Trail / All-Mountain

Long-term review published March 5, 2021 Is the Canyon Spectral 29 a trail bike? At first glance, the 64.5-degree head angle and 1251mm wheelbase on the size large were definitely on the upper end of what would be considered a trail bike. My first ride on the bike further supported the feeling that the Spectral is capable, but maybe not quite suited for a category that encompasses smoother, flatter trails. Since that first ride, I was able to explore many different bike setup configurations and a variety of terrain to get a better idea of how this German workhorse handles. Before getting into...

When opening this box for the first time, we grabbed the front wheel first and went “damn that’s a crazy light wheel”, then we pulled out the second wheel and went “well looks like Specialized sent us two front wheels”. Then we looked a bit closer and found that thing where the cassette sits, sure enough it was a rear wheel but it was so light that we thought it was a second front wheel. Pretty crazy! Strengths Weaknesses Feathery light Wide, very supportive rim profile Top-level puncture resistance Quick and responsive all around Rim finish tends to crack and peel Rough bearings after a month...

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...