Simon Stewart, Author at BLISTER

SRAM Eagle Powertrain

October 2, 2023September 28, 2023 by Simon Stewart

SRAM is officially in the eMTB drive-system business, and it’s about time. Check out our First Look for all the details on how the SRAM Eagle Powertrain compares to the alternatives from Bosch, Shimano, Specialized, and more.

Simon Stewart reviews the Orbea Wild for Blister

2023 Orbea Wild

January 22, 2024September 20, 2023 by Simon Stewart

The Orbea Wild has already collected its share of e-Enduro podiums, but does it perform well outside of the tape, too, or is it a one-dimensional speed demon? After a few months on it, we’re ready to weigh in — and compare it to several of long-travel, high-power eMTBs.

Deep Dive: Orbea Wild

January 22, 2024September 20, 2023 by Simon Stewart

We compare the Orbea Wild to the Pivot Shuttle LT, Pivot Shuttle AM, and Specialized Turbo Levo.

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Simon Stewart reviews the Santa Cruz Heckler SL for Blister

Flash Review — Santa Cruz Heckler SL

September 12, 2023 by Simon Stewart

Santa Cruz has entered the lightweight eMTB market, and we've started spending time on the new Heckler SL. Check out our early impressions.

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Simon Stewart reviews the Specialized Turbo Levo for BLISTER

Deep Dive: Specialized Turbo Levo

January 22, 2024September 4, 2023 by Simon Stewart

We compare the Specialized Turbo Levo to the Pivot Shuttle LT, Pivot Shuttle AM, Orbea Wild, and Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay.

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

January 22, 2024September 4, 2023 by Simon Stewart

Having logged more than 600 miles on the Specialized Turbo Levo (and burned through a couple of sets of brake pads and tires in the process) we’re well acquainted with the bike and ready to chime in — check out our full review of one of the most popular eMTBs on the market.

Simon Stewart reviews the Propain Ekano 2 for Blister

Propain Ekano 2 AL

October 6, 2023August 3, 2023 by Simon Stewart

Propain’s Ekano eMTB stood out from the rest of their line, with a different suspension layout and geometry that was starting to look a bit dated. That all changes today, with the new Ekano 2 getting a major overhaul. Propain is talking a big game about the Ekano 2 being an especially nimble, “fun” bike, despite its big travel numbers and modern geometry.

Simon Stewart reviews the Pivot Shuttle AM for Blister

Flash Review — Pivot Shuttle AM

August 1, 2023 by Simon Stewart

We've started spending time on Pivot's new Shuttle AM — check out our initial impressions.

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

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Simon Stewart and Dylan Wood review the Esker Bowl for Blister

Esker Rowl

July 28, 2023July 28, 2023 by Simon Stewart

Esker might be flying under the radar for some mountain bikers, but their 140mm-travel Rowl makes a very strong case for why more folks should be paying close attention to what they’re up to.

Simon Stewart reviews the Commecal TEMPO for Blister

Flash Review — Commencal T.E.M.P.O.

June 5, 2023June 3, 2023 by Simon Stewart

The Commencal T.E.M.P.O. is both their shortest travel full-suspension bike, and a big departure from their design norms in other ways — and we've started spending time on it. Check out our early on-trail impressions.

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

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Flash Review — 2023 Orbea Wild

May 29, 2023 by Simon Stewart

We’ve started spending time on Orbea’s longest-travel e-bike, the Wild. Check out our initial thoughts.

Fox Union Shoe

May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 by Simon Stewart

Fox has been making MTB apparel for a long time, but the Union shoe is their first foray into that market — and they're excellent.

Simon Stewart reviews the Canyon Strive:ON for Blister

Canyon Strive:ON CFR

May 11, 2023 by Simon Stewart

Canyon launched two new long-travel full-power e-MTBs simultaneously, and the new Strive:ON is meant to be the racing-oriented compatriot to the freeride-focused Torque:ON — but the two share nearly identical geometry and both rock a mullet, so what sets the two apart? Turns out that there’s quite a bit.

Marin Rift Zone E

April 17, 2023April 17, 2023 by Simon Stewart

A new Marin Rift Zone eMTB drops today from Marin, a brand making a strong case as a value leader in eMTBs.

SRAM Eagle AXS Long-Term Durability

March 27, 2023 by Simon Stewart

SRAM’s new Eagle Transmission is a big change to their mountain bike lineup, but what does the demise of the derailleur hanger mean for long-term durability, and is electronic shifting just an unnecessary gizmo or a genuine benefit? Blister Editor Simon Stewart reflects on four-plus years with the original Eagle AXS drivetrain.

Simon Stewart Reviews the Marin Alpine Trail E for Blister

2023 Marin Alpine Trail E

March 20, 2023 by Simon Stewart

The Marin Alpine Trail E gets a refresh today, and while its geometry hasn’t changed much, it’s still pretty out there for a ~150 mm travel bike — and the value for money in terms of the build specs is especially impressive.

Flash Review — Specialized Turbo Levo

March 16, 2023March 16, 2023 by Simon Stewart

Check out our initial on-trail impressions of Specialized's Turbo Levo e-bike, including how it stacks up against the Pivot Shuttle LT that we're also testing.

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 Rowl for Blister

Flash Review — Esker Rowl

March 7, 2023 by Simon Stewart

We've started spending time on the Esker Rowl, and its wild Orion suspension is an early standout. Check out our Flash Review for our initial impressions.

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

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Transition Relay

January 31, 2023 by Simon Stewart

Transition's second e-bike, the Relay, is here — and among other things, it isn't *always* an e-bike. Check out our First Look for the rundown.

Simon Stewart reviews the Pivot Shuttle LT for Blister

Flash Review — Pivot Shuttle LT

January 27, 2023 by Simon Stewart

We've started spending time on Pivots big Enduro e-bike, the Shuttle LT, and our early impressions are very positive — but it’s also raised some interesting questions.

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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