Bontrager Ion Pro RT/Flare RT Light Set Review

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Bontrager Ion/Flare RT light set

It’s important to be able to see where you’re going no matter where you are – but especially when you’re riding down a trail during dusk or at night. Not only do these lights help you see the path in front of you, but it also makes it easier for others to spot you – making the chances of a painful collision much less likely. The Bontrager ION Pro RT/Flare RT Light Set takes care of both of these issues.

Bontrager Ion/Flare RT light set

Consisting of two different types of lights, the Ion Pro RT and the Flare RT, the set attaches to two different parts of the bike in order to keep you safe. The Ion Pro RT fits on the handlebars, where it illuminates the path in front of you with a wide enough light to cover the width of just about every path and trail. The Flare RT, designed to go on the back of the bike, fits below the seat and flashes behind you so that anyone coming up from the rear realizes that you’re there. However, both can be mounted on a helmet as well, giving you the flexibility to arrange them as needed. A lot of night riding mountain bikers swear by having a powerful light on their bars, and their helmets for an even greater/brighter night ride.

Bontrager Ion Lights with packaging

Both lights are easy to recharge, thanks to handy included USB cable. Just remove the lights from their mounts, and bring them inside. The mounting system is easy to use, and holds the lights in place no matter how many bumps you encounter on your ride, while at the same time, they slide out easily so that you can recharge them as necessary. The batteries are a sturdy, rechargeable 4800 Li-Ion that provide up to six hours of power when the lights are set to low. On high, they last for an hour and a half, while when set to flashing they last for 26 hours.

Bontrager light mounted to PNW Components stem with accessory mount

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For lack of a better term, the Bontrager Ion light set is lit.
Bontrager Ion light mounted to Bontrager Rally MIPS helmet

When it comes to visibility, the Pro RT and the Flare RT contain LED bulbs that produce enough light to make them visible up to 2 kilometers during the daytime, and they can be set to flash in an array of patterns that you can set to provide the ultimate protection based on your exact circumstances. Their maximum light output is 1300 lumens, which is pretty powerful. You can control the lights, as well as monitor their battery life, with your Bontrager ANT+ or Garmin device. This makes it easy to switch their flash pattern while you’re in the middle of a ride, without having to get off of your bike.

Looking ahead with the Bontrager Ion LED light
The rear Flare RT light from Bontrager
The small red light included in this set from Bontrager is very bright

We’ve used our Bontrager Ion Pro RT/Flare RT Light Set quite a few times and they’ve been great. Use them in the daylight as well for additional visibility. Be sure to keep them in your hydration pack or hip bag in case your ride goes longer than expected. We even used the Ion Pro when setting up camp when a traditional headlight has not been handy. When riding on trail behind our youngest, the red flashing tail light was so bright, it was distracting and we had to turn it off. This not only makes this light set great for mountain biking, but it’s also optimal for road biking and commuting. Your experience and age don’t matter when it comes to fun and safety. Be sure to include the Bontrager Ion Pro RT/Flare RT Light Set as one of your essentials.

PNW Components Loam Grips Review

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PNW Components Loam Grips Review

Nearly every part of a mountain bike can be customized to suit your preferences, including the grips. Not only do they serve an essential contact point on the bike – giving the rider a comfortable place to hold the handlebars and stay under control – they’re one of these easiest components to upgrade and customize. PNW Components Loam Grips are designed to be comfy – so they feel great.

PNW Components Loam Grips Review

The trick with the Loam Grips is to put them on the bike so that they face the proper direction. On the outside end of the grip, just align the “PNW” letters so they are horizontally aligned and legible. Each pair has a mountain pattern that’s supposed to be mounted facing upwards. This section is thicker than the other parts of the grip, using ergonomics as part of the design, allowing for plenty of comfort when you hold on it. The remaining parts contain thin textured strips that provide grip traction as well as structure in the outer zone that helps the grip absorb some of the bumps on the trail before they reach the hands and arms.

PNW Components Loam Grips in the box

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The PNW Components Loam Grips are available in different colors, including: Safety Orange, Blackout Black, Seafoam Teal, Cement Gray, and Really Red. This allows you to choose the pair that will work best on your bike, as far as color-coordinating is concerned. Also, the pattern on the grips, which incorporates all of the design and usage features described above, is attractive and stands out a bit. Even if you choose a color that completely blends in with your handlebars.

Detail shot of the PNW Components Loam Grips

Installing the grips is almost as easy as removing your current pair. After removing your yucky old, worn out grips, do some light cleaning to remove any grime that was under them on the bars. Then, push the new grips into the place; rotate them so the mountain design is facing the correct direction – and tighten them down using a 3mm hex wrench. Be careful to tighten the grips to the proper specs with carbon bars.

