Blister Reviewer BadgeDavid Golay

David Golay reviews the Industry Nine Hydra2 Trail Carbon Wheels for Blister

Industry Nine Hydra2 Hubs & Trail Carbon Wheels

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Industry Nine’s Hydra hubs have long been super popular for their ultra-fast engagement and plethora of color options, and now there’s a new Hydra2 that’s meant to improve some of the downsides of the original — while also engaging even faster. Check out how they’ve fared, and how the Hydra2 Trail Carbon wheels we’ve had them laced to perform.
David Golay reviews the Chromag Reazon for Blister

Chromag Reazon

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Chromag’s latest full-suspension bike, the Reazon, slots in between the Darco and Lowdown in their lineup — and Chromag is touting its versatility first and foremost. Take a look at how the brand best known for making aggressive hardtails went about making a full-suspension All-Mountain bike.
David Golay reviews the Shimano XT M8200 Di2 group for Blister

Flash Review: Shimano XT M8200 Di2 Drivetrain and Brakes

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Update 8.12.25: We’ve started spending time on the 9-45 tooth cassette version of the new Shimano XT Di2 Drivetrain, and have some thoughts on how it stacks up against the standard 10-51 tooth version.

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David Golay reviews the Trek Fuel EX, MX, and LX for Blister

Flash Review: Trek Fuel EX Gen 7

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The outgoing Trek Fuel EX Gen 6 was an exceptionally well-rounded, versatile bike that riders of many different stripes could get along with — so is that still true of the new Gen 7 version, or has Trek turned the Fuel EX into something else entirely?

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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David Golay reviews the Propain Hugene 3 CF for Blister

Flash Review: Propain Hugene 3 CF

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The variety of ride traits across mid-travel Trail bikes is wider than ever, so where does the new Propain Hugene slot in? We’ve got some thoughts after about a month on board the updated Hugene 3.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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Blister Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

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It’s here! Our new Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide, comparing the many current bikes we’ve reviewed, in a more digestible format than ever before. First up: All-Mountain bikes.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

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David Golay reviews the Rimpact Chain Damper for Blister

Rimpact Chain Damper

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Rimpact’s Chain Damper looks a whole lot like their take on an Ochain. And, yes, they’ve got some real similarities, but the thinking behind their designs — and the designs themselves — are much more different than you might expect. Here’s what you need to know, including our early on-trail impressions.
David Golay reviews the Rimpact Chain Damper for Blister

Flash Review: Rimpact Chain Damper

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The thinking behind the Rimpact Chain Damper is more novel than it may first appear, and its effects on bike suspension stand out, too. Here’s what we’ve learned so far during our initial testing.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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David Golay reviews the Schwalbe Albert Radial tires for Blister

Schwalbe Albert Radial

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Schwalbe claims to have made a real leap forward in MTB tire construction with their new radial casings — but how does it actually pan out on the trail? And what about the new Albert tread pattern? We’ve spent a lot of time on the radial-casing Albert in a huge range of conditions and are ready to weigh in.
David Golay reviews the Pivot Firebird V5 for Blister

Flash Review: Pivot Firebird V5

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Update 7.16.25: We’ve got some more thoughts on the latest iteration of Pivot’s Enduro bike after spending some more time experimenting with the wheel size and geometry options.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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David Golay reviews the Propain Tyee for Blister

Flash Review: Propain Tyee 6.1 CF

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Propain gave the Tyee some tweaks that look good on paper, but has our take on their Enduro bike changed much? Here's the early version.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

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David Golay reviews the HEL Advocate Brakes for BLISTER

Flash Review: HEL Advocate Brakes

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HEL is a new brand to the bike world, so how do their Advocate brakes stack up? Here’s our preliminary take.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

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David Golay reviews the HEL Advocate Brakes for BLISTER

HEL Advocate Brakes

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HEL Performance has a long history in motorsport, but they’re new to the MTB world. So, how have they gone about designing their first MTB brake — the gravity-oriented Advocate — and what are our initial thoughts on its performance? Check it all out here.
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