Tags content

Filter
61-90 of 424 Posts
original X Fusion H3C Coil Shock.png?VersionId=
X-Fusion H3C Rear Shock
Vital Review

X-Fusion's Lightweight H3C Coil Shock Reviewed (Product Review)

Overall Review
The new H3C has been slimmed down everywhere possible. It also uses a lighter spring material which brings it closer to the weight of high-volume air shocks. With the weight in check, it comes down to cost and performance. Listen for a straight-shooter's perspective after three months of ride time. Could this shock make sense for your ride? H3C Coil Shock Highlights Built for all-mountain and enduro Metric and trunnion mount Sizes: 185×55/50mm, 205×65/60mm, 210×55/50mm and 230×65/60mm overall length x stroke Platform adjustment (3 clicks) Low-speed compression adjustment (16 clicks) Rebound...
Posted by TrailPeek on 3/3/2020 3:51pm
Related:
X-Fusion
Rear Shocks
Tested
Insta Hub
original photo 596090
2020 Juliana Joplin X01 Carbon CC Bike
Vital Review

Bridging Worlds - The 2020 Juliana Joplin Reviewed (Product Review)

Overall Review
Downcountry, underbike, upduro... whatever you want to call it, it’s a different breed of mountain bike. For 2020, the Juliana Joplin and its twin brother, the Santa Cruz Tallboy, are among a handful of exciting new-school, super slacked-out, short-travel (125mm max) 29ers. The fourth-generation Joplin joins the party with slacker n’ longer geometry, flip-chip adjustability, increased travel, and a lower-link VPP suspension design. Like getting in a swimming pool, some riders are jumping right into this new variety of mountain bike while others are waiting to hear the reports. We’ve taken the...
Posted by csteen on 2/17/2020 6:33pm
Related:
Juliana
Women
29er
Tested
Trail / All-Mountain
Cross Country
Insta Hub
original highline extended large
Crankbrothers Highline Dropper Seatpost

Three years now and still going smooth (Product Review)

The Good

When CrankBrothers announced that the Highline would be the post to redeem them, I figured it would be worth the gamble. After all, if it failed, CrankBrothers would be finished. Their reputation was on the line. (On that note, we could talk all day about SRAM Guide brakes, but let’s not get ahead...

The Bad

The stock Highline lever, while extremely adjustable, has a few problems. First, the infinite adjustability is murder for an OCD like me. I was constantly fiddling with it. Second, it had some friction in the action, which was contributing to the post’s internal actuator not closing all the way when...

Overall Review
Minus a few flaws, which I have detailed above, CrankBrothers made a real winner of a post. I’m extremely happy with mine. The aluminum collar is even a perfect match for my raw Canfield Balance frame.
Posted by eicca on 2/14/2020 1:35pm
Related:
Crankbrothers
Seatposts
Tested
original 1.jpg?VersionId=QEopnI
OneUp Components Dropper V2 Seatpost

Great so far (Product Review)

The Good

Lowest stack height One of the lighter options Cable clamps at lever Price User serviceable and easily replaceable cartridge Feels solid Seat clamp head

The Bad

Not as smooth post action as other posts

Overall Review
So far so good. Only 3x rides in but with the 180mm drop at something like ~530grams I'm stoked on having a full 7+ inch drop without the added weight. Definitely doesn't feel quite as smooth or rock solid as the KS LEV Integra, but works as advertised and it's user-serviceable as one of the cheapest options at the lowest weight. Very happy with my choice.
Posted by metalmike on 2/13/2020 10:51pm
Related:
Tested
Seatposts
OneUp Components
original ProXTXTR
2020 Pivot Switchblade Pro XT/XTR 29
Vital Review

Bike of the Year Contender? All-New Pivot Switchblade REVIEWED (Product Review)

Overall Review
Vital MTB's 2016 Bike of the Year went to the previous Pivot Switchblade. How do you improve on that? Give it a few years and some fresh ideas. With 142mm of rear travel and 160mm up front, this all-new 2020 version one-ups its predecessor pretty much across the board. Join Vital MTB's Product Editor, Brandon Turman, in the video above for a look at everything that's been updated and his in-depth ride impressions. Strengths Weaknesses Direct, snappy attitude at the cranks Excellent traction Custom shock tune improves support without hindering high-speed bump absorption Great manners on...
Posted by bturman on 2/3/2020 3:47pm
Related:
Pivot
Tested
29er
Insta Hub
Plus
original Trust Shout
Trust Performance Shout Fork
Vital Review

