Check Out: Narrow Shoes, Hard-Shell Pads, Casual Riding Kit, & More - April 2018
A lot of gear comes across our desks here at Pinkbike. Check Out is a monthly round up of everything our tech editors have gotten their hands on. Sometimes it's products we're doing long-term tests on, other times it's stuff we're stoked on but don't have time to fully review. And, sometimes it's crazy shit someone sent us unsolicited and we're having a laugh.
Dainese Armoform Knee Guards
There are soft memory foam pads on the outside of the knee along with elastic velcro strap for fit.
The hard-shells pattern is based on fractals and should allow good airflow.
Features
• Articulated hard-shell kneepads
• Available in Black only
• S, M, L, XL
• Elastic straps with silicone grippers
• Available in Black only
• S, M, L, XL
• Elastic straps with silicone grippers
 | I must be getting old as I am taking protection more seriously. I have been looking for some hard shell knee pads that are comfortable enough for all-day riding but with improved safety over soft pads. The articulated design of the Armoform pads should be ideal for pedaling and the design promises plenty of ventilation and adjustment to fit. |
Ion Raid AMP Shoes
Soles are made of what Ion call "SupTraction Rubber Soul FL"
The ankle pad.
Features
• Designed for narrower feet
• SupTraction Rubber Soul FL supersticky rubber
• ToeTal protection to absorb impacts, & pre-shaped heel cup for heel hold
• Extra padding to protect the lower ankles
• Two-component insole supports the arch & adds extra damping to the heel
• SupTraction Rubber Soul FL supersticky rubber
• ToeTal protection to absorb impacts, & pre-shaped heel cup for heel hold
• Extra padding to protect the lower ankles
• Two-component insole supports the arch & adds extra damping to the heel
• Available in black, blue nights, or single malt (pictured)
• 400g (size 42)
• Available in sizes 37–47
• $129.95 USD
• More Info
• 400g (size 42)
• Available in sizes 37–47
• $129.95 USD
• More Info
| People are familiar with the idea of buying a narrower or wider shoe when it comes to ski boots or hiking boots, but there aren't many width options in flat pedal shoes. If you have slim feet but wear a regular or wide shoe, your pedals can feel vague when your foot moves inside the shoe. The Ion Raid Amp has a slimmer last and the fit won't suit people with wide feet like me, but might be a good option for those with slimmer feet. No word on how the grip is, but they look to have solid protection and a novel design philosophy. |
Scott Prospect Goggle
Scott have added more foam to their Prospect to increase comfort.
The mirror lens looks gorgeous
Features
• Large fit.
• Lens lock system.
• 3-layer moulded face foam.
• Microfiber goggle bag.
• Noseguard.
• Extra wide no-slip silicone strap.
• Lens lock system.
• 3-layer moulded face foam.
• Microfiber goggle bag.
• Noseguard.
• Extra wide no-slip silicone strap.
• Scott TruView single Works lens.
• NoFog™ Anti-Fog lens treatment.
• Bonus clear lens included.
• Available in 10 colours.
• £80 / €99.95 / US $99.95.
• More Info.
• NoFog™ Anti-Fog lens treatment.
• Bonus clear lens included.
• Available in 10 colours.
• £80 / €99.95 / US $99.95.
• More Info.
| Scott's Prospect goggle is certainly a looker. The bright, mirrored lens in this model appears yellow on the outside but turns the world to a dark blue colour once you're looking through it. The goggles are supplied with a clear lens option, too. Scott's lens lock system makes changing the lens fairly easy when you've got to grips with how it operates. The soft, luxurious padding is fit for royalty and certainly make your face feel loved. They feel premium, but at this price they're cheaper than a lot of other brand's offerings. |
Mission Workshop Rhake Pack & Capsule Camera Insert
Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty.
The Capsule is an add-on and weighs 1.9 lbs and measures 9.75” x 17.75” x 4.25”.
Features
• Available in Black, Grey, Olive, Black Camo + Cobra Buckle
• External dimensions: 21” x 13” x 5”
• Internal volume: 1,350 cu. in. (22 L)
• Weight (empty): 3.1 lbs.
• Dedicated 10-inch iPad/tablet pocket (accessible from exterior of pack).
• Hidden water bottle pocket that zips away when not in use.
• External dimensions: 21” x 13” x 5”
• Internal volume: 1,350 cu. in. (22 L)
• Weight (empty): 3.1 lbs.
