13 Things I Loved In 2021: Brian Park
It's been a weird and (mostly) wonderful year for mountain bikes. To be honest, I don't feel great about the frenzied consumerism that makes these lists popular, but that makes me a massive, gear-loving hypocrite. So rather than just an "X products I loved" list, I've tried to balance the tech out with some of the other things I've been excited about this year.
1. King Cage Titanium Side Loader
Yep, leading this off with a bottle cage. It's non-stop rock-n-roll over here.
Durango-based King Cage sent up an early version of their new titanium side loader cage this summer, and I absolutely love it. The design allows you to choose left, right, or middle entry (my sample didn't have holes for middle mounting but they've been added for production). It doesn't load from quite as wide an angle as the ubiquitous Specialized Zee Cage, but it's close. It's also light, holds bottles well, looks great, and hasn't marked up my bottles. Being able to swap sides is especially great if you're moving it to your seat-tube on a bike with multiple cages (or a gr*vel bike).
Don't get me wrong, the Zee Cage is great, but compared to the carbon S-Works version the King Cage is $5 less expensive and only 5g heavier. I'm a fan of its adaptability and classic looks, so it's become my go-to cage. I should probably buy a couple more.
Easy access on the Madonna.
Allows for a full size bottle on an extra small Pivot Switchblade.
Details
• Mounts for left, right, or centre access
• Two mounting heights for good fit in most frames
• 3-2.5 Titanium tubing
• Doesn't mark up your bottles
• Two mounting heights for good fit in most frames
• 3-2.5 Titanium tubing
• Doesn't mark up your bottles
2. Women's freeride having a moment
I absolutely love that women's freeride has blown up this year. Events like Formation and Darkhorse, and pioneers like Casey Brown and Vero Sandler have inspired a hell of a lot of people. Judging by the submissions we're getting to #pbwmn, it's clear the movement has reached a critical mass—rad people doing rad shit, encouraging other people to do rad shit, encouraging other people to do rad shit, and so on. I'm excited for us to work on a few women's freeride projects in 2022.
Vinny Armstrong by Re Wikstrom / Red Bull
Cami Noguira & Vaea Verbeeck by Re Wikstrom / Red Bull
3. Matterhackers Pulse XE 3D printer
You didn't think I'd skip sneaking a 3D printing thing into this list, did you? I've had the Matterhackers Pulse XE for about a year, and I honestly can't imagine not having a 3D printer now. I've improved the cable routing on my RAAW, tried some long and narrow flat pedals, made a bike rack to carry my kid's Strider bike on my cargo bike, prototyped a shifter adapter, and way more. It's been amazing. All the engineers reading this are rolling their eyes, but I still have childlike wonder when I mess around on the computer, press a button, and then an actual thing just... exists. It's wild.
I'm obviously unqualified to judge a 3D printer and I have no idea how it compares to others, but the Pulse XE has been great. The learning curve was easy, the design is optimized for printing stronger materials like carbon-fibre NylonX out of the box, and the Matterhackers folks are super helpful. They're also mountain bikers so they humoured lots of my dumb questions. Thanks David!
If you're thinking about getting a printer, do it! Send me photos of all the weird shit you make, I'm a huge fan.
Improved cable routing.
Ran out of filament on this one, so here's what a cross section of my pedal project looks like.
Some brake adapter prototypes that I eventually CNC machined. These were totally functional, but obviously weren't quite as strong as the CNCed version.
Details
• Based on the Prusa i3 FDM design
• Able to print abrasive filaments like NylonX (carbon fibre) or stainless steel out of the box
• Build Volume: 250 x 220 x 215 mm
• Layer Height: .03mm to .35 mm
• Auto print leveling w/ 25 point BLTouch sensor
• Able to print abrasive filaments like NylonX (carbon fibre) or stainless steel out of the box
• Build Volume: 250 x 220 x 215 mm
• Layer Height: .03mm to .35 mm
• Auto print leveling w/ 25 point BLTouch sensor
• 24V heated bed with LayerLock Garolite build surface
• Bondtech BMG Extruder with E3D V6 HotEnd
• Made in USA using their own Ryno filament
• Price: $899 USD (for the one I have, but lots of cheaper options available too)
• More info at matterhackers.com
• Bondtech BMG Extruder with E3D V6 HotEnd
• Made in USA using their own Ryno filament
• Price: $899 USD (for the one I have, but lots of cheaper options available too)
• More info at matterhackers.com
4. Pocket NC V2-10 desktop 5-axis CNC machine
Yeah yeah, I'm a huge nerd. I set out to learn some CAD stuff last year, and that spiralled into 3D printing and then 5-axis CNC. The folks at Pocket NC were originally inspired by how 3D printing was making manufacturing so accessible, so they kickstarted a 5-axis desktop CNC machine business for everything from prototyping, to dental work, to education, and were kind enough to send a loaner to learn on.
