Tested

With warmer temperature hitting the northern hemisphere and the snowpacks beginning to sluff off, here at Vital we started dusting off our big hitting bikes for a great season of shredding. Before all that and while the snow was still falling, Vee Tires filled us in with their latest project, the Vee Snap WCE tire. This new DH tire is the product of extensive R&D in conjunction with the Propain Six Pack World Cup DH team, and it brings to the table another option for riders looking for a grippy, durable and strong tire for going down rowdy terrain at stupid speeds. With several months of...

Over the past few years, wheel size, frame material, suspension design, geometry, and just about every other aspect of frame design has changed or been tweaked within any given brand. A quick glance at the pile of hub spacers in the toolbox only reinforces the reality that the only constant in the bike industry seems to be change. At Vital MTB, we believe that change is a good thing, but only if there is a discernible improvement over the products being replaced. If brands discover a better way of doing things we’re always keen to give something new a shot, especially if it makes riding more...

Loose Riders Global Alliance apparel departs from the race-inspired aesthetic while retaining the kind of features you want while going fast downhill. The prints and graphics say party. The build and fit say shred. -by Alan Sangma Strengths Rugged build Snug fit Flex where it counts Well-placed and waterproof pockets Jersey has sublimated graphics Weaknesses Heavy for a pair of shorts Tight hip pockets Highlights Protective heft Waterproof pockets for keys, large phone Gripping waistband Built-in mesh liner Ratcheted belt Vented flex areas Shorts: $114.99 / Jersey: $54.99 Initial Impressions...

After a few years of real-world testing, Roval went back to the drawing board with their entire series of mountain wheels before launching things last summer in Whistler. The latest Roval series features a number of refinements and has the potential to put the Roval wheelset near the top of everybody’s aftermarket upgrade list. Let's dig in. Strengths Weaknesses Excellent balance between stiffness and compliance Much quieter on trail than previous version 30mm inner width is perfect for most modern tires Tubeless from the box Same spoke length throughout J-bend spokes all of the same length...

Because the sports are similar in many ways, off-road dirt biking is a popular crossover for mountain bikers. It's my favorite hobby, by far. Still high on adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment, I equated my first off-road moto racing experience to riding two hours non-stop on a downhill bike. With terrain coming at you that fast for that long, it's an absolute two-wheeled rush. Not only did it feel similar to riding DH, but the demands on my body were comparable. Two hours of rock and whoop smashing can put a toll on you physically, and for many it can be downright difficult to just hang...

Aaron Gwin's impact on TRP has been tremendous, and the latest brake from the growing brand benefits from the technologies developed with one of the world's best downhill racers. Together they made the burly Quadiem brake, scrutinizing every detail along the way, and much of it bears a close resemblance to the new Trail SL brake you see before you. You'll find the same G-Spec lever blade and finned caliper body on both brakes, although the Trail SL gets mismatched piston sizes and its own lever body. How does that downhill pedigree transfer over to the everyday trail ride? After over five...

Pyga Hyrax may not be a word set familiar to most, but the name Patrick Morewood does carry a good deal of weight in the mountain bike world. Those with memories or birthdays relevant enough will recall the Morewood line of bikes fondly. The bliss is that Pyga and Patrick are one and the same. Established in 2012, Pyga has generated a following in the South African cross-country and marathon racing scene with their Stage line of bikes. Looking to expand markets in the industry as well as geographically, Pyga brought about the Slakline and Hyrax bikes, as well as distribution in the USA through...

We wrapped our 29-inch rims with some relatively new WTB rubber for this test. Up front we ran the WTB TCS Vigilante 2.5 Light / High Grip, and out back we slapped on the TCS Trail Boss 2.4 Tough / Fast Rolling tire. The Pivot Firebird 29 was our chassis of choice for this review, and the tires were subjected to over 400 aggressive miles in all weather conditions with terrain ranging from lift laps to long trail days. Find out how the tires held up to our long-term abuse. Strengths Both the tires really bite in at aggressive lean angles They handle a pretty wide variety of trail types and...

When Miranda set out to make the XMOD MTB carbon crankset, they wanted them to be lightweight, durable, and compatible with multiple mountain bike disciplines. With over six months of testing on our end, we feel we’ve come to a verdict on how well they did in covering these objectives. Strengths Weaknesses Modular design where the crank arms, spindles, and spider/chainring are completely interchangeable Very lightweight Titanium spindle for size and weight Spectacular chain retention Great looking gloss finish Quick chainring/spider changes The chain may grind with less-than-perfect chain...

