Pinkbike Product Picks
Birzman Infinite MTB Mini-Pump
Birzman focuses on creating quality tools and pumps with durable construction and useable features. Their MTB specific Infinite mini-pump features full CNC aluminum construction and a 25mm diameter pump barrel to make on the trail flat changes a quick and simple process. Designed specifically around mountain bike usage, the pump's oversized barrel disperses large volumes of air with each stroke and maxes out around 90psi. Its unique "Snap-It" chuck fitting creates a simple design for attaching the pump to presta and schrader valves without the need to thread the nozzle on to the valve - just slide it onto the valve and pull the external portion of the chuck upward to lock it in to place. Maneuvering the pump for use is made easy with the screw-in rubber hose that allows for angle adjustment without the risk of torquing the valve. This hose fits sleekly in the handle when not in use and is secured by a rubber housing. The hose also features the same thread size and pitch as threaded Co2 cartridges, allowing the user to use either a CO2 cartridge or the pump for inflation. Weight: 169g
MSRP: $64.95 www.birzman.com
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Pinkbike's Take:
Acros A-Flat SL Pedals
The Acros A-Flat SL is a lighter and smaller brother of the popular A-Flat platform pedal. Machined with extreme precision to subtract any unneeded material and weight, their smaller platform also makes for a much lighter pedal, with a claimed weight of 346 grams per pair for the chromoly version. With a platform dimension of 89 x 98 x 18mm (LxWxH), the flat aluminum pedal body offers generously milled-out portions while 8 strategically placed replaceable pins take care of providing traction. Pins along the edges are hex head screws threaded in from the opposite side while the remaining pins are set screws. Internally, sealed stainless steel ball bearings and one extra-long bushing are housed within each pedal while chromoly spindles fit the pedals in to the crank arm utilizing an 6mm allen wrench. A titanium spindled version is also available with a claimed weight of 292g. MSRP: $124.95 (chromoly spindle) www.acros.de
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Pinkbike's Take:
Showers Pass Refuge Jacket
Based in rainy Portland, Oregon, Showers Pass has been designing foul weather gear for all types of cyclists since 1997. Their latest rain jacket, the Refuge, is classified as a "true do-it-all jacket, designed for maximum outdoor use," with the goal of being functional for a variety of uses rather than being totally specific for cycling. It features a generous cut with room for layering and is constructed utilizing durable Elite three-layer fabric and taped seams. Fully waterproof and still breathable, the Refuge also features practical detailing such as extra-long core vents to remedy overheating, reinforced shoulders providing pack strap protection, water resistant zippers, 360-degree 3M Scotchlite reflective trim and two light loops. A removable, adjustable hood is large enough to cover a helmet,but stows easily in a jacket pocket during better weather or can be fully removed. A unique drop-down waterproof tail protects against excessive tire and road spray, while also doubling to keep you dry when sitting on wet surfaces. For stowage, two front hand-warmer pockets sit hidden behind the large front vents while a traditional back pocket stows larger items and a chest pocket complete with audio port works great for smartphones. The Refuge also comes with a two year, unconditional warranty. MSRP: $279.95. Available colors: Cayenne and Graphite www.showerspass.com
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Pinkbike's Take:
Birzman focuses on creating quality tools and pumps with durable construction and useable features. Their MTB specific Infinite mini-pump features full CNC aluminum construction and a 25mm diameter pump barrel to make on the trail flat changes a quick and simple process. Designed specifically around mountain bike usage, the pump's oversized barrel disperses large volumes of air with each stroke and maxes out around 90psi. Its unique "Snap-It" chuck fitting creates a simple design for attaching the pump to presta and schrader valves without the need to thread the nozzle on to the valve - just slide it onto the valve and pull the external portion of the chuck upward to lock it in to place. Maneuvering the pump for use is made easy with the screw-in rubber hose that allows for angle adjustment without the risk of torquing the valve. This hose fits sleekly in the handle when not in use and is secured by a rubber housing. The hose also features the same thread size and pitch as threaded Co2 cartridges, allowing the user to use either a CO2 cartridge or the pump for inflation. Weight: 169g
MSRP: $64.95 www.birzman.com