Wrapping my pretendgineer brain around 5-axis CNC was exponentially more difficult than the 3D printing stuff, but it's massively rewarding too. So far I've only made a few small parts, but the most successful one was an adapter for Trickstuff brakes to a Shimano i-Spec EV shifter. I 3D printed a bunch of prototypes above, got the shifter to the right spot, and then broke my head with the 5-axis CAM process.
Typical 3-axis CNC machines go up and down, forward and back, and left and right, while 5-axis machines add rotating and tilting. Programming the right tool to remove the right amount of material from the right places with the right strategy from each angle of the part is not an easy thing for me to think about. Thankfully Cedric Eveleigh (of the Lal Bikes Supre Drive) is an actual engineer, and was kind enough to walk me through the basics. 6+ hours of machining later (it's a tiny machine) and I had an actual thing. And even more shocking, it works great.
As basic as what I've been able to make is, I'm super proud of it and I learned a lot. The Pocket NC is probably too small and light for production level bike parts, but it's an amazing introduction to 5-axis machining and capable of making lots of things—seat collars, adapters, derailleur hangers, flip chips, top caps, derailleur pulleys, etc. Cedric even used his to do a lot of the work on his prototype drivetrain. It seems like the kind of thing more engineers should have on their desks for trying things in the real world.
Typical 3-axis CNC machines go up and down, forward and back, and left and right, while 5-axis machines add rotating and tilting. Programming the right tool to remove the right amount of material from the right places with the right strategy from each angle of the part is not an easy thing for me to think about. Thankfully Cedric Eveleigh (of the Lal Bikes Supre Drive) is an actual engineer, and was kind enough to walk me through the basics. 6+ hours of machining later (it's a tiny machine) and I had an actual thing. And even more shocking, it works great.
As basic as what I've been able to make is, I'm super proud of it and I learned a lot. The Pocket NC is probably too small and light for production level bike parts, but it's an amazing introduction to 5-axis machining and capable of making lots of things—seat collars, adapters, derailleur hangers, flip chips, top caps, derailleur pulleys, etc. Cedric even used his to do a lot of the work on his prototype drivetrain. It seems like the kind of thing more engineers should have on their desks for trying things in the real world.
For me personally it's really easy to forget about the manufacturing side of the industry. Parts for my bikes come out of boxes in stores, and I rarely think about all the steps that it took to get them there. It's been a big help for me to look at the parts we review and think more about their design choices from a production standpoint. I've got a lot to learn!
Once you factor in my time at minimum wage, I'm pretty sure this is the most expensive brake adapter ever produced.
But most shockingly of all, it works.
This is where I go to hide from the comments.
Details
• 5 axis simultaneous movement
• Tiny machine footprint of 17.5" x 12.5"
• Capable of cutting delrin, aluminum, softer steels, and even G5 titanium
• Travel: 5" x 4.5" x 3.5" (realistically makes things under 3" cubed)
• Rotation: 25° to 135° (A) and continuous rotation (B)
• Tiny machine footprint of 17.5" x 12.5"
• Capable of cutting delrin, aluminum, softer steels, and even G5 titanium
• Travel: 5" x 4.5" x 3.5" (realistically makes things under 3" cubed)
• Rotation: 25° to 135° (A) and continuous rotation (B)
• Accepts standard G-code
• Uses Pocket NC Simulator for simulating parts prior to cutting
• Spindle speed 2,000-10,000 RPM
• Recommended part tolerance ±0.005in (.127mm)
• Made in Belgrade, Montana
• Price: $6,300 USD
• More info at pocketnc.com
• Uses Pocket NC Simulator for simulating parts prior to cutting
• Spindle speed 2,000-10,000 RPM
• Recommended part tolerance ±0.005in (.127mm)
• Made in Belgrade, Montana
• Price: $6,300 USD
• More info at pocketnc.com
5. The model year dying a slow death
I loved seeing some brands keep it simple, stupid this year. The industry is facing a lot of challenges with product availability right now, but I'm glad to see a few of them react by further eroding the tradition model year cycle.
