X-Games -The first year, they laughed. The second year, it was down to a soft chuckle. This year, the X-Games should really come into their own, with serious competition, serious athletes, and serious prizes. Mountain biking is somewhat weirdly represented here, with a few extreme events and a winter downhill competition, but that's OK: the ESPN-built contest is about tricks and fun. Norba and Grundig can take care of the sweating.

X-Ray -No, not the Grip Shift product. The machine. The one that you hope and pray will find nothing wrong, and if it does, that your health insurance will cover it. My personal X-Ray frequency is about twice a year. (Ultimate proof of spastication if you get your bones get seen through more than your teeth.)

XTR -Absolutely the best off-road parts on the planet. In every category, Shimano's XTR wipes out the competition for quality, weight, and performance. With much credit to Steve Boehmke, this gruppo put Shimano back on top and put a bunch of small companies out of business