Reviews

So last fall I was in search of some new gloves. My first mistake was that I went to MEC, the second mistake is that I listened to the sales staff. Anyway, I hummed and hawed for a while because I couldn't find any golves that met my needs. I had a pair of specialized gloves that did me very well (2+ seasons) and I wanted something similar. The selection was either they were too thin for riding all day in the rain, or they were meant for the Iditarod. I ended up purchasing a pair of Pearl Izumi cyclone gloves, which seemed a bit on the thin side, but strangely warm. At first I was quite happy, that is until I actually started to use them.

Today it rules to be me!!! I am not sure if many of you know this, but lately I have been putting in time at MOMENTUM a cool little bike culture/self-propelled culture mag based out of Vancouver. I have been slowly designing the architecture their website (most in development at the moment and soon to be released), as well as I have been writing some gear reviews (i.e. a Cyclo-cross bike review). Soon I will be doing another bike review... The Surly Steamroller Complete:

Samui Air Zound Cycling Horn

After well over a decade of riding almost everyday for leisure, racing and commuting I have finally broken down and bought my very first commuter geek item: A compressed air horn. And me say just say that I am digging it.

I was inspired after my recent trip to Central America. There everyone use their horns all the time, everywhere they can. At first this would lead to a may-lay of horns, but to my surprise the opposite was quite true. It turns out, as opposed to North America, most people actually use horns to communicate useful information rather than use it as a way to say "fuck you".

Well, I have been using my Chrome bag for the better part of 2 years now. I have been thinking of writing a review off and on. However, it was a relatively obscure product (I originally found it in the internet), but lately I have been seeing it emerging in the Vancouver hipster wardrobes.

So I thought, why not get off my ass and write a review. Sure you can go scan some fancy mag for a review (try here, here and here), but most gear reviews suck! Why? Cause most reviewers either need to make a living off their writing or hope do be given more gear. As a result people pull punches.

I however don't get paid squat to run FG, I do it souly as an ego trip. Everything I review, I bought with my own frickin' money. I also USE the gear before I write; most often a year. Why? It is partly as a service to you (after a year you know if it was a good choice) and partly as a result of my complete and total laziness (remember I don't get jack shit for any of this fiasco).

The carbon graphite head lamp

Introduction:

Trail head lights is a small one man show out in near Comox on Vancouver Island determined to build a light system better than some of the big boys for a whole lot less. And why not? If you have ever gone shopping for a new light you can find out how quickly the price adds up. If you want to go "blig bling" you can can expect to easily spend upwards of $800 (CND) when you include an extra battery pack.

If this is too rich for your blood, well then you will have to make due with a number of questionable brands which really do not deserve the money they charge . Vista Lights and the newer BLT lights are a couple that come to mind. Well , Duane set out to change all that. He fabricates his own lights out of carbon fiber, puts in some electronics he designed himself (can we say mad skills) made a light system for the rest of us.

Hate yourself?

Introduction

What can I say, I take chances for you the beloved reader of fearless gearless. If you don't know me, I am a cheap bastard. Don't get me wrong, I am more than willing to drop coin on some kickin' cranks, handle bars, or any bike paraphernalia. However, I am a rat cheap bastard when it comes to those regular life essentials such as rent, food, haircuts and noncycling clothing. To put it in perspective I still refuse to get a phone because that's $30 a month I could spend on cycling. Back to the review. In my ever present quest to save money I decided to save cash by trying out some of that cheap high alcohol beer in a large bottle. You know the kind of beer you only find in fine establishments. Think Old English but cheaper and with more alcohol. I went for the worst of the worst: Bull Max. This puppy contains 7% alcohol, in a liter bottle; all this beer goodness for the unbelievably low price of $4 Canadian. Let's see Walmart match that price, bitch!

Interestingly, I wasn't the only idiot that evening as a couple friends decided to join in on the fun. Which just goes to show the quality of people with whom I choose to associate.

Taste

Ok. I want you to stand still. Think about something you love to fantasize about. It can be anything, porn, a former lover, or a dream bike; anything I don't care. You just have to make sure you are naked. Now while you are off in la la land get a 'friend' to grab a 2x4 plank. This 2x4 can't be one of those high quality hard wood 2x4's. No, it has to be one of those crappy supper discount 2x4's that are covered in splinters and slivers sticking out in every direction. With 2x4 in hand, have your friend abruptly rub it all over your naked genitals. Nasty? Hell, and that's just the feeling you get when you remove the top of Bull Max (hey that reminds me of a former date). I will save you from the description of what happens when you actually take a swig. Why? Even I have limits' Yes, even I.