MtnBikeRiders.com

My first initial review of this bag was published June 18th and since then I have been able to do a few rides with it. For reference you can read my first impressions Here. The bags features are extensive and very well thought out. Lezyne has a knack for taking a mundane routine item and putting an esthetic and functional twist on it. The results are finely crafted, functional and visually appealing products that scream “I’m a discerning MTB’r”.

I rode with the bag across typical cross country routes that included fire road climbs, single track descents and water crossings. The bag performed as expected and without any problems as expected while wearing it. I rode without the removable waist belts and at first did not notice much of a difference. While riding Turnbull, a section of trail has these “humps” (for lack of a better term) that quickly force rider and bike skywards but not in a jump style, you know what I mean? Anyway, riding over the humps the bag and all its contents would shoot upwards and I could physically feel the bag leave my back and then come back down. I’m guessing the original idea of removable waist belts was so the bag could be used on shorts hikes or as a day pack, either way the waist belt is going back on and I suggest leaving them on for all mtb’rs.

Only a couple of things stuck out at me as needing slight modifications. The first being the storage compartment zippers. Although the large zipper pulls worked wonderfully, I did get the zipper itself stuck on an inside flap causing all zipper operation to cease; I had to institute the help of my wife to get it unstuck. What a pain that would be trail side! The other thing I struggled with was the threaded hydration tube. The tube actually screws into the bladder rather than snap in as is the common method. This made removing the entire bladder and tube together a necessity rather than an option. On the latter style, I simply unplug the tube from the bladder, fill it up and re-insert it into the bag. With the Lezyne bladder, if you unscrew the tube from the bladder, all contents from the bladder will come spilling out.

Overall the bag has been very good. It has worn well, lets my back breathe and organization is very cool, you don’t waste time digging for a particular tool, you just go straight to the designated pocket.
The bag has held up well to the elements including sun, mud and water. I imagine it would take a very long time to reveal any material deficiencies. I have received more than a few compliments on the bags style and visual attributes. I will continue to wear the bag and will report back any unexpected problems. Good job Lezyne, keep up the good work!

Popularity: 1% [?]

I’ve always been an admirer of Lezyne (rhymes with “design”) products and was especially impressed when I saw their display during my first trip to Sea Otter a few years back. They design and manufacture bike accessories that can be used across all bicycle disciplines. They feature everything from mini pumps and hand pumps, racks and bags, hydration packs, multi-tools and even co2 cartridges. Their slogan is “Engineered Design” implying there is more substance to their products than just mere looks. Recently we received a few of their items to review and we are very excited to say the least. This will be an initial review of a Lezyne hydration bag highlighting its features with a trail-tested review forth coming.

I was given the Lezyne Svelte Hydration Pak to test. This test could not have come at a better time as I just purchased a new Vaude for my personal use and the direct comparison will be useful. Lezyne makes four different hydration paks depending on the intended use. The line up starts with the Fire Break and ends with the Great Divide. The Svelte is second from the bottom in terms of carrying capacity just below the Adroit and above the Fire Break. The Svelte carrying capacity stands at 10L of total volume and includes a 3L high-flow bladder. The Fire Break has a total volume of 2.5L with a 2L bladder and the Adroit has 19L of total volume with a 3L bladder.

The Svelte is considered a XC/Trail pak while the Adroit is an all-mountain pak and the Fire Break is a “lightweight, hydration pak”. The Svelte certainly has enough storage space for an all day trip which is as long as my outings ever get (I have yet to do an over-niter but would love to do so). There are designated storage spots dubbed “trail-side tool organization” for your multi-tool, pump, tire irons and co2 cartridges. On the outside the pak can hold either a xc helmet or a full-face helmet. There are 2 vented mesh pockets on the waist belt that is a convenient place for a cell phone or the like. As a side note the waist belt is completely removable which I will be testing in the future, I have never seen this on a hydration pak before. There are 3 main storage compartments which allows for enough storage room for the average ride. An additional pocket on the very bottom of the bag is almost hidden but would be great spot for soft goods.

To address the need for personal fitment, Lezyne has invented a “custom adjustable aluminum spine”. This seems like a great solution to that reality that all types of backs could be wearing this pak. The pak did not come with any directions on how to properly adjust the spine so I will just take a stab at it with help from my wife. The pak is designed with a breathable back by means of several large pads that rest against your back rather than the entire bag itself.

