Best Mountain Bike Reviews | Blister Outdoor Gear Review

Reserve 30 SL Wheels

January 10, 2022January 10, 2022 by David Golay

Reserve’s 30 SL carbon wheels are a new offering meant for Trail bike duty, and at first glance, they seem a lot like the longstanding Reserve 30 that’s been put on a diet. But that’s far from the whole story, and the on-trail results are compelling.

Ion Rascal Amp

January 5, 2022 by Noah Bodman

The Ion Rascal Amp doesn’t try to be the techiest, most gadget-laden shoe on the market. Instead, it tries to take a tried-and-true design and execute it well. So did Ion succeed?

David Golay and Dylan Wood Blister Mountain Bike Review on the Norco Range

2022 Norco Range

January 5, 2022January 3, 2022 by David Golay

Even by the standards of ~170mm travel Enduro bikes, the Norco Range is quite the bruiser — both on the way down, and on the climb back up. But for the right rider, that makes it something special.

David Golay Blister mountain bike review on the cascade components.

Cascade Components Full Guide

December 28, 2021 by David Golay

Cascade Components’ new chain guide promises great chain retention, low weight, and easy setup — i.e., all the things we look for in a chain guide. But does it deliver? And are there any downsides?

Noah Bodman reviews the Fox DHX for Blister

2022 Fox DHX

December 23, 2021December 23, 2021 by Noah Bodman

Fox’s new DHX is a simpler, less-expensive coil shock than their flagship DHX2, and for some riders, that will sound appealing. But does it deliver? That really depends on what you’re looking for.

TRP Trail Evo Brakes

December 15, 2021 by David Golay

There’s a lot to like about TRP’s new Trail Evo brakes, but they’re not perfect. Check out our full review for all the details.

David Golay Blister mountain bike review on the Canyon Torque

2022 Canyon Torque

December 7, 2021 by David Golay

Canyon’s Enduro / Freeride bike, the Torque, just got a big update — including all the wheel size options. Check out our First Look for all the details.

We Are One Arrival

September 15, 2022December 6, 2021 by David Golay

We’ve now spent a lot of time on the We Are One Arrival and it’s one of the most impressive bikes we’ve been on this year — at least for the right rider.

Noah Bodman Blister mountain bike review on the Shimano ME5 Shoes

Shimano ME5 Clipless Shoes

November 12, 2021November 12, 2021 by Noah Bodman

Shimano’s ME5 isn’t just a less expensive version of the ME7, it’s a different shoe altogether. And depending on what you’re looking for, that’s actually a really good thing.

Dylan Wood & Luke Koppa Blister mountain bike review on the Hustle Bike Labs Avery REMtech magnetic pedals

Hustle Avery REMTech Magnetic Clipless Pedals

November 9, 2021November 9, 2021 by Dylan Wood

Hustle's Avery REMtech pedal is the latest take on a magnetic MTB pedal that aims to bring you the best of both the clipless and flat-pedal worlds. Two of our reviewers — one clipless fan, one flats fan — spent several months using the Avery to see where it shines, how it compares to traditional options, how much metal debris is actually on their local trails, and more. Check out their full review.

David Golay Blister mountain bike review on the Cannondale Scalpel HT

2021 Cannondale Scalpel HT

November 9, 2021November 9, 2021 by David Golay

The Cannondale Scalpel has been a full-suspension XC race bike for almost 20 years, but now there’s a hardtail version — and its geometry is pretty wild. Check out this new, ultra-progressive take on an XC race bike.

Vorsprung Secus Fork Air Spring Upgrade

November 8, 2021November 8, 2021 by David Golay

We've now tested the Vorsprung Secus in the RockShox ZEB, and have only grown more impressed. Check out our full review to find out what makes this air spring upgrade so good.

David Golay Blister mountain bike review on the Reserve Fillmore Valves

Reserve Fillmore Tubeless Valves

November 5, 2021November 3, 2021 by David Golay

Tubeless valves aren’t typically the most “exciting” things out there, but Reserve Wheels have made a genuinely better one, dubbed the Fillmore. Check out what makes them so special.

Hope Evo Crankset

November 2, 2021 by David Golay

Hope’s updated Evo crankset is reportedly designed for everything from XC to DH, and it stands out from most aluminum cranks due to its low weight & made-in-UK design. Check out our review for more on how it compares to the competition.

Canfield Lithium

November 4, 2021October 26, 2021 by Dylan Wood

The Canfield Lithium is a highly capable Enduro bike that’s also much more versatile than its travel numbers might suggest. Check out our full review for everything that makes the Lithium stand out.

Dakine Agent Knee Pad

October 20, 2021October 20, 2021 by Zack Henderson

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.

Dylan Wood and Luke Koppa Blister mountain bike review on the Commencal Meta TR 29

2021 Commencal Meta TR 29

October 19, 2021October 19, 2021 by Luke Koppa

Two of our reviewers spent several months on Commencal's downhill-oriented Trail bike, the Meta TR 29. Check out our video & written full reviews for their thoughts on who it suits and how it compares to several other bikes in its class.

Noah Bodman reviews the Leatt 5.0 Clipless Shoe for Blister

Leatt 5.0 Clipless Shoes

October 21, 2021October 13, 2021 by Noah Bodman

Leatt’s 5.0 Clipless shoe offers downhill-worthy protection in a package that still pedals impressively well — and it’s competitively priced. That sounds great, but is there a catch?

2022 Trek Top Fuel

January 3, 2022October 7, 2021 by David Golay

The Top Fuel has been in Trek’s lineup for nearly 20 years now, but they’ve just overhauled it and the 2022 model is a very different beast. Check out our First Look for all the details.

Women’s Blister Mountain Bike Review on the Short Roundup — 2021, Part 2

Women’s Mountain Bike Short Roundup — 2021, Part 2

October 9, 2021October 6, 2021 by Kristin Sinnott

We're back with another roundup of women's mountain bike shorts, this time with six options from Dakine, Club Ride, 7mesh, Machines For Freedom, Wild Rye, and Flylow.