Randoms: Chromag's Darco Ti Full Suspension Bike, New Tires, Apparel, & More - Crankworx Whistler 2022

 Seriously, if that’s not a misprint, who the hell pays $155 for trail shorts?

Maybe I’d spend that much on a pair of three season riding pants, but no way I’m cutting loose that kind of change for shorts unless they come paired with a jersey.

Rocky Mountain, they certainly are rocky ….

 This is how almost every bike product is made.

Funny how sometimes a person points that out and gets all the upvotes. Sometimes it’s all thumbs down.

 Came down here to say how stupid that price is. Makes me not want to buy anything else from RF to not support the stupidity.

 How else was RM ever going to recover from this...?
www.pinkbike.com/news/field-test-2020-rocky-mountain-slayer-carbon-90.html

 @wyorider: Seriously, it would be cool to see the reviews cite the OEMs, and have coverage on them as well so we better understand the supply chain as it narrows to the source.

 @wyorider: this is not how products at rapha are made. they have their own r&d lab in london. the mtb stuff was developed in north america

 Rocky's new direction over the past few years has become a pure cash grab.

 @sonuvagun: I challenge you to beat the pure cash grab of Ibis these days

 20000%

 @kpr3186: I plead ignorance on Ibis.

 How dare you say that some (most ?) brand out there don't do squat aside from outsourcing and distribution ?! But definitely a reality of our industry, anything that is made in Asia is basically that and if outside of the core competency of the brand it is almost guarantied. But some will downvote you as they can't accept that.

 Pricing has gone utterly insane in the past years. Not just in mtb. Companies are realising that prices no longer need to bear any relation to manufacturing/supply chain costs, and that suckers will keep buying overpriced tat even if a vocal minority is shouting about the stupidity of it all. What a time to be alive....

 @Sethimus: Doing biking kits is Raphàs core compentency and doing a Mtb, Road or Gravel kit is still designing clothing at the end of the day so I have no problem believing that they designed their bike line, same as Norrona or Patagonia or if Salomon deceided to do so, textile design is still the same. Now if any of there decided to release some bikes, protections or helmets lines all manufactured in Asia that'd be fishy as hell, same has RM doing a clothing line.

 @Sethimus: Still made in China. www.rapha.cc/gb/en/stories/ktc-china

I struggle to believe that Rapha aren't making a 70%+ profit on their soft goods like everyone else.

 @Jayx4 Yup. I get my off-brand shorts off Amazon, usually around $30-$40. Totally great, and so far I have a couple pairs that have lasted 3 seasons. And nobody I've ridden with has noticed them one way or the other.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089Y6B7QK

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T1GP6QT (actually better quality zippers than the first one)

Enjoy!

 @Chuckolicious: This guy,
Well done sir, no whining or whinging, just a couple links to some shorts that are prolly (just for you clownshoes @sonuvagun) excellent.
Appreciate you providing the link, hope your purchases last a long time.

 @sonuvagun: In what way?
Most of their Canadian bike pricing is right in line with other manufacturers here. Rocky has always been a more premium brand, and been a bit more.
Maybe the retail costs are more in other countries, but that has less to do with their MSRP, and more to do with distribution, taxes, duties, etc…

 @wyorider: Yep...I've pointed this out many times and normally get insulted for my "stupidity". I've been "sampling" different generic name components on one of my bikes for a while..most recently 11spd cassette and a pair of cranks...both are holding up as good or better than what anyone would want to believe...the cassette looks identical to an XT(and comes in an array of groovy colors), and has now lasted longer than the XT( i have a habit of trashing components due to weight and riding style), and costs less than half..the cranks feel stiffer than the SLX they replaced(and...groovy colors). I've got other bits and pieces on the bike that are "no name", and so far all doing well. Fact is...everything eventually breaks...having a big brand on it doesn't always mean it will last longer!

 Nothing wrong at all with 70% profit if the quality is there and customers pay for it. Vast majority of clothing across all sectors has always been a much higher profit margin than hard goods. I am 50/50 on that Rapha article. 1. Kudos to them for being open about it and not trying to hide it, plus many truths to that article. 2. Can be a bit of whitewashing or dismissing some of the less savory side of Chinese manufacturing. Pro/Cons for all areas of the planet these days, no exceptions.

