Xpedo Spry Pedal Review

This is my second set of Xpedo Spry pedals, the first set I let go with my with my Knolly Chilcotin. I am always back and forth on whether or not I want to run clipless or flats. I think they both have there strong and weak points. Anyways as of today I am running flats.

I decided to go with the Xpedo spry pedals for a few reasons. Reason number one, price, they are half if not more than half the price of similar pedals. Reason number two, platform size/profile, these pedals have a large platform and are very compact, my Pivot Mach 6 has a low bottom bracket and I need every millimeter of clearance possible. Third reason is the fact that like the Xpedo Baldwins I own, the Spry's are very easy to rebuild. I don't care how great a pedal is if you ride it hard they will eventually need to be rebuilt. Being able to do this with minimum frustration is important to me.

On to some of the things I don't like about the Spry, number one, the pins are not great for me, I think this is a personal preference but I like pins that have a pointed profile, not spikes but at least something other than round pegs. You can buy other pins from Xpedo directly, they ofter three different profiles, what would be nice is if they sent a second option in the box instead of just extra round pins.

All in all these pedals are great, magnesium light weight low profile pedals for less than $100. I highly recommend them if you are in the market for a quality flat that won't break the bank.

By the Numbers:
Price: 5/5
Durability: 3.5/5
Weight: 5/5
Traction (pins that come with pedals): 2/5  you can purchase other pins from xpedo
Platform Size/Profile: 5/5

WTB Breakout Review

I decided to try the WTB Breakout (27 x 2.3). I have been running Vigilante's on front and back but after talking to a friend ordered the Breakout to try on the rear. Out of the box this tire appears to have a faster rolling profile than the Vigilante, lower center knobs but still plenty of side gnar for those whole like to really lean it over in the corners.

Like most WTB's it was a tight fit onto the wheel. I used some soap and water on the bead and the bead popped right in when I hit 40 psi. I set these up tubeless of course.

My first ride on this tire was a technical out and back called Oat Hill Mine in Calistoga, CA. This is a rocky strenuous climb and decent. I did notice a little slippage on the climb here and there but I think it was due to bad body position on some technical spots. Rolling resistance was much better than the vigilante.

I was a little nervous when I started heading down but quickly gained confidence when this tire performed just as it appeared it would. It held in the corners and more importantly braked very well. I didn't feel like I had to get on my brakes any sooner. All in all the Breakout/Vigilante is a great combo for those dry trails, loam and loose over hardpack. I haven't tried them in "wet" conditions yet but I am assuming they are not a very good tire in mud, but that isn't what they are for so no love lost.

This combo reminds me a lot of my old favorite go to combo, Hans Dampf/Magic Mary.

I know this is a Breakout review but since I used it as a combo (Vigilante Front) here are my final numbers.

Breakout 2.3 by the numbers:
Durability 4/5
Cornering 4/5
Rolling Resistance 4/5
Braking 3/5

Vigilante 2.3 by the numbers:
Durability 3/5
Cornering 5/5
Rolling Resistance 3/5
Braking 4/5

Push Elevensix Shock

I pulled the trigger and ordered an Elevensix shock from Push Industries. Push has been around for years, they are known for their custom suspension tuning. The Elevensix is their first in house shock ever. It is a coil over design but don't let that scare you away.

First thing I recommend is you visit the Push website ( http://www.pushindustries.com ) and see for yourself the time and dedication put into this shock. It was the winner of innerbikes "Innovation of the Year" award for a reason. 

This shock isn't your standard coil over suspension product, it has a dual overhead valve that makes it feel like you have two shocks in one. For me I set one up in a "climbing/trail" mode and the other in a downhill mode. Unlike most suspension products all adjustments; high speed compression, low speed, and rebound are done by hand, no more tools or waiting to make changes after your ride. Sag adjustments are easy as well but do require and allen wrench to loosen a set screw, but sag is a set it and forget it setting most of the time anyways. 

So a little history on why I decided to go with the Elevensix. I like many other riders I have met do not fall within that "normal" mountain biker build, I am 5'10" and my weight is usually between 195 lbs and 210 lbs depending on what time of year I decide to get on the scale. This is something that I have discovered to be a little frustrating when dealing with the popular mountain bike suspension companies. I do believe Fox, Rockshox and other suspension companies make great products but they have to make them for the masses, meaning a perfectly tuned Fox shock is not meant for someone who weighs 200+ pounds, can you get it tuned and working yes but it can be frustrating and a lot of the time a rider of that size ends up just settling for mediocre suspension. 

So along comes the Elevensix, a coil over shock that can be set up for riders of all sizes. Push offers springs in 25 lb increments, my Elevensix came with a  475 lb spring, this was determined by a long conversation with the technician the built my shock. He asked my riding style, my weight with full kit, and of course what kind of bike and suspension system I have.

So far I am very pleased with this shock, I was a little nervous that my bike wouldn't climb as well but I was wrong, I think my bike climbs even better now, my rear tire seems to be glued to the ground, traction is not an issue at all. But obviously this shock shines when pointed down hill, the faster you go the better it feels. This shock isn't going to be for everyone. I recommend it for the all mountain riders, enduro rider or trail rider who wants to have a highly tunable shock. This shock is defiantly made for the guys and gals who like to go fast and ride hard. More updates as I get more rides on this shock soon.