If you are going down the custom build route or looking to upgrade bike parts, carbon fiber mountain bike handlebars are a good buy. Mainly because they look awesome and you get more control.

Are carbon handlebars MTB light?

Yes. This is one of the reasons why riders switch from aluminum handlebars.  Though they are very light they are incredibly strong and have a shock absorption property.

What is the average length of carbon MTB handlebars?

Length will vary from 750mm to 1000mm. Many bars come with markings on the ends so you can cut them to your perfect length.

What are the top brands for carbon MTB handlebars?

The top-performing bars are produced by Renthal and Raceface.

Are carbon handlebars expensive?

No, not if you take your mountain biking seriously, leading carbon bars can be bought for under $150.  Carbon MTB handlebars are currently much cheaper than carbon frames and wheels, so they make a good purchase for pimping your stock bike.

Renthal Fatbar Carbon Fiber Handlebar MTB

Renthal is a UK based manufacturer who specializes in handlebars for motorbikes and mountain bikes. Renthal also sponsors some top MTB riders who have won world championships.

Renthal’s Fatbar carbon handlebars for MTB are the leading product in this category, used by many pro riders and ourselves. They are made of uni-directional (UD) carbon layers which makes them very strong and allows for shock absorption. These carbon handlebars allow for precision control of your bike, which is why pro riders use them.  We love the bar end markets which allows for optimum setup.

These carbon fiber handlebars also come in different riser sizes:

Fatbar carbon 10mm, Fatbar carbon 20mm, Fatbar carbon 30mm, Fatbar carbon 40mm – all available through the link below.

Race Face Next 35 carbon fiber handlebars for MTB

We’ve talked about Raceface grips before and how good they are. This Canadian company also manufacture quality carbon MTB handlebars well worth reviewing. Like the Fatbar handlebars above, they are built from UD carbon fiber which allows for strength with very little weight.  Raceface give the weight at 180g and are 760mm wide. These handlebar pictured above are the 20mm riser which we believe is a good all-round measurement for XC riders and weekend trail enthusiasts. These handlebars also come in a high rise option, a 10mm, straight and also a downhill handle called the RaceFace Sixc DH.

Chromag Fubars Cutlass Carbon Handlebar MTB

The Chromemag Fubar Cutlass is marketed as a cross-category MTB handlebar. This carbon fiber MTB handlebar has a 25mm riser, 5 degree sweep and has a total length of 780mm. Total weight is 220g with a 31.8mm clamp.  None of the Sauserwind team own this handlebar but we have read all the reviews and looking to try one out next year. Reviewers loved the graphics and the handlebars and the overall feel.  The price has also been noted as a major buying factor at only $135 (current price at time of writing), compared to Enve carbon handlebar range.

>> Read also our guide to the best carbon fiber mountain bike wheels

Niner Flat top Carbon Handlebar MTB

A top-selling handlebar from Niner. This bar is 710mm and ideal for XC riders but is not specifically for 29ers and can be used on other MTBs. The bars have markings so you can easily trim them down to get the exact fit you want. The bar is standard 31.8 mm with a +/- 5 rise and 9 degrees sweep. The total weight of this bar is 175g. The bar has noticeable vibration dampening when you are rising hard, which allows for more control.

Enve MTB Downhill Handlebar

Enve specializes in carbon fiber bike parts for road racing and MTB riders, along with complete bikes.  All parts are manufactured in Ogden, Utah, USA and come with industry-leading warranties.  This bar has a total width of 80omm and weighs 235g.  The incredible strength of this bar will give you a noticeable stiffness and control if you are switching from aluminum and want to take downhill (DH) riding seriously.

Image sources: Jensonusa.com

The post 5 Best Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike Handlebars appeared first on SauserWind.

Don’t you just hate it when your rear derailleur gives out and needs to be replaced? Fortunately, this is an easy fix – all you need is a replacement part, and you’ll be back on the road again in next to no time flat. The only hard part of the process is choosing which one you will get next. We’ve made it much simpler for you by checking out hundreds of reviews and selecting our top three picks.

MTB Rear Derailleur Buying Guide

1.It is best to keep the shifter and derailleur parts from the same brand to ensure they operate correctly.

2.Make sure you get the right derailleur according to the number of gears you have. Sounds obvious, but many buyers forget this when bogged down in -the selection process. Look at your cassette and count the cogs to make sure.

3.Make sure you buy the correct cage length, use this guide.

4.Prices will vary greatly depending on the quality of the components used, always buy the best within your price range.

Sram 10 speed GX Type 2.1 Read Derailleur 

An affordable yet reliable mountain bike rear derailleur, the 10-speed GX SRAM 2.1 is the perfect option for a stable, smooth mountain bike ride!

Leveraging SRAM’S legendary shifting history, the GX 10-Speed derailleur affords incredible shifting precision and speed. Moreover, with its unique Exact Actuation technology, it can effectively help stabilize/simplify the edgy act of balancing precise cable extension, tight cog spacing, and rear derailleur hanger design.

This derailleur is available in long, medium, and short models and features a distinct 2.1 Roller Bearing Clutch technology to guarantee utmost drive train stability-even through severely punishing terrains. Furthermore, this derailleur is designed to operate with 10-speed MTB SRAM shifters as well as a distinct 2x chainring system.

Lastly, by applying a 1:1 cable pull ration combined with its remarkable clutch technology, this SRAM rear derailleur will guarantee you a precise and crisp gear change.

Sram X5 9 Speed Rear Derailleur

Without a doubt, the 9-speed SRAM X5 rear derailleur is the ultimate option for precise and flawless shifting on all trails. Besides being compatible with 9-speed bikes, it also facilitates faster gear shifting, subsequently allowing you to focus on the trail ahead. Even better, this rear derailleur is easy to install and adjust even for novices, and since it requires minimal time to mount, it is no problem even to beginners.

Essentially, the X5 9-speed SRAM derailleur is not only affordable but also noticeably faster compared to other available options. What’s more, with its light shifting capacity, you enjoy a smooth ride across the terrain. It is an amazingly affordable yet remarkable upgrade.

Sram X01 Eagle 12 Speed Rear Derailleur 

If you are looking to push your way over the rather unmerciful grades smoothly, then the Eagle SRAM X01 is your best bet. In fact, with its substantial gear range across 12 cogs, your tank will still have something once you reach the top.

This 12-Speed SRAM X01 Rear Derailleur effectively binds the system together and drives accurate gear changes across the whole cassette with a resilient, forged aluminum build and titanium spring. Like with the 11-speed SRAM offerings, this derailleur is ideally designed to afford a clean-shifting, budget-friendly ride experience.

It comes with an updated Roller Bearing Clutch comprising a larger lower pulley and repositioned upper pulley to adequately hold the extra chain length-necessary to operate the significant number of clogs properly. What’s more, paired with the Exact Actuation technology, it manages chain tension effectively to eradicate chain slap and derailleur bounce for a noise-free and stable ride.

The Eagle X01 also boasts an exclusive X-Horizon feature that further enhances this stability by efficiently limiting the shifting movement of the derailleur across the horizontal axis complimented by its huge upper pulley design ensuring the maintenance of a steady chain gap across the cassette. This way, it efficiently cuts down shift initiation force as well as eradicates irritating ghost shifting, meaning you only need minimal effort to drop into the right gear. How about that?

SRAM X4 8-Speed Rear Derailleur

243 Reviews

SRAM X.4 Rear Derailleur (Black, Long Cage)

• Cage Lengths: SGS-long, Capacity: 45T, Derailleur Action: Top-Normal (Traditional)
• Derailleur Color: black, Drivetrain Spacing: Shimano/SRAM 9, Largest Cog: 34teeth, Min/Max: 11/34T
• Shifter/Rear Derailleur : SRAM 1:1, Speeds: 7/8sp, Speeds: 8sp, Speeds: 9sp, Weight: 310g

Buy on Amazon

This product has been designed to take advantage of the best elements in SRAM design and shifting, with an eye on keeping the price affordable.
Features
• Compatible with 7- or 8- speed systems.
• Easier shifting through the use of Direct Route Technology
• An exact 1:1 Actuation ratio

Many people said that they would be SRAM clients for life after trying this.
This is not compatible with Shimano shifters, but that is a very easy fix – you just need to get new shifters. It’s an investment but a worthwhile one.

Shimano Rear Derailleur RD-TX35 by Tourney

243 Reviews

SRAM X.4 Rear Derailleur (Black, Long Cage)

• Cage Lengths: SGS-long, Capacity: 45T, Derailleur Action: Top-Normal (Traditional)
• Derailleur Color: black, Drivetrain Spacing: Shimano/SRAM 9, Largest Cog: 34teeth, Min/Max: 11/34T
• Shifter/Rear Derailleur : SRAM 1:1, Speeds: 7/8sp, Speeds: 8sp, Speeds: 9sp, Weight: 310g

Buy on Amazon

This is a lower end model and very basic. You have two choices, the 6/7 speed with claw mounting or the SGS option with regular mounting.
Features
• It is compatible with 6- or 7-speed systems.
• Excellent price point
Many users were surprised how durable this is because it is so inexpensive.
You do need to take care to choose the right model for your bike when ordering because they are not interchangeable.

Shimano Acera RD-410 Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur

236 Reviews

Shimano Acera M360 7 and 8-Speed Rear Derailleur with SmartCage, Black

• Shimano Acera M360 7
• 8-Speed Rear Derailleur with SmartCage, Black

$41.03

Buy on Amazon

This one provides a blend of style and excellent performance.
Features
• Gear changes are made easier by the Advanced Light Action Design
• The link pivot bushings are low friction
• SGS cage design
• Compatible with 8-speed systems

Many users said that they felt this performed really well. Some even commented that the look and feel were more like that of a much higher-priced model.

It would be better if It were compatible with more models. However, if you have an 8-speed bike, this is not really too much of an issue.

All in all, it just goes to show that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get better performance from your bike. The products reviewed here will all make shifting gears easy and can be installed at home. They make an excellent alternative to the much more expensive models.

Image sources: Amazon.com, Bikerumor.com

The post Best Rear Derailleurs for Mountain Bikes appeared first on SauserWind.

It’s important to invest in a good bike lock that cannot be cut through or broken in order that your bike is always safe from theft.

Learning how a bike lock works will better equip you to choose the right one. Here are some details on the most secure bike locks out there and all the benefits that come with it.

Kryptonite Evolution 11-14mm U-Lock with FlexFrame-U Bracket

Editor’s #1 Choice – Most secure, practical bike lock money can buy

Sale

274 Reviews

Kryptonite Evolution 13mm U-Lock with FlexFrame-U Bracket

• 13mm Hardended Max Performance Steel Shackle Resists Hand Tools, Bolt Cutters, and Leverage Attacks; 10mm Steel Looped Cable For Additional Security
• Interior Locking Dimensions: 3.25" x 7" Cable Length: 4'
• Key Safe Program; Kryptonite will ship your first 2 keys for free, globally, in the event you lose them.
• Anti-Theft Protection Offer; Up to $2,500 Reimbursement for 1 Year Included. Protective vinyl coating
• Lifetime Warranty

−$17.96 $59.99

Buy on Amazon

Kryptonite Locks are the King of bikes locks, manufacturing some of the world’s most secure bike locks.  They have been making bike locks for the past 40 years and the founder, Michael Zane, invented the first U-bolt bike lock.

This Kryptonite lock consists of a 13mm steel shackle that is designed to provide max performance and resist attacks and bolt cutters. The hardened deadbolts increase holding power by engaging both cycles ends. A higher security disc-style cylinder ensures that the lock is both pick and drill resistant.

Its cross-bar design includes both anti-rotation features which provides protection against twist and single cut attacks. The entire set comes with a flex frame-u bracket which provides convenient multi-location u-lock transportation.