 @Chuckolicious: Those don't look to bad (second pair). You mention they last. Are they comfy and breath decent?

 Paying that kind of money for biking shorts seems insane to me. I get $15 board shorts and have never had a single problem. Honestly like them better the few pairs of mtb designed shorts I have tried.

 *300%

 @Chuckolicious: Those aren't bad. I've found the value in my moderately expensive POC shorts, but I wear these $18 long sleeve jerseys and swear by them. They make a mesh version too.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LWHUQ90/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2ROZC5KOIO6QV&th=1&psc=1

 @GlassGuy: Yeah they're are definitely areas where you can save a bit. Funn has some other company make the unfinished stem and you can buy that sorta cheap looking stem for like $8 on amazon or you can buy the exact same stem but machine finished for like $55. I had the $8 stem on a previous bike for about 8 months, no problems.

 I've been riding TrueWerk shorts of late vs. dedicated MTB shorts. Literally a 3rd of the cost of those Rocky Mountain shorts and a 100 times more useful.

 @freeriderayward: RM?

 @CycleKrieg: I take it those aren't too baggy? It only takes one time of your shorts catching on your seat when riding technical steeps to realize why they make bike specific shorts. Not $155 shorts, but there's plenty of options around $75

 @redrook: of course they are, but they design it themselves. in apparel you usually have a mixed calculation over he whole product lifetime…

 @motts: Nope. They are are work shorts, so they tend to be "slim" in the leg. The Cloud shorts are less baggy than the T1s, but neither are flapping around much. The Cloud shorts also have both a drawstring and belt loops for a good secure waist fit.

 All depends on how durable they are, etc. (Also... inflation/fuel costs). I had some older Fox shorts that were similar to these RM, with stitchless heat welds and laser cut perforations, etc... Fancy looking and thin for "comfort". The welds came apart in the dryer eventually and the fabric wore out quicker. I did pay about $90 for some Chrome shorts on sale and they are absolutely bombproof and look "normal". Have had them for three years and counting. Highly recommend Chrome.

 @onawalk: It really stung you to have your cognitive dissonance pointed out on that other thread, eh? Anyhow, you don't call the shots, baby doll.

 @wyorider: because up and down votes don't mean jack...it's just sheeple jumping on the bandwagon of whatever is voted down or up..People see a few upvotes they vote up...People see a few down votes they vote down...that's the society we live in and why people are so easily controlled in mass...

There is a thing when most people are wrong but think they are right...it's called a fallacy.

 @bman33: Yep and yep, though totally subjective. Best thing, Amazon lets you return if no likey.

 @flattoflat: Nice! I just added one to my cart.

 @sonuvagun: nah, just picking up that you’re full of slightly shitty comments that hold no water.
Then instead of backing up shitty statement you go on to attack people. Pretty cool I guess.
I’ll just keep dogging every shitty little comment you make in the hopes you go away, or change your tune a bit, prolly take a while, it’s all good.

 @nurseben: I did with some Sombrio Pinner shorts. Multiple crashes in and now 7 years oldm they're still holding strong, but I get it and I don't even buy jeans for that much!

 @onawalk: Attack people? Like who? Go ahead and name names. Let's see you back up your accusations.
....talk about the pot calling the kettle black....and I'm in your head. But, following someone around on an online forum inficates a bruised ego. Good luck with overcoming that.

 @Danzzz88: I believe it's "en masse" usually UK Eng keeps French expressions intact.
Nonetheless, voted up.

 @11six: I've bought a couple of the "cheap" stems on amazon...they look really close to a $100 stem...no problems as well!
I've recently put a carbon bar on a bike..looks exactly like a Race Face Next bar, without the logos. I've done a "two chairs and sit in the middle of the bar" test.... the "place bar over cinder block and do hard push ups" test..now it's on a real bike and I'll slowly get more aggressive on it. I'm leaning more and more that the "generic" brands are the same product without the expensive name

 200% is way too low lmao. More like f*cking 500%

 @GlassGuy: You happen to have a link to that carbon bar??

