Pinkbike Product Picks

Nov 27, 2012 at 16:11
by Mike Levy  
Race Face Turbine cranks

Race Face's Turbine lineup, consisting of cranks, chain rings, stems, and handlebars, isn't necessarily made for launching off cliffs or hitting huge gaps. Nor is Turbine intended to be the absolute lightest, but is rather more of an all-around component group for the trail and all-mountain genus of riders. The 7050 aluminum Turbine cranks fit this description spot-on, with ten different ring setups to choose from (including triple, double, and single), compatibility with threaded 68/73mm bottom bracket shells, as well as BB92 press-fit, and PF30 conversion or BB30 conversions via an adapter. Arm length options include 170, 175, and even a 180mm version. Weighing in at a very acceptable 810g (24/38T, 175mm), they appear able to do it all. The arms themselves may look great, but it is Race Face's new EXI interface that has us most excited - no more arm pump while removing the crank arm from the spindle! Looking for something a bit lighter? With their Turbine SL version, Race Face offers the same arms paired with a titanium spindle allowing you to get down to 770g (24/38T, 175mm). Colour options include red, black, grey, and green. MRSP on the Turbine cranks (3 ring with BB) is $299.00 USD. www.raceface.com

Rocky Mountain Element MSL BC Edition
Looking for a set of trouble-free cranks and bottom bracket? With a pile of ring combinations to choose from, Race Face's Turbine cranks get the nod from us.


Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesOur Turbine cranks were fitted to the Rocky Mountain Element 970 B.C. Edition that we used for both the week-long B.C. Bike Race and some proper hometown all-day epics, so we were able to put a fair bit of concentrated riding time on them. As expected, the 7050 aluminum arms gave us no issues during testing, and although we weren't exactly hucking on the 95mm travel bike that they were attached to, we're confident they are up to some proper all-mountain abuse. Shifting speed across the crank's three rings was on par with what we were hoping for, but keep in mind that this is also a function of chain and front derailleur choice. The bottom bracket bearings did seriously impress us, though, with no amount of mud, rain, and jet washings able to upset them. Many bottom brackets seem very hit-and-miss these days, but Race Face is obviously doing something right down there with their titanium-coated races and triple wiper seals. When it does come time to remove the arms for some maintenance, the new EXI crank interface makes the challenges of the older system a distant memory, and was also creak-free and never required a single re-tightening. Our single complaint stems from the finish wearing off rather quickly, but we often state the same complaint about much more expensive crank sets. - Mike Levy




MSR SuperFly stove

MSR's pint-sized SuperFly camp stove burns LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and has been designed to be small enough to stow away in the tightest of places. Yes, there are even smaller models out there, but the SuperFly looks to answer the need for a stove light enough to carry around without a second thought, but still be able to cook and boil in a reasonable amount of time. Four pot holders can support up to 8lbs and a maximum pot diameter of 8 inches, and the burner level is controlled with an easy to grasp dial. In its stock form the SuperFly requires lighting with a match, but it can be upgraded to a piezo lighter for match-less ignition if one wished to do so. A number of different models of fuel cans can also be fitted, meaning that you should always be able to track down a fuel supply. The SuperFly retails for $54.00 CAD. www.mec.ca

MSR camp stove
The SuperFly warmed both our oatmeal and our hearts with its diminutive size.


Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesWhy is there a camp stove in today's Product Picks article? Because we often find ourselves living out of a tent or van while we camp and ride in one area for a few days, and it was time to change from cold oatmeal to hot oatmeal. The SuperFly's lack of a piezo lighter may put some off, but we managed to start the stove with a match on the first try pretty much every time; simply screw the canister and stove together, open the gas valve and strike a match to start a flame, then put your pot on and wait for it to boil. Adjusting the flame was equally simple, and the four pot holders offer more support than the three-arm setup found on some other stoves. We didn't bother with the wind screen hop-up that many campers go with, but never had an issue with the flame blowing out regardless. Our only real complaint stems from the four pot holder arms that fold up in pairs rather than all together as one unit, preventing the stove from folding up as small as possible. There are lighter and slightly smaller options, but the $54.00 CAD SuperFly comes in at a very reasonable price. - Mike Levy




