Review: Jetboil Flash
I always saw a Jetboil as a ‘nice to have’, never a necessity. Nothing was wrong with my tried and true billy and cooker - hell, it even had character - but when I saw my mate pull a Jetboil out of his pack on a recent adventure, ‘nice to have’ became need. The Jetboil completely rethinks how a camp cooker works. It still utilises the same gas canister and burner arrangement, but features new tech in the bottom of the pot, using FluxRing – which has a similar appearance to honeycomb - to create more surface area, allowing for much more heat dissipation. In turn, this equals lightning-fast boiling and greater heat control.
I’ll admit, I thought the whole concept was a little gimmicky at first, but upon using the Flash for the first time myself, I quickly understood what it was all about. Using the Jetboil is straightforward, and it’s clear the integration and usability has been well thought out. The whole unit; gas canister, stand, burner and cup, all pack inside the main flask for easy transportation. Say goodbye to wet matches or a broken lighter, because this burner has push-button ignition.
Using the Jetboil
Using the Jetboil is straightforward. After you’ve got the hang of the setup and breakdown process, using it in the field is simple. The base assembles easily by threading the burner and gas canister together then clipping the stand on - make sure you do this in a well ventilated area as it does hiss a little bit of gas. The flask and burner slide together and create a secure fitting which leaves you feeling assured that no matter how delirious you are after your day’s effort, you won’t knock two cups of boiling water over yourself without trying really hard.
It will surprise you how quickly it brings water to the boil, but the neoprene sleeve on the flask has a brilliant, built-in temperature gauge that ascends in an orange color to show you how close to boiling it is. My suggestion is to leave the vented lid on while bringing ingredients to the boil, as it can spill over very quickly and make turning the heat down very difficult. I learnt that out the hard way...
Is it worth the money and is it right for me?
If all you’re only eating freeze-dried meals or drinking hot beverages while out in remote areas, then this is all you need. If you’re looking to cook or fry food, then the addition of their traditional pot holder and a conventional pot/billy would be better suited. Either way, the Jetboil flash system is all I will be taking with me from now on, for speed, portability and ease of use.
Words & Image: Cameron Mackenzie
Review: Pirelli Scorpion Tyres
Read Part 1 here.
I was happily surprised with the way the Pirellis handled things. The front end didn’t flinch, the bike heading straight where I pointed it. Any deviation was my fault. By halfway down I was feeling pretty confident, and the biggest root tangle was successfully navigated, delivering me to the small shelf I was hoping to get to, avoiding a slither into the quagmire that is the low-line on the trail. I ducked out of the trail and headed back up the hill, to take a run through the glorious Tuhoto Ariki, three kilometres or so of similar country, with a decent climb in the middle. The climb has a few sections that require your rubber to provide a firm grasp of the planet. Once again, no worries at all. I couldn’t get the rear tyre to let go. Near the end of the ride, I took a detour to an old section of trail that climbs steeply up a 50-metre straight. It would be an eye-watering climb without the tangle of pine tree roots that crisscross the surface. They are at a variety of angles, and feature a variety of height above the dirt - if I am fresh and feeling my oats I can get to the top about eight times out of ten, but that’s when it’s dry. I have to approach it in a series of tacks, slowing almost to a standstill between tricky bits to avoid passing out. How did we go? Very well, thank you. Once again, the front end was sure footed and the rear tyre provided drive with zero slippage.
Within 24 hours the trails were gold. Dry trails in a Whakarewarewa winter are about as good as dirt gets. I expected the wide open spacing of the front tread to be a liability but was actually amazed by the grip. I am not the fastest thing in the woods by any stretch, but it is all relative and at my version of warp speed the Pirellis were very impressive. I had dropped the pressure a little more, to around 17psi on the digital gauge, and that is where the tyres really started to shine.
