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Alexrims Recon 3.0 Carbon Wheelset
Vital Review
Overall Review
Alex Rims might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think about flashy wheels, but they have been making rims in Taiwan since 1992 and have a huge offering from entry-level wheels to top carbon hoops. Alex has built a reputation for a great value. More often found OEM on complete bikes, Alex wheels are also used by privateer racers who need a dependable wheelset that doesn’t break the bank. We couldn’t wait to see if their new Recon 3.0 lived up to their reputation. Strengths Weaknesses Light Tool-free hub disassembly Too stiff Top layer prone to chipping Average freewheel...
Posted by RidewithJo on 9/24/2019 8:41am
2019 Orange Stage 6 RS Bike
Vital Review
Overall Review
With over 30 years in the mountain bike business, Orange Bikes has stuck to their guns maintaining a manufacturing base on home soil and an enduring suspension design which today, defies market convention. While this approach has certainly earned Orange a loyal and often cult-like fan base, the nuances of the brand and indeed their bikes leave others dumbfounded. Are Orange owners drinking their own Kool-Aid or is there something special about these somewhat simplistic bikes that the rest of us are missing out on? We took their big-wheeled, all-day enduro sled, the Stage 6, out on a bunch of...
Posted by ollyforster on 9/21/2019 5:26am
iXS Trigger Knee Guards
Vital Review
Overall Review
The iXS Trigger Knee guards have treated us very well during the testing period and yes, they’ve even hit the ground. From deserts to mountains, we have had these pads in all conditions and they have not failed in comfort or protection. They look great as well, with coverage that helps to minimize the shorts-to-knee pad gap that we have seen with other pads. Notably, these pads stay in place without pinching or bunching up. Let's get into it. Strengths Weaknesses Comfort and breathability Easy to wear when pedaling Level of protection Design and features that matter, none that don’t Stay in...
Posted by SomeGuy on 9/20/2019 2:58pm
Forbidden Druid (2019-2022) Frame
Vital Review
Overall Review
The concept of a high single-pivot is not new. The Balfa BB7 had a cult following almost twenty years ago, and those lucky enough to get their hands on one rode them to pieces after the brand went under. The Canfield brothers, who were sending it aboard the Big Fat Fatty Fat, have also utilized the concept for quite some time. That said, high single pivot designs have been absent from mainstream bike design – especially on trail bikes – for quite some time until they resurfaced more recently on Norco and Commencal DH bikes. No doubt, the success of the Aurum HSP and Supreme DH have confirmed...
Posted by hurricanejoel on 9/17/2019 3:30am
Five Ten Impact Pro Flat Pedal Shoe
The Good

I have a set that has lasted 2 years and shows no sign of needing replaced.

The Bad

It's a bit heavy.

Overall Review
Great grip with a heavy duty toe box and very sturdy build quality. I have a set that has lasted 2 years and shows no sign of needing replaced. Considering I was going through a set of 5.10 Impact VXi every year this is great. The Freerider Pro has a softer sole and wears out much quicker. It's noticeably heavier than the Freerider Pro but lasts much, much longer. It is lighter than the old "Sam Hill Impact" and holds up better too.
Posted by JustinMD on 9/13/2019 6:13am
2020 Yeti SB140 T2
The Good

Switch Infinity is a great platform. Quick and Agile.

The Bad

Low Stock handlebars. 27.5 wheels. Expensive.