During the Vital MTB 27.5 DH Test Sessions, the UNNO Ever went head-to-head with four other leading bikes. What follows are our thoughts specific to the Ever. Be sure to check out the main feature for an in-depth comparison video, timed testing results, and more. Highlights 27.5-inch wheels Carbon frame with high-gloss, self-healing finish Only 50 bikes produced per year, by hand, in Barcelona 200mm (7.9-inches) front and rear travel Dual-link suspension design Integrated frame protection throughout Internal cable routing with inner guides and rubber port seals Rubber seal on seatpost collar...

During the Vital MTB 27.5 DH Test Sessions, the Specialized Demo 8 went head-to-head with four other leading bikes. What follows are our thoughts specific to the Demo 8. Be sure to check out the main feature for an in-depth comparison video, timed testing results, and more. Highlights 27.5-inch wheels Asymmetric carbon frame 200mm (7.9-inches) front and rear travel FSR suspension design with concentric main pivot/bottom bracket Lipped and sealed cartridge pivot bearings Integrated frame protection throughout // Additional paint protection included Internal/external rear brake routing options...

During the Vital MTB 27.5 DH Test Sessions, the Pivot Phoenix went head-to-head with four other leading bikes. What follows are our thoughts specific to the Phoenix. Be sure to check out the main feature for an in-depth comparison video, timed testing results, and more. Highlights 27.5-inch wheels Carbon frame 204mm (8.0-inches) rear travel // 200mm (7.9-inches) front dw-link suspension design 9.5x3.0-inch shock with sag indicator Air shock suggested due to clevis design Internal cable routing with cable port system Integrated frame protection throughout Press fit bottom bracket with ISCG 05...

During the Vital MTB 27.5 DH Test Sessions, the Norco Aurum HSP went head-to-head with four other leading bikes. What follows are our thoughts specific to the Aurum HSP. Be sure to check out the main feature for an in-depth comparison video, timed testing results, and more. Highlights Available in 27.5 (tested) and 29-inch models Carbon frame with size-scaled tubing 200mm (7.9-inches) front and rear travel High single-pivot suspension design with an idler pulley Metric trunnion shock with bearings 225x75mm (27.5) // 225x70mm (29) rear shock Gravity Tune: Chainstay length increases...

During the Vital MTB 27.5 DH Test Sessions, the Canyon Sender went head-to-head with four other leading bikes. What follows are our thoughts specific to the Sender. Be sure to check out the main feature for an in-depth comparison video, timed testing results, and more. Highlights 27.5-inch wheels Carbon front end // 6066 T6 aluminum rear triangle 200mm (7.9-inches) front and rear travel MX Link suspension design with industrial bearings and sag monitor Adjustable chainstay length and head angle (included headset cups) // Six distinct geometry options Integrated frame protection throughout //...

Suspension brand loyalty and setups, like most bits on a mountain bike, are highly subjective. A few years back, RockShox and FOX seemed to be the heavy hitters and appeared almost exclusively on most high-end mountain bikes. Recently, however, brands like DVO, Öhlins, Cane Creek, and EXT (to name a few) are gaining traction among both weekend warriors and elites. While SR Suntour may often be associated with entry-level and mid-range products, they have quietly been working their way into the high-end market and have aligned with big-name cross-country and DH teams, world-class freeriders...

Tioga is a brand with a rich heritage in our sport. Most recognizable is their support of one of biking’s greatest — John Tomac. Innumerable riders strapped the original Factory DH tires to their 26-inch rims and dropped into the race course, determined to imitate Tomac’s success. When the time came for Vital to test the new Glide G3 from Tioga, these were the emotions conjured up, and a smirk of nostalgia spread across our mug. Like so many elements of yesteryear, would the reality add up to the memory? It was time to put the Glide G3 to the test. Strengths Cornering traction and consistency...

Last fall we flogged Kona’s updated Process G2 and had a blast doing it. The update improved every single trait of the bike, but many folks were left wondering, “Where’s the wagon wheeler?” Kona hinted at the fact that a 29-inch Process 153 was in the works. Shortly after the release of the Process G2, aluminum versions of the Process 153 29 started to surface. On paper, the 29-inch version of the Process shares just about every trait with its smaller sibling, and we were excited to see if the Process 153 CR/DL 29 retained the qualities we liked about the 27.5-inch version – in addition to the...

Suspension manufacturer X-Fusion has quietly been reorganizing behind the scenes over the last 12 months, closing down their Santa Cruz based US headquarters, moving customer support to Reno, and building a new, dedicated factory in Taichung, Taiwan. The fork, shock, and adjustable seatpost company is transforming into a more vertically-integrated suspension manufacturer and looking to improve their product along the way. New manufacturing capabilities means new product, and X-Fusion recently came to market with the all-new Trace – a 36mm stanchion fork boasting up to 170mm of travel for 29...

