BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
RockShox Reverb AXS B1
The new RockShox Reverb AXS is a ground-up revision of the original, adding more drop, a new cartridge design, a lower price, and some built-in bounce. Does the redesign push the Reverb ahead of the competition? Our Full Review has answers.
Reviewer Reports: Luke & Jonathan on Summer Gear + Red Bull Rampage vs. Hardline (Ep.358)
We discuss some of our favorite gear we’ve used this summer, and make the argument for the single greatest piece of summer gear. But we begin by discussing our Weekly Blister Survey question, and bottom line: we think half of you might be crazy??
Win a Helmet Light From Outbound Lighting
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the Portal Helmet Bike Light from Outbound Lighting!
Reviewing the News w/ Dylan Wood & Simon Stewart, July 2025 (Ep. 286)
Dylan and Simon break down all the racing, tech, and tariff chaos from the past month, including Louise Ferguson’s ground-breaking Red Bull Hardline winning run, Tom Pidcock’s XC win, and Tadej Pogacar’s utter domination of the Tour de France.
Ghia’s Journey from ‘Shark Tank’ to the Mainstream (Ep.80)
Ghia is a drink brand that isn’t trying to be beer, wine, or spirits — and definitely not a “mocktail.” Eli talks with Ghia founder Mélanie Masarin about building a culinary inspired non-alcoholic option that’s not about sobriety, but about choice, occasion, and great flavors.
Trek Fuel+ EX, MX, & LX eMTBs
The new non-motorized Trek Fuel lineup has an electrified alter ego. Based around the new TQ HPR60 motor, the Fuel+ EX, MX, and LX bring the modular design of their unassisted siblings to a new Light-Assist eMTB format.
Flash Review: Trek Fuel EX Gen 7
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?
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 an active 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.)
Trek Fuel EX, MX, & LX
The Trek Fuel family is growing, and the ultra-versatile Fuel EX has gotten an update — and longer-travel Fuel MX and Fuel LX siblings to go with it, all based around a modular platform and a common frame.
Yeti MTe
We’ve spent the last 3 months riding Yeti’s latest eMTB, the lightweight MTe. And for the right rider, this isn’t just another light/mid-assist eMTB: it’s a true standout in the category. Check out our Full Review for the whole story.
Deep Dive: Yeti MTe
We compare the Yeti MTe to the Yeti SB140, Propain Sresh SL, Pivot Shuttle SL/AM, Pivot Shuttle AM, Pivot Shuttle SL, Norco Fluid VLT 130, Santa Cruz Heckler SL, Trek Fuel EXe Aluminum, Mondraker Dune XR, Cannondale Moterra SL, and Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay.
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 an active 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.)
1UP Super Duty Rack & RakAttach
We’ve been hauling lots of bikes on the 1UP Super Duty rack anchored to their RakAttach swing-out hitch mount, including some light off-roading with heavy eMTBs, and of course, some camping to help put the practicality of the RakAttach swing-out to the test.
Brandon Semenuk’s ‘Foreverish’ Series w/ Dylan Wood & Simon Stewart (Ep. 48)
Brandon’s new series has raised the bar yet again for cinematography and riding level. So Dylan and Simon discuss why Semenuk’s films set the standard; why he’s the GOAT; their favorite segments; and the impact high-budget short films may have on bike media.
Reviewing the News w/ Dr. Len Necefer, July 2025 (Ep.368)
Dr. Len Necefer is back to talk about thumb scrolling(??); energy & water issues; Trek’s sustainability report & initiatives; rate your takes; and share what he’s been reading & watching.
Specialized’s Updated Butcher and Eliminator Tires
Specialized has continued to invest heavily in its tire program, and the refreshed Butcher and Eliminator bring big changes to two of their most popular tires. We’ve been riding both tires for several months, and they’re some of the Big S’s most impressive work yet.
Win Sunglasses From Ombraz
The winner of our Giveaway will get any pair of Ombraz Armless Sunglasses!
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Deep Dive: Revel Ritual
We compare the Revel Ritual to the Revel Rail 19, Canfield Lithium, Canfield One.2 Super Enduro, Santa Cruz Megatower 2, Intense Tracer 279, Transition Spire, Ibis Ripmo v3, Santa Cruz Hightower 4, Santa Cruz Bronson 5, and Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Evo.
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 an active 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.)
Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino & Simon Stewart (Ep.290)
Mike and Simon discuss why many of us who have been riding bikes for years and are fit and healthy should still get a calcium test to look for heart disease; plus a recap of the wild World Cup in Les Gets, and more.
Stuff We Like: August 2025
From high-end coolers and rain jackets to ultralight trail pants, fishing sunglasses, and even youth outdoor gear, this month’s Stuff We Like roundup highlights the products our team has been testing and loving. Whether you’re traveling, biking, fishing, or just gearing up for everyday adventures, here are the standout picks for August 2025.
Flash Review: Chromag Reazon
Chromag’s full-suspension lineup is growing, and the new Reazon is the mid-travel bike meant to be the most versatile option within it. Here are 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 an active 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.)
Brage Vestavik, ‘Trolldom’ w/ Dylan Wood & Simon Stewart (Ep.50)
Brage Vestavik just dropped one of the most savage mountain bike edits we’ve ever seen. It’s gripping and raw, with huge-consequence riding. So today, Dylan and Simon dissect it all, then ask the question: ‘Thor’s hammer, or a surgeon’s scalpel?’
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend, August 2025 (Ep.372)
Cody & Jonathan discuss climbing’s latest social media star who is going viral for free soloing; what to do about ‘Poop Lake’; Vail CEO, Rob Katz’s recent interview; mountain town advice; and more.
Win a Travel Bag From SPC/LST
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a System Tote from SPC/LST!
Deep Dive: Salsa Spearfish
We compare the Salsa Spearfish to the Trek Top Fuel, Specialized Epic Evo, Pivot Trailcat SL, and Yeti ASR.
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 an active 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.)
Salsa Spearfish
It’s very green, very fast, and very fun. We’ve been riding the Salsa Spearfish for three months and think it’s a standout modern XC bike for its balance of speed and versatility.
Flash Review: Shimano XTR M9220 Trail Pedals
Shimano’s new XTR Trail pedals are a big departure from earlier iterations, and they’ve got a new SPD cleat to go with them, too. So has Shimano messed with a good thing, improved a longstanding favorite, or something else entirely? Here’s our early take.
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 an active 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.)
Shimano XTR M9220 Trail Pedals
Shimano’s updated XTR Trail pedals just got unexpectedly burlier, and, in even more surprising news, there’s a new SPD cleat design, too. Find out about both in our First Look.
Reviewer Reports: Revel’s First eMTB, Tons of Suspension, Big Brakes, & More (Ep.289)
We’ve been testing a ton of new suspension, brakes from brands big and small, Revel’s first eMTB, the new Trek Fuel EX, and a whole lot more. Get the latest on how it’s all going in this week’s episode of Bikes & Big Ideas.