First Look

Chain wax is a bit different from traditional chain lube in that it is designed to form a drier film than most typical lubes. Chain wax also requires a more involved procedure to apply it properly. Now, this may all seem like a bit too much for us average mountain bikers who are as likely to skip cleaning our bike after riding for hours in rain and mud as we are to remember lubing the chain every now and then, but we still thought it would be interesting to give this one a spin, especially since Muc-Off put so much effort into developing it. Muc-Off Dark Energy Highlights Plant-derived...

Presta valves take a lot of flak, especially online . It is of course a design that dates back more than a century, and it is not without its flaws, but it continues to be the standard when it comes to tubeless wheel set-up. Several companies have worked on variants and alternatives over the past few years, some more successfully than others. Peaty’s now joins the fray as one of the latest in line to dedicate considerable time to developing an improved solution – the result is the Holeshot Fast Flow. Peaty’s Holeshot Fast Flow Highlights 7075 aluminum shaft with stainless steel core 200% more...

Leatt’s product catalog has been growing steadily ever since the company was first founded, and they’ve kicked off 2025 by introducing a cockpit line comprised of a grip and a handlebar – their first foray into the world of bike components. Leatt used their experience with the energy-absorbing ReaFlex gel from their protection line to give the new grips some vibration damping characteristics, and they’ve put a lot of thought into the rest of the design as well. Keep reading to learn more and get our very first impressions from the trail. Leatt ReaFlex 6.0 Highlights Grip core infused with...

Brand new halo products don't come around often, and when they do it's worth taking note. The Manifest Spherical represents countless hours of design and thorough vetting in the Dome – Giro and Bell's widely regarded test lab. It has a two-piece EPS liner with progressive layering to better manage high- and low-speed impacts. The two layers can rotate around one another like a ball and socket, something not often seen before. It also vents incredibly well, providing 7% better cooling than their proven Montaro MIPS lid. Join Zach Petersen in the video above for a look at what makes it stand out...

Just last year, Guerrilla Gravity launched a fresh line of bikes featuring an easy-to-convert frame platform and a new material technology called Revved Carbon. Today they're pleased to show the full range of what their system is capable of by introducing the fifth bike built around a shared front triangle, chainstays, and linkage. Hop onboard with Vital MTB in the video above for a closer look and ride impressions. It has a point-and-shoot attitude and could not care less about what's between points A and B. Strengths Weaknesses Potential for five bikes in one High-speed stability Robust...

Last year Crankbrothers introduced the Synthesis line of carbon wheels, and in doing so they really brought to light how some added compliance in a front wheel can be a very beneficial thing. Pair that with a stiffer rear wheel and you get a bike that simply rides better through most mountain bike terrain – something Crankbrothers has proven with lots of blind testing. Today they are excited to unveil the aluminum counterpart, and we're joined by MTB Savant in the video above for a first look and first ride. Compliant Front Stiff Rear Wider, lighter aluminum rim Fewer, lighter spokes Lower...

Over the past four years, TRP has been researching, prepping, prototyping, and testing a new drivetrain. You've no doubt seen it in use at the World Cup level, beginning with fast man Aaron Gwin and his mechanic, John Hall, both of whom had considerable influence on the final design and features. Today the DH7 downhill derailleur and shifter move past the race-driven development phase and officially launch to the public. TRP DH7 Highlights 7-speed system on 11-speed spacing Designed for downhill bikes Hall Lock - Locks main pivot bolt to prevent derailleur from lifting, slapping, and making...

Inits debut, the Santa Cruz Hightower developed a bit of a reputation for being a “dad bike.” It was a pretty good all-rounder that just seemed to lack a certain amount of excitement surrounding its geometry and capability. Fast forward to now… dad grows a beard, gets some neck tats and starts running drugs for the cartel. Santa Cruz made sure dad’s bike is getting all the high-speed rowdiness he needs for his fresh persona with the newly updated Hightower. Strengths Weaknesses Gets up on command and hangs tough in the rough Impressive climbing efficiency Planted and composed Added reach makes...