End o seafoam teal PNW Components Loam Grips

How To Install Your PNW Components Loam Grips

The single clamps have a closed-end, helping them stay put. Once the correct side is up – the mountains that have extra padding – you just need to fasten them in place to prevent any slippage while riding. Since the Loam Grips are lightweight, coming in at a mere 90 grams for the entire pair, they won’t add much additional weight to the bike itself. In addition, they are 133.5 millimeters wide and 30 millimeters in diameter, making them fit onto a variety of mountain bikes.

Gray PNW Components Loam Grips
Mom's PNW Components Loam Grips

Both Traci and Tyge have been using the PNW Components Loam Grips this year. Wear-and-tear is obvious on Tyge’s set, but the grips aren’t dead yet. They’re still functional and safe. Every few rides, we’re sure to check that they are tight and secure so they will not rotate and slip due to abrupt or steady force.

Wear and tear after a season using the PNW Components Loam Grips

Overall, the grips have performed as designed. The thicker sections of the grip – where the bulk of your hand wraps, are still comfy and have plenty of life left. The only parts that have broken away are due to not so carefully laying the a bike down on concrete or pavement. The colors have not faded and there are no cracks or tears. When you’re ready to upgrade or replace your grips, give the PNW Components Loam grips a shot. Your hands, fingers, and forearms will thank you.

Bontrager Rhythm Women’s Mountain Bike Jersey Review

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Bontrager Rhythm Women's MTB Jersey Review

Functional and stylish, the Rhythm Women’s Mountain Tech Tee includes many features that make it a must-have for any mountain biker. Not only does it come in an array of colors, including gravel and mulberry, pink and black, and even a tie-dyed looking light teal, but the fabric is designed with performance in mind.

Bontrager Rhythm Women's MTB Jersey Review

The overall fabric is very lightweight and has built-in mesh inserts where you need them the most. The material also consists of a polygiene blend that controls odor, no matter how warm you get while riding. In addition to the fabric, there are a number of thoughtful features built into the shirt. There’s an added drop tail in the back for extra sun protection when hunched over the handlebars, as well as a sunglass wipe in the hem, preventing the need for an extra piece of fabric. That’s one less thing that you need to carry around. A back locker loop allows you to hang up the shirt when it’s not in use, making it easy to dry off after a particularly sweaty ride.

Bontrager Rhythm Women's mountain bike jersey

Designed to prevent chafing, the shirt has offset seams. This helps keep things comfortable, even when you have a hydration pack or gear bag riding along on your back. The semi-fitted seams provide plenty of room for movement of all sorts while staying close to your body to prevent snags.

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Back view - Bontrager Rhythm women's mountain bike jersey
Sleeve detail - women's mountain bike jersey review

Thanks to the large range of sizes, going from extra small to three-x, it’s easy to find a Rhythm Women’s Mountain Tech Tee that fits you just right.

Neck detail - Bontrager Rhythm mountain bike jersey review

I have been wearing and using the Bontrager Rhythm jersey for months. It has held up very well through a bike season from Big Sky to southern Utah, to the Pacific Northwest. The colors have not faded and the collar has not stretched out. Best of all, it’s still comfortable and always finds its way into my mtb road trip wardrobe.

Camping Gear For Your Family Mountain Biking Road Trips

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Our favorite camping gear for mtb road trips

Our family has been camping together for over 15 years. When the boys reached the ages where we could introduce bikes, new experiences and fun produced a synergistic effect that was second-to-none whenever we hit the road. In this article, we’re going to let you know about some of our camp gear essentials when we load up the van instead of booking a room.

Our favorite camping gear for mtb road trips

Marmot Limestone Tent: 6-Person, 3-Season

Our old tent had a few tears, a couple of busted zippers and bent poles. Instead of getting all these things repaired we opted for the Marmot Limestone 6-person 3-season tent. Even though there’s only four of us, we really like the extra available space for storing additional gear in the tent. We’ve used it well over a dozen times over the the last couple of months and it has held up very well. We can easily transport it in our roof rack on the van (shown below) and it sheds the rain very well. Working it into the stuff sack can be a bit of a challenge so you have to make sure you compress and roll it tight.