 @11six: No, not specifically. I bought it a while ago out of curiosity. I gave it the sit test to see if it would snap then put it aside until recently when the bars on one of my bikes seems it may be a bit too stiff, so...figured I'd give this carbon bar a trial. I'm sure if you type "carbon mtb bars" on amazon you'll get a lot of choices

 …..and fork guards are cool once again. PJ kits next..

 Actually it is 35mm for that clamp. Little miscommunication. And available right now.

 @LucaP.. the Helix is for 35mm bars only. Just a miscommunication (lots of singing going on around us here)

 FSA croissant stem

 Might be one of the coolest looking stems I’ve seen in a while.
I feel like it won’t age well, but right now, I’m hoping they make a standard stem to go along with it

 @onawalk: You could probably use a Yoshimura ENDH stem base/steerer clamp and mount the FSA on top. And I agree, that stem looks fantastic!

 @MrShreddypants: that sounds a bit fussy for me, but I like the out of box thinking!

 @onawalk: If I counted correctly, there are only six bolts to deal with in that scenario. Better Bolts Ti hardware would match the oil slick nicely too…

Crap, now I want one lol

 Cheers!

 Oh and we have the bar clamp in 35mm in stock and ready to go!

 @senorbanana: LOL

 @MrShreddypants: you could actually

 @FSA-MTB: Any chance you guys will make it with gold instead of oil-slick?

 @MrShreddypants: currently only plans are to have it in th oil slick but will pass along the request.

 @MrShreddypants: I like this idea! Currently no plans for anything but oil slick but who knows!?

 @FSA-MTB: can we get a regular stem version of this?
My vote is for polished, or hell do all the colours and mix and match

 @onawalk: I like this mix/match idea. You can use this stem on a single crown with an adapter. Hit N' Run makes a nice one (albeit heavy).

 @MrShreddypants: @onawalk Hit N' Run makes an adapter you can use to run this stem on a single crown fork.

 @FSA-MTB: Cool, Cool, Cool!
I’ll check it out

I mean , you might as well make a standard one……

 @onawalk: you are not wrong

 @FSA-MTB: do you mind if I screen shot for evidence later?

 @onawalk: LOL, please do!

 hahaha gold comment

 I first thought they managed to get a calf in there

 @bigtim: Ha, I was thinking "That cagey bastard, he put a leash on his pony so he could get him into the bikepark!!" lol

 @dancingwithmyself: have you ever seen Chromag to an alloy bike?

 @dancingwithmyself: 7000 series aluminum construction would probably save a pound or two from the steel frame version. And be really close to the titanium frame weight. The bike looks sick though.

 @WalrusRider: Banshee uses 7000 series. They claim it's PITA to weld and that's why no one uses it.

Best alloy bikes out there IMO. Broke every other frame I've owned besides my Banshees.

 @privateer-wheels: yes. The Minor Threat.

 @husstler: okay, you got me. But aside from the kids bike, I think we can acknowledge alloy is not Chromag's bag. Never have I ridden a Chromag and thought to myself, I wish this was alloy.

I think they are staying true to their brand and their existing customers on this one.

 @privateer-wheels: Point of order: steel is an alloy. What the bike world refers to as "alloy", the rest of the world refers to as "aluminum alloy".

 @barp: came here to say this too haha.Steel is, by definition, an Iron alloy

 @barp: I think those in discussion knows this is a steel versus aluminum discussion. Definitely bike industry colloquialism. I didn't feel the need to be a pedant, but by all means fill your boots, as you are certainly correct.

 @privateer-wheels: So you’re pointing out chromag is staying true to the brand by going steel as they are are deviating from their brand and going full suspension? You’re losing me.

 @speed10: Chromag have been prototyping full suspension bikes for ages as far as I know, aside from the Minor Threat. I think a full suspension bike has been written in the wall for a little while now.

Certainly feels on brand to me. They have stuck with a tubeset that's the same material, and somewhat visually consistent with their hardtails.

I'm simply pointing out my opinion. How I feel about the bike, as an existing Chromag customer. I 'get' the bike. It feels on brand to me. I like it.

