05/16/2008

Roach TV Hydration Pack There aren’t many places to mount a waterbottle cage on a Shore bike, so you’re forced to either do without or carry a hydration pack. Now, you could go sans H20, but why would you want to when there are so many cool packs out there? Roach Clothing has two new(er) offerings in that department, the larger of which is the TV Hydration pack. Not surprisingly, packs from a company known for its protective gear aren’t exactly like the other kids on the block. The biggest difference is the nylon straps - rather than the standard bungy cord tie-down system - that are used to secure pads or extra clothing to the outside of the pack. The TV Hydro also uses Roach's special 2l Oasis bladder system. The Oasis is made of polyurethane (PU) instead of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), like most other manufacturers' bladders.

Roach's TV Hydration Pack - two webbing straps to tie down pads or clothing

That means no more skanky-tasting water, even if it sits in the Oasis for a while. The drinking tube screws on to ensure a solid connection, and the bite valve is spring-loaded.

Storage space consists of a zippered and Velcro’d main compartment, a zippered compartment for tools and food, and a Velcro-sealed pouch for clothes, pumps, or dog treats. The TV Hydro features minimalistic mesh-and-webbing shoulder and waist straps, a chest stabilization strap, and reflective tape on the rear pocket. All of that is wrapped up in classic Roach good looks.

The Rally DH leg armour -beefy but ventilated

Roach Rally DH Armour Roach made a name for itself with mountain bike armour, but the company isn’t coasting on its earlier success. Two new lines of arm and leg pads - designed with input from freeride demi-god Wade Simmons - show that Roach is still committed to producing some of the best protective gear out there. The Rally D(own) H(ill) Armour is the bigger, tougher brother to both the classic Indy and Rally FR (Freeride) lines. It uses the same hard outer shell as the FR gear, with thicker padding and mesh backing for extra protection.

The other big step up with the DH leg armour, aside from more cushioning, is a knee stabilization pad. This little donut sits right over your kneecap and centres the pads to prevent movement and ensure proper positioning.

15mm-thick moulded foam minimizes skin contact with the pads to keep you cool, and vent holes in the outer shell allow airflow over your legs. The mesh backing prevents minor abrasions and also aids in the cooling process; Spandex behind the knee keeps things comfortable while you're pedalling. As you’d expect, there are straps aplenty (five, to be precise) to ensure the pads stay put while you’re cruising - or stacking - on the trail. The arm pads use the same moulded foam padding and venting system, as well as two-piece elbow/forearm construction for all the flexibility you need. Three straps, along with a Spandex covering, keep everything in place and covered up. And if you still need some convincing that the new-style Roach armour is tough, keep this in mind: Wade, Bearcloth, Richie, and Super T are all riding this stuff. 'Nuff said. Stuart Kernaghan

Two-piece construction for elbow and forearm protection

Previous Gear Shots
Gear Shots #6 - Light & Motion ARC Li-ion Light, Mace Swat Jacket, Cannondale Nebula shorts
Gear Shots #5 - Maxxis Minion DHF / DHR tires, Gravity Racing Components Shorty replacement levers, SixSixOne Racebrace Pro ankle brace
Gear Shots #4 - Dangerboy CNC Replacement Brake Levers, e.thirteen DRS Chainguide, Trek Energy Cell EXP 350 Dual
Gear Shots #3 - SRAM X-7 Triggers, Chris King SteelSet, Shimano XT discs
Gear Shots #2 - Roach Rally Shorts, NYC Freeride Stem, Pryme AL Full-face Helmet
Gear Shots #1 - Yakima RimRoc, SixSixOne Wrist Wraps, Evil Bikes SRS Chainguide