Coleman Even-Temp Propane Stove, 3-Burner

What does one do when you forget the stove for a 3-day car camping trip with the kid’s mtb team over a holiday weekend? You hustle your butt back to the closest town and buy whatever they have available. We lucked out and got the last stove in the store. The surface area for this Coleman camp stove is big enough for our small griddle as well as a medium-sized saucepan. If you have safe-cracking sensitive fingers, you can carefully dial the burner knobs to control the flame to a nice simmer. This Coleman stove is easy to clean and store, too.

Coleman griddle:  Amazon

Marmot Trestles 15 Sleeping Bag

A good night’s sleep is an important part of a successful mtb camping trip. That’s why our kids have the Marmot Trestles 15 sleeping bags. As the name implies, they’re rated down to 15º F for comfort. The sleeping bags feature durable zippers and the mummy-style design helps keep the heat in on chilly nights. We’ve washed ours several times and the insulation and color has remained good as new. Mom has the women’s version of this sleeping bag.

Eureka Super Cush Sleeping Pads

This season we replaced our old 4-inch thick foam sleeping mattresses with these Eureka! sleeping pads. You inflate them by pumping them up using a valve system in the built-in pillows and applying your body weight until the pad with built-in pillow is fully inflated. They are space-saving additions to our gear because the old rolled up foam pads took about 6x the space. The Eureka! Super Cush Sleeping Pads are comfortable, too.

Goal Zero Yeti 400 Battery And Nomad 50 Solar Panel

The Goal Zero Yeti 400 allows us to power the family’s laptops and phones on the road without hotel/condo stays. A useful tip is to pick up the Goal Zero 12v car charging cable and you can charge/use the battery while you’re driving. The battery allows us to get about 3 full charges on a laptop and over 20 smartphone charges. To test it out prior to our last big trip, I powered our flat screen TV and DVD player for over an hour. Do the research and make sure the battery you choose can power the item you want to use.

We paired our Yeti 400 with the Nomad 50 Solar Panel to harness the power of the sun to supplement charging when we weren’t using the mini-van’s power port. For solar panels, the bigger the better. Our foldable, easy to store/transport Nomad 50 has pulled close to 40 watts in direct sunlight. Multiple panels can be daisy-chained together to charge a battery faster.

Goal Zero Nomad 50 Solar Panel:  Amazon
Goal Zero 12v Car Charger:  Amazon

The Black Diamond Moji lantern

Black Diamond Moji Lantern

We picked up a dozen of these during a Black Friday sale a couple of years ago. The kids use them for last-minute birthday gifts for friends. The soft glow of the light is perfect for using while cooking or evening tent games. They run on three AAA batteries and come in multiple colors.

The Helinox high back chair is a must-have

Helinox Chairs

We always get asked about our Helinox chairs and we love-love-love them. They’re comfortable, durable, lightweight, easy to transport/store, and easy to assemble. They come in several colors so a lot of families can choose a separate color or pattern for each family member.

A simple but useful cooler bag

Jumbo Insulated Cooler Bag

This is just a basic item we like to use for transporting soft goods, bags of ice, food and beverages, laundry, whatever. When not in use, you can easily compress them and tuck them away in your vehicle to save space.

These Kryptonite chain locks are not unbreakable, but they're an excellent deterrent

Kryptonite Bike Lock

When camping, we lock our mountain bikes up next to the tent at night. We will either stack them by laying them down on each other, or use a nearby tree as an anchor. A Kryptonite chain lock is just one of the locks we use. We also use a cable lock and u-lock to wad up our bikes in a big ball of mtb love.

Thule Roof Storage Box

Our lockable Thule roof box increases our storage space dramatically. We can store our 10×10 canopy shade, 4 sleeping bags, 4 sleeping pads, tent, and hydration packs on the roof of the mini-van. There’s no way we would be able to do a proper mtb car camping road trip with our family of four without one of these.

Trek Fuel EX 8 Review

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Trek Fuel EX 8 Review

The Trek Fuel EX 8 is a mountain bike capable of handling all types terrain. To prove this point our kid was able to test the bike completely in many different locations. From hitting the jumps at the original Red Bull Rampage site in the desert to a junior devo NICA cross-country race in the alpine, the Fuel Ex 8 was up to the task.

Trek Fuel EX 8 Review

Trek:  Website | Instagram | Facebook

Who Is Trek Fuel EX 8 For?

This mountain bike is designed to fit riders 4ft 6in tall (XS) all the way through 6ft 7in tall (XXL). That’s quite a range, isn’t it? A Fox suspension package means the bike is ready to go for trail rides and cross country loops, bike parks, technical terrain and dirt jumps. Novice riders through experts will enjoy riding the Trek Fuel EX 8. If you were to put a pin in the bike spectrum from light-weight cross country racer on the left to downhill freeride machine on the right, we’d place the mark a couple slots to the right of center. Tyge is just a touch over 5ft tall and he was paired with a Small frame with standover height of 27.79 inches.

