Product of the Year - Dirt Rider Magazine

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<p>If 2010 was a bit of a dud in outright new product introductions that knocked our moto socks right off, maybe our pick is a predictor for the future? Nevertheless, we looked back at the decade to see what was hot, innovative and driving the progression of dirt bike products, gear and parts. Dig in for a dirty history lesson.<br />
<h2>Best Product Of 2010</h2>
<h3>OSET Electric Trials Bike</h3>
<p>The tiny OSET electric trials bike qualifies as a product, as much as a bike, mainly because it is a stepping stone to introduce new, young riders to the sport we all love. This kid’s bike teaches balance, throttle control (with a dad-governable throttle adjustment), brake use and develops the skill of riding while standing up. The bike is quiet, so Junior’s riding area is as close as the backyard, nearest park or dirt lot (or living room, if you live your life like a frat house movie), it’s light enough that they can likely pick it up themselves, doesn’t have any hot parts to burn the little one and it’s tough so it will keep on ticking after that digger. There’s no gas to spill, and it currently comes in two sizes (12.5-inch and 16-inch wheels), three prices ($949, $1,149 and $1,349) to accommodate a wider range of kids’ sizes and skill levels. The name of the game with this bike is precision, control and mostly fun! It’s a great learning and training tool that lays a great foundation from which to develop a fast and talented rider. <a href="" rel=”nofollow” onclick="javascript:window.open(

www.osetbikes.com

Editor’s Picks

Jimmy Lewis: GYTR Yamaha YZ450F Power Tuner

FI is new and so was the 2010 Yamaha YZ450F. But from the conception of the machine Yamaha product planners decided the ability to tune the motor should be as easy as jetting has been in the past. OK, as easy as jetting was perceived to be. Turned over to sharp software engineers and some others who know the symbiotic relationship between being useful and not too complex, Yamaha nailed the palm-sized FI tuner on the first shot. Plug and play, it is like having 50 different pipes all for $280, and without the burned fingers.

Karel Kramer: Master Lock Hitch Safe

The product giving me the most peace of mind for the year is the Master Lock Hitch Safe. This is a locking hitch pin to hold a drawbar in your ride’s Class 3 hitch. Opposite the actual keyed pin lock is a dangling metal container capped with a lockable door. You easily set whatever four-digit combination you like, and change it whenever you want. Lock the pin through your hitch, toss your keys in and ride in confidence that your truck keys are secure. A slip-fit rubber cover keeps the unit quiet and the elements out. Dirt riders, surfers and bicyclists will all love this thing!

Pete Peterson: Fly Racing Quick-Fit Hydropack

When I trail ride I hate to carry heavy things that never come in handy like tools, food, water… I’d rather take a Karel Kramer and trust that he comes prepared. He did, and asked me to wear the straps-to-any-chest-protector Fly Hydropack “for photos.” Yeah, right, Kramer. But the two additional straps that connect the bottom of the pack to the underarm area of the front chest protector plate make carrying a heavy load actually comfortable. The chest protector will ride normally without riding up toward your neck, and the pack actually uses the protector’s pads to spread the load-way better than two straps. And to make the day perfect, Karel really did take some photos of me!

Chris Denison: Fox Proframe LC

I don’t consider myself to be an overly picky person, but when it comes to chest protection I am a total stickler about what I feel is the appropriate balance of comfort, movement, cooling and protection. I still don’t believe that the perfect chest protector exists (at least, not yet), but the new Proframe LC from Fox is as close to flawless as anything I’ve ever worn. Comfortable, low profile and perfectly positioned on the protection scale, the Proframe LC has rocketed its way to the top of my list of favorite roost guards and is now a mandatory item in my gear bag. I applaud Fox for doing its homework as far as function and comfort go, and I predict this $99.95 guard will convert a lot of jersey-only racers into full-coverage believers.

Lindsey Lovell: Troy Lee Designs Women’s Gear

While I’m not a fan of all-black riding gear, TLD caught my eye with its 2010 women’s lineup which features the GP-style riding gear in black/gold. If you own the riding skills and can hide your ponytail in your helmet, you may confuse a few dudes at the track with this dark set of gear. This is the coolest, non-girly-looking women’s gear I have seen so far. I have even spotted a few male riders rockin’ the lid at the track and at MiniMotoSX. And if you’re feeling a little more girly, it’s all available in a white/purple colorway.