http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/kevlarbikes Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:37:01 GMT Reviews by kevlarbikes http://www.viewpoints.com/Topeak-MasterBlaster-Morph-Road-G-review-fc022 I work in a bike shop, and this has been one of our favorite products for the past couple of years, and the first frame pump we recommend to any customer looking for advice. I used this pump on a cross-country bike trip in 2004 (six flats over a two-month period) and during a trip in New Mexico in September of 2007 (five flats in nine days--UGH). Getting a flat on the road is never a pleasant experience no matter what, but this pump takes at least one worry out of the situation by providing reliable and easy-to-use service. The built-in pressure gauge takes the guesswork out of filling your tire as well. —... Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:37:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Topeak-MasterBlaster-Morph-Road-G-review-fc022 kevlarbikes 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/CatEye-Compact-Opticube-HL-EL410-review-5b170 The CatEye HL-EL410 isn't the kind of light that you would use for heavy-duty commuting or mountain biking. It's great to throw in your pocket or bike bag when you're heading out and are not sure if you're gonna be back in time before dusk, and just want something to make sure you're seen on the road. It's also good for casual night-time conditions, like riding on rail-trails at night where you're not likely to run into a lot of other bike traffic. I use it for beer runs and other trips where I'm going to be leaving my bike parked in sketchy neighborhoods and don't want to leave my high-end rechargable light sitting out in public. — The three LED's provide a decent amount of light for the unit's small size. It has a flashing and steady mode. It used three standard AAA batteries. The rubberized mounting strap has a cam-lock action, making it quick and easy to mount and remove from your handlebars. I prefer the black model, but it's also available in silver; usually around 40... Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:31:21 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/CatEye-Compact-Opticube-HL-EL410-review-5b170 kevlarbikes 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Raleigh-XXIX-review-13590 Two of the hottest trends in mountain biking are big wheels and singlespeeds. Do you have a mountain bike that you like, but are thinking about dabbling in both of these trends? Then at a suggested retail price of $729.99, the Raleigh XXIX is a great way to do it without breaking the bank. — The 29-inch wheels give you increased traction and better ability to roll over rocks, roots, and other obstacles. While not lightweight like some high-end steel bikes or more advanced materials, its butted chromoly frame and fork provide solid reliability and comfort. The frame and fork are not suspension-corrected, though, meaning that if you decide to upgrade to a suspension fork later, it will raise the front end of the bike, affecting your handling and fit. But with the fat 2.3-inch WTB Weirwolf tires, I find that I don't really miss the suspension on all but the gnarliest of trails. — The parts package is rounded out by Easton EA30 handlebar, stem, and seatpost, WTB saddle,... Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:15:47 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Raleigh-XXIX-review-13590 kevlarbikes 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Endura-Hummvee-3-4-Knicker-review-9890 I love these shorts. I used them for a couple of two-day overnight tours. I bought an extra pair of the ClickFast inner liner short, so I could wear the outer short both days of riding, and just click in a clean inner short on the second day. The pockets are great; I carried more in them than I normally would on a bike ride, such as wallet, cell phone, digital camera, and lip balm. They kept everything handy and organized, without feeling weighted down or interfering with pedaling. The back hip pockets are especially clever; they keep stuff in the back pocket position without getting between you and your saddle. The outer short is good for a range of temperatures; I found them comfortable down to the upper 40's/low 50's, but are still light and breathable enough to be comfortable up through the upper 80's/low 90's. I used these shorts on a long 25-mile mountain bike ride recently, also, and found them to work well. It was a little cool, so they felt good temperature-wise (I wouldn't... Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:00:02 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Endura-Hummvee-3-4-Knicker-review-9890 kevlarbikes 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/NEMO-Equipment-Inc-Hypno-PQ-Tent-review-ebb21 I was looking for a lightweight tent with a small packed size to use for bicycle touring. I came across the Nemo Hypno PQ, and it fit the bill perfectly. I first used it for three separate short, two-day bike tours, then took it on a two-week tour in New Mexico. The small packed unit fits perfectly on the top platform of a front or rear bike cargo rack. The included stuff sack is waterproof, which is nice if you get caught in wet weather on the road or trail. Setup was a breeze using the included integrated pump, and it was easy enough that it didn't leave me gasping for breath, even after riding all day at altitudes higher than I am used to. — With the single-wall design, you do get a little more moisture buildup on the inside of the tent compared to typical backpacking tents, but I never found that to be a problem. I stayed dry in varying temperatures and conditions, including some brief rain showers. — Space inside is good, perfect for one person and gear, or two people... Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:50:44 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/NEMO-Equipment-Inc-Hypno-PQ-Tent-review-ebb21 kevlarbikes 4