Fresh Goods Friday 321

Mountain bikers are known to their families and colleagues for their shin scars, their broken bones, and oozing open wounds. We take it as an inevitable but acceptable risk for what we do.

But what about the injuries we get off the bike? Are these in fact worse because no fun was had in their making? And do they hurt more because they are not accompanied by the glory of a good story? What is the most painful minor injury possible? The sort of injury that is too pathetic to warrant an Instagram post, never mind a trip to any healthcare professional, but that hurts so much you really want to retire to the sofa with a beer and a block of chocolate just so you don’t make it hurt any more. Here at Singletrack Towers we’re drawing up a list, after a spate of pathetic but painful injuries, all off the bike.

First up, Wil cut his finger on the ‘World’s Sharpest Knife’. This might actually be more stupid than pathetic. It’s not as if it was ‘The World’s Spreadiest Butter Knife’.

Rob Crayons did himself a paper cut. These are evil, as we all know. But something of an occupational hazard for artistic types. They probably have a numbering system to match cuts to different grades of paper. Paintone 01, that sort of thing (Sorry).

Chipps, Mark and Ali gave themselves hangovers. This is definitely just stupid, and does not count in the painful minor injury rankings.

Hannah thinks she has just about collected enough pathetically minor but exceedingly painful injuries to be allowed a day off. She still has her Sedona toe, which is now an interesting shade of burgundy and blue. She also still has what she thinks is a sore sesamoid in her other foot, which she did in late July when she landed that exact bit of her foot on a rock while on a zip wire trying to pretend she’s still young. She is beginning to think she should have sought medical attention for this sometime ago, although plastic surgery is probably cheaper than therapy. Going one up on Crayon’s paper cut, she’s given herself a nasty cardboard cut while opening one of the many boxes of goodies for Fresh Goods Friday, and to top it all off she’s split the nail on her index finger and it hurts every time she types the letters j (ow), n (ow) and som(ow)e oth(ow)er letters too. Or the space bar. Or commas. Ow.

On the plus side…actually no, let’s not tempt fate. Let us wallow in our eeny-minor injuries and not think about the bigger things which we could have spannered. There’s still the weekend to go. Although Hannah swears that breaking a finger couldn’t possibly hurt more than her split nail.

Are you fighting fit and ready for the weekend? Already thoroughly broken and reading this from the confines of your bed/sofa? Or do you have an injury so small that you’re embarrassed to mention it really, but since you ask, actually yes, this here does hurt rather a lot and, no don’t poke it, I might have to cry and, how did I get it? Well, I was wrestling a lion and, actually I was just making a cup of tea but, it hurts and I don’t think it’s ever going to get better.

Whatever your state of health, here’s our regular dose of Friday goodness and freshness to take your mind off all that is wrong with the world, and your body. Apply the arnica, ingest the anti-inflammatories, and ice the throbbing swelling. Raise the cut above your heart, and raise a cheer, for Fresh Goods Friday is here!

Ibis Ripley LS

• Price: £2999 (frame only), or £5699 (complete as built here)
• From: 2pure

Here we have the updated Ripley, a carbon fibre 29er from Ibis, which is heading into Crayons paper-cut hands for longterm testing. Fortunately for you this arrived after he’d got the next issue of the magazine off to the printers, otherwise we fear we might have had to chain him to his desk. He’s already chewed through the leather restraints.

With 120mm travel at the rear, the Ripleys are shipping (we don’t think hypersleep is involved) with 130mm travel up front, although the frame is approved for 120-140mm travel forks.

This is the LS model – which stands for Long and Slack. This has a 15mm longer top tube than the original model, and a 67.5 degree head angle. The original geometry version is still available in Medium and Large sizes if you don’t hold with all that new fangled geometry.

DW link suspension uses two small eccentrics, hidden inside the seat tube, which act as the suspension linkages. For this update there’s been some shifting around of the weight which has added 2 grams but has upped the torque spec on the eccentric shaft bolts.  Extra carbon around the eccentrics gives a bit more stiffness. All told, the BB torsional stiffness is apparently up 12%. The new cores are retrofittable to the original Ripley.

Tyre clearance for the Ripley and Ripley LS has been increased to accommodate most 2.35in tyres. There’s also a new moulded rubber chainstay and seatstay protector, which can also be bought and retrofitted to older model Ripleys.

The Fox Float DPS shock with EVOL sleeve has been tuned to provide more supple small bump sensitivity in the initial part of the stroke and then ramp up to provide better support in the mid to end stroke. Ibis claims the result is a plush ride that doesn’t wallow and pops off of jumps in a very controlled way. Crayons, get jumping.

Saying that they’re seeing too much variation between the different manufacturers’ press in cups to get a consistently reliable fit, Ibis has changed to a threaded (73mm BSA) bottom bracket on the Ripley.

Also reasonably new for the Ripley is a Boost’d rear end, with 148x12mm dropouts. The one-piece carbon swingarm is available as a retrofit for previous Ripley’s if you want more stiffness in the rear.

