Flash Reviews

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David Golay reviews the Trek Fuel EX, MX, and LX for Blister

Flash Review: Trek Fuel EX Gen 7

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The outgoing Trek Fuel EX Gen 6 was an exceptionally well-rounded, versatile bike that riders of many different stripes could get along with — so is that still true of the new Gen 7 version, or has Trek turned the Fuel EX into something else entirely?

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David Golay reviews the Propain Hugene 3 CF for Blister

Flash Review: Propain Hugene 3 CF

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The variety of ride traits across mid-travel Trail bikes is wider than ever, so where does the new Propain Hugene slot in? We’ve got some thoughts after about a month on board the updated Hugene 3.

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David Golay reviews the Shimano XT M8200 Di2 group for Blister

Flash Review: Shimano XT M8200 Di2 Drivetrain and Brakes

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We’ve been quite impressed with Shimano’s latest XTR Di2 groupset, so how close does the XT version get in terms of performance, for about two-thirds of the price? Here’s our early take.

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David Golay reviews the Rimpact Chain Damper for Blister

Flash Review: Rimpact Chain Damper

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The thinking behind the Rimpact Chain Damper is more novel than it may first appear, and its effects on bike suspension stand out, too. Here’s what we’ve learned so far during our initial testing.

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Flash Review: Propain Sresh SL

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We’ve been riding Propain’s first light-assist eMTB, the Sresh SL, equipped with TQ’s latest HPR60 drive system. Check out our initial on-trail impressions, including comparisons to the Yeti MTe and Pivot Shuttle SL/AM.

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David Golay reviews the Pivot Firebird V5 for Blister

Flash Review: Pivot Firebird V5

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Update 7.16.25: We’ve got some more thoughts on the latest iteration of Pivot’s Enduro bike after spending some more time experimenting with the wheel size and geometry options.

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David Golay reviews the Propain Tyee for Blister

Flash Review: Propain Tyee 6.1 CF

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Propain gave the Tyee some tweaks that look good on paper, but has our take on their Enduro bike changed much? Here's the early version.

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BLISTER reviews the Revel Ritual and ReRun

Flash Review: Revel Ritual

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Revel has been through a lot since launching their Ritual Enduro bike. But they’re back, and the Ritual is available — so how does it ride? We’ve been spending time on it to find out. Check out our initial on-trail impressions.

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David Golay reviews the HEL Advocate Brakes for BLISTER

Flash Review: HEL Advocate Brakes

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HEL is a new brand to the bike world, so how do their Advocate brakes stack up? Here’s our preliminary take.

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Salsa Blackthorn 145

Flash Review: Salsa Blackthorn 145 C

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Update 7.2.25: We have another reviewer spending time on the new Salsa Blackthorn 145 C, so check out our updated Flash Review for some more early impressions.

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David Golay reviews the EXT Vecta for Blister

Flash Review: EXT Vecta

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EXT has historically made very high-end suspension, and while their new Vecta coil shock isn’t cheap, it’s a lot more affordable than EXT’s other offerings. But how does it perform? We’ve got some initial thoughts.

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

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David Golay reviews the Fox Podium for Blister

Flash Review: Fox Podium

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The new Fox Podium doesn’t look like much else out there, and its on-trail performance stands out, too. Check out our take so far.

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

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David Golay reviews the Formula Selva V for Blister

Flash Review: Formula Selva V

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The new Formula Selva V stands out from the market for being lightweight and highly tunable via Formula’s CTS valve system, but how does its performance stack up next to other long-travel single-crown forks? We’ve got some early thoughts.

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

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.

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Flash Review: 24/25 ON3P Woodsman 92

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Update 6.13.25: Jonathan Ellsworth adds his thoughts on the Woodsman 92, where it excels, and what sort of skiers ought to consider it.

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

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Zack Henderson reviews the Revel ReRun

Flash Review: Revel ReRun

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Revel Bikes is back in action after being reacquired by its founder, and that means their new bikes, like the ReRun, are hitting the market. Check out how we’re getting along with Revel's first eMTB so far.

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Blister reviews the Salsa Spearfish

Flash Review: Salsa Spearfish

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Salsa has jumped right into the modern XC bike mix with the new Spearfish. Check out our Flash Review to see how we’re getting along with it after a few rides.

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

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Blister reviews the Salomon QST 106

Flash Review: 25/26 Salomon QST 106

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We’re rounding out our Flash Reviews of the updated Salomon QST series with the longest-standing model, the QST 106 — check out our initial thoughts on how it compares to the prior-gen version and other QST models.

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Flash Review: Yeti MTe

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We’ve been spending time on Yeti’s brand-new MTe, a mid-travel, light-assist eMTB that includes TQ’s new HPR60 drive system. 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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Luke Koppa reviews the Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 BOA for Blister

Flash Review: 25/26 Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 BOA

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Several of our reviewers have become big fans of Atomic’s low-volume Hawx boots, but what about the roomier ‘Prime’ version? Here are Luke Koppa’s initial thoughts on the freeride-touring Hawx Prime XTD 130 BOA.

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