New MTB 'n stuff review (long post warning)

[tzvia]

Oops, fixed the link, thanks!

My first bike was a Proflex 856, full suspension vintage 1997. Originally used elastomer blocks for compression/rebound, but I put a Noleen shock (that leaked and could not be user serviced as it is nitrogen charged) on the back and replaced the front with a Manitou SX TI many years ago. It's like I went from an ox cart to a Toyota Tundra, riding that Giant.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

Nice bike! I think I have the same Camelbak and I love it. You can stash all kinds of stuff in there.

On your bottle cage- I know you are in so cal, but here in the east, I couldn't put that where you have yours. It would get ripped off. Did you have one like that before on your other bike? I would think if you did out there, it would get super dusty. I can't put one on my Ellsworth because the triangle is so small because ...well...I'm short. So I just stuff a bottle of vitaminwater in my camelbak as well...

Nice review

[Red Rock]

I was wondering on the womens specific L.U.X.E. would it be "worth it". I have the MULE and have been using it. I would have to go back and look at the space of each to compare, but can you really put all of that in there?

Has anyone tried both the LUXE and the MULE?

Red Rock

[tzvia]

Yea, that pack fits all that stuff and on Saturday I also had my little Olympus digi-cam to take the pictures (the phone cam sucks). The pocket at the top back (for an IPOD) fits that camera perfect. Sometimes I feel silly with all this stuff, but I've used just about all of it at one point or another in the past. Comparing it to the Mule at the store, it seems to be about the same size. The 'Woman specific' part is what made me gravitate to it. I was looking for something that would be comfortable on me and so far, I am very happy with it. If the MULE works and is comfortable, I would see no reason to switch as it's a fine pack that should hold as much.

TahoDirtGirl, I don't see the point in small bottles, and since I can't fit that bottle inside the triangle, outside it goes. It gets very dirty there, so it's not a good spot. I have to rinse it with my precious water to drink it, but as it's an energy drink anyway I usually don't drink any till the 1/2 way point when I am sitting down to have a banana. I then finish the rest back at the car where I clean it with water I keep in the car so I only have to rinse it once on the trail. On my last MTB, I only wore a 70oz camelback and took no other drink. Now that I am older and wiser, I appreciate the 100oz on my back and the energy drink.

[Aggie_Ama]

I love my LUXE! DH was adamant I needed a bigger one and I fought him on it for quite sometime but finally bought one when REI had them on sale. I find it fits my somewhat narrow shoulders great and is pretty comfortable, I don't even know it is there. I think the air flow really works compared to my old Siren (circa 2004 model) with no air flow pillows.

To me it looks like the LUXE will hold everything the MULE can but I am not sure. DH carries everything but the kitchen sink in his MULE but I haven't tried to put much in my LUXE.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I don't know which one mine is. I almost think it's the Dream...I looked for a name on it but I can't find one! All I know is that it's 3 liters and I can stuff everything in that bag- shock pump, tire pump, patch kit, tire bars, first aid stuff, clif bar, bottle of vitaminwater, gps, phone, tube, spaceblanket, etc etc. It has an expandable part too, so you can just stuff away.

Yeah I had to laugh on mine, the small triangle has the fittings for a bottle cage but why bother? I don't think it would of even fit.