Unlike Anything Else - Trust Shout Linkage Fork Reviewed (Product Review)

Overall Review
With the promise of both turning heads and delivering a better ride experience, the latest trailing multi-link front suspension platform from Trust Performance is designed for aggressive trail and enduro mountain bikes. Join Zach Petersen, a rider known for his speed on a bike and the Trail Peek Youtube channel, for a straight-shooter's perspective on the unique design. Listen in as he discusses and demonstrates the fork's major strengths, weaknesses, and gives you a bottom line. Trust Shout Highlights Design: Trailing multi-link front suspension Construction: Full carbon chassis, steerer tube...
Posted by TrailPeek on 1/30/2020 1:44pm
Related:
Tested
Forks
Insta Hub
Trust Performance
original Marzocchi Z1 Coil Fork.jpg?VersionId=g5XRfgRZntlrZC
Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil Fork
Vital Review

A Legend Reborn? Testing The New 2020 Marzocchi Z1 Coil Fork (Product Review)

Overall Review
Afew years ago, Marzocchi resurrected the Z1 to much anticipation. While damper technology has moved on from the open-bath systems of old, there was disappointment in some circles that the coils of the original fork were passed up in favor of a standard FOX air spring – Marzocchi's parent company. While air-sprung forks have come a long way in terms of sensitivity and a reduction in running friction, there's no shortage of riders who swear by (or at least reminisce about) the uber-sensitive plushness of a coil. Early Marzocchi coil forks from the original Z1 Bomber to the Shiver and the 888...
Posted by LTrumpore on 1/10/2020 5:17pm
Related:
Marzocchi
Forks
Tested
Suspension
original MTB R 085839 BOO ISO XD 148 12mm thru 32 A PO NN NN PO PO PO NN
Onyx MTB Rear Hub
Vital Review

SPIN FOREVER! Onyx Racing's Silent MTB Hub Review (Product Review)

Overall Review
There's ZERO noise, too. When you all you can hear is tires ripping into turns it's truly an awesome sensation. You start to pick up on things you wouldn't otherwise notice, like the sounds of your surroundings or that floppy cable you should probably address. Just be mindful when coming up on others and give a holler because you basically come a high-speed MTB trail ninja. The sprag clutch mechanism inside provides instant engagement with a gently damped feel instead of the slop or clunk you may be accustomed to with a pawl-style hub. In our view, this makes for an altogether better ride...
Posted by bturman on 1/2/2020 11:45am
Related:
Onyx
Rear Hubs
Tested
original RockShox MegNeg Air Can Upgrade Kit.jpg?VersionId=cJz fKppmV
RockShox MegNeg Upgrade Kit
Vital Review

Even MORE Negative Volume! RockShox MegNeg Review (Product Review)

Overall Review
Introduced alongside the Lyrik Ultimate fork and Charger 2.1 damper update, the MegNeg air can kit more than doubles today's already large negative volumes. This results in a noticeable and tunable boost of mid- and end-stroke support (and a lot more pumping). Join Vital MTB's Product Editor, Brandon Turman, in the video above, to learn how it came to be, what the tuning process is like, the upsides, downsides, and an overview of what types of mountain bikes will benefit the most from a MegNeg upgrade. MegNeg Air Can Highlights Allows you to tune negative volume with Bottomless Rings Provides...
Posted by bturman on 12/30/2019 5:02pm
Related:
RockShox
Suspension
Rear Shocks
Tested
original Dissident
Four Four Three Dissident Complete Wheel
Vital Review

Tested: Four Four Three Dissident Carbon Wheelset (Product Review)

Overall Review
There is no shortage of carbon wheel options today. Regardless of price point, you are sure to find a range of choices, from generic catalog rims to super-specialty items that cost as much as a good full suspension bike. Four Four Three is taking the middle road with the Dissident, supplying a wheel built on its own rims and hubs at a competitive price made possible by a direct sales and distribution model. We’ve been testing a pair for over a year to find out how it measures up – read on to learn more. Strengths Weaknesses Very strong rim Reliable hubs Fast engagement Good value Rims are...
Posted by iceman2058 on 12/24/2019 6:51am
Related:
Wheelsets
Tested
Four Four Three
original 2020 Rocky Mountain Slayer Carbon 90 29 Red and Black
2020 Rocky Mountain Slayer Carbon 90 29 Bike
Vital Review

