Reviews by User: ClubRider (72)

Cedar City, UT ­ July 19, 2006 ­ A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) has again played a significant role in the location and rescue of an outdoors enthusiast: this time a novice woman climber near the Brian Head ski-resort in Southern Utah. The rescued party was a 47-year-old New Jersey woman, who fell and sustained serious head injuries while hiking and climbing with her family on June 3rd. Her brother, an experienced climber and a local physician from St. George, Utah, was carrying a TerraFix(tm)406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon, which, when activated, put into motion a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation that eventually led to her being evacuated by helicopter. Michelle Kline and her husband, Steve Bartolett, 49, were tethered together while alpine climbing about two miles from Brian Head. Bartolett lost his footing, fell and slid down a steep slope. Kline could not hold the weight of her dangling husband and she was pulled over a cliff edge 50 feet onto rocks below and out on a steep snow slope. Bartolett was bruised and sore but otherwise all right after the rope between them broke. Fortunately, the couple was accompanied by Kline's brother, Dr. Michael Kline, a highly-experienced outdoorsman, and his eight-year-old son, Austin. Dr. Kline, an internist specializing in pulmonary disease, rapidly climbed down to stabilize his sister, who had struck her head. Upon reaching her, he determined that her situation was grave and imminent, and that assistance was needed. He directed his brother-in-law to activate the TerraFix(tm)emergency locator beacon while he hiked out to summon help. While the satellite call for help was acquired and processed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Dr. Kline located two forest rangers, who called 911 on their cell phone. The police, who received notification and GPS coordinates courtesy of the Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) System Rescues-One monitored by NOAA, dispatched the Iron County Search and Rescue (SAR) team to respond. Charlie Morris, SAR Commander for Iron County, said because of the very steep (elevation 11,307 feet) and difficult location where Kline was lying, it took roughly two-and-one-half hours for the SAR/EMS crews to physically reach her, then another three hours for a helicopter to be located and properly outfitted to airlift her to a local hospital. (Due to the severity of her injuries, she was transferred to a trauma hospital in Las Vegas.) She suffered multiple skull fractures and a broken vertebra in her neck. Dr. Kline purchased the TerraFix(tm) two years ago because he often hikes or climbs alone. Even though he never thought he would have to use the emergency locator beacon, he always packed it in his backpack where ³it lives² alongside his first aid kit. He's pleased that he had the beacon on this trip. "It worked out great. Search and rescue said it made a big difference in their response coordination. They said it got them going earlier even before we placed the 911 call." As for his sister, Dr. Kline had her out walking on a local trail a weeklater.PLB rescues on land have only become available since a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) waiver ruling went into effect July 2003approving the sale and use of PLBs for land use in the United States. Having critical knowledge of the climbers' location minimized the expense of operating the helicopter and the efforts of the SAR crews. The beacons mustbe registered with NOAA and they must be used responsibly. ACR Electronics, Inc., a Cobham plc Company, designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products including EPIRBs, P-ELTs/P-EPIRBs/PLBs, Bridge-based Information Systems, SARTs and safety accessories. The quality systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO 9001:2000 Series Standards. Recognized as the world leader in safety and survival technologies, ACR has provided safety equipment to the aviation and marine industries as well as to the military since 1956.

So I was skeptical. $699 for a GPS / MP3 / Bluetooth / information system? Why not just buy a laptop with a wireless card? However I was pleasantly surprised to find that this thing is UNREAL! I have never found a product that is so easy to use and so convenient! I travel 24 / 7, and this baby lets me know where the good restaurants are and the hotels without having to carry a ton of maps and papers! Combine 8 of your tech toys into one! This thing is worth its weight in gold! If you travel, you'll LOVE the Nuvi. P.S. I got it in 2 days and free shipping! I'll be back to this site.

I just got these & they are so amazing that I would recommend them 100%. These fulfilled all the hype & more. Smooth, stiff, pretty aero, lightweight (for an everyday wheel). Also, they shipped very fast. I am not a light guy at 170. These performed wonderfully at my last crit.

Yet another great shoe from Northwave! The best thing about this shoe is the ease of entry & exit of the buckle. Stop "fidgeting" with your other shoes that don't slide in and out with ease. Northwave NAILED the buckle on these, just right tight & quick on & off! You won't be disappointed! Thes tent to run a tad small. Go one size up when in doubt!

