Bull_Dozer profile

How do they compare to the Shimano ME7?

Yeah I came across the Indy recently and they looked like the perfect knee pads for North Shore pedally rides - light but still with real knee protection. The charge seemed more like beefed up leg warmers to me (not saying that in a bad way, just serve a different purpose…much more on the XC side of things).

For someone who isnt a weight weenie - are these an obvious choice over the more expensive XT & XTR versions, or are there other things to consider as well (someone mentioned durability above)?

Posted by: Heinous

I use the 14cm saddles, I based it pretty loosely off width of other saddles I liked.

Thanks. The sizing is one thing I am a bit confused/worried about so hoping to go to a knowledgeable shop for some guidance on sizing. Their sizing guide says you should measure your sit bones and then go like +2 or +3 depending on your riding style but would like to hear some real world feedback on that...

Anyone know which shop(s) in Vancouver/Squamish/Whistler carry SQlab saddles?

Also, if anyone has any tips on SQlab saddles (sizing, best model, etc.) please let me know. Thanks!

Are the upper parking lots open during the summer and accessible via the Excelerator gondola? I noticed that it seems to be running but not sure if that is only if you have a sightseeing lift ticket. And if it is open for parking, do they let you take your bike in there? Just wondering if that's an option if the lower lots are full. Obviously could just bike back up worst case scenario...

Nice to see they are creating that new Gatorade Skills Park thing near Fantastic/Out of Sight. I think this was long overdue as the other skills park type areas were pretty lacking relative to the overall (large) size of the WBP.

I have the Garmin inReach Mini and I'll take it with me if I am in a slightly more remote area (especially if riding solo). To be completely honest, I don't have a lot of experience using it despite owning it for a couple years. When I initially bought it I sent test messages just to see how it worked but aside from that I just carry it on me and never really have to turn it on. I'll occassionally use it to send my wife GPS points if I am in an area that I am not very familiar with.

One thing I noticed is that it is often challenging to get a signal when in tree cover. Sometimes I would send a test message and stick the thing in my pocket and only 30 mins later did the message actually go through. It's not always like that but just making the point that it doesn't automatically have signal when you might expect it to. I would assume that's common amongst most of these types of devices though and not necessarily a specific problem with this model. They've since come out with a Garmin inReach mini 2 and I think one of the main upgrades is a stronger signal. 

Overall, I am glad that I bought it because it gives me piece of mind and is essentially an insurance policy. I'll throw it in my pocket/bag when I am biking, skiing, hiking, camping, etc. in the off chance I'll need it. I think the main benefit for me is that I will be willing to explore a bit further into the wilderness than I otherwise would. 

You do have to pay a monthly subscription though - I have the basic plan and I think it's like $17/month.

Posted by: eriksg

My understanding when I looked at this was that +3 was more appropriate for steep seat tubes and upright seated position, where +2 was closer to an XC riding position.

That sounds right... so +3 is likely the what I am looking for.

Anyone know any local shops that carry SQ Lab saddles?

Posted by: Timer

These usually are models which Measuring sitbones is helpful to get the correct width.

https://www.sq-lab.com/out/pictures/ddmedia/SQlab_Sittingposition.PDF

Not sure if +2cm or +3cm is more appropriate. Says +2 for "most mountain bikers" but +3 for enduro. Is "enduro" referring to [the type of mountain biking we do around here] or is that referring to something different?

Which local shops (Vancouver, Sea to Sky, etc.) are good for fitting people for saddles?

Was thinking of upgrading my full face helmet as my current one is getting old and the bike park is opening soon. What are people wearing these days? Taking a look at different models online and it looks like a lot of the current popular FF helmets are those lighter enduro style ones. Are any of you guys using those for bike park use? Most of them have the full DH certification but still not sure I'd want one in the bike park. I'm a pretty tame rider and only ride the bike park 5 or so days per year so I could probably get away with it but not sure if it's worth the risk.

If you're coming all the way from New England I would recommend just going to Whistler and then you can do day trips to Squamish and Pemberton as well if you like. Something like the Sunshine Coast or Cumberland are much smaller towns, that are nice but also quiet and don't have the vibe and all the tourist amenities like you'll find in Whistler. Not saying Sunshine Coast and Cumberland aren't great places for an MTB vacation - Whistler is just the "crown jewel" of the region in terms of tourist destinations and they have a ridiculous amount of trails both in and out of the bike park. You'd likely be underwhelmed and a bit bored in a smaller town when you aren't biking.