Vital MTB Product Reviews

DMR Brendog Vault Pedals

Sat, 18 May 2013 23:04:03 -0700

Vital review for DMR Brendog Vault Pedals

Tested: DMR Brendog Vault Pedals

Overall:

DMR Brendog Vault Pedal review coming soon!

Reviewed by TRex on 5/18/2013

Deity Decoy 2.5 Flat Pedal

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:09:47 -0700

Member review for Deity Decoy 2.5 Flat Pedal

Hulk SMASH!

The good:

Super strong! Long lasting. Grippier than all hell!

The bad:

They could be a tad wider for catching the bike on tricks, but that's if I'm gonna nit-pick.

Overall:

Very durable, I've ridden these pedals for a few years now on my dirt jumper and some on my DH. They've lasted through some tough bails at the skate park, many days at the dirt jumps and out on the trail. Hell, they even survived being hit by a car (rear ended, smashed my e13 LG1r cranks up)! I rode a pair of these briefly on my DH bike and they took the constant beating of rocks and roots, only loosing two pins the whole season. The reason I took them off my DH rig was being a weight wienie I wanted the new HT flats. The red ano has lasted the test of time (2 years) and the spindles are strait and they still spin like new. In my opinion, a pedal shouldn't last that long on hard ridden bikes. I love these pedals for all types of riding, never needed to clip in with these coupled with a good pair of 5.10 shoes even on the nastiest tracks.

Reviewed by AdamZiegler52 on 5/16/2013

Shimano M640 Zee Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:53:40 -0700

Member review for Shimano M640 Zee Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Affordable and really, really good

The good:

After using Avid´s for serveral years and switched to shimano zee and was a fan right after the first ride. Predictable, lot´s of power, good levers, easy to find the right dose of braking, good pricing on rotors and pads' ...bleeding is a piece of cake :-) Updated: so far - no fading

The bad:

the mount for the handlebar is very "solid", but it works well and holds everyhting in place

Overall:

get one, put in on your bike and never worry about braking again

considering the price and what you get, I would definitly say it´s worth five stars

Update:
I gave the brakes a solid 4h hours in Leogang and went down the freeride, downhill and bingo bongo trail´s. The brakes worked very well. Braking-power is predictable and it is easy to find the right dose. In "scary" moments the brakes really help to get out of the situations without a crash.
After some runs on the downhill there was no fading and on some parts the brakes had to do a lot of work as it was my first day on the donwhill in 2013.

I haven´t changed my mind and would recommend the brakes.

Reviewed by lister_yu on 5/16/2013

Canfield Brothers Crampon Ultimate Pedal

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:54:34 -0700

Member review for Canfield Brothers Crampon Ultimate Pedal

Great pedals for the price

The good:

Lightweight / Thin Price Great grips

The bad:

Pins need Loctite Will rip your shins up Bearings / Bushings don't seem that great

Overall:

These pedals are incredibly thin, reasonably light, and come in at a great price point. They hold on to your feet really well, but allow you to adjust easily when needed. I've found that I climb just as fast with these pedals as with clips because you can pull up so far into the pedal stroke.

The badness: the bearings or bushings don't seem like they're sealed that well and have developed a small amount of play in a relatively short amount of time. They also don't spin as freely as I would have hoped. Be warned tho, you need to Loctite the pins in place. I probably lost half of the pins in the first two rides and didn't have any pedal strikes. Luckily Canfield supplies you with extra pins so it wasn't that big of a deal.

Great pedals, love the color, still using them on several different bikes.

Reviewed by PARMAGEDDON! on 5/16/2013

Straitline SC Platform Pedal

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:44:18 -0700

Member review for Straitline SC Platform Pedal

Benchmark for durability

The good:

Durable, super easy to service, bombproof

The bad:

Price, not super thin, weight

Overall:

Some say they drag because they run on bushings rather then bearings, this is almost not noticeable. I have run them dh and enduro for three years and never been bothered with this. Maybe serviced them once a year or even less, no play and very little friction. Also I do not grease them as other reviewers have mentioned as the bushings are self lubricant. They are basically fit and forget.

Reviewed by bengt.leon on 5/16/2013

Santa Cruz Jackal Frame

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:10:36 -0700

Member review for Santa Cruz Jackal Frame

Best DJ Frame on Market....

The good:

Everything... Super short stays, light, bomb proof, sick user friendly dropouts for SS use, geometry is spot on for DJ and park. Tall? No not at all. Look around, its not super cool to run low bars/80mm fork because some pro does. Does not work for everybody. Check out Martin S. or Sam Pilgrim. 120mm forks and Sam even runs high rise bars. To above reviewer.... Who designed this bike? Kirt Vories, and Jamie Goldman back when they were on Syndicate that's who... Bike has an amazing feel, if you build one up you will not be bummed.

