BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
OneUp V2 Carbon Handlebar
OneUp’s V2 carbon handlebar is all about “more” — both in size options, and in compliance. Is it a winner? We’ve spent the summer finding out.
10 Quick Things: ‘Big News & Updates’ Edition (Ep.371)
Jonathan shares some big news about Blister Summit 2026 (and announces dates); reveals what we’ll be reading next for the Blister Book Club; talks about getting on a gravel bike this weekend at Rebecca’s Private Idaho; and more.
Industry Nine Hydra2 Hubs & Trail Carbon Wheels
Industry Nine’s Hydra hubs have long been super popular for their ultra-fast engagement and plethora of color options, and now there’s a new Hydra2 that’s meant to improve some of the downsides of the original — while also engaging even faster. Check out how they’ve fared, and how the Hydra2 Trail Carbon wheels we’ve had them laced to perform.
Shimano GE900HS Shoes
Shimano recently launched a bunch of new gravity-oriented MTB shoes, including a racier version of their flagship gravity clip shoe, the GE9. Meet the new GE9HS, and get our take on how it stacks up.
GEAR THERAPY: Flat vs Clipless Pedals w/ Jonathan Ellsworth, Sascha Anastas, Simon Stewart, & Zach Henderson (Ep. 288)
We bring the team together to tackle Jonathan’s flat versus clipless pedal dilemma in today’s Gear Therapy episode, drawing on mountain bike coaching, industry, and shop experience.
Coffee Gear, Pt. 5: One-Year Update on Jonathan’s Coffee Setup & Journey (Ep.82)
Eli talks with Jonathan Ellsworth about what’s new in his setup; what he’s learned (or rejected) from the depths of coffee forums and online videos; and whether his coffee journey has been a brilliant pursuit of flavor, or just an expensive rabbit hole.
Santa Cruz Hightower 4
The 4th-generation Santa Cruz Hightower isn’t just a mid-travel All-Mountain bike — it’s a confident descender that could have been a true Enduro bike just a few years ago. With stable, versatile geometry and plush suspension, the Hightower 4 stands out as a capable one-bike quiver option.
Deep Dive: Santa Cruz Hightower 4
We compare the Santa Cruz Hightower 4 to the Santa Cruz Hightower 3, Santa Cruz Bronson 5, Santa Cruz Megatower 2, Santa Cruz Tallboy 5, Specialized Stumpjumper 15, Ibis Ripmo V3, Spot Mayhem 140, Cannondale Habit, Pivot Shadowcat, Transition Sentinel V3, and Trek Fuel EX Gen 7.
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‘Chasing The Triple Crown’ w/ Hannah Otto (Ep. 49)
Hannah Otto has been ticking off impressive FKTs, and her latest film documents the highs and lows of her White Rim record-breaking effort, as well as the struggles of riding and filming in very unforgiving terrain.
Chromag Reazon
Chromag’s latest full-suspension bike, the Reazon, slots in between the Darco and Lowdown in their lineup — and Chromag is touting its versatility first and foremost. Take a look at how the brand best known for making aggressive hardtails went about making a full-suspension All-Mountain bike.
Spark R&D + ATK Bindings: a New Collab Sparked at the Blister Summit
Today’s episode contains a number of “firsts.” So tune in to learn about a new collab between Spark R&D and ATK bindings, or tune in to hear Jonathan caught completely off guard multiple times.
Mountain In My Mind: When Ski Films Talk About What We Don’t (Ep.370)
Filmmaker John Padilla joins us to talk about his ski film series, Mountain In My Mind, and how he’s opening the conversation about mental health in mountain communities.
Flash Review: Fox 34 SL
Cross-Country race courses have gotten a lot gnarlier in recent years, and bikes and parts have had to adapt. The new Fox 34 SL offers up to 130 mm of travel in a very lightweight package, but how does it ride? We are ready to share first impressions from a few rides with Fox’s new race-oriented XC fork.
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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Win Apparel From Curious Creatures & Party Shirt International
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a pair of Bitterroot Bloom or Sun Dog shorts from Curious Creatures and a Sun Hoodie from Party Shirt International!
Formula Selva V
Formula’s latest twist on their single-crown All-Mountain / Enduro fork, the Selva V, defies convention within the category a bit — and will be a great option for the right riders for it.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Win PHANTOM Glide Ski / Snowboard Kits
The five winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will each get a PHANTOM Glide Single Application Kit!
Revel Ritual
The Revel Ritual is a long-travel 29er built for Enduro racing, but after two months of testing, it proved to be far more versatile than expected. With efficient climbing and playful yet capable descending, the Ritual feels just as at home just about anywhere. Check out our Full Review for the whole story.
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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