Check Out: E-Bike Lube, Ankle Braces, Shock Absorbing Grips, Water Filtering Pouches & More
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.
Godfather's Garage Chain Lubes and Grease
Features
• Made in Canada
• E-Bike lube is most viscous in line up
• Protects in all weather
• E-Bike lube is most viscous in line up
• Protects in all weather
 | What does chain lube and grease have to do with The Godfather? Well we’re not talking about the infamous mobster movie, but the legend Wade Simmons, known by some as the godfather of freeride. Making his mark on the North Shore, Wade saw the need to create a line of products that held up to the specific conditions out there in the deep, dank rain forest. The E-Bike lube sounds silly, but it has been specifically formulated for high chain torque and is more viscous than the standard Dry or Wet options from Godfather’s Garage. This one also has the highest tenacity and is a claim that I can confirm checks out. Even though it protects against all weather conditions, I noticed it lasted much longer on that fancy Trek Fuel EX-e I reviewed a couple weeks ago, which ironically saw action on only the wettest days. You can notice how much “sticker” it is than the standard wet lube, but we’re not about to dive too far down the rabbit hole of testing chain lube efficiency. All of the products, including the waterproof lithium grease, are made in Canada and sell for prices between about $15-17 loonies using a network of dealers. |
REV Pro Series Suspension Grips
Features
• Shock absorbing elastomers housed in clamps
• Alloy expanding wedge bar end
• Multiple diameter and color options
• Alloy expanding wedge bar end
• Multiple diameter and color options
| I’ll admit, I had my reservations about trying these grips because they seemed hokey to me in the parking lot. After a solid day of smashing laps at the Sun Peaks Bike Park with some thin and hard grips on a test bike, my hands were punched. I'm not usually one to complain about hand cramps or arm pump, but installing the REV Grips on Day 2 couldn't have come at a better time. The diamond and waffle pattern is a crowd pleaser with no weird bulges or tapers, and the ramped ends keep your palm from resting on the metal lock ring. Sandwiched between those collars and the plastic base of the grip are a series of four rubber elastomers that provide a small amount of suspended rotation. REV makes four different patterns in four different diameters with a boat load of grip and clamp colours. The Pro Series set seen here measures in at 31mm on the diamond pattern and bumps up to 32.5mm, if you include the waffle zone. I thought these might feel strange on the trail, but the amount of movement is not drastic enough to be concerned about. In fact, I didn't even notice it - just the benefit of the relief. At no time did I get that “throttle grip” action when regular push on grips get water underneath them. $89.95 seems like a lot for grips, but if you’re troubled by arm pump or sore hands, these could be the ticket to solve that dilemma. It’s also worth noting that you can replace any of the parts individually, so you don’t have to buy the whole kit to get fresh rubber. |
LifeStraw Water Filter System
Features
• Removes 99.9999% of bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and silt
• Durable and packable
• Independently tested to be BPA-free
• Durable and packable
• Independently tested to be BPA-free
| How many times have you been caught out on a ride that goes longer than expected in the middle of summer and you risk contracting giardia to lap up a mouthful of seemingly pristine mountain water? The problem is you can't see the bacteria from a farm or deceased animal that may be lurking upstream. This little water filtration system from LifeStraw is a beauty for so many reasons. First of all, I love how you don't need to worry about tipping over the bottle you're trying to fill with clean water. The filter sends the water straight into the drinking vessel without extra parts, like a hose, that could get damaged. Secondly, it's packable, so you could even stuff this into a chamois bib pocket or strap it to your frame. If you take a look at the stats, the might of this product is impressive. The filter will stop 99.999999% of bacteria (yes, to the sixth decimal place), 99.999% of parasites, and 99.999% of those terrible microplastics. Of course, it will stop silt, sand, and cloudiness as well. That means it meets US EPA NSF P231. The membrane microfilter will even tell you when it's reached the end of its lifespan by no longer letting water flow through, but that should get you through 2000 liters. There are two sizes, a 650 and 1000-milliliter option, with the smaller one weighing just over 100 grams. The filter and cap will work with other products in the "Peak Series" too. Clean and safe drinking water seems highly worth the $32.95 if you find yourself regularly running out of water and don't want to carry a full day's worth of fluids. |
Bigfoot Ankle Brace
Features
• Three sizes from 4.5 to 12+ (UK)
• Ambidextrous
• 50% Nylon, 30% Neoprene, 15% Polyester, 5% Other
• Ambidextrous
• 50% Nylon, 30% Neoprene, 15% Polyester, 5% Other
