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c120 Nukeproof Horizon CL Red.jpg?VersionId=Ibx ovWesVuCNyEwGsRBl47L7vyn

Overall Review

In the last few years we've seen a huge leap forward in the bike industry in terms of suspension design, geometry and drivetrain components. One part that sometimes feels like it's still trailing a bit behind is the clipless pedal. Yes, this mundane part that connects your feet to the bike. Let's be real, you won't think twice before throwing 200 or more bucks on that shiny new carbon handlebar that matches your bike’s color scheme so perfectly. But let's say 150 bucks for a light yet strong

Nukeproof Horizon CS/CL Clipless Pedals

1

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yonatan.yatom

4/15/2017 11:31am

2017 Transition Scout Carbon 3

Overall Review

Subscribing to long, low, and slack frame geometry, Bellingham-based Transition Bicycles designed the Scout to be a ripping 27.5-inch mid-travel trail bike. New for 2017, the frame is available in carbon. Built to ride down the mountain like a slopestyle bike with a little cushion, the lightweight package is also ready to pedal big miles getting up the next. Tucson, Arizona's wild mix of trails served as an excellent place for our female shredders to try it out during the 2017 Vital MTB Test

2017 Transition Scout Carbon 3

12

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bturman

4/13/2017 4:07pm

9point8 Fall Line Dropper Seatposts

c120 9point8 Fall Line Dropper Post.jpg?VersionId=MdO

The Good

nothing, it looks good on paper but doesn't actually live up to the hype.

The Bad

constant malfunctions, unable to reach anyone at 9point8 about repairing it. worst customer service ever

Overall Review

I really want to love this post, it checks all my boxes. 200mm of drop, mechanical cable actuation, microadjust saddle angle, and the ability to remove the saddle without losing the angle setting. Unfortunately my post has been plagued by problems from the start. After the first ride it had leaked down to nothing in the air spring. A couple rides later the brake started slipping and a "brake reset" did not remedy the issue. I was forced to disassemble the post to clean contamination off the

9point8 Fall Line Dropper Seatposts

7

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casey.coull.56

4/13/2017 12:53pm

RockShox Pike - 2018 Fork with Charger 2 Damper

Overall Review

"How easy is it to take the RockShox Pike for granted now? We would’ve killed for this fork eight years ago and now it goes by with a simple sentence or two of gratitude. Thanks Pike, you changed the game and we’re better for it." - Mint Henk, Vital MTB Test Sessions Rider Originally launched in 2013, the RockShox Pike instantly set the benchmark for single-crown fork suspension performance and elevated the capability of every bike it was mounted to. At the time, 26-inch wheeled bikes were still

RockShox Pike - 2018 Fork with Charger 2 Damper

7

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bturman

4/13/2017 9:25am

Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guard

The Good

Best knee pad I've ever owned and I've been racing DH and riding heavy trail in them for almost a year.

The Bad

Nothing so far

Overall Review

I suffer from tremendous knee pain if a pad puts even the slightest pressure on my knee cap. These do not touch them. Other pads made not to touch are too stiff in an odd way and flop/stick out to accomplish this. The D3O padding is thick enough that I've been racing in them and doing tons of DH laps without issue. I also take them on rowdy trail rides where I know I'm going to get into the big stuff. Not one issue. The calf support is smart. They breathe in the swampy Southeast well enough to

original raid knee guard BLACK 1.jpg?VersionId=Uwqs1sPp

Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guard

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bizutch

4/12/2017 11:12am

2017 Pivot Firebird Carbon Pro XT/XTR

c120 2017 Pivot Firebird Carbon blue red with Pro XT XTR 1X.jpg?VersionId=.NqSSDT

The Good

Pain free climbs.
Great cockpit length and geo.
Outstanding grip.
Descents are next level.
Specs are well thought out and perform together seamlessly.

The Bad

Stones collect in lower linkage and scratch frame - need mastic tape or cover.
Fox 36 Float Fit4 is overshadowed by the amazing Float X2. It was hard to set up to match the feel of the rear shock.

