National 18 3 Man

Advantages: Cheaper than the market leader
Disadvantages: Doesn't fold so well

...from the four corners of London, a car-share is out of the question, and the local buses are sporadic and packed to the gun-whales with people who think it's OK to play mp3 files loudly through their mobiles. The school being in a 'dodgy' area, complete with dark-windowed 'pimped' BMWs dispensing drugs like an ice cream salesman, leaving a decent bike outside wouldn't be a good idea, so the idea of a folding bike reared its head again in our household. Well, she can't have mine: I'm using it! One thing negated the purchase of another Brompton - well two if you count the fact that the Borough of Ealing is not yet taking part in the Ride2Work subsidised bike campaign, and that is the price. There's hardly a Brompton model to give you any change from 500 quid. However, the Dahon Curve D3 costs around £400 when you add... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Tough, reactive, rigid, looks the dogs
Disadvantages: a bit heavy, can be stiff before being worn in

...First glance: At first glance these fork's definetly look very solid, sanctions are very shiny and the lower slider is a matte black which looks like a very thick finish, it is infact very tough to scratch too. The crown is pretty shiny and smudges easily, the finish on this isn't as thick as the slider and with a front brake the cable can rub against it and leave a mark. The steerer tube is quite hefty and thick and is 1 1/8inch which is pretty average really... Both leg's have positive air pressure and coil spring with the air preload being the only thing adjustable here, with no added air inside the fork at first was very stiff and standing on the bike pushing down hard i can barely hit 50% of the 100mm travel (i'm 11 stone) i'm sure with a softer spring you could get a softer ride but after wearing the fork in which took about 20... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Bargain price.
Disadvantages: Not for extremes of weather.

...Well, it is December, so I will write a review about a - TENT! The Gelert Eiger 3 is a three man budget tent, designed for weekend use or backpacking. It is actually only made to last between two and three seasons, but of course it depends on how you use and abuse it. The bag - this is made from the same material as the tent, and measures just 16 x 53 centimeters. It weighs four & a half Kilos, and can be worn on the back like a rucksack. Inside the bag, you will find fibreglass poles with elastic inside, these are "idiot proof" so they are easy to assemble. You will also see the tent itself, consisting of a flysheet, an inner tent with integral groundsheet, and 18 metal tent pegs. Sewn into the bag, is an instruction sheet printed on material, this is a good idea as you can not lose it. The instructions are well written... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful