Truvativ X-GuideTruvativ's X-Guide is designed for riders who require a chain guide, but still want the versatility that comes with a dual ring setup. That describes many all-mountain or trail-bike riders who's trails are littered with jumps or rough enough to call for a guide to keep the chain on the rings. Unlike most other dual ring guides that use some sort of stepped lower roller or sliding element, the X-Guide employs two sealed bearing pulleys of the same size side by side, each one aligned with the corresponding chain ring. The twin pulley system is enclosed and protected within the lower slider that is attached to the backplate via a single hex screw and captive hardware. While no upper slider is used (
it would clearly interfere with the front derailleur), the backplate itself is shaped to keep the chain from bouncing off to the inside. A replaceable skid plate prevents you from mashing your big ring on logs and rocks. The X-Guide is available in models to fit ISCG, ISCG-05 and standard bottom bracket mounting, as well as in both black and white colour options. Total weight is 155 grams. MSRP $150.00 USD.
www.truvativ.com |
| The X-Guide has managed to not only keep the chain in place, but also does it quietly and without needing any finicky adjustments. |
 | We haven't had the best of luck with dual ring guides in years past, with most of our experience involving noisy guides that wore out quickly and required constant attention, so we were understandably hesitant about the X-Guide. Our concerns proved to be unfounded, though, with the Truvativ dual ring system performing reliably and noise free. Setup is painless thanks to the lower slider's single bolt attachment, taking only a few minutes to adjust. Added drivetrain friction feels negligible when spinning the cranks by hand, meaning that there isn't a chance that you'll feel it through your legs. This is where the twin pulley wheels come in, each one located exactly inline with the chain rings, giving it a much freer feel than if the chain was being tensioned by a solid stepped roller. The X-Guide also refused to jam when back pedalling, unlike a dual ring guide that depends on a sliding lower roller that self positions. And while it will never be as quiet as a single ring and chain guide setup, it worked well at keeping the noise to a minimum on our Trek Slash test bike. Shifting over the chain rings felt as quick as ever, with no delay due to the added chain tension. We will admit that we have yet to miscalculate bad enough to put the skid plate to the test, but it looks to be up to the task of defending the chain rings from any grievous harm. The X-Guide will make a great addition to any rider's bike who wants to stick with two rings, but who also needs the security of a proper guide. - Mike Levy |
Hydrapak Vault phone and electronics pouchThe Vault is designed to attach to one of the shoulder straps on your backpack via a sturdy looking hook and loop enclosure on its backside, providing a convenient location to keep your phone, camera, or multi-tool. Unlike any one of the countless flimsy phone cases out there, the Vault is built with burly PU coated Tarpaulin fabric. Integrated stretch side panels allow you to squeeze in a larger phone or camera than you might think would fit, and the inside is lined with a soft material that won't scratch the finish on your phone. The Vault retails for $10.99 USD
www.hydrapak.com |
| The Vault keeps your phone or small camera in an easy to reach spot, or you can even use it to carry a multi-tool and energy gels. |
| While the Vault may not be the coolest accessory out there, it certainly comes in handy. Many riders are happy to leave their phone behind, but we always feel much safer (especially when riding solo) to bring it along. The Vault keeps it within reach in case of an emergency, but was also great for when we wanted to snap a quick photo, be it with our phone or a small point-and-shoot camera. The hook and loop enclosure never opened once, and we quickly stopped worrying about it falling off during a ride - this thing is secure. It did rock back and forth a bit when holding a heavy multi-tool, but that is likely a function of how wide the backpack's shoulder straps are. We'd like to see it slightly larger to fit phones that are already in a protective case - a naked iPhone 4 fits quite snuggly - or even just older, larger cell phones. A slightly larger size would also allow different cameras to fit, not just the slimmest point-and-shoot models. At just $10.99 the Vault is a small accessory that makes sense for anyone who wants quick access to their phone or camera, however you will want to be sure that whatever it is that you plan on putting in it will fit. - Mike Levy |
Sombrio Ruckus gloveSombrio's clothing lineup is known for its distinctive look, and their Ruckus glove is no different. The top of the glove is constructed from Nylon, with the outer two fingers making use of stretch knuckle joints to aid movement. Two prominent rubber pads, one covering the outer two knuckles and one over the top of the hand, have been added for protection, and each finger features mesh side paneling to let the air flow through. While most of the palm is made up of single layer Maxkin material, Sombrio has placed an interesting pad on the outside edge where your hand would rest atop the edge of the grip. As with the majority of other gloves, soft material has been placed over the thumb to wipe that annoying runny nose during a ride. The Ruckus glove is available in three different color options: the blue/black version shown here, a red and black option, as well as a white and black model. Sizes run from XS through to XXL. MSRP $20.00 USD.
www.sombriocartel.com  |
| The Ruckus glove features a small pad on the outside edge of the palm to protect your hand from the outer metal collar found on some lock-on grips. |
| Everyone in the PB office are fans of thin gloves - we like that 'not there' feeling that makes the grips feel as if they are part of our paws. The Ruckus' single layer Maxkin palm provides exactly that. The minimalistic palm material is just one small step up from going gloveless, minus the blisters and ripped up hands from crashing. We especially like the small pad on the outside edge of the palm that is perfectly positioned to insulate your hand from the metal outer collar found on many lock-on grips. Flip the Sombrio gloves over and you'll find a sturdy Nylon top and two thick rubber segments for protection. While the smaller rubber bumper that is positioned over top of the outer two knuckles makes complete sense (it protects those knuckles from tree strikes), we have to question the larger rubber pad in the middle of the hand - it looks to be a case of fashion over function, to be honest. Glove fit is always going to be a personal thing that varies from rider to rider, but we found the Ruckus to fit a bit too snuggly across width of the palm when compared to the countless other gloves that we've used. A larger size isn't the answer, given that the finger length felt to be spot on with our mediums. The cuff also fit quite loose, almost like they were meant to be on an extra large size instead of our medium Ruckus'. Their unique looks and smart palm layout make the Ruckus glove worth recommending, but you'll definitely want to give them a test fit before purchasing. - Mike Levy |
