BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2026 Norco Revolver 120 & 130
The all-new Norco Revolver 120 & 130 are built on a redesigned carbon frame with updated geometry as well as Norco’s first “Flex-Pivot” suspension design, shedding weight in the pursuit of Cross-Country podiums and easier miles. Check out our First Look for all the details.
The Cast Iron Comeback: Field Company Co-Founder, Stephen Muscarella (Ep.81)
Eli talks with Stephen Muscarella about how a vintage pan sparked a journey to reimagine cast iron from the ground up. They get into what makes cast iron so special — and so misunderstood; the small design choices that lead to better cooking; and what Field is doing to bring back the use of cast iron in modern cooking.
Tectonic Alibi Flat Pedals
Tectonic has taken the winning formula of their Altar V2 pedal and adapted it to a composite (and much cheaper) version: the Alibi. Does it match the Altar V2’s strong performance, or is the Alibi something else altogether? We’ve been riding them for a few months and have thoughts.
Flash Review: Shimano XT M8200 Di2 Drivetrain and Brakes
Update 8.12.25: We’ve started spending time on the 9-45 tooth cassette version of the new Shimano XT Di2 Drivetrain, and have some thoughts on how it stacks up against the standard 10-51 tooth version.
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Big Balls, Flat Pedals, A-Line, & More with Lindsey Richter, founder of Ladies AllRide (Ep.369)
Lindsey Richter, the founder of Ladies AllRide, not only has one hell of a story herself, but what she and her team have created is incredibly inspiring, much needed, and should serve as a blueprint for other sports in the outdoor industry — for women and men.
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
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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.
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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
OneUp Wave Flat Pedals
Convex, concave, or… both? OneUp’s Wave flat pedals aim to merge the benefits of both convex and concave platform designs. Did their claimed benefits come to fruition? We’re ready to weigh in after four months with the Wave pedals.
Win Apparel From Finisterre
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a men’s or women’s Bolster Full Zip Fleece from Finisterre!
Flash Review: Trek Fuel LX
We’ve converted our Trek Fuel EX review bike to a Fuel LX — so how does the longest-travel member of the new Fuel family ride, and what’s the conversion process like? Here are our initial thoughts.
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.
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The Incredible Cycling Talent Coming out of Durango Devo (Ep.291)
The Durango Devo junior cycling program has been churning out some of the best bike riders in the world for some time now, so Simon checks in with founder Chad Cheeney to find out what the secret sauce is.
The Business of Craft Beer (Ep.83)
With all the economic & cultural shifts swirling about these days, what does the current landscape of “craft” beer look like? What are the biggest challenges, and what are the most interesting opportunities? We discuss with New Image Brewing founder, Brandon Capps.
‘Wild’ with Amie Engerbretson & Jonathan Ellsworth (Ep.51)
Amie & Jonathan discuss Wild, Cheryl Strayed’s best-selling book that was turned into a hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern — both of whom were nominated for Oscars for their stellar performances.
Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide: Enduro Bikes
The second chapter of our Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide is live, comparing more than two dozen current Enduro bikes, from game-on race bikes to playful Freeride-oriented options, and everything in between.
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.
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Nick Goepper on X Games Gold, Olympic Pressure, & Skiing in Jeans (Ep.373)
Olympic medalist and X Games champion, Nick Goepper, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the mindset, struggles, and triumphs of one of skiing’s most recognizable athletes.
Salsa Blackthorn 125 C & Blackthorn 145 C
Salsa’s Blackthorn 145 C offers class-leading efficiency, making it a very inspiring climber, but are there sacrifices made elsewhere to attain that level of climbing performance? We’ve had multiple editors in different locations spend time on the Blackthorn 145 and aim to answer that question and more in our Full Review.
Deep Dive: Salsa Blackthorn 145 C
We compare the Salsa Blackthorn to the Rocky Mountain Instinct, Transition Sentinel V3, Santa Cruz Bronson 5, Santa Cruz Hightower 4, Spot Mayhem 140, Esker Woodsy, Propain Tyee, Norco Sight, Transition Sentinel V3, and Kona Process 153.
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.
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Blister Summit Reveal, Winter Buyer’s Guide Update, & a Challenge to Outdoor Brands (Ep.360)
Today we’re spilling the beans on the new dates – and new location — of Blister Summit 2026. Then we give a quick update on our Winter Buyer’s Guide, and wrap up with an important challenge to all outdoor brands.
Blister Summit 2026: What, When, & How to Join
Join us at Blister Summit 2026 this April 13-17! We’re extremely excited to host our sixth Summit at Snowbird, Utah this season — here are the details.