Rated 7/10 on the Kryptonite security scale, it also includes 3 stainless steel keys to make sure you won’t lose access to your lock if you lose a key. Even better, the manufacturer provides a safe key program that in the event that you lose the key, they will ship you two keys to anywhere in the world.

Amazer Heavy Duty Combination Bike U Lock

Sale

765 Reviews

Amazer Heavy Duty Combination Bike U Lock, 12mm Bike Lock Bicycle Heavy Duty Combination U Lock Bike Lock Anti Theft

Keyless lock with a 4-digit combo, made of steel

−$10.00 $19.99

Buy on Amazon

This Amazer lock was designed to provide your bike with ultimate protection against theft. It is made of 12mm steel shackle to ensure the best performance and is covered by 3.85 PVC coating in order to resist cutting and leverage attacks. The entire lock is covered by quality PC material not only to make the lock look good but to make sure your bike does not get scratched.

It utilizes a keyless system and operates by an easy to set combination. This will not only prevent you from losing your keys but also make it very difficult for thieves to steal as they will have to choose from 4,000 potential combinations. The combination is also protected by a dust cover to extend cylinder life

Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy Duty Bicycle U Lock Bike Lock

419 Reviews

Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy Duty Bicycle U Lock Bike Lock

• 16mm hardened MAX-PERFORMANCE STEEL SHACKLE resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks
• Patented*HARDENED STEEL SLEEVE over crossbar for double security
• DOUBLE DEADBOLT locking for extensive holding power
• HIGH SECURITY DISC-STYLE CYLINDER
• Center keyway defends against leverage attacks

Buy on Amazon

This lock is made of a 16mm steel shackle that is designed to resist bolt cutters and leverage attacks. It has a protective layer of vinyl on top and a sliding dustcover to extend and protect cylinder life. It includes a double deadbolt that provides extensive holding power.

It also has a center keyway that defends against leverage attacks. Its crossbar design that includes an anti-rotation feature which provides advanced protection against twisting attacks and single cuts. With 3 stainless steel keys, this lock is pick and drill resistant. The flex frame transportation system makes it easy for you to carry it anywhere.

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit 1410 Chain and New York Disc Bike Lock

Sale

154 Reviews

Kryptonite New York FAHGETTABOUDIT 1410 14mm Chain & New York Lock 15mm Disc Lock

• 14mm six-sided chain links made of 3t HARDENED MANGANESE STEEL for ultimate strength
• Durable, protective nylon cover with hook-n-loop fasteners to hold in place
• Includes maximum security New York Disc Lock with 15mm MAX-PERFORMANCE STEEL SHACKLE
• Patented*, oval hardened STEEL CROSSBAR for extra security
• Hardened DOUBLE DEADBOLT locking for extensive holding power

−$8.10 $127.33

Buy on Amazon

This lock consists of a 14mm 6 sided chain link that is made of manganese steel to provide the ultimate lock. It comes with a durable nylon cover to hold it in place and a hardened double deadbolt covering for maximum holding power. It also operates by a security disk-style cylinder that has a reinforced anti-drill and pulls protection system.

The set comes with 3 stainless steel keys, one of which is lighted with a high-intensity bulb and accompanied by a replaceable battery. This bike lock also comes with a patented oval steel crossbar for the purpose of extra security and a Key Safe program.

TiGr Mini+ Titanium Bike Lock & Mounting Clip

68 Reviews

TiGr Mini+ Titanium Bike Lock & Mounting Clip, Strong and Light Easy to Carry Bicycle Security

• Locking area:: 4 inches X 8 inches (approx).
• High security, disc-style lock cylinder (includes two keys)
• PVC coating on bow protects bike frame from scratches
• Included Mounting clip is simple to install, easy to use
• 1.0 pounds

$135.00

Buy on Amazon

This lock is designed to be light while remaining strong and TiGr have completed their brief, producing one of the most secure bike locks money can buy.  Titanium is an incredible strong material, yet very light – the reason high end MTB frames are made of titanium. Its weight makes it easy to transport anywhere you need to. It’s also very easy to use. It also includes a mounting clip which is very easy to install. Lastly, the lock includes a disc-style lock cylinder that comes with two keys.

Its PVC coating is meant to protect the bike from getting scratched and it only weighs 1.0 lbs., which makes it light and easy to carry. This lock works well on most bicycles of different sizes.

Determining the Most Secure Bike Locks

Although there are many different types of bike locks, they all essentially work the same. There are slight differences into how they really work, though.

In order to understand how a bike lock really works, you should look at first how thieves operate, what tools they use, and how your bike will be vulnerable. This will help you determine which lock to purchase.

Lock Picks

Lock picks are the smallest and quietest tools one can carry. Interestingly enough, they also require a lot of skill to use. Different locks require different types of tools and vary in difficulty to pick. But once a thief is proficient in using a lock pick, all they have to do is find a lock they recognize and your bike is theirs.

Cable Cutters

A pair of simple wire cutters is probably the easiest tool that can because. Most people continue to use braided steel cables and a padlock or a basic cable lock to lock up their bike. These types of locks can be easily cut through with a pair of cable cutters.

Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a quiet tool that can be used to cut through nonhardened locks quickly. Cheap U-locks and cable locks can be cut completely through with a hacksaw. If a thicker lock is used, a hacksaw may be used but it will take a longer time to used.

Bolt Cutters

Bolt cutters are tools that work in a breeze. They may not work on every single lock, but the locks they do work on work in a snap. One cut and your bike is gone.

Cordless Drill

A cordless drill is a rarer tool that is used by bike thieves. It can only work well on a few types of locks. One of these locks is a folding lock. Folding locks have become more popular to use and using a drill has become a tool of choice for many thieves.

Types of Bike Locks

Cable Locks

Cable locks are a type of braided lock. The braided cable is composed of many thin wires and it makes it more difficult to cut through than  a cable that consists of less thicker strands. Choosing a braided cable lock will help with the basic cable safety construction of your lock. This type of lock is a good benefit.

Chain Locks

Chain locks are extremely flexible and tend to come in a shorter length than cable locks. The benefit of these types of locks is that they are made from steel and when they are made with the links closer together it is makes it harder for thieves to get through the lock.

Chain locks have been proven to be more secure for a longer period of time. But they can be much heavier than a cable lock which means transporting could be an issues if you have no place to store your lock while biking.

Armored Locks

This type of lock is essentially a cable lock. The only difference here is that the cable is not visible as the lock is wrapped around a barrel. This type of lock guards well against theft because the barrel rotates independently of the cable.

Shackle Locks

Shackle locks are commonly used and they normally consist of two parts, the mechanism housing and the U or D shape lock bar which secures into the housing. This is one of the most secure locks that can be purchased as the support the weight of your bike and give strong safety to the bike.

Although they are not particularly large locks, the benefit is that when locking your bike using a shackle lock you are able lock your bike close to a mechanism.

Conclusion – Which is the most Secure bike lock?

In our opinion, the most secure bike lock is the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit but it is also the heaviest.  The most practical and secure bike lock is the Kryptonite Evolution U bolt.

Ultimately, it would seem pointless to spend a fair amount of money investing in your mountain bike yet not ensuring its security. You don’t want your bike to get stolen easily. Take the time to research and find the best secure bike locks that can really deter thieves and keep your bike safe.

The post 5 Most Secure Bike Locks in the World appeared first on SauserWind.

Mountain bike goggles are designed to protect your eyes from dust and debris which can fly up at you from your wheels. For general trail riding, a good pair of mountain bike glasses will be sufficient – but serious downhill riders will need goggles.

Mountain bike goggles are generally designed to fit around full-face mountain bike helmets, an essential bit of kit for anyone doing downhill.

You need to ensure the goggles you buy fit well, especially around the temple area without pressing your skin so much. Similarly, the nosepiece must fit snugly for enhanced performance while biking.

Like with helmet buying, always buy a reputable brand/make – brands like Fox Racing, Smith Optics and Oakley are known for product testing and meeting stringent safety standards.

Editor’s Choice – Winner of Best Mountain Bike Goggles 2020

20 Reviews

Fox Racing MTB Goggles

• 180 visibility with anti-fog lens
• 100% UV protection
• Perfect with Fox fullface helmets
• Very comfortable

Buy on Amazon

These MTB Goggles are the top seller on Amazon and for good reason. Fox racing is a leader in the Motocross and MTB gear space.

Here are the top 6 alternative mountain bike (MTB)  goggles to look out for.

Fly Racing Focus Goggles

Fly’s racing goggles are simple and inexpensive, and they may be more interesting to mountain bike beginners. Saying that — there is nothing wrong with them, if anything, it is amazing what they have managed to put together for the price. Clear lenses and a wide frame, which are strong and comfortable to wear.

Fly Racing goggles come in a spectrum of colors, so you should be able to find a pair that matches the rest of your kit. The strap is long enough to reach around to the back of your MX helmet and has a silicone coating to prevent it from slipping off your helmet.

Facts:

Lens: Polycarbonate — Anti-Scratch and Anti-Fog
Frame: Polyurethane
Tear-Off Posts: Yes
Face Seal: Dual-Layer Foam
Removable Nose Guard: Yes

The Fly Racing Focus goggles come with polycarbonate lenses for strength and flexibility. These lenses are anti-scratch. And the lenses also have an anti-fog coating to prevent them from steaming up at the moment you need them the most.

The goggle’s frame design fits snug into the visor hole, and dual-layer foam ensures a comfortable fit to your face. Fly make removable nose guards that will fit these goggles, but they do not come in the box.

Leatt Velocity 6.5 Iriz Goggles

Not that you would want to test it, but the Velocity 6.5 Iris has stopped a 0.22 caliber bullet on a military ballistics impact test. So, riding down the side of a mountain and hitting a few branches on occasion, is child’s play in comparison.

Leatt’s Velocity 6.5 Iriz, comes with a removable nose guard, which also helps to push air up into the visor. The Leatt goggle comes with two tear-off posts, one for a standard tear-off pack. And the other tear-off posts are for Leatt’s 48 mm WideVision system.

Facts:

Lens: Polycarbonate — Anti-Scratch and Anti-Fog
Frame: Polyurethane
Tear-Off Posts: Yes
Face Seal: Triple-Layer Foam with Fleece Backing
Removable Nose Guard: Yes

The outriggers ensure that these goggles will fit into the most challenging of helmet sizes and designs, and still stay in place. And the goggles are large enough to fit over the top of standard-sized glasses. To add to the comfort, the triple-layer face foam with fleece backing gives these goggles a fantastic seal to your face. The face-foam also keeps the goggles light and comfortable.

Anti-slip helmet strap, anti-fog lenses, and self-draining technology ensures that you have a clear view of what is in front of you at all times. And when you are ready to go home, you can store the goggles in the soft bag that Leatt provides.

Oakley Airbrake Prizm MX Goggle

When it comes down to making the finest lenses, you know that Oakley is going to be one of the best manufacturers to go to. Their Plutonite lenses block harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC light rays. Plutonite also allows the visible spectrum to pass through with incredible clarity.

The PRIZM lenses also enhance certain colors, to help you to recognize dips and obstacles on an off-road track. Prism lenses and the Airbrake frames have tear-off pegs for standard films and Oakley’s tear-off films. And the F3 anti-fog coating on the lens helps to combat the build-up of condensation from your brow.

Facts:

Lens: Plutonite (Polycarbonate)– Anti-Scratch and Anti-Fog
Frame: Polyurethane
Tear-Off Posts: Yes
Face Seal: Foam
Removable Nose Guard: Yes

These goggles are a bit larger than some other models. The Airbrakes will fit inside the width of a standard open-faced helmet, but they may struggle to fit helmets with chin protection. If you can fit these goggles in, then it is worth the price difference for the exceptional vision they offer.

The head strap has an anti-slip coating on it to prevent it from slipping off your helmet. And the out-riggers help the goggles move with the helmet, rather than vibrating in random directions. It is worth mentioning that you can buy 10 entry-level goggles for the same price. What you are paying for are the lenses.