The last time we spent some miles aboard the Devinci Troy was back in 2016 during Vital MTB Test Sessions. At the time, we were impressed with the (then 27.5) bike’s ability to be pushed hard. A lot has changed since our last ride. With new standards, shock mounts, suspension improvements, wheel options, and geometry tweaks to look forward to, we were excited to spend a few months aboard the latest Devinci Troy to see if all the updates would retain the qualities we liked and refine those we weren’t so thrilled with. With three months of ride time under the tires, it's time to fill you in on...

With the mountain biking industry booming right now, countless new equipment options are available. When looking for a decent pair of riding shorts, it doesn’t take long before one is up to their helmet strap in choices. In hopes of alleviating some of the stress and confusion, we slid our legs into the Leatt DBX 5.0 riding shorts. With nearly six months of abuse, here’s what we’ve learned. Strengths Waterproofing Rear ventilation Pocket volume Tailored inseam Pre-curved knee Comfort Weaknesses Noisy Front ventilation Few pockets with relatively small openings Rear waistline material...

With 170mm of travel on tap and the ability to morph itself at the push of a lever, Scott's new Ransom is the best all-mountain/enduro bike the company has created. It's truly a blast to ride and handles so many scenarios well. Listen in as Vital MTB's Product Editor, Brandon Turman, rallies down Purgatory Resort outside of Durango, Colorado, telling you everything he thinks about the orange machine. Be sure to check out Vital's First Look article for a complete tech breakdown. Ransom Highlights One frame, two wheel sizes: 27.5 or 29-inch Carbon and aluminum frame options 170mm (6.7-inch)...

As part of the Gravity Cartel, Spank have been sponsoring an eclectic collection of riding talent: World Cup descenders, Enduro World Series dominators and top-level freeriders all rest their confidence in the company with a name for the naughty. Spank seem to be able to think outside the box to try new elements in product design that they feel will offer a discernible ride quality and technical advantage for riders. Many of these riders are relying on Spank’s Vibrocore product line and its newest addition, the Spike 350 wheelset. With a slew of acronyms and bold claims of technological...

If you are looking for cranks that feel solid under your feet and connect you to the bike and drivetrain seamlessly, the Praxis Girder is an option worth considering. Praxis Cycles, based in Santa Cruz, California, is known for its diverse line-up of carbon and alloy drivetrain components. They keep their products accessible with the Girder carbon mountain bike cranks intended for XC, trail and enduro use. Strengths Stiffness Aesthetics Durability Ease of install Chainring included Weaknesses Chain retention Praxis Girder Carbon Highlights Carbon arm construction 170 and 175mm crank lengths...

Outsider Bikes has come up with a crafty new upper suspension link that allows the 135mm-travel Santa Cruz Hightower to be converted into a 150mm machine. The bike retains shreddable geometry and must run a newer Metric shock. Coupled with a 150 or 160mm fork, the new link and shock move the Hightower into a bigger bike category like the Hightower LT without having to upgrade an entire frame. We spent the past few months aboard the “Hacktower” to see what the Missing Link could unlock from our trusty daily driver. Ever since the release of the original Hightower, people began modifying and...

Within the industry, there have been countless products which have altered the way we perceive mountain biking. Well before Boost spacing, dropper posts, and even mountain bike specific 10-speed drivetrains, a motorcycle suspension company dabbling in mountain bikes pioneered suspension as we know it. They replaced elastomers with coil springs and open bath dampers, 26-28mm diameter stanchions with 30mm, and nearly doubled the industry standard travel for single crowns. The weapon that housed these changes was called Z1. Fast-forward two decades and the Z1 has been reborn. The goal for the new...

The Italian word “Arma” translates to “Weapon.” If you currently don’t know anything about this company or piece of suspension, that's at least a pretty good starting point. Extreme Racing Shox, better known as EXT, is an Italian brand that has been immersed in the world of racing for 55 years. They have been helping make rally, F1, Le Mans, and pretty much anything that needs to go fast, do so under precise control with their unique valving technologies and future-minded approach to product development. In 2014, EXT decided to take their decades of experience in motorsports and bring it to...

Itis as close to any objective statement as an opinion can be: the 2019 Trek Remedy sitting in the Vital garage is a damn good looking bike. Clean lines, bold carbon molds and a tuxedo-classy paint job. Trek’s popular trail machine is back in a new version, and like the Session and Slash it now has a stationary lower shock mount – no more Full Floater. Trek states that with updated shock technologies, primarily RE:aktiv and Thru Shaft, off-the-top sensitivity and overall rear suspension feel no longer require the action of the floating shock mount. The Remedy also gains some stiffness and tire...