Some of the most notable details I found are:

• Pull loops for all zippers which makes the need to take off your gloves a thing of the past
• Adjustable aluminum spine
• Clearly marked bladder so you know exactly how much fluid you added
• Removable waist belt
• Mesh everywhere!
• Double zip-lock closure on the bladder
• 90 degree shut off valve
• Hose routing flap on the bladder
• Compression straps to hold your armor

Popularity: 2% [?]

Product Tested:
Prologo Vertigo Nack

http://www.coordinates2010.com/vertigonack.htm

Prologo Vertigo Nack on the trail. Mounted onto a Thomson seatpost and Lezyne Large Caddy Bag

Price:
I’ve seen it as low as $162 and as high as $400

Specs:
Vertigo Nack can surely be considered the synthesis of what is best in today’s market for sports minded MTB saddles. It is the result of precise technical studies that range from shapes, materials, and technologies to obtain a product considered the perfect union of lightness, comfort, and resistance. With its 163 grams Vertigo Nack combines comfort and lightness, technology and design.
Size: 276×136
Base: HWD Carbon Fibre and Kevlar
Cover: Lorica
Padding: Super Light Foam

Beautiful carbon rails

About Me:
6’1” 210lbs, 30 year old male. I’m a mountain biking enthusiast who enjoys XC riding.

Testing Grounds:
Marshall Canyon, Laguna Coast/El Moro, Turnbull, Fullerton Loop… many other Southern California trails on my AIR 9 hardtail

First Impressions:
Wow, it’s a light. I like the lightweight, about 164.4 grams on my office’s postal scale. The padding seemed sufficient as I was coming over from a WTB Rocket V and the shape seemed like something I could ride/endure.

Rear 3/4 view of the Vertigo Nack. The gold piece never bothered me at all

Strengths:
The Prologo Vertigo Nack is designed as a pro level XC oriented saddle. Its weight falls comfortably into the weight weenie’s realm. For comparisons sake, the WTB Rocket V’s lightest version weighs in at 215 grams. WTB’s lightest saddle, the Devo, comes in at 200 grams. FIzik’s lightest mtb saddles come are around 199 grams. The Prologo Vertigo Nack: 163 grams.

Left to right: Prologo Vertigo Nack, WTB Rocket V

Looks are subjective, but I have found the Vertigo Nack to look good. Nothing flashy like the crazy graphics of the WTB Silverado, although some of my friends have remarked the gold on the back of the saddle does catch their attention on occasion. Attached to a Thomson seatpost, the Prologo Vertigo Nack looked like a solid normal saddle.

Ready to hit the trail

The comfort/feel level is pretty good. It’s not quite as comfortable as the Rocket V’s which my derriere has come to prefer, but I have been comfortable on it for longer rides. When the rides stretch to my max, I do find that I do need a dab of chamois butter for comfort. That’s pretty standard for most all saddles I ride on though.

Months of testing, hundreds of miles and it still looks to be in phenomenal condition.

After a few months of testing and lots of riding, the saddle looks none-the-worse for wear. It doesn’t look brand new as I did fall a few times, but the stitching is still intact and the cover is smooth with no tears so you know that it can withstand some falls. There is no fraying and the rails are still holding strong under my 210lbs.

Weakness:
Price. I’ve found the price to vary quite a bit. But, for the most part, I’ve seen it around the upper $200 range into the $300’s. That is mighty pricey for a saddle, in my opinion. But if your goal is to save a few grams while still having a comfortable saddle, the Vertigo Nack fits the bill.

Summary:
Durable, comfortable and light, the Prologo Vertigo Nack is a great weight weenie “if your butt can handle it” option from the traditional lightweight saddle.

Review Disclaimer

Popularity: 3% [?]

Lezyne was a must stop for me at Sea Otter 2009. I’ve got one of their saddle bags and it’s pretty cool. Very functional, great material and the zipper has never let me down. We got to meet some cool people from Lezyne and were shown some of their products.

First up is their floor pumps. The pumps actually have different colored handles including some made of wood.

colored multi tools

also comes in carbon, click to see the carbon weave!

saddlebags. I have the third one in from the left.

Handpumps. Some of the handpump’s hose fits inside the pump itself. This makes them less bulky. The hose also makes the connection to the valve more secure.

Handpump, hose has presta and schrader side, screw into pump and your all set. Hose stores inside pump.

Minipump attaches to bike water bottle cage. When needed, minipump opens up and becomes a very useful floor pump

Lezyne All Pack. Can fit a full face helmet

A place for everything and everything in its place. I really like this feature of Lezyne’s packs and my saddlebag.

I really like the pictures of the tools. Makes organization a breeze.

Popularity: 4% [?]