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A Quick Overview Of The Trek Fuel EX 8

standover height icon

STANDOVER HEIGHT

Min ~27.55 inches

drivetrain icon

DRIVETRAIN

1 x 12

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WHEEL SIZE

27.5in (xs, s), 29in (m and up)

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WEIGHT

~30 lbs sans pedals

Frame Style And Tire Sizes Vary

Because the bike is available in seven different frame sizes, there are a couple of secondary features you should be aware of. The XS and Small sizes will have a curved top tube. This is a great because it will allow shorter riders to comfortably straddle the bike with both feet planted firmly on the ground. This also enables the rider to get a foot down quickly if bumpy or uneven terrain dictates a dab or quick stop. XS and Small frame sizes for the Fuel Ex 8 will also come with 27.5in wheels. This is also a plus in the design-and-fit column. We have seen other brands with XS and Small frames and 29in wheels where the length of the frame is too short and the rider’s foot makes contact with the front wheel of the bike.

Top tube - Trek Fuel EX 8 review

About The Trek Knock Block

The Knock Block is a proprietary function of many Trek mountain bikes. This feature is designed into the stem of the bike and it prevents the handlebars from turning 90º. With the addition of the Knock Block, Trek is able to tinker with geometry and ergonomics that result in a bike where the suspension fork cannot strike the frame. Does it limit your turning radius? Technically it does. But not many people are capable of throwing down a 90º turn over a very small distance. Some have mentioned that the Knock Block negatively affects how a bike is stored/transported on a truck’s tailgate or inside a car. This video from Trek explains the Knock Block feature a lot better than we can.

Bontrager Parts

As you may know, Bontrager is Trek’s house brand for components. Some folks are not fans of this approach, but the trade off is a lower overall price for the bike with parts that function very well. Tyge did his best to beat this bike up and it would be reasonable to believe that at the very least – the Bontrager Line Dropper would surrender. But after several months of rough treatment and transport, the dropper works as well as it did when we built up the bike.

Grip detail Trek Fuel EX 8 review
Trek Fuel EX 8 - Knock Block

Frame Aesthetics

Overall the design of the frame is appealing. It’s no-nonsense linkage design is clean and unobtrusive. The front- and rear-wheels are attached to the bike with thru axles. Internal cable routing and an under-the-bar dropper remote keep additional lines on the bike pleasing. Because we have a small version of the frame, there’s not a lot of room to work with for a bottle cage on the down tube. The solution was obtaining a side load bottle cage. You may like the Bontrager Left Side Load Water Bottle Cage for your small frame.

Internal cable routing on the Trek Fuel EX 8
Top view of the Trek Fuel EX 8

Trek Fuel EX 8 Suspension

A Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position shock with 130mm of travel fills the space for the shock. The fork on the bike is a Fox Rhythm 34, Float EVOL w/air spring and 140mm of travel. Both the shock and fork have lock-out features. We easily added or removed air for the suspension depending on the day’s terrain. And, you can also adjust the rebound for the fork.

Trek Fuel EX 8 with a Fox shock

Measurements And Angles For The Trek Fuel EX 8 [small]

Reach420mm
Stack568mm
Top Tube (effective)567mm
Seat Tube C-T355mm
Head Angle66.5º
Seat Angle75.5º
Chainstay435mm
Wheelbase1143mm
Standover706mm
BB Drop14mm
BB Height341mm
Wheel Size27.5"
Front Travel140mm
Rear Travel130mm
Trek Fuel EX 8 - Shimano brakes and SRAM drivetrain
Tire detail - Trek Fuel EX 8 review

Trek Fuel EX 8 – Build Specs

FrameAlpha Platinum Aluminum, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, downtube guard, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130mm travel
ForkFox Rhythm 34, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Kabolt axle, 140mm travel
HeadsetKnock Block Integrated, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom
Rear ShockFox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x55mm
AxlesFront: 15x110mm / Rear: 12x148mm
Rims/WheelsBontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt
TiresBontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi
CranksetTruvativ Descendant 6k Eagle, DUB
Chainrings30T
Bottom BracketSRAM DUB, 92mm, PressFit
ChainSRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed
Rear DerailleurSRAM GX Eagle
Cassette/Rear CogsSRAM XG-1275 Eagle, 10-50, 12 speed
ShiftersSRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed
HandlebarsBontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 27.5mm rise
Tape/GripsBontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on
StemBontrager Line, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree
BrakesShimano Deore M6000 hydraulic disc
SaddleBontrager Arvada, steel rails
Seat PostBontrager Line Dropper, internal routing, 31.6mm
PedalsNot included
Weight~30lbs. without pedals
MSRPLive Price
Trek and NICA : Trek and Trek retailers make up the largest annual contribution to the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). If you have a registered NICA athlete in grades 7-12, or if you are a registered NICA coach, you may be eligible for a discount on select Trek mountain bikes. Check with your local Trek dealer.