• Dedicated 10-inch iPad/tablet pocket (accessible from exterior of pack).
• Hidden water bottle pocket that zips away when not in use.
• Dedicated padded pocket fits all 15-inch and most 17-inch laptops (accessible from exterior of pack).
• Roll-top main compartment can grow or shrink as needed to fit extra clothes and gear
• $365 USD for the bag, $130 USD for "The Capsule" Camera Insert
• More Info
• Roll-top main compartment can grow or shrink as needed to fit extra clothes and gear
• $365 USD for the bag, $130 USD for "The Capsule" Camera Insert
• More Info
| The Rhake bag is a super tough, fashionable everyday backpack designed for day trips, commuting, and adventure. The Capsule camera insert makes the Rhake useable as a camera bag. This is not a bag that a dedicated photographer would use, since camera access isn’t instant. But, it could be a good choice for people who need a versatile bag that doesn't scream "I have expensive camera gear" and works on the mountainside just as well as in airports, boardrooms, and hip-ass coffee shops. The price is eye-popping, but the construction feels incredibly rugged, so I'd expect it to last for many, many years. |
Mons Royale Redwood 3/4 Raglan T-Shirt
Mons Royale's Air-Con fabric keeps things cool when it's a scorcher.
Nice detailing.
Features
• Full merino mesh back.
• 3/4 raglan sleeves are pad-friendly.
• New merino Air-Con fabric.
• Drop tail.
• 4 sizes, from S to XL.
• 3/4 raglan sleeves are pad-friendly.
• New merino Air-Con fabric.
• Drop tail.
• 4 sizes, from S to XL.
| Mons Royale makes some fantastic, casual-looking riding clothes that pack some impressive features. Merino wool has become a go-to fabric for a lot of my riding kit—it keeps you cool when it's hot, keeps you hot when it's cool and doesn't smell or lose any of its technical properties when it's finally drenched in sweat. This raglan t-shirt could be used mid-layer in the winter and as a standard riding shirt in the summer. |
POC Coron Air Spin Helmet
The Coron Air has more ventilation and POC's new SPIN (Shearing Pad INside) rotational impact technology.
Color-cordinated Ora goggles and Resistance gloves are also available.
Features
• Available in White, Black, or Green/Orange
• XS-S, M-L, XL-XXL
• SPIN rotational impact system
• DH certified
• Break Away visor
• XS-S, M-L, XL-XXL
• SPIN rotational impact system
• DH certified
• Break Away visor
| I had great success with the previous POC Coron helmet and it has been my go-to full face for over a year. This 'Air' version offers increased ventilation and POC's new SPIN rotational impact system which should make the Coron even better. POC are also offering matching Ora Clarity goggles and Resistance Enduro gloves for color-coordinating addicts. |
MENTIONS: @IONbike @SCOTT-Sports @monsroyale @POC @ACRE-Supply @Dainese
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I call that getting swindled and pimped
Fifty dollars for a T-shirt, that's just some ignorant bitch
Most organic merino wool T-shirt’s are 40-60€... and you get custom tailored and made in EU T-shirt’s for 50-60€
So 100 quid for some T-shirt ist expensive- reminds me of Supreme stuff
This is right in line with most Merino wool gear out there.
The graphic leaves something to be desired though.
300 euro is 25% of average in Europe ... no round up salary.
No cheap really.No offense to any.
are your shorts resembling these by any chance?
mammothworkwear.com/himalayan-icon-work-shorts-p9366.htm
this helmet?
www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Sports-Reflex-Light-Titanium-Adult-Helmet/49706855
Seriously? Still trolling or just expressing how inflated your ego is?
The cheap stuff works great, the proof is in the pudding.
Not respecting oneself for buying more affordable alternatives that are proven to work well, just sounds like letting the ego get in the way of making intelligent financial choices.
I am laughing at the typical Pinkbike price outrage. I’d never buy this jersey, even for 50. 20$ For almost any long sleeve thing, cotton included, smells of “carbon ocean fill” practices. With major cycling brands I can have at least a dime of hope that workers get paid something, that color agents don’t go straight into rivers, pick as many externalities of clothing production you want - they’re all sht in case of 20$ jersey, no production ethics can be involved. Someone at Mons Royale or TLD or Maloja is sitting and designing this stuff, someone like Micayla Gatto, someone like me, like you, and you just throw it into the shtpool of “too much for a Tshirt”. I buy quality stuff because there’s value to be had in it, to give back to passionate people making this sport roll.
