BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2025 Nicolai / Geometron G1
Geometron arguably did more than anyone else to spur on the geometry revolution that mountain bikes underwent over the last decade or so. Their second-generation G1 doesn’t appear to be as radical as the original one in some respects, but it’s a more refined, modern take on an aggressive, ultra-adjustable Enduro bike.
Deep Dive: Nicolai / Geometron G1
We compare the Nicolai / Geometron G1 to first-generation G1, RAAW Madonna V3, Privateer 161 V2, Chromag Lowdown, and Contra MC.
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‘Jeremiah Johnson’ w/ Mike Rogge & Jonathan Ellsworth (Ep.37)
‘Jeremiah Johnson’ stars one of the most famous actors of all time, Robert Redford. But why did Mike Rogge want to discuss this film that came out 53 years ago? Why was it so important to Robert Redford? And how did it inspire one of the most popular GIFs / memes today??
SRAM GX Transmission Upgrade Kit
SRAM just launched the new 70 and 90-series mechanical versions of their T-Type groupsets. Now there’s a cheaper way to convert a mechanical Transmission setup to the GX wireless version.
2024-2025 ON3P Woodsman 92
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the ON3P Woodsman 92.
Flash Review: Öhlins RXF36 m.3
The changes Öhlins made to the latest m.3 generation RXF36 look more like subtle refinements than a major overhaul on paper, but small tweaks can make a big difference when it comes to suspension performance. Check out how our time with the RXF36 m.3 is going so far.
Craig ‘Weazy’ Murray on Winning Natural Selections’ 1st SKI Comp; GRITT; & More (Ep.356)
We go behind the scenes of Natural Selection’s first ski comp with Craig ‘Weazy’ Murray, winner of the men’s division. We also talk about Weazy’s other passions, including riding mtn bikes at an increasingly high level, and why his work with GRITT means so much to him.
Flash Review: 25/26 Elan Ripstick 102 Black Edition
Elan’s “Black Edition” skis are meant to serve as higher-end versions of their existing models, and we’ve been spending time on the latest blacked-out version of the Ripstick 102. Here are our initial impressions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2025-2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Black Edition
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Elan Ripstick 102 Black Edition.
Rocky Mountain to Reboot Under New Ownership
Rocky Mountain has been going through financial difficulties and restructuring. They’re now under new ownership, with plans to resume new bike development and push the brand forward.
Reviewer Reports: Testing at Palisades, Ski Touring Gear, Favorite Ski Socks & Midlayers (Ep.346)
Luke, Kristin, and Jonathan discuss some of the skis, boots, and bindings that have stood out during their recent testing; Luke’s experience at Palisades Tahoe + Level 1 SuperUnknown; which ski socks they each used most this season; some interesting new midlayers, & more.
Win a Portable Ramp From MTB Hopper
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the Lite 2025 Portable Ramp from MTB Hopper!
The Resurrection of Kona w/ Jacob Heilbron (Ep.273)
In April 2024, Kona Bikes set up their tent at Sea Otter and promptly tore it back down. Kent Outdoors, which owned Kona at the time, pulled the rug right out from under them and declared that Kona was no longer in business. A year later, we check in with Kona founder Jacob Heilbron about selling Kona to Kent, how things have been since buying it back, and more.
Enve M6 Wheels
Enve’s flagship M-Series wheels have historically been quite stiff — arguably to a fault — but their latest fifth-generation versions are claimed to be far more compliant and more durable. Here’s what we’ve found after seven months on the Trail-oriented M6 wheels.
2025-2026 Head Kore 87 Ti W
Head overhauled their longstanding and popular Kore skis for the 2025-2026 season, and we’ve been spending time on all of the new models. So, how similar or different are these new Kores? We’re kicking off our Full Reviews with the narrowest of the bunch, the Kore 87 Ti W.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: Fox Podium
The new Fox Podium doesn’t look like much else out there, and its on-trail performance stands out, too. Check out our take so far.
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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Fox Podium Inverted Fork
In a big change for the brand, Fox has been developing an inverted fork, and there’s been plenty of speculation about what the production model would actually entail. Get all the answers here, and check out our early on-trail impressions of the new upside-down Fox Podium.
Shimano GRX Di2 1 x 12-speed Drivetrain
Shimano’s new wireless derailleur design has been adapted to the 1 x 12 Gravel use case with the new GRX RX827 rear derailleur. Our First Look digs into their first true wireless Gravel setup.
Flash Review: Formula Selva V
The new Formula Selva V stands out from the market for being lightweight and highly tunable via Formula’s CTS valve system, but how does its performance stack up next to other long-travel single-crown forks? We’ve got some early 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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Hoji, Marcus Caston, Nick Russell, & Chris Davenport: Life Updates, Mtn-Town Advice, Trip Reports, & More (Ep.362)
We brought together some legends of snowsports — Hoji, Marcus, Nick, & Dav — and asked them to share some life updates; their best mountain-town (and relationship) advice; trip reports & travel stories; & more.
Thule T2 Pro XTR
Thule’s T2 Pro XTR hitch-mounted bicycle rack is one of the more popular options on the market. And after testing it ourselves, we understand why. Check out our Full Review to find out how this rack performs, including direct comparisons to the Yakima StageTwo.
Southern Hemisphere Skiing, Sustainability, & Shop Strategies w/ Outside Sports (Ep.352)
Today, we head south to the snow, and back behind the counter at Outside Sports in New Zealand. We talk about the gear and innovations they’re stoked on; what it takes to keep a mountain town business thriving; sustainability from a local shop’s perspective, and more.
Flash Review: Esker Woodsy
We’ve started testing Esker’s Woodsy Trail / All Mountain bike, and its combination of a compliant ride, efficient suspension, and all-day comfort has it looking like an interesting option in a crowded category.
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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Win MTB Protection From 7iDP
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a $200 gift card from 7iDP!
Reviewer Reports: New Bikes, Shimano Di2, & More (Ep.279)
We’ve been testing a massive amount of new gear, including Shimano’s first wireless MTB drivetrain, a ton of new bikes, and a whole lot more. So we got the gang together to talk about a bunch of it.
The Madness of Nile Zacherle, Mad Fritz Brewing (Ep.74)
Madness. That’s what you call it when a former sponsored skateboarder gets a Ph.D. in fermentation, then starts brewing super-premium beer in Napa Valley.
Shimano Deore M6200 & XT M8200 Di2 Wireless Drivetrain and Wheels
Just two weeks after launching their first wireless MTB drivetrain at the flagship XTR tier, Shimano now has Deore and XT versions for folks who want wireless shifting at a more affordable price. Here are all the details.