Some draw backs. 1. You have to assemble the rack. The instructions are good, but it still takes about an hour or so. 2. The swing bar does place some pressure on the front break of road bikes. 3. The rack is a little heavy. Taking it on & off of the vehicle is much easier with 2 people. 4. The rear hitch racks are notorious for leaving bikes with road grime after long trips - especially in the rain. (however, they are shielded from summer bugs a little better then the top racks) 5. Locking the bike is questionable. We have to methods of lock down. a. Light lock down - going into the grocery store - We bought the two additional locks & the snug tight locks. This allows one to lock the "arm" in place over the front tire. This is all fine for keeping the good people honest, but come one. I can quick release the front wheel & get the whole bike free. b. If we are going on long trips we purchased a 8' long cable with a heavy duty lock. We run this thought the bikes frames & wheels then lock it to the rack - which is locked to the car. Again, this is not full proof, but I don't really care, b/c our bikes are insured & I would always enjoy getting a new bike. Some things that I like about this rack: 1. The rack has a very nice "not in use mode" where a quick depression of a lever allows the rack to be placed in a vertical position. 2. Loading the bikes is lightning fast! I can load 2 bikes in about 2 minutes. No wheel removal or storage. Also, this rack can handle my heavy duty mountain bike with disk breaks (becoming more & more standard) that most top racks have issues with. Plus I hate removing the front tire on my mountain bike. This is important - going biking takes long enough without taking 15 minutes to load & unload your steed. 3. The rack allows for the movement of the bikes so that you can see the tail lights through the wheels. Also, you can arrange the bikes so that the handle bars & seats don't hit each other. ( a common problem on rear hitch racks) 4. The bikes don't swing at all - or very very little. The bikes are loaded in a very fast solid manner with out additional straps that swing or slap in the wind. 5. If you go for the 2" inch rack, the 2 bike add on is very nice. I think that it even comes with a rear break light that can plug into the trailer lights for additional security. I would do this, but it is not recommended for the 1 1/4 hitch weight load. I have considered doing this because they are usually covering their ass - as some down hill mountain bikes (made for riding lifts) & the growing popularity of electric bikes - can now weigh close to 60lbs each. 6. My wife can quickly & easily load the bikes by herself. She normally couldn't & wouldn't want load then on top of the vehicle by herself. (This is a huge plus)

The ACR PLB is the REAL DEAL! If you think that you are going to call in a rescue using your cell phone - think again! Unless you have a satellite phone. This PLB works everywhere on planet earth! Think about it. If you were in the middle of the backcountry & need critical medical attention the $675 is totally worth it! This is an exceptional gift for an adventurer athlete, or anyone who is getting deep into the backcountry. Can you place a dollar cost on someone's life? The ACR PLB is real "life insurance".

So I am not one to conform to the branding of coke & pepsi (Y & T). So, I thought that I would give this Japanese ski rack a shot. The quality is great & they slide out, so I don't have to climb up on the roof of my ride to throw the twins or the board up top. Also, the price was right, and these showed up in the hands of the "fat brown man" right away.

Ok, I am not a wierdo, but I have small face for a male. Maybe it is all the aerobic activity that keeps my face thin? These fit my face well, and they don't look like women's either. Great for those small-active faced males.

These are the ultimate resort/dirt bag proof telemark binding. You will never break these bindings...ever! If you are totally core & get a little chuckle laugh from resort telemarkers that are just "getting into tele" because you have been into tele for years & fear NO slope on tele boards - THIS IS YOUR BINDING. Cables are for lifts & beginners! Today's fat skis demand super high performance telemark bindings that drive the ski. Also, if you roll with the Crispi 4 buckle boots or any other hard core boot, then choose these & you'll never look back! These are the REAL DEAL for the HARD CORE TELEMARKERS!!!

To all, when in doubt with any Castelli product, SIZE UP. You won't regret it! I have these & they rock! I rode them through the 206 miles of LOTOJA, and my tate lives to tell about it! Also, great for hot climate, as you don't get the "clammy abs" with these because there is not a double layer over your abs. (Jersey & Bib material) Why didn't Castelli think of this design years ago?

Bought these for my daughter & was very impressed. The children after her will use these as well. Then I'll donate them to the local climbing gym.