| Ankle braces might not be the first item on your list when you suit up to send, but their popularity from BMX has carried over to the dirt jump and slopestyle crowd, and they've even made their way to more traditional mountain bike trails. This Bigfoot Brace is my first experience with such a protection product, so I can't compare them to any others on the market. To wrap up the ambidextrous brace, regular laces with a velcro closure at the end distribute the tension evenly and don't pinch when you flex your forefoot. Two opposing nylon straps take a figure-eight style lap around, down, and under the arch of your foot while a stretchier closure wraps around the lowest part of the shin bone. On their own, they are quite comfortable and stuffing them inside a shoe feels surprisingly normal underfoot. I do prefer a snug fitting riding shoe laced up tightly, so if I were to rock the Bigfoot Brace permanently I'd step up a half size in footwear. They are something I would advise you to try on with the purchase of a new shoe and the height of the shoe cuff can vary - that's where I noticed they took up the most volume. They basically feel like you're wearing a much higher, tighter fitting boot or extending the grasp on your lower leg. I thought that might mean a restricted amount of articulation during pedaling, but even on trail rides this didn't pose a problem. Our Pacific Northwest "summer" arrived late, so I didn't get a chance to wear them on any particularly hot days, but in full DH attire I never noticed any hot patches underfoot or particularly sweaty socks either. For park riding, the Bigfoot Brace would something to consider even if you aren't the kind of rider who purposefully leaves the pedals in the air. |
RMU Hip Pack
Features
• Made from 95% recycled materials
• Waterproof main pockets
• External bottle and helmet holsters
• Waterproof main pockets
• External bottle and helmet holsters
| You may not have heard of RMU before, but if you’ve spent any time in Breckenridge, Colorado, Whistler, B.C. or Truckee, California, ski hardgoods and apres patios come to mind. Their shops are a mix of pubs filled with their own branded skis, snowboards, and packs.
The Enduro Fanny 5L seems like just the right size for a hip pack and has a taller, flatter shape that keeps it closer to your body and doesn’t bounce as much when loaded down.
Inside, there are endless possibilities for organization and separation, including a fleece-lined pocket for delicate items. While the 5L refers to cargo capacity, it has a pouch for a 3L water reservoir too. There are plenty of pockets, including a fleece-lined one along the side, which is handy for a phone or multi-tool, plus the mesh basket and elastic loop locks in a water bottle. There’s even a helmet carrying fly basket that is stuffed into the lower zipper and connects with plastic hooks. My favorite part of this waterproof hip pack is the utilitarian aluminum belt buckle that doesn't protrude outwards too far. That won't break down over time with exposure to UV-rays or get crushed if it's stepped on by mistake. The materials are hard-wearing, like the nylon seatbelt back webbing, and 7mm EVA foam provides comfort. RMU also makes a sleek utility belt that can be worn inconspicuously under a jersey and larger 15L pack that features similar construction attributes and styling. |
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I dunno I was reading enduro fanny as that mate we all have that just fannies about all the time on rides
“Oh my god my gears aren’t working I need to stop and adjust them”
“f*ck sake Steve, they haven’t worked for the last 3 weeks just get on with it you enduro fanny”
Glass half full
Smooth brains on PB, just another day.
Smooth brains indeed.
Good luck.
We're also seeing improvements in CSUs to reduce creaking and improved tire casings that can benefit any type of bike.
@R-M-R: He's probably getting downvoted because he's missed my extremely funny joke and started talking about components. There's nothing in my original comment which implies ebikes don't need specific components (they obviously do).
I stuck with the ODI Rogue grips as they're really grippy and beefy. The waffle grips were nice but the grids wear out super fast!
@CSharp: "ODI Rogues, which are probably one of the best shock absorbing grips"
Yes, among locking grips. Wait until you try push-ons.
I agree with Rev that rotational (shear) movement is important for comfort. Elimination of the locking core leaves a lot more room for soft rubber, which accomplishes the same thing and adds a little radial compliance at a fraction of the price. Use safety wire if slippage against the bar is a problem.
There are only two good grips on the market: Rev grips and push-on grips.
I've never tried Rev grips, but i've never ridden any lock-on grips after trying push-on's for the first time.I decided to try them because that's what the motocross guys are using, and that sport is far more developed than mtb.
The cushiest grips i've ever used we're Lizard Skins Northshore (they are rather thick at 33mm in diameter). Right now i'm on Renthal grips since i have exceptionally small hands and the Northshore grips felt to large with gloves on. The Renthals feel too thin tho, soo i'll probably be going to other push-on grips in the future.
@c-radicallis: As you've clearly discovered, a thin diameter with a locking core leaves little room for rubber. Years ago, one model was advertised as the thinnest ever locking grip and had only 0.5 mm of rubber; it was even less comfortable than it sounds. If you want to try a ribbed / "mushroom" texture for additional compliance, the Sensus Swayze is the nicest I've tried.
The mushroom textured bit gives way more squidge than other grips I've used, but the waffle side means you still have some grip. Well worth a try if you suffer from sore hands like I do.
I do prefer the Oury and haven't tried the push on version, as I am skeptical I will be able to wire them down tight enough. I will try them once the lock on's wear out but at this pace, that will be a few years.
