ProTaper 1 1/2-Inch Tie Down

Ingenious products are few and far between in the securing and transporting sector of dirt riding. But that hasn't stopped some from trying to build a better mousetrap.

ProTaper comes into the tiedown game prepared to do things right. A welcome addition for me (unlike the numerous locking/chocking and clicking contraptions I've seen), the new ProTaper 1 1/2-inch Tie Down improves upon older designs in just the right places.

First, the swiveling ball-bearing carabiner on the truck end is brilliant. If you have any sort of compulsive behavior to your load routine, you'll love the secure snap as it locks in place and will go absolutely giddy as the straps automatically straighten. No more twisted tiedowns-a pet peeve I'm happy to lose.

Next up is the securing strap. A simple hook-and-loop strap is sewn into the loose end of the tiedown (the one you pull to tighten). After securing the bike, fold loose excess strapping and secure it in place with the little strap. No more tiedowns slapping my bike or back window of my truck: nice!

The loose ends don't secure themselves, so you have to take time to gather them up and lock 'em down. But once you do, they will slide up and down with the tightening and loosening of the strap three or four times before you have to rebundle and secure. That's much nicer than tying knots every time.

The $34.99 per pair ProTaper Tie Downs are new-school extra wide (hence the 1 1/2-inch name), so they're plenty stout. After living in the back of my truck for months they're still operating like new. For five bucks more than the closest competition, the benefits they deliver are worth it.

The bottom line: When I loan out tiedowns to my slacker riding buddies, they definitely don't get the ProTaper set! -Jesse Ziegler