Simon Stewart

Santa Cruz Vala AL

Santa Cruz Vala AL

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The new Vala AL brings the first aluminum frame to the Santa Cruz eMTB lineup. Many of the details are the same as the carbon Vala, but there are some differences, beyond just a lower price. Check out our First Look to see what they’ve come up with.
Simon Stewart reviews the Santa Cruz Bullit

Santa Cruz Bullit 4

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Did the Santa Cruz Bullit dethrone its stablemate, the Santa Cruz Vala, as Simon’s favorite eMTB so far this year? Check out our Full Review to find out, and why we think full-power eMTBs with a small battery and a range extender offer the most versatility for a lot of folks.
Simon Stewart descending on the Santa Cruz Bullit

Deep Dive: Santa Cruz Bullit 4

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We compare the Santa Cruz Bullit to the Cannondale Moterra SL, Trek Slash+, Mondraker Dune XR, Devinci E-Troy, and Orbea Wild.

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Simon Stewart reviews the Esker Woodsy

Flash Review: Esker Woodsy

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We’ve started testing Esker’s Woodsy Trail / All Mountain bike, and its combination of a compliant ride, efficient suspension, and all-day comfort has it looking like an interesting option in a crowded category.

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

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Simon Stewart reviews the Esker Woodsy

Esker Woodsy

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Esker's new all-metal All Mountain bike can be had in either aluminum or titanium and features 145 mm of DW-developed Orion Dynamics suspension. Check out what they’ve come up with, and our early impressions of the aluminum Woodsy.
David Golay reviews the Santa Cruz Bronson

Deep Dive: Santa Cruz Bronson 5

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We compare the Santa Cruz Bronson 5 to the Santa Cruz Bronson 4, Santa Cruz Hightower 4, Santa Cruz Nomad, Yeti SB165, Ibis Ripmo, Specialized Stumpjumper 15, Spot Mayhem 140, Esker Woodsy, Propain Tyee, Norco Sight, Transition Sentinel V3, and Kona Process 153.

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

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Simon Stewart reviews the Santa Cruz Bronson

Santa Cruz Bronson 5

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The Santa Cruz Bronson has evolved a lot over the years, and while the updates to the latest Bronson 5 look relatively subtle on paper, it’s a very different bike from the Bronson 4. We’ve had multiple editors in different locations spend time on the Bronson and have a comprehensive Full Review to share.
Pivot Shuttle SL/AM

Flash Review: Pivot Shuttle SL/AM

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We’ve started testing Pivot’s Shuttle SL/AM, and its combination of impressively low weight and solid all-mountain capability has it looking like a compelling new option in the light-assist category.

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Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Comp Alloy

Flash Review: Specialized Turbo Levo 4

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We've been spending time on the Specialized Turbo Levo 4. Find out how the new motor compares to the competition, plus some initial ride impressions.

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

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Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Comp Alloy

Specialized Turbo Levo 4

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Specialized is adding aluminum models to the Turbo Levo 4 lineup. The Turbo Levo 4 has a more powerful motor and a bigger battery than the outgoing Turbo Levo 3, plus a host of other innovations that, combined with the new drive system, make us eager to spend time on it. Check out our First Look for the details.
Pivot Shuttle SL/AM

Pivot Shuttle SL/AM

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Slotting between the Shuttle SL and Shuttle AM, the Shuttle SL/AM, as the name implies, merges a lightweight drive system like the one found in the SL with the frame of the AM. But instead of going with the Fazua Ride 60 motor that’s in the SL, Pivot chose to go with the more powerful, higher revving Bosch SX motor. Check out our First Look for all the details.
Kona founders Dan Gerhard and Jacob Heilbron

The Resurrection of Kona w/ Jacob Heilbron (Ep.273)

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In April 2024, Kona Bikes set up their tent at Sea Otter and promptly tore it back down. Kent Outdoors, which owned Kona at the time, pulled the rug right out from under them and declared that Kona was no longer in business. A year later, we check in with Kona founder Jacob Heilbron about selling Kona to Kent, how things have been since buying it back, and more.
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