The Trail tyre range has a beefy sidewall reinforcement to prevent the tyres from changing their shape as they are tipped over. The round profile gives a firm grip even when leaning hard, and a turn delivers a pleasant buzz of rubber grappling with the surface.
For the final round of testing, we were lucky enough to be able to evaluate a 27.5 X 2.6 set of Pirellis on a different bike, this time an Ibis Mojo 4, and on foreign country, three days in the Marlborough Sounds. Over the next three days we rode on just about every conceivable surface: the Queen Charlotte Track has loose rock, hardpacked clay (both dry and wet), mud, regular dirt, and grass. The trails to Nydia Bay and beyond featured rock, big lumps of loose rock, smaller lumps of same, the muscular wild cousins of the tame roots we have up north, and all manner of dirt - as well as hefty helping of pine needle carpet for dessert. If you want a long weekend to test tyres, you will struggle to find a better venue.
I went directly to a low pressure setting, and pretty much stopped thinking about tyres. Complete confidence was achieved on the first climb (loose, fairly small bits of rock) and subsequent descent (similar, with some hard packed clay and junior roots).
We had mercifully trouble-free rides, I had one crash which had nothing whatsoever to do with the tyres, and no flats on trail that must have claimed some scalps. If you are looking for burly tyres that do their job with minimal fuss, give the Pirelli Scorpions a go.
Pirelli Store Locater is here
Words: Gary Sullivan
Images: Cameron Mackenzie
Review: Bontrager Blaze WaveCel Helmet
Let’s face facts: helmets are intended for safety. Yes, there are all kinds of other benefits and style factors, but ultimately, they’re built to protect your noggin. For the past few years, head safety and brain protection has been a big topic - not only in the MTB scene, but across the board in most action and impact sports. The major point of discussion is concussion. Bontrager has captured some attention recently with the launch of its new line of WaveCel helmets, which is said to majorly prevent concussions. This is the company’s take on MIPS technology (which is the protection system seen in other helmets). The new WaveCel helmets rely on a semi-flexible mesh structure for shock absorption. WaveCel technology, specifically developed by Bontrager, is a collapsible cellular material which works to shear, dent and crumple in response to angled impacts. Bontrager says their new product deals with both angular and linear impacts, without the need of an additional liner. Now, whatever the protection, I’m all for brands working on safety features, especially where the head is concerned - after all, you only get one, so it pays to look after it!
The Blaze is made for trail and enduro riders and has a few nifty features to accompany the most important feature: WaveCel. The lid has a Boa dial to adjust the cradle and a clever magnetic Fidlock fastener under the chip. Whilst I state the Fidlock is a clever feature, it does take a few goes to get it. This is simply down to it not being the same as most other helmets on the market,however, it’s really good once you’ve got it sorted. Other features include: a magnetic mount system compatible with the brands’ own lights; GoPros; a three-position adjustable peak; a ledge for goggle strap placement; and fully adjustable chip straps. Another good addition is the spare set of pads with a silicone strip on the forehead section. This means you can choose between the regular pads and these ones that aim to channel sweat away from the eyes - great if you sweat a lot or are riding in summer.
On the trails, the lid feels good. The fit is excellent - comfortable, with no pressure points even after a few hours rolling around the trails of Taranaki’s Lake Mangamahoe. The strap design is dialled and there’s no unwelcome flapping in the wind. The boa dial is easy to adjust when pedalling the trails. The rear coverage offered me the protection I needed in case I ‘sent it’ (or tried to send it) on the flow trails. I particularly liked the adjustable visor - sometimes I have found these to get in the way of my vision, but having the ability to click the visor into a higher position allowed me to easily see my way down the trails. On the recent rides I’ve done, it seems to vent well, but of course, I haven’t been testing the lid in the height of summer.
It should be noted: the new lids are at the higher end of the price scale but what’s the price of head protection?! These lids have a crash replacement policy - Bontrager will replace (for free) any crash-damaged WaveCel helmet up to one year after purchase. Lastly, the WaveCel is not a multi-impact system. Like a standard foam bicycle helmet, you need to replace it after any impact, or if any of the material is deformed, crushed or cracked.
