Results from the Dirt Lab
Experiments with CushCore and Tannus Inserts
Is it possible to get the benefits of inserts without compromising on weight or tire performance?
EDITORIAL | REVIEW
Emotional Support Jackets (Featuring The Pearl Izumi Summit Shell)
An Emotional Support Jacket (ESJ), like Pearl Izumi's Summit Shell, is no substitute for a waterproof rain jacket, but cost-per-use might make it an excellent investment...
Review
Two Floor Pumps and Two Gauges Tested
There are 3 solid hits in this group of Topeak products, but there's also a dud that costs too much...
EDITORIAL
Personal Rides: Andrew's Custom Waltworks V2
Setup with a rigid fork or with 120mm of suspension up front, Andrew's custom Waltworks V2 single speed was built specifically for riding on the North Shore.
Product Introduction
Giro Manifest Helmet Ridden - with Ball and Socket Tech
Imagine if MIPS didn't affect fit or airflow or comfort - but offered the same performance...
MAINTENANCE
Bearing Swap - 2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy (4th Gen)
Santa Cruz provides free bearings for the life of your frame - so you should probably take advantage of that, whether you own a Tallboy, Hightower, Nomad, or any other from the SCB stable.
Whatcha Packin'
AJ's Packless Carry Solution
If you want to be prepared without feeling like a pack mule, this might be your path to freedom...
Chapter 1: The Build and the Honeymoon
Forbidden Bicycle Co. Multi Part Review
"I have been happily riding terrain you’d reserve a 170mm bike for the last few rides..."
EDITORIAL
Ten Things Wrong With Your Bike - A Spring Service Story
Grab a scorecard and play along at home with your bike(s). Low scores win. Winners get to go ride their bikes while the rest of us get the tools out.
FIRST LOOK and RIDING IMPRESSIONS
2021 Transition Sentinel
Building on an already successful platform, the new Sentinel has a new look, 10mm more travel, and a few more surprises in store.
REVIEW
CushCore Bead Dropper Tire Lever
"Hell, I know some blue-barking bastards that will save its $20 cost in payments to the family swear jar on the first wheel."
TEARDOWN | FIRST IMPRESSIONS | EDITORIAL
e*thirteen Vario Dropper Remote & 180mm Vario Dropper Post
Andrew's first look at e13's new Vario dropper post remote and new, Wintek-equipped, 180mm, travel-adjustable Vario dropper post...
WHATCHA PACKIN'?
Whatcha Packin' - Cam McRae's on Ride Carry
I went from carrying too much when I used to wear a hydration pack, to too little when I switched to a bum bag, but I think I've got the happy medium figured out...
Long Term Test
2019 Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team 29 Reviewed
The shape-shifting Strive 29er has two geometries - one for going up and the other for going down - and it serves up excellent direct to consumer value...
Not A Review
A Month with the Santa Cruz Heckler E-Bike
What's it like when you can choose between a decaffeinated and enough EPO to humble Lance...
REVIEW | EDITORIAL
Riding Tall With The Manitou Mezzer Pro IRT Fork
The baddest-looking fork Manitou has ever made, the Mezzer stands tall with the proven IRT air spring and a new MC² sealed bladder damper...
Dear Uncle Dave: Why aren't Brand New Frames Straight?
Uncle Dave engages Noel Buckley of Knolly Bikes to answer a question about frame alignment...
Long Term Review
2020 Öhlins RXF36 m.2 Coil Review
This long term two-part review begins with the coil-sprung RXF36 m.2 but will end with an air-sprung review…
FIRST LOOK
3 Test Products for Andrew Major: Spring 2020
A fresh look at Bontrager's dual-ply G5 tires in 29x2.5, Giant's Line clip-in shoes, and Wolf Tooth's EnCase in-the-bar tool system.
INTRODUCING THE FOUNDATION COLLECTION
ENVE's new $1600 Wheelset: the AM30
ENVE went #freethenipple with the AM30. They're also still handmade in the US and covered by a 5-year warranty, but they cost less and don't give up performance.
Increased Ride Height?
Riding (and installing) the new RockShox DebonAir Spring
Has RockShox has figured out a way to bump up the ride height of Pike, Lyrik, Revelation and Yari forks, without giving anything away?
Part 2 of 2
7 (or so) more Ways to Pamper your Bike During a Pandemic
I missed the most important pampering you can give your bike
Long Term Review
Chromag Phase30 Wheels
It's been well over a year since Andrew handed the Phase30 rims to Trevor Hansen for a thorough beating...
REVIEW
Lazer Impala MIPS Reviewed
Lazer's Impala MIPS offers impressive protection for a budget-friendly price