The Trek Scratch was one of the bikes that rode perfectly. The BB height , head angle options (yes options 66 or 66.5 degrees) and chain stay length lead to flawless handling. The model I rode was set with coil springs and in spite of the associated weight it just rolled up the loose gravel road at Bootleg Canyon like a 28 lb XC bike. In fact while riding in the middle ring Andrew Shandro (from Trek Design team) and I were able to have a decent conversation about the purpose of the bike. We both believe that for a bike to be truly considered a trail bike it must climb well

Source: nsmb.com/3320-trek-scratch-ridden

My top 9 is going really well… soon I have to make up a new top 9. Just before the PPdS I ordered some gear from Maloja. But I send it back to the shop. The shorts where… too short and the material was very tick and layered.

I’ve been riding with the Raceface 3/4 DH shorts for almost 3 years. These are supple, excellent length and tough as hell. Now… why do women always want to get something NEW and DIFFERENT?

The same day I shipped back the from Maloja gear, I ordered a new Raceface 3/4 DH short from Chainreactioncycles.com (here). Fashioably brown (and the only colour in my size in stock) and they look nice, fit well (even better then the old ones) and cost about half.

First new thing on my second top 9 of 2009: stick to what works. That said: I’m glad I also bought this Mace jersey (here at crc.com). I should want for dry sunny weather on saturday when I go to the Ardennes… but I want to wear these…. ;-)

I’m still in love with my Remedy. One switch (no pun ;-) ) and it rides like a hardtail and a switch-back (get me going) and it’s a playfull ride down the hill. But there are a few things I would like to upgrade.

The SLX gearing for one, it’s by far not accurate enough as I’m used to, using SRAM. So that’s gotta go as soon as possible. The cranks however are quite good, except for the rings; they wear too fast.

Go for Elixir?

The Juicy 5’s are not that bad. The white paint chips easy, that’s a shame. To me, the modulation of the lever is not good enough, and the disc bend just by looking at them. I got a new pair with the bike, as the ones that came with, where bend, but now these are bend too.

What do you think, is it true that the G3 disc’s the Elixirs come with, are better for braking and more durable? They’re only a few grams lighter and the levers are better modulated. But I want to go bigger for the rear brake anyway, so eighter pay extra for new discs and adapters, or go Elixir… what’s your advice?

Avid Elixir R

Read about Avid Elixir @ sram.com

My verdict you know, these tires are some of the best around, the’ve replaced my Kenda Nevagals, that I never thought could be beaten. The Conti’s are better protected, lighter and easier to get your hands on (here in Europe).

Conti’s rule

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, Continental tires are rapidly becoming the best option for your ride. Might have something to do with Ritchey Schley being in on the development side. Previously I’ve owned the ‘Vertical‘ tires, who are especially suited for loose soil terrain. The Mountain King is a new all-round option, and comes in several sizes and versions:

• Mountain King
  26 x 2,0    26 x 2,2    26 x 2,4
  3 plies/ 84tpi / foldable
• Mountain King Supersonic
  26 x 2,2    26 x 2,4
  3 plies/ 180tpi/ foldable/ Black Chili Compound
• Mountain King Protection
  26 x 2,2    26 x 2,4
  3 plies/ 180tpi/ foldable/ Duraskin/ Black Chili Compound
• Mountain King UST
  26 x 2,2    26 x 2,4
  3 plies/ 330tpi/ foldable/ UST
• Mountain King 29inch
  28 x 2,2    28 x 2,4

Mountain King Protection

I choose the Mountain King Protection version, with thick sidewall protection and Black Chili Compound. They weigh about 820 grams per tire and are the same front/rear, just reverse the threads. Thankfully rather easy to mount on your wheels and look really sweet because of the ‘carbon’ look argyle print on the side.

Ride the Mountain King (Protection) >2.2 psi when the terrain is mainly rocky, like the Alps are. Last years Passportes du Soleil went on without a single puncture! Under normal circumstances you can ride with 1.8 psi. I’ve tried the Bontrager Latex anti-puncture inners, they rock, but count on an extra 400gr per tire! I’m opting to go UST, only if these’re just as good; according to their list it doesn’t come with Black Chili compound.

What makes the Mountain King so good?

• Grip in corners (or just about anywhere)!
  Pick your pleasure: thick muck, dried out dust, roots or rocks: I just doesn’t matter. Carve like there are none: only fun here! Black Chili rules!
• Sidewall protection
  Like I said, 90km’s in the Alpes on a day and no puncture! On downhill speed, that usually can only be said by downhill specific tires. You know, those that weight more than a kilo a pop.
• Durability
  Mine show slight wear and tear after more then 1.000 km’s!

Anything on the downside?

• Not suited for downhill races of bikepark visits.
  When you go for downhill races, or for a day on the downhill track, it’s likely the sidewall protection doesn’t hold the impact. That was the only (!) flat I’ve ever had.
• UST not Black Chili?
  I would like to save some extra weight, but not if it means giving up the sweet Black Chili compound.
• If you’re picky: resistance is somewhat high
  They’re allrounders, not xc! So expect a higher resistance on tarmac, comes with the nature of the very sticky Black Chili Compound.
• They are oval!
  I thought it was the Bontrager inners, but I learned from other riders, that it’s the Mountain Kings that are oval. Pepare to be annoyed on asphalt!

Well, I kinda didn’t have to. The nice people of kaliprotectives.com are so very convinced of the quality of their stuff, they send me their Durgana helmet to test for them. It arrived yesterday and so far, it’s so good! I’ve never had a helmet that’s so slim to the head as this one, it’s also very lightweight with compromising the safety (EN1078 and CPSC).

The best thing about it, it’s not shiny as the picture shown (have to make one of the actual product asap), it’s mat and silky and that looks awesome!

So I now have another excuse to go bikeparking asap, and I’m thinking… what if I add Trek Session to my wish list, will some nice people of Trek then send me a Session 88 to review for them?? :-P