPop Sunglasses

• Carbonic TLT lenses
• Medium-large fit / coverage
• Evolve frame material
• Auto-lock hinges
• Polarized lens
• Self-tint-adjusting photochromic lens technology
• Lifetime warranty
• Price: from $169 USD
• www.smithoptics.com
Smith Optics Lowdown XL glasses
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesThe oversized eye wire of the Lowdown XL has been carefully considered to balance its scale with pantoscopic angle and rake to ensure a superior fit for a wide range of face sizes and shapes. The largest of the Lowdown family, the frame is made from our feather-light, Evolve eco-material and includes megol nose pads for a precision fit, comfortable to wear all day.




Dainese Aria-Lite Windbreaker

• Windproof fabric
• Fitted hood to be worn under the helmet
• Stuffs into its own handpocket
• DWR coated for added water repellency
• Colors: red, grey, green
• Price: $150 USD
• www.dainese.com
Dainese Aria-Lite windbreaker
From the Manufacturer:
bigquotesThe Aria-Lite Windbreaker is designed for riding in changeable weather. Due to the jacket's cire finish and high-density weaving, it's the ideal complement for both cool mountain summits or quick spins through the forest. Due to the low denier fabric, the jacket is extremely light (27g/sqm) and folds into its own pocket for easy packability.


MENTIONS: @shimano / @tisprings / @SmithOptics / @Burgtec2004 / @troyleedesigns / @SCOTT-Sports / @Dainese




Posted In:
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72 Comments
  • 56 1
 I can buy a lot of Gorilla tape and Stans valve stems for $40. Granted, it will take me 67 seconds longer to set up so there's that.
  • 7 2
 I just cut a valve out of an old tube, works a treat - anybody know if stans or joes sealant works better than slime sealant? Having trouble sealing a hole in my tyre
  • 54 0
 @ctd07: Slime sealant is kinda nasty. I've had good luck with Stans. Don't drink it though... it looks just like milk, but I assure you that it tastes nothing like it.
  • 2 0
 they also do a full kit that comes with 2 valves, 2 rim strips, sealant and an injector for under $25 Australian dollars
  • 2 0
 @ctd07: I use a combination of both in a 50/50 mix for some reason the two work well together and takes forever to dry out into a golf ball
  • 1 0
 @Bird-Man: Which two? joes and stans?
  • 10 0
 @ctd07: throw some sparkles in there
  • 3 0
 For me gorilla tape eventually fails. Mount enough tires and the tape gets pushed inwards and leaks. If this works well i would get it, especially if i can buy it without the valves as i have too many already.
  • 1 0
 @acali: same here. I've had tires push it to the side, too. Better luck with Scotch 898 filament tape, if we're bein ghetto.
  • 1 0
 @Jimmy0: rice is a good choice
  • 6 0
 @ctd07: I have had good luck with Orange seal.
  • 5 2
 @carraig042: I've had great luck with orange peel. Wink
  • 40 3
 Just wanted a place to say: hey isn't course walk day in Lourdes already! Sorry if I am to impacient.
  • 39 5
 I am 2 impashyent as well.
  • 12 38
flag Jack-T-Media (Apr 6, 2016 at 19:04) (Below Threshold)
 @h82crash: your parents must be real proud of you for making fun of people's grammar on the internet.
  • 25 0
 @Jack-T-Media: Theres some Irony to this. I hope you realize that.
  • 30 2
 @Jack-T-Media: Your parents must be real proud of you for making fun of people that are making fun of people's grammar on the internet. FYI my parents don't give a shit what I do on the internet.
  • 6 0
 @Jack-T-Media Dear Lourde, we have more important things to focus on right now.
  • 21 0
 @aoneal: "I am Lourde, ya ya ya." -Randy Marsh
  • 5 1
 Lots of coverage on vital mtb!!!
  • 3 0
 @Jack-T-Media: I wasn't making fun of his grammar. I was taking a light hearted poke at his spelling, meant all in fun.
  • 3 2
 @h82crash: sorry, i have now realised that but it is too late to delete my comment. sorry about that. Smile
  • 3 0
 @Jack-T-Media: No worries. I look at it as if it had been my spelling mistake I would be prepared to take some ribbing and have a laugh at myself.
  • 20 1
 $290 for some tinted safety glasses that day POC on them?!?! And I thought I was high...
  • 10 1
 I've owned wheelsets cheaper than that. $300+ (with tax) for freaking sunglasses? They had better have shade/full sunlight pigment augmentation or give out brainwaves that simulate orgasms. Even if I could afford those, I wouldn't buy them as a matter of principle.
  • 4 0
 Bet you most people won't be "craving" them when they look at that price tag...
  • 18 0
 sorry, but whenever i look at that POC helmet, all i can think is "rectal race"
  • 29 0
 That's all I think about anyway.
  • 2 0
 these days I believe they call that a fixation
  • 20 0
 Tectal Race... Rectal Tace... Rectal Taste. Mmmm
  • 2 0
 @DGThree: ...you should get that checked out. Rectal race sounds like symptoms of IBS. Like the race to the toilet.
  • 1 0
 More important is how it fits, which is terribly. I have a trabec, which I like and ordered the tectal to upgrade. Guess what? The tectal has so much coverage it covers your eyebrows and there is no way to keep it from shifting forward.
  • 2 0
 @carym: Exact opposite for me, Trabec never fit my head and looked like a mushroom cap. The Tectal seems to sit much lower around my head, which (on me) looks better and has less movement. Plus, the adjustment knob is miles better than the pinch closure.
  • 14 3
 I like the titanium bolts but i wouldnt have a clue what sizes i would need... A specific kit for each bike and a diagram or instructions would be good... How am i going to remove a bolt from my bike and know if its an m5 or m6 or whatever....
  • 6 1
 I had that same thought as soon as I read it. It needs another step in there to help us poor slobs looking to increase our titanium content.
  • 4 1
 Caliper or looking at them. You can get a plastic caliper at harbor freight for like $12. After you measure a few of them you will be able to tell. A stem faceplate or water bottle cages would be like a 5mm and the topcap would be a 6mm
  • 3 0
 Any hardware store will have a little plastic tool that measures bolt diameters. I got one a few years back and it has been a big help. It should only cost a dollar or so
  • 8 0
 Be a real man and use this!
http://www.technologystudent.com/equip1/caliper1a.png
  • 1 0
 @UtahBikeMike: I have that same plastic digital caliper from Harbor freight and it works great. I don't do any real precision measuring with it but for shit like measuring bolts and sizes of other parts on my bike it works just fine.
  • 1 0
 You want to be VERY careful replacing high-load bolts like suspension pivots with Titanium ones, as most titanium bolts are machined rather than forged, which makes them significantly weaker than the steel bolt you're replacing. www.bikerumor.com/2014/11/15/need-to-lighten-your-ride-proti-fully-forged-titanium-bolts-are-light-but-also-stronger
  • 3 0
 I would never wear such a light windbreaker. Between tree branches and crashing, I'd never trust a low-dernier fabric on the bike. For 80$ I picked up a mountain hardwear plasmic at nordstrom rack...70D fabric, breathes great, and handles crashes as well. And, it packs down plenty small...I never got the fascination with such lightweight jackets for mountain biking.
  • 8 1
 how can POC survive in the mtb world with thier prices .........
  • 5 0
 And their birth control looks?
  • 7 1
 I see checkout is now up to $300!
  • 3 0
 What? $500 for us!!!
  • 9 0
 Ya, didn't it used to be $hit for under 200. I need a new job!
  • 4 0
 Except for North Shore Billet, they are using a fantastic exchange rate.
  • 5 0
 Why isn't it called " shit you can easily live without for under 300 dollars (or 10,000 canadian pesos)"
  • 4 0
 Hey PB, my 85 year old grandfather called and wants his Shimano shoes back.
  • 3 0
 those camber sock shrunk on me like crazy. Good when they fit but shrinks easily. watch out when you wash them!
  • 11 0
 Wait Camber. Someone the the spec legal department
  • 2 0
 Did you put them in the dryer?
  • 3 0
 @ReformedRoadie: Nope.
The first batch shrunk like a winkie on ice.

