Northwave Freeride

Advantages: Light, strong, perfect
Disadvantages: absolutely nought for my riding style

...Ok, first I should make it clear that although I'm writing an op for the Kona Manomano bike I only actually run the FRAME from the '98 Manomano bike which I picked up while working at my local mountain bike shop a couple of years ago now. The bike had been stripped down for various parts leaving the frame which I snapped up for a fair sum (£450). I now, and have been for the last 2/3 years, running it as a freeride/downhill rig and I have to say, its perfect. As I'm not one for hucking off cliffs and/or houses the 7005 ally structure is quite strong enough and the fox vanilla rear shock provides 3.5" of plush, lovely suspension even when I havent cleaned out the pivot bushings for ages and I've been riding it in British winter weather!? I run it with 5" Stratos FR4 dual-crown forks and various other dh gubbins such as MRP chain... Read review

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Advantages: Ease of turning, handling, style, following.
Disadvantages: None I can think of.

...I go to Sandown ski club ever week, and I always try to get the Salomon X-Screams. They are incredibly easy to turn, have a nice carving action, and are probably one of the best skis around. They have a huge free-ride following, and are used by beginners and experts alike. They are the skis by which all others are judged. The newer X-screams have the Prolink arms 'to guarantee ski/snow contact'. Wether it actually works is another matter... but it sounds and looks cool! So basically, these skis will suit anyone, especially those who are looking to improve their turning and confidence, and want to learn how to carve easily. Excellent skis!... Read review

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Advantages: Control, power transfer, efficiency etc
Disadvantages: You might fall off once or twice....

...walking around / pushing you do you might want a more flexible sole; the more flexible the better for walking but the worse for power transfer to pedal) & fixing. Also style if you plan to walk around in them!! I have a set M535 (LX) shimano pedals as well as a set of cheap M646 platform copies from wellgo. On the shoe front I use Northwave arctics in the winter (the only shoe to have in the cold; Northwave use a shimano sole with their own upper), Specialized comp in summer & a set of Lake "skate stylee" shoes if I gotta walk anywhere in them!... Read review

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