Gregg Stepan

I had a previous model year version of the Kryrium Elite for a few years. It was "old reliable" wheelset for me. Not superlight, but not really heavy either. Very stiff feeling compared to other wheelsets I've used. The flat aero spokes seem to catch a sidewind more than conventional spokes. I'm still wishing I hadn't sold them.

I've used Michelin Pro Race and Conti GP4000s. I liked the feel of the Conti's the best, but these are my second favorite for feel and probably favorite overall of the three. I've only had them 400 miles, but they're great so far. No flats yet and seem to be wearing very well. They feel is not quite a supple or grippy as Conti, but I like the feel of these better than the Michelin's.

These SRAM Rival levers replaced my worn out Shimano Ultegra levers (just used them up). Saved me almost 200 grams. These are great--it was not difficult to get used to the different shifting from Shimano. (This brake lever doesn't move to shift; only the shift paddle behind the brake lever moves for shifting.) Flawless after about 500 miles.

I had the 4000s for about 10 months. They were the best feeling tire I've used--felt very grippy in turns, but not slow otherwise. They did not wear quickly either, and they are pretty light. Used at the 120psi max recommended on the sidewall. However, I had casing threads start to come off of the tire down by the bead and going around the tire. My brakes were never rubbing on the tire (I'm a former shop mechanic), so it seemed to be just falling apart prematurely. The bike shop juys said it was an issue they'd seen but not structural, but it still had me worried about a blowout, so I switched tires. I wish I felt comfortabel keeping them on there longer.

I usually backpack with folks who are not as avid backpackers as I am. I usually pump/filter this thing full and then hang it in camp (I tied a small piece of rope to the grommet for hanging). My camp mates love it, and I love it because I pump less often for others. So far I've had no holes or leaks, and I've probably used it for 10+ nights of backpacking.

Used this bar in the 25.4 version for a few years. Solid performer. Couldn't tell that it was any different than a 150g aluminum bar (in terms of vibration damping or stiffness). You pay extra for the weight savings.

This is the only post I use. I had a different brand bend on me once, so I just went back to this one. This is simply a mount and forget about it product. No slipping down into the seatpost, ever. Lightweight--you can get lighter, but not more durable for this weight.

If you can get your cross bars far enough apart on your car to use these, I think they are a great fork mount for the price. I've used them for years, with no problems. Long lasting. I like their simplicity.

I've been using an older model of this shoe for years--still going strong. I'm starting to wear out the sole around the clear, so I'll probably need to get some new ones. I also have a narrow foot--they seem like they would fit best on average to narrow feet. No issues with the buckles. Love them!

This has become my new favorite tire/tread design for the front on an XC race bike. The tire is very light in the non-UST version (I have the 26x2.25 non-UST version--they only seem to sell the UST version here). It is reliable in most conditions--giving my excellent grip while leaning into corners, steering corners, braking straight, or braking while turning. It still feels pretty fast and grippy on hard pack, but I have used other tires that feel faster on hardpack. It has taller knobs than most tires of similar light weight. I haven't had any issues with the sidewall durability, even though they are pretty thin.

I've used these and they worked great, but mine actually weighed-in heavier than advertised (more like 160 g). Maxxis's actual weights seem to be closer. I prefer to use a tube around 120-130g, which seems (for me) to be the best compromise between light weight and long lasting use.

I still think that Shimano QRs are the easiest to close, because of the design. Also, the design (with lever offset from center) seems to have fewer conflicts with fork or frame when closing. I've had XTR and other Shimano QRs for years, and I use them on all of my wheelsets, no matter the brand of wheelset or hub.

This is perfect when using torque wrenches--has everything size/type I've needed. I only wish it came in a case with a lid, so it traveled better in my tool box. Also, over time, the plastic holder isn't holding a couple of my sockets well. 4 stars for the holder, but otherwise, 5 stars.

I've carried this for a year in my jersey pocket on rides, and it's been great. I have not had to use the chain tool yet, but I've used several of the allen keys, and they've worked perfectly. Seems like high grade metal is used--I have not rounded off any of them. Not too flexy (I was worried about it being too flexy, since it only has one center support rail that ties the two ends together, but it's done just fine.) I've liked that it has a plastic tire lever that slides onto it on one side--the lever has been very useful to have a couple of times. I also wanted one that would work on a 10-speed chain (since some of my bikes has 10-speed chain and some are 9.)

The 2.0 version is thicker than their prior Ice Wax (at least my bottle is). That's a plus in my mind because it lasts longer on the chain (takes longer to get to the point that the chain is noisy again). I thought I would really like this lube for my chain, but I've ended up just thinking it's a bit above average. Even with a really good wiping after every application, it tends to build up on my jockey wheels of my derailleur and cause problems there. I have not used it on any non-chain parts (too much build-up when it dries, and too thick to penetrate tight places that don't have a lot of movement to work it in). I still use it on some of my bikes, especially because after it dries, it's pretty clean and it lasts longer than other wax based lubes I've used. But, I'm always watching out for build-up that I have to remove.

This lube has gotten the most use from me over the past few years. I use it on cables especially (or any non-chain part that needs a light lube--derailleurs and others). I also use it on chains when it's wet because it lasts on there better than anything else I've used. For my everyday bike, I like to use this on the chain, so that I don't have to lube the chain everytime I go out for a ride. Again, it's long lasting on a chain. It's heavier in viscocity than Pedro's Go lube--I like a wet lube to be a bit heavier.