Gear update

Ok, back from NorCal, lets get to it;

2 POC products, and a new fork - whats not to like?

First POC product is the Bone VPD Leg. I have been grinding through alot of leg armor during my mtb years, and been disappointed by every single full-leg armor I've worn, hell, I even made an open whine about it here on this blog. That is until I got the POC Bone VPD Leg late last year. Its solid, has decent ventilation, straps are well placed, but the best part is...

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...a knee-hinge system. Finally someone gets it! The upper knee is a thick VPD shell (Polymer dough) that moves independently of the lower leg. This allows for more movement, without the usual drawbacks of a full leg-armor, like pad movement. I have been combining the Bone VPD Leg with the POC Joint Ankle - with very good results, definately a recommended setup. So anyway, Ive illustrated were the VPD knee-shell is, below:

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Got a front-end setup change. The 2013 RockShox LyrikDH. Lyrik on the outside, Boxxer on the inside. So far its been performing better than expected, taking small and big hits with ease, and an actual mid-travel performance (YAY!). The low-speed compression keeps the fork dead-stable on climbs, and the high-speed compression allows me to manipulate the end-travel-curve as I see fit. It has a build-in high-speed rebound damper as well, but I dont notice it to be honest, it just feels right. I need to do some more testing tho', before wrapping it all up in a potential review. Weight is identical to a FOX 36 btw.
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Not the cheapest choice, but hopefully one of the smartest. Let it be said right away, from what Ive experienced so far, the POC VPD2 Knee delivers! Surprisingly good overall protection, with good knee coverage (side of the knee included), and a snug fit. The top and bottom has a rubber band stitched into it to make "stick" to the leg. Only disadvantage so far, is that it gets more hot than I expected on warm days. I was actually planning to get the Leatt Knee Guard 3DF, but after trying one out, I wondered what Leatt has been smoking when designing their knee guard; no side protection! Anyway, expect a big comparison review soon (FOX vs 661 vs Scott vs POC).

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Whilst not featuring a hinge system like the POC VPD Bone Leg, it is however divided into 2 separate sections. The lower section (blue) covers the knee in the front and sides, and a bit of the shin as well. The top (green), covers the top knee, to the lower thigh. This system allows the pad to move WITH the leg, and not ON the leg. Clever design choice POC, very clever.

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Lyrik + POC VPD2 Knee in action.

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