Interbike: Confessions & Observations (Ep.25)
We discuss the weirdness and wonders of Interbike 2018, make a confession about last year’s Interbike, and more.
Featured
2019 Rockshox Lyrik RC2 Fork
Updated forks and shocks are often cases of evolution rather than revolution. But the new Rockshox Lyrik RC2 provides very discernible improvements over prior iterations, and you don’t need to be a world-cup-level racer to appreciate them.
Interbike 2018 — Recap
Check out the most interesting things we saw at Interbike this year — including banana holsters, new Maxxis tires, Wonder Woman's bike, and ... lots of eBikes.
Race Face Next R Bar and Turbine R Stem
Frames and fancy wheel sets are super sexy, but let’s not forget about those bars and stems. We’ve found the Race Face Next R bar and Turbine R stem to be reliable, well-built, and versatile options.
Altra Olympus 3.0
We’ve now run about 300 miles in the Altra Olympus 3.0, and we can now say that it’s become our favorite max-cushioned shoe. Check out our update on its durability; an in-depth comparison to the Hoka Stinson ATR 4; and how well the Olympus 3.0 works as a road-to-trail shoe.
Showers Pass IMBA Shorts and Apex Merino Tech T-Shirt
While they’re best known for their waterproof road-biking jackets, Showers Pass also makes some high-quality, lightweight apparel for the hottest days on the trail. Check out our review.
What’s The Most Painful Sport?
Yesterday, a bunch of runners completed the Tahoe 200, a 205-mile race that a couple participants finished in under 50 hours. Which is insane. So that got us wondering: What’s the most painful sport to be the best at? We came up with a few contenders, and we want to hear yours.
Black Diamond Shadow
Black Diamond entered the climbing-shoe market only a year ago, and the Shadow is their most aggressive offering. So how does it compare to similar shoes like the Scarpa Instinct VS and La Sportiva Testarossa & Kataki? Check out our review.
Hoka One One Evo Mafate
The Hoka Evo Mafate is the newest and most race-oriented version of Hoka’s original trail shoe, and we think many runners could get along well with it — even non-racers. Check out our review, including comparisons to the Hoka Speedgoat 2 and Torrent.
2019-2020 Blizzard Brahma 88
The more time we’ve spent on the Blizzard Brahma, the more dialed we think it is. Check out our full review
2018 Pivot Firebird 29
Our reviewer calls the Pivot Firebird 29 the “Firechicken,” because it's a long-travel 29er that descends like it’s on fire, and has a speed limit that's primarily defined by how chicken you are. Check out our full review.
Elyse Saugstad, Big Mtn Skier (Ep.74)
We talk with Elyse about filming the new MSP movie, All In; growing up in Alaska; her work with Safe As Clinics; figure skating and fantasy football (?); and the value of repeatedly finding new ways to challenge yourself.
Kenda Nevegal 2 Pro Tire
We thought the old Kenda Nevegal left a lot to be desired. But the Nevegal 2 Pro is far more compelling. Check out our review.
CAST Freetour Upgrade Kit
The CAST Freetour is the only option out there that lets you ski down on a dedicated alpine binding, and skin up with a tech toe. Check out our full review, including comparisons to the Atomic / Salomon SHIFT binding and other touring bindings.
2018-2019 Black Crows Orb
If you want your ~90mm-wide ski to perform well even when there isn’t fresh corduroy anywhere in sight, the Black Crows Orb is worth a look. Check out our full review.
2017 Ibis Ripley LS
Versatility, versatility, versatility. Check out our full review of the Ibis Ripley LS.
Flip Flop & Sandals Roundup, 2018
As you may know by now, flip flops and sandals are some of our favorite pieces of gear, and we’re in them year round. So it’s time for an updated roundup of a number of our favorites for men and women — from casual flip-flops, to versatile sandals that could replace your hiking shoes.
Edelrid Tommy Caldwell ProDryDT Rope
While it might initially seem like a heavy workhorse rope, the Edelrid Tommy Caldwell ProDryDT has proven far more versatile than that. Check out our review, with comparisons to the Mammut Infinity and Sterling Evolution Helix.
Parlor Skis 18/19 Lineup & ‘Build Your Own Skis’ Class (Ep.24)
We talk to Boston-based Parlor Skis co-founder, Mark Wallace, about the origins story of Parlor; their “Build Your Own Skis” class; the new models in their 18/19 lineup — including Parlor snowboards and splitboards; and several trends on the East Coast ski scene. (We also talk about lasagna, burritos, and Camaros.)
2018-2019 Armada Tracer 108
After skiing it in the resort and touring on it in the backcountry, the redesigned Armada Tracer 108 has proven to be a versatile, predictable, and playful 50/50 ski. Check out our full review.