The bad:

The fact that I want the new 2013 one with tapered headtube...

Overall:

After riding Many DJ frames over the years( P series, Chase, Bank, Blk Market), this bad boy is hands down the favorite. Geometry is spot on and rips DJ trails and parks with ease. Love the adjustable dropouts for SS use and easy to runs gears as well. Running 100mm RCT Argyle, King headset, and SS 16 x 34 with Saint Cranks, XT Ice Tech Brakes, and Full Chromag components, and I will never let this one go...

Reviewed by 26only on 5/16/2013

Deity Decoy LT Flat Pedal

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:47:22 -0700

Member review for Deity Decoy LT Flat Pedal

Solid Pedal

The good:

Very light, spins smooth with little noticeable friction after break in period. Good size platform.

The bad:

Traction is good but could be better with another pin style or material. They just seem thick and don't quite bite shoes as much as some others. Still very solid traction though.

Overall:

Killer pedal for the money. In my opinion, works best on DJ/ Slopestyle bike. Would look for more pins for DH or trail riding. Would buy again for my Santa Cruz Jackal in a second...

Reviewed by 26only on 5/16/2013

Crank Brothers Mallet 3 Clipless/Platform Pedals

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:30:39 -0700

Member review for Crank Brothers Mallet 3 Clipless/Platform Pedals

Decent Pedal

The good:

Weight, spin freely and overall quality

The bad:

Traction pins and engagement

Overall:

This is my first attempt at riding clipless and I traded in my brother's old pedals for a set of these thru the deal Crank Bros was doing at the time - trade in any clipless pedal and get any set of their high end pedals for half price.

I enjoy being clipped in for some aspects of riding and I can feel that they make pedaling a bit easier on the rougher sections where a foot would be hard to keep on platform pedals. I love the size of these with a full platform as they make clipping in easy. I found that sometimes I don't feel all the way clipped in and I have to unclip and re-clip to make sure I'm all the way in there. That is pretty annoying when you're riding and have to up-clip/re-clip when you're really fully engaged and just don't feel it. The traction pins, for me are pointless; even when backed out all the way they still don't engage my shoe and help out with traction. Another reason why I shun pedals with set screws as traction pins-they fill with dirt and have to be backed out almost until there is no thread engagement with the pedal and they fall out or tear the pedal threads out when struck. I also discovered that when you corner aggressively or whip your bike sideways off jumps, you're feet pop out and that is a nightmare and not very cool at all. It could be me and my lack of clipless pedal ninja skills, but it happens more than I care to enjoy. Unclipping to dab a foot down is fairly easy and not an issue and the color matches my bike to keep my whip lookin as fresh as possible, as the kids say. I'm not saying these pedals are crap, but for me and my lack of clipless skills, they are not a high scorer. The quality is outstanding and I have had no issues or problems with these pedals structurally. I just really enjoying platform pedals and would rather ride unclipped.

Reviewed by brimmergj on 5/15/2013

iXS Dagger Knee Guards

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:02:02 -0700

Vital review for iXS Dagger Knee Guards

Tested: iXS Dagger Knee Guards

Overall:

by Lee Trumpore

Downhill, freeride, dirt jumping, enduro, cross-country, park... you name it, iXS has a knee pad to fit your needs. With athletes like Darren Berrecloth, Hans Rey, and Kurt Sorge helping to design and test new models, you know these pads are meant to take some serious abuse.

Dagger Knee Guard Highlights

Designed in collaboration with Darren Berrecloth
Hard plastic, double injected external knee cup
Extended shin padding for added protection from pedal strikes and rocks, plus additional thigh padding
Squeezebox joint between knee and shin to provides protection while maintaining flexibility and mobility
NockOut shock absorbent padding around knee and extended on upper leg
AeroMesh antibacterial, moisture wicking material used throughout
Soft silicon strips and Velcro closures keep everything in place while riding and crashing
Tear resistant nylon layers
EN1621-1 certified
Weight: 360 grams per pair
MSRP $80

The Dagger was designed by iXS at the request of their freeride and gravity riders. The riders wanted more protection than offered by traditional knee pads, but without the added bulk of a full knee/shin combination. The result is a pad that borrows technology and inspiration from both designs to provide additional kneecap and lower leg protection from rocks and pedal strikes while maintaining a minimalist fit and feel.

