Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
Spring is almost here, and that money burning a hole in your pocket needs to go towards more riding kit, right? So, here are some spring 2010 possibilities.
This month, Osprey packs of Colorado has offered us an early peek at one of their new hydration packs aimed at the mountain bike audience.
Osprey Raptor 6
The Raptor 6 is the smallest hydration pack in the new Hydraulics line of packs offered by Osprey. These packs just hit the dealers this month, so chances are you haven't seen them out on the singletrack yet, but you will. They are awesome. Osprey has set a new standard for hydration packs starting with the very sophisticated reservoir which was a joint project between Nalgene and Osprey. The new reservoir has features never before seen in hydration systems and will prove to be the go-to for anyone wanting the best system out there. The pack itself is beautiful and full of well thought out features. The Raptor series consists of 4 packs with the 6 being the most trimmed down in size. It'll hold 70 ounces of water and a handfull of tools and supplies, but not much else.
Retail: $79
Rating: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider:
Rudy Project Rydon - Crystal / Clear Photochromic / Impact X
Everyone has their favorite shades, so it's not easy to find something noteworthy to post here. Most shades are variations on the same thing but, the Rydon model fitted with the new Clear Photochromic lenses definitely stands out. Photochromic lenses are nothing new, but most only have a slight degree of range as they transition from light to dark. These lenses are amazing. They transition from crystal clear to nearly Roy Orbison dark in as little as 15 seconds. I have found they act appropriately to varied light conditions which makes dawn/dusk patrol rides great as the lenses change to meet the rising or setting sun. They also adjust quickly if I duck into the trees. The Rydon frames also have a customizable nose piece and temples so fit is always perfect. The Clear/Photo/ImpactX lens is also available in other Rudy frames.
The Impact X designation is equally cool. ImpactX lenses are flexible - as in they bend. It's crazy but, they really do bend which comes in handy if your face meets trail. Plus, as with all Rudy Project shades, replacement lenses are free with no questions asked.
Retail: $209 with ImpactX Clear Photo lenses
Rating: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider:
Trailsurfer tried them on and said it best, "Dude...I need a pair of these."
Feel free to post up your favorite new pieces of spring gear.
This month, Osprey packs of Colorado has offered us an early peek at one of their new hydration packs aimed at the mountain bike audience.
Osprey Raptor 6
The Raptor 6 is the smallest hydration pack in the new Hydraulics line of packs offered by Osprey. These packs just hit the dealers this month, so chances are you haven't seen them out on the singletrack yet, but you will. They are awesome. Osprey has set a new standard for hydration packs starting with the very sophisticated reservoir which was a joint project between Nalgene and Osprey. The new reservoir has features never before seen in hydration systems and will prove to be the go-to for anyone wanting the best system out there. The pack itself is beautiful and full of well thought out features. The Raptor series consists of 4 packs with the 6 being the most trimmed down in size. It'll hold 70 ounces of water and a handfull of tools and supplies, but not much else.
Retail: $79
Rating: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider:
Rudy Project Rydon - Crystal / Clear Photochromic / Impact X
Everyone has their favorite shades, so it's not easy to find something noteworthy to post here. Most shades are variations on the same thing but, the Rydon model fitted with the new Clear Photochromic lenses definitely stands out. Photochromic lenses are nothing new, but most only have a slight degree of range as they transition from light to dark. These lenses are amazing. They transition from crystal clear to nearly Roy Orbison dark in as little as 15 seconds. I have found they act appropriately to varied light conditions which makes dawn/dusk patrol rides great as the lenses change to meet the rising or setting sun. They also adjust quickly if I duck into the trees. The Rydon frames also have a customizable nose piece and temples so fit is always perfect. The Clear/Photo/ImpactX lens is also available in other Rudy frames.
The Impact X designation is equally cool. ImpactX lenses are flexible - as in they bend. It's crazy but, they really do bend which comes in handy if your face meets trail. Plus, as with all Rudy Project shades, replacement lenses are free with no questions asked.
Retail: $209 with ImpactX Clear Photo lenses
Rating: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider: :bike_rider:
Trailsurfer tried them on and said it best, "Dude...I need a pair of these."
Feel free to post up your favorite new pieces of spring gear.
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