Hard to believe I am losing you when I'm not trying to lead you anywhere! It's up to you to connect the dots for yourself my friend.

 @prvateer-whhels:
Make it a double. Ti one looks incred!

 @barp: no,ALUMINIUM, not aluminum.

 @privateer-wheels: Agreed, it looks like a Chromag and they have stayed true to their roots. I would be disappointed if (at least the front triangle) was anything but steel. Ti gets a pass as it's rich man's steel.

And remember that on Pinkbike common sense never wins

 That Chromag looks really cool, it would definitely be an upgrade to my Stylus!!!

 @marthinpercamp: I was thinking more of a compliment to mine

 Remember when 160 travel was standard to run a pike with. Now a pike just isn't stiff enough for anyone even though it used to race the ews

 @barp: you forgot an i in aluminium……

 @barp: actually the rest of the world refers to is as "aluminium alloy". Only in America is there a metal that exists as a product that doesn't exist as a metal #periodictable

 @adrennan: cool right,
Remember when we rode to town in a horse and cart, remember when we used candles to light our homes,
Just giving you a bit of a jab.
RS has just positioned the Pike to be more of a trail fork, helping to put things into neat little categories to make the consumer feel confident in their purchases.
You can still race a Pike in enduro if you’d like, he’ll you race a Spur with a SID if you’d like.
Local fast guy raced a fairly spicy enduro on his Pivot 429, was running a Pike. Think he came 3rd in Elite….Dude is fast

 @andrewbikeguide: f*ckin #periodictable,
I appreciate you sir, up votes for the hashtag

 @adrennan: A 150mm Pike would be fine on a 120mm bike.

@onawalk Our local fast guy finished 2nd at Snowshoe (and also rides a Pivot)...

 @onawalk: I just think its funny how fast we switched as an industry to no fork being stiff enough.

 @adrennan: It's typical of the bike industry trying to sell us "lighter / stiffer / more".

 @lenniDK @onawalk @andrewbikeguide : Oh no, not that tyred argument again!

When the argument moves from semantics to regional spelling, I'm out. Conditions are unfavo[u]rable for productive discussion.

 @barp: I see what you did there, and I fully appreciate it!

 @adrennan: Here’s my take on it,
With the push for new riders (the only real way for decent growth in the industry) trail centres have started to build tones of flow blue trails (too many in my opinion). New and inexperienced riders, put undue stress on frames, and in particular suspension forks.
This has lead to a tonne of creaky CSU complaints, that creaking comes from repeated fatigue similar to hitting every god damn braking bump in high speed berms.
In an effort to curb the excessive complaints, the easy solution is to overbuild (larger statnchions, bushing overlap, beefed up lowers)
Some pros can get away with riding less fork typically, as they know where to position themselves and their bike, even though their speeds are higher, and they generate more force.

So in an attempt t curb nuisance issues, the manufacturers develop better products, then over time, stirip them down to the minimum cost vs. performance basis.

@fartymarty The industry ain’t out to get us, I’m not sure why that sentiment exists…….boredom maybe? Conspiracy theorists?

 @onawalk: but creeky csu's are typically from the steerer/crown interface, not the stanchions.

 @adrennan: oh man,
Everything is beefed up!
The Fox 38 is ovalized inside, meaning more material front and back, so you can have a tighter interference fit, which should make for a stronger joint.

Flexing stanchions store a bit of energy, that then has to be released in the opposite direction. Think of it as a vibration, what do constant vibrations do, loosen interference joints (threaded ones too) So you have two slightly reverberating stanchions acting on a single head tube joint, under massive force from the weight of the rider, bike, and momentum.

I’m not saying its the only reason, but it is a significant contributing factor.
Speeds while mountain biking have increased dramatically over the years, both as trail centre become more popular, the sport gets ore popular, and equipment gets better. There’s always a weak link, and a telescopic fork with 34-35mm stanchions at umpteeth mm’s is likely going to be it.
Beef it up, it no longer becomes the weak link, Rinse and Repeat

 @privateer-wheels: Nope. Nor have I ever seen a chromag FS bike until just now.

