A lot of gear comes across our desks here at Pinkbike. Check Out is an occasional round up of everything our tech editors have gotten their hands on. 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, sometimes it's crazy shit someone sent us unsolicited and we're having a laugh.
Mon's SS23 Women's Collection: Camo Is Back This Bike Season VIRAGE PANTS: The ultimate lightweight and durable trail rippers now come in Undercover Camo
Left: REDWOOD MERINO AIR-CON VT Right: ICON MERINO AIR-CON RELAXED TEE
TARN MERINO SHIFT WIND JERSEY: A lightweight windbreaker designed to offer protection from the cold on high output rides. The ultimate bike jersey for all temperatures.
Features• Breathable merino mesh panels
• Mons Royale's Merino Shift fabric is 140gsm. 52% Merino Wool, 35% Recycled Polyester and 13% Nylon
• Hidden sunglasses wipes
• Lightweight and durable trail bottoms with strategically placed inseams for comfort
• Mons belt included with pants and shorts
• Zipped pocket in pants holds your phone so you can forget about it.
They had me at 'relaxed' tee. I really love the Air-Con fabric, which has the highest merino content (83%) of all the Mons gear. The top is designed to offer the best temperature regulation for hot and cold weather. It's got a nylon core for strength, with an added merino later so it's still merino that lays against the skin. Each year I get excited about the new colorway of the Icon Merino Air-con Relaxed Tee - as it is my staple riding top. It offers a super flattering cut - giving a tomboy yet feminine silhouette even for those with broad shoulders and strong arms. It has a slightly shorter waist than most traditional longline riding tops - but I have a long torso and don't find it rises high. Also, no more stinky pits. Learn more
here.
Feedback Sports Reflex Fixed Torque Ratchet Kit Features• Kit includes ratchet handle, 25mm extension, 5Nm click-torque extension, and 10 bits.
• Ratchet wrench for speed; torque extension for precision.
• 5Nm click-torque extension for safe, precise and secure tightening of sensitive parts.
• 2-way ratchet wrench can be used without torque extension for rapid fastener take-up and loosening.
• 6-degree ratchet engagement maneuvers in tight spaces..
• 10 labeled S2 Steel bits covering the most common bicycle applications.
• Hex: 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm; Torx: T10 , T25, T30; Flat: 3mm.
• Price: $70 CAD at
feedbacksports.com
Introducing the first everyday carry, ride-ready tool kit from Feedback Sports. It’s really handy for reaching hard to access bolts like on a bottle cage. Featuring a compact, modular ratcheting handle, 25mm extension socket, 5Nm click-torque extension socket, and ten of the most commonly used bits, this mini ratcheting wrench kit is made for making safe and secure mid-ride repairs. The included padded case is ideal for carrying in a jersey pocket, travel kit, or keeping with you at all times, for any occasion.
Smith Momentum Sunglasses: Matte Bone + ChromaPop Black Gold Mirror Lens Performance takes on a new level of clarity thanks to the dual curvature of the toric lens.
Features• ChromaPop lenses enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop
• Light-sensitive, photochromic lens option adapts to changing light conditions
• Interchangeable lenses
• Smudge and moisture-resistant coatings for easy cleaning and clear optics
• Wraparound fit
• 7x4 toric-shield lens curvature for sharp peripheral vision
• Megol temples and nose pads provide non-slip grip so glasses stay put
• Two-position, adjustable Megol nose pads
• Easy-adjust, QuickFit temples for a customized fit
• Compatible with Smith's optical docking system (ODS4) prescription lens insert
I love fast sunnies. With a half-frame design, interchangeable lenses, and color-boosting ChromaPop, Smith’s Momentum sunglasses deliver sharp optics and a whole new level of clarity for all your future rides. The half-frame design makes lens changes a snap. The lenses themselves curve in a way that closely matches the curvature of your eye, and by removing the lower half of the frame, this creates an extremely large field of view. They're slightly more spherical than other styles such as the Wildcat, so be sure to adjust them so you don't look like you're wearing a space visor. If you like to see where you're going, protecting your eyeballs and looking cool at the same time - maybe you should grab a pair of these sunglasses.