Words: Liam Friary
Image: Cameron Mackenzie
Review: Giro Roust Jersey
I thought writing my C.V was hard, but to write a review for all our readers…. the pressure was on.
And by pressure, I mean the always-efficient production team had a lapse and were not-so-efficient, throwing me my first ever written piece a few hours before the print deadline. Nothing like a deadline to boost efficiency though, right? One thing I have learnt, working within this small team, is that everyone does a little bit of everything, so getting stuck into your first ever review (that will be read by thousands!) should be no different.
The first thing I knew - and loved - about this Giro Roust Jersey, was that Giro had jumped on the rotating wheel of environmentally friendly, low impact products and created their Renew Series, which this jersey is a part of. The Renew series is a clothing line made with recycled polyester, elastane and nylon, including Econyl and Lycra made from reclaimed fishing nets. Yes, it’s a bit of a cliché, but if you wanna keep riding your trails, it starts with these small yet effective changes.
What jumps out at me whilst wearing the jersey is the slight fitted shape of it, even though it’s supposed to be more of a loose, relaxed style. It wears as a somewhat fitted cut but for me personally, this is not a bad thing. Women’s bike jerseys need to stay away from the dreaded boxy style, so it’s good to see the Roust’s sides are pinched in ever so slightly to give a bit of shape, but still provide room everywhere else. It doesn’t feel tight around the areas where the importance of movement is needed. I ride with and without a hydration pack, and found the longer length at the back provided good cover and didn’t have the tendency to bunch, catch on things or ride up my back.
The Roust jersey is lightweight and suited for warmer season riding. Light fabric, mesh panelling on the sides and the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric does a good job in keeping you cool and not so sweaty. The lens cleaner on the inside is handy for wiping away all the grit and grime, especially if you are someone who makes a splash going through some of those wet areas.
For reference, the Roust jersey I wore was the Blue Marble colour and short sleeved but it also comes in three other designs; they are trendy, but not as loud as your mum’s ‘telling off’ voice. With lots of ride time in the Roust jersey, the colours have held well, the fabric has kept its shape and, more importantly, it has not taken on odours from all of the hard slogging.
Words: Helen Mowry
Images: Cameron Mackenzie
Review: Granite Stash Steerer Tool
OneUp Components pioneered the world of steerer tube tools. In fact, their EDC tool took the mountain biking world by storm when it was released. The OneUp tool requires threading your steerer tube, which can void your fork’s warranty, although you can now also purchase OneUp’s EDC Stem which negates this. If you don’t want to splash out on a stem and multi-tool, but still wanna stash tools inside your steerer, Granite Design’s Stash Tool may just be the ticket.
The Stash Tool mounts cleverly inside your steerer, without the need for threading your steerer tube. Instead, the Stash includes two pieces, a tool housing and a threaded plug, that go inside your steerer tube and thread together via a bolt. Remove your existing star nut (or simply don’t install it if it’s a new fork), install the tool housing in the top of your fork not steerer – making sure it’s either sitting on a headset spacer or the top of your stem – and then drop the included bolt down your tool housing and pinch it up ‘til your headset is secure and there’s no play. Drop the multi-tool into the tool housing, press it in and you’re good to go.
The multi-tool itself consists of a 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm hex key, along with a flat-blade screwdriver and a T25 Torx key. The tool also includes a 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 size spoke key, that can remove valve cores. The tools are well made, durable, and all fit their corresponding snuggly without risk of damaging the heads. If orange isn’t your vibe, the tool is also offered in black.