Ibis produces a range of little cable port widgets to adapt to pretty much any configuration of derailleurs and droppers you might have.

Previously branded as Easton, the RaceFace ARC 30 rims are made from alloy and provide a nice wide internal width to support fat rubber.

Being from 2pure, the Ibis Ripley also came outfitted with a set of Lizard Skin grips. These are the super thin Danny MacAskill lock-on grips that Crayons will be reefing on with his tongue hanging out his face.

Keep your eyes peeled on Singletrackworld.com for incoming updates and reviews on Crayon’s new whip, which will also be subjected to additional components that we have on test for the magazine. BOOM!

SRAM Centerline Disc Brake Rotors

• Price: £40 (160mm) & £44 (180mm)
• From: ZyroFisher

Designed to minimise vibration to give you consistent braking and a quiet ride, and available in 140/160/170/180/200mm sizes. Handy for when you decide at the last minute that maybe your not up to that jump after all. STOP!

Lowepro ProTactic BP 250 AW

• Price: £147
• From: Lowepro

The website blurb says:

The ProTactic 250 AW delivers high performance to pro photographers who need a rugged yet scaled-down, urban-inspired pack that delivers on all fronts: accessibility, versatility, comfort and organization. Never miss a critical mission thanks four access points: the molded, turret-loading top, quick-grab from both sides, and full, back entry for set-up and security.

We suspect Chipps just wants an excuse to go buying some new camera toys to put in it. But we like he idea that our photoshoots are critical missions. Ten-four zulu six-five, we have a 650B coming your way now, shoot on sight, repeat, shoot on sight.

Joby GorillaPod SLR-Zoom

• Price: £31.99
• From: Joby

Handy tripod gadgets for balancing your camera on all kinds of surfaces. The screw has an adaptor, so will fit either an SLR camera or a GoPro. Zulu six this is Alpha one, please deploy Joby 1 at six o’clock, we have Bravo four incoming, shredding it hot.

Joby GorillaPod GripTight Pro Tablet

• Price: £48
• From:  Joby

More handy tripod action, this time designed to hold a range of tablet devices, which is coming in handy with all the Facebook Live broadcasts we’re doing at the moment.

Joby Action Bike Mount & Light Pack

• Price: £44
• From:  Joby

Fit your GPS computer, light and camera to your bike with this single mount system.

Joby GripTight POV Kit

• Price: £39
• From:  Joby

A smartphone mount that gives you a camera-like grip for taking photos, alternate grips for making smooth video or creative angles, plus there’s a remote so you can take pictures from up to 90 feet away.

Joby Action Base Kit

• Price: £74.95
• From:  Joby

A handy pack to carry all your GorillaPods. A GorillaPod Pod in fact. Contains three tripods of different sizes, with fittings for either a GoPro or SLR camera. Space left over so you can store your GoPro or other extras safely in this padded bag with adjustable dividers.

Specialized Defroster Trail Winter Boots

• Price: £160
• From:  Specialized

A seam sealed internal bootie keeps your feet dry, while Thinsulate® 400 gram insulation keeps your feet warm. Rubber tread provides grip, and the neoprene collar keeps the water out and the warmth in. Winter, we are ready.

Hope R2 LED Vision

• Price: £175
• From:  Hope

Dark? What dark? Two LEDs give 1300 lumens and will last between one and thirty hours depending on which of the six settings you use. The pack includes a bayonet fitting handlebar mount, helmet mount, head harness and 1m extension cable. No excuses for staying in – get out in the dark and play.

Clif Bars

• Price: £1.60
• From:  Clif Bar

Sent to us to mark Thanksgiving, just in case we’d forgotten to provide a non-turkey based vegetarian option. Many flavours are available, all are vegetarian and probably taste better without gravy and trimmings.

Magura MT Trail Carbon Brakes

• Price: £490 for a front and rear. Rotors £25 each.
• From:  Magura

We told you about these before, and now we’ve got them for real.  These are the new trail brakes from Magura, with four pistons up front, and two pistons at the back. 160/180 or 203 HC Storm rotors are available to go with them.

High-gloss chrome calipers and visible carbon lay up levers. Bling-a-ling.

Pro Components Koryak Dropper Post

• Price: £119.99
• From: Madison

Unveiled at Eurobike, this is a dropper post from Pro Components, made by Shimano.

Claimed weight is 520g including the remote and cable. Cabling is internally routed, and Shimano claims the ‘Optislick’ cabling will keep running smoothly in the face of dirt and mud. We’re sure we’ll be able to put this to the test without to much difficulty.

Northwave Outcross Shoe

• Price: £104.99 (Speed Dial)
• From: i-ride

Bridging the gap between bulky enduro style shoes and stiff and XC style shoes, suitablefor everything from trail rides to gravel bike outings. There are three versions, these are the Speed Dials, and there is also a lace up (£69.99) and three strap option (£79.99).