Outward Hound 24oz Port-A-Bowl

Outward Hound offers pretty much any product you can think of related to taking your dog outdoors, from booties and training gear to doggy backpacks and portable bowls like the one shown here. The idea is that the fabric bowl can be folded or scrunched up small enough to take up close to no room in a bag, or even slip into a jersey pocket unnoticed. When the time comes to give your pooch a break, you can pull it out and pour in some water from your bottle or bag, thereby keeping Fido hydrated without having to share saliva (always a good thing after watching your dog munch on side trailside shit from an animal that passed by previously). There are a number of different versions that can hold anywhere between 24 and 48oz, and the bowl can be used for either food or water thanks to a waterproof liner. The 24oz version tested here retails for just $2.74 USD on the Outward Hound website, likely making it the least expensive item that we've ever featured in the Product Pick section.

Outward Hound 24oz Port-A-Bowl
Do you ride with your dog? If there is no running water to be found nearby, the Port-A-Bowl makes too much sense to not use.


Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesGiven that it weighs next to nothing and takes up so little room, the 24oz Port-A-Bowl has been with us on every ride since we picked it up regardless of whether we've had a dog along with us or not, simply stuffed into the bottom of our backpack until we need to pull it out. The waterproof lining works just as you'd hope, not letting a single drop of water permeate through, and the flat-ish bottom of the bowl's shape keeps it from flopping over when filled with water. After a year of mild use, likely only pulling it out 20 - 25 times, we've noticed that some of the stitching has started to let go - not a good sign. But given that the folding Port-A-Bowl costs half as much as a fizzy energy drink or new inner tube, and it keeps your best trail-friend happy and hydrated, it is still worth picking up in our books. - Mike Levy





