Bontrager: Headstrong and Sure-Footed

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by Austen Schlecht
Castle Rock (CO) Police Department

Police cyclists ride at all hours of the day or night and in any and all weather conditions. It is important that we have strong head protection and are sure of foot. Over the last several months, I have tested several products from Bontrager: their Quantum MIPS Helmet, Chaussure Shoe, and Pro Line Pedal. Let’s work our way from head to toe.

Quantum Helmet

The Quantum helmet is a lightweight, comfortable, MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)-equipped helmet. It is well-ventilated, fully adjustable with a twist ratchet system, and has several retro-reflective stickers on the back to help you be seen by motorists approaching from the rear. The visor is adequate at keeping the sun and headlights out of your eyes; however, I did not find it easy to remove if desired.

My two favorite features of the helmet were the reflective stickers and the size adjustability. As officers tend to coif* their hair high and tight, I found the helmet would accommodate either a protective sun cap or thermal beanie underneath, both of which I used. My least favorite feature of the helmet was it seemed to be shaped for a narrower head. Despite having a shaved head and the adjustable ratchet system, the helmet still felt snug; even snugger with each additional layer.

*There are several ways to spell this French-derived word related to hair styles. Coincidentally, it is also a mountain biking term. Per the Urban Dictionary: While riding a trail, mostly up a steep incline, a rider decides not to maintain their speed, but rather allow their momentum to barely carry them over the apex, forcing the person following to either stop, eat their back tire, or in extreme cases, fly over their bars like superman.

Chaussure Shoe

Immediately upon opening the shoe box and peeling the tissue paper back, I was greeted by matte black riding shoes with red accents and bright red laces. The shoes have a very rigid and rugged sole that pairs wonderfully with the accompanying Bontrager Pro Line Pedals.

The sole is “sticky” enough to absorb the pedal spikes yet was also comfortable for walking. However, they seemed to run small. The tag denotes a US 12; however, to me, they felt nearly a full size smaller.

The shoes are great for cool to cold weather, but conversely, they tended to feel quite warm in the heat. They kept my feet dry and warm through several thunderstorms.

What I like the most about these shoes is that the sole is hardy enough to endure the constant poking and prodding of pedal spikes but suffer little to no visible effects. My least favorite features are how hot they are for summer riding and the bright red laces/accents. The laces were a quick fix, but the accents were more suited for fire departments and/or EMS.

Pro Line Pedals

I picked up the Pro Line Pedals out of the delivery box and immediately realized I was dealing with a high quality product. There was a substantial heft to the package both pedals were packaged together – obviously.

The platform spikes not only caught my attention, they caught the soft pad of my fingertips. I was intrigued. I installed the pedals as easily as any OEM pedal and took them for a spin. From the first pedal stroke they spoke to me with authority – I was sure-footed. It felt as though the pedals were pulling my foot down onto the pedal rather than me pushing down. No matter how I twisted my foot or changed the angle at which my foot contacted the pedal, I felt efficient power delivery throughout the pedal stroke. The platform spikes felt equally effective in the rain and snow as they did in the dry and hot weather.

My favorite feature of these pedals is the platform spikes. They give me such an incredibly sure-footed feeling – as long as I have a single atom of contact between my shoe and the pedal, I know I will be able to deliver power.

My least favorite feature of these pedals is the platform spikes (wait, what???). In full disclosure (and cops do not like to admit when they are in error) the problem I had with the pedals was user error. I foolishly made the mistake of lightly brushing the back of my leg against the pedal, and it left its mark like a cheese grater on Tillamook cheddar.

On a second occasion – and this one was nearly a religious experience – I exercised the freewheel of the rear cassette and spun the pedals backward to reposition my feet. What I failed to do was get my foot in the proper position to catch the approaching pedal. As a result, the platform spikes found purchase in my shin. All I can say is that these pedals offer exceptional grip – even on loose flesh and blood-covered surfaces!

Overall I really like the quality and effectiveness of the Bontrager equipment: the Quantum helmet is lightweight and reflective, the Chaussure shoes are durable and warm, and the Pro Line pedals provide the best grip I have ever felt from pedals – I’ll probably buy a pair for my commuter bike (as well as shin guards). Enjoy the ride!

Austen is a member of the Castle Rock Police Department Community Partnership Unit. In his role, Austen has developed several free-to-the-community outreach programs, including Dirt Jumps and Donuts, Splashmob, and Adaptability Cycling – an adaptive cycling program for special needs adults. He not only rides year-round for work, but commutes by bike year-round as well. Lately Austen has taken a keen interest in treating shin/calf abrasions. He can be reached at aschlecht@crgov.com.

Photos courtesy Austen Schlecht.

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