Bike review: Bombtrack Hook EXT

 

Facebook

The Bombtrack Hook EXT is a fusion of CX/Gravel bike and an MTB. Clearly designed to take you to the limits of a gravel bike’s accepted range, and maybe beyond, it certainly looks the part.

There seemed to be little point in taking the Hook on a gentle poodle around Suffolk, so we packed it up for our recent trip to the Dyfi Forest in Wales.

If I said you had a beautiful body…

The Hook EXT features:

•  A Columbus Cromor double butted frame with unique investment cast chainstay/BB yoke.
• A replaceable hanger
• Rack and mudguard mounts
• 650b wheels fitted with 2.1 WTB Nano Race tyres
• Carbon forks with triple-pack cage mounts.
• SRAM Rival 1×11 drivetrain
• SRAM Rival Hydraulic brakes.

Despite its aggressive demeanour, the finish is nicely understated. A tough matte metallic grey with subtle khaki green flourishes distinguishes it from the shouty “me too” paint schemes displayed on some other bikes. We like it, although the whole understated theme is not for everyone.

Up on the mountain

The WTB i19 rims are tubeless ready but the WTB Nanos supplied with the bike are the Race model, not the TCS (as yet, WTB do not offer a tubeless ready 650b version of the Nano…) . Nevertheless, they were easy to set up in tubeless mode.

We kept pressures low to maximise traction on gravel, in preference to easier rolling over tarmac. Even so, we buzzed along the black top quite merrily. There was significantly less resistance than anticipated  from what are essentially MTB tyres.

While we might not specify 1×11 on a pure road bike, for gravel/tarmac mashup rides it is rapidly becoming a favourite of ours.

As our Welsh odyssey unfolded, the Hook found grip where others were scrabbling around. The Rival drivetrain proved more than capable of coping with everything we could throw at it. Meanwhile, the brakes provided predictable and superbly modulated stopping power.

It is worth mentioning the handlebars, an often overlooked component because they are so frequently swapped out for something else. The Bombtrack CX-10 handlebar features an unsurprising 10 degree flare, and on the medium, measures 42cm across the hoods. Across the drops it broadens to 46cm. The tops are flattened for increased comfort. The hooks are a great shape to grip and, coupled with a 100mm stem, make the Hook a breeze to steer on rough terrain and switchbacks.

Frameset

Not only does the Hook EXT look pretty cool, but the paint is tough too. Despite numerous clonks from flying slate chunks it survived unscathed. It also resisted scuffing from the frame bag straps.

For a racy bike you still get five bottle cage mounts, three of which are triples ‘for anything’ cages. There are also mudguard or rack mounts and a direct mount for a top tube feed/battery bag.

Constructed from a mix of both oversize and slender Columbus tubing, the bike pulls off the clever trick of feeling compliant while transferring most of your effort into forward motion.

The tapered carbon fork is precision perfect but with enough ‘give’ to stop your wrists from exploding!

A Press-Fit bottom bracket on a steel frame is a bit novel and would hardly be our first choice. Bombtrack explained that it allows them to use  the cast BB yoke and provide clearance for both a road style transmission and fat tyres. The bottom bracket remained creak-free during our time with the Hook EXT. For 2019, Bombtrack have updated the Hook EXT design to run a T47 threaded bottom bracket, which should keep the press-fit haters happy.

All the cable runs are externally routed, which we applaud as eminently sensible. The dropper cable run is internal but we can live with that!

Components

The WTB tyre and rim combo makes for an easy tubeless conversion and the BT origin hubs feature sealed bearings. Despite a hammering on the rocky trails, the wheels remained true over the whole test period. ,

The seatpost, stem and bars are all BT branded and are a step above the usual OEM. The seatpost remained creak free, and the flat-top, flared, drop bars are wrapped in a fantastic grippy shockproof tape. As ever saddle choice is a personal one but the Selle San Marco Squadra is comfortable enough.

Drivetrain & Braking

The SRAM Rival 1×11 drivetrain is the perfect match for rough terrain while the hydraulic brakes give easily accessible, single-finger braking from the hoods, or the drops.

Once you get the feel for double-tap shifters they become second nature, even to a dyed-in-the-wool Shimano user. For the watt-obsessed the cranks are a Quarq/SRAM team-up and are ready to accept a power meter!