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90 Comments
  • 56 1
 I like the outdoor gear reviews! We all spend hours in the woods and use this kind of gear.
I was even thinking it would be sweet to see some soft goods reviews.
Who rides and doesn't have a collection of hard / soft shells, pants and gloves to go with all the climates we deal with?
  • 10 1
 Agreed there is so much non bike specific gear in my storage room that comes along on all my bike trips. Good to see some of the favorites getting reviewed on PB. Lets have some more.
  • 19 6
 I disagree. I come here for reviews of bike parts because I know that the guys on pinkbike spend a lot of time on different bike parts and are true experts. I doubt they have any more expertise in camp stoves than the average camper, so I would go elsewhere for those products reviews. Not saying they're not good products, just that I would rather pinkbike stick to what they are experts in.
I agree that seeing a review of more winter / wet weather riding gear would be good.
  • 18 0
 Good points from everyone. You won't be seeing much in the way of reviews of other types of sports equipement, we just thought we'd mix it up a bit in this one. We'll return to our regularly scheduled programming for next week's Product Picks.
  • 7 23
flag VTwintips (Dec 7, 2012 at 13:42) (Below Threshold)
 Fold up dog bowls are not worthy of the pinkbike front page. What is this?
  • 8 1
 Really then why is there all those vids of people riding with there dogs, those dogs will be thirsty to.... its not like they can carry a camel back or something....
  • 12 0
 hush hush, camelbak might jack your idea
  • 7 1
 A dogbak would be pretty badass
  • 2 0
 look how many people would try all the products in the voting, thats a pretty even number for all three products, I think that speaks for the choices pinkbike made for this product picks.
  • 3 1
 'RUFFWEAR' is a trail-dog company. They make a lot of cool gear, including a "dogbak", water bowls, toys, etc. Also, they have avoided making their stuff in China, if that's a concern for you.
  • 1 0
 I have trained my dog to drink out of a water bottle I bring for her
  • 1 0
 Dogs that carry your water bottles?? That's a great idea! Pack-dog!
  • 9 0
 I've had my dog carry a tube, jacket, multi-tool, pump, and a bar before. There is a weight limit that you're not supposed to go over, something about a certain percent of the dog's weight, but I don't remember the figure. It gives them a job to do as well, which usually means that they behave better on the trail.
  • 3 1
 You know what else would be interesting? Reviewing bike specific gear and well as non-specific and comparin the two
  • 6 1
 I've seen someone turn their bike over and fill their saddle to the brim with water and their border terror came over and drank it all, then ran luke a little champ on the rest of the ride.
  • 18 1
 I realize that the stove is in no way a bike product, but I would just like to say that MSR makes some of the best gear around, and anyone who does anything backcountry should look into them right away.
My 20+ year old WhisperLite still works like a charm.
  • 3 0
 I still run a now old school setup of 3x9 on my AM bike, i have the lightweight 2012 SL turbine cranks, cant fault them, light strong and look good, i also have the MSR superfly which is awsome, have used this as the only source of cooking for kayaking and mtb trips, canisters last long and are very light and easy to use so thumbs up from me.
  • 3 1
 Chalk me up for another happy user of the MSR stoves. We have used it a few times on some Arkansas biking/backpacking trips. And the fuel lasts for a long time. For once, I have 2 out of three of the PB picks!
  • 2 0
 My MSR Reactor boils water in about 3 minutes. That's some quick coffee in the AM if you have the water and the coffee press ready to roll! Top-notch products.
  • 4 0
 whisperlites are amazing, definitely my favorite camping stove. super easy to fix and find parts for too.
  • 2 0
 I just bought a whisperlite so I don't have to borrow my friend's anymore. Those stoves are great! It will be part of my emergency/biking/hiking/backpacking kit I always keep in my truck.
  • 1 0
 I have a jetboil that works great it can boil enough water for two or three easy but for anymore than that it takes multiple batches. I also have camped with people who have the MSR stoves and they lave them. Except for the white gas ones you have to pump because they are harder to use they leak and the flame is uncontrollable.
  • 2 0
 The white gas one is the one i use. It's never leaked, it takes only a couple minutes more to set up, and the fuel is cheap.
  • 2 0
 Ditto. I have hammered mine for the last couple of years and it still works as well as it did the day i bought it. It also burns Kerosene, Petrol and Diesel.
  • 1 0
 yeah i love how the fuel is cheep and easy to get. but im not turning back even if it costs a little more
  • 12 0
 "The SuperFly warmed our both our oatmeal and our hearts with its diminutive size." - this is why I love Pinkbike.
  • 10 0
 How about a dog bowl from a company that uses recycled bike tubes?

