Tested

This Specialized classic has gone through several generations and has been the companion to many historic tails about epic rides of yesteryear. In 2018, the Stumpjumper once again received many updates. Among them, it inherited the previous Demo’s spaceship-like sidearm main triangle design, got...

Posted by csteen on 11/15/2019 12:17 PM

Vital MTB's $2,000 Mountain Bike Comparison (feature story)

Posted by sspomer on 11/15/2019 8:54 AM

The Good:

Full season of enduro racing on them and holding strong. Toe box is tough helping with blasting through loose rocks

The Bad:

Laces could be made of a thicker material. they are sometimes hard to tie with gloves on.

Overall Review: The sole of the shoe is stiff enough to transfer power to the pedals while still flexible enough to hike and maintain feeling through the pedals. The overall durability is great. After a full season of racing they are still in amazing shape. If these ever wear out I am buying them again.

Posted by ZuniD00 on 11/13/2019 12:30 PM

The Good:

Breathability is awesome. Firm sole is great.

The Bad:

Narrow. Using thick wool socks for colder weather will not be possible. Feel a bit disconnected from the pedal.

Overall Review: I'm generally stoked with this shoe for late Spring/Summer/early Fall use in warm SoCal. The breathability is amazing. You're feet will feel the cooling from breezes which is wonderful.  However, they run a little narrow for my liking.  I've worn them for 15-20 rides thinking they woul...

Posted by Armando Montalvo on 11/13/2019 11:35 AM

What is it that makes a bike fun? What do we require it be capable of? What boxes must it check? Pedaling, pumping, jumping, climbing, descending? Surviving, encouraging, enjoying? The list could be a mile long and will vary from bike to bike and rider to rider. Hopping on the Transition Scout, ...

Posted by csteen on 11/8/2019 11:06 AM

Depending on the time of year, the orientation of celestial bodies or the status of soybean futures, I may or may not care how mountain bikes are labeled. I started riding in the mid-1990s, and every ride I went on was a “cross-country” ride. The only other kind of riding was downhill, and in th...

Posted by sspomer on 10/29/2019 9:02 AM

2020 Norco Revolver FS 120 1 Bike (product)

ENVE Composites M730 Wheelset (product)

OneUp Components Aluminum Flat Pedal (product)

SRAM X01 Eagle Rear Derailleur (product)

Alex Rims Recon 3.0 Carbon Wheelset (product)

Tested: Kenda Regolith Pro and Nevegal 2 Pro Tires (feature story)

Posted by SomeGuy on 10/10/2019 9:34 AM

Shimano XTR Di2 M9050 (product)

Crankbrothers Highline Dropper Seatpost (product)

Alex Rims might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think about flashy wheels, but they have been making rims in Taiwan since 1992 and have a huge offering from entry-level wheels to top carbon hoops. Alex has built a reputation for a great value. More often found OEM on complete b...

Posted by RidewithJo on 9/24/2019 8:41 AM

With over 30 years in the mountain bike business, Orange Bikes has stuck to their guns maintaining a manufacturing base on home soil and an enduring suspension design which today, defies market convention. While this approach has certainly earned Orange a loyal and often cult-like fan base, the ...

Posted by ollyforster on 9/21/2019 5:26 AM

The iXS Trigger Knee guards have treated us very well during the testing period and yes, they’ve even hit the ground. From deserts to mountains, we have had these pads in all conditions and they have not failed in comfort or protection. They look great as well, with coverage that helps to minimi...

Posted by SomeGuy on 9/20/2019 2:58 PM

The concept of a high single-pivot is not new. The Balfa BB7 had a cult following almost twenty years ago, and those lucky enough to get their hands on one rode them to pieces after the brand went under. The Canfield brothers, who were sending it aboard the Big Fat Fatty Fat, have also utilized ...

Posted by hurricanejoel on 9/17/2019 3:30 AM

WTB Vigilante Tires (product)

The Good:

I have a set that has lasted 2 years and shows no sign of needing replaced.

The Bad:

It's a bit heavy.

Overall Review: Great grip with a heavy duty toe box and very sturdy build quality. I have a set that has lasted 2 years and shows no sign of needing replaced. Considering I was going through a set of 5.10 Impact VXi every year this is great. The Freerider Pro has a softer sole and wears out much quicker. It's ...

Posted by JustinMD on 9/13/2019 6:13 AM

Outsider Bikes Missing Link Long-Travel Conversion for the Santa Cruz Hightower (product)

2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy CC X01 Reserve Bike (product)

2020 Devinci Django Carbon 29 GX LTD Bike (product)

The Good:

Switch Infinity is a great platform.
Quick and Agile.

The Bad:

Low Stock handlebars.
27.5 wheels.
Expensive.

Overall Review: The Yeti SB 140 is a very fun machine.  I only have one ride on this bike so please take my “review” with a grain of salt.  I have been on every recently released Yeti bike, so I do have some comparative thoughts about this bike. First off Switch Infinity is a great suspension platfo...

Posted by yetimike2019 on 8/27/2019 8:06 PM

2019 Orange Stage 6 RS Bike (product)

Forbidden Druid Frame (product)

Breaking tradition and revolutionizing the short-travel trail bike, Santa Cruz has packed a full case of radness into a tight little package with the fourth-generation Tallboy 4. Straying from the usual shorter travel equals steeper head angle and shorter reach equation, Santa Cruz trickl...

Posted by dstucki on 8/19/2019 9:34 PM

When Devinci launched the Django in 2016, it came in either a 27.5 or 29-inch platform. The aim was simple: a fun trail bike for exploring the hills. Vital tested and loved the 29-inch iteration (the only form offered now) so when we were invited out to Bromont, Canada to try out the late...

Posted by B.Radly on 8/13/2019 2:46 PM

2020 Yeti SB140 T2 (product)

Leatt DBX 5.0 (2018) Riding Shorts (product)