Fox Main Cota Goggles 

Fox’s Main Cota Goggles, small and sleek design makes them a perfect fit for a standard MX helmet. These are entry-level mountain bike goggles with an advance-level of finish. The panoramic Lexan lenses give you a superior field of view, while still being small enough to fit into the face of your helmet.

The lenses also have tear-off posts that will take most brands of protective films. The frame of the goggle’s seals to your face with a triple-layer face foam and a fleece liner. So, you can wear these all day in comfort without them rubbing.

Facts:

Lens: Lexan (Polycarbonate and Polyetherimide) — Anti-Scratch and Anti-Fog
Frame: Polyurethane
Tear-Off Posts: Yes
Face Seal: Triple-layer Foam with Fleece Liner
Removable Nose Guard: Yes

There is also a non-slip silicon adjustable strap to prevent the goggles from falling down when you are going over jumps. And the frames are small enough to fit most MX helmets. Lexan is a composite of Polycarbonate (PHC) and Polyetherimide (PEI).

The usage of polycarbonate is common, and you will see it in most safety lenses for goggles, helmets, and glasses . PHC is strong and scratch-resistant, but it tends to fog. Polyetherimide is less resilient to impact, but PEI improves the strength of PHC by up to 30% and 100% UV protection.

Smith Optics Squad Mountain Bike Goggles

6 Reviews

Smith Optics Goggles

• Good ventilation
• Secure straps
• Anti-fog lens
• Top quality brand

$74.94

Buy on Amazon

Smith Optics is renowned for its durable snow eyewear but also have a Squad MTB range. It’s a top brand for many athletes and sports men and women who trust in its products for reliability and dependability. The company is always investing in R&D to come up with new designs and uses the latest innovations to enhance its existing products for better functionality.

It also tests its products for quality and functionality, ensuring that customers always return for similar or better solutions. The company also offers exceptional customer support services to its large base of customers spread across the globe. The Squad MTB Goggles aren’t just designed for a perfect fit, but also improves performance. Compatible with bike helmets, the pair of goggles has an ultra-wide backed strap made from silicone for accurate sizing and additional comfort.

Based on the AirEvac integration technology, the lenses prevent fogging. Built in a facial geometry frame design, the goggles allow for a contoured face fit. The goggles have carbonic spherical x-lenses for a stylish and fashionable look even as you cycle your bike on various terrains. The spherical lenses are large and iconic to give you a signature look each time you put them on. As a result, you get five times better field of vision based on the anti-fog technology for clear sight even as you cycle in the mountains or in winter.

The TLT lens technology guarantees you crystal clear vision despite the bad weather outdoors. With the patented Porex filter, you won’t experience optical distortion even as you change elevation in the mountains.

The three-layer DriWix face foam cushions areas around your eyes that get in contact with the pair of goggles for comfort. The responsive Fit frame design is not just durable, but also flexible to adjust for a perfect fit. With the single-pivot lens change system, you can easily remove your lenses for cleaning or replacement as it supports quick release.

The mirror lenses support high performance whether you’re riding during the day when there’s bright light or in the evening when light becomes low. It also has a dual-axis outrigger position system so you can easily put it on or off.

Keep it in the microfiber goggle bag it comes with for storage or to bring it with you wherever you go. The bag also comes with a replacement lens sleeve to hold any extra lenses you might want to bring with you for change if need be. They also offer eye protection from the harsh weather condition that might impair your vision, reducing your cycling performance.

Global Vision Sports Goggles

29 Reviews

Global Vision Sport Goggles

• Shatterproof against fly debris
• Fits most MTB helmets
• Anti-fog lens
• Can be worn with glasses

$17.48

Buy on Amazon

Founded by Richard Wright in 1983, Global Vision has at least three decades worth of experience. The company has grown over the years to become a popular wholesale eyewear brand. With a mission to help you see the world in a different perspective, the company manufactures reliable and functional eyewear for consumers worldwide.

It also offers exceptional customer support services. Global Vision manufactures comfortable, stylish, affordable and perfectly-fitting eyewear products. The Global Vision Eliminator Goggles, just like other eyewear products by the same brand, feature polycarbonate lenses. Designed with UV400 filter, the lenses offer protection from the harsh UV rays.

As you cycle along trails and on various terrains, the shatterproof lenses are designed to protect your eyes from foreign objects. Although these goggles are designed for motorcyclists, they can keep dust away from your eyes as you go biking since the lenses have a stylish tint. You can expect to use your pair of goggles for many years as they have a scratch coating to prevent scratches even as your lenses are hit by various objects.

The goggles don’t just vent to prevent fog, but also feature airy and soft padded foam for comfort. You can adjust the elastic strap if need be for a perfect fit. Suitable for all terrains, keep your goggles in the microfiber pouch it comes with either for storage or portable use.

You might also like these mountain bike accessory articles:

Best dropper posts

Best mountain bike stands 

Top bicycle wall mounts for space saving

The post Best Mountain Bike Goggles for Downhill Riding appeared first on SauserWind.

Mountain bike glasses are essential for eye protection when you are riding, even if it’s not a sunny day. MTB glasses protect your eyes from flying debris like mud, branches and flies.  From personal experience I can tell you, having a bluebottle fly hit you in the eye at 20mph is very painful.

There are not many sunglasses dedicated to mountain biking, but most sports sunglasses or branded cycling sunglasses will do the trick.  They need to have the following:

1. UV protection, ideally polarized
2. Be wrap around to fully protect the eye area
3. Fit comfortably under a mountain bike helmet
4. Be clear enough to see trails when you hit wooded areas with less light

If you are doing aggressive downhill and muddy trails, you might want to opt for mountain bike goggles.

Top 3 Mountain Bike Glasses

Glasses Make/Model

Oakley Men's OO9290 Jawbreaker Shield Sunglasses, Polished Black, 131 mm

Tifosi Optics Radius Photochromic Sunglasses Crystal Brown/Brown Polarized Fototec, One Size - Men's

Smith Optics PivLock Overdrive Sunglasses, Black Frame, Polar Gray/Ignitor/Clear Lenses

Glasses Look

Prime delivery

-

-

-

Rating

Reviews

Read reviews

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Verdict

Perfect MTB glasses from the top manufacturer

Italian style, great visibility

Top ergomomic design and lenses

Sauserwind Rating

5/5

4.5/5

4.8/5

Glasses Make/Model

Oakley Men's OO9290 Jawbreaker Shield Sunglasses, Polished Black, 131 mm

Glasses Look

Prime delivery

-

Rating

Reviews

Read reviews

Buy on Amazon

Verdict

Perfect MTB glasses from the top manufacturer

Sauserwind Rating

5/5

Glasses Make/Model

Tifosi Optics Radius Photochromic Sunglasses Crystal Brown/Brown Polarized Fototec, One Size - Men's

Glasses Look

Prime delivery

-

Rating

Reviews

Read reviews

Buy on Amazon

Verdict

Italian style, great visibility

Sauserwind Rating

4.5/5

Glasses Make/Model

Smith Optics PivLock Overdrive Sunglasses, Black Frame, Polar Gray/Ignitor/Clear Lenses

Glasses Look

Prime delivery

-

Rating

Reviews

Read reviews

Buy on Amazon

Verdict

Top ergomomic design and lenses

Sauserwind Rating

4.8/5

Best Wrap Around Mountain Bike Sunglasses (non-polarized)

Oakley Men’s Jawbreaker OO9290 Shield Sunglasses

203 Reviews

Oakley Men's OO9290 Jawbreaker Shield Sunglasses, Polished Black, 131 mm

• Case Included

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Oakley is the biggest brand in sports sunglasses. Established in 1975 Oakley is a California based company which has grown from a garage business into a multinational company. Oakley now provides standard issue sunglasses to the US military and police force. Oakley sunglasses are loved by the mountain bike industry due to the quality of manufacturing. They are extensively tested for high impact collisions.

We love these Oakley Jawbreakers due to the thick rims, they are almost like goggles.  Offer 100% UV protection.

Oakley Men’s Evzero PRIZM Road Sunglasses

16 Reviews

Oakley Men's Evzero Path 0OO9308 Non-polarized Iridium Rectangular Sunglasses, Planet X, 38 mm

• Case included
• EVZERO PATH is a frame that is built for speed and multi-sport functions. Lightest performance sunglass that has a toric sheild.

Buy on Amazon

The Oakley Evzero’s have large lenses for big eye protection with a minimal look. These also have a very thin arm which fit perfectly under mountain bike helmets. The prizm range is much loved by pro riders.

Oakley Prizm Technolgy for mountain bike sunglasses

Tifosi Podium Shield Sunglasses

3 Reviews

Tifosi Podium Sunglasses Matte Black/Clarion Red/GT/EC One Size

Great brand who specialize is sports glasses

Buy on Amazon

Tifosi is an Italian sports eyewear manufacturer which specialize in running and cycling sunglasses.

The Tifosi Podium glasses are a great pair of mountain biking sunglasses as they have a fully adjustable nose piece. They also have adjustable eat pads which means you can get just the right fit with your helmet. The pads also stop any slippage when you are hitting bumps. These Tifosi sunglasses come in five different color options.

Note: Does not ship to the UK if you are one of our UK visitors.

Tifosi Radius Wrap Sunglasses

37 Reviews

Tifosi Optics Radius Photochromic Sunglasses Crystal Brown/Brown Polarized Fototec, One Size - Men's

• Case Type: soft
• Lens: [all colors] Fototec
• Photochromic: no
• Polarized: yes
• Interchangeable Lens: yes

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We like these as they are not full wrap around and can be worn when non riding.

Julbo Ultra Performance Sunglasses

16 Reviews

Julbo Standard Ultra Performance Sunglasses with Zebra Light Lens, Anthracite/Lime Green

Neat looking sports glasses in a range of colors/sizes

Buy on Amazon

Julbo specializes in Ski goggles, but also have a great range of sunglasses. Julbo has been going since 1888, which is surely the oldest brand in sports eyewear. These lenses are super tough and made of an anti-ballistic material with an anti-fog coating. They come in three different colors.

This month, one of there team, Titouan Perrin-Ganier, won the MTB XCE World Championships.

Northwave Matt Black-Red-Clear Team Cycling Glasses 

1 Reviews

Northwave Matt Black-Red-Clear Team Cycling Glasses (Default , Black)

Much underrated sports glasses, perfect for mountain bike riding

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Northwave started in 1993 producing MTB shoes and have progressed to offer a range of cycling accessories including cycling sunglasses. Northwave also sponsors a lot of pro riders in Road, enduro and XC races. These are very lightweight, but best used for casual riding.

We also like these from Northwave, the Northwave Matt Black Switch Cycling Glasses

Northwave Matt Black Switch Cycling Glasses (Default , Black)

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Bolle 6th Sense Cycling Sunglasses

25 Reviews

Bolle 6th Sense Sunglasses, Small Matte Black/Black Blue Violet oleo AF

• Lens: NXT Blue Violet oleo af
• Lens category: 3
• Technologies: anti-fog; Anti-Scratch; oleophobic; hydrophobic; Anti-Reflective

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Bolle is a French sports eyewear company established in 1888. These cycling sunglasses have a lot of neat features for the mountain bike rider: fully adjustable nose piece, interchangeable lenses, and frames made from their thermogrip material. There thermogrip technology is made of a hydrophilic material which actually absorbs sweat to stop slippages.

We also love the Bolle Vortex cycling sunglasses below.

4 Reviews

Bolle Vortex Sunglasses, Shiny White Green Edge Frame, Brown Emerald Lens

• B-clear technology features ultra-lightweight trivex lens material, dual-sided hydrophobic/oleophobic coatings
• Carboglas Coating gives an armor shell from scratches and abrasions
• Optics Control System is an interchangeable lens System that allows you to swap out the lenses for different lighting conditions
• B88 frames are made of the finest grade Nylon for incredibly lightweight, durable, flexible frames
• Adjustable nose pads to tailor a custom fit, hypoallergenic and comfortable

Buy on Amazon

Best Polarized Cycling Sunglasses

Oakley Men’s Radar OO9211-07 Shield Sunglasses

61 Reviews

Oakley Men's Radar EV Redline w/OO Red Iridium Polarized Sunglasses One Size

• Case Included

Buy on Amazon

With over 400+ positive reviews on Amazon, these polarized sunglasses are perfect for mountain biking. These come in eleven different color schemes and available on Amazon’s store scheme.