Tested: 2020 Rocky Mountain Slayer – Ready for Action (Product Review)

Overall Review
The Rocky Mountain Slayer has been a mainstay for the Canadian brand for nearly 20 years. Throughout that time it has played the role of Rocky Mountain’s heavy-hitting trail bike, however in recent years it has fallen out of favor with many and the Altitude BC Edition became the brand's flagship enduro bike. In an effort to rekindle the magic of old, Rocky started from the ground aiming to modernize the Slayer for enduro, freeride, and park duties without sacrificing all-day endurance. To see what the new ride is capable of, we have been punishing our test rig for a few months in Squamish, BC...
Posted by hurricanejoel on 12/17/2019 6:24am
Related:
Rocky Mountain
Tested
Enduro
original Plague Profile 2000x
2020 Airborne Plague 27.5
Vital Review

At $2,699, Is the Airborne Plague Really *Sick*? (Product Review)

Overall Review
Airborne Bicycles, the direct-to-consumer bike brand out of Ohio, has been in the game for over twenty years and for 2020, they have a new, 27.5-inch-wheeled enduro bike dubbed the Plague. Airborne has always focused on affordable two-wheelers and considering the $2,699 price tag of the Plague, they've kept their eye on the budget-minded prize. We wanted to see what a bike that looked fun on paper, with minimal impact to our stack of paper, could do. Airborne Plague Highlights 160mm rear travel with RockShox Monarch RT Debonair 170mm front travel with RockShox Lyrik Select Charger RC Ultimate...
Posted by k.shiz on 12/13/2019 11:01am
Related:
Airborne
Tested
original Zipp 3ZERO MOTO Wheelset
Zipp 3ZERO MOTO Wheelset
Vital Review

Through the Wringer: Vital's Long-Term Test of Zipp's 3Zero Moto Wheelset (Product Review)

Overall Review
Earlier this year we had the opportunity to spend some time aboard Zipp’s 3ZERO MOTO wheelset. While our initial impressions were mostly positive, we knew that a more thorough test was required to offer an educated opinion on whether or not Zipp’s claims of compliance and traction were marketing jargon or legitimate improvements over traditional wheelsets. Since our initial piece, our 3ZERO MOTO wheels have been used and abused throughout the Sea to Sky corridor of British Columbia and made the trip to World Championships at Monte Sainte Anne. They have put in miles on a short-travel Norco...
Posted by hurricanejoel on 12/13/2019 10:28am
Related:
Rims
Zipp
First Ride
Wheelsets
Tested
original 1.jpg?VersionId=QEopnI
OneUp Components Dropper V2 Seatpost
Vital Review

Review - OneUp 240 V2 Dropper Post (Product Review)

Overall Review
It seems like just yesterday when the first batch of dropper posts hit the market. These cutting-edge components had 100mm of travel and were an absolute gamechanger in terms of how hard you could shred a trail bike. Since the advent of mainstream dropper posts, manufacturers have continually pushed the limits in terms of available travel on these pieces of telescoping witchcraft. Fast forward a few decades and OneUp Components has introduced their popular V2 Dropper Post with a mind-boggling 240mm of travel making it the longest option on the market. We received a post for testing back in...
Posted by pdon on 12/5/2019 5:40am
Related:
Tested
Seatposts
OneUp Components
original Womens Stump Comp Carbon 29
2019 Specialized Stumpjumper Women's Comp Carbon 27.5 Bike
Vital Review

Long-Term Test: Specialized Women’s Stumpjumper (Product Review)

Overall Review
This Specialized classic has gone through several generations and has been the companion to many historic tails about epic rides of yesteryear. In 2018, the Stumpjumper once again received many updates. Among them, it inherited the previous Demo’s spaceship-like sidearm main triangle design, got a bit longer than before, is now stiffer and lighter, has a geometry adjustment, and the little details are more dialed than ever. For the women’s models, a female-specific Specialized Rx suspension tune comes standard front and rear. It’s safe to say this is a big update compared to Stumpjumpers of...
Posted by csteen on 11/15/2019 12:17pm
Related:
Specialized
Women
Tested
27.5
original Shimano GR7 grey green
Shimano SH-GR700 Flat Pedal Shoe

Strong and comfortable (Product Review)

The Good

Full season of enduro racing on them and holding strong. Toe box is tough helping with blasting through loose rocks

The Bad

Laces could be made of a thicker material. they are sometimes hard to tie with gloves on.