I’ve already made the comparison to the EDC tool, and no doubt that’s what you’ll be comparing the Stash to as well. As far as quality goes, both are much-of-a-muchness, but when it comes to usage I’d say the EDC has a slight edge, with a little bit more leverage and a bit more reach on each tool. In practice, this doesn’t make a huge difference, but for that odd bolt that’s seized, or perhaps a recessed derailleur bolt, this could make a difference out on the trails. The Stash wins points back on ease of installation, considering there is no threading, and the fact that you don’t have to worry about warranty issues. It also comes in at a cheaper price, when you consider that with the EDC tool you’ll either have to buy the tap for your steerer (if you don’t have a buddy with one), pay a bike shop to tap your steerer for you, or fork out additional money for the EDC stem.
The Granite Design Stash is a great way to carry tools out on the trail, especially when combined with the Stash Chain Tool (also reviewed in this issue) and the Stash Tyre Plug kit. Installation is trouble-free and I haven’t had the headset loosen once. The tool stashes away securely and doesn’t rattle loose. All in all, a set-and-forget experience.
Words & Images: Cam Baker
Review: Shimano XC701 Review
It’s no secret that our Japanese mates in blue make some sharp gear. With all that shifting and braking bling everywhere you look, its not surprising that their footwear gets a little overlooked. But Shimano make great shoes...
The original XC7 shoe has for the last few years been a very popular model for racers and weekenders alike, but Shimano aren’t ones to rest on their laurels. I argue that it had plenty of room for improvement, and someone must have been listening. This latest model, dubbed the “XC701” (sexy naming, I know) builds on what the original had, but has done away with several things that needed to go.
From the minute you pick the shoe of the box, you can’t help but notice the material used on the upper of the shoe. The shiny plastic-like upper is now gone and replaced by a matte leather with subtle graphics that oozes class. Given time, that leather upper will shape nicely to your foot and give you a glove-like fit. Another notable change is the move to a refined double BOA closure system, doing away with the toe box strap.
Still featuring the same carbon fibre sole and Michelin rubber with room to attach toe studs, the shoe still feels and rides like the older model, which is uber-stiff, rigid and screaming ‘race!’. There is no hiding that this shoe is targeted at the serious XC mountain bike racer, but for the old school trail riders out there who like a tight-fitting, stiff shoe, then this would suit the bill well. But the shoe won’t suit all riders. The stiffness is at a level where long, aggressive descending could get uncomfortable. Over the course of an XC race and maybe even a gravel ride, then it would be perfect, but for the likes of enduro I would search for a shoe with a roomier fit and a more compliant sole.
At $299, they aren’t cheap but not are they going to break the bank and if previous models are anything to go by, these will offer years of service. So, if you’re looking for an efficient race shoe or you’re a trail rider with a preference for stiff shoes, make sure these are on your list.
Words: Cam Baker
Review: 100% Armega Goggles
100% have been manufacturing goggles for motocross since the ‘80s, and although they haven’t been present in the mountain bike market for as long, it goes without saying that they’re one of the leading eyewear manufacturers in our sport. The Armega is their new flagship goggle, taking the spot from the Racecraft+ goggles. The Armegas aren’t dissimilar to the Racecraft+ goggles, but there are some new features. The Armegas come equipped with a new quick-release lens system, meaning lenses are a little easier to change and don’t take quite as much time either. 100% have also made some changes to their sweat management system, with the goggles having drainage channels and a perforated triple-layer foam to keep the sweat away from your eyes. A forced air intake keeps air flowing through the goggles to prevent fogging, and helps to keep you a little cooler as well.
The biggest talking point with these goggles, though, is the new lens; featuring 100%’s Ultra HD and HiPER technologies. 100% have figured out how to manufacture shatterproof, impact-resistant lenses that doesn’t distort your vision whatsoever, meaning protection and clear vision. HiPER is the big thing to talk about. Humans see three main colours: red, green and blue. The closer whatever colour we’re looking at is to one of these three colours, the clearer our vision is; it’s where these colour crossover that our vision begins to distort. 100% developed HiPER to filter out these crossovers, which in turn makes for more contrast and clearer colours. Contrast helps us perceive depth so by having more of it, we can figure out how far away things are and start to plan out how to attack them just a little bit earlier.