Smith Optics PivLock Overdrive Sunglasses

18 Reviews

Smith Optics PivLock Overdrive Sunglasses, Black Frame, Polar Gray/Ignitor/Clear Lenses

• Medium Fit/Large Coverage
• Three Interchangeable Carbonic TLT Lenses
• TR90 Frame Material, Hydroleophobic Lens Coating, Two-Position Adjustable Nose Pads, Slide-On Temple Tips and Hydrophilic Megol Temple and Nose Pads
• 9 Base Lens Curvature

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Smith Optics are a US sports accessories company that manufactures ski goggles, helmets, and sports sunglasses.  These Smith sunglasses are perfect for mountain bike riders as they have an adjustable nose piece, interchangeable lenses which are polarized and ergonomically designed frames to fit under cycling helmets. The interchangeable lenses let you switch them out depending on the light conditions that day.  Smith sunglasses also sponsor a lot of pro mountain bike riders so you know they take their product development seriously.

Smith Optics also provides a lifetime guarantee on these mountain bike glasses.

Tifosi Wisp Wrap Polarized Sunglasses

29 Reviews

Tifosi Wisp 0040500250 Polarized Wrap Sunglasses,Gloss Black Frame/Brown Lens,One Size

• Shatterproof, optically decentered polycarbonate lenses

$62.96

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If you want Italian design and polarized lenses, then these are for you. These polarized lenses are also shatterproof, ideal if debris flies up into your face.

Best Photochromic Mountain Bike Glasses

Bertoni Sport Photochromic Sunglasses Antifog

15 Reviews

Bertoni Sport Photochromic Antifog Sunglasses cat. 0-3 - Cycling Running Golf Ski Watersports - Anticrash Ventilated Lenses Italy-F1000B1 Mat Black/Red - Wraparound Windproof Sports Glasses

High-end Italian made sports glasses

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Bertoni has been in the sports eyewear market for the last twenty years. The Italian based company specializes in eyewear for motorcycling, cycling and running.  They offer great quality cycling glasses, like above, for a reasonable price.  Similar photochromic lenses by Oakley would cost five times the price. They also offer unbreakable lenses according to their technology page.

Julbo Venturi Performance Sunglasses (photochromic)

13 Reviews

Julbo Venturi Performance Sunglasses, Blue/Green, Zebra Lens, Medium

Very comfortable sports glasses with great visibility

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Another quality pair of cycling sunglasses from Julbo, the Venturi are photochromic

Best Non-sports Sunglasses for Casual Riding

If you are not doing active rides and just need a cool pair of shades for casual riding, here are the top three trending sunglasses you can buy.

Maui Jim Peahi Sunglasses

298 Reviews

Maui Jim Peahi Wrap Sunglasses, Gloss Black/Neutral Grey Polarized, Large

• Click the Maui Jim link above to visit our brand store, where you can find our entire catalog of sunglasses
• All Maui Jim sunglasses feature PolarizedPlus2 lens technology that go beyond shielding your eyes from glare and harmful UV rays by enhancing colors to reveal the true beauty of the world around you
• Enjoy ultimate UV protection combined with premium style, incredible durability, glare-free vision, and color-boosting patented technologies
• Neutral Grey lenses offer the highest available light reduction and are most useful in bright, direct sunlight
• Lenses made with SuperThin Glass Material provide for crisp optics and the best scratch and solvent resistance

$248.00

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Maui Jim sunglasses are super hot right now! These are semi wrap around to still give your eyes a decent amount of protection.

Maui Jim Breakwall Sunglasses- Polarized

468 Reviews

Maui Jim Breakwall Rectangular Sunglasses, Gloss Black/Neutral Grey Polarized, Medium

• Click the Maui Jim link above to visit our brand store, where you can find our entire catalog of sunglasses
• All Maui Jim sunglasses feature PolarizedPlus2 lens technology that go beyond shielding your eyes from glare and harmful UV rays by enhancing colors to reveal the true beauty of the world around you
• Enjoy ultimate UV protection combined with premium style, incredible durability, glare-free vision, and color-boosting patented technologies
• Neutral Grey lenses offer the highest available light reduction and are most useful in bright, direct sunlight
• Lenses made with MauiPure material for crisp optics and excellent shatter & scratch resistance

$169.99

Buy on Amazon

Another awesome pair of sunglasses by Maui Jim which have had rave reviews. These have polarized lenses and come in five different colours.

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The post Discover the Best Mountain Bike Glasses 2020 to Protect Your Eyes appeared first on SauserWind.

Dropper posts have completely revolutionized mountain biking. Most professionals would agree that they are one of the best ways you can upgrade your bike.

Quick Overview – Top 4 Dropper Posts

Make/Model

FOX Transfer Seatpost 30.9 Factory Series 150mm Drop, Collar Routing (External) (Lever Not Included)

Editors Choice

RockShox Reverb 30.9mm x 390mm Dropper Post: 125mm Travel, 1650mm Hose, Matchmater X Right, Black, B1

PNW Components Cascade Dropper Post, 125/150/170mm Travel, External Routing, 3-Year Warranty (30.9/125mm)

Thomson Bike Products Covert Dropper 31.6 with Internal Cable Route 4" Travel Seat Post

The look

How much?

Price not available

Price not available

Price not available

$362.95

Amazon stars

2 Reviews

-

117 Reviews

1 Reviews

Check reviews

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Make/Model

FOX Transfer Seatpost 30.9 Factory Series 150mm Drop, Collar Routing (External) (Lever Not Included)

The look

How much?

Price not available

Amazon stars

2 Reviews

Check reviews

Buy on Amazon

Editors Choice

Make/Model

RockShox Reverb 30.9mm x 390mm Dropper Post: 125mm Travel, 1650mm Hose, Matchmater X Right, Black, B1

The look

How much?

Price not available

Amazon stars

-

Check reviews

Buy on Amazon

Make/Model

PNW Components Cascade Dropper Post, 125/150/170mm Travel, External Routing, 3-Year Warranty (30.9/125mm)

The look

How much?

Price not available

Amazon stars

117 Reviews

Check reviews

Buy on Amazon

Make/Model

Thomson Bike Products Covert Dropper 31.6 with Internal Cable Route 4" Travel Seat Post

The look

How much?

$362.95

Amazon stars

1 Reviews

Check reviews

Buy on Amazon

What Does a Mountain Bike Dropper Post do?

Dropper posts let you lower the height of your bicycle saddle as you ride, allowing you to shift around more easily as you descend during your biking journey. Once you need to go up again, you allow this to return to the right height for pedaling efficiently.

This is all done without the need to stop mid bike-ride. These traits make dropper posts perfect for endurance racing, where the ability to switch from an uphill sprint to a speedy descent is crucial to your success. But even XC and trail riders stand to benefit from using one.

The Best Mountain Bike Dropper Posts Reviews

Lots of different types of dropper posts exist out there in the mountain bike gear world. This article will show you the best products available on the market right now, then explain a bit more about choosing the right post and how to use it.

Oneup Components Dropper Seat Post

This dropper seatpost from Oneup comes in two diameters for a secure fit to most bike frames. Though it is also possible to find adaptors to allow you to use this post in larger diameter frames. And at 1.12 pounds, the post weighs little over twice that of a standard seat post.

Features

Weights: 1.12 pounds (0.51 kg)
Diameters: 1.217 inch (3.1 cm), 1.244 inch (3.2 cm)
Usable Height: 13.39 inch (34.0 cm), 12.50 inch (32.0 cm)
Travel: 6.69 inch (17.0 cm), 5.91 inch (15.0 cm)

The seatpost is cable actuated, relying on an internal cable connected to a lever. So, if you want to use this on your bike, you need to either have a cable-ready bike or drill a hole in the frame to feed the cable through. The remote and cable housing does NOT come with the kit.

The height is simple to adjust on the go, the actuator cable locks the seat travel and returns to the full-height of 13.38 inches when released. This post has a lot of travel, close to 6.7 inches. And you can pre-set the travel down to a little over 4.7 inches, depending on whether you need it for speed riding or to get the most from your jumps.

KS Eten Dropper Seatpost 

The KS Eten comes in three different diameters to cater to various bike frames. These various diameters have an effect on the weight of the seatposts, which ranges between 1.47 pounds and 1.53 pounds. These are entry-level droppers and not lightweight, but fine for downhill runs and jumps.

Features

Weights: 1.477 pounds (0.67 kg), 1.521 pounds (0.69 kg), 1.532 pounds (0.695 kg)
Diameters: 1.217 inch (3.09 cm), 1.244 inch (3.16 cm)
Usable Height: 13.39 inch (34.0 cm), 12.50 inch (32.0 cm)
Travel: 6.69 inch (17.0 cm), 5.91 inch (15.0 cm)

A lever built-in in to the seatpost varies the seat height. The lever is at the top of the seatpost, where it is easiest to reach. This means that the height is quick to change, and the post is quick to remove, or you can use it on another bike. It is a clever design, but it is not practical to adjust an under-seat lever while you are riding. In contrast, you can ride and activate a handlebar-mounted lever.

The hydraulic cartridge and a sealed air spring help the rider to alter the height of the seatpost. This dropper comes ready to use and install on any bike. This is a great unit to experience the benefits of a hydraulic seat dropper without breaking the bank.

Crankbrothers Highline Seatpost

Crankbrothers Highline Seatpost will appeal more to the experienced rider. This seatpost is for a rider that has had experience with a dropper post and now needs more. Riders may notice the rise of the Crankbrothers seatpost to rise is a little slower than expected. Easy to install and use, the dropper comes ready for two different seatpost diameters, so it will fit most downhill bikes.

Features

Weights: 1.36 pounds (0.615 kg), with cable and housing 1.38 pounds (0.625 kg),
Diameters: 1.217 inch (3.09 cm), 1.244 inch (3.16 cm)
Usable Height: 9.72 — 13.38 inch (24.7 — 36.5 cm)
Travel: 3.93 — 6.69 inches (10.0 — 17.0 cm)

The actuator has a decent level of travel, and a handlebar-mounted lever makes it easy to change between short and long reaches while on the go. The saddle clamp is also firm and easy to install, so you will not feel it slipping or be hearing creaks in the middle of your ride.

This post is stiffer than some other posts, which may appeal to more seasoned riders that prefer the control. The lever assembly is removable with a quick-release mechanism, but it does need a bike with an actuator cable hole, or you will have to drill one.

Foundation Dropper Seatpost

A reliable seat post that can manage the demanding conditions of an outdoor adventure. Foundation’ Dropper Seatpost will fit most mountain bike frames with 1.217-inch and 1.244-inch diameter frames. Though because this post has an internal lever cable, the bike frame will need a hole to feed the cable through.

Features

Weights: –
Diameters: 1.217 inch (3.1 cm), 1.244 inch (3.2 cm)
Usable Height: 12.21 inches (31.0 cm)
Travel: 5.91 inches (15 cm)

The actuator cable comes with a lever, so you will not be hunting around for parts when you buy this dropper. And the lever cable is quick to release and attach to the post. So, you can bring this post along to your ride, change out your standard post, and install the Foundation on the spot.

The 5.9-inch travel is decent for a post of this price and one that will manage a trail well. We have seen some medium-range dropper posts with slow or excessive response times. The foundation is not slow and returns to full height at a respectable and non-painful speed.