www.cycledog.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?listcategories=action&parent=1004
  • 9 0
 I ride with a guy who regularly has an MSR stove in his hydro-pack. He likes to enjoy a hot coffee during the mid-ride break.
  • 11 1
 This week's product picks need more safety wire.
  • 4 1
 Do you guys realize that these are Product PICKS not Products THAT YOU NEED TO GO BUY RIGHT NOW. Its only an opinion on pinkbikes behalf. If you dont like it dont listen to it. Sure its nice to have product picks with strictly biking stuff but its nice to mix it up once in a while. I can say that MSR makes THE best stoves in the business, and its nice to see it on here.
  • 3 0
 Pinkbike mods, why did you delete my comment about your bad grammar?
It was a comment rather than an insult, and that you guys "always like the feedback" (said by mikelevy on this page).
Neg prop me if you wish, but this strikes me as some petty censorship.
  • 3 0
 We usually don't delete any comment, positive or negative, unless it really doesn't contribute to the discussion. I don't think any of us removed it because deleted comments still show up for mods at the bottom of the page and I can't see it there. Feel free to post it again - we don't censor that sort of stuff =)
  • 3 0
 My apologies, didn't mean to jump at you guys.. The possibility of internet censorship becoming a reality has got me pretty worried I guess, and the thought of PB getting like that, on such trivial matters also, got me riled up.. Cheers for the reply, restored all my faith in the greatness of this site and the integrity of our sport!
  • 4 0
 Much easier to just teach your dog to drink from a flowing hydration pack hose (not so he's actually biting or licking your mouth piece obviously!)
After a face full of water a couple times they soon learn!
  • 1 0
 Ha! In theory maybe. Try it with a skittish dog who is terrified of flowing water =/
  • 1 0
 Exactly bigtim. Perhaps your dog just isn't thirsty yet if he won't drink from your Camelback.
  • 1 0
 She is a rescue dog. She's very skittish. There are a few things she is absolutely terrified by, and that is one of them. But you obviously know everything, so hey thanks for the advice.
  • 1 0
 Hahahaha! Touchy. Yes by that one statement, I obviously know everything. Try riding with a rescue dog that is terrified of gunfire. You never know when that will happen out in the woods. When it does, good luck finding her.
  • 2 0
 I have those cranks on my slayer, no complaints so far, no creaks, rolling perfectly smooth, they're stiff and don't think I'll break them anytime soon, although being clipped in my foot doesn't touch the crank so idk if only mike is having the finish issue or not, mine have been fine. I'll gladly buy that stove, when its 3 or less degrees out making a fire gets very annoying quickly and it'd be nice to just light one with a light stove, hats off pinkbike! way to mix it up
  • 2 0
 We used the cranks with platform pedals, so my shoe was no doubt far more likely to rub the crank arm. It still seemed like a lot of wear compared to what we're used to, though. Only cosmetic complaints.
  • 1 0
 Yeah. Little foot rubbing is no serous problem. Years of it will only lead to a lack on paint on the crank arm.
  • 6 0
 I'm glad its not just my dog who eats trailside shit.
  • 3 1
 Thanks for mixing it up, Pinkbike. We've had those stoves for years and can attest to the same great experiences you had. I have also had trouble-free experiences with my Platypus hydration bags, and Thermarest mattresses. All of this gear is made here in Seattle, WA.
  • 1 0
 MSR SuperFly stove... if your after a good little stove i strongly recormend Jet Boils stoves. perfect for cooking boil in the bag foods and making brews. it boils water very quickly and doesnt use that much gas. they are a little bit more expencive than the MSR one, but i only paid £70 for mine well worth the money in my eyes.
  • 1 0
 Have RF turbine cranks on my slayer 70 and developed a creak after 2 rides. My granny ring was also wobbling due to all four bolts being loose after 2 rides. Both of these issues could be due to jensonusa not setting everything up properly which is what Im hoping, I just tightened up everything yesterday so I'm going to go for a test ride today.
  • 1 0
 I find it normal to have a few issues, creaks, and things that need adjustment within the first month of riding any bike. New cables stretch in, brake pads get seated, takes a little time for all the bolts to sit in. A good shakedown month of hard riding and usually everything gels after that.
  • 1 0
 Yes, we would agree with Focofox37...sometimes things need to bed in and be re-tightened initially and then you can expect trouble free performance for many seasons of sweet riding. Do be sure to check all the bolts on you bike at least a couple times a season as part of a regular maintenance schedule. Thanks for riding Race Face.
  • 1 0
 Have some Turbine cranks on the Mojo HD, great cranks nice and stiff. The BB worked well while it lasted but the seals are still not up to acceptable standard. Ive since had to swap for a Shimano BB been working fine for months now.
