First Ride

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...

Posted by bturman on 2/11/2020 8:50 AM

Crankbrothers Synthesis E Alloy Wheelset (product)

7iDP Sam Hill Knee Pad (product)

Crankbrothers Synthesis E 11 Carbon Wheelset (product)

Earlier this year we had the opportunity to spend some time aboard Zipp’s 3ZERO MOTO wheelset. While our initial impressions were mostly positive, we knew that a more thorough test was required to offer an educated opinion on whether or not Zipp’s claims of compliance and traction were marketing...

Posted by hurricanejoel on 12/13/2019 10:28 AM

e*thirteen TRS+ 11-Speed Cassette (product)

The Good:

Fit is outstanding, comfortable, solid protection

The Bad:

They rip easy, firm when cold.

Overall Review: I have no issues going on a 4 hour ride with these on, provided it is not too hot. They stay in place and seem to provide a good level of protection for trail and enduro riding. I haven't put that claim to use yet though.  They are also super easy to clean.  I've had these for a year, ...

Posted by jasbushey on 12/10/2019 8:16 AM

The Good:

So Comfortable that I wear them on every ride, Stay put, Pedal friendly, Good coverage and protection for as light as they are. Have proven to be very durable.

The Bad:

Can be stiff until they warm up in colder weather. Protection isn’t as good as beefier pads.

Overall Review: I’ve had these pads for over a year now. I have crashed many times with them.  My new bike has given me loads of confidence which has lead to some brutal crashes.  Tomahawking through rock gardens high speed slide outs dead mans you name it. These pads brushed off most hits without fau...

Posted by TheRealist on 11/27/2019 8:22 AM

Öhlins TTX22M Rear Shock (product)

"Made for Fun" is an Understatement - 2020 Marin Rift Zone Carbon First Ride (feature story)

Posted by sspomer on 11/19/2019 7:53 AM

The Good:

Wide platform, concave shape, light weight, great price

The Bad:

Not alloy if you don't get along with composites

Overall Review: I first learned of the Wah Wah 2's when I was researching Catalyst pedals. I've been riding flats exclusively for over 15 years and wanted a wider platform for more power and support. As a lighter rider (145lbs, 150-155 kitted up) and somewhat of weight weenie, I didn't want the weight penalty o...

Posted by missinglink on 11/10/2019 11:28 AM

RockShox Reverb 1X Remote (product)

RockShox Pike - 2018 Fork with Charger 2 Damper (product)

The Good:

Durability, Adjustable, Lots of Colors, Lots of Support

The Bad:

Difficult To Set Up, Paint Quality

Overall Review: For the past couple of years now I have been always a flat pedal rider. They better suited my riding styles as I spend most of my time hitting jumps. Over the past year, I have been spending more time racing and riding rougher trails and I started to look into the benefits of clipless pedals. Fi...

Posted by AlexTeo on 10/27/2019 10:52 AM

SRAM GX Eagle Rear Derailleur (product)

SRAM Code RSC Hydraulic Disc Brake Set (product)

The Good:

Lightweight
Comfortable to wear all day
Never slides around
Comfortable to pedal in

The Bad:

Not as durable as a full blown downhill knee pad
A bit pricey

Overall Review: I got these to wear on some of my local trail rides so that I had a little more protection and was able to push a bit harder. I’ve worn these all summer and even in Kentucky’s 90 degree weather plus humidity I was able to wear these all day comfortably. Even in the heat I forgot they were on and...

Posted by jaturner1024 on 9/13/2019 6:34 PM

2019 Yeti SB150 TURQ X01 Eagle Race (product)

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 featu...

Posted by bturman on 9/3/2019 6:59 PM

TRP DH7 Rear Derailleur (product)

Only Nine Speeds. Is Simpler Better? BOX Launches Prime 9 Drivetrain (feature story)

Posted by sspomer on 9/2/2019 9:12 AM

The Good:

-Not the most expensive even at MSRP
-Good rubber that seems to last
-Good flat resistance

The Bad:

-Rolling resistance vs grip ratio

Overall Review: Those who have read some of my reviews probably know that I am quite picky on everything, but tires are the part that keep me the busiest. I had originally purchased the new revisited 2018 E Thirteen TRS+ tires from JensonUSA, but after seeing pictures and reading reviews, the new squarer shape ...

Posted by nature.culture on 8/31/2019 7:31 PM

The Good:

-Super comfy
-Price is right
-Lots of color choices

The Bad:

-Nothing to report yet

Overall Review: When I saw the writing on the packaging, I thought “well, they’re pretty confident about their product!”. Being always apprehensive on what the marketing department says, I was eager to install and try them. Installation is like the other single-sided collar grips, but this time instead of 2Nm ...

Posted by nature.culture on 8/31/2019 7:27 PM

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 BHowell on 8/6/2019 1:44 PM