Race Face Respond -stem,post,bar.

Ok, as promised here are the reviews on Race Face's Respond kit, but before the review I wanted to throw in a little side note * These are AM/FR parts, and a keen rider would note that they are on a Trance X... This does not mean I am Freeriding with a trail bike! * I find that a shorter stem/wider bar is better for my riding style and I also switch these parts over to my Allmountain bike so I need the added strength.

With that said lets start with the -Race Face Respond Bar-

Now the Respond aluminum bar is 370g -1.5" rise, 335g -.5" rise. Rounded off by an attractive selling point ~50 bones in Calgary area. The bar is 28" and comes in bad ass black or whitemare colour schemes. When riding, the bar keeps your hands at a comfortable angle, whether your in the saddle or rippin it up down the trail. Off the bat I thought (being a more FR oriented part) that the bar would ride sluggish and not have allot in the way of supple feedback, after a good run through Fish creeks single track I was surprised to find that was not the case. Although its a little 'dull' in feedback compared to a XC bar, what it lacks in trail feel it more than makes up in strength and confidence boosting manoeuvrability. The bar would pull out of any slipped line or rut encountered. Plus the 28" width adds more power to your steering and more precision to your line choices.

Next is the -Race Face Respond Stem-

The stem is has a 10 degree rise and come in 45, or 60 mm lengths, weighing in  @ 195g 45mm / 215g 60mm. Comes in bad ass black or whitemare colour schemes ~50$. This little guy is a gem straight up. Easy to install and has all the torque info right by the bolts so you don’t have to dig up paperwork or surf the net. It has an interlocking bar clamp that is suppose to send more stress through the stem than the bolts which is a great thing (if you ever had bolts critically fail than you know this) It has a bigass faceplate too which looks cool. When riding this stem is damn snappy, especially if your used to a longer XC stem. The snappy-ness is great in those tight spots as long as you don’t over-compensate (learned the hard way). I would not recommend a narrow bar in combination with this stem unless you like stopping for a dirt and twig snack every 5 min. The only thing I can complain about is a squeak somewhere that I can’t find , its driving me nuts! (if you have any tips PLEASE tell me)

Last but not least -Race Face Respond Post-

This is a dual bolt, multi-adjustable, integrated god sent (for around 45$)! The one reason (other than matching parts) I switched my seat post from the Giant connect SL post was because -if your butt came down hard on the seat, the seat would point straight up. That was your last chance, the next time your ass came down that seat it would turn you into a "meat popsicle" if you catch my drift... So I needed a post that would keep my saddle 'ride able'. This post is around 300g with a 3/4" offset. The dual bolts keep a tight hold on the saddle and never come loose. Race Face shot peened the tube for high impact strength & fatigue resistance. It’s a great seat post not much more too it.

To sum up, Race Face's Respond parts are worth the money. They are light, strong and make every ride a rippin/huckin/jibbin good time. They preform exactly as advertised and wont let you down! (a great addition to anyones arsonal)

The next Gear Review will be on a DAKINE DRAFTER Pack (3L Bomber Hydration Pack) and DONT WORRY the beer review will be up in the next few days!! until then... drink, ride and be merry!