Bike Yoke Revive Dropper Post

There is no alternative way to say it — this dropper is for aspiring professionals that want the best on their bikes. This is one of the most lightweight dropper seatposts, and it will help with that pre-start ride up that hill. This post is suitable for Trail, Enduro, and All-Mountain riding.

Features

Weights: 1.07 pounds (0.485 kg)
Diameters: 1.217 inches (3.1 cm), 1.244 inches (3.2 cm), 1.37 inches (3.5 cm)
Usable Height: 11.21 inches (28.5 cm), 13.18 inches (33.5 cm), 13.18 inches (33.5 cm)
Travel: 4.95 inches (12.5 cm), 6.9 inches (17.6 cm), 7.28 inches (18.5 cm)

As you would expect of a premium unit, the lever and cable come with this seatpost package. The cable runs out through the bottom of the actuator, so your bike will need a hole in the frame to run the cable through, or you will need to drill one.

The Bike Yoke Revive uses two dynamic seals to lessen the chance of a blow out on those large jumps. Depending on the type of terrain, you have a decent number of ways to personalize this dropper so that you can get the most from it on a ride.

Fox Transfer Factory Dropper Post

2 Reviews

FOX Transfer Seatpost 30.9 Factory Series 150mm Drop, Collar Routing (External) (Lever Not Included)

Buy on Amazon

Fox Racing do not only make awesome helmets. The second edition of Fox’s dropper post has been very successful. This product has a fast step-less, smooth design, and very reliable cartridge internals. These offer as much as 150mm of travel and externally and internally routed designs.

You can choose between an under-bar cable remote (1x specific) or shifter-enabled cable remote. The twin clamp head can be micro-adjusted, is easy to adjust, and provides security.

ROCKSHOX REVERB Dropper Post Review

RockShox Reverb 30.9mm x 390mm Dropper Post: 125mm Travel, 1650mm Hose, Matchmater X Right, Black, B1

• ROCKSHOX

Buy on Amazon

ROCKSHOX is known for producing quality products, and the REVERB is no exception. The company has pioneered something new in their internal routing; “Stealth.” This has become an included, standard feature with most newer frames. This prevents the fragile hydraulic hose from moving around too much and instead keeps it out of harm on the frame’s inside.

The adjustment is now 150mm (125 or 100 if you prefer that) and you can choose to mount the lever on the right or left, as well as below or above the bars. You can also choose the mount called “Matchmaker X” by SRAM to attach the Reverb adjuster to a SRAM/Avid lever for braking. Overall, this dropper post is super smooth and comes with lots of neat extras.

Cascade Dropper Post Review

117 Reviews

PNW Components Cascade Dropper Post, 125/150/170mm Travel, External Routing, 3-Year Warranty (30.9/125mm)

• 125, 150 and 170mm Travel Dropper Post
• Lightweight sealed alloy cartridge
• External cable routing
• 3-year warranty
• Unless indicated with (NO LEVER KIT), Includes Puget MTB 2x Lever, cables and all required hardware. NO LEVER KIT DOES NOT include cable, housing or lever.

Buy on Amazon

For the price you’ll pay, the Cascade Dropper Post is amazing value. If you don’t already use a dropper post, this is a good place to start. It offers a smooth operation and a fast return speed. This addition can make downhill runs much more fun for you.

It’s easy to install, especially if you know anything about mechanical matters. Make sure that the post is entirely installed and definitely works before you cut the post at the end of the installation.

Although it’s light, it doesn’t feel cheap at all and is well-made. If you’re ready to transform your entire mountain biking experience, including downhill runs, you can’t do much better than this.

Thomson Elite Covert Dropper Post Review

1 Reviews

Thomson Bike Products Covert Dropper 31.6 with Internal Cable Route 4" Travel Seat Post

Lightweight dropper from Tomson with a 6

$362.95

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Thomson has been known for its great stems and high-quality seat posts, and now it’s added something new to its line of products. The first stealth dropper post by Thomson, the Elite, has quickly been adapted to work well with internal routing functions.

True, it does have just 125mm, but it’s very reliable and smooth. The finish and fit are high-quality, as you’d expect from Thomson. You’ll be glad to know that the cable remote functions with the majority of set-ups. In addition, the post’s step-less design doesn’t have a lot of side-to-side play going on while in use.

If you’re working with a frame that is older and requires a 27.2mm product, you can find a post that fits by Thomson, but keep in mind that it does only come externally routed.

Dropper Post Buying Guide

What features should you keep an eye out for when you’re investing in and getting comfortable with dropper posts for your bike? Keep the following in mind:

Stealth Dropper Post Sizing

When it comes to sizing, you’ll have to choose between a couple options. First, you need to pick the right diameter for the frame of your bike. Although you’ll see many choices for diameters in seat posts, the industry has fortunately settled on a smaller number.

The most common two sizes will be the 31.6mm and 30.9mm sizes. You can also see 34.9 and 27.2mm sizes out there, though they’re less common. A lot of hard tails, both new and old, use 27.2mm, so thankfully some manufacturers are offering posts that will fit them.

>> Read the best MTB seat reviews

Routing in Your Mountain Bike Dropper Post

After you figure out which size you need for your post, you must pick the right hose/cable routing for the bike you have. Fortunately, this isn’t very hard because only two choices exist. These are internal (or “Stealth”) and external. Droppers should work the same way functionally, regardless of their routing.

External routing means the hose/cable runs from your handlebar’s remote to your frame’s outer-post. Usually, this will run either underneath, at the side, or on the top tube of the frame. This type of routing makes mounting the post easy, even if you aren’t very experienced with this.

Adjustment for Travel

Most posts offer you the choice of infinite adjustments. In other words, you can stop it anytime during travel. Some posts will have preset positions included with them, as well, though how often you’ll use these depends on your needs and familiarity with the product.

Buying a dropper post – Which is best?

As you can see, if you’re serious about your mountain biking, you can’t afford to miss out on investing in a stealth dropper post. Based on the features of each, the Thomson Elite Covert Dropper is by far the best on our list. Take action and get one today!

Image sources: Sram.com, Jenson USA

You might also like these mountain bike accessory posts:

Best mountain bike repair stands

Guide to digital tyre pressure gauges

Best mountain bike wall mounts

Best titanium MTB frames

The post Best Mountain Bike Dropper Posts to Up Your Game for 2020 appeared first on SauserWind.

The key accessory for any mountain bike enthusiast is a good stand for maintenance and repair work.  You don’t need a full workshop to make the essential adjustments; just a top bicycle stand and decent set of tools.

Whether you are a pro working in a bike shop or beginner, we’ve got the best maintenance stands for your mountain bike.

Types of Bicycle Repair Stands

There are 2 main types of bike repair stands on the market: Clamp stands and Euro stands, otherwise called ‘race stands’.

Clamp repair stands clamp the bike on the seat post or any tubing the mountain bike has. They are great if the tubes are made of tough material like strengthened aluminum or titanium, but can damage soft tubing made of carbon.

Euro (race) repair stands support the bike by the bottom bracket and the front or rear dropout. They are called race stands as they are portable and can be taken to race meets. They also allow the mountain bike to be quickly rotated for maintenance work.

How We Tested/Reviewed These Repair Stands

We own most of these stands between us and know exactly how good they are. Each was carefully considered after hours of use.

We also asked a couple of the local MTB shops in Palo Alto what they used for servicing bikes. Thanks especially to Summit Bicycles for showing us around the workshop and the pro talk on bike stands.

Best MTB Repair Stand – Quick Overview

Make

Park Tool Home PCS-9 Mechanic Repair Stand

Park Tool PRS-4.2-2 Bench Mount Bicycle Repair Stand with Micro-Adjust Clamp

Feedback Sports Sprint Bike Repair Stand (Red)

Image

Rating

Reviews

662 Reviews

7 Reviews

95 Reviews

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Whos this stand for

Beginners

Pro

Everyone

Verdict

Awesome

Best pro standard repair stand

Best portable bike stand

Make

Park Tool Home PCS-9 Mechanic Repair Stand

Image

Rating

Reviews

662 Reviews

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Whos this stand for

Beginners

Verdict

Awesome

Make

Park Tool PRS-4.2-2 Bench Mount Bicycle Repair Stand with Micro-Adjust Clamp

Image

Rating

Reviews

7 Reviews

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Whos this stand for

Pro

Verdict

Best pro standard repair stand

Make

Feedback Sports Sprint Bike Repair Stand (Red)

Image

Rating

Reviews

95 Reviews

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Whos this stand for

Everyone

Verdict

Best portable bike stand

As one of the most respected brands on the market, it would make sense that we started with a Park Tool stand. Their hardware is found in bicycle repair shops all around the world, as they offer some of the most durable and high-quality options on the market. While their professional models may be too expensive (and often overkill) for general consumers, the Home Mechanic Repair Stand is designed specifically for the cyclist who prefers to DIY.

The main advantage of this stand is simplicity. There is only one model available. It comes in a single size and a single color. Some may wish for other color options, but when other hobbyists see the iconic baby blue paint job, they’ll know that you’ve got a professional-grade bike stand.

Despite the lack of options, this stand will fit virtually every bike on the market. The screw-lock clamp is adjustable and can fit tubes as small as 7/8^th of an inch, all the way up to three inches.

The oddly shaped grabbing edges of the clamp serves an important purpose – they provide flexibility. This stand isn’t restricted to round tubes. It can grab aerodynamic seat posts, squared tubes, and other uniquely shaped mountain bike structural elements.

Thanks to the unique tripod design you can work on bikes of all weights. Virtually all of the pressure is applied to the inner leg, which is the most structurally supportive part. The two extended legs keep the stand well balanced, so there is no risk of tipping. This allowed Park Tool to make the arms swivel 360 degrees so you can rotate the bike as you work on it.

This is a purchase that you’ll have for years to come. Every single component is designed with structural integrity far beyond the forces you’ll every subject it to. Sure, it’s simple in terms of features. Sure, there aren’t many accessories available for it. But at nearly twice the weight of most entry-level aluminum stands, you can immediately tell that this is built to last. Every moving part is simple, and that’s why mechanics trust these stands to withstand many years of daily use.

Feedback Sports Sprint Mountain Bike Work Stand

95 Reviews

Feedback Sports Sprint Bike Repair Stand

• Folding tripod clap stand
• 360 degree mountain bike rotation
• Easy to store in kit bag once folded for race days
• Quick release height adjuster

$265.49

Buy on Amazon

If you enjoy wrenching on your bike almost as much as you love riding it, then you need professional grade tools. This means more than durability, you need versatility. In this regard, there are very few repair stands that can compete with the Feedback Sports Sprint Work Stand.

When we first opened the box, we were shocked at how compact it was. It’s less than three feet long, and only ten by six inches in width and height – smaller than your typical baseball bat.

Despite how compact it is when folded up, some creative design allows it to fold out into a full size stand. The first thing you do is open the tripod leg design. Each leg is evenly sized, which allows you to keep it balanced no matter what direction it’s facing. You then fold the supporting arm up.

You attach your bike using a single quick-release mechanism. With the tire off, it clips into your fork. This allows you to get it up onto the stand in seconds, but doesn’t compromise stability.

The clip is adjustable, which allows it to fit any size mountain bike. You can also slide the supporting lengthwise, which allows you to experiment with different balance points. No matter how much hardware you’ve stripped off the bike, this stand will always keep it balanced.

Whether you mount the front of the rear axle, the rubber cradles will protect the finish of your expensive bike. Whether you’re working on customers rides or your own, this is one of the most versatile stands on the market.

A note on height adjustment:
Sure, some of your bike components are located in awkward positions. The general consensus is that any bike stand with a vertical adjustment is better suited towards complex repairs. While this is true in a few unique scenarios, this isn’t the real reason stands have height adjustments.

Do you prefer to sit when you work? Or would you rather stand? The answer to this question will determine whether you want a height adjustment or not. Stands with height adjustment are typically much taller than compact models. If you’d rather to sit (regardless of whether it’s the floor or a chair) then a bike stand like the one above is a better option. But if you like to stand, then we’d select a full-size stand with a larger height adjustment.