On one hand, it's nice to keep track of things with model years for things like reviews. We still say "2022 Transition Spire" when it's the new frame platform coming out late in the 2021 calendar year. On the other hand, not doing specific model years gets away from inflated margins to offset bikes being devalued when next year's colours arrive in shop, and brands can be more agile in updating specs. Less false closeouts, less forecasting issues, less... headaches in general.
6. Lake MX241 shoes
I've got wide, high volume feet. I run flats on the big bike and have some good options there, but for my XC bikes I've struggled to find comfortable clip-in shoes. I've tried wide versions from most of the brands out there that offer them, with varying degrees of success.
The Lake MX241 endurance wides have all but solved my issues. Having two separate BOAs to dial in forefoot and ankle tension independently is great. They feel super secure and the last fits me well, even without heat moulding the heel.
Some might not be too excited about their ~800g weight, but that's a small price to pay for comfort. My only real complaint is the cleat position could be slightly further back on the shoe, but I'll solve that with a dremel sometime.
I'm a big fan of being comfortable so I love these shoes. Highly recommended for anyone with EEEE feet looking for an XC/trail shoe, and I'm betting their regular width one is great for people with hard to fit feet as well.
Two BOAs per shoe keeps things super secure.
Heat mouldable heel cup that I didn't need to adjust.
Details
• MX Competition Last features a larger toe box & tighter heel with slightly more overall volume
• Lake Race 100% Carbon Fiber outsole with Mountain Race X Real rubber sole
• Helcor abrasion resistant leather upper, with full grain leather, and Nufoam lining
• Lake Race 100% Carbon Fiber outsole with Mountain Race X Real rubber sole
• Helcor abrasion resistant leather upper, with full grain leather, and Nufoam lining
• Heat moldable carbon heel counter
• Dual side mounted push/pull IP1 BOA lacing system with releasable lace guides
• Sizes 38, 39–47 in half sizes, 48–50
• Price: $380 USD
• More info at lakecycling.com
• Dual side mounted push/pull IP1 BOA lacing system with releasable lace guides
• Sizes 38, 39–47 in half sizes, 48–50
• Price: $380 USD
• More info at lakecycling.com
Sticking with the footwear theme.
7. Boot dryers
Pretty much just self-important hairdryers, but damn if a boot dryer hasn't been a revelation this year. I got this Hotronic Tech Dry boot dryer last year and it's been amazing. The obvious part is that it dries your shoes after wet (or sweaty) rides. It's also quiet, goes up to 70 °C, has auto start and stop functions, and an overtemp switch off so I don't burn my garage down.
If there was any question about Pinkbike employees being so soft we break the Mohs scale, this should answer it. This winter I've started putting my cold riding shoes on the boot dryer before my rides too, while I prep my bike etc. Laugh all you want, I'm shopworn and will take small comforts where I can.
8. Brage Vestavik
Yep.
9. Zéfal Magnum Pro 975ml bottle
Two hydration-related things on this list? I know, my life is very exciting.
There are a lot of rides that don't need two bottles, and a lot of bikes that can't carry both of them anyway. I am a big fan of Specialized Purist bottles, but they top out at 26oz (765ml) so I picked up a few others. So I've been on a quest for a good large bottle this year.
The Elite Fly Elite (not a typo, just a confusing name) holds 950ml of water and is ultralight at ~69g, but deforms too much and has an annoying drinking valve. It also doesn't fit as securely into some cages—I think it'd be a lot more home on road and gravel bikes.
The Zéfal Magnum Pro is even larger at 975ml, sits securely in all of my cages and has a great valve. It's a little heavier at 120g, but it feels more like a normal bottle and has great uhhh squidge-ability? Also, unlike the huge 1125ml Soma Further bottle it doesn't feel like two regular bottles taped together and still fits into a lot of frames.
The Zéfal Magnum Pro is even larger at 975ml, sits securely in all of my cages and has a great valve. It's a little heavier at 120g, but it feels more like a normal bottle and has great uhhh squidge-ability? Also, unlike the huge 1125ml Soma Further bottle it doesn't feel like two regular bottles taped together and still fits into a lot of frames.
Elite's Fly Elite 950 is a good lightweight option as well.
The only major downside I can see to the Magnum Pro is that it doesn't seem to be readily available in North America. Anyone have a source?
Fits well in my cages.
Any excuse to write squidge-ability again.
Details
• High 975ml capacity
• Double-closure system for watertightness
• Compatible with most bottle cages (they recommend using open cages rather than closed ones)
• Odourless, BPA-free polypropylene
• Double-closure system for watertightness
• Compatible with most bottle cages (they recommend using open cages rather than closed ones)
• Odourless, BPA-free polypropylene
• Dishwasher safe
• 270 mm tall (measure to see if it'll fit in your frame)
• 120g
• Made in France.