Riding The Trek Fuel Ex 8

Tyge loved the suspension on the bike. He only weighs up to 95 lbs with gear and his flyweight build was a good match for the Fox squish.

140mm of suspension was perfect for demanding downhill riding

We got the right size Fuel EX 8 and it made a difference. Your kids are growing and they’re not going to be on the same bike for more than a season or so. Know that your investment goes beyond the money spent. When you purchase a proper fitting mountain bike for your kids, you’re giving your children the opportunity to enjoy the sport with safety, progression, and fun in mind. Also be aware that a good bike is going to have a good resale value. Families all over are looking for good used bikes and you can usually receive over 70% of what you pay for a new bike.

Wheelie mode on the Trek Fuel EX 8 in Park City

Tyge loved the tires. He’s never been on 2.6in wide tires before and they immediately granted more control, stability and confidence. On loose surfaces, there was more tire in contact with the ground. On skinnies, there was a wider footprint which resulted in more support and security. Market year 2021 Trek bikes will ship without tubes and with valve stems and rim strips from carbon builds down to the 7-levels. This is good news – tubeless tires out-of-the-box!

The Trek Fuel EX 8 with SRAM Eagle drivetrain was comfy when pedaling

The 1×12 Eagle drivetrain has a 50t ring on the cassette and 30t front ring. That provided plenty of pedal power for long, sustained climbs. If your child has not yet experienced a drivetrain with this set-up, they’re going to be pleasantly surprised at the additional climbing and pedaling capabilities the drivetrain provides. Shifting was smooth and simplified.

Zooming along at Powder Mountain on the Trek Fuel EX 8
Sending a drop at the old Rampage site aboard the Trek Fuel EX 8

Riding with flat pedals or clipless pedals was determined by the task. For cross country, some trail riding, and a couple of NICA races, Tyge sported clipless pedals. At the bike park, dirt jumps, and technical terrain – flat pedals were the accessory of choice. We have learned to travel with both sets of foot platforms for extended outings and road trips.

Taking an optional line at Grafton Mesa on the Trek Fuel EX 8

On jumps and bumps, Tyge was able to control the bike very well. Be sure your kid uses the dropper to get that seat out of the way so your can get low on the bike when needed.

Racing the Trek Fuel EX 8 at a NICA event

Racing the Fuel EX 8 on a couple of Utah’s NICA courses proved to be very fun. The 1x transmission and gear range was very beneficial. And, the dropper was used throughout races. We certainly tightened up the suspension and tires for more grip for one flowy, firm track. On another course with a lot of loose corners and and a layer of dust, the 2.6in wide tires were perfect with lower air pressure. If your kids are cross country speedsters, you can explore additional options in the company’s catalogue that are lighter and have features favored by world-class racers.

Step up your game with the Trek Fuel EX 8

Being comfortable with a bike’s geometry allows the rider to progress on technical terrain and in the air. Blend this in with the will to succeed along with finding the right speed and you will get favorable results aboard the Fuel EX 8.

The Knock Block did not limit or impede the cornering or handling of the Fuel EX 8

Cornering with the Knock Block technology was not prohibitive and it functioned as engineered by Trek’s design team.

Dropping in at Trailside Bike Park

140mm of suspension is plenty for a kid of Tyge’s stature and riding style on big jumps and technical terrain. He could only bottom out the fork and shock if we let out all the air. And, both components had enough range to allow us to tinker with the sag and find the best settings.

Our small Trek Fuel EX 8 was the right size for technical desert riding

The bike really shined after the turns were earned. On open descents, the Fuel EX 8 was is in its element and an extension of the rider.

The 2.6 inch wide Bontrager tires made the Fuel EX 8 a confident cornering machine

Braking power provided by Shimano was always reliable and easily controlled. When you get your Fuel EX 8, be sure to set up the cockpit so the levers are at the proper angles for safety and ergonomics. You can reduce finger cramping and arm pump by simply setting the levers up the right way.