  • 1 0
 MSR stuff is great. I use the Internationale version of the Whisperlite stove. The best part is it lets you use many types of fuel, including gasoline if that's all you can find. For remote areas this can't be beat, since camping-specific fuels and kerosene are often hard to find. Gasoline burns a little dirty, but its better than being hungry.
  • 1 0
 you shouldn't even think of putting a windscreen around that stove.. there is a reason msr puts that on their warnings for stoves mounted directly on the canister... BOOM! I have the lighter smaller one of this. Excellent stoves.
  • 1 0
 i have the Turbine crank on my Ragley HT, I've only used it for XC use and the crank has wound itself out several times. I've already had to replace the crank bolt as it is obviously too soft aluminium for the job. The new one is now also coming loose on some rides. The crank wobbles when it's loose and therefore loads teh thread of the crank bolt too much which strips it off. Its a shame cos otherwise they are great weight vs strength for what i want. My Diabolus crank i had on another bike was bomb proof but they bolts are steel and can handle anything....shm it weights a ton though, lol
  • 1 0
 I have Turbines on 3 bikes and even ride them in the Whistler Bike park with no problems and it seems PB put a ton of miles on these without any issues either. I don't buy your issues. You obviously didn't install properly...
  • 3 0
 I have one of those port a bowls for my dog and it is brilliant, stows up small enough to put in your jeans pocket
  • 1 0
 Well that's quite the even vote. Haha! I've been wanting some raceface cranks for a while and I was debating over the Turbine or Atlas... Still not quite sure, it'll have to be a good decision though...
  • 1 0
 If you happen to be looking for the lightest and most compact stove you can, you might want to look atMSR Pocket Rocket. I have used one and it boils water in a hurry for that morning oatmeal.
  • 3 0
 I have an MSR Whisperlite. Don't leave home without one ;-). Nice to see other Outdoor Products appearing !
  • 3 0
 Great job pinkbike mixing up what we get recommended to buy. I had just about got enough cranks and derailers
  • 1 1
 raceface cranks are shite i have had 3 now and all 3 are a wast of money, the heater better off with hexie blocks and burner. the dog bowl was cool though I can't see a huge use for it with my demo and me in the woods. LOL these articles are getting worse
  • 1 1
 The RF Turbine crancks are a true beauty, but are on the narrow side. I bought a set for my SB66, and it was too narrow. The non-drive cranckarm hits the rear-frame on the Yeti. Went with a-not-so-exciting Sram XO instead.
  • 3 0
 The Q-Factors of the Turbine cranks are identical to the Sram XO cranks (3x10 - 167.5mm) - The Turbine cranks do come with 2mm of chainline adjustment which you could have utilized to get yourself more LH crank clearance.
  • 1 0
 No need to buy an expensive stove a Soda Can stove works real well and this is the best design I've come across!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=duhejhJY7f4
  • 3 1
 I have that stove and I must say it is a great buy for anyone that plans on adventuring a bit off the beaten path.
  • 3 0
 I have the turbines on my alpine 160 and its top banana.
  • 1 0
 My experience with those tall little stoves is, unless you find a perfectly flat spot you have to shim the crap out of the legs or they fall over once your food is on them.
  • 2 0
 Some cone with long plastic legs that snap on to the fuel can. Those have never failed me
  • 2 0
 I have the turbine cranks on my DJ bike and they hold up great feel great and are really light I like them a lot
  • 4 0
 Now I need a dog!
  • 4 0
 Should we have a PinkBike poll on which breed makes the best trail dog?
  • 8 0
 We do need more trail dog content, right?
  • 3 0
 Yes. We do =]
  • 4 0
 We always need more trail dog content.
  • 2 3
 I get it. People might do over night trips with bikes. So the stove.
Heaps of people take there 4 legged bros out with them when they ride. The bowl.

However, they were a little bit of a surprise.
Any dildo reviews coming up? I'd love to know how the new Butt Buster 3000 goes under load!
  • 2 0
 Three bucks for the water bowl how could som one with a trail dog not want to try it?
  • 2 0
 I have the cranks and they work awesome
  • 1 0
 Have a Race Face Crank for 4 years now. Nicely machined, no galling, doesnt come loose.
  • 1 0
 If your going to buy a stove but a jetboil
  • 2 0
 you'll find jetboils aren't too popular over here... msr is the main deal
  • 2 0
 When I bought this MSR stove I looked at the Jet boils too, but the little MSR won in the end - just seems more versatile overall.
  • 2 0
 when you get a little gas stove like that tho then u need to carry tins to boil ext... the jet boils fit everything inside its self unless your unlucky to buy the wrong size gas.
  • 2 0
 I like all of them
  • 1 4
 Port-A-Bowl ??? Kiddin me Pinkbike? Come on...
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