• Price: 8,40 € if you can find them
• More info at zefal.com
• 270 mm tall (measure to see if it'll fit in your frame)
• 120g
• Made in France.
• Price: 8,40 € if you can find them
• More info at zefal.com
You're looking at a dropper post.
10. Vecnum Nivo dropper post
Seb Stott already wrote about this one in his list, so go read that. I'll just add that mine has been trouble free for over a year as well, I love having full drop even as a short guy, and it's the lightest long-travel dropper by a long shot. More info at vecnum.com.
There's something slick about a dropper that you can adjust flush with your seat tube.
Going into year three now.
11. Keeping the same bike next year
Raaw announced a new, refined Madonna V2.2 this year, so my 2.0 is practically garbage now. Despite the indignity of having a bike that's a couple years old, I'm keeping it. Since my bike check last year I've replaced a few things (another set of Magic Marys, an EXT shock to try out, North Shore Billet Daemon pedals, and a new set of Trickstuff brake pads), but I'm blown away every time I ride it.
Lack of availability is frustrating right now for so many people, so having the bike I want and not coveting any upgrades is an amazing, privileged feeling.
So good.
12. Dumonde Tech Original chain lube
I couldn't take a photo for this one because I don't have any left. Dumonde Tech's Original chain lube isn't readily available in Canada and I haven't left BC much this year, so I ran out last month. I'm a huge fan of the Original Lite in the summer and the Original in the winter. I've used pretty much everything over the years and am definitely on team Dumonde Tech.
It can't be shipped anywhere because of the VOCs, and I assume that the low-VOC Pro X versions they sell in Canada don't work as well. I'm sure the Pro X versions work well, it's just the psychology working on me—whether it's mosquito spray or chain lube, the more warnings something has the better it tends to work.
To be clear I'm 100% definitely not suggesting anyone smuggle some Original formula up for me. That would be wrong.
Details
• Forms a low-friction plating
• Bonds to chain and can’t be washed off
• Components stay cleaner, last longer, and run quieter
• Bonds to chain and can’t be washed off
• Components stay cleaner, last longer, and run quieter
There's a long ways to go.
13. The bike industry finally having a bit of environmental self awareness
The irony of lauding chain lube and then highlighting the bike industry's 'hubristic self-congratulation' (as Henry would say) of environmentalism... I accept that mountain biking plays only the most infinitely small part in our world's problems, but it's still nice to see brands beginning to take environmental initiatives seriously.
I don't care whether anyone's motives are pure either—whether brands are being more environmentally conscious because consumers demand it, they have deeply held beliefs themselves, or just less packaging saves money. I'm sure it's a bit of column A and a bit of column B. The important thing to me is that people are thinking about it. As consumers it's important to vote with our wallets, and for those who feel strongly about it to keep the pressure on.
There's a long ways to go, and it's easy to be cynical with so many problems facing us... but I appreciate the work that's been started and I think that's worth saying.
Update: also @Jimmy0.
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If he has a list though, red flag for sure.
@krka73: I hear chasing it with bleach virtually eliminates chain stretch
Good on ya, bikes are too good to only keep for a few seasons. I'm still on my 2013 Stumpjumper Evo, am starting to think about replacing it, but would really like a full decade of riding it. Having ridden the same bike for so long makes it easy to justify a big budget for the next ride.
My MTBs are all 2018 models I believe, but the geometry is contemporary enough (after a bit of tweaking) that I don't NEED to change them - and I wouldn't be surprised if I were still riding one of them in 2028.
They shipped it to me in a huge plastic bag in case it leaked.
Completely different model but I remember it being a terrible experience - my bottle cages couldn't hold it in and the bite valve was bad.
Kind of intrigued to give it ago now that it has a modern bite valve and bottle cages have improved from the $4 alloy Walmart ones I put up with in high school.
Also if you have contacts at lake please ask for a extra wide enduro shoe. Im dying over here.
Merry Christmas.
Now please give me your personal phone number, so you can explain to my wife why a 3D printer is necessary, will you?
Please, have a look www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EO8cwi9hGQ
Very hard to get a bottle of, but the price is right and dear lord it's an incredible blend, much like Hibiki Harmony.
