Head Slalom Race

Advantages: Great in the mud
Disadvantages: wear quickly when used on the road!

...In my opinion, a fantastic tyre and one which I have used several times in the past... Specialized make a superb range of tyres and there are very few that will disappoint and the Evil Twin has to be one of my favourites. The name, 'slalom' suggests the tyres potential use but I cannot comment on this as I've not really used it at all for slalom purposes, nevertheless, what I have used the tyre for is hardcore off road riding in gloopy mud, they’re fantastic in my opinion. The 'spikey' well spaced nobbles mean that they cut through nicely on to the harder surface beneath the mud, the well spaced nobbles mean that the mud clears relatively easily and the narrow (ish) 1.9' carcass means that there’s not too much resistance when mud plugging. Not great for use on the road as they'll wear down fairly quickly and 'buzz' a lot but when... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: top quality, right price, buy direct
Disadvantages: not available in the shops

...Although the water is pretty flat out here - a bit like the rest of the scenery, Gt Yarmouth is the home of "Whirly Birds" manufacturers of the ultimate in affordable, durable dry suits. The firms main business is the manufacture, service and repair of survivial suits for the oil industry, local interest prompted them to experiment in dry suits for recreationl sport - the obvious starting point was to design the right kit for the job. To this end local sea, slalom, rodeo and recreational paddlers have fed ideas and comments into the design and development brief - the results speak for themselves. One piece and two piece suits made to order or off the peg - good range of styles, fabrics and colours - covering a wide range of applications and activity levels. You can talk to the people who will build your suit and specify any little... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: VFM, Light, good components, nice seating position
Disadvantages: Not a mountain bike

...I already owned an ageing Raleigh racing bike, and I always felt that I would enjoy cycling more if I was not battling against the bike so much. So this year, I bought myself a San Rafael City Bike, by Marin. I am suprised to see that Marin were not already in the ciao headings. I don't know a great deal about bikes, but I know enough to know I like this bike! It has front suspension, and a mountain bike look, but with nice road tyres. It is lovely and light, and has excellent push/pull gear changers - bit like my old grifter! I like the upright seating position. I am using the bike to go to work, and leisure cycling at the weekends. I wont be doing much off roading, but I know I could go off-road if necessary. Not mountain climbing, but honestly - how many people with mountain bikes actually use them for that purpose... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful