wo
Product review / osprey raven 10 / x-tools work stand
summer
osprey raven 10 Cash money: £84.99
www.ospreypacks.com
The design team at Osprey must spend half their time just sitting around high-fiving each other, because they keep nailing extremely well thought out packs. This one is a new addition to the women’s Osprey range –based on the hugely successful men’s Raptor series. Firstly – features. It’s a female specific fit and has an adjustable chest strap, two zipped pockets on the waist belt, hydration pack compatible (complete with little magnet on the chest strap to keep the hose in place), multiple interior organiser pockets, small stretch stash pocket on the front, side compression straps, the Osprey lid-lock system for easy and comfortable helmet carry and probably my favourite feature – a small roll-out tool pouch which is tucked neatly away at the bottom of the pack and includes a mini fold-out ‘tarp’ so you won’t lost any little screws or bits when you’re carrying out your trail side repairs. This is also detachable so if you don’t need it, you can just undo the toggle and leave it behind. I’ve used this pack for every ride I’ve been on since I’ve had it, and found the size ideal for most rides – easily enough space for everything I need to carry – including a small waterproof jacket, map, pump, food, even extra water if you wanted although the pack easily carries a 3 litre reservoir. It does come in a 14 litre version as well though if you’re heading out for a longer ride and need a bit more space. It is incredibly comfortable to ride with – it doesn’t move around much (the compression straps help here) and fits well against your back. It also has a good air-mesh system that stops it all getting too sweaty. Overall, it feels like it’s built to last and is also bright enough to stand out a little from other packs out there (if purple isn’t your thing it also comes in a fairly vibrant green). I think I’ll be using this one for a long time. The Word: It might not be the cheapest hydration pack out there but it’s probably one of the best designed. In my opinion, it’s worth every penny. Tested by: Fiona
x-tools work stand Cash money: £89.99
www.hotlines-uk.com
How about a work stand that is priced towards the average British racer? Where other big brand stands can reach anywhere up to £200 a pop, this offering from X-Tools is a mere £90, much more affordable to us mere mortals right? The X-Tools work stand is a great product and the quality far outweighs the price. It’s probably not sturdy enough for the relentless demands of a full time mechanic, but for weekend warriors it’s ideal. The stand is made of lightweight aluminium with a chunky plastic clamp. It’s quick and easy to get the bike in and out of the clamp, which spins 360 degrees meaning you can get it onto your seat post, frame or fork really easily. When packing, it folds down very nicely and fits easily into the cupboard or the back of the van. That’s a big plus and means no sacrificing space to bring it to races or store it when we get home. It’s also really light which makes it easy to transport it around. Finally, balance is an all important factor in a stand. We’ve used the stand in the uneven pits of Innerleithen, Fort William and Val Di Sole and not had a wobbler yet. Sure, because the stand is quite light weight you do need to be careful when working on heavier bikes … but generally we’ve had no problems at all. The Word: Great price, great stand. Highly recommended for privateer racers and home mechanics. Tested by: Rich Thomas and the Wideopenmag race team
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