I’ve always been into 100% goggles and found they fit my head face better than anything else, probably down to the outriggers. One thing our designer, Georgia, pointed out - that I would have completely disregarded - is the fact that the eye-port (?) is a little smaller than other goggles. This is something I wouldn’t have taken note of, but Georgia is optically challenged (I’m not) and runs glasses under her goggles. If you need glasses, this could be something for you to consider, but for those with perfect vision (or living in a state of denial), you won’t notice it. Otherwise, the goggles played nicely with my face and didn’t fog. At the risk of sounding like I’m not doing my job properly, what more is there to say? In typical Kiwi fashion, I put the whole Ultra HD HiPER lens thing down as a gimmick; too many capital letters and the word ‘ultra’. But, it actually does make a noticeable difference and at the risk of sounding like the sort of person who’d come up with gimmicky names like Ultra HD HiPER, the HiPER lenses really do make the trail pop, offering up more definition and making the transition from riding in well-lit parts to dimly-lit parts of the trail much easier. When all is said and done, I wouldn’t hesitate to spend my hard-earned dollars on these goggles and they definitely serve as a worthy replacement to my trusty Racecrafts.100% have been manufacturing goggles for motocross since the ‘80s, and although they haven’t been present in the mountain bike market for as long, it goes without saying that they’re one of the leading eyewear manufacturers in our sport. The Armega is their new flagship goggle, taking the spot from the Racecraft+ goggles. The Armegas aren’t dissimilar to the Racecraft+ goggles, but there are some new features. The Armegas come equipped with a new quick-release lens system, meaning lenses are a little easier to change and don’t take quite as much time either. 100% have also made some changes to their sweat management system, with the goggles having drainage channels and a perforated triple-layer foam to keep the sweat away from your eyes. A forced air intake keeps air flowing through the goggles to prevent fogging, and helps to keep you a little cooler as well.
The biggest talking point with these goggles, though, is the new lens; featuring 100%’s Ultra HD and HiPER technologies. 100% have figured out how to manufacture shatterproof, impact-resistant lenses that doesn’t distort your vision whatsoever, meaning protection and clear vision. HiPER is the big thing to talk about. Humans see three main colours: red, green and blue. The closer whatever colour we’re looking at is to one of these three colours, the clearer our vision is; it’s where these colour crossover that our vision begins to distort. 100% developed HiPER to filter out these crossovers, which in turn makes for more contrast and clearer colours. Contrast helps us perceive depth so by having more of it, we can figure out how far away things are and start to plan out how to attack them just a little bit earlier.
I’ve always been into 100% goggles and found they fit my head face better than anything else, probably down to the outriggers. One thing our designer, Georgia, pointed out - that I would have completely disregarded - is the fact that the eye-port (?) is a little smaller than other goggles. This is something I wouldn’t have taken note of, but Georgia is optically challenged (I’m not) and runs glasses under her goggles. If you need glasses, this could be something for you to consider, but for those with perfect vision (or living in a state of denial), you won’t notice it. Otherwise, the goggles played nicely with my face and didn’t fog. At the risk of sounding like I’m not doing my job properly, what more is there to say? In typical Kiwi fashion, I put the whole Ultra HD HiPER lens thing down as a gimmick; too many capital letters and the word ‘ultra’. But, it actually does make a noticeable difference and at the risk of sounding like the sort of person who’d come up with gimmicky names like Ultra HD HiPER, the HiPER lenses really do make the trail pop, offering up more definition and making the transition from riding in well-lit parts to dimly-lit parts of the trail much easier. When all is said and done, I wouldn’t hesitate to spend my hard-earned dollars on these goggles and they definitely serve as a worthy replacement to my trusty Racecrafts.