Topping Off The Trek Fuel EX 8

Our child enjoyed this bike because he’s a good fit for it literally and figuratively. The size range of the Fuel EX line-up has him covered so we were able to choose the right size, right away. He also has access to a lot of different terrain due to the west’s never-ending mountain bike season. From the rough and please-don’t-tumble red rocks to the flowy NICA race courses, the Fuel EX 8 has what it takes to make its riders happy. The geometry and build are great for beginners through experts who would like to get better at bikes. And, the bike is a good choice for those who are ready to drop a proper amount of money for a machine that will enable kids to grow their love for the outdoors; on bikes – together.

Riding the Trek Fuel EX 8 on the rocks

Bontrager Quantum MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet Review

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Bontrager Quantum helmet with MIPS review

Mountain bike helmets provide mandatory protection. They protect your head in case of a fall and are designed to absorb and dissipate as much of the impact as possible, doing their best to prevent traumatic brain injuries or worse. Not all helmets are created equally, and the Bontrager Quantum MIPS Bike Helmet is definitely one that you should be taking a second look at – in a good way.

Bontrager Quantum helmet with MIPS review

Not only does it come in nine different colors, including a cool teal and volt combination, black, white, and several shades of blue, among others, but it contains top-of-the-line protection. Plus, with three sizes to pick from, small, medium, and large – finding just the right fit is easy. After all, you don’t want a helmet that’s too large, because it could slip while you’re riding and not protect your head properly. Plus, the BOA fit system helps you quickly and easily fit the helmet to your head. The helmet features an adjustable clasp and the length of the chin straps can be adjusted.

BOA adjustment system on the Bontrager Quantum MTB helmet

The helmet will will fit heads ranging from 51-57cm (small), 54-60cm (medium), 58-63cm (large). And, it weighs 335g through 410g.

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Visor detail - Bontrager Quantum mtb helmet with MIPS
Rear view - Bontrager Quantum bike helmet with MIPS protection
Bontrager Quantum helmet with MIPS - trailside repair

When it comes to safety features, the designers at Bontrager have been thorough. The built-in MIPS protection system covers the head and prevents against angular impacts and multi-directional damage. There are lock-down dividers that help keep the helmet in place, as well as an in-mold composite skeleton making it strong and effective.

Style for miles with the Bontrager Quantum MIPS helmet

In addition to the safety features, the helmet contains recessed and internal channels that allow for airflow – which help keep your head cool as you ride. The washable helmet pads also wick away sweat mid-ride. There’s even a removable snap-on visor that keeps the sun out of your eyes but removes easily if you no longer need it.

Our kid has been using this helmet for a few months now and he still likes it. He hasn’t complained about it being uncomfortable or heavy. It’s well ventilated and good looking. The visor does its job and the BOA fit system provides a snug fit. We’ve affixed a GoPro compatible mount on the top of the helmet. This will let our kid sport an action camera, like a GoPro Hero 8 or the Bontrager Ion Pro RT light.

This helmet holds a GoPro, or Bontrager ION light with easse

The Bontrager Quantum MIPS helmet in our possession has survived a couple of minor crashes. It’s dirty, but structurally safe and sound. The helmet is great for trail rides with our NICA team. Mom and dad need new helmets soon, and based on our son’s experience with the Bontrager Quantum, we may end up with the same model.

Kid riding mountain bike with the Bontrager Quantum helmet

PNW Components Range Stem With Accessory Mount Review

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PNW Components Range stem with accessory mount review

The PNW Components Range Stem with built-in GoPro compatible mount works with action cameras, lights, or other somewhat reasonable items you’d like to attach. What about a banana you ask? With a little ingenuity, we bet you could figure it out. The MSRP is $64.00 USD and you can buy it direct from PNW Components.

PNW Components Range stem with accessory mount review

Available in 40mm and 50mm lengths, the stem is made of a forged alloy that allows it to take a few licks and remain in place. The Range stem with GoPro mount fits on 31.8mm handlebars, and it’s compatible with a 1 1/8 inch steerer tube. Be sure your steerer tube and bars meet these specs.

We had to swap out the handlebars on our younger kid’s bike because the original bars were too fat. The four-bolt mounting system is just like most stems and that makes it easy to install with a 4mm hex key.

After installing the stem, be sure that it’s centered on the steerer tube, the bars are aligned properly along their proper x- and y-axes, and all of the bolts [including those for the brakes, levers, and grips] are tightened down to the proper specs.

PNW Components Range stem with accessory mount - review
Light attached to the PNW Components Range stem

To adjust the angle of the mount, there’s a small bolt in the center of it. Just loosen it with a 3mm hex key, slide the mount vertically in its desired position, and tighten the bolt.