Overall Review

I own a Firebird XT/XTR version. I came from a 2013 Corratec Opiate FX (think 67deg HA, 26" "all-rounder" AM bike). Climbing - At 6'2" I was right between sizing for an XL and L. I opted to go for an XL and put on a 33mm stem. The long front (65 deg HA and long reach) on the bike helps keep weight down on the front wheel so I'm clearing steep sections with ease that the old bike was popping the front wheel up and wandering around on. The grip from the rear is amazing and despite these climbs, I

original 2017 Pivot Firebird Carbon blue red with Pro XT XTR 1X

2017 Pivot Firebird Carbon Pro XT/XTR

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ButtersNZ

4/11/2017 5:17pm

2017 Trek Remedy 9.9 Race Shop Limited

c120 1191600 2017 A 1 Remedy 99 275 Race Shop Limited

Overall Review

In mid-2016, Trek surprised many by killing off the widely-loved Slash 27.5 all-mountain/enduro bike. To fill the newly created void for a long-travel, ready-for-anything 27.5 rig, the all-new Remedy stepped up with a touch more travel at 150mm, completely revised geometry, and a host of fresh features claimed to improve the ride. Part Remedy, part Slash, it's aggressive enough that many of Trek's testers lovingly referred to the new bike as the "Rash" prior to its launch. We were eager to get

original 1191600 2017 A 1 Remedy 99 275 Race Shop Limited.jpeg?VersionId=uGIc44TOoa8svv4B4tPVNzSwI0sslrI

2017 Trek Remedy 9.9 Race Shop Limited

10

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bturman

4/10/2017 10:25am

RockShox Lyrik RCT3 - 2016 Fork

The Good

Smooth, controlled, easily tuned, supportive

The Bad

Slightly awkward if your wheels aren't torque cap compatible

Overall Review

After trying a buddy's Lyrik, I replaced a 160mm Pike with a 170mm Lyrik on my Norco Range late last season. Not that the Pike is a poor performer in any way, but the Lyrik simply does what the Pike does just a little bit better in every way. The Lyrik definitely feels smoother and more plush off the top than the Pike and it has some added stiffness even without using the torque caps (more on those later). In the 170mm version, there is also the option of putting up to 3 tokens in instead of

original RockShox Lyrik RCT3.jpg?VersionId=7OSV

RockShox Lyrik RCT3 - 2016 Fork

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NMK183

4/9/2017 10:42pm

Norco Range Carbon 7.1 (2015) Frame

The Good

Better cable routing than 2014, fun geometry

The Bad

seat-tube angle could be steeper, not the lightest of carbon frames

Overall Review

I loved the 2014 Carbon Range so much that I now have a 2015 Range. The few small things that bugged me about the 2014 Range have been fixed. The cable used to sit against the frame near the bottom bracket and it actually rubbed away some of the frame's material over time. They added a metal guard to better hold the cable and protect the frame. They also added little plugs that hold the hoses tightly in position so that they don't rattle inside the frame. I also just personally like this year's

original 2015 Norco Range C 7.1 Framekit.png?VersionId=tgyTVDjGiyuOUWsyoXzfGG kGdMtmzM

Norco Range Carbon 7.1 (2015) Frame

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NMK183

4/9/2017 10:16pm

CamelBak Blowfish Hydration Pack

c120 97553750 1265400082.jpg?VersionId=ng 628NWqLNId6B

The Good

Large reservoir volume, good storage organization

The Bad

No back ventilation, warm.

Overall Review

Perfect volume to stash a rain jacket, tube, pump, tools, small 1st aid kit, food, cell phone, and wallet. It stays close to your back and doesn't move around when descending. The straps are wide and don't chaff, and it carries its weight evenly. There is a tool pocket and an organizing compartment inside, a nice touch for securing tools inside the bag. I have two complaints: The back panel does not breathe and gets hot and sweaty after long climbs. It holds moisture/sweat and needs to be washed

CamelBak Blowfish Hydration Pack

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NMK183

4/9/2017 9:58pm