Category: Gear Reviews

About a year ago, the engineers and women’s product development team embarked on production of a women’s specific full suspension 29er. Specialized engineers have a great track record of moving 26″ platform bikes into 29″ while maintaining the comfortable rider position of the smaller wheeled version.

The Rumor line-up of bikes is the latest release, and for smaller women who love their existing Specialized bicycles, an option for a new level of riding and enjoyment that comes with bigger wheels.

Hinting at the design and performance of the successful Camber line of bikes, the development team sculpted and formed the M5 frame into an the best combination of standover and function. With a minimum clearance of 27.8 inches on the small while allowing for a water bottle cage, to a maximum of 27.95 inches on the large, there are few drawbacks to this bike for those in the 5′ range.

“We built a full-suspension 29er because we have seen how much fit and 29-inch wheels enhance confidence and stability for women out on the trails,” said Erin Sprague, women’s product manager. “Our product testers are around five feet tall and their trail experiences have improved dramatically on this platform.”

Two models will be released shortly with a third later this year. The Rumor Expert provides

• All-New M5 manipulated alloy, 110mm-travel frame with women’s XC Trail 29 geometry and tubesets, tapered head tube, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, and DMD derailleur mount makes this one tough and lightweight trail machine
• FOX Float CTD Evolution shock with AUTOSAG with women’s tune features 3 compression settings: Climb, Trail and Descend, plus ProPedal
• FOX Float CTD Performance Series 29 fork with CTD damper, rebound and compression adjust, lockout, tapered steerer tube and 110mm of travel smooths technical terrain
• Roval Control Trail 29 142+ wheelset with butted DT Swiss spokes and a wider rim profile and 12mm thru-axle for lightweight toughness.
• The 2.3″ Ground Control tire has a fast rolling and versatile tread for premium traction on technical trails
• Custom Formula T1 S hydraulic disc brakes with reach adjustment, metallic pads and SRAM compatible MiXmaster shifter mounts provide dependable braking’
• New SRAM Type 2 X0 mid cage 10-speed rear derailleur provides crisp and reliable gear changes
• Women’s Body Geometry Jett saddle with hollow Cr-Mo rails features lightweight foam cushioning and an ergonomic cutout for pressure relief

Check your local Specialized Canada dealer for more info soon!

Specialized has been an early adopter and staunch advocate of the 29″ wheel in most of their cross country mountain bike line. People thought 29″ hardtails were the only option. Then there were 29″ 100mm xc race weapons. This was pushed further to 120-130mm offerings by Specialized, Transition, Intense, Rocky Mountain and others.

Everyone figured that was the limit. There just wasn’t any room for more than 130mm of travel on a 29″ bike. Until now.

They said it couldn’t be done—a 155mm-travel 29er. The groundbreaking Enduro 29 is the ultimate All-Mountain machine for riders in search of the most-capable 29er in the sport. With dialed geo for navigating technical terrain, a tight wheelbase for agile handling, plus lightweight, yet strong, wheelsets and components, the Enduro 29 is a true All-Mountain game changer.

“I was wrong about this bike. It was nothing like I feared it would be and, no matter how much I look at the numbers, I still don’t really understand how Specialized have managed it. This bike, without question, pushes the boundaries of what is possible with a 29-inch bike. It also throws light back on the question of whether or not we need 650b bikes when 29ers can handle like this. This bike blew away any preconceptions of what i thought a 29er could or should be, and for that reason alone I love it.”
-pinkbike.com

• All-new, fully manipulated M5 alloy FSR 29 frame with ORE tubing is the centerpiece of this incredibly versatile 155mm-travel design; featuring sealed cartridge bearing pivots, 142mm + dropouts, ISCG ’05 mount, and replaceable derailleur hanger
• Custom FOX Float CTD Evolution with proprietary Specialized AUTOSAG technology features 3 compression settings and rebound adjustment
• FOX 34 Float CTD Evolution 29 fork features 150mm of travel, settings specifically for climbing and descending, and a 15mm thru-axle for precise handling
• Roval 29 All-Mountain rims mated to Specialized Hi Lo hubs, 15mm thru-axle, and a 142+ rear hub spacing for durable, lightweight, and affordable package
• 2Bliss ready Specialized Butcher Control 2.3″ dual-compound front tire for premium cornering; Purgatory Control 2.3″ rear tire for lightweight grip in intermediate conditions
• Custom SRAM S-1250 AM double crankset with Taco Blade mounted front derailleur and Gamut shiftguide for high-performance chain retention

We had our first frost this week so I thought it’s a great time to revisit a review I did this spring.