I know what you are thinking, are these as good as the Oakley shorts. Answer: They are simply different. The Oakley shorts are good for when you need "baggies" to go over pads & have a huge DH day. The R.O.T.Y. are great for X-C, light days & a more "true" fit. They do run a little small. Over all these vent VERY well & are a super good short! These also shipped super fast.

A buddy of mine said that I should try these saddles. I thought what is the B.F.D. about these saddles? They are kind of expensive? I thought, ahhn, I'll just return it if it sucks. NOT so, these are very - very nice! I got it UPS really fast as well. Thanks guys.

I ate these & I literally was able to fly! Ok, not really, but they made one hell of a good snack on the way to a trail ride, and I didn't burp up little pieces of it the whole ride like I usually do with "the other bar". These are pure goodness packed into a satisfying bar. Not like those little "snack sized" bars that one can buy at the grocery store. These bad boys fill the tank.

I got these today. I was excited to see these shipped super fast & came to me as presented without lots of useless extra packaging. Great deal for four tubes. I go through tubes like water bottles. I also liked the fact that the smooth stems are not going to "chew-up" the valves on my pumps. Also, these are great for my deep dish rim.

So I called customer service and the 36 & 60 in the title on these refers to the size of the valve stem. Longer valve stems for deeper dish rims.

So, after all the Lycra "experimental" shorts that I have tried, these seem to be the BEST. Here are some things that you need to consider when selecting superior butt protection disguised as short superhero bottoms. 1. Will they last use after use? 2. Can I really stand to sit on these & a 2"x4" seat area for 2 hours? If the answer is yes to the above, go for it. In general I was super happy with these. The price was great, they shipped fast, and I even like the new level of my tan line! If you are anything but a couch potato - Castelli is the right choice!

Totally worth kicking down for! Ok, you have wanted it for years and it has arrived! This is a Telemark only DVD that documents the pure lines that you have only read about in couloir magazine. This dirt bag telemark culture film is all about the real free heel scene! A must see for all Telemark lovers! P.S. - You won't see any Nissan trucks, Chevy Trucks, Resort plugs, or hear any cheesy 60 year narration like, "you want your ski, go get it!" (That was funny the about the first 100 times Warren.)

I have been rocking these cuties for a while now. I can't believe the simple comments that I have gotten. People always respond "Hot glasses!" Leave Prada & those other sunglass brands to the mothers. Bottom line....these glasses are for girls that just want to have fun!

Eyewear done right. Not only are these bad boys stylin' but the optics is perfect. I bought these on a whim and history of owning great Fox products. They did not disappoint. Don't be another "Oak Head" move to eyewear that IS.

I had a similar experience with the logos on these. They peel off almost before the ride begins. I called customer service & they sent another pair. Then same story. Finnally I decided that these look BETTER without the LOGO's & I took the logos off. The funny thing is that I get more conversations on long rides as a result of the "no logo" options. My vote is to peel them off from day one & tell everyone they were custom made for your body from the factory!

To all the women that are going to spin class this winter, this is your short. affordable, but euro nice. Same sizing as Pearl Izumi. I bought a pair for my wife & she actually loves them.

So it is 98+ deg outside. I dawn this baby & slip my favorite full zip jersey over it - head out to the base of the climb. The climb pushes me to my limit, but the techno trash music is pumping from my iPod & my jersey is fully open. I can spear to dump some water weight, so down my back the river from my water bottle goes. Bottom line, I was stoked to have this base under my jersey. It adds a whole new level to ventilation. If you get it, you'll get it. Very worthy product.

If you prefer to run tubes in your DH tires, these are the ticket! P.S. do not even slightly "preinflate" these if you are running them in 2.5" tires, it makes it very hard to seat the bead . If you leave them as is straight out of the package & then work them into the tire, seat both the beads, then it makes life good. P.S. They are HEAVY! But isn't that the point?

Let's face it, I am not a huge fan of skin care products in general? I used these because they were given to me as a gift. However, I was pleasantly surprised how good they were! Seriously! If you know a bike rider, this is that gift item they probably don't have. I used the crash pack after a nasty spill on my mountain bike.