Overall Review
The sole of the shoe is stiff enough to transfer power to the pedals while still flexible enough to hike and maintain feeling through the pedals. The overall durability is great. After a full season of racing they are still in amazing shape. If these ever wear out I am buying them again.
Posted by ZuniD00 on 11/13/2019 12:30pm
Related:
Shimano
Tested
Flat Pedal Shoes
original Shimano GR7 grey green
Shimano SH-GR700 Flat Pedal Shoe

1st Time User of GR7s (Product Review)

The Good

Breathability is awesome. Firm sole is great.

The Bad

Narrow. Using thick wool socks for colder weather will not be possible. Feel a bit disconnected from the pedal.

Overall Review
I'm generally stoked with this shoe for late Spring/Summer/early Fall use in warm SoCal. The breathability is amazing. You're feet will feel the cooling from breezes which is wonderful. However, they run a little narrow for my liking. I've worn them for 15-20 rides thinking they would stretch out but they did not. They will be my goto show for Spring/Summer/early Fall use for XC riding because of the floating feeling over the pedal.
Posted by Armando Montalvo on 11/13/2019 11:35am
Related:
Shimano
Tested
Flat Pedal Shoes
original MTB R 085839 BOO ISO XD 148 12mm thru 32 A PO NN NN PO PO PO NN
Onyx MTB Rear Hub

Amazingly quiet with instant engagement (Product Review)

The Good

Enjoy the sounds of nature / instantly

The Bad

Heavier than other hubs in its class

Overall Review
This is a review for the NOBL branded Onyx hub. I've never been a fan of super loud bee hive sounding hubs. I used to pack my old hubs with extra grease so they would stay quiet for as long as the grease lasted. When these hubs came to the mtb market I had to try them. NOBL offered them as an option for their wheelsets and I pulled the trigger. First off these hubs are super quiet. There is virtually no noise except for the sound of the dirt crunching under your tires. It makes for a super peaceful outing in the mountains especially if you're riding solo or the trail systems are deserted. The...
Posted by missinglink on 11/9/2019 10:14pm
Related:
Onyx
Rear Hubs
Tested
original 2019 Transition Scout Alloy GX 1
2019 Transition Scout Alloy GX Bike
Vital Review

Long-Term Test: Transition Scout (Product Review)

Overall Review
What is it that makes a bike fun? What do we require it be capable of? What boxes must it check? Pedaling, pumping, jumping, climbing, descending? Surviving, encouraging, enjoying? The list could be a mile long and will vary from bike to bike and rider to rider. Hopping on the Transition Scout, a mid-travel trail/all-mountain bike with Transition's Speed Balanced Geometry (SBG) and GiddyUp 2.0HH suspension, we expect some fun will be had. Will it check all our boxes though? Strengths Weaknesses Great cornering feel and performance Quieting yet lively over chunky descents Doesn't lose much...
Posted by csteen on 11/8/2019 11:06am
Related:
Transition
Women
Tested
27.5
Trail / All-Mountain
original 2020 Norco Revolver FS 1 120.jpg?VersionId=k1vlqtaGt6mgdktOdXPrehfqmNLbl
2020 Norco Revolver FS 120 1 Bike
Vital Review

Rethinking Cross-Country Capability - Norco Revolver FS 1 120 Bike Review (Product Review)

Overall Review
Depending on the time of year, the orientation of celestial bodies or the status of soybean futures, I may or may not care how mountain bikes are labeled. I started riding in the mid-1990s, and every ride I went on was a “cross-country” ride. The only other kind of riding was downhill, and in the mid-90s downhill wasn’t an option fiscally or geographically for me. To this day, every ride that doesn’t involve a chairlift is a cross-country ride to me. “I’m gonna go ride XC,” I might tell my wife. Whether it’s for the sake of marketing or real, actual clarity for consumers, various bike style...
Posted by sspomer on 10/29/2019 9:02am
Related:
Norco
Tested
29er
Cross Country