Park Tool PRS-4.2 Deluxe Adjustable Bench Mount Stand

7 Reviews

Park Tool Deluxe Adjustable Bench Mount Stand

• Quyality pro clamp stand

$287.95

Buy on Amazon

If you’re a cyclist who can’t get enough of those tough mountain trails, you know that wipeouts are inevitable. Though we try to avoid cuts, scrapes, and spills whenever possible, we accept them as a part of the sport.

When you’re taking air, it doesn’t matter whether you nail the landing, or head over the handle bars. Your bike is taking a lot more force than most cyclist exert on their bikes. This means two things: you’re going to have to do some upgrades, and you’re going to have to do some repairs.

If you’ve been riding for a long time, you may already have a work bench set up. In that case, you’re fortunate enough to use one of the most stable stand types on the market: a bench mount stand.

This stand sits on a flat metal bar, with four holes drilled in each corner. It’s designed to be bolted directly to the work surface of your bench. But once it’s in place, you’ll be blessed with one of the highest weight capacities on the market. It can easily hold upwards of 200 lbs.

This means that even if you’re working on a heavy bike, throwing all of your body weight into a bolt that just won’t seem to come undone, this is one of the few stands that will hold up.

Just as the mountain bracket is designed to withstand more pressure, so is the clamp. This all-steel design is machined from solid piping, and doesn’t include a single weld. Every piece is bolted on.

In the unlikely even that something gets damaged, you can replace or modify every moving part. There are two different sizes available, each of which are suitable for different tubing sizes. But if you’ve got the money, then this is a stand that you won’t regret.

>> Read also our guide to the best grease guns for mountain bike maintenance work

Bikehand Pro Mechanic Bicycle Repair Rack/ Mountain Bike Stand

2,087 Reviews

Bikehand Pro Mechanic Bicycle Repair Stand

• Very lightweight
• Fast height aduster and tilt option
• 360 MTB rotation
• Comes with a handy tool plate

$139.98

Buy on Amazon

For cyclists looking to save money, there are plenty of affordable repair stands out there. Although finding options is easy, finding good options is a challenge.

One product that pleasantly surprised us is the Bikehand Pro. It’s not from one of the big name

brands, and it doesn’t have a feature list as long as others. What it is is a simple, well made bike stand available at a surprisingly low price.

The bi-pod design is made from square aluminum tubing, providing a nice balance between durability and portability. When not in use, it folds up into a very compact unit. This means that you can easily store it away, and aren’t left dedicating valuable garage space to something you use infrequently.

The clamp, at first glance, seems fairly rigid. It’s not like those adaptable models you find elsewhere, but we were quickly surprised. It’s not the clamp that adjusts, but the arm.

Rotate it 180 degrees, and you’re able to grab onto the lower tube. When upright, you can grab onto the top tube. This gives you enough versatility to do most repairs, and enough stability to work alone. For the money, there aren’t any better options.

Bikehand Rear Hub Mount MTB Stand

270 Reviews

Bikehand Rear Hub Mount MTB Stand

• Small steel hub mount stand/li>
• Perfect for small adjustments
• Lightweight and wasy to carry
• Rubber protection

$68.99

Buy on Amazon

This is the most elegant bike stand we’ve come across. The design is distinctly minimalist, and yet it’s perfectly functional.

Manufactured from a single piece of aluminum, Bikehand designed this stand with both creativity and ingenuity. Take the stylish holes, for example. They look like an ultra-modern design trend, but they actually serve a purpose. These holes reduce the weight of the stand, without impacting it’s strength.

The same can be said for the wavy pattern on the bottom. Bending a single sheet of aluminum will always result in a stronger end product.

Using the stand is just as simple. Place the tire in the groove, and the forked end will slip up into the rear hub, holding your bike upright. This is a great choice for those that want to display their bike, perform simple repairs, or who have limited space.

It’s a popular option for apartment owners, who don’t want to risk their damage deposit by installing ceiling mounts, but who also don’t want to waste valuable storage space on their bicycle.

Foundation Bike Repair Stand

Whether set up in a home or on a campsite, Foundation’s bike repair stand makes the perfect third hand to hold a bicycle. There is a strong, secure, and padded clamp to hold the bike without damaging it. This clamp can orientate and lock into any angle in the three XYZ-axis — to secure to all sizes and styles of bike.

Features:

Aluminum Alloy Tubing
Quick-Release Head
Collapsible
Adjustable Height
Tool Tray

The stand height is adjustable, so you can work on the bike in a comfortable standing or kneeling position, without it falling over. And because the height position has a lock-pin, the stand is quick to rotate, to alternate between two bikes. There is even a small adjustable tool tray on the neck of the stand large enough to hold a few spanners and bolts.

This stand is a combination of aluminum alloy piping with polymer joints. Erect, the stand is round 4-feet in height, or between waist and head height. The stand will collapse to 3 -feet and weighs around 20 pounds, so well within the limits of something deemed portable. The soft feet also mean that the stand is safe to set up on some newspaper in your home, if you want to work on your bike in comfort, and not damage the floor.

Foundation Bench/ Wall Mount Repair Stand

A small stand that keeps your bike looking neat and out of the way. The strong stainless-steel bracket can either wall-mount or screw-down on to a workbench. It would even be easy to build a stand to mount to this bracket. This bracket supports the main clamping unit — made with stainless-steel tubing and polymer joints.

Features:

Stainless Steel Tubing
Quick-Release Head
Strong Bracket Assembly
Rotatable

The clamp can lock in three-axis of rotation so that you can orientate the bike to the most comfortable position to perform the service. Quick-release handles make it easier to adjust the bike — and each handle has ratcheted grooves to prevent slipping.

Even though the metal parts are stainless steel, they are also powder coated – for superior protection and durability. A perfect stand for small workspaces and garages — to store and service bicycles. Simple to install, inexpensive, and a great space saver.

Park Tool Deluxe Double Arm Repair Stand

Park’s professional stand has two strong and nimble clamps to hold up two bikes at a time. And these clamps are strong with the whole stand able to hold 120 pounds. The stand is either fixed with bolts to a shop floor or mounted to a separate base, which does not come with the package.

Features:

Heavy gauge Stainless-Steel Tubing
Quick-Release Head
120-Pound Limit (54 kg)
Two Strong Brackets
Height Adjustable
Rotatable
Large Weighted Base (not included)

The chrome-plated steel will rise to 5.2-feet at full height — and will reduce to 4.2-feet for working on bikes while seated in comfort. This stand comes with a cast-aluminum work tray, as a place to rest small parts and to stand up screwdrivers and spanners.

Soft foam on the clamps protects bike frames from scratches, and these clamps twist to help improve the working angles on bikes. Park is one of the strongest bike-stands you will find, and it is the perfect solution for those that do a lot of bike servicing.

Which Mountain Bike Stand is Right for Me?

Now that you’ve seen our top selections, you’ve probably got an idea of which one will best suit your application. Although our list represents the best bike stands on the market, there isn’t a single model out there that will do everything. Our objective was to cover the needs of all consumers, and each choice was selected with a specific purpose in mind.

For Basic Repairs & Maintenance:

If you’re planning on doing some upgrades or repairs on your bike, you’ll need a repair stand. For most users, the Park Tool Home Mechanic Repair Stand fill fit the bill. It’s basic, but well made. Thanks to it’s adaptable clamp, it can fit bikes of all shapes and sizes.

This means that your whole family can use it, and nobody is going to be left out. Next time you blow a tire, lose a chain, or need to tighten your breaks, you’ll be able to carry out the repair quickly and effectively.

Though it is slim on features, the incredibly durability means that this stand should outlast all of your bikes, making it an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.

The Most Affordable Option:

On a tight budget? If you number one goal is to save money, then the Bikehand Pro Mechanic Bicycle Stand is a tool that will pay dividends. Most simple repairs will still cost $40 to $50 at a repair shop. But bike mechanics aren’t complicated, so users on a tight budget can save money by doing it at home. Most of the tools required are basic, making this stand the only purchase you’ll need to make. With just two repairs, you’ll have paid off the cost of the stand. If you’re handy with a wrench and would prefer to keep your money, then this is the best entry-point.

For Performance Upgrades:

When you look at a bike, what do you see? If you see a finished product that’s waiting to be ridden, then this isn’t the stand for you. But if you see a platform, waiting for you to add your own unique touch, you should check out the Feedback Sports Spring Work Station. This is the number one stand for riders who like to upgrade their bikes.

When you’re adjusting tension, running new brake lines, or carefully balancing a number of different mechanical components, positioning is everything. This is the most flexible and easy to adjust stand on the market, so you’ll be able to work on your bike in the most ergonomic manner possible. When not in use, it folds up into an ultra-compact shape, so you can stash it away for later.

For Experienced  Bike Mechanics:

Have you already built a professional work bench of your own? Are you working on heavy bikes, or exerting large force during your repairs? If so, there is only one stand for you: the Park Tool PRS-4.2 Deluxe. This bench stand is different from any other model on our list.

It has a short stainless steel support, and an all-metal construction that is virtually bomb proof. It bolts directly to your work space, so you’ll keep all of your tools within arms reach. For professional mechanics and hobbyists alike, this is the ultimate in bike stand technology.

Mountain Bike Stand Resources

How to build your own mountain bike stand

If you are on a budget and pretty handy with DIY/metal work, you can build your own home stand. Here’s a great video form the Global Mountain Bike Network Youtube Channel.

Related Mountain Bike Accessory Guides

Best mountain bike wall mounts for home storage and space saving

Best digital tyre pressure gauges for the perfect ride

Best Mountain bike gear bags for race days and meets

The post Best Mountain Bike Stands 2020 | Repair Stands for Bike Maintenance appeared first on SauserWind.

It’s well known that checking the pressure in your car tyres is important, but what you may not realize is that pressure gauges are even more important for cyclists. Did you know that bike tyres are often filled to a higher pressure than the ones in your car? This means that, under certain conditions, they can be more likely to blow. When you have a blowout on a vehicle, you’ve still got three wheels to steer you to the side of the road. But on a bike, there is nothing to fall back on. Improperly pressurized tires can put you in harms way.

Fortunately, mountain bike tyres don’t require specialized gauges. Accuracy is of a little more importance, but automotive and cycling gauges are mostly interchangeable. This means that if you buy a good tyre gauge, you can use it for both your vehicle and your bike. It also means that they’re widely available.

What Types of Pressure Gauges are Out There?
There are three different types of pressure gauges on the market. Each has their own set of advantages and disadvantages, although certain types are in more widespread use than others.

	Dial Pressure Gauge Dial gauges were, historically, the most accurate models you can buy. They resemble a pen with a small clock on the top. You place them on your tyre, and the dial rotates to indicate the pressure. You’ll find a lot of high-end dial gauges on the market, many of which include accessories such as an extension hose, multi-unit scales, and a bleed valve so you can drop your tyre pressure. Check out the Meiser Acco below.
	Rod Pressure Gauge These stick type gauges are what most people think of when they imagine a tyre pressure gauge. Place the inlet on your tyre, and a stick slides out. Like a ruler, it measures the pressure in your tyre. These are cheap to produce and readily available, but have a limited span and are somewhat inaccurate.
	Digital Pressure Gauge As the most modern and powerful gauges on the market, these are often our first choice. They use a compact, single-line LCD display, much like that of a calculator. The pressure is calculated by a digital sensor, which provides a higher level of accuracy than mechanical sensors. These gauges are often a little bulkier and require batteries, but they are our number one choice.

Why Choose a Digital Pressure Gauge?

There are two key advantages to a digital gauge: accuracy, and range. Although dial indicators are often promoted as being much more accurate than rod types, this is simply not the case. When you’re reading an analog gauge, there is only so much accuracy you can get.