So I thought that I would give this jersey a whirl. I only buy full zip jerseys & this was exactly what I was looking for. If you are thinking of buying a non-full zip, think again! Have you ever tired to go to the bathroom fast when you are sporting bib shorts & a 3/4 zip jersey with the pockets loaded full of essentials? Good luck with that. Also, this shipped wicked fast to me in New York.

I used the sizing chart to order these & they fit me fine? I was nervous about the sizing, but I know how great the returns policy & customer service is at backcountry. So I went for it, and these are great! They also shipped to me really fast!

So I bought these for my wife - so she would stop complaining about having crappy cycling gear. You know Canari, Nashbar, & other house brands. We have all been there. These are truly great shorts a super good price! Good luck finding this deal at your local bike shop. My wife loves these & the red color is so HOT! They are great compared to boring black. She loves these comfy shorts. Bottom line, I don't have to listen to her complain about her bike shorts any more.

FYI - These shorts are great! I'd say they are the bomb. Forget P.I. (not that there's anything wrong with that)These run a little bit small. If you normally wear an XL then an XXL should fit just fine. I normally wear a L & had to go with the XLs. Bottom line = size UP to get the best fit.

I bought this a size to big. I returned it & got the right size in a jiffy. These guys are great to work with. Great product, great price, great service. That's what to expect from these guys.

So I admit that I was like.....maybe, when I went to buy this gem. When I got it I was certainly taken back at how nice this saddle was. It has a nice euro hand to the leather & I can tell that it will allow for long days on the bike. If you are a cyclist that rides more then 3 times a week, you will not be disappointed!

I picked these up 'cause they are sick. Stiff as DA & lighter. However, I forgot the BB. Don't forget the BB for this beauty. http://www.backcountry.com/store/EAS0068/Easton-EC90-Ceramic-Bottom-Bracket.html or reg flavor http://www.backcountry.com/store/EAS0069/Easton-EC90-Bottom-Bracket.html

So I was a bit skeptical, but they do exist...good lids. I was stoked to see the amazing detail on this brim. If you know underground, you know cutter.

I am usually an XC jersey kind of guy. As most of the more DH oriented jersey styles are usually better for no cardio activity at all. SURPRISE this jersey was great. The lighter mesh around the arm area is so nice. Comfortable with elbow guards at 75 deg. If the temps drop a little, make sure to wear a base layer. The 3/4 sleeves are nice. They slide right over the elbow guards. All in all I am pleasantly surprise with this jersey.

Any Shimano techies know if you can "rig" these internally to work with a double?

I could not agree more with Robinsgn2356553. Remember to size up with Euro brands! As always size up with Castelli, Giordana, & Gore Bike Wear. All are euro inspired & require a good size up from your normal "US size" (Hincapie,PI, and Craft all have "US inspired" sizes)

When I got this is just re-enforced that Twin six is the master of all things apre' bike. Forget that event T-shirt & rock something that the chicks will actually want to look at. Sorta slim fit, so size up a little, unless you want the guns on display.

Satnam, are you loco? This site is rad, shop online much? The drop down states front, rear, pair. It's pretty clear. Oh, you forgot to mention that they took you return back no questions & paid for shipping. (they have done that for me in the past.) All-n-all I have been stoked on the service with backcountry.com

I have tried others, & always let down. Dumonde TECH is simple the BEST lube on the planet. NO sticky lube crap you have to clean off after the Pedros stuff gunks up your chain. This is lube for PEOPLE that are in the KNOW! IF you KNOW, you KNOW!

FYI these probbably aren't going to show back up here. These jerseys are no longer as GARMIN is the new sponsor. :-)

So I did some research on these & MOST people are inflating these to 145 PSI for regular use. These tires have a very high thread count & they are very supple. Enjoy.

I'll admit I was skeptical. A good set of bike knickers for $85? Yeah right? These are good. Size up, they run small. I am 5'11" I wear a Large (painted on) If you are taller XL & up is where to start.

I wouldn't recommend this product. I used these & in one stage race these were hashed. They are to thick to be a shoe cover. These "split" with holes on the bottom when you walk even three steps to the bike. They look cool, but don't count on these to make it through one season.

Who is the OREC? I go by the rules at www.usacycling.org or the USCF/UCI rule book. Where are you racing Iceland?

Great jersey, but - GO ONE SIZE LARGER. I had to return mine & get the larger size. The regular size is literally like paint-on skin tight. (Euro sizes)