Fox Ranger 2.5L Water Jacket

Fox Ranger 2.5L Water Jacket Review

https://foxracing.co.uk/product/ranger-2.5l-water-jacket/27361.html

Features:-

  • Advanced weather protection for a wide range of weather conditions
  • Lightweight 10K/3K 2.5-layer, waterproof, breathable main body fabric
  • DWR finish sheds moisture, dirt, and debris
  • Two zippered front hand pockets
  • Draw cord, cinching at hem and elastic cuff, provides customized fit
  • Helmet-compatible hood fits over most helmets
  • Length (HPS): 29″, size large
MATERIALS
  • 100% polyester ripstop, 2.5-layer fabric
  • Weather rating: 10K waterproof, 3K breathability

Nice jacket, looks great but could be better…

I’ve had this jacket for about 11 months. I live in the UK and have used it through the winter so it’s seen PLENTY of rain! First off it’s a great looking jacket and I’ve worn it on and off the bike. It fits well and does keep the majority of the elements out. It does a good job in general and I wanted to love this jacket but there are a few little things that could be done better which is probably why I wouldn’t recommend it.

The hood… it’s big and can easily fit over your helmet… great, but it doesn’t have any bungee type cords to pull it snug around your neck / helmet / head so when you’re bombing down a trail in the wind and rain it acts like a sail then flies off the back of your head and starts to fill with rain. This also means that if you’re not wearing a helmet and put the hood up, it goes over your head and face and again blows open in the wind. If you don’t put the hood up and it’s raining or windy then it flaps about quite a bit and you cant make it fit snug around your neck.

The last thing I think is missing is some kind of ventilation (apart from the gaping neck hole!). Lot’s of modern jackets have ventilation of some description whether it be under the arms or the sides but this has none so can get a bit “boil in the bag” but I understand that this might be the case for most jackets of this type anyway.

Overall I like the aesthetics of the jacket but the hood lets it down.

Trek Remedy 8 2021 GX

Trek Remedy 2021 GX

After owning a Specialized Camber Expert 2011 for nearly 9 years it was about time for a change! I ride plenty of local trails with a mix of uphill, downhill, dirt jumps, drop off’s, descents and everything in between. I also regularly visit trail centres such as Gisburn, Whinlatter, Hamsterley, Llandegla and plenty of other places that Wales & Scotland have to offer.

Bikes have changed quite a lot since my last purchase and I wanted a bigger hitting more capable bike based on the different types of riding I do. More travel, slacker head angle, bigger wheels, 1×12 blah blah blah.

The COVID pandemic was upon us so it was a going to be a struggle to find any bikes in stock but after a bit of shopping around I found that Trek Bicycle Sheffield Fox Valley had x2 Trek Remedy 8’s in stock so I organised a visit and went over. As soon as I saw the bike I was wowed! It just looked a beast compared to my old one! It looked beefy with it’s 27.5 / 2.6″ tires, wide bars and extra travel, it just looked like it could handle some abuse.

Took it out for a quick blast down the road and round the car park and was sold. £200 deposit and it was secured. Couple of weeks later I had managed to sell the Specialised and got the rest of the cash together to make a purchase. No better feeling than NBD!

Specifications

Frameset

Fork RockShox Lyrik Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC damper, tapered steerer, 46 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 160 mm travel
Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Select+, 230×57.5 mm
Max compatible fork travel 170mm

Wheels

Wheel front Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle
Hub front Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle
Spokes DT Swiss Champion, J-Bend, Black
Tyre Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5×2.60″
Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5×2.60″
Tyre part Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
Bontrager TLR valve, 50 mm
Max tyre size Frame: 27.5×2.80″ Fork: See manufacturer

Drivetrain

Shifter SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
Rear derailleur SRAM GX Eagle
Crank
SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 30T steel ring, Boost, 175 mm length
Bottom bracket SRAM DUB, 92 mm, PressFit
Cassette SRAM Eagle XG-1275, 10-52, 12-speed
Chain SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
Max. chainring size 36T

Components

Saddle Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138 mm width
Seatpost
Size: M, M/L, L, XL
Bontrager Line Dropper, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 440mm length
Handlebar Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 820 mm width
Grips Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
Stem Bontrager Line, 35 mm, Knock Block, 0-degree, 50 mm length
Brake SRAM Code R hydraulic disc
Brake rotor SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 180 mm
SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 200 mm

Weight

Weight 14.07 kg (with TLR sealant, no tubes)
Weight limit This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider and cargo) of 136 kg (300 lb).

Strength In Numbers Leeds Premiere

It’s finally here! Well at least on the big screen! Been waiting for months for this to be released and our regular group of mountain biking buddies are showing our support by going to see the Leeds premiere over at Hyde Park Picture House tonight.

SYNOPSIS:-

“Viewed at a distance, the world of mountain biking is a disjointed network of seemingly similar but disconnected communities. Freeride. Downhill. Big Mountain. All Mountain. Dirt Jump. Slopestyle. A sport of individuals, equally defined by their many differences, as the common threads that bind. And while our story doesn’t follow a straight line, we all end up in the same place. Tire to ground, foot to pedal, hand to bar – communities drawn together by trails of dirt.

A new action sport documentary, Strength in Numbers is a rally call to connect all mountain bikers, regardless of location or language or discipline. The film captures a true way of life, from the world’s best pros to those who are just learning to love the sport. Shot over two years in some of mountain biking’s most iconic locations, Anthill’s signature style combines compelling stories with core action to create a shared experience that unites all riders. Come join us!”

http://www.anthillfilms.com/strengthinnumbers/

Order your Collectors’ Edition 3-in-1 with 1 hour of exclusive extra features.

Download from iTunes stores worldwide.

http://www.hydeparkpicturehouse.co.uk/index.php?showing=3936#now-showing

Specialized Camber Expert 2011

After a recent visit to Gisburn Forest I decided it was time to say goodbye to my old faithful Specialized Rockhopper Pro Disc hardtail and start looking for a full susser.

After a lot of research reading the mountain bike magazines, internet forums, friends etc I decided to go for the 2011 Specilized Camber Expert. As it’s the 2011 model and the 2012’s are starting to make an appearance I got an absolute cracking deal over at Bike Scene in Guisbrough.

It rides like a dream! I’m very happy with my purchase and will be heading over to Dalby Forest back end of this month to put it through it’s paces there! Continue reading →