2025 Ibis Oso GX Eagle AXS E-Bike
The Good
To be clear, this is the 1.1 2025.
The lights f/r crack me up, but it's cool.
Lots of suspension
Lots of power
Ride time is like forever
Great component group (not all would appreciate Shimano brakes, but I the 220mm rotors? FTW)
DH casing tires come stock. Which is my jam.
You can put a 190mm dual crown fork on it.
You can extend rear travel to 170mm if wanted.
Bosch CX. Gen4, not Gen5. But It is really that good.
It's like $6500 USD. Full build. Pretty sure my Ripmo frame only was like $3000
The Bad
Being very picky. As I have been riding since 1994.
It's heavy 52ish lbs (freedom units)
I did replace grips/bar/stem and pedals. Because I'm a bike nerd. The stock ones are really fine.
The bike yoke seatpost I did have to reset, but that's literally a 20sec process, once you know what to do.
The bike came from sea level and I'm at a mile high. So you can expect things with air pressure to need to be adjusted. That's not really a "BAD" just a "you gotta expect that" type of thing.
Overall Review
So a bit about me so you don't think I'm an ass. I do have a Ripmo, for transparency. And raced a IH Sunday and Turner DHR for most of my "career") Those are both DW link suspension FYI. As is the Oso. I've owned a Scott e Genius, Commencal eMeta, And Trek Fuel EXE. The Oso is my favorite. So Far.... :) Oh and be sure to test ride one for size. I'm 6'2" and I'm on a medium. They don't recommend that. Usually I'm an L or XL. But I sized down for this eeb. Longer stem and taller bar. Perfect.
2025 Ibis Oso GX Eagle AXS E-Bike
Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA Flat Pedal Shoe
The Good
So like many a five ten, the big plus is always what you'd expect, the grip!!!
The Bad
Lets not beat around the bush BOA is both FANTASTIC and a pain in the ass - right move, just not enough of it
Overall Review
As always, they are exactly what you'd want, with that planted feeling of being glued to the pedals and a perfect mix of stability and firmness through the soul of the shoe. Having ridden a few other brands recently, it feels like coming home being back on Five Tens, I wonder why I ever left! So the grip, awesome, the design works, and I really love the fact that they are a lot more water resistant than previous five tens (laced freerider pro's). The BOA was a game changing move, certainly one I
Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA Flat Pedal Shoe
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2025 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL Carbon 90 E-Bike
Overall Review
Rocky Mountain isn't a brand many riders would expect to develop its own cutting-edge e-bike technology. But back in 2009, they did just that, launching Propulsion Powercycle division under the same roof as their Quebec HQ. When they introduced their first model, the Altitude Powerplay, in 2017, the proprietary 108Nm Dyname 3.0 motor quietly took the top spot as the most powerful Class 1 e-bike motor. A title that was only recently relinquished to DJI's latest Avinox system. Seven years later
2025 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL Carbon 90 E-Bike
2
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Manitou Mezzer Pro Fork
Overall Review
Early to the party of contemporary thick-stanchioned enduro forks, Manitou's Mezzer Pro has remained largely unchanged since its release nearly six years ago. A relatively low cost alongside end-user tunability and serviceability have earned it a cult-like following in that time. Despite such a following, unconventional aesthetics, rare OE spec and minimal representation under top racers have likely kept the Mezzer Pro from the list of must-have forks for most riders. To get to the bottom of
Manitou Mezzer Pro Fork
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40
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Fox Racing Speedframe Pro Helmet
Vital Review
Tested: Fox Racing Speedframe Pro
Overall Review
Fox completely overhauled their flagship half-shell helmet range at the beginning of this year, with the all-new Speedframe RS and Speedframe Pro shooting straight to the very top of Virginia Tech’s well-regarded helmet safety rankings at the time. The POC Cularis has since replaced the Speedframe RS in the #1 spot, but the differences are marginal and both aforementioned Fox helmets are still in the top 4, which is not too shabby considering that there are currently 271 helmets on the list
Fox Racing Speedframe Pro Helmet
4
3
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FOX Podium Factory Fork
Overall Review
Fox famously dabbled with an inverted DH fork in 2011, and quickly scrapped the project due to negative rider feedback, including excessive weight and torsional flex. 15 years later, they’re bringing back the inverted idea, but upping the difficulty by moving to a single crown platform. The new fork is heavy, unconventional, expensive, and risky, but FOX thinks it’s going to blow your mind. In fact, they’ve already secured spec for the Podium on bikes from at least nine different brands for
FOX Podium Factory Fork
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42
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Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro Alloy 2.0 Wheels
Overall Review
Crankbrothers was an early pioneer in the world of tuned wheel systems. In 2019, their Synthesis carbon wheels popularized the concept that front and rear wheels require different designs that reflect their distinct roles on the trail. They've now returned with their Synthesis Alloy 2.0 wheels, comprised of three models and featuring the same tuned system ethos. The real kicker is the increase in durability they've achieved through new rim profiles and materials without causing an increase in
Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro Alloy 2.0 Wheels
1
6
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2026 Yeti MTe T3 X0 Transmission E-Bike
Overall Review
Yeti has entered the SL eMTB arena with its MTe model, a 145mm travel platform powered by TQ's sleek new HPR 60 drive unit—which promises to blend analog feel with e-powered efficiency. With two battery options and featherweight builds claimed to be as light as 38 pounds, can the legendary, premium trail bike brand's new offering stand out in an increasingly competitive eMTB environment? Let's find out. Highlights 145mm rear wheel travel // 160mm fork (compatible with up to 180mm forks) Carbon
2026 Yeti MTe T3 X0 Transmission E-Bike
14
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Race Face Turbine Flat Pedal
Vital Review
Tested: Race Face Turbine Flat Pedal
Overall Review
Race Face has been making quality flat pedals for a while now, with the 2nd generation of their Atlas model holding down a respectable if not spectacular position in our flat pedal rankings . Those rankings are in for a shake-up now though, as Race Face has recently introduced an all-new pedal that boasts some seriously impressive numbers and delivers an incredibly locked-in performance out on the trails. This is the 2025 Turbine. Race Face Turbine Flat Pedal Highlights Chromoly steel axle
Race Face Turbine Flat Pedal
2
9
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DEITY Highside Handlebar
The Good
The bar gave me the rise I wanted. No problems with flex or anything. Has a good finish with a vibrant pure orange color.
The Bad
Lack of markings for setup and too much sweep.
Overall Review
The bar has a few annoying things. Like for instance there are no actual side to side markings for the stem to see if you are equal on the left or right. That was very annoying when trying to get the bar setup. I eventually had to get a white marker to mark the bars when I got them perfectly set up. Not a fan. Now this next one is my preference but the back sweep is a bit uncomfortable on my hands and wrists. I prefer a 7 degree. But someone may like that 9, just something to consider, as more
DEITY Highside Handlebar
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