Learn more
here.
Wild Rye Galena Gel Bike Gloves The Galena was designed from the ground up to keep you cool and protected during those critical moments.
Features• Gel palm padding
• Touch screen compatible
• 4-way stretch shell
• Silicone Finger Grippies
• Synthetic suede palm
• Cotton thumb to wipe drips
Comfy and cute. These fun-ctional gloves sport gel padding, wicking materials and a funky print so they're instantly identifiable in the bottomless pile of your housemates' bike gear. So far, I've tested them in temperatures from the low fifties to high nineties, and they've regulated in this range really well. The fit is snug, the padding is super comfortable and I feel confident riding technical terrain in them. I've swapped out my super lightweight gloves in favour of these on most bike rides. Learn more
here.
Bare Performance Nutrition Key Lime Pie Protein Powder A whey-casein protein blend containing 25 grams of protein per serving to improve recovery and build muscle.
This stuff is bonkers. I've tried and tested a lot of protein powders in my day, but when mixed with milk, this is like drinking Key Lime Pie - and I'm here for it. There's no hint of icky whey flavour or signature powdery texture on the tongue I've resigned myself to over the years. BPN have nailed it, and their other flavours include Cinnamon Roll, Blueberry Muffin & Nut Butter Blast (spoiler: they're all amazing).
Features• Supports improved recovery and muscle protein synthesis necessary to build lean muscle
• Great mixability, consistency and a variety of delicious flavors
• The perfect blend of protein: 88% fast-acting whey protein and 12% slow-digesting casein protein
• Informed Protein tests and verifies that the protein levels listed on the label are accurate.
• Informed Sport certified products are tested every batch for prohibited substances.
•
bareperformancenutrition.com
 | Our approach was to create the most effective and best-tasting whey protein powder for athletes like us, starting with premium ingredients that stand up to the test. By using the perfect blend of protein powders (88% whey + 12% casein), it makes for a thicker, more consistent, and better-tasting product. We are confident that our protein powder is the best you will ever try! Not only does the small amount of casein protein powder improve taste and consistency, but it also makes it very easy to use in baking without drying out the end product! |
You can buy a pair of clear safety glasses for 20 bucks or less.
www.homedepot.ca/product/milwaukee-tool-safety-glasses-with-clear-fog-free-lenses/1001612194
I have an $240 pair of riding glasses... but they are also photochromic so almost clear to fairly dark in the sun. The anti-fog is next level... can climb in humid heat without fogging. Super comfortable and never slip, they come with multiple sized nose pads and adjustable temple tips (I totally forget I'm wearing them), optics are awesome with clarity and colour boosting and very scratch resistant... this is my 5th season with them now and they still look and work like new.
That said, I do think the price of riding glasses is ridiculous. Especially the ones that are the size of goggles... might as well pay half the price and get goggles. Can't even get Ryders for cheap anymore!
These are my "go to" now to keep it under $40: www.mec.ca/en/product/5058-441/logic-ii-sunglasses
But honestly I ride less and less with eye protection over the years. I used to be a protection nazi but now 90 percent without anything. I know I should but i can steam up glasses in the middle of a desert at 40 c.
Fog management of my glasses takes up most of my brain space for rides. The glasses have to be hooked to my bars or in my hip bag/backpack any time I am not riding downhill. I use anti-fog spray religiously too.
Been riding with these for years now. Literally the best MTB glasses I've used, not kidding.
www.mec.ca/en/product/6026-256/retainer-strap
**MEC is shyte now that it's no longer a Co-Op! prices went up, selection went down
I'm struggling to come up with the scenario that causes a serious cut on your face from safety glasses that doesn't involve hitting something at high speed with your face, in which case did the glasses really do the damage?