I wasn't saying I expected it to be alloy or that it would be on brand. I was asking why we should prefer titanium or steel for a FS bike.

Should have realized this was going to be like the release of the WAO bike: nothing but effusive, positive comments allowed.

 @WalrusRider: But presumably way less expensive than the titanium. Would it be stiffer as well? Honestly don't know. I've just always thought people on titanium FS frames were engaged in conspicuous consumption to some degree, but I could certainly be wrong. There could be performance benefits. Thus my question.

 @privateer-wheels: exactly. everybody knows what everybody is talking about. it's like when i say it's ten till eight and my seven-year-old corrects me that is actually 7:47.

 @dancingwithmyself: Apologies, it was not my intent to make you feel like I am giving you a hard time! You can comment however you want.

I guess my mind just goes to "it's a Chromag, of course it would be steel or titanium". I would have been surprised to see anything else. The merits of the choice, I am sure some will tell you titanium and steel have a superior ride feel/superior rice characteristics. It could also be just to appeal to a different niche of people?

 @onawalk: I know, they're just trying to improve things but you reach the point of diminishing returns.

 @privateer-wheels: no worries! And to be clear I love chromag. No ties to pacific NW, but have chromag pedals and grips on all my bikes, a set of WAO wheels, plenty of OneUp products, and a Banshee Titan. Much prefer to give smaller, rider-owned companies my money, especially when they make superior products.

Agree there will be a certain element of nostalgia or lifestyle brand thinking with steel and titanium FS.

Totally speculating based on that fork and shock, but I wonder if the performance argument for steel or titanium is that there is enough mismatch between front and rear travels that there is still a bit of a hardtail element to the bike?

Chromag has their reasons and we’ll find out more with a launch and reviews, but still fun to speculate.

 @dancingwithmyself: I was thinking similarly. That it was kind of suiting that they opened up with a full suspension with a bigger fork, and just enough rear suspension to take the edge of bigger hits.

 @fartymarty: what’s the diminishing return here?
This seems like the best possible solution to the problem.
Create a fork to suit a mtb category, limit the travel, for the shorter ones, so you’re not needlessly warranting Pikes that we’re running at 160, cause an air spring was much cheaper than a new fork for your enduro rig.
Market said forks to the corresponding bike categories, and optimize them to work within those categories.

It looks to me, and admittedly I’m a bit of an optimist with this, that RS, and Fox are going to great lengths to separate, and category math]ch their products to what frame manufacturers are doing.
If I’m honest, I like it. It gives me a real quick reference when looking at a bike to see what the manufacturers have decided on for use case.

 @onawalk: I wasn't specifically referring to Pike v Lyrik* but more the bike industry generally. The last 10 years have been great for bike development but things are in a good place now and short of something revolutionary (like the Supre Drive or some other gearbox) I can't see how things can get massively better.

* Pike / Lyrik / Zeb - I get the Pike and Zeb (to a degree - altho if I was racing enduro I would run a cut down Boxxer or Ö38DC or 40) - the Lyrik is sandwiched in the middle as an "aggressive trail" fork but why wouldn't you go straight to a Zeb?

 @fartymarty: I think similar comments were being made 10 years ago, unless you’re the one innovating, and moving things forward, we have no real idea of what’s coming. The “on trail” feel between Grip, and Grip 2 is pretty wide, and those changes aren’t that old.

Moto suspension is still years ahead of our little niche
I think my comments hold true with either Fox, Rs, or any company really.
I guess we are all different, and it’s hard to see and understand what others see as valuable (I look to the opinions on bike racks as a good example) I think a Zeb is a great enduro fork, and don’t see the need to go to a DC (added weight, and less maneuverable on tight switch backs) and for any trail use, a Lyrik would be my go to.
My lighter weight buddy, he’s good on the Pike and Lyrik, thankfully there’s different products for us, which is great.

 they are trollololemon

 Link?

