Tioga Pads V-Brake Cartridge

Advantages: Excellent performance in wet/muddy conditions, rim friendly, good wear rates
Disadvantages: Pricier than the competition

..., and while there is a drop off in performance, it is nowhere near as much as with other brands that I have tried. In mud these pads really do come into their own. They are the only v-brake pad that I have tried that provide any braking at all when covered in mud. Mud is extremely abrasive, and every time you apply the brakes you are applying a grinding paste to your delicate aluminium rims. Before I changed over to the Kool Stops, my Avid Rim Wranglers lasted as little as 2 months, and also managed to wear my rear rim past the wear markers in under 9 months. With the Kool Stops, not only is the braking vastly improved, but my rims show significantly less wear. The other small advantage you get is the cartridge pads are a bit easier than the blocks to replace - pull out circlip, press out old pad, push in new pad, replace circlip, and then adjust... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent bike with well Specified Equipment
Disadvantages: No fun riding in the rain.

...If you are considering purchasing a new bike and are not sure which to choose I can recommend the C.B. Urban 300.It is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. Having an aluminium frame it is light and easy to ride (Make sure you get the correct size frame) The Shimano gears I have found to be excellent,the brakes are very good to. I chose this particular model over the Urban 100 & 200 due to the better specification of parts and the front suspension which enhances both comfort on road and offroad. It is ideal for treking on trails or country pathways. TECHNICAL INFORMATION. Brake Levers: Shimano S.T.I Brakes: Forge V Alloy Chain: Z9000 Chainset: Shimano C 203 Number of Gears 24 Frame / Colour: Taper tube alloy Frame sizes: 18,20,22 Freewheel: Shimano 8 speed cassette Gear Levers: Shimano S.T.I Gears Front... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Kona
Disadvantages: none

...This new Kona Roast features a 7005 downhill alloy frame, a marizocci z5 fly lite air suspension, a drive chain consisting of a race face pordigy chainset and shimano deore LX front and back derallieurs, deore shifter, 9 speed cassette and XT cranks. Having bought this bike I was shiocked at just how good value for money it was, Wioth AVID V brakes and Tioga Down Hill factory tyres It handled like a BMX. This wasn't the first KONA I ever owned, owning a nunu a few years ago 'til I smashed the frame jumping. Even I won't be able to break this Roast frame. I conclude an excellent allround bike for the money... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful