Coming Soon On TNI- by Guitar Ted
In the next few weeks we will be descending slowly back into the back end of Fall and then into Winter, but before that happens, we have a few things coming up on test or for final review. Here’s a brief sneak peek of what to expect.
Hutchinson Squale tires as tested by c_g
Hutchinson Squale 29 X 2.3″ Tires:
Our European correspondent, c_g, has tested the Hutchinson Squale 29 X 2.3″ tires already and we will be translating this text for the site here. The Squale is listed as an aggressive, down hill/enduro tire and it does come in a 29’er size, so we’ll be looking closer at that and if it lives up to its billing.
c_g has a three part review all ready for us, so look for the Introduction here soon. Hutchinson hasn’t been a marque that has gained a lot of fans here, but we’ve been keeping an eye on this French brand since they introduced the python in a 29″er size several years ago.
Blackburn trainer test Coming Soon!
Blackburn Stationary Trainer:
The onset of shorter days and colder weather may cause some of us to find quality time for training and staying in shape rather difficult. Many of us resort to indoor training to supplement whatever outdoor activities we can fit into the Winter months. One of those items that seem to be indispensable for the aspiring fitness freak with cycling on the brain is a stationary trainer like this Blackburn unit we have on hand for a test and review.
The plan is for a regimented schedule of training rides and then we’ll have a final verdict on how this trainer works not only mechanically, but how one can survive using such a device indoors without loosing one’s motivations. First we’ll give you a complete introduction to this “mag trainer” and then it’s off to the “rides to nowhere“. 🙂
Coming Soon- SPY sunglasses review
SPY Sunglasses:
Grannygear and I will be giving you our thoughts on the newest SPY sunglasses with the “Happy Lens” technology. Good eyewear is an essential part of riding on pavement or off road and we selected a couple models to review based upon what we thought would work for our riding styles. Plus we got something to help make us look cool off the bike as well to talk about.
Look for the introduction to this later this week.
The Chrome WARM vest in its reversed state.
Chrome WARM Vest:
We also have a sample from Chrome Industries of their recently released vest from their WARM series of outerwear. The season of Fall should be perfect for us to put this garment through its paces and we will be featuring a guest reviewer based in Minneapolis for this special Quick Review of this new garment from Chrome.
And More: We will also be finishing up our look at FSA’s hydraulic brakes, continuing our look at DT Swiss’ newest suspension fork, and more. Stay tuned!
Why are you avoiding actually riding 29ers?
It’s been nearly 2 months since your last 29er product post – the MRP fork – now back on page 4.
@Motivated: We aren’t avoiding it. It is a sign of the times in regard to the industry and our relationship to it. Something we actually predicted would happen several years ago.
“It is a sign of the times in regard to the industry”
Interesting comment… from your perspective has the 29er market reached its extent and now its all about new markets – filling out the 27.5 & Fat Bike market?
@Old&Slow: Yes- Remembering back 8 years or so, you may recall how 29″ers were not considered mainstream and may not even stick around, (although that was quickly changing then), so compared to today, you can see how perceptions about 29″ers are completely different.
We said that at some point the 29″er would become “just another mountain bike”, and that has happened. The industry isn’t pushing the wheel size as it once was, many main stream media outlets now are on board with these as being legitimate mountain bikes, (and really- “just a mountain bike”), which wasn’t always the case previously, and the companies that pushed the wheel size do not need to use TNI as the vehicle to “get the word out” anymore.
The “word” is out, and has been out. This, to be completely honest, has made TNI a site with a lot less impact/importance than it had, say in 2007. I’m sure that is completely obvious if anyone cares to think about that.
This is reflected in what we get to review now, and as we’ve told you many times, we don’t get to pick and choose what we get to review often, if at all. Finally; in a bit of foreshadowing, you will notice a change in things come next Spring. Stay tuned……
Thanks Guitar Ted for all of the informative bits throughout the years. I’ve looked forward to your blogging and learned a lot. I was the first one of my riding buddies to make the switch to the 29er platform. Now almost all of us ride 29ers. Wow! I’m riding a Carver Gnarverster 29+ now and I’m blown away every time I ride it. When I retire from the Air Force I’ll get back into the bike industry. I cant’ wait!
Probably not news to y’all, but that trainer is a re-badged model that has been available from Sunlite/J&B for a few years. It’s okay, but I wouldn’t pay any more than what they’re charging for the Sunlite-branded model, which is about the cheapest you can get that’s still functional 😉
“This is reflected in what we get to review now, and as we’ve told you many times, we don’t get to pick and choose what we get to review often, if at all. Finally; in a bit of foreshadowing, you will notice a change in things come next Spring. Stay tuned……” You’ll definitely lose me if you lose the 29er slant to this site. While 29ers have become ‘normal’, there is still a great need for a 29er specific site. There are still a vast number of manufacturers and products that DON’T come in 29er, so having someplace to go to see all that is new and 29er is still needed. If you do drop it, you’ll become a very small fish in a very big pond of other ‘general’ review everything bike sites. That would be a loss to 29er riders everywhere.
Why don’t we just give the thanks and credit to GT, Granny Gear and C_G for what they have done. They have been creative forces in improving mtn biking. Thank goodness 29ers are now mainstream. 27.5, B+, 29+ and fat bikes all rock! We’re fortunate to have so many super choices now and I’m confident that Guitar Ted has had a hand in this awesome evolution.
@Scentofreason: It is interesting that you feel that way. That is a humbling comment, and I appreciate the sentiments.
@Keith: You are welcome. And really- 29″ers would have happened with or without our aid, but we’d like to think we did something to move the needle. 🙂
We’re still here yet. So don’t go writing us off just now. We’ll have more to say about this in the coming year. Stay tuned…..
moving to Europe in the spring?