A hard plastic cup on the outside of the Dagger assures your kneecap is safe from even the sharpest rocks, while substantial padding around and above knee provides protection from indirect and secondary impacts as well. After initial testing an additional joint called the Squezebox was added between the knee and shin to eliminate any gap in protection while maintaining flexibility. Internally, the Dagger has a relief in the soft padding around the kneecap which adds stability to the fit as well as making the pad more comfortable while pedaling. They come in specific left and right models and are slightly pre-bent to better match the contour of your leg while riding and pedaling.

Initial Impressions

To be honest, my very first impression after trying the Daggers was that I was going to be in for a very long day. Maybe it was the shock of brand new material compared to my usual well-worn and broken-in pads. Or perhaps it was the way the pre-curved pads fit while standing with straight legs, either way I was initially skeptical. However, any concerns I had quickly disappeared as soon as I headed out of my garage.

The pre-curved shape and the internal knee cup result in a knee pad that is incredibly comfortable to pedal, almost to the point where I couldn’t tell they were there. My favorite feature by far was the relieved area around the point of my kneecap. Unlike many other pads that increase pressure as you bend your knee, the Dagger design maintains several millimeters of separation throughout the pedal stroke. I spent the first day flat out starting with some cross-country followed by shuttle runs, all while shooting photos for another assignment. It was a full 10 sweaty hours before I took the pads off or even pulled them down. Despite being brand new there were no raw spots and no chaffing after wearing them for what for many would be a week’s worth of riding time.

As much as I tried to avoid it, I did manage to use the pads for their intended purpose on several occasions. This included accidentally walking into a two foot deep gutter and smashing my knee directly on the 90-degree concrete corner. Dagger 1, concrete 0. In the next few months I continued to be impressed by the protection the pads offered, but over time a few possible issues with the fit became more apparent.

Things That Could Be Improved

Keep in mind that while knees, calves, and quads come in dozens of possible sizes and configurations, knee pads unfortunately only come in three or four sizes. So while you can buy the same pair of medium Daggers I tested, you’ll likely be putting them on a very different pair of legs.

While not apparent on the first ride, I later experienced some rubbing on the lower inner seam. The culprit seems for be the stitching in that area which is noticeably less supple than I would expect, and a bit odd given that none of my other iXS pads have the same problem due to their much smoother construction in the same spot.

It could just be my legs, but perhaps borrowing some construction techniques from other pads in their line might be a good idea. As much as I loved the pre-curved shape of the pads for actual riding, they are not as comfortable while standing upright in a lift line or on extended hike-a-bike sections. The shape also makes it more difficult to pull the pads down around the ankles to help cool things off while riding the lift or pedaling between sections. Hopefully with the growing enduro trend someone will design a fully functional knee pad like the Dagger that can be taken on and off without requiring the removal of your shoes.

Long Term Durability

After two months or regular riding, crashing, and numerous photo sessions spent crawling around the jungle on my knees these pads show no signs of premature wear. There is no loose stitching or visible damage to the plastic and the Velcro is still as new. They’ve been put through the laundry with no ill effects and have remained odor free in between washings despite Taipei’s balmy, bacteria friendly climate.

What's The Bottom Line?

With the Dagger Knee Guards, iXS has created a unique knee/shin pad combo that is extremely comfortable to wear while pedaling, but without sacrificing much in terms of protection. For the flat pedal rider, or anyone whose trails tend to spit up loose rocks off the front wheel, the extra shin padding is much appreciated. While obviously not as protective as a full knee/shin combo, the Dagger is far less restrictive, lighter, and more portable.

Minor issues with some of the seams aside, these pads are a real winner and it’s easy to see why they’re already a favorite among guys like Darren Berrecloth and Kurt Sorge. For some riders these pads are likely to tick all the boxes. Others may might want to consider a slightly different option from iXS’s extensive range.

Visit www.ixs-sportsdivision.com for more info.

About The Reviewer

Lee Trumpore has been riding bikes for more than 20 years on just about every material and technology the bike industry has come up with. In more than a decade of professional DH racing, Lee won a Collegiate National Championship and was a mainstay at major North American races as well as occasionally snagging a last page result in the World Cup series. Testing prototype components and suspension setups was common during his racing days. He has a smooth, light style on the bike even while holding it wide open. An East Coast native, his favorite trails are fast and flowing technical descents with as many corners as possible and just enough moisture to keep things interesting. Nowadays, rather than racing the clock, he'd rather enjoy a rad descent after a hard pedal to the top. A closet nerd with a Master's degree in education policy Lee currently lives in Taipei, Taiwan where he splits his time teaching mathematics to the next generation of computer geniuses and behind the lens as a photo mercenary for VitalMTB and other industry clients.