The PNW Components Range Stem weighs in at 174 grams for the 40mm size and 210 grams for the 50mm version. The neutral black color of the stem blends in with most existing bars so your mountain bike will maintain its fashion and increase its functionality at the same time.

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GoPro on the PNW Components Range stem with accessory mount
Back of camera - PNW Components Range stem with accessory mount

When we paired the stem with a GoPro Hero 8, it worked just fine. Our oldest likes to keep his cables long on the bars so he can spin them doing jibs and thus the cables are visible in his clips. I bet we could have temporarily cleaned these up by either adding an extension to the mount or getting them out of the way with a zip tie or two.

POV from the PNW Components Range stem with accessory mount

Our oldest discovered the mount was pretty durable. While learning how to backflip, he took a couple hard crashes without anything in the mount and it didn’t break.

Durability testing with the PNW Components Range Stem

Using the PNW stem with a light is a no-brainer. Its clean and useful design allows you easily adjust angle of the light to the desired position so you can see the trail ahead of you.

POV of the PNW Components Range stem with accessory mount with light attached

Summing Up The PNW Components Range Stem

Overall, we think the PNW Components Range stem with accessory mount is a great idea and we’ll continue to use it. It cleans up the cockpit by allowing you to utilize a part of your bike that’s already there so you don’t have an additional camera mount or light mount on your bars. By design, the mount is centered on the bike so it provides a balanced point-of-view for a camera and brightly floods the trail ahead of you evenly when you use the stem with a compatible light.

Bontrager Cycling Socks Review

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Bontrager mountain biking socks review

Most of the time my kids wear loud socks covered in tacos, flying fish or pugs wearing party hats. But if they wanted to attack the whoo-de-doos with Euro-style, they’d tuck the tootsies into Bontrager’s black Race Crew Cycling Socks. They’re techno-socks: well made, thin and quick to wick away foot sweat.

Bontrager mountain biking socks review

Of course, it’s not like any tween TikTok fiend is going to be caught doing the Renegade in black mid-calf socks, ever. Fortunately, Bontrager also has their Race Quarter Cycling Socks in 15 shades and patterns, with “Ride Bikes Have Fun Feel Good” on the inside the cuff for inspiration. The “pink frosting” color with white polka dots on a light pink background were deemed cute, and the “mulberry” version, which is a dark purple with lighter purple crosses on it, received a thumbs up.

Both versions of the socks have a fitted feel, with the Bontrager logo across the top and compression around the arches. Though soft, they have little stretch. My 14-year-old found the size large calf-height socks too tight for his men’s size 10/Eu 43 paddles, but they fit my women’s size 8/Eu 39 feet very well. Size small in the quarter socks was a perfect fit for my 11-year old, who usually wears a women’s size 7/Eu 38.

Bontrager colored cycling socks
Bontrager cycling socks review

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Nice points are the solid fabrication and flat toe seams. The 5-inch tall crew socks are also available in 3-pair packs of black, bright yellow and white, but, laundry-chief MTB mom speaking here, there is a considerable benefit to stain-hiding shades. The 2.5-inch quarter socks are only available one pair at a time, so you might have to pick up a few sets to avoid the dreaded one-sock-has-gone-missing syndrome.

The socks are an easily-washed mix of 95 percent nylon and 4 percent spandex. Ideally, they’re supposed to be washed in cold water with no bleach and tumbled on low. For people who do laundry according to real-world busy parent standards, the socks have not frayed, shrunk, developed holes, or changed color despite being washed in hot water and run through the dryer. So far, the socks have not retained smelly foot stench, though they have yet to experience the Petri test of being peeled off after a muddy ride and stashed under a car seat for a few weeks.

Prevelo Zulu Four Heir Preview

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Prevelo Zulu Four Heir preview - featured photo
Prevelo Zulu Four Heir preview - featured photo

Pre-Orders begin on Monday, June 29 at 11am PST.

The Prevelo Zulu Four Heir is one of the best kids mountain bikes you can get.
Getting on the pedals when mountain biking on the Prevelo Zulu Four Heir
The Prevelo Zulu Four Heir works well inside.

This is Prevelo’s Zulu Four Heir. It has 24 inch wheels and a standover height of 25 inches. The bike was designed to fit kids ranging in age from 8-11 years old. Highlights of the build include an 80mm travel fork with carbon lowers and a 12-speed 1x Shimano drivetrain. This matte radical red machina weighs in at 25.39 lbs and it retails for $1,499.00 USD.

Stay tuned. We will drop our full review for this bike within a week.

