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Review submitted by: Tom Heavey Reviewers e-mail:
Tom Heavey Gear type: Tyres Brand(s): panaracer Model: Trailraker Price paid: € 42 Where purchased: Cycleogical How long in use: 2 years Pros: These tyres are perfect for the Irish winter, I was running one on the front of my NRS and it really gave me more much more confidence on roots and hitting muddy sections at speed. They shed mud as well as can be expected and never punctured on me, they also work pretty well on rocky sections, although not if the pressure is too high. They don’t appear to wear down too quickly either. Cons: They were a bit on the pricey side, and can be draggy enough on the road, but it’s a fair compromise I feel Other reviews: MTBR review
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Tom Heavey Gear type: Backpack Brand(s): Camelbak Model: Mule Price paid: € 70 Where purchased: The Great Outdoors How long in use: 1 year Pros: Perfect bladder size at 1.5ltrs, I hardly wash it out and it always tastes perfect, never drips and very user friendly.
The pack has a number of secure pockets with a great key holding loop inside one of the pockets so you don’t lose keys even if a pocket opened or you left it slightly open.
I can carry water, tools, tubes, phone, food and a jacket without really noticing it!
Plus a rinse with Milton for the bladder and a regular wash in the machine for the pack and they are like new, if you are an mtb’r in the market for a backpack buy this one.
Cons: On long hot spins 50k+ I always run out of drink, but a spare bottle in the cage takes care of this, also sometimes the bladder can be rather difficult to open if you have drained it totally.
Other reviews:
Chain Reaction Cycles customer reviews
Review submitted by: Morgan O'Connell, Paddy O'Brien Gear type: Lights Brand(s): Lumicycle Model: NiMH 2000 System (12w spot and 20w flood), smart charger Price paid: €290 Where purchased:
Lumicycle How long in use: 5 years Pros:
Simple construction and all parts available as spares
Long burn times (about three hours burn time on 12w),
They can be user-modified (e.g. LED upgrade)
Last for years
The smart charger is deadly .. takes about 4 hours for a full charge but you can't bust the battery by overcharging
Cons:
Battery bag removes paint from frame like sandpaper (I'd get the bottle battery if buying again)
Had to buy mounting brackets separately (these now come as standard)
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Fergal Kilkenny Gear type: Socks Brand(s): Sealskinz Model: Waterproof Mid-Light Sock Price paid: € 30 Where purchased: Chain Reaction Cycles How long in use: 1 year Pros: Nice colour, initially seemed to work well
Cons: Developed holes after only a few months, ankle elastic has slackened off, doesn't stop water getting in over the top.
The customers on CRC seemed to like them, I wouldn't recommend them - they operate on the principle of keeping your feet dry after water has entered your shoes - why not prevent the water getting in in the first place?
Seems like a more logical idea so I went for a pair of these and they work great,
only €7 more than the socks -a better investment I reckon, ignore any 'roadie bender' slagging, they're worth it
Other reviews:
Chain Reaction Cycles customer reviews
Review submitted by: Paul Murphy Gear type: Shoes Brand(s): Specialized Model: BG Sport Price paid: €81 Where purchased: Cycleways How long in use: 1 week Pros: I wore them on a 7 hour spin first day I had them and only experienced some rubbing on my heal and a slight discomfort on the ball of my foot (however I was boghopping at the time).
They are comfortable, and you don't really notice them, which is great for a shoe. They look good too...
Cons: Cons: They leak like a sieve - absolutly zero water protection - I am going to have to get some sealskin socks at the weekend as these shoes will not be of any use in the winter otherwise.
Am a bit weary of the velcro straps - but they will be tested over time. One of the cleats shifted backwards over their first use - I will monitor this to see if it reoccurs..
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Fergal Kilkenny Gear type: Lights Brand(s): Light and Motion Model: Solo Price paid: about €130 in 2006 Where purchased: Cycle Superstore Tallaght How long in use: 1 year Pros: Affordable, durable (rubber coated lens and tough plastic body), versatile (helmet and bar mount), good light output and duration (a little over 2 hours), small battery size.
Cons: Small things really - 14 hour recharge time (no problem though if you hook it up to a timer plug to prevent overcharging), battery is a little bit heavy.
Review submitted by:
Robert Drohan Gear type: Shoes Brand(s): Specialized Model: BG Pro Price paid: € 190 Where purchased: Wiggle How long in use: 2 months Pros: Very comfortable and light (726g size 42), carbon sole, 2 velcro + ratchet closure, optional studs.
Cons: Not that robust looking, best kept for XC racing