Or Backwoods distillery in Yakandandah - Vic. If you can get a bottle of the Rye, it's like drinking whisky flavored Cadbury milk chocolate at 46%
But seriously would love to have one of these! Another awesome company from Belgrade.
controller boards are not the same thing as general purpose computers. don't get me wrong, i am frothing at the mouth waiting for a 32-bit upgrade for my i3, to the point i've considered going to an aftermarket solution, but it's far from insane for a $400 printer to save a bit of cash on the controller board.
being able to send prints to the printer directly via wifi, instead of using a separate octopi server that's forcefeeding code on the USB bus, which affects program complexity. With the enisy, I have to choose between print resolution (round things are round-ish sometimes) or having to fery prints to the printer on a SD card. convenience usually wins, and the resolution errors generally only become visible in large prints. but it would be real nice not to have to choose.
* Women's Freeride movement deserves a nod for sure, I hope it continues to grow!
* King Cages (I have one on my HT and it works/looks perfect)
* 3D printing AND a mini CNC? Fricken cool!
Uses the same valve as the Fly, but it’s my preferred type - better flow rate, less fiddly than some to use, and really easy to clean.
Not a fan of valve covers either, but some like them.
I could open them with my thumb on the hand I grabbed the bottle with. Every bottle should have this cover. It's so essentially where I am riding.. normal valve's are shit even without a cover compared to this.
However, Dumonde Tech Pro X Liquid Grease is great for those outer bearings in XD freehubs. It's basically impossible to re-grease those. But you can pop the seal off, clean it and get that liquid grease in there pretty easy. Works great!
*Press release *
We are now shipping our enduro bike with upgraded brake pads.
*small print *
Price now $500 more expensive.
Is the vecnum more compact than other droppers or just reliable? Seb Stott noted it because it is 212 mm but as you said you're short that wouldn't apply to you necessarily.
I think long droppers are worth it for short people too! We have less leg travel so we need all the help we can get.
208 mm sounds like a trials bike to me! Impressive!
Any issues with this one binding?
Great piece of kit that allows you to print in up to 8 colours and multiple materials at once. I highly recommend checking them out. It completely changed the 3d printing game for me. (I have a Prusa mk3s)
I've got a bike yoke 213 that I picked up after two OneUps failed in the same week, and actually found that I *love* the way the thing feels to use, the solid thunk at the top, general lack of slop, good feedback in the lever, etc.
Now have the oneup 210 on my new dc bike, but wouldn't mind to drop some weight if it also feels better than the oneup. By comparison the oneup feels a bit mushier in the lever, occasionally rattles at half drop, besides general fear of another cartridge failure.
Hard to find info on the Vecnum but y'all have me curious
But seriously, how tricky does work holding get with five axis?
We have about 15 DMG Mori machines at work, and a few Trumpf laser machines. Laser AM is amazing. Next year we are getting a gigantic 12m x 4m F.Zimmerman 5 axis cnc machine installed. We had to build a new building for it. We literally have a container of tooling board due soon to put through it.
www.f-zimmermann.com/us/gantry-machines/fzp37
We use nylonx and abs at work for the enclosures of my antennas. I still wouldn’t get five meters down the road. Now using sla to print it in titanium, that’s something that would be rad.
I see desktop SLA as the next big thing. There isn’t much to SLA that can’t be achieved with affordable technology. Having an alternative atmosphere is challenging but you can use cheap welding gas for some metal stock.
Edit: Since link doesn't work. just search for "Best bike chain lube" on youtube and it's the video by Simply Mountain Biking. Pretty interesting test.
Totally agree about that dumontec lube too
One bike in the PB classified has one.
None on ebay.
Google search wants me to translate the info.
This should work. I own a moveloc 2 (bought one after my old man used one for over a year without breaking it) both of them are still running strong.
Vecnum makes great droppers.
Not a fan of shimming posts, especially for long droppers. That just begs for frame damage ie Specialized Enduro which shipped with shims they year they came out...and had a rash of seat tubes cracking.
www.bikeinn.com/bike/zefal-magnum-975ml-water-bottle/137816700/p
My hiding place is in the garage with my dogs, work bench and lots of tools
1.) 3D Printing creates more plastic waste, and our ecosystems are filling to the brim with it...
2.) The chain lube is definitely not environmentally friendly, despite the company's claims. I am not a chemist, but per the MSDS, the ester is distributing the polymer on the chain, but what is in the "proprietary formula"? PFAS?
Great list!
Photoshop?
www.dropbox.com/s/al11we3kzp2rcq7/Raaw%20Madonna%20V2%20Chainstay%20Cable%20Guide.stl?dl=0
Waaaay more important for ski boot liners.
How do the cable clips attach to the frame pivot? Cool idea!