Altura Crosslite-
We’re familiar and impressed with Altura’s Altec material, so a new version based on it was an interesting jacket to try out. Altec reactive is stretchy compared to standard Altec, which has allow altura to make a closer fitting jacket without losing any mobility or getting uncomfortable on longer rides. Like most Altura jackets though, this thing is very waterproof and breathes better than previous versions. The cut is classic race style, with drawstring base hem and collar and elasticated and Velcro adjustable cuffs. There is a single large rear pocket and a front chest pocket both with sealed zips but aside from that this is a ‘keep it simple’ functional jacket. The performance is amazing, and only becomes more amazing when you look at the price tag.
Reviewed by Cycling Plus
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14-Nov-2006
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Altura Dryline-
Altura's re-designed version of their established pant are heavy on features for the price. Although not lined, the Dryline is water and windproof with a taped seam construction identical looking and feeling to Gore's XCR pant. Ankle zips are guarded with popper storm flaps and dual Velcro retention helps achieve the drain pipe effect. Cut for riding as opposed to hanging off the arse they still allow regular clothing wear underneath. However it's on the trails where they come into their own. Touches such as the chain snag protecting inner calf panel and knee sections are what make these stand out from the crowd.
*Altec 3 Hydrolite fabric.
*Reinforced gusset, darted knee and ankle panel.
*High fleece lined waist back.
*Two zip front pockets.
*Quick-release buckled belt.
Reviewed and rated by MBR Rating 9/10
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14-Nov-2006
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Altura Nevis-
A tweaked classic from Altura that offers an excellent range of features for the price. Any fully wind and waterproof at the fifty pound mark is impressive but add pit vents, multi panelled construction, water resistant main zip, plus collar, cuff and hem adjustment and it's hard to fathom Altura's profit margins. Weight is acceptable for the price, bearing in mind our test jacket came in an XS size. The dropped tail general fit is akin to dearer options around. On a budget it's a tough act to follow.
Cateye TL-LD1100 -
As far as rear lights this is the daddy of all the self-contained units. With 10 bright LEDs powered from just two AA batteries, the run time in excess of 100 hours (we actually got 102hours) in legal flashing mode is simply amazing. The supplied mountings will fit seatposts from 24mm (Cateye claim 24.5mm)up to 32.5mm, with a optional mount available to fit up to 34.5mm. There’s also a clip mounting inside the box to enable you to fix the light to a bag or jacket. Two buttons on the side of the light control the two individual strips of five LEDs which are laid out in two rows of three pointing rearwards, and a single LED at either end pointing at 90 degrees in each row. The modes are flashing, constant, sequential and fast sequential (in that order), making 16 ways to have your light turned on. The single best thing about this light is that it’s bright, and bright at almost all viewing angles. Add to that the fact that it’s well sealed, very well made, and runs for ages and has a good mounting system, and this is a clear winner.
Reviewed by Cycling Plus
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14-Nov-2006
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Panaracer Rampage Tyre
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Although the Rampage tyre doesn’t look stunningly original, the proven Panaracer technology offers some real performance advantages over similar-looking rival. The most obvious of these is the Anti Snake Bite chafer strip above the bead. This helps to prevent pinch flats when running the tyre at low pressures; we’ve run it at 30 psi for weeks without encountering a single flat. Running low pressure also helps grip and although the tyre slithered a bit in the wet it didn’t do anything too startling. You can occasionally lose straight line grip if the tyre is overloaded but it’s got a great edge for off-camber or corner-carving work. When the Rampage does slip out it’s controllable, and you can even push it hard on wet slate and shale surfaces. The ZSG dual-compound rubber provides a good mix of tread life and grip that’s enough for most trail riders, and at 730g (1.6lb), the tyre isn’t too heavy or slow.
MBUK Verdict 9/10, Excellent low-pressure / Big-hit performance and a good grip / life balance.
Reviewed and rated by MBUK
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