Zack Henderson reviews the Giant Trance X

Giant Trance X

Giant has updated their longstanding Trance platform with the new Trance X and Trance X SX. Both the Trance X and Trance X SX get a lot more adjustability, more aggressive geometry, and some other refinements. Dig into our First Look to get all of the details on what Giant has cooked up.
Zack Henderson reviews the Rocky Mountain Altitude

Rocky Mountain Altitude

The Rocky Mountain Altitude has gotten a major facelift for 2024, with a new suspension layout, updated geometry, and a focus on creating a more capable Enduro race bike. Check out our First Look for more details on the updated bike that Rocky Mountain’s Enduro race team will be piloting this upcoming season, and our Flash Review for our initial on-trail impressions.
Zack Henderson reviews the Liv Intrigue X

Liv Intrigue X

The Liv Intrigue X is the latest addition to the popular Intrigue series, cranking things up a notch with some geometry updates and a whole lot of added adjustability. Check out our First Look to learn more about how Liv has brought an impressive amount of adaptability to the Intrigue X.
Zack Henderson reviews the Kavenz VHP 16 V7 for Blister

Flash Review — Kavenz VHP 16 V7

The Kavenz VHP 16 V6 was a surprisingly versatile, playful high-pivot Enduro bike, but what about the new V7? Check out our early impressions.

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Zack Henderson reviews the Cannondale Scalpel

Cannondale Scalpel

Cross Country season is upon us, and Cannondale is joining the podium hunt with their new Scalpel. The updated Scalpel gets a bump in travel and more progressive geometry — check out our First Look for more on the Cannondale Factory Team’s race weapon of choice.
Zack Henderson reviews the Kavenz VHP 16 V7

Kavenz VHP 16 V7

Kavenz has updated their German-made VHP frame platform to its 7th iteration, and the V7 frame brings a huge number of configuration options for even more versatility. Check out our First Look for a deeper dive into the updated frame, with a specific focus on the VHP 16 Enduro bike that we’ll be getting our hands on soon.
Zack Henderson reviews the Rocky Mountain Instinct for Blister

2024 Rocky Mountain Instinct

The new Rocky Mountain Instinct looks a lot like the old one, but it gets some big updates to its geometry, even *more* adjustability, and several other tweaks. Check out our First Look for all the details, and our Flash Review for our initial on-trail impressions.

Sensus Crue Flat Pedals

Born from the mind of Cam Zink, the Sensus Crue flat pedals are visually striking and made from high-end materials. So, how do they actually feel on trail, and how do they compare to the competition? Check out our full review.
Zack Henderson reviews the 2024 Orbea Rallon for Blister

Flash Review — 2024 Orbea Rallon

We were big fans of the prior-generation Orbea Rallon, but how does the new one stack up? Check out 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.

If you’re already a member, please log in.

(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.)

Zack Henderson reviews the Five Ten Trailcross XT for Blister

Five Ten Trailcross XT

Five Ten’s Trailcross line is meant to blend functionality from bike and trail running shoes into a lightweight, breathable package that works well both on and off the bike. The updated Trailcross XT now uses recycled materials extensively, in a design that’s pretty different from the original. So how does it all pan out on the trail?
Zack Henderson and David Golay review the Canyon Torque:ON for Blister

Canyon Torque:ON CF

The Torque:ON is Canyon’s burliest eMTB, with lots of suspension travel and a massive battery to match. After several months aboard this 54+ pound giant, it has proven to be an interesting take on the ever-diversifying long-travel eMTB category.
Zack Henderson reviews the Fox Proframe RS for Blister

Fox Proframe RS

Fox released the Proframe RS as an evolution of their long-standing Proframe helmet, adding a swath of new features and safety technologies. After a long winter season in the Proframe RS, we think it's a great option for folks looking for a lightweight, highly-ventilated full-face helmet.
Zack Henderson Reviews the Dakine Agent Knee Pad for Blister

Dakine Agent Knee Pad

Dakine's newest Agent knee pad is reportedly for "those who earn their airtime.” But are these best for those who like to pedal all day, folks who are primarily focused on rough descents, or people who do both? Check out our review.
Zack Henderson Reviews the Ride Concepts Hellion Elite for Blister

Ride Concepts Hellion Elite Shoe

Ride Concepts recently added a new flat-pedal shoe to their lineup, the Hellion Elite, which is a relatively low-profile option with the brand's stickiest rubber. But how does it compare to popular options like the Five Ten Freerider Pro, and which riders are going to like this new shoe the most? Check out our full review to find out.
Zack Henderson reviews the Banshee Titan V3 for Blister

Banshee Titan V3

We recently reviewed Banshee’s short-travel Phantom, and we've also spent the past year+ on its longer-travel sibling, the Titan. It’s an impressive (and incredibly good looking) 29er, but who is it best suited for, and where does it most notably excel? Check out our full review to find out.