Overall Review
The Yeti SB 140 is a very fun machine. I only have one ride on this bike so please take my “review” with a grain of salt. I have been on every recently released Yeti bike, so I do have some comparative thoughts about this bike. First off Switch Infinity is a great suspension platform. I Set up my bike with the Yeti Cycles calculator, and it was almost dialed. I like a bit more compression and a tad slower rebound than recommended since I had some nice jump lines planned. Jumping this bike is a joy. Very intuitive, and the bike is easily thrown around if you are strong with the Steez. My first...
Posted by yetimike2019 on 8/27/2019 8:06pm
2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy CC X01 Reserve Bike
Vital Review
Overall Review
Breaking tradition and revolutionizing the short-travel trail bike, Santa Cruz has packed a full case of radness into a tight little package with the fourth-generation Tallboy 4. Straying from the usual shorter travel equals steeper head angle and shorter reach equation, Santa Cruz trickled down similar geometry traits from the Tallboy's dump truck cousin, the Megatower. The result is a long, slack, ridiculously fun, and very capable short-travel whippersnapper. Strengths Weaknesses Downcountry dominator Snappy on the pedals Poppy and fun as hell Comfortable at speed and on the steeps...
Posted by dstucki on 8/19/2019 9:34pm
2020 Devinci Django Carbon 29 GX LTD Bike
Vital Review
Overall Review
When Devinci launched the Django in 2016, it came in either a 27.5 or 29-inch platform. The aim was simple: a fun trail bike for exploring the hills. Vital tested and loved the 29-inch iteration (the only form offered now) so when we were invited out to Bromont, Canada to try out the latest update, it was an eager yes on our end. The new Django is more. More bike, more travel, more rubber and more capable. Despite our American sensibilities, more is not necessarily better. We’ve tangled with Django for the past two months. Read on to see how we fared with the scrappy trail bike from the great...
Posted by BHowell on 8/13/2019 2:46pm
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Zipp 3ZERO MOTO Wheelset
Vital Review
Overall Review
After suspension, wheels are arguably one of the most impactful components on bicycle performance. While suspension seems to see ongoing innovations, traditional double-wall mountain bike rims and wheel design have not changed dramatically since the 1930s. Improvements to manufacturing processes, materials, and engineering have resulted in a myriad of great double-walled rims and wheelsets, each with their take at the ideal balance of stiffness, compliance, and durability, but no major brand has departed from traditional design until recently. Taking inspiration from motocross along with a...
Posted by hurricanejoel on 8/8/2019 9:34am
2020 Yeti SB140 T2
Vital Review
Overall Review
A27.5 bike update when 29ers are on such a big rise? Absolutely. First and foremost, Yeti's newest bike is made to rip. They're not shying away from the fact that their bigger-wheeled bikes are best for those looking to race. The SB140, on the other hand, is a trail bike that's made to play around. This massive refresh to the SB5 includes 13mm of additional travel out back, 10mm up front, updated geometry, and all the other fine touches and features gained through Yeti's latest platform evolution. Strengths Weaknesses Light feel Makes chill, flowy, everyday trails a blast Good support from...
Posted by bturman on 7/28/2019 9:18pm
DEITY Speedway Handlebar
Vital Review
Overall Review
Going from strength to strength, the last few years has seen rider-run, independent component manufacturer Deity cement its place in the market as a producer of high-quality goods that both talk the talk and walk the walk. Deity prides itself in making stuff that not only looks good (and it generally does), but that also works well on the bike. The 35mm cockpit standard is not without its challenges when it comes to getting the feel and stiffness right, which is why Deity took their sweet time before introducing a 35mm line. When they finally did, earlier this year, they came to the table with...
Posted by iceman2058 on 7/27/2019 5:33am
WTB Vigilante Tires
The Good

Looks Good. Fast Rolling. Super “fun” cornering. Great dry traction.

The Bad

Heavy. Durability

Overall Review
Vigilante light/high grip review. This is an updated longer term review. My initial impressions of the tire hold true, but scroll to the bottom if you want my thoughts on why I do not recommend this tire anymore. The Vigilante comes in a few options but I went for the 2.5 light/high grip witch is there softer grippy tire. Generally grip is good right? The tires stretched quite easily on to my 29mm inner rims which is always a little scary because tires that go on too easily tend to not set the beads so easily. For me getting this tire aired and set was a snap, and I didn’t need the air...
Posted by yetimike2019 on 7/19/2019 3:41pm
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2020 Yeti SB165 T2
Vital Review
Overall Review
The Yeti SB6 has been around since bikes with 27.5-inch wheels were first raced by top enduro pros. In practical terms, a long time. Its life officially began in 2014, when Jared Graves rolled up to the Winter Park EWS on a brand new bike and took the win. One year later he built "The Internet Killer," a dual-crown-equipped SB6c that stood atop the podium at a National DH race in Australia. Capability proven. Years passed, technology progressed, and with the things Yeti learned during the development of the SB150 and SB130, it's time for a major update to Yeti's most-loved 27.5 bike. The new...
Posted by bturman on 7/15/2019 3:35pm
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Tioga Edge 22 Tire
Vital Review
Overall Review
Tioga is what one may refer to as a legacy brand – a company with roots deeply intertwined in the heart of mountain biking – and the old school racer’s choice for giant saddles is making a resurgence in the tire game. We reviewed the Glide G3 and G3TT previously and were fans of the cornering abilities at play. Tioga replied in kind as if to say, “Hold my beer.” The Edge 22 has a familiar knob design but they’ve been arranged in a distinctly new way, creating a large center channel and greatly reducing any gap between the inner and edge knobs. Strong claims were made by Tioga and when the tire...
Posted by BHowell on 7/9/2019 4:26pm
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VEE Tire Co. Snap WCE Tire
Vital Review
Overall Review
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...
Posted by dirtworks911 on 7/9/2019 9:04am
2019 Pole Machine EN Bike
Overall Review
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...
Posted by hurricanejoel on 7/9/2019 6:16am
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