Best of Vital - January 2014 4

And just like that, it's 2014. We had barely enough time to catch our breath over the holidays, before sinking our teeth into January. Race teams are prepping, there's a trickle of new bikes and gear to discover, and the worldwide MTB media machine is already busy busting out fresh new content to get us all stoked on the upcoming season. So in case you thought January was a good time to take a break, think again. But don't worry, even if you did let a few items slip through the net, Best of Vital has your back. We've rounded up all of what is hot and nothing that is not, and all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

2014 Test Sessions

Last year we started a yearly tradition by rounding up over two dozen of the most exciting trail, all-mountain, and Enduro bikes on the market and flogging them in the desert. We’re back for 2014, and we’re going bigger than ever. Check out the wrap-up here, and stay tuned as the reviews roll in to the tune of 2 or 3 per week.

Caroline Buchanan Blasting Her Downhill Bike

BMX and MTB World Champion, Caroline Buchanan puts her Airborne Pathogen through the paces as she prepares for a season of wide open competition. Bring on more girls who shred in 2014!

Is There Anything Jared Graves Can't Win?

Jared Graves decided a spot of XC would do just fine for his winter Enduro preparation. Winning the Australian Nationals was "unexpected", but frankly, are you all that surprised? Even a broken fork couldn't slow the man down! The rest of the EWS field had best take note of the warning shot.

The White Line Trail - Madness in Sedona

If you're not afraid of heights, you have to make sure your bike isn't either. The Vital MTB Test Sessions crew clung to the cliffs and took their chances on the extreme piece of natural slickrock "trail" known as the White Line in Sedona, Arizona. Blowing the corner is not an option. #faithinbrakes

FOX Freeride Faceoff, Cam McCaul vs. Ronnie Renner in Virgin, UT

Two of the meanest, baddest gunslingers of the west square off in the unforgiving dirt of Virgin Utah. Moto vs. MTB, who will come out on top? One thing is for certain, when two such calibers duel, us simple townfolk had best close our shutters and watch from afar. Yeehaw!

10 Products That Rocked Our World

The Race Face Next SL cranks were one of 10 products that really stood out for us in 2013. Check out the other 9 that made our list here!

Bike Checks

Long, low, slack; and sporting the rad new Emerald fork from DVO, this Zerode G2 nabbed Bike of the Day on January 23. All the Bike Checks can be found HERE, and if you didn't share your bike yet - add it HERE.

You Moved There for Mountain Biking?

Mountain biking is so much more than a hobby, it's a lifestyle. Piotr Szwedowski realized that instead of enabling him to live his dream, the city was merely making him dream his life. He took the big decision, and if you are considering doing the same, his story is sure to inspire you!

14 Things To Be Stoked About for 2014 in Mountain Biking

Inverted forks are just one of 14 things we are really stoked on for 2014. Find out what else made the list here!

ONE LAP Moto Challenge: Austin Warren vs Eliot Jackson

Brap braaaap! The gloves are off in this virtual race around the moto track. Will Austin "Bubba" Warren triumph over Eliot "Only One Lap" Jackson? Vital's Moto day was a good time as always, check out this rad gallery for more on how the MTB boys did on the big boy toys.

Cali Sunset

We love sifting through the many great shots that you, our members submit. Nugs like this Cali Sunset are definitely the cherry on the icing of the cake! It was our daily shot on January 26 (and itwon the weekly photo comp a few days later as well). If you want your shots to be considered too, upload them HERE.

Race Report: DH Action from Round 1 of the 2014 Australian National Series

The Australian race season is in full swing, and the big names in attendance threw down on the fast and dusty track in Adelaide. There's no wonder Australia continues to produce top level racing talent.

Around the Web

Totally awesome stuff we found on the internet...

The World's Fastest Traildog

Kaia even scrubs!

Luke Strobel Breaks the Sound Barrier

You know how they say video slows everything down and makes it look small? Apparently that doesn't apply if you are Luke Strobel.

Is This The Best Mountain Bike Trail Ever?

If it isn't, you HAVE to show us us the one that is.

75 Ways To Crash Your Mountain Bike

Feel like your crashing game is stuck in a rut, same old, same old? Need a little inspiration? Here are 75 new ways to crash your mountain bike, you're sure to find one or two things you can try on your next ride in this one!

World's Sketchiest Double Backflip on a Mountain Bike?

Please don't do this again.

Base Jumping a Bike Off the World's Most Dangerous Road Goes Terribly Wrong

Some ideas seem great at the time. This was never one of those times.

When the White Line Isn't Hard Enough

Simon Bosman and Lars Romig are insane. They take the sketchy and exposed White Line and tack on some serious crux moves that require focus, skill and plenty of faith in equipment. This has to be one of the riskiest descents we've ever seen on a mountain bike.

Remy Metailler Storms Whistler - Again

Apparently, Remy left a few bits of Whistler standing when he made THAT video. Well, he made short work of whatever was left in part 2.

The Legacy of Grafton - From Ghost Town to Mountain Bike Heaven

Join ENVE rider Logan Whitehead as he explores the legend that is Grafton, Utah.

Best of Vital will return next month!