Fresh Goods Sunday - Northwave Artic Commuter MTB GTX winter boots

As you may have seen some of my previous posts that we only use Northwave winter boots (except when it is really cold and I wear my 45nrth Wolverhammer's). This is the forth pair we now own and my first pair are 12 years old and have been retired and ready for Arrans feet when he grown into them. The pair that I was wearing were 10 years old and still going strong. I bought Angus a new pair last year for his crimbo but he was complaining that were getting a little tight. So I ended up with his pair and I ordered these for him in a larger size. The only reason I got the commuter model rather than the normal black model was there was way more discount! We never clean our winter boots so are always covered in mud anyway. We just let the rain / puddles wash them down when we are out riding. The rrp is £170 but I got them for less than £92 inc p&p. New cleats fitted and they are ready to rock and role out on the trails.
Update - they have now dropped to less than £85 on bike-discount, inc the road version

Early fresh goods pre purchase - Altura Podium Short Sleeved Jersey

I noticed this top in Cycling Plus - Zyro/Altura advert. What caught my eye was the length of the sleeve which looked longer than a normal top and the rider was on a Cannondale Evo Team Edt! I normally buy/wear Gore jerseys but the problem I have is in summer when its sunny my upper right arm where I had my first operation is never fully covered / protected from the sun. I have been looking for a jersey with longer sleeves just for this but have never seen any, until now. An email to Marky at Westbrook Cycles and some technical data form the Zyro rep - ie sleeve lengths on some of their new 2015 range the Podium model has the longest so one was ordered. They came into stock at Zyro, Darlington on Monday and Marky had it in the shop on Wednesday. I haven't had a change to get down yet to try it on but hopefully it will fit / sleeves be long enough. If the jersey is spot on might order another one in a different colour. Here is the tech blurb on the top -
"The new summer line-up includes a refreshed Podium Jersey, pitched as offering superior thermal regulation through Altura's own high wick fabrics, with enhanced moisture management to keep riders dry, and strategically placed Draft Venting that captures ride draft to provide engineered body cooling performance. It uses COLDBLACK from Schoeller Technologies to provide UVA and UVB protection to reduce the absorption of sunlight and therefore heat build-up, keeping riders cool, dry and comfortable."
Code:AL25POD

Aggressively cut stretch fabrics for optimal performance on the road.

• 4-way stretch underarm mesh for breathability

• 5 rear pockets with mesh construction, plus 1 with autolock zip

• Silicone hem gripper

• Autolock front zip

• Long skin fit stretch arms

• Reflective detail

• Ultra high wicking Interlock fabric

• Audio port

Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL

Colours Blue/Black, Black/Neon Green, Red/Black

and here is the link to the JERSEY

 

 

Local offroad ride on the Krampgrease

Well after a few hours of jobs the sun came out and so did the Krampgrease for a local offroad ride. It was still cold but nice to have the sun on my back. Saying that it did not last long and by the time I got to Brandon it had clouded over and the temperature had dropped down to 5 degrees. Climbing back out of Croxdale estate is came back out and warmed me back up again before it clouding back over again when I reached Bowburn. The ride had a great mix of all types of terrain, see photos below. The Knards held up well for most of the ride, just had to take it steady through the muddier sections. I was steady away and covered just under 29 miles in 2 1/2 hours so was pleased with that. I was hoping to stay clean inc the bike but that did not happen as the trails are muddy out there, time to get the hogger back out again and the washing machine back on! Enjoy the photos, more soon -