PNW Components Loam Dropper Gen 2 Seatpost
Overall Review
We’ve been big fans of the original PNW Components Loam dropper ever since it was first introduced in 2020. Adjustable, affordable, and reliable, it has always had a lot going for it. Five years down the line, and PNW figured they could do even better – meet the Loam Gen 2. We've had a test sample out on the trails for a couple of months now, here's what we think of it. PNW Components Loam Gen 2 Dropper Highlights PNW Dual-Chamber Sealed Cartridge Internal cable routing DIAMETERS: 30.9mm, 31
PNW Components Loam Dropper Gen 2 Seatpost
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HUNT Enduro V3 Wheelset
Overall Review
HUNT had a proper task at hand when they developed their latest Enduro V3 alloy wheels. How do you build on a tried-and-true wheel like the Enduro Wide V2? It’s actually pretty easy from the consumer perspective: make it even more durable while keeping it affordable. And that’s just what HUNT did. The Enduro V3 maintains a competitive $705 price tag and is HUNT’s strongest alloy wheelset to date—a claim that we took pleasure in substantiating over the past six months. Highlights G609 aluminum
HUNT Enduro V3 Wheelset
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SQlab 6OX Ergowave Active 2.2 Saddle
Vital Review
Sit Your Way: SQlab 6OX 2.2 Ergowave
Overall Review
The SQlab saddle line-up has always been shaped by ergonomics and rider comfort, as this is very much a science-first company that puts a lot of research behind its products. One aspect that has almost defined an SQlab saddle design is the long nose, there to give you more room to move forward on the saddle during steep climbs. Many SQlab riders have apparently been asking for versions with a shorter nose however, better suited for more aggressive riding disciplines that demand more freedom of
SQlab 6OX Ergowave Active 2.2 Saddle
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Hope Technology EVO GR4 Brakes
Overall Review
When Hope dropped the Tech 4 brake some three and a half years ago now, we were impressed. So impressed, in fact, that we awarded it Product of the Year for 2022 . Since then, we’ve been running multiple pairs of these brakes on several different bikes, and we’ve remained impressed – this is clearly still one of the benchmark products in the MTB braking world. For 2025 however, Hope decided that an evolution was due, and in true Hope fashion, they racked their brains for a new name and came up
Hope Technology EVO GR4 Brakes
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2025 Propain Sresh SL SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission E-Bike
Overall Review
If you're an aggressive rider chasing a non-motorized e-bike ride feel that prioritizes downhill handling and performance, look no further than the Propain Sresh SL. Vital has spent the last few months aboard a burly, custom-spec'd build of this lightweight eMTB and our experience has been eye-opening. Highlights High modulus blend full-carbon frame 150mm rear travel, 160mm front travel (Propain offers 170mm fork options in their configurator) PRO10 suspension platform with 25% progression
2025 Propain Sresh SL SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission E-Bike
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2025 Orbea Wild M-LTD E-Bike
Overall Review
Orbea depicts Wild as the “yes” machine, an enduro eMTB without compromises. An acclaimed favorite in the full-power eMTB category since its reinvention in 2022, the Wild now receives updates that focus on refinement rather than reinvention: more rear suspension travel with mullet compatibility, Bosch’s updated CX Performance motor, and a larger-capacity battery option. We spent a full season of shredding on the new Wild to see if it still stacks up to the fanfare in a category evolving at race
2025 Orbea Wild M-LTD E-Bike
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Intense Primer Frame
Overall Review
The trail bike category is probably where most people go shopping for a Goldilocks do-it-all bike, although the same could be said for the enduro category. With 150mm of travel and a generally light build, the Primer is Intense’s answer for those looking to cover some miles and enjoy themselves on the way down. The Primer was quietly updated for 2025, and we’ve had this new version out on the trails for about a month to help you figure out what it is and what it isn’t. 2025 Intense Primer 29
Intense Primer Frame
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ODI Vans V2.1 Lock-On Grip
The Good
Vans tan waffle sole grip. Major nostalgia.
The Bad
Nothing noticeable. They're a grip. They grip. With gloves on they feel normal
Overall Review
No hyper aggressive ridges or nubs on the palm side. The finger side pattern has a little more bite for pulling up on the bars so fingers don't slip on a hard tug. Not skinny. Not as medium thick as most mediums though. Look dead sexy on the bike.
ODI Vans V2.1 Lock-On Grip
Galfer SB002 - +20mm RELOCATION BRACKET
Overall Review
Icouldn’t get these to fit my Code calipers on my 200mm rotors, on 180 pm frame. The angle of the caliper is wrong. The front of the caliper sits too high, with the pads sticking up above the rotor. The back sits too low, with the rotor touching the top of the caliper “bridge” that connects the left and right halves of the caliper. They are very different in shape from SRAM’s 4 bolt adapters.
Galfer SB002 - +20mm RELOCATION BRACKET
2025 Propain Ekano 2 AL SRAM GX Eagle Transmission E-Bike
The Good
https://youtu.be/hsXrDTuflVM?si=z43VpVZkSfi7oe3H
The geometry of this bike combined with the ohlins in my build makes this bike the most confidence inspiring thing I’ve ever ridden. Above is a first impress video from my alloy build.
The Bad
I can already see that the complaints of battery life are pretty accurate.
Overall Review
Overall after about 4 hours on the bike I feel completely at home. Correct suspension setup of course is everything and this thing feels dialed. For me, the motor is an uplift. And it does a great job doing just that. Propain makes bad ass bikes and this is no exception.
2025 Propain Ekano 2 AL SRAM GX Eagle Transmission E-Bike
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