Staying warm and dry on BC trails has its challenges. Yes, I know we don’t have the cold weather of Ontario or Alberta, but you know what they say it’s not the cold, it’s the humidity! BC gets it’s fair share of damp wet days and if you’re going to ride through winter, a warm and waterproof shoe is extremely important.

Last year I tried neoprene booties, which caused issues clipping into my spd’s, and various different wool socks, which kept my feet warm for short rides. Both ways I left with cold feet that took hours to warm up.

The Shimano MW80 all weather shoes have been a popular choice locally, but I haven’t found Shimano a good fit for me. I’ve worn Specialized shoes for many years and on recommendation of our local dealer, ordered the new updated MTB Defrosters. Fit is very close to the Specialized standard, so I chose the same size as my older MTB Comp’s and my new MTB Pro’s.

Updated for 2012

Specialized went back to the drawing board this year. The Defroster benefits from more insulation, a new super adjustable Boa enclosure, full lace covering and a neoprene gusset around the ankle. Gone are the forefoot Velcro straps. Also missing are toe spike threads. Previous models had this extra traction, and there are molding impressions as if removing the threads was an afterthought. I hope they return these for future years.

The shoes arrived just in time, as the cool wet weather has arrived bringing snow to our upper trails. Fit was great and overall they were comfortable with just a single pair of wool socks.

I’ve worn the shoes for two rides so far, happy to report warm feet. Temps were approx 5 degrees Celsius on both rides so I actually found some sweating in my shoes. I hope cooler temps will be fine too. I haven’t throughly tested the waterproofness yet but I’m sure a rainy ride is just around the corner.

Update – I used these all winter and long into the spring. Dry and warm feet make for a much more enjoyable winter riding season! On a few really cold rides I added some toe warmer packets to the shoes which easily had enough room for this addition.

Cleat engagement is standard with no booties to get caught. Traction on slippery ground was adequate, (not much works on slimy rock in BC). In comparison to my summer mtb shoes they do feel slightly more bulky, but much less than hiking boots and flat pedals. The Boa system is very easy to adjust and readjust on the go, even with the lace cover in place. The initial fit of the lace cover could be better but I’ll let the shoes stretch before I make final judgement.

Initial impressions are positive, and I look forward to extended rides and cooler weather. I would recommend trying a pair if you want to ride through wet and cold winter weather.

You can find the Defrosters at your local Specialized retailer for approx $239

;

Pros

Warm and dry

Comfortable fit

Boa system offers easy adjustment

Cons

Lace cover may be tight for tall feet.

Loss of toe spike threads

Features

• Lightweight injection composite sole with sturdy co-molded lugs for traction in the nastiest conditions: 5.0 stiffness index
• Performance-enhancing BG contours in the outsole and footbed
• Waterproof and seam-sealed upper with low profile waterproof cover to lock out cold and moisture
• Lightweight Boa® L4 rotary closure for dynamic fit and on-the-fly tunability
• 400 gram full-shoe insulation for added warmth
• Thermal fleece-lined BG footbed uses a reflective metallic barrier to trap heat around the foot
• Reflective heel accent for visibility on dark training rides
• Snug-fitting neoprene collar forms a gusset to lock out cold and moisture
• Compatible with all major MTB pedals
• Approximate weight: 400g (1/2 pair #42)

The first in Nikon’s new AW series of waterproof, shock-proof, cold-resistant compact digital cameras

Equipped with a number of features, including GPS support, an electronic compass and map display, and action control convenient for outdoor shooting

TOKYO-Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the AW100/AW100s, the first model in Nikon’s new COOLPIX AW series of compact digital cameras suited not only to normal shooting situations, but also equipped with a number of features and functions that make them fun to use in a variety of outdoor situations.

The AW100/AW100s, Nikon’s first compact digital camera with waterproof, shock-proof and cold-resistant specifications, is a high-performance model with an effective pixel count of 16.0-million pixels. It offers not only basic camera features such as a backside illumination CMOS image sensor and functions for capturing still images with superior image quality and recording full-HD movies with the same superior picture quality, but is also equipped with a number of new features including GPS support, an electronic compass and a map display. Adoption of a lens utilizing new thin, right-angled optics makes the AW100/AW100s one of the slimmest truly waterproof compact digital cameras available. It offers not only a fashionable and elegant design that makes it perfect for everyday use, but also a tough body well suited to outdoor shooting.

