NOT SO SPY SHOTS
Caleb Holonko's Secret Kona
The alloy frame plus dual crown-friendly bump stops - if that's how it ends up being released - would suggest a budget-conscious long travel Kona aimed at huckers on a budget and park riders.
Long Term Review
2023 Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS
Mostly good (and great) news but also some niggles after almost a year on Trek's light, whisper-quiet eMTB.
First Look
2023 Rocky Mountain Slayer
Rocky Mountain pulls no punches with the meanest Slayer yet.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Banshee's Enigma Aluminum Hardtail Frame
The Banshee Enigma hardtail is designed to run 140-160mm of travel up front with dual-27” wheels, or 100-130mm travel as a mullet.
First Impressions
2023 Giant Reign Advanced: a First Look
Lots of options, including mullet with the new, highly adjustable Giant Reign.
Shoe Review
Fox Union Clipless and Union Flat Shoes
"The Fox Unions hold their own against the current royalty of clipless and flat pedal shoes..."
Five Products Reviewed
Gear Shots: June 2023
A waxed canvas 'cycling tote,' a hydration waist pack, a puncture sealer, eyewear from Tifosi, and the long lost Cliffhanger helmet from Abus.
REVIEW
Ruminating On Trek's $1650 Roscoe 7
With its great drivetrain, worthy frame, and excellent smile-per-dollar ratio, the Roscoe 7 may be the best value in mountain biking.
First Impressions
Roughly Shod
Dipping A Toe Into 4 models of Giro's Clipless Shoe Line
REVIEW
Akta Apparel - Part 2
Shorts, gloves and knee pads from the new kids on the block.
Review
FiveTen Trailcross Clip Shoes
A shoe to ride and a shoe to walk, all in one. (three rider review)
EDITORIAL
Aluminum Is Actual
Steel hardtail frames can deliver an excellent mix of ride quality and durability. The same goes for carbon and titanium. And, for a well-designed aluminum frame as well.
REVIEW
NF Lightweight Pants, Trail Jacket, Trail Shorts and Knee Pads
Pants, a Trail Jacket and Shorts from NF's "Lightweight" Line, as well as some NF-branded 7iDP kneepads.
REVIEW
Ibis Ripmo AF Long, Long Term Review*
A long-assed time on the same bike
REVIEW | TEARDOWN
Pembree D2A Flat Pedals
Pembree's beautifully machined platforms torn down and compared to other boutique small-batch pedals
Oh god not another _________country article
Dadcountry
Dirt Jumping and Pump tracking (on a new Evil Faction II) with junior is a great way to be a good parent and keep your skills sharp...
Review
Crankbrothers-Albek Skytrail 51 L Duffel Bag
A worthy contender for travel bag of the year.
First Impressions
Surfing The Teal Tide
Decision Paralysis - Mike Ferrentino is Twin Testing Yeti's SB120 and SB140.
EDITORIAL
Varying Degrees Of Engagement
Where do fast engaging hubs make a difference to the riding experience.
REVIEW
Leatt 7.0 HydraDri Waterproof Flat Pedal Shoes
This is only the second waterproof flat pedal shoe on the market. Does it stack up to Five Ten's Trailcross GTX?
HEAD TO TOE
Fox Apparel
Emma reviews some new pieces from Fox's apparel line for 2023.
Ridden and Reviewed
Introducing the Forbidden Druid V2
Is this new Forbidden Druid a case of evolution or revolution?
REVIEW
Giro Tack Rubber Shoes: Tracker, Deed and Latch
Giro expands their grippy Tack rubber super-sticky flat pedal shoe lineup to three: The Tracker, Deed, and Latch.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS REVIEW
Enduro Maxhit Stainless Steel Headset
Featuring a stainless steel aesthetic, unique construction, smooth action, a solid guarantee, and bold claims about longevity