The UPS man recently delivered some fresh new gear in for testing: a SDG Formula MT iBeam saddle and carbon post, and Giro Remedy CF full face helmet and goggles. The plan is to install and utilize the goods on my long term Trek Session 88 test sled, ride the best trails the Pacific Northwest has to offer, and report back with the findings.
Giro Remedy CF full face helmet and Station MTB Goggles
2010 Giro Remedy CF full face helmet. Photo: Jason Van Horn
Giro’s popular Remedy carbon fiber full face helmet gets a facelift for 2010 with three distinct color ways. The Remedy is already a popular helmet with many riders, and the new colors make an old favorite even better. I have the Titanium Raven model in for testing, and Giro’s design team is to be commended with the nice touches. The graphics even continue on the inside of the visor.
Upon first glance, the helmet looks classy. The burnt orange logo is subdued, unlike many other brands that scream out their branding. I personally don’t care to be a billboard, and I’m sure many other riders feel the same way. The orange is also repeated with the graphics in the tree motif, and isn’t so apparent that I feel the need to seek out other orange gear to match. The front of the helmet also features a clear coat that shows off the carbon fiber weave underneath, that transitions to titanium gray via a distressed torn fade. I wasn’t terribly impressed with the graphics from photos of the helmet, but once you are holding it in your hands, you can really appreciate the subtle qualities of it.
Unlike a number of other helmets on the market, instead of D-rings, the Remedy features the same clasps their XC helmets utilize. Some may prefer the D-rings, but it is hard to beat the convenience of the quick snaps, especially while wearing gloves. Most the full face helmets helmets I’ve owned utilize the more durable rings, but I didn’t complain about being able to put my helmet on quickly, especially with a running POV camera mounted on it.
2010 Giro Station Goggles. Photo: JVH
Design-wise, the Remedy CF is the same as the basic Remedy model, but uses a carbon composite shell that saves about 100 grams and adds serious bling to the equation. What really stood out though, was the combination of the Station goggle with the helmet. Giro optimizes their helmet to fit with their line of goggles, a feature they call SuperFit. If you’ve ever received a splash of mud in your eye while wearing goggles in the middle of an important run, this is a feature worth checking out- especially if you wear contacts. Even on the first ride with the helmet/goggle combo, the way the goggle sat on my face was noticeably better than my personal helmet and goggles.
Giro Remedy CF/ Goggle Combo. Photo: JVH
Helmet specs via Giro:
Construction: Carbon composite shell with EVA-lined chin bar, EPS liner
Ventilation: 14 vents, internal channeling
Features: Optimized SuperFit goggle port, adjustable 3 screw, no tool, bolt-on visor, washable interior lining, replacement cheek pads and inner-liner available
Goggle tech on SuperFit via Giro:
Super Fit is Giro’s proprietary design process that optimizes our frame and lens geometries for a comfortable, secure fit on your face. By carefully sculpting the frame, temple shapes and temple lengths to match the shape and size of the skull, Super Fit Engineered frames also significantly reduce interference with cycling helmet straps and fit systems that can lead to discomfort and compromised vision when riding.
More information at www.giro.com
SDG Formula MT iBeam saddle and Micro Carbon post
The SDG i-beam system is known for being tough as well as light weight, but one thing it isn’t known for is comfort. That reputation may change with the release of the Formula MT saddle. With a 2 density base that offers flex their other models lack, the Formula was surprisingly comfy. It has a nice shape as well, based off the Formula FX saddle, but adds extra padding, a comfort groove, and a dropped nose for climbing. It weighs in at a listed weight of 265g, and retails for $10 less than the Formula FX saddle. So far I’ve gotten one ride it on it, and at the moment, it looks like I may have a new favorite saddle.
Both KS suspension and Gravity Dropper have licensed the iBeam system, and we’re looking forward to pairing this saddle with an adjustable height seatpost as well, for all mountain destroying. Until then, we’re pairing it with the light weight Micro Carbon seatpost. Replacing the stock saddle and post on the Session 88 trimmed almost half a pound of fat off the test sled.
SDG Formula MT saddle and micro carbon ibeam post. Photo: JVH
The Formula MT comes in every color you could desire, as long as it is white or black. The white model I’m running looks terrific matched with a white Boxxer fork.
Formula MT specs via SDG:
CATEGORY: cross country / all mountain
FEATURES:extra padded design, enhanced climbing nose, one-piece seamless microfiber cover, 2 density base with edge flex, comfort groove, bag mount compatible with Quick Clip
CONNECTION: I-Beam
WEIGHT: 265g
DIMENSIONS: 285mm x 145mm
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $109.99 USD
The 2 density base on the Formula iBeam saddles make them the most comfortable ibeam saddles to date. Photo: JVH
Micro Carbon Seatpost specs:
CATEGORY: mtb / road
FEATURES:The I-Beam Micro System has the widest range of fore and aft adjustment. The I-Beam System uses a single, easy-access 5mm bolt for quick and simple adjustments or saddle changes. New micro head design allows precise angle adjustment. 6061 cold forged aluminum head and clamps with carbon tube.
WEIGHT: 200g (27.2mm x 400mm)
SIZES: 27.2mm x 300mm, 27.2, 30.9, 31.6 x 400mm
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $119.99 USD
More info at SDGcomponents.com
This article was originally published on MBAction.com
