Reviews

David Golay reviews the Forbidden Druid V2 for Blister

Forbidden Druid V2

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There are more high-pivot Trail bikes than ever before, but the Forbidden Druid V2 is still one of the shortest-travel options. So, has Forbidden come up with a coherent short(ish) travel bike with a suspension layout more typically of Enduro and DH sleds, or does it feel caught between those categories? What we’ve found is pretty interesting.

Flash Review: 24/25 Peak 104 by Dav

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We recently spent a day touring on the lighter version of Peak's 104 mm-wide ski, the Peak 104 by Dav. Check out our initial impressions.

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David Golay reviews the Maxxis High Roller for Blister

Maxxis High Roller

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Maxxis says that the newest iteration of their High Roller is a gravity tire for conditions that are somewhat soft and loose, but not to the point of demanding a full-on mud spike. That’s a big departure from earlier iterations of the High Roller, but it would fill a real gap in Maxxis’ lineup (and the MTB tire market as a whole). So, is their description on point? We’ve ridden the High Roller in a wide range of conditions and are ready to weigh in.
Blister reviews the Volkl M7 Mantra

Flash Review: 24/25 Volkl M7 Mantra

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Last season we started spending time on Volkl’s newest Mantra (in two different lengths) to see just how much has changed between the M6 and M7. Here are some of our initial 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.

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David Golay reviews the Fox DHX Live Valve Neo for Blister

Fox DHX Live Valve Neo Electronic Shock

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Fox took their time developing the new wireless version of their electronically-controlled Live Valve bike suspension. We’ve been testing the DHX Live Valve Neo since early summer, and it's clear that Fox has come up with something pretty interesting.
David Golay reviews the EXT Vaia for Blister

EXT Vaia Fork

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EXT’s first dual-crown DH fork is here, and per usual for the brand, they’ve come up with some interesting ways to do things their own way. Check out what they’ve come up with.
Blister reviews the Mondraker Arid Carbon

2025 Mondraker Arid Carbon

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Mondraker has dropped their first non-motorized Gravel bike — the Arid Carbon. With a clean aesthetic and a feature set designed to please both racers and more casual adventurers, the Arid prioritizes versatility. Let’s see what Mondraker has cooked up.
David Golay reviews the Privateer 161 Gen 2 for Blister

Privateer 161 Gen 2

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Privateer made a name for themselves making burly, focused go-fast Enduro race bikes at a remarkably good price with the original 161, and while the 161 V2 continues that lineage, it’s a big departure from the original in a lot of other ways. Check out our Full Review to find out how.
Noah Bodman reviews the North Shore Billet Idler Pulley for the Norco Range for BLISTER

North Shore Billet Idler Pulley (Norco Range HP)

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Idler pulleys on high-pivot bikes lead rough lives. They’ve generally got fairly low tooth counts, are heavily loaded, often with not much chain wrap, and bear the brunt of whatever cross-chaining is happening at any given moment. North Shore Billet has a range of aftermarket options to replace worn-out stock idlers, and we’ve spent a full year on their Norco Range version to see how it holds up.
Dylan Wood and Simon Stewart review the Yeti ASR for Blister

Yeti ASR

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It had been seven years since Yeti produced an ASR — but now their XC race bike is back. And while the new ASR is undoubtedly a competitive modern XC race bike, its appeal will extend beyond the race course for some folks. Check out our Full Review for all the details.

XC Race Bikes for Everyday Riders? | Yeti ASR vs. Cannondale Scalpel Video

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Modern XC race courses keep getting more technical, and modern XC bikes have adapted as a result. Simon and Dylan have been logging a whole lot of miles on two of those bikes, the Cannondale Scalpel and Yeti ASR, to not only see how they compare to each other, but also how practical they are for riders who are *not* racing against the clock. Here's their Head-to-Head video review.
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