kmag76 profile

Yes, defiantly do not need them. But they do help with the overall ride experience. Similar to running inserts... Don't need them, but they add to the experience!

These shoes will be available in a couple of days, and im convinced I need a pair of Mallets and Stamps!

Buying sight unseen sizing has been on my mind. I normally always wear a 44, but using the crank brothers sizing guide and measuring my feet, it says im 270mm which is a 42. Im kinda convinced from one of your comments above to just size down 1/2 size from my regular 44 and call it a day.

I bought some Fizik Climba X2 all weather shoes a few months ago sight unseen in 44 and when they arrived I found they fit very big, which was ok in this situation because I was able to run a thick wool sock for cold weather. 

I guess my brain is turning with Fizik and CB being sister companies, and im not wanting to have 2 pairs of shoes show up that don't fit. 

Any fit recommendations would be a help.

Great article Andrew!

I run these on all of my bikes, Race version and Pro versions. And prefer the medium/soft. 

I find that they really do work for me, taking out a lot of the arm pump on those fast rough trails, I bought Med, Waffle and Large grip sleeves, and prefer the Large soft sleeves the most from what I have tried. (the waffle is a very hard uncomfortable rubber IMO)

I can see how these probably aren't for everyone, I kinda thought they were a dumb idea when I first heard of them, but I was trying to build up a bike during Covid last summer, and most of my favourite grips were sold out, so I went with the race series, and haven't looked back, buying 2 more sets.

I never did get a chance to properly try out the Neo, they offered me a 70 as a replacement. But by that time I had bought a wheels mfg BB. (Thanks for the reminder, I still have a credit at the shop)

I’m now waiting on Orange to get their CK supply. Gonna go that route! Although another poster mentioned BBinfinate... those do sound intriguing.

It was a BSA, and it split at the end of the threads at the cup joint. When i was peddling the force would cause the cup to separate and wobble on every pedal stroke.

The warranty wa through Live to Play, if you look the hellbender Neo on their site, it says discontinued. I looked up BB's on the cane creek site as well, and it only has the hellbender 70 for purchase. 

And totally agree, this was definatly something with the cup itself. 

Not sure why I would be told it has been discontinued, and their is no other news out there that confirms this

I bought the Cane Creek Neo BB when it first came out (about a year ago?) and didn't get to use it till spring 2020. 

It was part of a brand new bike build I put together, and the BB cup split on one of my first rides. It took forever to locate the problem, as it felt like a loose crank arm. Drivetrain and suspension pivots were pulled apart many times trying to locate the issue. 

Finally the cup split more revealing the problem. 

The BB was sent back for warranty, and I waited for months to have it replaced (this was before the big bike part shortage) I finally inquired about it, and was told they were discontinued. So obviously there is something up with the system not working. Maybe better luck with version 2 if it ever presents itself.

Hey Marty,

I had the same issue, weeping sidewalls... brought them back to my LBS and had them warrantied.

I had a second set do this as well, but not as bad. I dumped some more sealant in for good measure and they were good to go.

I had a pair of Hellions as well, I didn't mind them at the time. The grip seemed to be alright (coming off of free rider pro) I ended up splitting the side of the shoe from the sole after a few weeks. Ride concepts replaced them with some Powerlines. And like yourself I found the grip to be sub par, paired with Oneup pedals. I moved back to the free rider pros and some north wave clan's (these weren't to bad either)

Im now using 5.10 Trailcross LT and some Suplest off road pro flat. They are both great shoes! the supplest have the best soles I have come across yet! a great combo of durability and grip. (they are being paired with some Crank Brother stamp7 Large) I retired the one up pedals because i think they destroy shoe soles prematurely with little benefit. 

Like yourself it seems I am always on the hunt to try new Shoe/Pedal combinations

BTW I am digging your canfield pedals!

I too enjoy listening to music/podcasts while climbing, but also still like to be aware of my surroundings.

Ive tried a bunch of options over the years, and have settled on this little Polk Audio boom bit speaker that clips to my shirt and I find it uses your body to project the music out.  

It works great and can be found cheap.

https://www.amazon.ca/Polk-Audio-BITE-Boom-Blue/dp/B01HIS5NR6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=polk%2Baudio%2Bboom%2Bbit&qid=1603634203&sr=8-1&th=1

Great find on those Giro gloves BTW. Will give them a go.

Perfect! thanks for that Andrew.