 

Conclusion

Bombtrack have another hit on their hands with the Hook EXT. It breezes through road sections, climbs and descends rough trails without breaking a sweat and well, just look at it! Having added pedals and cages (and converted to tubeless) we weighed the Hook EXT at 11.3kg, Bombtrack claim 11.1 without pedals and cages (but with tubes), so Kudos for being honest!  It is not the lightest bike for the money but weight is a crude metric as is clear from the quality of the ride. If you want a fast, smart looking bike that’s ready for taking on the rough stuff, you could do an awful lot worse than the Hook EXT.

Review: Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle

 

“Water, water everywhere,

Nor any drop to drink”

While neither Coleridge nor the Ancient Mariner were bikepackers, the problem was the same. If you are out in the wild, or far from home and in need of a drink, what do you do? Ultra distance rider Nigel is no stranger to this problem so we let him loose with the Katadyn BeFree water filtration system.

It is worth noting here, that Nigel is the closest we have in the office, to a camel. He can ride forever on the merest suggestion of moisture. The rest of us drink several litres on a hot ride. Ed.

There is a school of thought that questions the need to carry water at all on ride, whatever the distance. The theory goes a little like this:

Why add to the weight of a light bike with water? If you need a drink, go to a shop (not always possible). Alternatively, use something like the Refill app or resort to natural water sources. The latter isn’t always a viable option, particularly in the flatlands where ‘industrial agriculture’ has turned the area into a green desert. This was an ideal test for Nigel, so we sent him out in the heat to see how he got on.

Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System

The first thing to note about the 0.6L filtration system, is the weight. The packaging claims 59g, our scales say 74g, a whole gram less than a generic 500ml bidon!

The BeFree is a filter membrane attached to a “sports-cap” arrangement such as you might find on a bottle of mineral water. The reservoir is a Hydrapak Softflask, essentially a flexible plastic bag that can easily be rolled up when empty (it fits into a 450ml mug).

In use

The BeFree is a doddle to use. Unscrew the cap and fill the flask. Screw the cap back on, then squeeze the bag to get the water flowing. The flow rate is comparable to a normal bottle despite passing through a filter.

The BeFree is as good to use as a normal bottle. Unlike tabs, you don’t have to wait 30 minutes before the water is safe to drink. Pretty impressive.

The hydrapak will not fit in a standard bottle cage but it does slot into a jersey pocket or a frame bag. Obviously, this automatically increases you water carrying capacity if your cages are already maxed out.  When you find a reliable water source, simply fill the BeFree with clean water and rinse the filter.

A quick word on the filter’s effectiveness, I have to concede that any review will be purely on practicality and convenience. The reasons are as follows:

• We only tested the filter on water that was clear of obvious impurities.
• We can’t tell you that if we had just consumed the same water untreated whether it posed a risk or not.
• Katadyn have been making water filtration equipment for 80 years and have a reputation for making quality products.

Conclusion

Based on the light weight, ease of use and packable form factor, I think the BeFree is a game-changer for me. As long as where you are riding has a water source, the meagre weight/pack-size makes it practically ideal.

It has definitely found itself a place in my frame bag!

Review: Squirt Barrier Balm Chamois Cream

 

Facebook

Cream of the crop?

It is accepted wisdom that for any ‘proper’ riding, you need to use padded shorts. It just makes sense.

Chamois cream is a different matter altogether. It really is a binary thing. For some it’s just part of the routine, while the rest view the whole idea with horror. Personally I use chamois cream on most rides, even while commuting. I figure that, if by riding into work, I end up with a saddle sore that loses me a weekend ride I’ll be fuming!

Most chamois creams look very similar (like cream?!) with only slight differences in consistency and fragrance separating them. I usually use Udderly Smooth as it works, I’ve never had a bad reaction from it, and you can also get it in tubes which are handy for taking with you on a long ride.

A man with a dream with plans to make C.R.E.A.M.

Squirt barrier balm is different altogether. It has the appearance of bee’s wax and is very thick, so you can be sparing with it. Squirt include tea tree oil for it’s (debatable) antiseptic properties along with dimethicone (a form of silicone that provides the barrier function) and lanolin which acts as a moisturiser.

Hold the screen up to your nose…

Barrier balm in use…

As mentioned above you don’t need to use a lot of barrier balm as it is so viscous, and sparing gory details where possible, it doesn’t spread easily on hairy skin (sorry!). The upside to this is that once applied there is no greasy or damp feeling and once out riding you forget it’s there. Initially this left me unimpressed but once you’re back home you realise it has done the job without any fuss.

So would I recommend it? Definitely, but with one proviso. Such is the tenacity of barrier balm I don’t think It’s one to take it on a long ride away from mod cons.  Getting it off your hands without soap and hot water is a real struggle!

