Words by Stuart Kernaghan

Dangerboy CNC Replacement Brake Levers

People often overlook their brake levers, especially if they aren't having problems with them. But when things aren't right with your levers, chances are your ride is going to suck. People have been complaining about the stock Hayes levers for years. They bend (raise your hand if you've had to 'adjust' your levers

A virtual rainbow of colours Photo: © Dangerboy CNC

But that doesn't mean you're stuck with them. Aftermarket component manufacturers like Dangerboy CNC have come up with a solution to both the strength, durability, and comfort issues with their own replacement levers.

Dangerboy is a small company out of Sidney, B.C. (just north of Victoria) that makes CNC-machined aluminum brake levers and a smattering of other parts. Dangerboy's Hayes and Shimano levers are designed for one- or two-finger braking, and are considerably stiffer than stock levers. They also come in a selection of pretty sweet colours: black, red, blue, and gold.

e.thirteen DRS - A lot of plastic and a little metal Photo: Stuart Kernaghan

e.thirteen DRS Chainguide Not that long ago, we tested the e.thirteen SRS chainguide. It worked very well, but I wasn't thrilled about only having one ring in the front. Thankfully, e.thirteen realizes that some of us ride uphill, and combined the chainguide prowess of the SRS with front derailleur and granny gear friendliness into the Double Ring Security (DRS) guide. The DRS lets you climb in your granny, and then bomb down once you get to the top - without dropping the chain.

Trek Energy Cell EXP 350 Dual It used to be a tough call: water or energy drink in your hydration pack. With Trek's new Energy Cell EXP 350 Dual, however, you don't have to make that decision any more. The hydration system uses two separate bladders - one 100 oz. reservoir and one 70 oz. - allowing you to carry water and energy drink in the same pack. Tubes come out of each bladder and meet at the Blender valve, letting you choose water, energy drink, or a mix of the two. The Energy Cell features unique wide-mouth bladders made of a tough and stiff plastic, the top of which open completely (for those times you forget to rinse out the energy drink bladder after your ride). You'll also find an angled bite valve, an expandable main compartment, and a smaller storage compartment with features like a pump strap, adjustable tool pouch, and key latch. The pack is contoured to let some air flow between it and your back, and is well padded to cushion all that liquid you're going to be carrying.

Trek Energy Cell EXP 350 Dual - Two bladders, one drinking tube Photo: Stuart Kernaghan

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