Skip to main content

The North Face Base Camp holdall


While not a biking-specific product, this hardwearing ‘duffel bag’ is ideal for lugging riding kit around. The 95l capacity of the large size tested makes it spacious but not so cumbersome that you can’t comfortably sling it on your back using the rucksack straps on top. There’s a mesh sleeve inside for valuables and a separate end pocket for keeping muddy shoes away from clean pants. The highly-durable waterproof and ripstop fabric is weatherproof enough to withstand UK conditions and tough enough to be thrown around by airport baggage handlers. This version isn’t big enough to max out a 20kg hold luggage allowance when filled with typical bike kit, but XL and XXL sizes are available too. It’s not super-cheap but should last you for years.

Price $180 (large size)
Labels

Popular posts from this blog

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

READ MORE >>

DRC X-Monitor SP1 lap timer

While smartphone apps such as Strava can be a useful way to keep tabs on your mountain bike rides, sometimes you just can’t beat the simplicity and instant feedback that a good old-fashioned stopwatch style lap timer provides.

READ MORE >>

Scott Stego MIPS helmet

Scott’s top-end aggressive trail helmet is only available with MIPS, as the Swiss brand were early adopters of the system. The EPS extends low at the rear without clashing with the retention system and the strap attachment points are external to the liner, maximising the amount of material around the temples. This is the closest-fitting helmet on test, with very little clearance inside the liner. Despite this, and although the Stego has fewer vents than some other lids here, we never felt too hot-headed. Scott spent time developing the ventilation system using a wind tunnel and it seems to have paid off. The thin pads don’t offer quite as much comfort as some competitors’, and while the short peak is removable, it doesn’t offer any height adjustment. Weight 340g Sizing S, M, L Price $180

READ MORE >>

SANTA CRUZ NOMAD

Santa Cruz’s new enduro focused dream bike While the Santa Cruz Bronson has been causing a commotion on the enduro scene as one of the lighter and more capable bikes, the Californian company have been working on something better suited to the more gravity orientated courses.

READ MORE >>

X-Fusion Manic dropper post

The last generation of X-Fusion droppers did the brand’s reputation no favours, but the all-new Manic is proving an excellent costeffective post.At over 700g, it’s heavy. It’s also longer than most 150mm posts, which may make it a squeeze to fit between you and your frame or just into your seat tube. It’s really well-priced, though, and while the neat shifter-style remote wobbles a bit from new, it has plenty of leverage for a light action. The stroke is smooth and easily controlled in both directions, with reasonable return speed and an easily-felt top-out clunk. While the Manic is a relatively new design – particularly the 150mm version – all the reliability feedback we’ve had from users has been excellent so far. Replacing the sealed-cartridge internals only costs $30 if there is an issue. The cable can unhook if you move the post in the frame without keeping it taut, but we’re assured there’s a fix imminent for that glitch. Weight 735g Stroke 125, 150mm Diameters 30.9, 3...

READ MORE >>