Bear Tested Gear

All the items on this page have been personally tested and used by Bear.  In fact, he will not recommend any gear that he has not personally used.  

If you want Bear to review any gear, please use the contact us link at the top of the screen, and we will see what we can do.

Bikes

Strider The Strider balance bike (12 inch) is a great introduction to riding a 2 wheel machine.  This is manuverable and light enough for small kids. 

REI’s CO-OP brand of bikes offers great value.  Bear has had two of them, and they took all the abuse he could dish out.  He recommends the Rev 16 and the Rev 20 to help get ready for your first real mountain bike.

Specialized Rockhopper XXS The Rockhopper has been a solid first mountain bike for Bear.  Specialized is one of the only companies offering a XXS size in their 26″ wheel bikes, this had made maintaining and customizing the bike much easier.  Bear decided against a full suspension bike to keep the weight of the bike down.  Overall, this has been a bomb-proof platform, and Bear recommends it highly!

Bike Accessories

All Mountain Style Frame Protector (Bear Graphics).  Riding on trails means you will flick rocks onto your frame.  Let’s face it, if you’re trying to get better, you will crash too.  These thick stickers are specifically designed to protect your new frame.  Plus, it’s a cool way to customize your bike.  

 PNW Loam Lock-On Grips.  Bear’s Rockhopper came with good grips, but grips wear out.  The PNW Loam grips are really comfortable, and the lock-on feature makes it really easy to install them and secure them to the bike. Plus, they come in a lot of colors so you can customize your ride even more. 

Bontrager Side Load Water Bottle Cage is a great way to fit a cage into a small frame opening.  This cage holds full bottles securely, yet it is still easy to remove and replace bottles while on the trail.  

Lezyne Micro Caddie Saddle Bag.  This little bag straps securely under Bear’s saddle.  It is just big enough to hold a tube and some tools in case of a flat.  It had to be small to fit on the small frame and still clear the tire.  It does get really dirty, and has been washed a ton, but it the zipper and everything still works after years of punishment.    

Personal Gear

Mountain biking is full of cool gear.  It is easy to get sucked into wanting the latest gear.  In truth, making sure it fits, it’s reliable, and durable is more important than being cool.  

Fox Speedframe Helmet.  A helmet should fit snug like a baseball hat.  The Speedframe has good coverage, fits without uncomfortable rubbing, and has an easy adjustment system for a custom fit every time.

REI Sprig 12 Pack.  While this is not a bike specific pack, it does have a pouch and hose management for a hydration system.  It fits Bear’s frame well, and the padded straps are comfortable when biking or hiking.  It has plenty of room for snacks and even a light jacket if necessary.  Bear has had pack for more than five years, and there is little or no color fade and no issues with the stitching or zippers. 

Dakine Prodigy Gloves.  A helmet is the most important piece of protection equipment you can wear.  A close second is a good pair of bike-specific gloves.  These Prodigy gloves fit great and have a great hook and loop closure to help the gloves fit tight.  

Peal Izumi Clothes. Wear what’s comfortable.  When it’s hot Bear usually sports a light moisture wicking shirt.  His favorite is the Junior Summit Jersey.  It is loose fitting with seams that don’t rub under Bear’s pack.  The Canyon Shorts stretch making pedaling easy, yet fit close enough that they don’t snag on the saddle.  The padded shammy also reduces soreness on long rides.   The Flash Reflective Socks help reduce hot spots while smashing pedals, all while keeping Bear’s feel comfortable and dry. 

Check Back Often

If Bear gets new gear – we will post the review here.  If you want him to review gear, use the Contact Us link above, and Bear will do his best to review it.