Art O'Connor

I had all but given up on baggies. Typically what happens is I get a new set of baggies and after one ride throw the liner away because it is total junk. While I am still left with a reasonably nice pair of shorts they are not riding shorts. I waited a while to write this to make sure I really gave these a good shake. The liner is amazing. As comfortable as my best bibs. I even wore these on few long trainer sessions to really check them out. I figured the trainer is the best test since I tend to not stand and if there were any trouble spots they would show here. They never did. With the current run of warm weather here in the Wasatch i have also taken them on a number of road (one over 3 hours) and dirt rides. Again no complaints as to the way they ride. Super comfy the whole way.

A few little things. The front pockets are comically shallow. My phone sticks out and there is no way I would carry anything in them while riding, or even just walking around for that matter. The side zipper pocket is really nice though. Next, and this is more a comment about baggies in general. They are pretty hot. It is early spring here so it is not a problem but I don't think I will be doing much riding with them come summer. I guess if I rode charlifts at resorts they would be fine for that. Most of my riding is of the long XC type so I suppose I am not really the target buyer for these anyway. That said these are really nicely made and they are super comfortable.

This is my first Osprey Hydration Pack but it wont be my last. I was looking for a small bag for 50-100 mile MTB races. i wanted to just be able to carry my food, tool, water and maybe a rain jacket. So size wise this is a perfect bag.

My Favorite features in no particular order.
1. The small pockets on the waist strap hold a gel flask and some energy chews that I can access while riding. Since I can't reach my jersey pockets
2. The bite valve is perfect. No leaks and great flow. I also love the magnetic holder on the sternum strap. Nice detail.
3. The bladder is easy to get to and fill. The spine really helps when filling.
4. The Airscape back panel really does keep your back cool. You still sweat but nothing like I do with my Camelbak.
5. The Lidlock was not something I ever really considered but I do find it handy when I throw my bag in the truck. It is a nice way to not forget your helmet.

I have worn Salomons for years now and they have always fit me perfectly. I ordered these expecting the same. These hurt my feet like no other. I thought they would wear in but after 3 days my feet were bruised and I returned them. If they fit you they would be great, they did not fit me. I will get different pair of Salomons

The liner in these shorts are terrible. If you buy them cut out the liner and set it on fire. That is the only joy they will give you. Of course then you are stuck with a $90 pair of non riding shorts.

I am not an Enduro, big air, lift rider. i like long days in the dirt and the occasional XC race. I have never used a dropper post before because I didn't think I needed one. Man was I wrong! The control and confidence you get dropping your post on the steep stuff is really amazing. I am really tall and have never felt super comfortable rolling drops since my seat is 10" higher than my bars. Now it is no problem. So glad I gave this a try.

UPDATE:
Like others have mentioned here the durability of this post is terrible. I have to bleed it at least once a month. After about 400 miles on the post it began to sag when fully extended. This requires sending it back to SRAM, it is not serviceable by a dealer. At this point I am done with anything that SRAM makes that has seal. (my rear shock blew it's seals after less than 500 miles) Horrible quality and terrible service.

I have a "Bell head" this is my 3rd Volt and it fits me perfect. I use it for road, MTB and Cross. I have a big head and this is the only helmet on the market that fits me.

These are my favorite cyclocross clinchers ever. I have been using them for years in all kinds of conditions.

When I find stuff that works I stick with it. I bought these to replace the exact same paid I got 2 season ago. I have ridden over 10000 miles (road, MTB and 'cross) and the only reason they are being replaced is they ripped in a crash. I would say I got my moneys worth. As others have said they do not offer much in the way of padding but I like that in a glove. To each their own.

I know it is hard to get excited about tubes but these tubes have a great feature that makes them awesome. They have a removable valve core so you can easily add sealant to the tubes. Here in Utah the goathead capital of the world if you ride cross you ride with sealant or you walk. Nicely done.

Have had a few brisk morning rides already with this cap. I have a big head and it fits me great. It is also pretty thin which makes it fit nicely under my helmet. Totally windproof it actually get a bit warm going uphill but I suppose that is the point.

Love this tool! Has everything I would ever need to get back home in a pinch. I bought this to replace one otherwise this thing will survive nuclear winter. Plus, the gold finish is just so pimpin'

Will go from super mushy pull almost to the bar, to no modulation and on off switch in the same ride. If these came on your bike throw them out. Do not buy these as an upgrade. Cantilevers would be better. Zero stars if BC would let me

I bought this so my team could look PRO at the local cyclocross series. We totally do now.

Beside looking cool it is a really nice rack and like all Feedback products it is very well crafted.

These are the cables I have been looking for my entire life. The brake cables transform your brakes into the most crisp, best modulating braking I have ever had on both my road bike and cyclocross bike. I have been running these all summer and I can't stress enough how much of a diference they make in my braking perfomance. The shifting is also flawless.

UpDate 10/6/13
Still loving these cable. 6000+ miles on the road bike and 2 race season on the 'cross bike and they are still flawless. One of the best bang for your buck upgrades i have ever done.

This is my go to bag for shorter rides. It carries a ton of water and enough food for about 3 hours (for me, I eat a lot). Not a lot of carrying space but that is not what this bag is about. Also not bad to run with if you are into that sort of thing.

I have been a huge fan of Flight saddles for over 15 years. I had a chance to try a Gobi on a borrowed bike on a trip this spring and then immediately got one for each of my bikes when i got home. It is that good.

I now have 2 cyclocross and 1 road season on my Eastons and they are as true and smooth as the day I got them. I weigh 190lbs and usually my wheels are pretty much thrashed after a season of cross.

As i said the rims are dead solid true and have never seen a spoke wrench. I am pretty lazy so despite my best intentions I also trained on these wheels all summer too. They have been ridden over 7000 miles and the bearings are still buttery smooth.

These wheels are not cheap, but they could possibly be the last race wheels you will ever need to buy.

I have been riding Bell helmets for years. This helmet replaced a sweep that I broke in a crash (my head is still intact) and the fit is very similar. The new pads are a nice improvement and seem to absorb sweat better than the ones in my Sweep. Every Bell I have ever had has been cool and light, the Volt continues that tradition, it is very cool in the heat. I love the dial ratchet, it lets me quickly adjust the size mid ride if I take my wool hat off when it warms up.