After a wet and cold race in Zermatt Joe takes the time to share a few of his bike set up tips from the weekend. If you suffer from cold hands, howling brakes or get muck in your eyes then there will be some good info inside to boost your MTB set up.
Thanks for the feedback on #1 of this science series. Plenty of additional info on the juice bottle hacks to digest and refine.
How many riders use double wall lenses in the horrible weather? I used to find them invaluable living in Blighty as your lenses never steam up in the cold and rain, even when stationary... the do distort vision slightly though on the downside.
@secondtimeuser: Leatt 5.5 are the cheapest option for goggles with a great quick release lense system and double wall lenses I could find. They're also super high quality.
@secondtimeuser: Oakley do double wall lenses for all their mx goggles that I know of, if you can't buy them stock with it just get a lense to install, plus Oakley are the best in the biz
@secondtimeuser: 100% accuri, strata racecraft, all fit the replacemnt doublewalled lenses, which run for less than 20usd (lens).. I dont think they come fitted with doublewalled ones
@Loki87: Got the Leatt 6.5 and as good as they are for the money, they are much tighter across the bridge of the nose than the Oakley MX. Means the Oakleys are less claustrophobic and better on longer descents for getting air in. Shame as Leatts' are really well made.
@Niseach1: Hmm,yeah fitment is of course always an issue. Compared to my Oakley Airbrakes for example they feel better in the nose area to me and i usually have problems with goggles rsestricting airflow as well. I will say though, they are less flexible and are probably less suitable to a flat face structure compared to the Airbrakes. In my experience these things do depend on a lot of factors. Face structure, helmet type and fit and even how tight you run the goggle straps. With my Leatts i found i simply had to run the strap less tight to alleviate the issue. As always though, try before you buy!
@secondtimeuser: the cheapest option will probably be buying a clear snowsports goggle, or replacing an old scratched snow goggle you have with a clear lens
Always wear pants when it is cold and wet. Water resistant soft shells are great unless it is going to be a long one. I don't typically bother with a water proof jacket unless I am going for a long ride or the temperature is just above freezing. Wool or another technical fabric for your layers are critical.
Having Raynauds, I'd love to know how to make those heated grips Joe. I tried the heated grips (proper pack that a brand is selling. The battery is bulky, the grips are too big of a diamater)...
How does it work on the carbon Bar? (also yes, carbon bar for less cold... alloy was terrible for me...)
Me too! I had a set of heated grips made by AMI but they are super old and they finally bit the dust last year. Good reminder about the carbon bar @akamera, now I have a good excuse to buy one ????
loving the knee length sealskins over a thin pair of merino socks - I will be ever in debt to the Scotsman who introduced me to the dry toasty combination and if ever our paths cross again, there will be a dram or two on me
Leatt 5.5 are the cheapest option for goggles with a great quick release lense system and double wall lenses I could find. They're also super high quality.
Small correction, I meant the Leatt Velocity 6.5, not 5.5
Hmm,yeah fitment is of course always an issue. Compared to my Oakley Airbrakes for example they feel better in the nose area to me and i usually have problems with goggles rsestricting airflow as well. I will say though, they are less flexible and are probably less suitable to a flat face structure compared to the Airbrakes. In my experience these things do depend on a lot of factors. Face structure, helmet type and fit and even how tight you run the goggle straps. With my Leatts i found i simply had to run the strap less tight to alleviate the issue. As always though, try before you buy!
How does it work on the carbon Bar? (also yes, carbon bar for less cold... alloy was terrible for me...)
Thanks in advance!!