To date, Nikon has offered three COOLPIX series of digital cameras: the L series, a line of cameras equipped with functions that make them fun and easy to use; the S series, a line of cameras offering advanced functions and refined design; and the P series, a line of high-performance cameras with a variety of functions that support more authentic photography. Now Nikon is pleased to add the AW series to its COOLPIX lineup. AW-series cameras are stylish models that offer superior image quality and support recording of more active scenes. The introduction of this new series allows Nikon to support a broader range of customers with cameras capable of recording special moments in a wider variety of situations. Nikon will continue to offer the enjoyment of capturing and viewing images by expanding its lineup of digital cameras to suit the needs and lifestyles of ever diversifying users.

COOLPIX AW100/AW100s Primary Features

1. An effective pixel count of 16.0-million pixels and a 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens with a zoom range beginning at the wide-angle 28 mm (equivalent in 35mm [135] format) for coverage of a broad range of angles of view
2. Nikon’s first waterproof, shock-proof and cold-resistant cameraThe AW100/AW100s offers durable specifications for shooting in the severe conditions presented with outdoor activities such as swimming and diving, or while hiking or skiing. It is waterproof to approximately 10 meters, shock-proof with a fall of up to approximately 1.5 meters, and can withstand cold air temperatures as low as −10°C (14°F).
3. Equipped with convenient functions of outdoor shooting

   Action Control

   This feature allows you to apply a variety of camera settings by simply pressing the large action button on the side of the camera and then shaking the camera. Action Control is convenient when gloves worn underwater or while skiing make operating the buttons on the multi selector difficult.

   Underwater scene mode

   When Underwater scene mode is enabled, either manually or automatically in Easy Auto mode, white balance is automatically adjusted using exclusive parameters to prevent unnatural green or blue cast in images captured underwater. In addition, adoption of a backside illumination CMOS image sensor that increases image quality with shooting at high sensitivities, less noise at high sensitivities all the way to the maximum ISO 3200, and a lens-shift + electronic vibration reduction (VR) function support capture of beautiful, blur-free images exhibiting very little noise under the low-light conditions experienced underwater.

   GPS (with A-GPS), electronic compass, map display, POI (point of interest) display, log function

   The high-performance GPS and electronic compass built into the camera acquire and record position information with shooting. This information can then be viewed on a world map1 displayed in the camera monitor. The A-GPS function2, adopted for the first time with a Nikon digital camera, makes using the GPS feature smoother and simpler.
   The AW100/AW100s also offers a log function that can be used to track and record movement with acquisition of position information even while the camera is off. Logs can then be saved and displayed in the camera monitor. POI settings for recording and displaying place names can also be specified.
   These features offer active users who enjoy sports or traveling new ways to enjoy their photos by allowing them to keep a record of their jogging route along with photos they have taken along the way, or to record their movement on an outing while on vacation as a file that can then be viewed using Google Earth™.
   In addition, when photos are uploaded to Nikon’s image storage and sharing site, my Picturetown, the photos can be displayed on a map using the application’s map view, and photos with position information attached can be shared with others. An update that will enable support for displaying heading information and logs with my Picturetown’s map view is planned.

   • 1Not available with the COOLPIX AW100s.
   • 2The A-GPS function built into the AW100/AW100s acquires satellite information data available from Nikon’s website, enabling faster positioning.
4. Backside illumination CMOS sensor enables capture of images in which noise is suppressed, even with shooting of dimly lit scenes such as night landscapes and indoor scenesAdoption of a backside illumination (BSI) CMOS image sensor, which increases image quality with shooting at high sensitivities, has led to even further advances in Nikon technologies that enable the capture of beautiful nighttime shots. When the HDR (high dynamic range) option is enabled in Backlighting scene mode, images exhibiting rich expression of tones and noticeably less loss of detail in shadows and highlights can be captured by combining multiple shots taken in quick succession.
5. An elegant design suited to both everyday and outdoor useAdoption of a lens utilizing new thin, right-angled optics has enabled one of the thinnest bodies (just 22.8 mm) among truly waterproof cameras. Despite being a very tough camera with waterproof, shock-proof and cold-resistant specifications that stand up to severe conditions, the AW100/AW100s retains an elegant form that is also suited to everyday shooting around town.
6. A function for recording high-resolution full-HD movies with the press of a buttonImpressive full-HD movies with stereo sound and a frame size of 1920 x 1080 pixels can be recorded by simply pressing the movie-record button on the back of the camera. In addition, optical zoom can be used during movie recording. The camera also offers an HS Movie feature for recording movies that can be played back in slow motion (1/8, 1/4 or 1/2 normal playback speed) or fast motion (two times faster than normal playback speed). Naturally, movies can also be recorded underwater.