 @DCF: www.deporvillage.pt/pneu-rigido-schwalbe-magic-mary-bikepark-preto

 @nozes: you are the man!
Here is the same link for the American website if anyone is interested
www.deporvillage.net/schwalbe-magic-mary-bikepark-tyre-black

 Seriously. I've even gotten them at the local (non-bike park adjacent) bike shop for about $40. $80 for a cheaper to produce tire Maxxis? It's a no from me dawg, and probably the same for a lot of other people.

 @groghunter: But, but, but the maxxis markup. Crazy thing is there are people out there that will happily pay that $80 per tire.

 @mr-smashy: I don't know anybody who will "happily" pay $80 for Maxxis. I also don't know anybody who pays list for Maxxis tires. I love Maxxis tires and have a bunch of them, never once paid $80. Shop hard.

 @Marquis: I know of a couple that will, they day after something new was announced they come and want to order it and didn't care how much it was. I couldn't justify 80 per tire, I get stuff that has been sitting for awhile.

 I loved these tires on the back for destroying summer park laps with no worries, always got them cheap for 27.5s but not sure they still make them?

 @greenblur: eh, depends on the bike park and personal taste. I prefer MM in wetter/looser bike parks (like Sugarbush or Bolton VT) but Assegai/DHR2 in drier hardpack parks (like Angel Fire in NM or many Colorado parks)

 You can also get Schwalbe Big Betty and Michelin DH34 in the wire bead, hard compound, chonky casing bike park version. €25 for the schwalbes, DH34 for around €30. Literally the same tire than a DHR for half the price.

 @greenblur: you can also get the Michelin DH in Bikepark version and they make a great cheap rear tire for the Bp season.

What patents are you talking about ? Nothing in a Maxxis tire is revolutionnary and not already used by others too, aside from the thread but many copycats of all their most popular thread patterns already exist and perform very similarly.

 Yes these are £20 in the UK.
www.merlincycles.com/schwalbe-magic-mary-addix-bike-park-wired-tyre-275-113271.html
Its been sat in the shed for a few years. Very few if any reviews of how much grip they actually have.
Its my next tyre in line to fit to the rear, so I guess I'll find out soon enough.

 exactly what I was thinking

 @mcozzy: here is your review: they work just fine, have decent protection, have enough grip for the rear except maybe for the wettest conditions (which would only matter if in a racing scenario), little bit heavy so I wouldn't consider it if you plan to pedal with that tire. Similar can be said about the DH34 BP except it has a lighter construction so it pedals surprisingly alright for such tire, wear is worse than the MM BP but I'd rate the grip as better also.

 @Balgaroth: I second this, for a while I ran dual MM's in the bike park, with an ultrasoft front tire and a bikepark rear. My only real issue was trying to run it tubeless, you can get it to work but it's not really meant for that. Otherwise, the front-biased traction was very fun but never scary or anything, they grip well enough and last quite long

 @Balgaroth: The exact tread pattern of DHF and DHR. Especially the cornering knobs. Many have tried to copy but probably need to be just different enough to avoid a lawsuit.

I've tried most of the copies; they're not as good.

Just a guess but Maxxis' compounds are probably not patented so they can keep it a trade secret.

 I thought at first NZD$80, yeah not bad but then remembered it's USD$80, yeah nan.

Also. They already make the same standard DH casing wire bead version in 2 different compounds. I guess putting "Bike Park" on the sidewalls means you can charge practically double the price.

 Cheers!

 @FSA-MTB: yep very cool to see such a unique new design.

 @BiNARYBiKE: Thanks!

 I was just thinking this. Let's build a new bike!

 This is the way

 Yeah, that looks pretty cool, esp if they do the same as their steel frames: in house for more $$ of overseas for less $

 120mm Will be offered in Titanium and steel. So I have been told...

 @privateer-wheels: I would expect a pike instead of a lyrik in front tho , probably what was laying around this day

 @Elgaucher: perhaps because 2023 Pikes don't come in 150. Or perhaps because whatever was lying around, also that

Pike would be a nice fit though. A nice 2022 silver one.

 @privateer-wheels: oh yeah that would be dreamy !

 More dogs !!!!

