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GIVE IT or GET IT

2023 Gift Guide - Week 2

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Founded in 1913 by William Stanley Jr., Stanley has been there for generations of adventures. Over 100 years later, whether it's your morning coffee or a #flaskfriday ride, Stanley is still keeping your warms warm and your colds cold.


The James Brand Carter XL

By: Pete Roggeman

Knife nerds will tell you that The James Brand is better at marketing than anything else. That you can find more knife for your money. From a utilitarian standpoint, that is true. However, this is a gift guide, and the distinction is important. The best knives 'for the money' can be good-looking, but they're also often very...well, let's use a knife-biz word to sum up their look: tactical. Those of us who don't want to look like soldier wannabes might be interested in something designed from an aesthetics first standpoint. A nice knife makes a special gift, and also a useful one.

Of course, any knife worth its cost must do knifey things like cutting and slicing, and it's got to hold up to a lot of use. I've been carrying a TJB Carter for over two years - every damn day - and it's held up extremely well. I use it to cut zip ties, and to open and break down boxes. I use it out in the yard to cut open bags of soil or to shave wood for kindling. I've used it to cut bread, slice gouda, and spread peanut butter while out hiking or riding (and yes, I carry it riding most of the time). I have pulled it out of my pocket before and used it as a steak knife. Lots of use, lots of sharpening, still does what knives are supposed to do. There are knives that cost less that also do those things, but most of them don't look this good, nor do they come in a nice wooden box, with a felt slip in case you want to carry it in a pocket with other sharp, hard objects. It's a great gift knife for a special occasion kind of gift.

The James Brand recently released the Carter XL and I was curious about whether it was a better blade for my purposes or whether the smaller, OG size was preferable. Both have the same slide-lock mechanism, G10 or Micarta scale options, deep-carry, reversible clip, and drop point blade. But the regular Carter has a blade length of 2.8" (7.0 cm) and overall length of 6.5" (16.7 cm) whereas the Carter XL's blade measures 3.3" (8.4 cm) with a total length of 7.8" (19.8 cm). My older, well-used Carter has G10 scales, which grip well and have weathered nicely, but I love the cloth-like feeling of the Micarta scales which came on the Carter XL more as time goes on. Size-wise, the smaller Carter does everything I need, although both sizes disappear nicely in a front pants pocket. Buy the smaller one for EDC unless you work outside or spend a lot of time camping or in the bush, in which case I think the Carter XL's extra size will serve you better.

The James Brand Carter & Carter XL - from 179 CAD / 139 USD

Stanley Classic Perfect-Brew Pour Over Set

By: Pete Roggeman

There are lots of ways to make coffee at home or on the go, but in my opinion, the pour over is still the tastiest. This stainless-steel coffee making setup from Stanley includes a stainless steel filter and a matching Camp Mug. No paper filters needed. I haven't used one yet, but have one on the way, and think it's a great gift for the camper, traveler, or for the cabin.

This is a gift guide, which by its nature is an exercise in capitalism and consumerism, so the risk of hypocrisy lingers like a rain cloud over Deep Cove. However, when you do need to buy something new, the best choice is the one that's built to last. One of the reasons for Stanley's enduring success is that their stuff is built to last - who doesn't have memories of hammertone green thermoses and lunchboxes? Stanley backs up their products with their Built For Life Lifetime Warranty.

Like a lot of brands, Stanley has a sustainability page on their website. I clicked on theirs and hunted around a bit, and was pleased to see they've published Impact Reports dating back to 2019 and have instituted policies and goals aimed at being better corporate citizens including the eradication of one of my pet peeves - poly bags - in 2021. I'll just leave a link so you can read more for yourself: sustainability at Stanley.

Stanley Classic Perfect-Brew Pour Over Set: 59 CAD (currently 44.25) / 45 USD (currently 33.75)

goodyear newton tires Deniz Merdano Tim Coleman

The Mission Workshop jersey and shorts are expensive, but I've been riding in them 3-4 days a week for months, I'm still impressed, and they still look fantastic.