Words: Cam Baker
Review: Unparallel Dust Up
Five Ten have owned the mountain bike shoe market for years, especially when it comes to flat pedal shoes. Unparallel is a new player to the market, with the aim to take a slice of the pie from Five Ten - and if anyone’s going to do it, they stand the best shot, with their founder being in charge of Five Ten’s production before Adidas took over the company.
When Teva exited the mountain bike game, Unparallel bought the design and tooling for Teva’s sole, so if you feel like you’ve seen these shoes before, that’s probably why. The key difference here is the rubber. Unparallel have used their own rubber compounds. In the middle of the shoe, a 3.5mm 40-50 durometer rubber has been used, and is actually softer than Stealth rubber. The remainder of the sole is a 4mm 75-80 durometer rubber for more durability. The upper is synthetic, with laces and a Velcro pull-tab. Realistically, the Velcro just keeps the laces tidy, rather than helping cinch the shoe down.
We’ll start with what you care about most: grip. These shoes at least match Five Ten in terms of grip. Controversial statement, but it’s true. There’s not been a single time - wet or dry - that I’ve felt short-sold on grip. I say at least match because they grip differently, too. The UPs aren’t as stiff as Five Tens, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some other shoes I’ve tried feel almost too stiff, in the sense it feels like you’re standing on a board on top of the pedals. With the UPs, you feel more ‘in the bike’ - but that’s not to say it’s for everyone. The sole of the UPs conform to the pedals and offers quite a bit more pedal feedback. The extra suppleness could be interpreted as ‘squirmy’ by some, but the reason I’m loving flats at the moment is for the pedal feedback, versus having the safety buffer of being able to drop a foot; and the UPs satisfy that.
The upper and overall fit, of the shoe is comfy, straight out of the box. I have freakishly high arches and semi-wide feet, so I typically run a size up for most of my riding shoes, however, in the case of the UPs I forgot to clarify whether the sizing was US or UK and ended up ordering a size up in US, which converts to being my true-shoe size in UK (i.e. a size smaller than what I’d usually get). I was pretty surprised at how well they fit and how comfy they were when I tried them on, and even more surprised when I didn’t get any new-shoe-pain on my first ride in them. What I will say, though, is that they’re roomy. Not in length, but in width and height. In my case they fit perfectly, but if you have narrow feet (which most Kiwis don’t - being Hobbits and that) you might find them a touch roomy. They do offer protection, but not quite as much as Five Tens, however, that’s not a bad thing, helping keep weight and overall bulk down.
The UPs have been incredibly impressive, and they’ve replaced my Five Tens as my go-to riding shoes. Their slightly smaller profile and pedal feel have won me over, as well as their straight-up comfort. However, I wouldn’t go as far as saying they’ve replaced them outright; if I was riding shuttles all day, or somewhere loose and rocky, I’d probably reach for the Five Tens simply for the little bit of added protection. What I will say though, is that these shoes are comparable with Five Tens and equally as grippy.
Words: Cam Baker
Image: Cameron Mackenzie
Review: Bell Super Air R MIPS Helmet
Bell helmets have been my go-to since the first Super was released back in 2013. After the OG Super, I bought a Super 2R, then went back to using the original Super because it fit a little better. I then bought the 3 because it didn’t crush my temples like the 2 did - and now, I’ve added the new Super Air R to my line up.
“I haven’t crashed in the helmet, so I haven’t been able to really test it!” - is a line thrown around in almost every helmet review. Classic! The same is true here; I haven’t crashed in the Super Air but let’s be honest - most people are way more interested in how well the helmet vents and how compatible it is with goggles, because #enduro.
The helmet does a pretty good job of staying cool, with 26 vents (18 in the helmet, 8 in the chin-bar). I was a little sceptical at first, given the solid patch of helmet without vents on the back of your head, but Bell’s done a good job of directing the air around your head. I had the new Specialized Levo SL under review for part of the time I was reviewing this helmet so I thought, what better time to cut some full-face laps? And even with the chin-bar, the helmet doesn’t get too hot climbing (granted, it was assisted climbing). You do definitely heat up more though with the chin pads, so if I was embarking on a longer climb I’d probably opt to remove the chin-bar.