You’re paying for sponsored athletes, advertising, overhead, and an tonne of marketing etc.
You’re paying more money, you’re not getting a better, safer product. You’re getting lens interchangability, or you could buy a couple pairs of glasses, for 1/10th the price.
Don’t fool yourself,
All of those photochromatic lenses do it, but at least with Tifosi, your wallet can take a hit again when it's time to buy new ones. But...usually gonna look like a goob in Tifosi. Just is what it is.
Here’s what I’ve been riding with and loving
The cheap curved safety glasses mess with me and was stoked to find these. Work great
Also anyone that deals with fogging- look into Adam’s anti fog
Been using it and can confirm that there is ZERO fogging now on anything
As for sweat management, the adjustable nose pads are great, allows me to keep them slightly away from my face and forehead so that sweat doesn't contact them.
Is there a safety difference between the two?
The other point is safety glasses make for crap riding glasses.
I religiously wear goggles when dirt biking and safety goggles when operating power tools, etc, but rarely when riding. Am I alone in this? Idiotic? I just never saw the risk.
www.amazon.com/dp/B09B1GR9HF/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?pd_rd_i=B0899V3YZG&pd_rd_w=8SBmG&content-id=amzn1.sym.7b21e0c7-2d6d-4279-a40b-74d2b0593b5a&pf_rd_p=7b21e0c7-2d6d-4279-a40b-74d2b0593b5a&pf_rd_r=M5Y9NK0PBDQNPWKD0TN4&pd_rd_wg=nMqPS&pd_rd_r=37484547-43e3-4a49-a356-bd8792b005e2&s=sporting-goods&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1
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Uhm, aren't those just called "glasses"?
My Melon's with optical inserts have literally change my life - run the optic clip with their clear trail lens and cannot recommend it more (I even have 2 pairs with two shades of lens so I can grab whichever in a hurry)
If you ride on popular well maintained trails the risk of a rogue branch taking your eye out is low, on less popular less maintained trails branches do seem to constantly slap me in the face, so it depends on where you ride.
Mine have clear optics, light weight, never move and the photo chromatic works a treat.
for my eyes all look like swimming goggles due to lensavailable. I also use 4 different lens across the seasons so would need 4 pairs of prescription sunglasses opposed to one insert
But one trick for thinner lenses in your prescription riding glasses is to find a retailer that is owned by Luxotica.
Luxotica owns a bunch of glasses & sunglasses frames and lens companies. If you order/purchase through them, you can usually get the higher quality, thin/high lens power glasses for much less than a retail outlet that is making their own lenses.
Here in the US, Luxotica owns the LensCrafters chain of stores and they make their own lenses for anything you buy in store. You can take the prescription from your eye doctors office (who is trying to sell you that they get the best quality products for cheap) to a LensCrafters store and get a really high end, thin, high powered lens for much cheaper than the eye doctor's office can get without markups.
The extra kicker here in the US is that they also own the vision insurance plan "EyeMed" so if an employee of on group health has EyeMed, goes to Lenscrafters and gets Luxotica lenses...it's big savings.
Luxotica, commonly known to be one of the more underhanded corporations in the retail market has inflated the price of eyewear (all the non-sense fancy stuff, theres no such thing as unobtanium) for decades. They have an absolute stranglehold on the market in NA and lots of Europe, so much so, that the still inflated prices of LensCrafters seem like a bargain, (theres a 200% markup on most of those prices)
When i get the fantastic opportunity to travel to Korea, I can buy prescription glasses on the street for about $20-40 Canadian, so &7.50ish USD. Absolutely the best service, excellent quality, and essentially the exact same stuff that you buy elsewhere for hundreds of dollars more, and ready the next day.
Last time I was there, I bought 4 pairs of glasses, 2 pairs of sunglasses, all for under $150, and ready in 2 days.
