Great article, very thorough. I'd like to point out a distinction that doesn't show up in any professional reviews, but which has affected thousands of SRAM customers. SRAM, and perhaps other brands, often use different specifications for OEM brakes compared to the aftermarket sets sold separately. In the Guide line, these cheaper parts in the lever actuators failed MASSIVELY, leaving thousands of customers at the mercy of their respective shops' warranty processes. Some riders reported that their LBS swapped the levers immediately, allowing the customer to keep riding while the shop dealt with the SRAM warranty department. In my case, I dealt with the original bike seller, Jenson, who required their customers to remove and ship the entire brake assembly to Riverside CA. Then Jenson reported that SRAM was backed up and out of the replacement parts for months. Eventually, my levers were re-conditioned with replacement parts and returned to me. I had to deal with re-installing and bleeding the rear. I am partly to blame for using mail-order rather than LBS. However, SRAM was little more than indifferent in admitting these brakes are not the same as the aftermarket versions. My point in this long post is to warn fellow riders that OEM parts are not always the same as what the professional reviewers are provided to test, and the value of an LBS over mail order. Thanks.

I have a SB 75 and SB 4.5, definitely a Tribe guy. I was disappointed in Yeti's choice to go with the Boost 148/110 spec on their newest models, but after riding it I'm not so sure. I feel a tangible improvement with the Boost hub spacing on the 4.5. Placebo effect, or real? What's your opinion?

Tracy's 8th championship. Worth mentioning.

Great news about Bas'. Props to all who pitched in.

If sponsors and mfrs' policies need to change regarding rider safety, how about this, and other magazines' editorial policies? Look at the number of articles that celebrate very risky riding styles to see what I mean.

If you want to make sponsors and mfrs responsible for rider safety, expect mandatory safety equipment rules and typical corporate CYA policies to be imposed at all events. How many Rampage riders were wearing horse collars and spine braces? Few.

I'm still amazed at the disproportionate response to Bas' injury compared to Will Olsen's death in August. I suppose the presence of a corporate villain makes all the difference.

Will Olsen was killed in early August at the Crested Butte EWS. There was much sadness and compassion expressed throughout the MTB community, but not the outrage that is following Bas' injury. What's the difference? More money? Hardly. Lower risk? Hardly. The absence of a hi-def video of the incident? Perhaps.