Review: GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip

Facebook

I really need a cup of coffee, go get me a cupajoe…

The relationship between cyclists and coffee is a well worn cliché. Witness to this are countless cafes and tea rooms fit to bursting with cyclists seeking their regular fix. Further testament to this relationship are the mugs conspicuously dangling from the seat packs of bike packers or long distance tourists. It is to this latter group that the Java Drip will appeal.

For the self sufficient bike packer, a mid ride brew is usually a sachet of instant coffee. The practicality of lugging around proper coffee making kit usually precludes the brewing of anything more exotic.  GSI Outdoors (imported into the UK by Lyon Outdoor) have developed the Java Drip to get around this problem. This handy little device promises to make ‘proper’ coffee while being compact and lightweight. It would be no exaggeration to call it ‘ultralight’.  The Java Drip weighs a paltry 12g and folds down small enough to fit into the recess in the base of your average gas canister.

The Java Drip comes with instructions but using it is simplicity itself. Extend the legs, clip them on the rim of your mug, pop in your ground coffee, add water and bingo, a cup of coffee. The filter is integral to the Java Drip so once you’ve jettisoned the coffee grounds, a quick rinse of the mesh and you’re good to go.

One more cup of coffee ‘fore I go to the valley below…

It has to be said that instant coffee, such as Lavazza Prontissimo, has come a long way but if you like your brew to have flavours of cacao nibs, bruised plums, treacle toffee and the like, you’ll appreciate the Java Drip and the ability to use your own ground coffee.

Folds flat for easy storage

Fits in the recess of a gas canister

In use

For the test I used  Union Roasted Revelation Beans and a coarse grind.

The filter net easily accommodates 30g of coffee so you can start the day with a monster cup or share with your riding buddy. The mesh is just the right size to keep the grains in without letting the water flow through too quickly. Once you’ve finished the grounds are easily shaken out and a quick splash of water rinses the filter clean.

It is worth mentioning that the Java Drip can make a lightweight mug top heavy. Find a level surface or risk spilling the whole lot!

While the Java Drip is undeniably light, one flaw is that you have to double up on containers. One to boil water in and another to drip the coffee into,

Mid-flow

Done in

Conclusion

The GSI Outdoors Java Drip does exactly what it is designed to do while taking up hardly any space in your pack. If you want filter coffee while on your outdoor adventures it’s a great option.

 

Review: Passport bikepacking bags

 

FacebookTwitter

Passport Luggage – The Call of the Wild

For some of us, bikepacking is simply a logical and sequential, progression from adventure or gravel riding. We embrace it and welcome it into our lives without hesitation. The merely ‘bikepacking curious’ however, regard it with a degree of trepidation, not least because it involves additional capital outlay.

As we prepare to embark on a new cultural and metaphorical journey (bikepacking), we have to address the main barriers to entry. Principal among these is – “What luggage should we buy and how much will it cost?”.

Sure you can splash out on the best, most expensive kit on day one,  but it is a bit of a gamble. Even a cursory glance reveals that ‘middle of the road’ luggage demands a significant investment. “Decent” kit costs a lot more.

High quality that won’t break the bank

Ideally, the aspirant bikepacker should simply buy a high quality, low cost, range of luggage and upgrade later. Conventional wisdom suggests this is a paradox. Cheap and high quality are mutually exclusive properties. You can therefore expect your wallet to be considerably lightened if you are going to get anything worthwhile!

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The home grown range from Passport Cycles is not only inexpensive, it is of a considerably higher quality than you have any right to expect.

For £150 you can get a complete set of luggage – frame bag, handle bar bag, seat pack & top tube bag.

Not only that, but we would be prepared to argue these bags are not only suitable for beginners, but for hardened bikepackers too.

Construction and materials

The outer fabric is 210 denier Nylon canvas with 500 denier wipe-clean tarpaulin for high wear areas. This keeps the weight down, and in the case of the seat pack and handlebar bag, easier to roll closed.

---

Seat pack 575g £60

The ‘Large’ seat pack measures 50 x 13 x 15 cm and provides 9.8l of storage capacity.

The canvas used for the main carcass is water resistant. The base, which will be exposed to spray from the rear wheel, has a water proof, tarpaulin, panel. Despite this, as always, we recommend using a dry bag whether you need it or not!

Passport Seatpack

Feature Filled

The twin seat post straps have a rubberised contact patch to hold the bag snug against the seatpost. It really does help reduce sway while you are riding.

The straps and buckles (that thread through the seat rails) were just the right size. This is not as common a feature as you might think!

