Blister Reviewer BadgeDavid Golay

David Golay reviews the Commencal Meta V5 for Blister

Commencal Meta V5

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Commencal’s new Meta V5 gets a new suspension platform and drops the model split between the Meta TR and Meta AM from the V4 iteration. So how does the Meta V5 slot into the current market, and what sets it apart from the prior-generation? Check out our First Look for all the info.
David Golay and Zack Henderson review the Ohlins TTX1 and TTX2 Air for Blister

Öhlins TTX1 and TTX2 Air

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We’ve had two different reviewers spending time on three different versions of Öhlins’ latest air-sprung rear shocks, the TTX1 Air and TTX2 Air, and are ready to weigh in on how they perform on trail, how they differ from each other, and who they’re going to work best for. Check out our full review for all the info.
David Golay reviews the Manitou Mattoc Pro for Blister

Flash Review — Manitou Mattoc Pro

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We’ve been big fans of the Manitou Mezzer Pro for a while now, so is the new Mattoc Pro a mini-Mezzer or something else entirely? We’ve been logging time on the Mattoc and are ready to weigh in with our initial impressions.

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David Golay reviews the EXT Era V2.1 for Blister

Flash Review — EXT Era V2.1 Fork

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We've started spending time on the latest iteration of the EXT Era fork — check out our initial on-trail impressions of the Era V2.1.

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 HT T2 and X3 Pedals for Blister

HT T2 & X3 Pedals

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Our bike editor has been a huge fan of HT’s clipless pedals for a long time now, and the latest iterations of their Trail and DH pedals — the T2 and X3 — bring about some subtle but welcome refinements while retaining everything that made the older T1 and X2 great in the first place.
David Golay reviews the Pivot Mach 4 SL for Blister

Pivot Mach 4 SL V3

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Pivot has dropped the new third-generation Mach 4 SL — their lightest, XC-race-oriented full-suspension bike — and while they’re talking about speed and race results first and foremost, words like “fun” pop up a bunch, too. And with a big range of builds covering both hardcore XC racing and more general-purpose lightweight Trail use, they just might be on to something there.
David Golay reviews the Chris King MTN30 wheels for Blister

Chris King MTN30 Wheels

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Chris King is one of the first and biggest names in high-end hubs, and now they’re offering complete wheelsets under their own brand — and in keeping with King’s ethos, they’re high-end carbon fiber wheels, with US-made, recyclable rims.
David Golay reviews the Fox Float for Blister

Flash Review — Fox Float

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We’ve started spending time on Fox’s new Float rear shock, and it’s a big departure from the Float DPS. Check out our Flash Review for our early impressions.

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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(If you're already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)

Richie Schley on Inventing Freeride MTB, Bike Evolution, Fixing Rampage, & More (Ep.169)

Richie Schley on Inventing Freeride MTB, Bike Evolution, Fixing Rampage, & More (Ep.169)

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Richie Schley had a big hand in the formation of freeride mountain biking as we know it, and he’s still got his finger on the pulse of the sport. So we sat down with Richie to hear his (often hilarious) stories from the early days, chat about where he wants to see freeride go and grow from here, and a whole lot more — including getting the rundown on his recent bachelor party.
David Golay reviews the Trek Fuel EX for Blister

2023 Trek Fuel EX

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The Trek Fuel EX has grown in just about every respect from its fifth to sixth generations — suspension travel, wheelbase, degree of adjustability, and so on — and the end result is an extremely well-rounded Trail bike that we think could work for a ton of different riders.
David Golay reviews the Transition Smuggler for Blister

2023 Transition Smuggler

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The Transition Smuggler is back in their lineup after a lengthy hiatus, and it’s one of the most well-rounded, aggressive, short(ish)-travel Trail bikes we’ve ridden. Check out our full review for the whole story, including how it compares to several other bikes in its class.
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