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Review: Four essential items for a 420-mile MTB ride
Waking up to a crisp October morning on Lake Tahoe, 420 miles of riding from San Francisco.
The Lowdown: Four essential items for a 420-mile ride
Last October, two friends and I embarked on a 420-mile, seven-day mountain bike adventure from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco riding as much singletrack as possible. We called it The Commute, and along the route we encountered brutally steep hike-a-bikes, sub-freezing temperatures, and a couple downpours of rain. Our mission was to travel light and stay with friends instead of camp so we could carry as little gear as possible. In order to accomplish this, we needed the essentials to keep us warm, comfortable and dry. Here are reviews of four items from Giro, Mountain Hardwear and Acre Supply that were essential in successfully and comfortably completing the journey.
Comfortable and flexible with plenty of grip – the Giro Terraduros worked great.
Balance of pedaling stiffness and walking flexibility
Outsole started delaminating after a week of use
Outstanding comfort for all-day adventures
Terrific traction
Stylish
The Hauser easily accommodated all our gear for seven days of riding.
Stat Box: Acre Supply Hauser Pack
Features: Four pockets, ventilated back panel
Made in: USA
Materials: Nylon ripstop outer/liner
Weight: 10L: 1060 grams, 14L: 1100 grams
Capacity: 10L or 14L
MSRP: $195-$205
Hydration Capacity: 3 liters
Rating: 4 Chilies-out-of-5
Colors: Black, Navy, Gray, Camo
Pluses
Minuses
Weatherproof
Rolltop closure can hit back of helmet
Numerous strap adjustments for great fit
Zippers can be stubborn when pack is full
Efficient Packer
Well ventilated for breathability
Handy toolbag keeps small items organized
Extra straps for pads or helmet
At under eight ounces, the Ghost Whisperer from Mountain Hardwear is the lightest full feature down jacket made.
Stat Box: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket
Features: Warm even when wet, waistband cord
Made in: China
Materials: Nylon outer, down insulation
Sizes: S-XXL
Weight: 7.2 ounces
MSRP: $320
Fit: Active
Rating: 5 Chilies-out-of-5
Colors: Green, Orange
Pluses
Minuses
Super light full-featured down jacket
Exterior fabric susceptible to tearing
Resists moisture and dries quickly
Expensive
Warm
Packable into jersey pocket
Doing double duty as a nice dress jacket or a backcountry rain jacket, the Giro Neo is extremely versatile.
Stat Box: Giro Neo Rain Jacket
Features: Gear pocket, taped seams, offset zipper
Sizes: S-XXL
Materials: 115g/m2 Polartec Neoshell
Colors: Black, Orange
Fit: Active
MSRP: $350
Made in: China
Rating: 5 Chilies-out-of-5
Pluses
Minuses
Tailored fit
Expensive
Stylish for off-bike wear
Moisture blocking neck, sleeve and waistbands
Waterproof and breathable
Huge rear pocket
Offset zipper
Continue to page 2 to read full reviews of the Giro Terraduro shoes, Acre The Supply Hauser pack, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer jacket and the Giro Neo Rain jacket »
4 Chilies-out-of-5
5 Chilies-out-of-5