This is the place where I tell you about hypes that I spend my money on. I'll tell you about their good points, bad points and if you should invest your money on it.... so let us begin!
All pictues here are taken with a CASIO QV-10A digital Camera, then edited with Corel Photo paint, if there are any questions about the grafics on this page please feel free to Email me.
Kore Chain Reactor
Purchased date: 07-08-96
Last reviewed date: 28-11-97
Product use: Chain tensioner design to fit the chain stays, for both DH and XC riding.
What I heard: The Kore Chain Reactor offers a good strong hold on the chain, which keep's the chain on the ring all the time, even in rough conditions. Installation is the easiest of the lot, meaning less to fuss with.
What I found: The Chain Reactor (C.R.) has to be the best tensioner I have tried, after having installation problems with past tensioner (DCD, TWP, Drill instructor) it is a relieve for the people who just want to snap it on and ride. The 3 tension position the C.R. offered is good. But the spring tension is a little high, even in it's lightest position.
Up date 28-11-97: It's gone now, I have finally decided that I don't really need a chain tensioner. So it's gone. I still think it's a good product...
Any problems?: A fellow rider The Kamikaze Dude..... had some problems with the bolts on the C.R. It is the classic case of ' I tightened the Alu' bolts too damn much, so it snap...' Other then that nothing more yet....
Hammer Pads Arm pads and Big mag shin pads
Purchased date: 15-08-96
Late reviewed date: 28-11-97
Product use: Body armor for Down Hill, BMX or extreme riding.
What I heard: They offer good protection during crashes, reducing injuries in vulnerable places eg arm, shin. The pads has added paddings in places where it is needed most, a must for those who crash a lot.
What I found: Ok I may have chosen a bad time to try them out but hill climbing in a rain storm is a good way to test products such as this. After falling numerous times both my arms and the pads stayed intact, ditto to the shin pads. They do become hot after a while (the temperature during the first test was about 25C) I have heard the same things about other pads as well, the JT and Toga and actually most of the armors offered have a problem with being too hot to wear for long. The Hammer pads do take in quite a lot of water, so during the first test they became heaver as the ride went on, but if good protection is what you are looking for then the hammer pads are a good choice. As for the more serious, deeper pockt riders, the JT pads is the choice, offering more comfort, flashier looks and twice the price of the hammer ( which arn't cheap!)
Up date 28-11-97: Ok this thing saved my ass! I found that they keep me warm, more than anything! It's good since I have been riding in snow for a while and it keeps my arms warm.
Any problems?: Be careful of the stitching ends in the arm pads, they came lose after the first test, I solved the problem with needles and threads.
Rissi Gem
Upgrade cartdridge for Rock Shox Judy
Purchased date: 03-08-96
Late reviewed date: 28-11-97
Product use: Upgrade for that leaking Judy cartdridge
What I heard: The Gem is the best upgrade you can have for your Judy..... The Judy's compression damping is not good enough, where he Gem offers rebound damping, which improves the fork's performance and use of travel.
What I found: I installed it in my 94 Judy SL, with 1/2 inch more travel that is already an improvement. The action is much better than the compression damping offered with the stock cartdridge, the rebound is much better offering much smoother and more control stroke. The rissi is custom tuned for use with the stock Rock Shox MCU bumpers and Mountain Speed Springs. A good investment for the performance type of riders and anyone who is not happy with their Judy.
Up date 28-11-97: Now the SL is out of commission, the gem went out with it too! I have been happy with it but the demping is a little too slow for my taste. I'm currenly running the shorter travel Judy C, on my hard tail and it's great. I feel that the type 2 spring + the RS cart' works very well, I guess the Rock Shox has finally sort out their stuff.
Any problems?: I have only heard of a case of broken lower seal. Which was due to stupid riders trying to 'improve' the cartdridge, because 'he knew what he was doing'..... But if there are other problems then I post it here soon.
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