zombo profile

Simple nylon jackets and vests are probably the most versatile and useful pieces of bike clothing out there, especially for shoulder season riding. Windproof, super breathable, packable, and often cheap.  This one is a little (ok a lot) pricey but I get that some people might want a nicer version.  I'm sure it's high quality like most 7mesh stuff.

I think a lot of people who believe they fit a large bike should give a medium a try.  Pinkbike has convinced everyone that they need to ride the biggest bike that can fit them.  Just look at the slammed seatposts on the large bikes they test.

Yeah, you may be right.  I'm 5'11 on an s3 stumpy evo with a ~460 reach and it feels great.  I think I have t rex arms.

Higher stack height is going to be the new slacker head angle in the next couple years.  Modern bikes are way too low with a few exceptions.  My bikes ride a lot better with tons of spacers plus a riser bar.  I'm running a 60mm rise plus 4 spacers on my stumpy evo and it's awesome.

There are plenty of motocross gloves with knuckle protection that don't cost anywhere near $60usd if that's what you're looking for.  They work just as well as mtb specific gloves.

I use freerider pros and I would say the axle is a little behind the ball of my foot.  I was using an old busted up pair of nukeproof horizons with missing pins and as soon as I switched to the oneup composites i started getting bounced.

Could be a personal technique thing but the composite one ups had dangerously low levels of grip in the rough stuff for me.  My foot would get bounced off in fast, rooty sections.  I've never had that issue with any other pedals.

I found the freerider pro to be superior to the freerider in every way.  Much better ventilation, holds way less water and most importantly the soles are stiff enough my feet don't hate me on long descents.

The sweat buster is the only device I haven't really overwhelmed and I sweat a ton.  I'll pop it out of my helmet and maybe ring it out once if it's over 90F but for the most part that's not necessary.

Great spec and price on both these bikes.  Chainstays are a little short for my taste but Canyon is killing it overall.  I would assume you need a lot of disposable income to pay double for the equivalent Bronson.