Man, we have really fell for it line and sinker to think that places, and corps like LensCrafters are out here giving us deals on glasses......
I work in insurance. I do agree that Luxotica doesn't offer deals. Just pointing out to the guy that if we wants really light, thin prescription lens sport glasses in the US...have the Luxotica/EyeMed/LensCrafters combo is the price combo sweet spot.
Other people I know order via Zenne online, Warby Parker, etc....but those superlight, high powered lenses only seem to price out in sport glasses via Luxotica's monopoly.
For a pair of Oakley Holbrook (which have been around for friggin ages) with a set of Prism polarized lenses, $670 can!
That’s silly money for some sunglasses
And someone else correct me if I'm wrong but Oakley's prism lens technology is their own That is not a luxotica brand lens. Oakley would have their own separate pricing structure. I believe you would actually have to ask LensCrafters to quote you you look exotica branded made in house prescription lens.
For all I know Oakley prizm lenses and luxotica lenses could be made side by side, but don't think so.
www.luxottica.com/en/eyewear-brands
United HealthCare is one of the over age 65 age carriers I work with. They did make a big deal about offering Warby Parker to shut ins since they mail trial frames for fit. But this year, it's switched to an "in house" group.
Probably one more branch of that Luxotica monopoly...only they say "we make thick ugly stuff for old folks"
Mons are gradually putting less merino wool in their clothing. Sorry, but I now prefer another brand which looks way less fashionable but which makes 100% merino tees which feel better and smell less. Great fit though... so Mons, please make a high merino mix clothing again!
You'll find the highest Merino content (83%) in the Air-Con Fabric, which is designed to offer the best temp regulation for hot and cold weather. It's got a nylon core for strength, and merino wrapped around it so it's still merino against the skin. The lowest (52%) is in the Merino Shift, which uses a blend of recycled polyester to give added durability when you go OTB, and the Merino Cool (52%) which is blended with Tencel for those scorching hot days.
If you want 100% you can get that in our winter range in the Yotei.
ps if you looking for 100% merino alternative, I'm also a fan of Nuyarn (merino poly blend) fabric. Have yet to see something more durable, light and smell resistant.
Bought another recently. It's amazing that they got softer, more durable and the wool stays put better now.
I've slowly (because they're $$s) converted my entire undershirt wardrobe to various merino blends. I'm generally buying whatever I can get a good deal on when I find it, which means I have merino blend undershirts with different compositions from four or five different manufacturers (Mons included, which is honestly my favorite, and has been incredibly durable for the 5+ years I've had it now).
I've found that 50-85% merino are the ideal combo of performance and comfort. 100% merino are cozy, and perhaps nice in winter, but aren't as comfortable or quick drying as blends.
Plus, with a high-merino blend, you're still getting the non-stink benefits of 100%.
Nearly every component I've used that has printed torque values have been different and I can't ever remember one being 5!
If its purely to guard against overtightening then that's as mad. My old (beautiful) Straitline stem has to be torqued to 12.2Nm- you'd be on your face at 5Nm
As said, I already have an adjustable torque wrench hence haven't tried the Topeak TorqBit (nor the Feedback Sports ripoff) but I think it has its place.
I'm not against it, but if there is a torque wrench anywhere nearby, I'm going to use it. Why wouldn't you?
That being said, I like using a shot glass as well when mixing a drink.
Automotive/ bicycle /Motorcycle wise, I'm now a big fan of Read The Freakin' Manual, use the proper tool for the job, torque to spec, and apply either anti seize compound, carbon paste, or Loc-Tite (unless specifically instructed otherwise.)
If there was an affordable tool that actually measures clamping force I'd buy and use it.
www.gomog.com/allmorgan/bolttorque.pdf
I'd rather take ages to build a bike than spend even more time (and money) to repair a bike.
For lack of a better method, I do indeed use a torque wrench on brake and fork bolts.
