2021 Niner WFO 9 RDO 4-Star Shimano XT Bike
Vital Review
Product Review - 2021 Niner WFO 9 RDO
Overall Review
Niner's WFO name has been notably absent from the line and riders have been asking for its return. Happy to oblige, Niner has revived the WFO in the form of a 170mm travel 29er built upon its current RDO carbon frame. Everything mountain bikers have come to expect from long-travel bikes is present - a 180mm FOX 38 fork, FOX X2 rear shock, 200mm rotors, and meaty tires are mounted on all five builds. Vital had two testers give the new Niner WFO a go. Let's get into our initial impressions
2021 Niner WFO 9 RDO 4-Star Shimano XT Bike
5
Vital Rating:
2021 Marin Alpine Trail E2 E-Bike
Vital Review
5 Stars - Marin Alpine Trail E2
Overall Review
Should we just cut to the chase? If you’re looking for a solid, playful eMTB that won’t break the bank (well by e-bike standards of course), Marin’s Alpine Trail E2, should be at the very top of your shopping list. At $6,299, the alloy-framed, mixed-wheel-size E2 features Shimano’s EP8 drive system, FOX 38 Performance Elite fork with 160mm of travel, DHX2 Performance Elite coil shock for 150mm of travel out back, and Shimano XT/SLX 12-speed drivetrain paired with powerful SLX 4-piston disc
2021 Marin Alpine Trail E2 E-Bike
2
10
Vital Rating:
OneUp Components EDC Threadless Carrier
Overall Review
Storing tools in the cockpit seems like a pretty straightforward thing, but there’s a lot going on in this area of the bike and the good old starnut has been getting in the way of progress here. OneUp Components’ “Every Day Carry” or “EDC” system has been around for a good few years already by now, and it’s gone through several different iterations in that time. The first version required you to tap out a thread in the steerer tube of your fork, which was in fact a very elegant way of solving
OneUp Components EDC Threadless Carrier
1
16
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Leatt 4.0 Enduro Full Face Helmet
Overall Review
Inheriting much of its shape from Leatt’s regular 4.0 full-face, the all-new Enduro 4.0 helmet is a 2-in-1 that converts between half shell and full face mode with a simple twist of 2 levers. As with most helmets in this category, it relies on an internal harness to fine tune the fit as opposed to the full comfort liners found in traditional full face helmets. The Enduro 4.0 is ASTM certified for downhill use, which makes it a good choice for those looking for a single solution for anything from
Leatt 4.0 Enduro Full Face Helmet
2
9
Vital Rating:
Leatt Airflex Hybrid Knee Guard
Overall Review
Afew years ago, we rounded up 13 lightweight knee guards in a group test, and Leatt’s Airflex Pro delivered a solid performance that placed it right up near the very top of the table. What impressed us the most about that product at the time was the fit and comfort it provided. Fast forward to present date, and the Airflex Pro has been joined by the all-new Airflex Hybrid, a slightly more streamlined protector with added hard-shell caps on the front. How does it stack up? Keep reading to find
Leatt Airflex Hybrid Knee Guard
1
2
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2021 Marin El Roy Steel Hardtail
Vital Review
Marin El Roy Steel Hardtail Review
Overall Review
It's April 1, but this isn't a joke. What has a 480mm reach and a wheelbase that approaches size-large-DH-bike territory, but is made for a rider 5'5" to 5'10"? The punchline probably won't make you laugh, but the ride sure will. The Marin El Roy is one of those freakishly long, slack, steel hardtails and the ride on this limo is considerably more entertaining than any MTB April Fools attempt. Marin is no stranger to the hardtail game when we consider they made their first hardtail over 30 years
2021 Marin El Roy Steel Hardtail
2
8
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2021 Kona Process X Bike
Overall Review
What an era to be a mountain biker! It seems gone are the days of spending an entire day loading up downhill bikes in your buddy’s beater truck and hauling up a winding dirt road for a handful of loose runs before dark. Now, options are endless for efficient, pedal-hungry enduro bikes that excel on steep, rough and aggressive descents. Answering the calls of adrenaline-starved riders is Kona with their Process X — a brave, capable, carbon 29er ready for serious action. Strengths Balanced and
2021 Kona Process X Bike
28
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We Are One Composites Union Wheelset
Overall Review
Hailing from Kamloops in Canada, We Are One Composites is young company that has been making a name for itself over the past couple of years with a range of in-house manufactured carbon rims. The Union is one of their newest offerings, a rim intended for aggressive enduro riding and racing. It features a slightly lower profile than the Agent downhill rim, to provide for a bit more vertical compliance while retaining ample lateral stiffness. We’ve been putting a pair to the test over the past
We Are One Composites Union Wheelset
2
12
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Specialized Rime Flat Shoe
Overall Review
Hot on the heels of the excellent new 2FO Roost and 2FO DH shoes comes the Rime – another new shoe from Specialized, but this time with a different twist. The Rime was made for those who like to hike almost as much as they like to bike, and as a result, it looks nothing like a regular bike shoe. It does however share the awesome SlipNot ST sole with its aforementioned brethren, which was reason enough for us to want to give them a spin. Read on to find out how we got along! Specialized Rime Flat
Specialized Rime Flat Shoe
9
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Last Cinto (2021-2022) Frame
Overall Review
Passionately developed with details in mind and precisely hand manufactured, every CINTO becomes outstanding. Limited to 100 pieces per year. Frame weight from 2.1 kg (4.63 pounds) 145mm suspension travel Size-specific kinematics and geometry Bikepark-approved and modular frame platform "The CINTO provides precise feedback and has lots of pop for playful and active riding. The suspension is nicely progressive, the bike pedals very well and is neutral under braking. Its versatility and nimbleness
Last Cinto (2021-2022) Frame
9