The Snap-It nozzle offered quick, easy nozzle attachment, while the other end of the hose is threaded to fit the pump as well as threaded CO2 cartridges.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | When it comes time to fix that flat out on the trail, a well designed pump helps make the experience much more tolerable. The Infinite's large diameter barrel, hideaway rubber hose and lock-on nozzle helped create a positive mini-pump experience for us. After using a variety of poorly designed pumps, the Birzman's had very little flex when it came time to really give'r. The main selling point we found with the Infinite was its simple "Snap-It" nozzle. After accidentally unthreading a few valve cores with other thread-on style pump nozzles, we were excited to try the Birzman Snap-It. It performed well on most valves, but with many variations in stems, it didn't always fit tightly. The most common valve we had a fit issue with was the Mavic style tubeless valves, the chuck was still a bit loose when locked in place and did leak a little air with each pump stroke. The Snap-It chuck did however fit every replacement tube we installed out on the trail with a snug fit and no leakage. At $65, the Infinite CO2 pump is on the high-end of the mini pump market, but with its quality construction, nicely designed nozzle and CO2 cartridge compatibility, it is a winner in our books and has earned a permanent place in our pack. - Jordan Carr |
Acros A-Flat SL Pedals
The Acros A-Flat SL is a lighter and smaller brother of the popular A-Flat platform pedal. Machined with extreme precision to subtract any unneeded material and weight, their smaller platform also makes for a much lighter pedal, with a claimed weight of 346 grams per pair for the chromoly version. With a platform dimension of 89 x 98 x 18mm (LxWxH), the flat aluminum pedal body offers generously milled-out portions while 8 strategically placed replaceable pins take care of providing traction. Pins along the edges are hex head screws threaded in from the opposite side while the remaining pins are set screws. Internally, sealed stainless steel ball bearings and one extra-long bushing are housed within each pedal while chromoly spindles fit the pedals in to the crank arm utilizing an 6mm allen wrench. A titanium spindled version is also available with a claimed weight of 292g. MSRP: $124.95 (chromoly spindle) www.acros.de
Acros did away with as much extra aluminum as possible on the A-Flat SL. This minimalist designed still offered loads of grip utilizing 8-replaceable pins per side.
Pinkbike's Take:
| With their minimalist design, we were a little worried the A-Flat SL's 8-pins wouldn't offer up enough grip when things got slippery. But even when paired with a harder rubber shoe, the sharp, well placed pins kept our feet planted on the pedals. At 350g, the A-Flat SL is one of the lighter full aluminum platform pedals out there making it a great choice for riders looking to save weight without compromising durability. We felt the platform dimensions were substantial enough to offer all day comfort while their subtly concave shape kept the pins planted in our shoe soles. Durability seems to be a huge selling point with these German engineered pedals, as they performed up to our standards day in and day out in a variety of conditions and shoes. For $125, the A-Flat SL pedals offer a reliable, well-built feel while their light demeanor offers a nice upgrade from other options. While many pedal manufacturers are focusing on developing different materials and thinner pedal bodies, Acros chose to keep things simple and focus on perfecting their previous design. Riders looking for a well engineered pair of pedals at a reasonable price, will be happy with the A-Flat SL's performance and weight, but serious weight-weenies will want to consider the 292g ti-spindled version for an extra $75. - Jordan Carr |
Showers Pass Refuge Jacket
Based in rainy Portland, Oregon, Showers Pass has been designing foul weather gear for all types of cyclists since 1997. Their latest rain jacket, the Refuge, is classified as a "true do-it-all jacket, designed for maximum outdoor use," with the goal of being functional for a variety of uses rather than being totally specific for cycling. It features a generous cut with room for layering and is constructed utilizing durable Elite three-layer fabric and taped seams. Fully waterproof and still breathable, the Refuge also features practical detailing such as extra-long core vents to remedy overheating, reinforced shoulders providing pack strap protection, water resistant zippers, 360-degree 3M Scotchlite reflective trim and two light loops. A removable, adjustable hood is large enough to cover a helmet,but stows easily in a jacket pocket during better weather or can be fully removed. A unique drop-down waterproof tail protects against excessive tire and road spray, while also doubling to keep you dry when sitting on wet surfaces. For stowage, two front hand-warmer pockets sit hidden behind the large front vents while a traditional back pocket stows larger items and a chest pocket complete with audio port works great for smartphones. The Refuge also comes with a two year, unconditional warranty. MSRP: $279.95. Available colors: Cayenne and Graphite www.showerspass.com
Bomber Elite three-layer fabric gives the Refuge jacket the aesthetic of a high-end all weather shell. Subtle features like side venting, adjustable/removable hood, and drawcord cinching throughout add to its versatility. Out back, an added storm flap protects against excessive trail spray or can double as a dry seat on a wet day.
