First Ride

Intense Launches the 2020 Primer in Three Wheel Size Options (feature story)

Posted by sspomer on 8/20/2019 7:59 AM

Zipp 3ZERO MOTO Wheelset (product)

After suspension, wheels are arguably one of the most impactful components on bicycle performance. While suspension seems to see ongoing innovations, traditional double-wall mountain bike rims and wheel design have not changed dramatically since the 1930s. Improvements to manufacturing processes...

Posted by hurricanejoel on 8/8/2019 9:34 AM

The Giant Reign has been in production for 15 years, and on the verge of getting its driver license it has undergone some serious changes. We were invited to Revelstoke, British Columbia to have a look and get some quality time on the new rig. Surprises lay around every corner. Across every mo...

Posted by Mint on 8/6/2019 5:46 PM

2020 Giant Reign Advanced Pro 29 0 Bike (product)

2020 Kona Process 134 CR DL 29 Bike (product)

Kona is a brand with a history of doing things their way. Their pseudo-delinquent, never-not-having-fun attitude has delivered some noteworthy bikes piloted by amazing athletes. A few weeks back we traveled to Bellingham, Washington for a visit with Kona to learn about what they had in th...

Posted by B.Radly on 8/6/2019 1:44 PM

Nukeproof Horizon CS/CL Clipless Pedals (product)

2020 Santa Cruz Hightower Carbon CC X01 (product)

2020 Specialized Demo Race 29 Bike (product)

Crankbrothers Synthesis E 11 Carbon Wheelset (product)

Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro Convertible Helmet (product)

Specialized 2FO Flat 2.0 Shoes (product)

Ihave learned a thing or two over the years of racing downhill – how to separate the wheat from the chaff as the old saying goes. So when I got the call to swing my leg over one of the most anticipated downhill bikes, from one of the most established brands, at one of the premier downhill riding...

Posted by BrianBuell on 7/8/2019 3:19 PM

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 s...

Posted by dstucki on 7/1/2019 5:08 PM

2018 Marin Wolf Ridge Pro XX1 (product)

The Good:

Affordable-ish

The Bad:

Poor traction on rock and loose, rolling resistance, sidewall and puncture durability

Overall Review: These tires suck when it comes to loose over hard and rocks. I've been riding them for the past four months and I've washed out the front end four times. I also got a pinch flat on my very first ride. I don't know if it's the tread pattern or the tire compound but these tires seem to slip when i...

Posted by provun1327 on 6/20/2019 9:13 AM

2019 Niner RIP 9 RDO 27.5 4-Star Bike (product)

Discover the All-New Shimano SLX and XT 12-Speed Drivetrains, Brakes and More (feature story)

Posted by dstucki on 5/30/2019 8:00 AM

The Good:

Great grip, even with sweaty mitts / Surprising amount of damping, even on the rigid singlespeed / A veritable panoply of color options / Durable for how soft they are

The Bad:

Still not quite enough grip to convince me to ditch the gloves

Overall Review: Full disclosure- I picked up my first Knuckledusters because Deity is a local company, and they’re good folks. But the second set I bought specifically to go on a rigid bike. They’re that good. The three patterns do seem a bit like they’re trying to do to much in one grip, but it works really we...

Posted by Losifer on 5/22/2019 8:04 PM

7iDP Sam Hill Knee Pad (product)

2019 Marin Alpine Trail 8 (product)

DEITY Knuckleduster Grip (product)

2019 Santa Cruz Megatower CC X01 29 Reserve (product)

2019 Fezzari La Sal Peak Pro (product)

2018 Nukeproof Mega 275 Carbon Factory Bike (product)

Bell Super DH Helmet (product)

2018 Intense Carbine Factory (product)

2018 Scott Genius 700/900 Tuned Bike (product)

The time has come to unveil the latest weapon in the Santa Cruz Bicycles arsenal. Meet the Megatower – a bike that is a big enough departure from its predecessor that it deserves its own name. From some perspectives, the Santa Cruz Hightower LT was a compromise, and the race-driven brand ...

Posted by bturman on 3/15/2019 5:07 AM