Goggles and glasses fit well in both open and full-face modes, and while it was a little bit of a squeeze to get my 100% Armegas to fit under the visor, they’d stay put for the most part. and besides, I’m more of a goggle-round-the-neck kinda guy anyway. The fit was great and easy to adjust with Bell’s Float Fit system. But helmet fit is subjective and everyone’s head is different, so if you wanna be safe - try before you buy!
So, what are my overall thoughts on the Super Air R? For most of my riding up here in Auckland, where there’s not a ton that’s super rough or steep, it’s perfect. In open-face it’s comfy, breathable and for the most part I completely forgot about it. If I wanted to go ride laps at 440 or a local shuttle day, the chin-bar is perfect and adds extra protection, while giving me the option to take it off and ride open-face if it gets super-hot or if I want to do some pedalling later on. If I spent more time racing Enduro, or lived somewhere with a lift, I’d lean towards the Super DH or a dedicated full-face.
Words & Images: Cam Baker
Review: 100% Cognito Gloves
Before I begin this review, I need to make it known that I hate riding in gloves. I don’t know what it is about them, I’ve just never meshed with them. Call me crazy, but I’d rather ride without them - and risk cheese-grating my hands should I crash - than ride with them and spend the entire ride questioning why I put myself through wearing gloves. I really only ride in gloves if it’s next-level rainy, icy cold or super-hot and dusty and, because I pretend they don’t offer any protection benefits, I usually find myself reaching for the most minimal pair of gloves I can find. Enter the 100% Cognito glove.
The Cognito glove is, for all intents and purposes, a minimalist glove. Featuring a thin, perforated palm, the glove rides pretty cool. The gloves are made up of a durable material that’s stretchy enough to keep movement free, with additional material between your thumb and index finger, right where your handlebars sit, to offer a little more comfort on long rides. The thing that makes these gloves different to every other pair I own, is that they offer protection against more than just abrasion. The Cognito’s feature D30 knuckles. You might have heard of D30 kneepads? If you’re not sure what D30 is, it’s a soft foam that firms up under impact, meaning you can absorb higher impacts with less material, versus traditional foams. I’m not a fan of the rubber some gloves place over the fingers to offer protection, so this was a welcome addition.
When 100% reached out and asked if I wanted to test a pair of Cognitos, I jumped at it and asked for a pair in L. It wasn’t until I got the dispatch notice that I realised they suggested going a size up a size from what you usually ride in. The gloves arrived and sure enough, the cuff was super tight when going over my palm. What surprised me, though, was that once I got the gloves on, the cuff sat as it should around my wrist and the rest of the glove fit well too. A few months in, the cuff is still super tight around my palm but once the glove is on, it’s super comfy. And the D30 is great: you don’t notice it at all when riding, but it’s nice to know there’s something there for you if you do come off. I haven’t, yet, so can’t attest to its ability to protect.
Durability wise, the gloves have been great. They’ve stood up to wet rides where I’ve spent the whole time death-gripping the bars, a little bit of patchwork at the local trails and a spin through the washing machine. I was expecting the silicone grip on the palms and fingers to come off pretty fast, but they’ve also lasted! Speaking of fingers - the gloves feature special material on the fingertips and thumbs so you can use your devices whilst wearing them…. but that’s one of the last things I care about.
No matter how nice a pair of gloves, I’ll never wear gloves on every ride. However, if I went riding somewhere and had to ride with them (say Wairoa Gorge for example) the Cognitos would be the gloves I reach for. They’re just as comfy as all of the minimalist gloves I currently own, while offering more protection than every other pair I own and that’s about as good as it gets…. from someone doing his best to channel his inner Blenki.
Words & Image: Cam Baker