These Cambers are different though. They changed the sock material slightly. Maybe Stik will chime in.

Originals shrunk down to ankle socks, no dryer at all.
  • 2 0
 Green Belly "meal to go"
in a sealed package just the right size for a rear XC jersey pocket.
.....how appetizing..
...............I think I prefer a Snickers or Mars bar.
  • 13 0
 Makes me fart just thinking about eating it
  • 2 0
 These short reviews are great! Everything is explained well and makes us all look forward to long term test reviews to come up
  • 5 0
 They're not really a review...
  • 2 0
 @russthedog: ..........okay mini talks about each product
  • 4 1
 well i can't even afford those socks...
  • 1 0
 simt lowdown are the best glasss I've ever owned. I have the regular version, and they kick ass. Would recommend, would buy again.
  • 2 0
 cool to see another player in the flat pedal shoe game. look the business too.
  • 1 0
 Agree. Except I have a perversion against velcro.
  • 3 0
 they should just call this "shit people paid us to show you"
  • 1 0
 Really, really like those Vaude Moab's. The mid-height model is even cooler! Probably gonna buy.
  • 2 0
 You have to be the biggest sucker to pay that $$ for glasses.
  • 2 0
 $18 for a single pair of socks? Madness, I say.
  • 1 0
 Wickworks, for "enhanced fun"?!?
  • 1 0
 Trust me, they're an amazing company that actually makes innovative products, not just a new model year with no difference from the previous one.
  • 1 1
 Their chainrings work amazingly. Can't recommend them enough.
  • 2 1
 Green belly meal to go is a cool idea
  • 1 0
 $60 Canadian = $45.87 US Dollar
  • 1 0
 was expecting a bike under $300 Smile







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