Reviewed by general lee on 5/14/2013

Race Face Charge Leg Guards

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:08:45 -0700

Vital review for Race Face Charge Leg Guards

Tested: Race Face Charge Leg and Arm Guards

Overall:

by Nick Zuzelski

A common dilemma facing many riders is the pad situation when throwing a leg over their all-mountain bike. Who wants to run heavy, bulky downhill pads while they grind to the top of a fun descent? Then again, who wants to deal with cut up knees/elbows if things get a little too crazy on the way down? As a solution to the dilemma, Race Face has introduced the Charge Leg and Charge Arm Guards. They took a very minimalist approach with the guards by offering a thin layer of defense while maintaining maximum comfort and flexibility.

Charge Guard Highlights

Stretch mesh sleeve with second skin, minimal fit with targeted coverage
Foam panel impact zone with stretch Kevlar cover for shred proof durability
Silicone gripper along inner top opening ensures 'stay-put' fit
Silicone patch on shin of leg guard eliminates slippage
Flatlock comfort seam finish
Sizes XS through XXL, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone
Black color only
MSRP $53.99 (Legs) and $36.99 (Arms)

On The Trail

Using the Race Face fit chart as a guide, my leg and arm measurements landed right in between two sizes. Given that these are meant to fit snuggly and stretch over the knee and elbow, I decided to size down. This ended up being a good choice since these guards are designed to stay in place using the tension of the material, so getting a size too big would basically render the guards much less useful. The smaller option seemed to fit like a glove with more of a compression sleeve type of fit.

Once on, the overall comfort was very noticeable. Flexibility was still 100%, the material felt great, and I could hardly tell that there was any stitching internally.

As advertised, "second skin" is the best way to describe the padding - they're quite minimalist, especially when compared to your usual knee and elbow pads. The Leg Guards feature an approximately 1/8-inch thin foam insert that covers your knee and extends down to your mid to upper shin, providing quite a bit of coverage. The mesh extends a few inches up to your lower quad (almost to your riding chamois). The Arm Guards feature the same thin insert around your elbow area. Both guards have a durable Kevlar material over the top of the padded area, and it seems like it's made for the long haul. The surrounding mesh material breathes quite well, although you are still going to be warmer than if you were riding without them. Nevertheless, these are a big step closer to all-day comfort compared to your typical downhill pads. They rarely bunch behind the knee, and if they do it doesn't cut off circulation unlike many alternatives currently on the market.With the help of the silicon anti-slip treatment around the openings, they've stayed in place and I haven't had any issues with the guards slipping down.

While very thin, the guards do seem to take the edge off. Although I've had no proper rag dolling or huge get offs while wearing these guards yet (and hope to keep it that way), there were a few instances where having the Charge Guards on helped - mostly little impacts on pedals, branches, handlebars, etc. That "second skin" seemed to give enough of an extra buffer to prevent any minor injuries. That said, don't count on them to prevent major injuries should things go really wrong - they simply aren't thick enough, nor did Race Face intend for them to take any big hits. For someone that previously rarely wanted to wear pads of any variety while on my trail bike, though, they fit the bill well.

As an added benefit, I've found these to be awesome when temperatures drop. On colder days I find myself purposely grabbing the Charge Guards for more warmth on the legs. They are extremely comfortable while pedaling and offer more warmth to those tendons and ligaments when the temperatures outside are less than ideal.

What's The Bottom Line?

If you're looking for a little bit of protection on your trail and all-mountain rides, the Race Face Charge Guards are a great solution. They fit well, are comfortable, breathe well, don't restrict movement, and stay put - all necessary qualities for a good set of knee guards made to pedal in. They also offer a little extra warmth on cold days. We all push it just a bit too hard sometimes and the Charge Guards will help keep you from getting scratched up.

For more details, visit www.raceface.com.

About The Reviewer

Nick Zuzelski began riding motocross at a young age, a sport that would eventually lead him to the world of downhill. As a Colorado native, racing downhill, dual slalom, or a chill dirt jump session was never far away, and he eventually worked his way up the ranks to the Pro level. Now residing in Eastern Pennsylvania, he recently changed it up from the Rocky Mountain dust to East Coast loam, world class dirt jumps, and rocks... lots of rocks. If a trail has fast flow and some fun gaps, he is grinning ear to ear and getting after it. Living by the assumption that basically everything feels better with a short stem and wide bars, you can count on him keeping it real with a laid back attitude and flat pedals most of the time. Mechanical Engineer by trade, rider by heart, he enjoys riding it, finding out how it works, and making it better.

Reviewed by Zoomlinski on 5/13/2013