Latest Product Reviews

Launched back in December of 2021, the Orbea Rise H made its grand debut as the aluminum alternative to the carbon Rise M. Following Orbea’s lightweight e-bike philosophy with Shimano EP8 RS motor, the Rise H features the same 140mm of travel and identical geometry to its carbon counterpart but makes use of a bigger battery. Since the release, we have had the privilege to spin the Rise H10 through various terrain and weather conditions to conclude a long-term review. Highlights Aluminum frame

The world of e-bikes feels like it has been in an arms race these past couple of years. New models tout larger batteries and more powerful motors. Additionally, more electronic integrations, displays, and gadgets. This has left the world of lighter e-bikes in the hands of only a few players. Today, Trek does an about-face and offers the Fuel EXe - a 40-pound e-bike that to us, represents a new wave of eMTB. Highlights OCLV Carbon frame 29-inch wheels (mixed-wheel compatible) 140mm (5.5-inches)

At the first World Cup of 2022 in Lourdes, France, the Specialized Gravity Team was spotted sporting some all-new Specialized tires. Having unapologetically raced with blacked-out tires in the past, it was no secret that Specialized lacked a true downhill tire designed to meet the needs of their top athletes. After embarking on a long road of development, rider feedback, and tire evolution, they eventually arrived at their latest creation, the Cannibal. Intended to withstand the speed, intensity

With every bike brand launching an eMTB over the past few years, manufacturers are taking a few angles when developing their electric machines. Some modify existing models to accommodate a motor, while others start from scratch with a completely new design. Some are going for the ‘more is better’ approach and jamming the biggest battery they can fit into their bike, while others are going for the ‘rides like a mountain bike’ approach and shooting for the lowest weight possible. Eminent Cycles

For every two new eMTBs that hit the market, one new short-travel bike seems to be introduced to keep the scales of our industry balanced. Depending on the brand, the intended use of these tiny rocket ships varies drastically. When YT launched the IZZO in 2020, we expected the 130mm travel bike to flaunt slack geometry, burly components, and prioritize hauling ass downhill. After all, when YT launched their Jeffsy “trail bike,” it turned out to be as capable as most brands’ enduro bikes. While

Jaded by years of analyzing mountain bikes claiming to reinvent the wheel, it’s not often we (Vital editors) find ourselves jaw dropped over a new bike. But when Scott launched their reimagined Spark last year, we could not stop admiring its futuristic design and next-level integration. And before you rush to the comments, we know the design mirrors countless similarities to frames from Scott-owned Bold Cycles. We daydream about their bikes, too. What makes the new Spark so exciting is Scott’s

Colorado-based Alchemy Bikes have been producing premium carbon and titanium frames since 2008. Last year, they introduced the Arktos 120, designed to be the perfect short-travel weapon that motors up climbs and promotes aggressive riding on the way back down. Utilizing Alchemy’s patented Sine Suspension system with only 120mm of rear-wheel travel matched with a 130mm fork, the Arktos 120 isn’t exactly a trail bike or a cross country bike. However, skimming over the component spec and geometry

As the first carbon bike to roll out of Ibis’ Santa Cruz, California facility, the Exie is a drool-worthy machine representing a commitment to developing the lightest, strongest, and most capable short-travel bike possible. The Exie may appear to be just another featherweight cross country bike, but with relaxed geometry that promotes stability and confidence, it refuses to be reduced to a one-trick pony. Tested as part of our Short Travel Test Session, the Exie was the lightest bike in the