It is an all too familiar situation when you get home from a bike ride and wonder aloud, “I am exhausted, exactly how far did I just go?” or: “I was flying down that hill, I swear I must have been going 30 mph!” Well, now we give you an affordable solution to know those answers during and after your ride.

Today we announced the Edge 200 GPS enabled cycling computer. Lightweight and stylish, the Edge 200 features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, requires no calibration, can be switched quickly and easily between bikes and can be used in all types of weather.

“The Edge 200 was designed for those budget conscious cyclists looking for the basics — speed, distance, time and calories,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “With no set-up or sensors required, simply switch on, press start and go. The Edge 200 adds so much to your ride that no ride will ever be the same again.”

Whether you ride for fun, fitness or to feed your competitive edge, users will love seeing how far and how fast they rode — all without wires and sensors. Edge 200 stores up to 130 hours of ride data and sorts activities to quickly look up the fastest, longest or last ride – providing motivation and inspiration that’ll keep cyclists on track. With a 14 hour battery life, Edge 200 features a USB interface for easy charging and data transfer.

Weighing a mere 2 ounces, the Edge 200 is both lightweight and affordable. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix® satellite prediction – meaning there’s less time spent waiting and more time spent riding. The Edge 200 also allows users to set alerts for distance, time or calories to make it easier and more fun to achieve their goals

The Edge 200 helps cyclists bring new life to old rides with Courses, a feature that lets riders challenge their times on previous rides. A digital cyclist shows their speed relative to past performance, along with an indication of how far ahead or behind they are. These can be taken from rides stored on the Edge or downloaded from the huge and expanding Garmin Connect™ community (http://connect.garmin.com ). Here users can quickly and easily log their rides, track their totals, set goals, share rides with friends and family and participate in an online fitness community of more than 70 million activities around the world. Garmin Connect displays metrics such as time, distance, pace, and elevation. This information is shown through charts, illustrations, reports and a variety of map representations including street, photo, topographic, and elevation maps. Use Garmin Connect’s new Course Creator feature to plan new rides or convert a past activity into a Course.

The new Edge 200 is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2011 and have a suggested retail price of $149.99.

For more information check out the Garmin site.

It’s pretty easy to get depressed this time of year. The wet weather, the short days, and most importantly, the lack of riding time. Although there’s not much that can be done to the weather or the short days, but with a decent set of lights you can help satisfy your craving for more time on your mountain bike until daylight savings time returns in the spring.

One of the cool things about night riding is how different it is than riding in the day. Now that might sound kinda stupid, like I’m stating the obvious, but riding at night seems to change the trails and how you look at them. A trail you’ve ridding a million times in daylight will look and feel completely different at night.

The best option for lights is to run a helmet mount setup. The nice thing about a helmet light is that the beam shines in the direction your head is facing. Anyone who’s spent more than 2 minutes on a mountain bike will understand the importance of this, since you’re not always looking in the exact direction that your bike is heading. My first set of lights 12 years ago was a bar mount system. I think I rode with them twice before going to a helmet mount setup. Yes, it makes that much of difference.

My old BLT Blitz with it’s 15W halogen and sealed lead-acid battery was the cat’s meow in it’s day, but is literally like holding a candle next to a stadium light when compared to the lights these days. High power LEDs with 900 lumens and sealed lithium ion batteries have made trail riding at night a lot more enjoyable.

If you’ve never tried night riding it’s time to give it a go. We have a ton of great lights in stock, with trail worthy options starting at $135. Trust me, if you value time on your bike it’ll be the best money you spend all winter.

We’ll be starting up our weekly shop rides on Tuesday evenings soon. If you’re interested give us a shout or make sure you sign up to the Blacks Cycle Facebook group so you get the event invites.

For more from Black’s Cycle check out their blog at http://blackscycle.blogspot.com