Your eye will never read it perfectly, and the gauge will wear out over time. But digital gauges won’t fade out of calibration over time, and they provide the highest level of accuracy possible. Additionally, you’ll be able to use your gauge for both your bike and your car tyres, so you only need to make a single purchase.

In this roundup, we’ll be taking a look at the 9 best digital tyre pressure gauges on the market. We’ll show you our top picks to find out what they have to offer. After, we’ll help you decide which one is right for your needs.

What You Need to Know About Mountain Bike Tyre Pressures

A common misconception is that you simply throw a little air in your tyres, give em a squeeze, and ride off. If you fill them too much, or too little, your ride quality can be negatively impacted. Additionally, your pressure will change throughout the day, depending on how you’re using your bike.

The two most important factors in tyre pressure are temperature and volume. Your pressure will change with the weather. When it’s hot, your pressure increases. When it’s cool, it decreases. Friction also factors into this.

If you’re riding downhill through rough mountainous terrain, the additional friction will warm up your tires, and increase the pressure. Have you ever noticed that your bike feels a little bouncier after ripping down a dirt hill? The cause is most likely friction and temperature.

The volume of your tyre is also an important factor. The larger the tyres, the less pressure you need.

• Road bikes are typically inflated to a pressure between 125 PSI and 75 PSI, as they have very thin and compact rubber.
• Mountain bike tyres, on the other hand, should be inflated to around 30 PSI. Larger and more aggressive models may have an even lower pressure.
• Hybrid tyres average 60 PSI, but this depends heavily on the model.

The exact specifications will be found on your tyre, but this general guideline should give you an idea of what you need out of a digital tyre pressure gauge.

Check out this complete guide to mountain bike tyre pressures from our friends over at the Global Mountain Bike Network. Scott talks about the type of tyres you have and the pressures required, along with different compounds, tread patterns and durability required. He talks about the different pressures for cross country and downhill and gives some handy pro tips – like having different pressures between the front and back tyres.

Here’s our new 2020 updated list of digital tyre pressure gauge reviews, this post will be continually updated as we test new products.

Topeak Smartgauge D2

Topeak has been making bike tools for 3 decades. In this time, the brand has been developing its products with methodical testing in the field and the feedback from riders. Smartgauge D2 is a small, lightweight, and durable device, which gives exact readings of tire pressure for a perfect ride.

The gauge can check tires, suspension forks, and shock absorbers with great precision. Uncertainty in the gauge’s values is a low 1%. It is possible to fine-tune the readings by pressing a bleed button, which releases some air to calibrate the machine.

There is a power button on the front of the tire pressure gauge, which will power-off after 30 seconds of inactivity. An LCD screen makes the readings clear and simple to read. And by pushing the mode button, you can scroll through the units of Bar, PSI, or kg/cm2.

To make the display easier to read from different angles, you can twist the display on the pressure stalk. And this gauge is versatile with the ability to switch between taking readings from the bike valves of Presta or Schrader to a SmartHead.

Facts
Readings: Digital
Battery Powered: 1 × CR2032
Accuracy: ± 1%
Max. Pressure: 17 Bar (250 PSI)
Weight: 0.14 Pounds
Dimensions: 1.8 × 4 × 1.4 Inches

Schwalbe Airmax Pro

Made with German manufacturing competence and Schwalbe’s keen attention to detail. The Airmax Pro is one of the most exact portable bike gauges on the market. The gauge will fit on a range of valves, which includes Presta, Schrader, and Schwalbe’s valves.

This gauge will also display readings of up to 11 Bar on the small display to two decimal places. Accuracy is beyond what you could achieve, with a hand-pump — with a near-perfect 0.06% discrepancy. The pure data accuracy of this little machine makes it a favorite choice, even without considering its other benefits.

To switch the gauge on, the user needs to push a single button on the gauge. The Schwalbe is a small and simple device with a single button to scroll through readouts of PSI, KPA, kg/cm2, or Bar. A single watch battery powers the LCD screen — the battery will last a long time with this type of display.

The unit comes with a brass adaptor to get the readings from a Schrader valve. There is even a small loophole in the side of the machine to thread a keyring through. This is a small and accurate tire pressure gauge, which does not over-complicate pressure readings.

Facts
Readings: Digital
Battery Powered: 1 × CR2032
Accuracy: ± 0.06%
Max. Pressure: 11 Bar (160 PSI)
Weight: 0.11 Pounds
Dimensions: 1.8 × 3.7 × 0.8 Inches

Tekton 5941 Digital Tyre Gauge

6,394 Reviews

TEKTON Instant Read Digital Tire Gauge With Lighted Nozzle | 5941, Red/black

Easy to read display, with glove-friendly buttons

$10.00

Buy on Amazon

For most consumers, something fancy isn’t necessary. That’s why our first choice is affordable, reliable, and easy to use. The Tekton 5941 digital pressure gauge is both durable and ergonomic. It’s molded plastic shroud has grooves for your fingers. This allows you to keep a tight grip while pressing it onto your valve stem. It has a loop on the bottom corner, so you can quickly tie it to your tool bag or air pump, and keep it easy to access at all times.

The tip of the pressure gauge is illuminated with a soft LED glow. It’s bright, easy to see tip allows you to pump your tyres up even under cover of darkness. The digital display is backlit as well, using a soft blue light that won’t wreck your night vision.

Although this pressure gauge uses batteries, you’ll get several years out of them. It shuts off automatically, only measuring pressure when you’ve got your finger on the trigger. This means that, unless you’re holding it in your hand, it’s impossible to leave on. When you do need to replace the batteries, they’re readily available. It uses CR2032 buttons cells, which are the most popular type. You can find them inexpensively at any department store, making the cost of ownership low.

Sure, there might be cheaper options on the market. But for the money, you’re not going to find better build quality out there. It’s well made, easy to use, and simply an excellent choice. They are available in multi-unit packs so you can keep one at home, in your glove box, and on your bike.

HFAN 9-in-1 150PSI Digital Tyre Gauge

HFAN Digital Tire Pressure Gauge 9-in-1 150PSI Tire Gauge with Rescue Tools of LED Flashlight, Safety Hammer, Seatbelt Cutter, Red Safety Light, Screw Drivers, Scissors, Pliers for Car & Vehicles

Digital tyre pressure gauge and multi tool

Buy on Amazon

Although a tyre pressure gauge is a necessary tool, it’s certainly not the only thing you need to have in your kit. If you’re really looking to ensure that your bike is roadworthy at all times, you need a full toolkit. This is where the HFAN digital pressure gauge comes in handy. Outside of the standard features, it’s designed to be used as a multi-tool, providing you with 9 different compact tools that can help you solve almost any bike issue.

The bonuses are certainly a nice extra, but it’s important that the gauge itself is high quality. Luckily, it doesn’t disappoint. The display is large and easy to read, and you can change the units with the touch of a button. It supports PSI for those of you who prefer imperial measurements; and KPA for those on the metric system. For specialty tyres, it also provides readings in BAR, KPA and KG / CM2. It has a range from 2 to 150 psi, making it suitable for all bike types.

What else do you get? It also has a bright white LED flashlight built in, a glass breaking hammer, and a pair of scissors. Those are great in emergency situations, but the most useful part of the tool is the Allen keys. These are incredibly helpful for adjusting the tension on your chain or setting your brakes. When used in conjunction with the mini-pliers, you can do virtually any repair roadside, ensuring that your favorite ride will always be roadworthy for the way home.

If that’s not enough for you, it measures the current temperature as well! Serious racers know that hot or cold weather can impact the pressure in your tyre, so the temperature sensor allows you to plan for the future, eliminating unwanted surprises.

Accutire MS-4021B Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge

4,321 Reviews

Accutire MS-4021B Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Heavy duty tyre pressure gauge with easy-to-use angled head

$11.32

Buy on Amazon

Getting your tyre pressure right isn’t an exact science. Professional riders like to experiment and see how different pressures affect their ride. If this sounds like you, then the Accutire MS-4012B is the gauge for you.

The thing is that even small variances in your tyre pressure can create a noticeable change in response. So if you see yourself playing around with different pressures, you want a tyre pressure gauge with superior accuracy. The Accutire MS4012B is a heavy duty gauge that can measure pressure in half-pound increments. It measures any range from 5 to 150 PSI, making it accurate to within 0.3%. This is among the best in the industry, making it one of our top choices.

But a highly accurate sensor isn’t all this gauge has to offer. It’s got an incredibly durable enclosure, allowing it to withstand much more abuse than your standard gauge. The frame is made from steel, although the handle is wrapped in rubber and angled for comfortable, ergonomic operation. Available in packs of one or two, this option is affordable enough that you can buy one for your car, and one for you bike without breaking the bank.

PI Auto Store Premium Digital Tyre Inflator

Sale

2,938 Reviews

P.I. AUTO STORE Premium Air Compressor Tire Inflator for Automobiles and Bikes. Portable 12V DC Electric Car Tire Pump, Auto Shut Off, Digital Pressure Gauge, LED Light. New Improved Version

Premium digital gauge and inflator, suitable for commercial use

−$20.01 $44.99

Buy on Amazon

Knowing your tyre pressure is only half the battle. If your measurement is out, then it’s time to bust out the pump. If you’re sick of manually pumping your bike tyres, why not find an automated way to do so. If this is something you’re interested in, the best deal on the market is the PI Auto Premium Digital Tyre Inflator.

This unit combines the functionality of a digital pressure gauge and a DC compressor all in one. Just plug the compressor into the AUX outlet of your vehicle, and use the simple controls to set your desired pressure. At the touch of a button, this compressor will automatically inflate your tyres until they’ve hit the correct pressure, then shut off the compressor. This tyre inflator is extremely fast and surprisingly powerful. But that doesn’t come at the expense of precision. You can fill a bike tyre with an accuracy of 1 PSI, which is acceptable for almost all users.

The inflator comes with a free set of valve caps, as well as replacement presta valves. Consumers who’ve upgraded to presta valves know how frustrating it is to be caught with a damaged valve, so having an extra one on hand is nice to have.

Blackburn Honest

Blackburn’s Honest Digital pressure gauge is a useful and compact tool to have at hand for accurate tire inflation. The gauge has a back-lit LCD screen so that you can use this machine in complete darkness. Their front panel boasts a large power button, which you can operate with gloves on and also selects between PSI and Bar readings.

There are two valves on this gauge, Schrader on one side and Presta on the other. The valve nozzle also rotates up to 180o, independent of the screen, for ease of reading. It is possible to calibrate this unit to help adjust it for changes in weather conditions. There is a bleed button, which releases a small amount of air from the tire to zero-out the gauge.

Facts
Readings: Digital with back-light
Battery Powered: 2 x CR2032
Accuracy: ± 1%
Max. Pressure: 10.3 Bar (150 PSI)
Weight: 0.16 Pounds
Dimensions: 1.5 × 4.75 × 1 Inches

Blackburn’s Honest gauges the pressure to within 1% discrepancy, all the way up to 10.3-Bar. This level of accuracy is more than you would need, and near impossible to achieve with a regular hand pump. The gauge has an audio alarm to tell you when it is ready to begin testing.

The PSI readings are to a high degree, where many units will measure to a whole PSI, this unit measures to half a PSI. Being able to measure two types of bike valve without needing an adaptor is a plus, but a little redundant.

Best Mechanical Pressure Gauge for Old-School Accuracy

If you are looking to take things to the next level with accuracy, you need to go mechanical.

Meiser Accu-Gage

Meiser is well-known in the industry for making robust mechanical pressure gauges. For over 100 years, Meiser has worked hard on improving their dial gauges to be comparable in accuracy to a battery-powered digital gauge. Batteries can go flat at the wrong moment, and watch batteries are not always easy to find.

The dial movement uses the bourdon tube method to gauge the pressure rather than the piston, or plunger, methods you would see in other gauges. Bourdon tubes are superior in that they unaffected by atmospheric changes such as temperature, humidity, or altitude.