My issue is that the grips are mounted on a hard plastic sleeve to allow the rotation. That meant that the depth of the rubber wasn't as much as that of a standard grip, and therefore wasn't as comfy. I think that most of the comfort gained through the rotation of the grip was therefore lost through the shallow rubber.
(I was on the largest grip size too, just for info.)
I've some Renthal non-lock ons to try next. I've only tried lock on grips before so keen to see if they're any different...
@slish: It doesn't take much to get them to stay in place. Thoroughly clean the bar (dish soap, thorough rinse, wipe with alcohol or, if aluminum, acetone), slip them on with the aid of a little alcohol (not hand sanitizer, as the gelling agents will remain), and they should hold fast unless water gets in, even without wires. Oury's pattern provides four easy locations for wires, which is more than enough to secure them in the wettest conditions.
What do you mean?
What is it?
nsmb.com/articles/ditch-your-lock-grips
youtu.be/B799GQQyqM0
There are a few I've liked from the BMX world that I've had on my 24" for a long time so they're my back-up plan, but I'll give these Renthals a shot seeing as I've had them getting in the way in my toolbox for upwards of a year now. I've got some satin black spray paint (matchy matchy for my bars at least) and some clear lacquer so I'll try those and some wire to see how I do, otherwise I'll try some of the WTP grips I've been using for a while on my other bike. Thanks again for the help!
@Plancktonne - Cheers for the info! Where I live rain is fairly common so I might try some wire just to minimise the amount of water that gets under them.
I personally spray the bars with cheap hair spray and put an air blower on my air compressor shove the nozzle under the grip and push it on while blowing air.
I use it for about a year and zero issues. I have a safety wire too but haven’t used it yet as there was no need.
They may be difficult to install (if you dont have access to the internet) and they may wear out quickly (i still have the same esi extra chunky grips on my rig that ive had for the last year and a half and i put nearly 80 miles a week on it) but they're by far my favorite grips and no one's gonna change my mind
oh and did i mention you can snag a pair for $20
I always wear gloves anyway and resolved the latter issue with a pair of Loam Lab Counterpunch.
+ Didn't slip on the bar
+ Excellent radial compliance
+ Lighter than a typical rubber grip
- Less friction than a typical rubber grip
- Poor durability due to cuts and tears
- Less shear compliance than Oury
Can anyone shine a light on whether this is true?
But once you injure your ankle you almost have to wear them to be able to recover and ride and then your ankles have become weaker for wearing them and the cycle goes on.
1 year ago I had ACL surgery and I wear a full leg compression thing for a month when my leg was like a potato,but never ever wear a knee braze of any kind and the doctor said to not wear any braze even doing Enduro/DH again,only the knee pad.
I played basketball for long time in my childhood,never ever used basketball shoes,just regular tennis or running shoes. Never had a torn ankle. It was forbidden for us to play with basketball shoes for not getting a weak ankle over the time,our team manager inspected close any shoe we bring to play. It was weird for some other teams see a butch of kids playing basketball with tennis shoes,but it worked really really well for us. Our rate of injuries was minimal. Even now I can twist my ankle badly and walk away just fine.
When I broke my ACL the doctor was surprised I did not break my ankle too.
If you’ve had even a slight sprain, a brace like this is ESSENTIAL to protecting the injured ankle from further trauma until it can heal. My ankle is so F’d that I need to wear mine every single time I ride, or risk worsening an already bad situation.
That being said, DonJoy has been making a brace like this for well over 15 years. Check Amazon.
Don’t bother with anything else. I’ve tried them all. Nothing else offers the stability, protection, flexibility, general comfort, and affordability.
I’ve been using one ever since a fancy sports doc told me there was nothing he could do for my ankle after multiple fractures, serious sprains, etc etc., short of an ankle replacement, which he said I’d best put off for as long as I possibly can.
That was when I was 30 yrs old. 43 yrs old now and the brace has saved my ankle more times than I could possibly count.
I’ve gone through probably 4 or 5 of them in over the last 13 years. Worth every single penny.
I kept up with that stuff for a long while, then got lazy.
The brace has saved me from myself!
How about not falling into the marketing trap and if your really worried that your normal lube isn’t good enough go buy some motorcycle chain lube, you’ll probably save some money as well.
see: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TZTO0VM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(In the tune of those baseball team chants "Lets-Go-___-___)
"SENSUS- MEATY-PAWS, (clap, clap, Clap-Clap-Clap) SENSUS-MEATY- PAWS (clap, clap, Clap-Clap-Clap)
Anyway, Sensus Meaty Paws are THICC. Dual layers of rubber do a great job of killing the vibrations. Definitely not going to work for those with small hands though.
Sweaty Betty, you'd fit a bus inside her"
Analogue riders seem to spend most of their ride time pushing their retro bikes uphill.