andyf profile

5.10 Freerider Pros and Deity TMACs here but it's not like I've tried a ton of options. I had a pair of the v1 Specialized 2FOs that gave me a hot spot on my right foot and used the Impact Pro in the past. I'm comfortable/happy with my current setup other than disliking laces. Must be all of the years I spent wearing Sidi Dominators.

Ha! I guess I'm running a sort of inverse min-max drivetrain. Almost full M9100/9120 with an M6100 cassette. The M9100 cassette started making popping sounds after ~9 months and I replaced it with the M6100 on LBS recommendation.

Nice bike. I enjoyed reading the reasoning behind the component choices.

165mm RF Next R crank arms? I thought they only came in 170 and 175?

I tried the Sensus Swayze push ons after reading your article last June and now i'm hooked on the added length compared to most other grips. I was tempted to cut off the flange plus ~1cm during installation but i'm glad I didn't. I feel like the extra room to move on the grip helps more with discomfort/numbness than any improvement in vibration damping compared to lock on grips.

My Fox Enduro Pro pads are slightly less ventilated/well made but very similar and Fox has since switched to what appears to be the same D30 pad vs. the proprietary but identically shaped pad in the older version. My thoughts about the level of protection vs. ventilation are the same. Before each ride, I look at the Fox pads and my 7idp Sam Hill pads and usually go with the far less protective Fox pads.

Back of knee cutouts work for some but not others. I couldn't get along with the 7idp Project Knee pads because the cutout wore my skin raw.

I'd rate the Projects over the Sam Hills for the materials, the upper thigh strap, and the knee cap but the cutout at the back of the knee shifts on me and ends up rubbing my skin raw. I corresponded with Jeremy at 7Protection/Royal about it and he said a few people have that problem with the Projects. He offered me 50% off on the Sam Hills, so I jumped at it.

I forced the "knee pads every ride" habit on myself a couple of years ago. I have a pair of Fox Enduro D30 pads that I can put on and forget but, like the Leatt Airflex, they only offer EN1621 level 1 protection. It may be a futile effort, but i've been hoping to find something with similar comfort/airflow that offers level 2 protection. And maybe even a plastic skidplate over the kneecap? Candidates tested so far include 7idp Sam Hill and Project Knee, and Sweet Protection Knee Guard. The Sam Hills are workable for a long trail ride but definitely warmer and more noticeable than the lighter Fox pads. The back of the knee cutout of the Project Knee didn't work for me but I otherwise like those. The Sweet Protection Guards need to go to someone who rides in much colder weather than I.

For 90+% of my rides, I look at the Sam Hills for a moment, let the thoughts of needing added protection pass, and grab the lightweight, airy Fox pads.

I’ve never ridden in shorts as loud as the Fox Flexair. No need for a bell with these things rubbing against my knee pads.

Have you had a chance to compare with the DBX 3.0 short? Supposedly same cut with a lighter material. 

I've been using the Fox Flexair as my warm weather short. Fit and comfort are good but the sound of that fabric rubbing against my kneepads with every pedal stroke...

I guess there is an upside to riding in poison oak. You clean everything post-ride or pay the consequences.