Mission Workshop Jersey and Shorts

By: Tim Coleman

It's been a couple months since I received the shorts and jersey from Mission Workshop. At $225 for the jersey and $285 for the shorts they're expensive pieces of kit, and I initially doubted if they'd be worth the money. I wrote about them back in August, and since then they've continued to impress. It's been my favourite riding kit since getting them, and been riding in them 3-4 days a week since. With a ton of use in a variety of conditions, both the shorts and jersey look as good as new. Even after 3-4 rides the jersey doesn't stink. So if you're looking to spoil someone with a jersey or shorts they're going to love wearing, I highly recommend the Mission Workshop Pro Tech Tee and Traverse Shorts.

Mission Workshop Pro Tech Tee: $225

Mission Workshop Traverse Short: $285

Bontrager Ion Pro RT NSMB Andrew Major

Ion Pro RT lights in action. One of these is five years old and still going strong and they're what I'd buy as a replacement in any event.

Night Ride Crash Test Kevin NSMB Andrew Major

My brother, Crash Test Kevin, has a pair of them too. I always recommend two lights for the redundancy regardless.

Trek Commuter Pro RT Light NSMB Andrew Major (5)

I much prefer the light-colour and simplicity of the Ion Pro RT over the more expensive Trek Commuter Pro RT.

Trek & Bontrager Ion Pro RT Light

By: Andrew Major

The only things that have changed about Trek's self-contained Ion Pro RT front light since it was released in 2018 are the branding and the price. What started life as the Bontrager Ion Pro RT five falls ago has very recently been rebranded the Trek Ion Pro RT. The price has also increased from 100 USD to 140 USD, unless you're happy to grab one of the remaining Bontrager-branded units, in which case it will run you 125 USD. Either way, it's an excellent value.

The light's colour works well on dank, dark, dreary forest adventures and the high setting's 1300 lumen output for 1.5 hours is still impressive for the size of the packaging. Also, the first unit I reviewed is still going strong after five years of action twice a week for 5-6 months of the year mountain biking in all weather. In addition to the few examples that The Clairebarian and I own, I recommend these lights regularly with zero negative feedback to date. Great in the pack for when n afternoon adventure unexpectantly becomes an after-dark adventure and also a nice relatively affordable option for night riding in general.

Expectations-wise, you're probably not going to keep up to Brett Tippie riding big bikes down DH trails in the middle of the night. For that sort of eventide Enduro, I'd suggest NiteRider's Pro systems. But a pair of Ion Pro RT lights, and good light management, are bright enough to tackle all sorts of janky North Shore classics and the resilience and durability of the simple self-contained setup are my go-to.

Current Trek Ion Pro RT front light. 185 CAD / 140 USD

Discounted Bontrager Ion Pro RT front light. 165 CAD / 125 USD

Highly recommended GoPro-mount for helmet-mount attachment. 13 CAD / 10 USD

9Point8 Digit 2 ReMote NSMB Andrew Major (2)

I prefer a hinged 22.2mm handlebar clamp, but the Digit 2.0 is also available in a range of integrated brake-lever attachment options.

9Point8 Digit 2 ReMote NSMB Andrew Major (1)

One really nice remote, version 2.0. The actuator is long, the captured interface with the remote body is stiff, and the cartridge bearing is smooth.

9Point8 Digit 2.0 Remote

By: Andrew Major

It's long, it's strong, it's stiff, and it's CanCon (Canadian content). Don't be surprised that the Digit 2.0 dropper post remote looks similar to the beefed-up, and also excellent, Wolf Tooth ReMote Pro. 9Point8 manufactures it under an agreement with the Minnesota-based component company.

There are plenty of great options for dropper remotes on the market these days, but a lot of bikes still ship with options that range from loathsome to middling. A nice remote can significantly improve the feel and function of a budget-friendlier dropper post the same way a shifter upgrade has an outsized effect on a lower-level drivetrain.

The Digit 2.0 Remote lever slots into the body eliminating up-down play and the whole system spins beautifully on a sealed cartridge bearing. I'd highly recommend it either as a partner for 9Point8's own Fall Line dropper post or with any other post.

The 9Point8 Digit 2.0 Dropper Remote is 97 CAD / 69 USD in a range of mounting options.

carhartt toolroll

Carhartt 18 Pocket Utility Roll

By: Deniz Merdano

The Carhartt 18-pocket Utility Roll is the perfect example of timely targeted ads doing their magic on me. Right place, the right algorithm and I was presented with an amazon link to this $30 canvas roll. Is it perfect? Heck no. Is it cheap? Damn straight! Sure, you can go to the thrift store and get yourself some size 42 jeans and chop and sew them into a sweet tool roll (I just might do that) but this Carhartt unit has served me well the past few years.

