Winners of the Bontrager Write-A-Review Contest!
Congrats to "Uphill=sad" and "PeytonP", the Week 3 winners of Bontrager's Write-a-Review Contest!
"PeytonP" winner of a Bontrager Evoke Saddle and "Uphill=sad" winner of a Set of Bontrager Tires were chosen at random for their reviews of the Fox Racing Launch Knee Shin Guards and the Formula RO Disc Brakes!
User Review: Fox Racing Launch Knee Shin Guard Armor and Pads
by PeytonP
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
Value Rating:
5 of 5
Bottom Line:
Bottom line- I've run these weekly for 2 years. Though I wouldn't pass a good deal on a more comfortable set, I'd recommend them to someone who was like me two years ago- comfortable with mountain biking, but still figuring things out and wanting protection to take it to the next level. They could use the slightest bit more padding, but the armor feels bullet proof and has saved my shins on numerous occasions.
I've probably go with a different Fox style or brand altogether when they wear out, but that could be a while. The straps may have stretched a bit and a few seams have a loose thread here and there, but they're still in very decent shape after 2 years with no off-season.
If you find a good deal, buy them They work and last.
Strengths:
Lasted two full years of heavy AM/DH/XC/DJ riding.
Very strong.
Great front coverage.
Easy and fast removal when it's time to cool down.
Weaknesses:
Straps can become uncomfortable and irritate skin (usually in dry, dusty conditions)
Slip down when pedaling (gravity oriented. so, expected).
Can get hot in the Texas sun, but not a deal breaker.
Slightly lacking in padding, though armor is awesome.
User Review: Formula Brakes RO Disc Brake System
by Uphill=sad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
Value Rating:
3 of 5
Bottom Line:
Only a 3 for value rating as they are expensive, then you need to buy the rotors and adapters on top of that price (so add another 50+ per end). I hid the receipt so my wife doesn't cut my balls off, but that being said, so far my experiences justify the cost of RO's.I bought these as an upgrade to 'The Ones' which i was quite happy with but just wanted a little more power (I'm 250lb) and I am very glad i did, now i have 'The Ones' on my Am bike.
I used Magura Gustavs for 9 years, and this is the first brake I have found that equals the raw power of Gustav's, but at nearly half the weight. I have no idea of the potential issues regarding the ovalised piston, whether it will last or not.
If you willing to spend the money and want some light weight, elegant and very powerful brakes, you will not be (hopefully) disappointed.
Strengths:
Powerful - very powerful, noticeably more powerful than 'The One's and saints (can't compare to anything else that's equivalent), but without sacrificing decent modulation and weight. They have a very sleek elegant design. Only had them currently on the bike for 6 months and so far they have been reliable and fickle free.
Currently I have not found a hill steep or long enough to cause fade or heating issues.
They use the same pads as 'The Ones' so there's lots of aftermarket choice available.
As a dedicated downhill brake these should be at the top (or near to) of your list as potential purchases.
Weaknesses:
Cost - way to expensive when compared to other quality options.
Bleeding, just like 'The Ones' these require a perfect bleed.
People always ask questions when riding, but a bad thing if you like chatting, if you're an anti-social hermit avoid these brakes.
Favorite Trail:
Cressy descent (more AM than DH)
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
CRC
Similar Products Used:
Magura Gustav
Formula 'The Ones'
Shimano Saint
Also ridden Avid Codes and hayes on friends bikes.
Bike Setup:
Pivot Phoenix
Boxxer R2C2
Formula RO's
Saint drivetrain
Hope evos' + mavic 829's
SDG, Straitline, raceface,
Reviews by community members are the foundation of Mtbr.com. Share your experience with other cyclists by writing reviews for your bikes, gear, and other related accessories. You don't have to be an expert - everyone's opinion counts.
Write A Review >>
Congrats to "Uphill=sad" and "PeytonP", the Week 3 winners of Bontrager's Write-a-Review Contest!
"PeytonP" winner of a Bontrager Evoke Saddle and "Uphill=sad" winner of a Set of Bontrager Tires were chosen at random for their reviews of the Fox Racing Launch Knee Shin Guards and the Formula RO Disc Brakes!
User Review: Fox Racing Launch Knee Shin Guard Armor and Pads
by PeytonP
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Bottom Line:
Bottom line- I've run these weekly for 2 years. Though I wouldn't pass a good deal on a more comfortable set, I'd recommend them to someone who was like me two years ago- comfortable with mountain biking, but still figuring things out and wanting protection to take it to the next level. They could use the slightest bit more padding, but the armor feels bullet proof and has saved my shins on numerous occasions.
I've probably go with a different Fox style or brand altogether when they wear out, but that could be a while. The straps may have stretched a bit and a few seams have a loose thread here and there, but they're still in very decent shape after 2 years with no off-season.
If you find a good deal, buy them They work and last.
Strengths:
Lasted two full years of heavy AM/DH/XC/DJ riding.
Very strong.
Great front coverage.
Easy and fast removal when it's time to cool down.
Weaknesses:
Straps can become uncomfortable and irritate skin (usually in dry, dusty conditions)
Slip down when pedaling (gravity oriented. so, expected).
Can get hot in the Texas sun, but not a deal breaker.
Slightly lacking in padding, though armor is awesome.
User Review: Formula Brakes RO Disc Brake System
by Uphill=sad
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Bottom Line:
Only a 3 for value rating as they are expensive, then you need to buy the rotors and adapters on top of that price (so add another 50+ per end). I hid the receipt so my wife doesn't cut my balls off, but that being said, so far my experiences justify the cost of RO's.I bought these as an upgrade to 'The Ones' which i was quite happy with but just wanted a little more power (I'm 250lb) and I am very glad i did, now i have 'The Ones' on my Am bike.
I used Magura Gustavs for 9 years, and this is the first brake I have found that equals the raw power of Gustav's, but at nearly half the weight. I have no idea of the potential issues regarding the ovalised piston, whether it will last or not.
If you willing to spend the money and want some light weight, elegant and very powerful brakes, you will not be (hopefully) disappointed.
Strengths:
Powerful - very powerful, noticeably more powerful than 'The One's and saints (can't compare to anything else that's equivalent), but without sacrificing decent modulation and weight. They have a very sleek elegant design. Only had them currently on the bike for 6 months and so far they have been reliable and fickle free.
Currently I have not found a hill steep or long enough to cause fade or heating issues.
They use the same pads as 'The Ones' so there's lots of aftermarket choice available.
As a dedicated downhill brake these should be at the top (or near to) of your list as potential purchases.
Weaknesses:
Cost - way to expensive when compared to other quality options.
Bleeding, just like 'The Ones' these require a perfect bleed.
People always ask questions when riding, but a bad thing if you like chatting, if you're an anti-social hermit avoid these brakes.
Favorite Trail:
Cressy descent (more AM than DH)
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
CRC
Similar Products Used:
Magura Gustav
Formula 'The Ones'
Shimano Saint
Also ridden Avid Codes and hayes on friends bikes.
Bike Setup:
Pivot Phoenix
Boxxer R2C2
Formula RO's
Saint drivetrain
Hope evos' + mavic 829's
SDG, Straitline, raceface,
Reviews by community members are the foundation of Mtbr.com. Share your experience with other cyclists by writing reviews for your bikes, gear, and other related accessories. You don't have to be an expert - everyone's opinion counts.
Write A Review >>