 I haven't lusted for a bike this much in a while!

 no problem with deformation or burrs, the protective pads does a more than adequate job of protection on top of the stainless plate
plus you can remove the stainless plate and replace it, just like the MOTO GP racers

 @sirbikealot: Good to know. I hate to get injured by my protective gear. I once got a swollen knee because on of the rivets holding the kneepad shell to the foam hit my knee in a crash. Ever since I've been a bit wary of metal in my padding. Yes I'd make for a pretty useless knight if I were born a thousand years ago .

 I am a Dainese rep so hopefully, I can help with your questions.

First off, Dainese has some of the most extensive experience in both mountain bike and moto protection in the world. We invest substantially more than many of our competitors in R&D, thanks to the support of our large moto division. We were the first global producer of mountain bike protection back in 1993, and had the bulk of the world cup racers wearing our product for many years.

The plate in the Rival Pro knee pad is designed to take impacts far greater than you would possibly be able to deform it, thanks to its shape and thickness.

These Rival Pro pads were designed with input and testing from some of the top DH racers in the world, including the Canyon factory DH team, Fabien Barel, etc. The reason for the plate is twofold, to keep the overall pad thickness as low as possible to fit easily under any DH pants without constricting the movent of the rider. Second, to allow the rider to slide on impact, instead of sticking and transferring impacts into twisting or rolling injuries. Our testing of D3O and other similar products revealed poor sliding performance which isn't ideal. Dainese has extensive R&D on impact and injury mitigation, we understand the importance of sliding on impact to prevent and mitigate injuries. In addition, D3O is very thick and not breathable. Our plate is surrounded by much thinner and breathable Pro armor 2.0 mesh padding. Which Dainese has developed in-house with our own technology.

Happy to help with any other questions!

 @shorerider54: Thanks a lot for response. Sliding is important for my pads because I also use them for skate, BMX etc hence I've always shied from these softer pads or those with just such a lattice pattern (as you have under that steel plate). I have always been happy with having just a little less ventilation if my pads protect well and slide well. For that, the iXS Dagger pads were fine though indeed, ventilation isn't quite there. I am well aware of your history in mountainbiking and will keep those new Dianese pads in my shortlist once it is time to replace my current pads!

 you can choose 2 models one with velcro and one without. both have tacky wide rubber backings, i've ridden them for hours without slippage and the new velcro is super wide and thick versus the older thin ones

 We have one, the Team Edition stem. It isn't like the Helix in shape, however, but equally as cool.

 @FSA-MTB:
Will you do one in the Helix shape?
Very unique and totally cool!
A break from the norm.

 @ryandodgeshaw: No plans as of now, We have been looking into it, however.

 @FSA-MTB:
Awesome!
I’ll keep my peepers open!

 @ryandodgeshaw: Playing with it, yes. We actually did a 3d printed model today.

 @FSA-MTB: Yes!!
Keep me and the rest of the world updated please!
Stoked

 @ryandodgeshaw:Beer

 @ryandodgeshaw: Beer

 great inspiration from those amazing D1 protectors

 It is totally unnoticeable in terms of geo. At least not in a negative way. The fork is solid and way fast. I was keeping up with and passing people on full DH bikes. That fork just eats the stutter and braking bumps like nothing else.

 Yes and it was never discontinued. The best rear tyre for summer. Fast and dependable. 28-30psi and hit anything.

 @Jready: almost impossible to find in France in 27.5 and even worst in 29

 @pasteque51:
Just bought 2 on special for 35aud each, in 27.5. Im in Australia but.

 its built into the helmet and is made of a very lightweight polycarbonate, the whole helmet is 600gr making it one of the lightest full faces on the market for kids, plenty of ventilation and has multi impact EPP foam for the chin guard area

 I personally align more as feline.
Nothing against good dogs;
Purr more, bark less.

 we need a pinkbike poll ASAP

 Cats are super agile, light on their feet and move accurately and quietly - see Vergier, Suarez, Greenland etc. Dogs are rough and ready and happy to plow through the woods kicking up dust and stones - see Gwin, Peaty, Bulldog etc.

 In all the years I've been riding I've never had a cat try to bite me.

 dog person personally.

 @FSA-MTB: yup

 If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it

 @Bitelio: yeah thats what Iam affraiding of

 Just gotta fix the price