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.
Espro Travel Press
• Available in multiple colors • Weighs just 0.9lbs / 408 grams • Makes 10 oz coffee, 12 oz tea ª Holds 15 oz as a travel mug • Hot for hours • Filters are BPA, BPS, and phthalate free • Stainless steel, double-walled, vacuum-insulated • MSRP: $34.95 USD • More Info
The Espro Travel Press is essentially a French press with a super fine filter that actually keeps the sludge out of your coffee. We travel a lot, and we end up drinking a lot of bad coffee. I use Espro's large-volume P7 press at home, and I'm hoping the Travel Press means the days of bad hotel coffee are behind me.—Brian Park
From the manufacturer:
The ESPRO Press is designed to take your carefully crafted preferences – the bean and roast, the leaf – and marry them with a perfected environment for brewing.
Two innovations are at the heart of the process. First, ESPRO’s patented double micro-filters give you the distinct, rich flavour you expect, without all the mess associated with a traditional press. And second, the design of the press and filters prevents over-extracted coffee or tea from entering your beverage once the plunger is pushed down.—Espro Press
Michelin Wild Enduro Tires
• Front and rear specific tread, casing and compound • Front compound MAGI-X² or GUM-X3D • Rear compound GUM-X3D • €TBC
• Gravity Shield casing • Front 3x60 tpi / Rear 3x33 tpi • Front 980g / rear 1070g • bike.michelin.com
From the manufacturer:
The Michelin Wild Enduro range targets both casual fans of the discipline and expert riders who seek tires that combine performance, outstanding grip and strength. Not only does this particularly versatile new range tick all these boxes but it also simplifies tire choice by providing riders with an efficient solution for practically every situation. This flexibility ensures maximum efficiency across the spectrum of terrain types encountered during most rides, from forest trails, to dry, hard-packed ground, sand and damp surfaces. This versatility and the two new rubber compounds developed for the Wild Enduro range also address the needs of more experienced riders thanks to the Gravity Shield, MAGI-X2 and GUM-X3D technologies that these new tires pack.
Brake Authority Agressive Ceramic Pads
• Sintered metal + ceramic pads for enduro and DH use • NoNitech nickel-free technology • Over 50 types to suit nearly all brakes • Pads and packaging can be returned for recycling • Made in Europe under ISO 14001 norms • €15.99 - 38.99 • brake-authority.com
From the manufacturer:
High end bike brake accessories, Brake Authority always wants to push further the matter of the environmental respect and performance. We make every effort to reduce the C02 impact of our brake pads. We are also, the first brand to undertake a large program of embedded tests to certify the evolution of our brake pads on the field in order to guarantee the performance and the durability of our products.
Bontrager Rally Pro MIPS
• Boa System allows for quick, one-handed adjustments • Extended rear coverage • Blendr mount system is compatible with GoPro cameras and Bontrager lights • 1-year Crash Replacement Guarantee • $139.99 USD • bontrager.com
From the manufacturer:
The Rally MIPS mountain bike helmet raises the bar in comfort and protection. Equipped with all the best features including MIPS brain protection system, Boa fit system for superior comfort and security, and the Blendr mount system for light and camera integration. Plus extended coverage and ample vents will keep you riding all day on the toughest trails.
Julbo Renegade Sunglasses
• Curved, wrapping temples • Flexible inserts on temple and nose for grip • Multiple lens options, including polarized and photochromic • MSRP: $110 - $189.95 USD • www.julbo.com
From the manufacturer:
Blasting down a single track followed by lunch on the terrace? Same sunglasses, same style and same protection. Julbo has created Renegade, at home in daily life on any type of terrain. Its resolutely urban look disguises a keen appetite for adventure: incredible grip, wide angle of vision and photochromic Reactiv lenses.
Shimano GR9 Shoes
• Michelin rubber outsole for superb grip on pedal and ground • Armored lace shield provides extra protection from debris • Molded toe cap for additional toe protection • MSRP: $150 USD • www.shimano-lifestylegear.com
• Asymmetrically raised padded ankle collar and sidewall sole • Speed lacing system allows fast, secure adjustments • Materials absorb less water and dry quickly
From the manufacturer:
The GR9 is a premier downhill / enduro shoe for flat pedals with superb grip, enhanced protection, and walkability.
Racer E-Glove 2 Heated Gloves
• Each glove is powered by a rechargeable 7.4 volt Li-ion battery • Three heating levels • Battery life: 3-6 hours • MSRP: 160€
• Polar fleece lining, polyester insulation • LED battery life indicator • Heating system designed and manufactured in France www.racergloves.com
From the manufacturer:
The E-Glove 2 is our second generation cycling glove. The new iR-WARM heating circuit is now controlled by a microprocessor to thermoregulate the temperature inside the glove.The button has also been completely redesigned to provide better ergonomics, and it now includes a battery indicator to help you better manage the use of the three levels of heating
Here's the thing, though - every time I see a flat pedal shoe reviewed somewhere, the consensus always seems to be that whatever it's particulars, the sole isn't as grippy on flats as FiveTens. Which has me stretching my head - yep, FiveTen knows all about sticky rubber because they're big in climbing shoes and such, but they're not the only company that makes a decent sticky rubber compound for climbing. How come nobody else seems to have figured it out for MTB shoes?