As well as the main (waterproof) compartment there are zipped pockets on either side of the pack. Measuring 20 x 13cm, both are capable of holding a modern phablet-sized phone, tools or other items you may want easy access to.

The top of the pack has an array of bungie cord eyelets so you can safely stow away your waterproof during changeable weather.

One problem you often encounter with seat packs that they take up all the space on your seatpost. Leaving you with no room for a rear light! Passport have thought of this and added a slotted patch onto which you can clip a rear light.

Reflective material has been incorporated on the light slots, bungee loops and logos.

Passport Seatpack side view.

---

Frame Bag 215g £35

Our ‘Large’ frame bag measures 51 x 5.5 x 17cm providing 4.8 litres of storage. It is water resistant.

It fits the frame of my 58cm Pinnacle Arkose perfectly yet still allows me to use 500ml bottles without resorting to variable (cage) mounts.

The frame bag shares the same basic construction as the seat pack.  It also has a bright yellow liner to help you find stuff in poor light.

Towards the front of the bag there is a small zipped pocket. Perfect for storing car keys or items you want to keep safe and secure until the ride’s end.

While the straps are stitched in place, they are located sensibly and do not interfere with the toptube or handlebar bags. It was also good to see that the straps thread into plastic loops so they can be cinched really tight.

Passport Frame Bag

---

Handlebar bag 305g £35

The handlebar bag comes in one size and measures 38 x 17 cm with an 11 L capacity. It is a good size and fits between a set of drop bars without rubbing your front tyre!

Passport handlebar bag rear view.

The now familiar nylon canvas differs from the rest of the range. It is laminated with a heat-welded TPU layer. It is fully waterproof and therefore a great place to store your sleeping bag and spare clothing.

The tough tarpaulin is used once again to reinforce the contact patches, and four straps secure the bag to the bike. The two on the handle bars are rubber-lined with plastic loops to keep them tight. The head tube straps use plastic QR buckles to make them easier to thread between your cables and frame bag (if fitted). As with the other bags the logos and light loops are reflective.

---

Top-tube bag 135 gms £20

Measuring 9.5 x 20 x 9.5cm with a 1.8 litre capacity the toptube bag is one of the largest we have tested. The square design threatened to make it a knee-slapping liability. Thankfully there is virtually no side to side movement.

Again a yellow liner makes it easy to find things inside. While only water resistant, the zip cover should mean only the worst downpours will cause any  problems.

Passport Toptube Bag interior view.

A great feature is the clear window through which you can use your touchscreen phone (or paper map/directions if you’re old skool!). I fitted a 6″ screen smartphone behind the window. All but the largest phablet phones and GPS devices should fit and a USB powerbank can be stowed underneath to charge them.

---

East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’…

Taking part in The Distance seemed the perfect opportunity to test the Passport kit. We had two days of riding on prime Peak District gravel, with a mid-way overnight stop.

While the water resistance was never put to the test, the rough descents and steep climbs were a stern test for bag stability. A test in which the Passport kit surpassed expectations. The straps remained tight. None of the bags swayed about or rubbed against my legs or knees when out of the saddle. What more can you ask?

After two days of tough riding everything functioned perfectly. Wear and tear was minimal, leaving only a few minor marks.

The only problem I had was with the seat pack liner. It isn’t secured at the front and the material itself is quite grippy. This meant that when I emptied the bag fully, the lining was prone to turn inside out.

Obviously 120km isn’t far enough to judge long term durability but I’ve used more expensive luggage that has fared significantly worse after similar use.

What’s in the bags?

Handlebar Bag

• An Alpkit Cloudbase mat
• A Hunka XL bivi bag
• 2 season down bag and a silk liner.

Seatpack

• A Trailstar tarp and pegs
• Waterproofs
• Down jacket
• Hat
• Gloves and base layers for sleeping in.

Framebag

• Tarp poles
• Inner tubes
• Tools
• Spares and snacks.

Toptube Bag

• Phone
• Powerbank
• Cafe lock.

Conclusion

I was seriously impressed by the Passport luggage.

The seat and handle bar bags (which take the brunt of the tyre spray) are genuinely waterproof and are reinforced in key areas so should stay that way.

The attachments are secure and easy to use and didn’t need mid ride adjustments unless items had been removed.

I’m not ashamed to admit I liked the fact how all the items matched!

If you want to give bikepacking a try, without spending a fortune, Passport Cycles have what you’re looking for.

It is also worth mentioning there is also a smaller 7 Litre seatpack and two smaller frame bags available.

Visit www.passportcycles.co.uk for more info and Ison Distribution to locate your nearest dealer.