Pinkbike's Take:
| At first glance the Refuge Jacket looks pretty bad ass with its bomber fabric, burly zippers, and a stylish aesthetic that is as at home on the ski hill as it is out on the trail. We were pleasantly surprised to find it also featured many subtle functional details that made it perform as well as it looks. First off, the fabric in this jacket is insanely waterproof while still offering some amount of breathability, but for the times when it is not breathable enough, side zippered vents allow for good airflow along the torso and armpits. We did notice the large zippers used to close these side vents created a very stiff feel when in the riding position, after a little break-in time these seemed to become a bit more pliable. For cold wet days, we found the Refuge to offer a nice level of protection down to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit when paired with a mid weight long sleeve jersey. When not in use, the jacket packs down to about the size of a large waterbottle and is easily stashed in a pack. We used the jacket for riding, skiing, and some cool weather hikes with great results, which makes the almost $300 price tag a little easier to swallow. As a riding jacket, the Refuge provided top notch quality and detail with an amazing amount of adjustability to keep it comfortable in almost any wet and cold conditions. - Jordan Carr |
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Member since Aug 7, 2013
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Jackets are one of the few things where spending more money will actually make sense (as opposed to most bike components, why have XTR if SLX works almost the same?).
When PB reviewed the Thompson dropper the price was around $425, but you can get it for $300. Everything on my bike AND the bike were at least 25% below sticker. When I see 265 for a jacket, I think 179.
Just chill on crying about prices, you sound like little old granny's.
Also being CNC'd in Germany or in Taiwan changes nothing, since most frames and components, being them top notch or Walmart crap, are made there, sometimes by the same manufacturer...
Mavic Notch H2O Jacket is all you will ever need:
www.competitivecyclist.com/alpinestars-sirocco-jacket-mens?ti=UExQIE9uIFNhbGU6OjE6OTpjY0NhdDEwMDMxMQ
The Alpine Sirocco Jacket is also a good one.
www.competitivecyclist.com/alpinestars-sirocco-jacket-mens?ti=UExQIE9uIFNhbGU6OjE6OTpjY0NhdDEwMDMxMQ
a) the bearings are either broken or not really working well after half a year
b) the pedals are heavy and "survive" more than one season, or they are light but you rip off part of the cage if you hit a rock/root/etc.
That said, I'd still buy the SS ones. Or wait until they bring out DMR Vault clones for a similar price..
The point is, ht were making the pedal in one form or another before any of the big brands got involved.......
Those outdoor jackets are very good, Ive got one form Berghaus, but rather not wear it on the bike, its too nice.
This is a top level jacket at great price full of ventilation.
www.decathlon.co.uk/bionnassay-600-hiking-jacket-blue--id_8241559.html
MEC and Hely Hanson have life time warranties. Then I am happy to pay more than 200 bucks on a light weight water proof jacket.
Any breathable waterproof jacket needs to be cleaned with proper cleaning solution and retreated with waterproof coating at least once a year.
I say these pedals, with the way they are made, are way more worth the money than Wellgos or VPs for 30$. Nothign to Asian manufacturing, I mean investing in your own economy, dealing with your sht. If you are from US, try buying something made in US.
wut? speak English, boy
HOLY F*** I'M CHOK........NG...... ULK!