Bike Trumps

• Price: £5.99 (Trumps 1), £6.49 (Trumps 2), £9.99 (Both).
• From: Rough Ride Guide

A game, not something that happens after a few too many gels. Based on the no doubt trademarked Top Trumps concept, this either a game to play with your friends, or a vital collection of data that you can learn and then use in conversation when trying to make friends*.  Available in two sets, for maximum fun, in depth geekery, and very very long games if you combine the packs.

*Other conversational gambits may prove more fruitful.

Mons Royale Hold’em Boxers

• Price: £34.99
• From: Mons Royale

With no side seams, a double layered gusset, and made from Merino, these are boxers fit for the most treasured of family jewels.

Mons Royale Redwood Button Down

• Price: £69.99
• From: Mons Royale

More Merino loveliness from the New Zealand manufacturers of many Merino things. In advance of the UK launch of the Spring/Summer 2017 kit, we were invited to pick some items from their catalogue. Unfortunately ‘all of it, fill the shipping container’  wasn’t an option, so we’ve only got a small sample of their huge range of attire. This casual ride-then-pub-date t-shirt has mesh underarms for if you get a bit hot under the collar. Although you could just un-do the buttons too.

Mons Royale Redwood 3/4 Raglan T

• Price: £69.99
• From: Mons Royale

Made from Mons Royale’s Merino Air-Con fabric – a superfine 140gsm fabric made by wrapping a spun merino yarn around a superfine nylon/elastane core – this is a lightweight 3/4 t-shirt for a casual riding look.

Mons Royale Women’s Phoenix L/S Tee

• Price: £69.99
• From: Mons Royale

More Merino Air-Con, this time for women, and with thumb loops. The tops are designed to look good, feel good, and be practical out on the bike.

Mons Royale Women’s Phoenix Cap Tee

• Price: £64.99
• From: Mons Royale

If smell resisting sweat wicking merino isn’t practical enough for you, this T-shirt also features a mesh vented back to help keep you cool. The drapey soft fabrics inspired Hannah to to Vogue style awkward neck angle model poses. Just as well we’re not Vogue we think.

Howies Hewaddywaddy Jacket

• Price: £79
• From: Howies

Hannah tested out the women’s Shewaddywaddy earlier this year. Now the boys can stop being jealous, as they have their own men’s version in to test. It’s a lightweight wadded jacket with a windproof ripstop nylon outer, Primaloft fill on the front facing panels and unwadded back sections to stop you overheating. Stuffs down into its own pocket for handy carrying, or impromptu travel pillow.

Howies Blade Jacket

• Price: £149
• From: Howies

New for this year, a waterproof and windproof jacket made from an environmentally friendly fabric which is 100% recyclable and flourocarbon free. It has taped seams plus a fleece lined collar for added cosiness.

Howies Cadence Jersey

• Price: £79
• From: Howies

Nice subtle retro styling on this jersey which has been updated for this year. Those are not Italian colours – they’re Welsh. Made from a mix of Merino and Sorona fabric. Sorona apparently uses partly plant-based glucose from renewable corn starch crops as a replacement to 100% oil-based fabrics, which means it consumes less energy and produces lower greenhouse gas emissions than petroleum-based fabrics in production.

IXS Hack Knee Guards

• Price: £47.99
• From: Hotlines

Made with NockOut shock resistant padding, these are lightweight pads heading for our big pads you can pedal in group test. Adjustable velcro straps top and bottom for fine tuning the fit.

Get Rad, 20 Years Of Dirt

• Price: £10
• From: Dirt 

The first print run has already sold out, but there’s a second one coming. 20 years of mountainbike imagery from Dirt.

Rad8 504 MTB Glasses

• Price: £88
• From: Rad8

New designs from our Premier Dealer Rad8. As may or may not have been worn by a variety of famous and infamous people. Anti-fog, anti-scratch coating, and impact resistant polycarbonate lenses – and stylish too. The frames were selected by Singletrack readers as being their preferred design from a range of possible options. Singletrack Subscribers get 15% off the RRP. This is the Red Mirror coating version.

If you’ve had your colours done and your stylist says red makes you angry, or look old, or whatever, then you can opt for the Blur Mirror version.

If you can’t decide between the colours, or you want glasses for every possible weather condition, then the photochromatic lens option could be for you. Same price applies to all three lens options, as does the 15% discount for Singletrack Subscribers (which makes them £74.80).

And that is it. You are now ready for the weekend. Go forth and play. Perhaps you’re considering a trip to a pub? Our local has just produced possibly the weirdest pub promotional video ever:

Maybe you’re staying in? Our new beer sponsor will deliver direct to your door, and has produced possibly the most unlikely bottle opener ever. You get one free with every order:

Whether you’re in or out this weekend, be sure to shake it all about. It is surely not possible to sit still while listening to this, although the crowd in this version are doing their best to do just that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMfrnkm0c6k

ST Out.

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