I think this is generally true for almost all bicycle bolts with a torque rating. Seatpost, stem, all bearing preloads, those are all limited by clamping force. TBH I have no idea what sets the limit for a brake caliper bolt torque. I think 12 Nm is the generally used max torque value for a generic steel M6 bolt so that would be where bolt or thread damage becomes a danger. But in general I guess the optimum tension is the minimum one that guarantees it won't come loose?
The difference between dry and lubricated bolts can be very large, in the link @woofer2609 posted it is about 50% but it can be more depending on lube. And I'm not even talking about tiny contaminations here. But this www.hextechnology.com/articles/bolt-lubricant-torque/#bolt_lubricant_torque_chart warns against using any sort of generic table and test the situation exactly as you will use it.
I think for bicycles the situation is never very critical. Ever noticed that these torque values are always nice round numbers and usually even numbers too?
These things seem like a smart solution, but they only start at M10 www.smartbolts.com/smartbolt-dti
Either way, the workshop mechanic won't necessarily do a better job with their torque wrench than the home mechanic would do with their torque wrench (if properly adjusted and operated, obviously). You can only expect some kind of consistency in the factory and at the assembly line. So it is up to the designers to be aware of the ranges of clamping force where one could end up with a properly adjusted torque wrench and design the product to behave within that range.
The torque wrench is currently the most practical attempt I'm seeing at trying to keep clamping force within spec when bolts are being used. It would be interesting to see what could be done with other means, like tethers for instance. I for one would probably be a bit scared if the faceplate was clamped to rest of the stem by means of tethers, but by measuring the elastic strain in those tethers (for instance because they were marked when unloaded) you can calculate what the actual clamping force would be. It would take a bit more thought to figure out how to make this remotely practical to work with. But if this can be made to work, we might have found a way to realize constent clamping force. Unless the whole point thereof was to make sure the bolt stress stays with spec. If this is being realized through elimination of the bolts, this whole exercise was futile
arp-bolts.com/p/technical.php
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What's funny is nobody here got a vote on whether or not we agreed to be beta testers for the autonomous things. They started out at night only and now the things are 24/7 and can pick up fares.
cleanlabelproject.org/protein-powder-infographic
A serious athlete would be taking following everyday for the whole career/life:
5g or more of Creatine Monohydrate
1g of TriMethylGlycine
50mg Niacin
200mg of high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid
15g of Collagen Peptides
1300mg of Omega-3 fish oil (650 EPA/450 DHA).
10g of L-Citrulline on workout/race days
The average person is also deficient in Zinc, Magnesium, and Vit D (always take with a K-complex to avoid arterial plaque buildup)
A man who wants to live a long time should also consider adding Finasteride as well, for its effects on prostate cancer, and Rosuvastatin, for its effects on cholesterol.
Always a good idea to get your blood tested for hormone levels, vitamin deficiencies, etc. Make sure any supplement you take is from a reputable company, and consult with your doctor if you have difficulty processing certain supplements.
None of his claims about fortagen have been proven.
It's placebo. If buying overpriced powder works for you, fine. Just don't spread misinformation about an ineffective product
There is a good reason for the book title. Youll say its placebo, but youre judging a book by its cover, very much. With all studies linked and provided in the book or on his website, there is nothing that is hiding. Open your brain/mind a little. It is like a parachute after all.
Funnily enough the price of 2 tubs of whey (just over the servings amount of 1 tub of fortagen) are almost the price of 1 tub of fortagen.
If you’re training hard enough to need protein supplementation, you probably should cut sucralose and other artificial sweeteners out of your diet.
Ingredients: Instantized Whey Protein Concentrate, Micellar Casein, Natural Flavor, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Sucralose
cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-74e08ai/product_images/uploaded_images/peanut-butter.png
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Save $200 USD for basically the exact same glasses.
Beam torque wrenches all the way. If the pointer still starts at zero and the beam isn't damaged, they're as correct as the day they left the factory.