Strengths: awesome protection for your chest, knees, and face, great looks, doesn't get in the way while riding, saves you from some pain, great price
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
an awesome product once again from core rat. I've never been disappointed by this company. I ordered this over the phone from angie and her service and friendliness is second to none. this product has undoubtedly taken the edges off of hits to the stem, especially the knees, so this is a pretty priceless item to have. and it is super inexpensive too. a no-brainer.
Bike Setup: norco a-line, monster t, downhill specs
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Whistler
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2005
Strengths: simple adjustable design which stays in place and can fit a bunch of different sizes. light and well built. is there any reason to not have these on?
Weaknesses: could be a little thicker padding for some applications (big huckers, or complete klutzes headed for big impacts), but one size fits all can only go so far. would be easy to stick more foam into the back if you want to add some
Bottom Line:
for less than $15 CDN (including tax) this was a no-brainer. keeps the sharp edges of my stem plates covered and whether it is my knees or groin headed for the stem this eases the blow.
I bought the tube pad as well and have had the opportunity (unfortunately!) to test them both out - they worked
Bottom Line is that this was the BEST customer service I have seen for a mail-order - confirmation e-mail that my order was received, quick shipping, tracking number on my order, and quick responses to my questions. nice job Angie.
great to see that you can be treated as a person and that you can feel your order is important to the company you are buying from.
Strengths: well made, tough, saves the knees from the sharp edges on my stem.
Weaknesses: none!
Bottom Line:
if you need a stem pad this'll work just fine. it'll take the edge off next time you smack your knee off the stem. order direct! corerat.com service is amazing - give 'em a call and angie will answer ALL your questions.
Similar Products Used: I jerry-rigged homebrew foam pad and some zip ties... too ghetto...
Bike Setup: Santa Crush Chameleon Hardtail, Manitou Firefly, Avid Mech Disc brake front, Avid vee brake rear, Blackspire 38 tooth w/ chainguide, raceface freeride bb & cranks, xt hubs, xt rear der., rhyno lite rims, IRC kujo tires...
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Can't w8
a Weekend Warrior
from Snow Lake, MB, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002
Strengths: -Angie had it in shorty size AND in orange -Ergo, it matched my Orange RF Turbines (yeah!) -Good tight fit on my shorty stem with 3 straps, not 2! -Tough, durable construction
Weaknesses: -orange has faded a bit (from sun exposure?!?!) (or it could be just dust - I guess I could wash it but I'd rather ride!)
Bottom Line:
Very good product that's a necessity for anyone taking on anything remotely technical. Will save the "boys down there" as well as your knees (can definitely attest to the knees part but thank goodness the boys haven't come too close to the stem - yet!).
Also, Angie is great to talk to in person as well as on the phone!
Purchased At: BC Outdoor Show '02 w/ Angie at the booth!!!
Similar Products Used: Roach
Bike Setup: '01 Aeon/Ells Joker, RF/XT/XTR/Alivio (yeah Alivio) drivetrain, Hayes Purples w/ 8" rotors, and P.O.S. '01 Psylo that needs new, longer bushings really badly but Cycles Lambert won't return my calls for bushing replacement and thus they suck big...ahh, but I digress...
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Middlebury, VT
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002
Strengths: Stays in place, adjustable, durable
Weaknesses: Needs double the padding if you've got stem bolts or harsh stem edges.
Bottom Line:
If you've got protruding bolts or harsh edges on your stem, you'll need to double the padding, otherwise you're knees will still feel the impact. I cut out a strip of neoprene (same size) and inserted behind the buit in pad; better than new!
Core Rat can improve it with more padding. Overall, it's a decent non-bulky item that can save you and your friends; quick shipping too.
Similar Products Used: Lizard skin elbow pads, SixSixOne knee pads
Bike Setup: '00 Specialized RH FSR w/ SID XC air shock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ted
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2002
Strengths: Good design, good materials.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I was tired of banging my knee on the stem while going over the handlebars. I've considered buying the stem pad for awhile, but a near-fatherhood ending incident at the 24 Hours of Snowshoe gave my the incentive to finally make the purchase. I wish I had done it sooner. I used it within the first week after installation when I flew over the handlebars. No bruised knees. I would recommend it for anyone who has banged a knee, or other body part, on their stem.
Strengths: Good solid design. Great velcro straps that are nice and long to accomodate all stems. Seems to stay in place during riding. Great price compared to Roach. Design of stem pad allows you to get at adjustment bolts on some stems without removing the entire pad.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Good solid product at a great price. Go to www.corerat.com for fast service. Check out www.alwaysmad.com for Ontario riding info.
I tend to hit my knees on my stem when climbing so I got a Lizard Skin pad long ago.
The concept was great even tho the LS pad kinda sucked.
Anyway, its time to replace it as Read More »