Facts
Readings: Dial
Battery Powered: No
Accuracy: ± 3%, ± 2%, when measuring between 3.3 and 6.6 Bar
Max. Pressure: 11 Bar (160 PSI)
Weight: 0.5 Pounds
Dimensions: 5.9 × 4 × 1.5 Inches

Accuracy of the readings from the dial varies, depending on the range of pressures you are inspecting. For pressures up to 3.3 Bar, the accuracy is plus or minus 3%, which not fantastic. But for the more common zone of tires within 3.3 to 6.6 Bar, the accuracy improves to 2%, which is comparable to some digital meters.

The accuracy decreases again to 3% when reading over 6.6 Bar. And you are always going to get parallax from trying to read a needle on a gauge. The main benefits of this gauge are that it does not need batteries and that the readings will be consistent regardless of the weather.

How to Use Your Digital Pressure Gauge

Before you can select a gauge, you need to understand how to use it. Different gauges are suited for different purposes, and there are several different ways to use them depending on how you like to ride.

First, let’s go over the basics. To accurately measure pressure, you need to first remove the cap from the valve stem. You then press the gauge inlet down over the valve stem. You may hear a hissing sound. It’s important to press down hard enough that you don’t hear any hissing. When air is escaping, the pressure is artificially low – so you won’t get an accurate reading. But once the sound has stopped, you’ll have a proper seal and the displayed measurement should remain stable.

You’ll also need to decide when to check your tyre pressure. There are two types of measurements you can take: a cold measurement, and a warm one. This has nothing to do with the weather, but more to do with how recently you’ve been using your bike.

You should take a cold measurement once per week. If you’ve recently ridden the bike, it should be left to cool off for at least one hour before taking a measurement. If there is any discrepancy between the pressure your bike tyres are rated for and the actual pressure, this is when you fill it.

A warm measurement should be taken while you’re riding. Let’s say, for example, you’re tearing your mountain bike down a rough path. Your tyres will warm up, and the pressure will increase. You might notice that your ride feels a little hard, indicating that the pressure is too high. Or, you might notice that your tyres and squishy, and don’t have as much traction as they should. This could indicate a low tyre, or not enough pressure.

Warm measurements will tell you how much to fill your tyres next time you top them off. If you’re always 2 PSI too high, you can fill them 2 PSI below their recommended pressure. Some riders also choose to keep their pressure artificially low, or artificially high to get your desired riding style. Taking warm measurements will help you understand how pressure changes when in use, so you’ll know what to apply at the pump to get the desired fill.

Which Bike Tyre Pressure Gauge is Right for Me?
Not sure which one to choose? There are a lot of different options out there, and each of them has their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. But before you choose one, you’ll need to understand how to use them, and what you’re hoping to get out of your pressure gauge.

If you’re just looking for something simple, our first recommendation would be for the Tekton 5941 Digital Tyre Gauge. It’s simple, easy to use, and provides all the basic necessities for checking your tyre pressure. Because of it’s compact nature, you can carry it around everywhere you go. It’s reliable and easy to use, thanks to the built-in backlight and ergonomic grip. You can use it whenever, wherever, making it a truly universal tool.

If you’re looking for something a little more advanced, you should look and see what other tools you have laying around. For the beginner who might not have a bicycle repair kit, the HFAN Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge is a fantastic choice. Not only does it have an accurate, easy to read pressure sensor; but the handle comes complete with a full toolkit needed for on-the-go repairs. You get an Allan wrench, micro-pliers, a LED flashlight, scissors, and a few other handy tools. Without spending any extra money, you get a ton of additional hardware.

Do you have a portable bike pump that you take with you, everywhere you go? In that case, you should have a digital pressure gauge that is just as portable. Very few can come close to the portability offered by the Toogood Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge Meter. It’s got a metal hook that allows you to clip it to your keys, lanyard, or any other portable clip you’ve got on hand. It’s extremely lightweight; but durable enough to withstand the abuse of even the hardest riders.

Don’t own a pump? Not interested in taking the time to fill your tyres manually? Let the P.I Auto Store Premium Digital Tyre Inflator do the job for you. Using it is simple. Just pull your bike up next to your car, and use your 12V power source to power on the unit. On the main display, set your desired pressure, attach the hose, and press the “start” button. The built-in compressor will automatically fill your tyres to the appropriate pressure, and stop when it hits your set point. This method of filling is extremely accurate, and the fact that it uses a digital tyre pressure sensor means that it’s more accurate than anything else on the market. Alternately, check out our guide to the best bicycle pumps. We’ve covered the best models on the market, so you can find one that best suits your needs.

Looking to step away from the manufacturer recommended pressures, and start playing around with how your tyre pressure affects your riding style? It only takes a minimal chance of pressure to make a large difference in the way your bike feels, so you need something with extreme accuracy. In this area, there is nothing better than the Accutire MS-4021B.

This digital tyre pressure gauge is among the most sensitive on the market, letting you take measurements in 0.5-pound increments. This will allow you to get your tyres exactly where you want them, leaving very little to guesswork. To top it off, it’s also built to an incredibly high standard. This means that it’s not going to get damaged, even if it accidentally goes flying during an unintended spill.

Overall, all five of these digital tyre pressure gauges are impressive in their own regard, but the one that you choose depends on your own particular set of needs. By following the information outlined in this guide, we hope that you’ve found the solution that will make your tyre pressure problems a thing of the past.

The post 9 Top Digital Tyre Pressure Gauges for Mountain Bikes appeared first on SauserWind.

If you have progressed from trail riding to full on downhill (DH) or freeriding, you will need to upgrade your helmet to a full face.

The post Best Full Face Mountain Bike Helmets 2020 appeared first on SauserWind.

How are you storing your mountain bike right now? Is it leaned up against a wall, taking up valuable space that could be better used and at risk of being scratched? Wall mounts provide an excellent solution to this problem – you get your bike off the ground and maximize space.

But there are a lot of options to choose from out there so where do you start? We’ve done the legwork for you and narrowed it down to five picks so that you can find the best match for your needs.

We divided the wall mounts into 2 groups. One for internal use with 3 products and 2 products that are suitable for external use.

Why Didn’t Saris Fat Tire Bike Track Make the Grade?
There were two reasons for this – the price and the size. While I agree that having the longer track would help to make it sturdier, I don’t really want a track the length of my bike on my wall. The added benefit in terms of stability doesn’t make up for the much higher price either.

Wall Mounts for Internal Use in Homes

Ibera Horizontal Mountain Bike Wall Mount

Sale

1,049 Reviews

Ibera Horizontal Bicyle Wall Mount

• Can hold nealy 40lb
• Perfect space saver for small apartments
• Padded holders to protect your frame
• Fits 90% of bike frames

−$2.00 $37.99

Buy on Amazon

Features
• Adjustable arms
• Strong construction
• Durable material used
• A non-scratch holder
• Velcro strap to hold the wheels

Users like the fact that this is unobtrusive and a lot less obvious than is the case with some of the other holders.
If you have a heavier bike and are attaching it to drywall, there is a lot of strain placed on the screws. I would recommend getting a set of strong drywall screws instead of using those that come with this product. These are not just for storage, if you own a Yeti – get it on display

HOMEE Mountain Bike Wall Mount

358 Reviews

HOMEE Mountain Bike Wall Mount

• Can hold nealy 66lb
• Vertical hanger
• Padded holders
• Suitable for all bikes including folding

$36.99

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Features
• Can carry a weight of up to 60 pounds
• Fits most standard bikes
• Safety mechanism to prevent the bike slipping out
• Sponge cover
Users were impressed with how strong the construction is and how it could carry a heavy mountain bike. (Depending on the wall it was mounted to, of course.)
You need to know that this is an option that is highly visible. It’s not a huge plate, but it does take up more room on the wall than the others we have looked at here. But that is really more of a cosmetic issue – you could always paint the plate to match the wall and make it less obvious.

>> Read our Complete Guide to Maintenance Stands

Feedback Sports Velo Mountain Bike Wall Mount

200 Reviews

Feedback Sports Velo Bicycle Wall Mount

• Can hold any bike upto70lb
• Horizontal hanger
• Rubber padded holders
• Suitable for displaying bicycles in a shop

$41.29

Buy on Amazon

Features
• Can be screwed into any normal stud in the wall
• Durable
• Rubber covering to prevent scratching the frame
• Arms are adjustable
Users generally agree that this is the best option if you have a dry wall.
One potential issue is that the holes are not as big as I would have liked – I wanted to use a thicker screw to bolt them to the wall. In the end, I just drilled the holes a little bigger, so that was an easy fix.

Wall Mounts for Secure External Use

These wall mounts are a lot more expensive and focus more on security as can be outside. These are perfect if you are storing your bike in an outbuilding or for commercial use.  Some train stations in Europe use these for space saving and helping commuters store bicycles securely.

These wall mounts can also also be used for internal use in homes -think house shares. They can also be used my commercial premise like bike shops for added protection of merchandise.

Hiplock Airlock Wall Mount

The Airlock Secure Wall Mount bike frame lock is built from hardened steel that can withstand a high degree of pressure and blunt force.

The wall-mounted bike frame lock can be used on any vertical flat surfaces. With a maximum gold security rating from Hiplok, the Airlock bike lock is designed for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Clamp pressure is adjustable to suit thin-walled tubing and to accommodate a wide variety of bike frames, including 7/8″ and 3″ frames. The clamp is rubberized to prevent damage to the framework of the bike while maintaining a secure grip.

The Hiplok Airlock bike frame lock comes with three coded replaceable keys. Its key features include:

● A sturdy triangular design that’s designed to be compatible with most bike frames and to provide maximum security when the bike frame is locked

● A rubberized, micro-adjustable clamp that accommodates a wide range of bike frames and can be used even on delicate frames

● Maximum gold security level from Hiplok, making it secure enough to be used for indoor and outdoor applications

● Compact, space-saving design lets you mount the bike lock in tight spaces

● It comes with three keys, all coded and replaceable in case of accidental loss

Hiplock Secure Wall Mount Installation Guide

Here’s a quick video installation guide from Hiplock.  It’s very simple as long as you have a drill and ensure mounted to a secure wall. Before you do any drilling, check the wall for any live wires with current detector.

Park Tool Secure Wall Mount

The PRS-4W-2 Park Tool wall mount repair stand provides a stable grip for quick and easy bike repairs. It is built using heavy-gauge steel tubing that is designed to handle everyday use and to last for many years. Powder coat finishing makes it impervious to rust and protects it from dings and scratches.

The vertical bike repair mount has a micro-adjustable clamp with a rubberized grip that you can trust to hold securely without causing damage. It mounts easily to any solid flat vertical surface, including wall studs and posts.

It comes with a 100-3D quick-adjust clamp that stands roughly 13 inches from the wall. Its wall-mounting plate measures 6 inches by 2.5 inches, and the mounting holes stand on 4-inch centers at half an inch in diameter each. Mounting bolts are sold separately.

The bike repair stand has the following features:

● Adjustable clamping pressure to prevent damage to fragile bike tubes

● Clamp covers that are durable but also replaceable to increase stand lifespan

cable routing compatibility via the reliefs on the jaws of the clamp

● Narrow clamp design that’s suitable for tight or short areas of the bike, such as the seat post. The clamp measures 2.7 inches in length.

● Quick mounting/dismounting action facilitated by a cam-actuated system, which also allows you to make quick adjustments as you work

● Stable mounting hardware to prevent slips and accidental dismounts

● Rotatable clamp configuration that will enable you to position the bike in different orientations for easy access to all parts

● The repair stand can be mounted onto any flat surface

● Heavy-gauge steel construction provides stability while absorbing damage to facilitate a long lifespan

durable build quality with powder coat finish for added resilience

Image sources: Amazon.com, Header image: feedbacksports.com, JensonUSA

You might also like our guide to the best bike locks for your money

The post Best Mountain Bike Wall Mounts 2020 appeared first on SauserWind.