Bontrager Flatline MTB Shoes Review

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Bontrager Flatline shoe review

We’re taking a look at the Bontrager Flatline Mountain Bike shoe. Sure, we’ve been a fan of another over the last few years, but Trek’s house brand, Bontrager, has stepped up its game with in the apparel and accessory market over the last few years and we’re excited to try something new. The Flatline’s are available in sizes from 3.5 – 14.5 (US men). MSRP is $129.00 USD, but you can click the jolly red button below with our affiliate link to get the live price.

Bontrager Flatline shoe review

Our 13 year old wears a size 6 and we’re always glad to find that when we order online correctly for fit, we can hit the trails right away. You want to make sure you get the fit just right so it’s firm around the sides and top of the foot, yet there’s a little wiggle room in the toe box for comfort and more than a couple weeks of growing.

New Vibram soles - Bontrager Flatline shoes
Bontrager pedals with pins

It’s important to note that these shoes need to be paired with specific pedals. Regular flat plastic pedals with textured surfaces or metal pedals commonly known as “rat-traps” just won’t do. You gotta pair these shoes with pedals that have metal pins extending from the platforms. Many brands make these types of pedals, but the Bontrager Line Elite MTB Pedal Set has been designed to be your Flatline’s BFF. The combination of rubber and pins prevents the shoe from easily slipping when pedaling or applying your full weight to the pedals. You’ll notice the difference when simply pedaling, too. The shoes have eyelets that allow you to lace them up across the very top of your foot to ensure a super secure fit if desired.

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Bontrager Flatline shoes review - Vibram soles

The Bontrager Flatline Mountain Bike Shoe has a Vibram rubber outsole that can best be described as “sticky” as it helps your feet adhere to the pedals. Vibram soled shoes have been around for decades and they’re the go-to for quality hiking and running shoes. They do very well when gripping flat pedals with pins and rocky surfaces. Speaking of the bottoms of the shoes, the uniform treads are designed to help your feet adhere as well, allowing you to maximize your power and give you a predictable interface between the outsole and the pedals.

Lace and pull tab detail
Backs of the Bontrager Flatline shoe

In addition to those features, the toe and heel sections have directional treads that help you not only stay on the pedals but also deal with any off-bike terrain. The midsole is made of EVA, which absorbs a bit of the shock. In addition, the exterior consists of synthetic leather that’s extremely durable. There’s an extra lace holder that keeps your tied shoelace ends from flapping in the breeze or potentially getting tangled in the pedals. Even with this being said, the laces for these shoes are long and we always tie extra knots in them to make sure they don’t get caught in the drive train.

Bontrager Flatline shoes in a corner

With a couple of colors to choose from, including black, red with black accents – and a combination of muted and bright in battleship blue and marigold, your dirt monkeys will look great while riding as well. Sizes to choose from include men’s 3.5 all of the way up to 14.5. Sorry, but now you don’t have an excuse for trying out a pair Bontrager Flatlines for yourself.

Worn in Bontrager Flatline shoes for kids

As far as durability goes, our kid has tried his best to beat these mountain biking shoes to bits and they have held up very well. All the stitching and glued pieces are as firm as the day we opened the box. The treads on the soles are in good shape. The shape of the shoe has remained in-tact and they’ve been worn-in so they fit our kid’s foot while maintaining stiffness of the sole.

Absorbing tricky terrain with Bontrager Flatline shoes
Descending with the Bontrager Flatline shoes

Feet on the pedals is important for pre-loading the jumps and making the landings.

MTB shoes for kids that grip - Bontrager Flatline shoes
Not slipping on the pedals is very important

Tyge hasn’t had any slipping issues on the pedals that result in taking pins to the shins. I guess this can be attributed to about 5% luck and the remaining 95% due to the fact that the Vibram soles maintain a firm grip on the pedals. He told us, “I like these shoes because they feel good and they stick to the pedals. The basic black and red just looks good, too.”

Bontrager Flatline shoes after quite a few rides
Bontrager Flatline shoes - worn sole detail

Over the years, we’ve learned that mountain biking shoes for kids are kind of like bikes. They’re not a long term commitment because they will only fit your growing kids for around a season. So why in the world would you spend your hard-earned money on a pair of Bontrager Flatline mountain bike shoes for your child when they’re only going to use them for less than a year? Because of the quality, comfort, fit and performance they provide. The contact points on your kids’ bikes matter – especially the area where most of a rider’s weight is supported and energy gets transferred to wheels. This is why if your kid is beyond recreational mountain biking it’s going to be good to pick up a pair of Bontrager Flatline shoes.