What a fkng egomaniac me. Not like bunch of studs making informed shopping decisions, managing their budgets in exemplary manner. Never pay too much for a product, don’t be a fool - a motto of happiness.
I can't be the only one who rides 3~5 times a week, but cannot justify spending my kid's college tuition on a $10k bike, $500kit, and a $100 shirt. I have done this 18 years now. I don't need carbon. I don't need new standards. I don't need exotic materials. I just need a decent bike, and kit that doesn't break the bank.
Maybe I am the outlier, and that explains my frustrations.
Between the cost of living a block from a large trail network, limiting my career to opportunities in the local area, and having a family... I just can't stetch my budget to what is the new norm.
I spent my luxury cash on being able to pedal 6-12 miles after/before work on days that work for me. To be able to afford some of the things posted here, would require me to ride less...
Maybe we should do a Check Out of safety goggles and Wal Mart athletic shirts next month.
Im well familiar with how crowded that segment is and also the top quality of the MW bags...I actually have one I've been using for years, along with a made in the US Chrome bag, and I hang with a designer from Peak Designs from time to time. PD stuff is super innovative and high quality and made overseas...and priced accordingly. Nice Euro made bags are similar pricing (Fritag ect).
While there are many on PB who may not fit that $400 bag demographic...lets remember, many are riding BICYCLES that cost THOUSANDS of dollars...so Im sorry, but I guess we can agree to disagree about the targeting miss. (vital reader survey from last year had average reader bicycle cost north of 4k!!)
I bought a MW backpack direct from their Interbike booth in 2011 I think (when they had the grass and VW bus in the booth). Have put thousands of miles of air, train, and bike commuting miles on the thing since and its held up. Was less impressed with the ACRE bike bag simply based on the ergonomics but the materials and construction are good. Their stuff is bad ass.
The PD stuff wins all the cool design awards - I thought their first camera bag was sort of liberally inspired by the Arcteryx Khard in the way it laid flat - they have a good recognizable brand and are running with it.
I guess my point is that this price point is the 'new normal'.
How about “give me the luxuries in life and I will gladly do without the ‘necessities’” - Frank Lloyd Wright
And yes, a $100 merino wool jersey will make a bigger difference to your riding than a $1000 titanium crankset.
- Marketing Associate who once saw a Facebook post about how fractals are "everywhere" and now thinks fractal just means cool geometric pattern.
Oh, and I have the black on black Ions and they look killer, so don't worry about that!
By the way, word on the street is Adidas is smothering FiveTen entirely and they will slowly trickle down the brand, discontinuing it; there will be no more marketing around FiveTen in some time from now.
The shirt might be worth $90 if it said “Mons Veneris Royale” instead.
www.jensonusa.com/giro-merino-polo-2016-Pewter-Xx-Large
For casual wear they are fine but for MTB not so much
$10k on that Spesh, $800 for the bike rack on that brand new SUV, $500 for a carbon Helmet, $200 for pedals, $300 for the shoes, $40 on gloves, $100 on shorts so what's another $100 for the jersey.
$2k on a skills camp and still the slowest on the hill!
Ya, I love it here! --Go Dubs---
If I was slow and had lots of money I'd still probably buy an expensive bike. Why wouldn't you?
But f*ck me they are really good. The only elbow pads that don’t end up by my wrists after a couple of runs.
No one is holding a gun to your head to buy a $100 tee - it’s weird how people are so focussed on the cost of things they won’t buy on PB.
Sure you can buy a cheaper product. That’s capitalism folks.
I am honestly amazed at how much money people can afford to spend on bikes and equipment. I mean, more power too ya, I just can't possibly do it, and trust me, I want to.
I actually dig that jersey. Rather buy the fasthouse ones but thats me. And i like those shoes... though i just bought giro jacket 2's...
Been on pain meds all day. Guess my sarcasm only made sense in my head.
But when cycling gets relegated to your hobby (because lord knows it's tough to make a living in the bike biz, as fantastic as the experience itself is), and you're looking at full MSRP, it's a lot less awesome. It's really cool, but it's not practical for most people in an already small niche. I think the general idea of "check-out" is high value, high practicality for those of us in the latter group. Some of the former may have crept in here.
That's not meant to be heckling, I truly think it's just an honest disconnect that can be really tough to reconcile for both sides.