Reynolds Blacklabel 327 Trail Expert Wheelset
Overall Review
T here are a number of ways to improve the handling of your mountain bike. Perhaps the most noticeable is in the wheels. A solid set of hoops with quality hubs can make even an entry-level rig feel race-ready. When it comes to racing, Reynolds has the pedigree with their Blacklabel line of wheels. Vital took on the Blacklabel Trail Expert wheels this spring and after months of riding, we're ready to share our findings. Highlights MR5 Carbon rims 29 and 27.5-inch rim offerings (mixed-wheel tested
Reynolds Blacklabel 327 Trail Expert Wheelset
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e*thirteen Vario Infinite Dropper Seatpost
Overall Review
The latest offering from e*thirteen is its revised Vario Infinite Dropper Seatpost and Vario 1x Lever. Most notably there are now more travel options. The prior model offered four sizing options (120-150mm in 30.9mm or 31.6mm and 150-180mm in 30.9mm or 31.6mm) and the updated Vario Infinite Dropper now offers seven sizing options: 90-120mm in 30.9mm or 31.6mm, 120-150mm in 30.9mm or 31.6mm, 150-180mm in 30.9mm or 31.6 mm and 180-210mm in 31.6mm. Highlights Available drop lengths: 90-120mm, 120
e*thirteen Vario Infinite Dropper Seatpost
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Squidworx Modular Flat Pedal
The Good
Build quality - in appearance, feel and durability. Customization options galore: plenty of colours and pin lengths to choose from (you can even choose flat, concave or convex surface with pin lengths). Individual parts can be replaced (if it were ever needed). Can easily and inexpensively swap out pedal cages for different colours for a fresh look or to match a new bike). 3 sizes of platforms to choose from.
The Bad
Nothing so far. My wife and I have had these on our bikes for over a year and love them. Others may find colour selection limited for small and large platform sizes
Overall Review
Squidworx has thought of everything! Best flats on the market. The grip is fantastic (we chose DH pin length) and they grip amazingly with a variety of shoe soles. The bearings stay smooth over time and nothing feels loose. I haven't needed to replace a pin yet but the process of removing and installing pins was relatively easy when I swapped out 2 cages for another colour I picked up while at Sun Peaks. Before my wife purchased her set of these pedals (direct from Squidworx), I read some
Squidworx Modular Flat Pedal
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Hope Technology Tech 4 E4 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set
Overall Review
W e’re big fans of all things Hope here at Vital, after years of positive experiences with many of their products. The CNC wizards from Barnoldswick, England have a habit of taking their time with product development, and they’ve been in no rush to update their excellent Tech 3 brakes which have been garnering great reviews since their introduction in 2013. Still, they knew they wanted to make some improvements and 2022 saw them introduce the inconspicuously named Tech 4. Hope sought to provide
Hope Technology Tech 4 E4 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set
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2022 Evil Epocalypse RockShox XT I9 Hydra E-Bike
Overall Review
S ome might refuse to believe that Evil would ever make an e-bike, while anyone who’s spent any amount of time on one might argue it’s long overdue. The Epocalypse is Evil’s inaugural venture into the world of pedal assist bikes but certainly not their first rodeo when it comes to making something rad. Built on the foundation of their wildly capable Wreckoning, it goes without saying the Epocalypse is a heavy hitter built to handle the gnarliest terrain and everything in between. While some die
2022 Evil Epocalypse RockShox XT I9 Hydra E-Bike
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2022 Orbea Rise H10 E-Bike
Overall Review
L aunched back in December of 2021, the Orbea Rise H made its grand debut as the aluminum alternative to the carbon Rise M . Following Orbea’s lightweight e-bike philosophy with Shimano EP8 RS motor, the Rise H features the same 140mm of travel and identical geometry to its carbon counterpart but makes use of a bigger battery. Since the release, we have had the privilege to spin the Rise H10 through various terrain and weather conditions to conclude a long-term review. Highlights Aluminum frame
2022 Orbea Rise H10 E-Bike
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2023 Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS E-Bike
Vital Review
Review - 2023 Trek Fuel EXe
Overall Review
T he world of e-bikes feels like it has been in an arms race these past couple of years. New models tout larger batteries and more powerful motors. Additionally, more electronic integrations, displays, and gadgets. This has left the world of lighter e-bikes in the hands of only a few players. Today, Trek does an about-face and offers the Fuel EXe - a 40-pound e-bike that to us, represents a new wave of eMTB. Highlights OCLV Carbon frame 29-inch wheels (mixed-wheel compatible) 140mm (5.5-inches)
2023 Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS E-Bike
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Specialized Cannibal GRID GRAVITY T9 Tire
Overall Review
At the first World Cup of 2022 in Lourdes, France, the Specialized Gravity Team was spotted sporting some all-new Specialized tires. Having unapologetically raced with blacked-out tires in the past, it was no secret that Specialized lacked a true downhill tire designed to meet the needs of their top athletes. After embarking on a long road of development, rider feedback, and tire evolution, they eventually arrived at their latest creation, the Cannibal. Intended to withstand the speed, intensity
2022 Eminent Drive MT Comp E-Bike
Vital Review
REVIEW: Eminent Cycles Drive eMTB
Overall Review
With every bike brand launching an eMTB over the past few years, manufacturers are taking a few angles when developing their electric machines. Some modify existing models to accommodate a motor, while others start from scratch with a completely new design. Some are going for the ‘more is better’ approach and jamming the biggest battery they can fit into their bike, while others are going for the ‘rides like a mountain bike’ approach and shooting for the lowest weight possible. Eminent Cycles
2022 Eminent Drive MT Comp E-Bike
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2022 YT IZZO Core 3 Bike
Vital Review
Vital Test Sessions - YT IZZO
Overall Review
For every two new eMTBs that hit the market, one new short-travel bike seems to be introduced to keep the scales of our industry balanced. Depending on the brand, the intended use of these tiny rocket ships varies drastically. When YT launched the IZZO in 2020, we expected the 130mm travel bike to flaunt slack geometry, burly components, and prioritize hauling ass downhill. After all, when YT launched their Jeffsy “trail bike,” it turned out to be as capable as most brands’ enduro bikes. While
2022 YT IZZO Core 3 Bike
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