Tested

The original Forekaster was a fast-rolling XC tire designed for slightly looser or wetter conditions, but that’s all it was. In 2022, Maxxis launched an updated version which gained more aggressive knobs and a heavier build, in an effort to make it more of an all-rounder. Always on the lookout for lighter tires that may cut the mustard on our short travel trail bikes, we threw on a pair and set about testing – keep reading to find out how we got along. Strengths Weaknesses Good mix of speed and grip Predictable handling Perfectly suited to the new breed of short travel trail bikes (depending...

For many years, Maxxis dominated the tire wars with their treads. Other brands tried to compete, but Maxxis seemed to have a stranglehold on the industry. The Minion DHF, Minion DHR, Wetscream, and High Roller pretty much had every gravity rider covered, with less common options such as the Ardent and Minion SS kicking around for more specific needs. After years of playing catch up, other brands such as Schwalbe, Kenda, e13, and a handful of others started to pull even with Maxxis. Not one to rest, Maxxis has been upping its game by introducing instant favorites like the Assegai, and updating...

Today's full-suspension trail bikes are versatile, refined pieces of equipment. With blithe disregard, riders can approach ribbons of dirt all over the world on a single bike. What if we took a magic eraser and rubbed out that rear shock and pivots? If we left only the geometry and components attached to a rigid alloy frame, what would we have? Meet the new Devinci Kobain — simple, cost-effective, and heralding tidings of endless woodland fun. Vital has been rediscovering the roots of mountain biking in this wave of hardtail trail bikes and sought to find out if the Kobain makes good on its...

The Stumpjumper EVO truly evolved in 2018, taking the long, low, slack mantra to new extremes for the brand. It was a different beast with a 63.5-degree head angle, super-low standover, lengthy reach, and was clearly made for getting rowdy. Fast forward to today and Specialized is back with a new generation that continues to push their boundaries but is far more accessible to more riders. Join Vital MTB's Product Editor, Brandon Turman, in the video below for a look at everything that's been updated and his ride impressions, then keep scrolling for more information, pics, specs, and prices...

The spring of 2020 was tough. It was particularly tough if you were single when the bars of social isolation came down. Perhaps you started scrolling through the names of various exes and sent out texts about how you were “Just checking in” or the ever chivalrous and don’t you worry, oh-so-original, “Making sure you’re okay.” Well, much to your excitement and despite their better judgment, someone decided to meet up with you. It was the Giant Trance X. You remember it from 2013 though it was a rather forgettable escapade. “Sure,” was all that you could reply. What did you have to lose? Showing...

If you've ever ridden a full-suspension bike without a chain, you likely noticed an improvement in its suspension performance. After watching some incredible chainless downhill runs on the UCI World Cup circuit, this Italian brand dreamt up a way to provide the benefits of riding without a chain, with a chain. On many bikes, chainstay growth during suspension compression causes the crankset to rotate counter-clockwise. This is also known as pedal kickback. By allowing some spring-loaded rotational movement within a reimagined chainring spider, the Ochain device is claimed to automatically...

CFR stands for Canyon Factory Racing. Taken a bit broader, CFR relates to a new method of designing for Canyon that relies heavily on all of Canyon's best racers and their mechanics. The new Sender CFR downhill bike is the result of many talented people's efforts, ideas, inspirations, and race results. Bigger wheels, updated geometry with multiple adjustments, revised kinematics, and a big weight reduction are among the major updates. What else is new? Join Vital MTB's Product Editor, Brandon Turman, in the video above for an overview and his initial ride impressions. It's pretty rad to see...