Bikes & Frames

David Golay reviews the Kavenz VHP 16 for Blister

Kavenz VHP 16

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There are a lot of good Enduro bikes out there these days, but the Kavenz VHP 16 manages to package an unusual combination of traits in a way that still feels very coherent as a whole. Check out our full review to find out just what the VHP 16 does so well, and how it stacks up to a whole bunch of its competitors.

2023 Santa Cruz Hightower

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The Santa Cruz Hightower has long been a very versatile, well-rounded Trail bike, and with the new V3 bike, Santa Cruz hasn’t messed with a good thing too much. But they’ve still found things to refine and improve, and the Hightower remains a very good all-rounder.
David Golay reviews the Rocky Mountain Element for Blister

2022 Rocky Mountain Element

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The Rocky Mountain Element has long been a traditional XC race bike, but the new one very much is not. It’s got a bunch more suspension travel and wildly more aggressive geometry than the bike it replaced, but still maintains a fair bit of XC influence, too. So how does that all add up, and who is it going to work best for?
David Golay reviews the Norco Fluid FS for Blister

2023 Norco Fluid FS

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Norco’s affordable all-rounder Trail bike, the Fluid FS, just got a big update, and while the new bike is marketed to beginner and intermediate riders, it’s got great-looking geometry and a nice build spec that seems like it could attract plenty of price-conscious experts, too.
Kara Williard reviews the Diamondback Release C for Blister

Diamondback Release C

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The Diamondback Release 5C is an unusual offering these days — a mid-travel 27.5’’ Trail bike with somewhat moderate geometry — but we think that’s exactly why it could be a great option for the right riders. Check out our First Look & Flash Review to learn more.
David Golay reviews the Nicolai G1 for Blister

Nicolai / Geometron G1

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We’ve now spent nine months on the Nicolai G1, and it’s still one of the best options out there for folks looking for an extremely aggressive Enduro bike that also pedals pretty well. Check out our full review for the whole story, including its extensive customization options and how it compares to several other bikes in its class.
David Golay and Zack Henderson review the YT Capra for Blister

2022 YT Capra

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YT’s latest Capra is definitely a big, stable Enduro bike, but it’s a super intuitive, relatively easy-going one that we think will click for a ton of folks who have the terrain for a 160mm-plus-travel sled. Check out our full review for all the details.
David Golay reviews the Orbea Occam LT for Blister

2022 Orbea Occam & Occam LT

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“Longer” and “slacker” might be the go-to buzzwords for modern Trail bikes, but the Orbea Occam LT makes a very compelling case for why a lot of riders might want to pick something a little more moderate. It’s an outstanding take on a quicker-handling long-travel Trail bike that feels thoroughly modern despite bucking a lot of current trends. Check out our full review for more, including comparisons to nine other Trail & Enduro bikes.
David Golay reviews the SCOR 4060 LT mountain bike for Blister

SCOR 4060

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SCOR says their new 4060 LT is “just seriously fun.” But it’s still a 160 / 170 mm travel Enduro bike, so just how game-on is it, really? Check out our full review for the rundown, including comparisons to 11 other bikes in its class.
David Golay reviews the YT Capra for Blister

Flash Review — 2022 YT Capra

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We’ve got a few rides on the new YT Capra Uncaged 6, with RockShox’s Flight Attendant electronic suspension. And while that system has been the biggest storyline about the bike so far, it’s shaping up to be an impressive offering in other respects, too. Check out our Flash Review for our early impressions.

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