Covered laces for the win. Keeps them out of the drivetrain, keeps them from getting muddy. Personally my ideal biking shoe would be those with BOA laces, and inner ankle protection.(maybe also 510 style bottoms)
@g-42: I don't ride the 5 10 shoes myself... but everyone I know that has ridden them, destroyed them in one season. That tacky rubber just kinda disintegrated on their flats.
5-10 is an Addidas company. Adidas has some decent non-bike looking shoes with Stealth soles, worth a look if you don't like the way that 5-10 shoes look but like the grip of the Stealth rubber.
@rnayel: Yep, those Adidas shoes look well thought-out, but they're made on typical Adidas lasts, meaning they'll work great for someone with a narrow-to-normal foot, and not at all for someone like me (with a very wide foot).
@Skurploosh: I get about a year out of my FiveTens before the rubber's getting worn down and/or a lot less sticky. And I'm fine with that, that's the price of sticky rubber. Well, sort of fine with that - it means I would never buy them at full retail, waiting for close outs instead.
@g-42: I bought into the hype over the last gen Shimano shoes, and they turned out to be a big disappointment. The upper/casing felt more like plastic than leather, which made them pretty uncomfortable, and as you said, the soles weren't even in the same area code as 5-10. I don't know why it's so hard for other companies to get even close to 5-10's sole's traction, but none of them ever have
@Kramz: It's not a BOA system, and it's an SPD shoe, but the AM9 has a flap over a quick lace system. Looks like a winner for this guy, who's trying to get his cleat position back a little from the M163. When Bryn and Jill tell you your feet are too far back on the pedal, it sticks with you.
Went and ordered a pair of the new Pearl Izumi Launch flat shoes the other week. Pretty much look like a standard skate shoe, plenty of grip with the Vibram rubber compound, and cant notice any difference between them and my 5-10 freeriders. The Shimano AM9's on the other hand? I usually finish the day with bruises on my inner thighs from clenching the saddle due to feet blowing off. Will never buy into the Shimano hype again.
Those stood out, they look really clean.
And to everyone saying they're not 5-10s, some of us like having to drop our heels to really get traction on our pedals and simultaneously being able to move our feet around. It's an immense help to be able to turn your feet a little to match the direction of your hips. It's makes snakey turns a lot more fun and for me, easy, too.
5-10s can be too much. That's not a criticism, they're just too good at what they do for some of us.
@LoganKM1982: 100% Agree. 5.10's are simply too much grip for some people. It's not a diss, just a preference for a somewhat looser feel. Plus, my Vans are still only $60.
510s are horrible in my opinion. Soles rip off the first time you jam your toe on a rock. My shimano Dh shoes lasted 2 years before I had to glue the rubber back on
Kinda silly to have an item without price on Checkout.... Nothing but great experience with gripr, rockr and wild am once I learned how to navigate their casings/compounds, can't wait to try these.
All items far above my price range. I need a new cassette and shock. Pinkbike please start a monthly “dirt bag bargains” or something so the run of the mill cyclists can afford to ride.
I second the appeal of the shimano shoes and their valuable tech (lace cover and speed lacing)....I'd just need some black spray paint to create some color options.
I have never liked the speedlace system. Had it on my M200's, and after a few spins on the cranks they would loosen off through being squeezed between my foot and the flap cover. Absolutely useless design
Who needs heated gloves if they actually pedal while riding? My unheated gloves turn into hot swamp holders all winter long. Why would anyone think those Velcro retiree Shimano shoes look or stick better than any 5.10? Aaaand, that Bontrager lid looks like a Walmart castoff (though it has plenty of good tech.) The pads, tires, and coffee press are promising though.
Shimano must've ripped those speed lacing from Salomon trail running shoes. That type of lacing is awesome. Instead of having a flap over the laces, why not do what Salomon did and hide the dangling part of the speed lace up into the tongue.
The problems of platforms shoes are:
1) they're frickin heavy - it's because of the amount of rubber that's used on the outsoles. 2) they're ugly as hell - I wish they look more like trail shoes.
I like the Shimano shoes, have had the previous 3 models and whilst not having the outright leechiness of stealth rubber I find them grippy enough, being able to actually move my feet on the pedals whilst riding is a bonus. Keen to try these Michelin soled ones.
You can buy a gold plated basket filter . Throw your favourite ground beans into water just of the boil. Camp coffee.
This coffee maker is a well thought out unit and the price is reasonable.
The Terrex line comes to mind (PB did a write up) www.pinkbike.com/news/adidas-terrex-eurobike-2016.html
I bought into the hype over the last gen Shimano shoes, and they turned out to be a big disappointment.
The upper/casing felt more like plastic than leather, which made them pretty uncomfortable, and as you said, the soles weren't even in the same area code as 5-10. I don't know why it's so hard for other companies to get even close to 5-10's sole's traction, but none of them ever have
We've got you Codypup.
For me it would be a full blown pajama kit with matching helmet. Or anything that looks stolen from an xc Rider. Sorry not sorry Lycra.
Nothing but great experience with gripr, rockr and wild am once I learned how to navigate their casings/compounds, can't wait to try these.
pretty fresh - only found this so far
The problems of platforms shoes are:
1) they're frickin heavy - it's because of the amount of rubber that's used on the outsoles.
2) they're ugly as hell - I wish they look more like trail shoes.
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