Gear Notes: August 19

About Gear Notes

Gear Notes is a weekly recap of what I’ve been riding and reviewing over the previous week, as well as quick first impressions of products prior to their full reviews. It’s a supplement to our formal gear writing that’s meant to keep you all, as readers, in the loop with what’s coming down the pipe.

What I rode last week

Maxxis High Roller 3 Tires

When the new High Roller was released during Crankworx, I was surprised by how well it did in what I would characterize as “Assegai conditions” - more hardpack, bike park riding. It was shockingly composed and predictable on the baked berms and rockwork of the Whistler Bike Park.

Yesterday it finally rained here in Bellingham and I got out for a ride on the High Rollers. Conditions were pretty slick - it had rained enough to give everything a sheen, but not enough to fully saturate the soil, so things were about as bad traction-wise as I’ve ridden in the PNW. These are exactly the sort of conditions that justify - to me at least, the High Roller 3. I’m not going to swap tires back and forth for every weather shift, so having a tire that can handle the dry stuff just fine, but performs better than an Assegai in the muck makes a lot of sense.

Honestly though, the trail we rode was really slick, with some really claggy soil, that behaved more like clay than loam, and I still packed up the High Roller a few times. It did shed really well as soon as I picked up any speed, and I’m excited to ride this tire in more consistently wet conditions, since i’m pretty sure yesterday was about as hairy as traction gets in August around here. I’ll write up a full review deeper into the wet season.

Trek Top Fuel (two ways)

Have I been putting off the Trek Top Fuel review because I don’t want to stop riding this bike? Maybe. For me at least, this bike finally delivers the short-travel “downcountry” promise to bigger people. It’s not noodly like other bikes in this class I’ve ridden, and I love its versatility.

I’ve been running it as a mullet with a 140 mm fork and beefy tires, as well as with a 120 mm fork, and racy 29” tires, and I love both configurations. In the past, when I’ve beefed up lightweight bikes like this, it felt like the tires were writing checks that the frame couldn’t cash, but with the Top Fuel, it just feels consistent and reliable. This bike is a delight. I’ll review it soon, but for now, it’s excellent. And they make it in aluminum too!

Manitou R8 Fork

I stole this from Julia, and she’s never getting it back. Fit with a 10 mm crown spacer to maintain geometry on the Top Fuel, it’s shocking how much I can ask of this lightweight fork without it protesting. I’ll put the full review together soon. For now: I really dig the volume spacer setup on this fork and have been tuning it to my liking.

I thought I had early-onset bushing play, but I tracked down that wiggle to the stack of brake adaptors I’m using to run a 200 mm rotor up front. I’m going to do a full damper swap soon to get away from the remote-activated model, so look for a writeup on that soon. Like the Top Fuel, this is another “I can’t believe I get to have this much fun on this product as a 200 lb person with poor line choice” product.

Ride Concepts Tallac Mid Flat Shoe

I’m one of the dozen or so people who really want mid-height, flat pedal shoes with a BOA Fit System. But finally Ride Concepts has answered! On paper, this shoe checks all the boxes. I love how easy and secure the BOA Fit System is to use, and the three flap design is super comfortable and weatherproof.

Out of the box, the toe box of the Tallac Mid felt tight on my very wide feet, but it broke in quickly. If I’d just tried these on in the shop, they would have been too uncomfortable, but after two rides, I don’t really notice them anymore. I don’t think they have quite the grip of Five Tens, but that remains to be determined. I’m excited to beat these up and write the full review.

RockShox Boxxer Fork

I don’t know if this is ever going to be a full review, but I finally got my hands on the new Boxxer, and it’s been a great reminder that while 38 mm single crown forks are great, there’s still something special about a true dual crown. It’s so plush, so confidence inspiring. Read the dang instructions while you set it up, and then go ride through things. Smashing is fun!

What I’m looking forward to riding this week

Schwalbe Radial Tires

I’ll start getting time on Schwalbe’s new Albert Radial tires this afternoon. Out of the box the tread pattern looks great, and I’m really interested to see how they ride. These tires also smell really good - like the inside of a Les Schwab. Will they make me faster, grippier, and braver? That remains to be seen!

Giro Loam Knee Sleeves

Giro’s new Loam sleeves are some of the most minimalist knee protection I’ve seen. I’ll start getting time in a pair soon, but they’re light and breathable. Any knee protection is better than none, and the Loam Knee Sleeves feel like natural siblings to the Giro Rodeo Glove, which I’ve really been digging this summer.

Sweet Protection Fixer 2vi Mips Helmet

I was excited when this helmet was teased at Crankworx, and now I’ve got one for myself. It feels nice. Super secure, super comfortable, with, I think at least, a sleek profile. I’m stoked to go shuttle and ride some bike park in this helmet.