I went through a few combinations of tools and arrangements but at the end it doesn't really matter. It gets rolled up and tossed into the car or van for road trips alongside an old briefcase that contains tackle boxes full of spares and parts. It really is the best way to make repairs on the go. I actually leave it on top of my Mastercraft tool bench at home - rolled open - and use it constantly. It's durable, cheap, and it owes me nothing. Sure, there are nicer ones out there like these fancy ones from Evoc but I like my cheap Carhartt and will pass it on to someone or forget it somewhere when I am done with it.

Two pockets on the end keep some less used tools like the Shimano bleed cup and chain breaker and small items in a ziploc bag.

I will eventually replace the bulkier tools with more compact, roadtrip versions. But in the meantime, we got this thing, and it is not going anywhere.

Carhartt 18 Pocket Utility Roll: 39 CAD / 25 USD

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Comments

Vikb
+4 Andrew Major humdishum Niels van Kampenhout ohio

One nice feature with the WT remote is the breakaway plastic mount. I assume the 9.8 version has it as well. Bad crash and $7CAD later your fancy dropper remote is working fine again.

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AndrewMajor
+1 Vik Banerjee

You mean the axle/axle pivot? 

9point8 does sell it as a separate part as well. Haven’t broken one on any of my ReMotes so it’s a feature that’s out of mind for me. Good shout-out!

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0513/7232/7063/files/0000-1283_R01_Digit2_Installation_Manual_COMBINED_90x115.pdf?v=1687531331

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Vikb
+1 Andrew Major

Yes. I broke one and thought my $$ remote was busted. My LBS took a look at my bike and handed me the $7 part. I was very happy.

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humdishum
+1 Andrew Major

I thought the Digit 2.0 looked very familiar haha!

Having tried a few, I really wanted to prefer the WolfTooth LA remote that I bought last year, but after installing a OneUp V3 for my hardtail, I've been trying to justify getting another one for my FSFS (full-suspension favorite steed) bike. The WTLA works well and I like the fact that it's made in the US, but the little rubber pad, shape and sturdy feeling of the OneUp V3 won me over. Plus I can place it exactly where I want it, with the perfect angle for my hand.

The 20% sale almost got me one in the mail, but I resisted. Now that you brought it up (did you?), I might just get one and install the WT on my fat bike.

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AndrewMajor
+1 humdishum

My daughter would agree with you that the OneUp V3 is the best remote on the market. It has a rubber pad, that’s BLUE!!!! Hahaha.

There’s nothing wrong with the V3 remote (such an improvement over V2!) and there are lots of good options on the market. 

I’m sticking with the Wolf Tooth ReMote Pro or Digit 2.0. It’s not a huge amount more money for a MUSA/MCAN product and they’re wonderfully made and I love the light action.

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humdishum
+1 Andrew Major

Haha! Kids speak the truth! I might just try sticking a small piece of rubber (OneUp's own?) on my WT lever and see if I like that. It works great indeed and I like the breakaway plastic piece. Plus it fits with my WT headset and seat collar!

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AndrewMajor
0

Hahaha, yeah she claims she can tell the comfort difference even with gloves. Who am I to argue? She certainly has less thumb strength/leverage.

I’m quite happy just pushing on a machined lever, but no reason you can’t 3M tape on a pad.

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craw
+3 Cooper Quinn Andrew Major Skooks

The OneUp remote pad also comes in purple but that's not quite lilac, is it?

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AndrewMajor
+1 BarryW

Hahaha. Cosmic Lilac. And no, it’s not.

Plus, if you’re going to go purple-purple then it has to be anodized right?! So rubber is out anyway.

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grcgrc
+1 Pete Roggeman

I have not been able to keep a Trek Ion Pro RT going for as long as Mr Major, but they have warranted it every time that I have had an issue. I think I am on my third light in six years. So no complaints there at all. My NiteRider battery died after a couple of years. Looked at a new battery or an Outbound light at the same cost. So I went with the Outbound light. I am not disappointed. Although I have not had the opportunity to take my Outbound light out to the trails yet, my first week commuting with it kept me searching behind me for a car. So bright. 

The remnants of the NiteRider ended up in Our Community Bikes. Maybe someone will fix the battery.

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kos
0

I want a James, or James-adjacent, knife that includes a bottle opener on the upper, rear portion of the blade.

Impossible to find.

Please prove me wrong, NSMB Hive!

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pete@nsmb.com
+1 Kos BarryW Kelownakona

The challenge with that - if I'm understanding you correctly - is that the shaping for the bottle opener will interfere with your grip if your fingers are on that part of the blade for leverage. On a folder, it would also protrude and snag on your pocket, or on things within it.

I also can generally find something around me to open a bottle, like the edge of a lighter (or hard-edged counter or table that won't chip), the cleat hook of an SPD pedal, or with a bit of practice you can use one cap to pry off another. The recent prevalence of cans for good beers means bottles have become less common in my world.

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kos
0

Duluth Trading makes a not very fancy little one that would suit me perfectly, except for the always exposed pry on the butt end, which I assume would wear through pockets like a hot knife through butter:

https://www.duluthtrading.com/duluth-pocket-warrior-3-in-1-80060.html?&srccode=GPSMART&ogmap=PLA%7CNB%7CGOOG%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C20768012558%7C161222459928&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5oqS2vfIggMVQzStBh3viAmpEAQYAyABEgKps_D_BwE

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Bikeryder85
0

Emerson knives has the wave, which is a hook used to manually open the knife when you pull it out of your pocket. It may be possible to use it as a bottle opener, I don't have any personal experience with them because I think they're ugly as sin, but they are quality knives. Kershaw made a few with the design licensed as well I believe. And as always, check local knife laws before purchasing

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DadStillRides
+3 Andrew Major Pete Roggeman Kos

Not exactly what you're looking for, but I have a Leatherman skelatool that has a bottle opener. It's pretty minimalistic as far as multi tools go, but I mostly just use it for camping and ski touring.

For daily carry my $50 Kershaw has been great and wedding ring handles any bottle opening needs.

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AndrewMajor
0 Konrad Kelownakona

I love my Skeletool. Pretty great as a knife. Handy as a screw driver. Pliers work. And, of course, it’s a fantastic bottle opener.

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Kelownakona
0

I know loads of people like them but I can't get on with them. I find every tool a pain to use. You're better getting a lighter , better pocket knife with a suitable steel for what you need (Leathermans 420 is extremely brittle for most outdoor use) and a pair of small pliers with cutter from tool store that cost about 5 dollars.

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pete@nsmb.com
+1 Kelownakona

Skeletools rule. Someone rifled through my car awhile back and that's all they got. Damnit.

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Kelownakona
+1 Kos

Spot on regarding James Brand. Check out their Elko then look at Whitby Sprint. Same catalogue knife same steel. Marketing and branding adds 5x cost!

There's loads of knives with bottle openers built into design. SOG used to do one, Kershaw Shuffle , CRKT Bev-Edge, 

and something different look at the CRKT Dually. Its a friction folder with bottle opener into design. Or classic Victorinox do some designs where you just get blade and bottle opener, plus it triples as a pry and a screwdriver. SAK Army 2 maybe - look at Alox version. Or more premium but same idea - Benchmade Weekender, Civivi Crit, Fox Vulpis range .

Steels are cheaper on some of those  than VG10 , but I've got knives in 3G (Fällkniven) , N690Co, D2 , S30, and tbh having a steel on a knife you take into the field that is easy to sharpen is a big plus. Putting an edge on some of those takes a bit of know-how.

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kos
0

Thanks for the leads on simple knives that include a simple bottle opener. One of those should do me fine.

Now I just have to avoid going down the internet black hole of analysis paralysis!

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Kelownakona
+1 Kos

No prob- I have a few if you want any more info. Sorry post was really wordy!!

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tashi
+1 Spencer Nelson

If there's a non rounded edge somewhere on it, any knife has a bottle opener using the lighter technique.

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Bikeryder85
-1 Kelownakona

For an alternate to the James brand knife...take a look at the Giant Mouse ACE Sonoma. $195usd (micarta) with elmax steel, a slim profile, and a great grind. Also available with a titanium(!) handle.

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pete@nsmb.com
0

Yeah, that's a beauty!

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