BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Ski vs Bike Industry, Part 1: Similarities, Differences, Trends, & the Health of Each (Ep.349)
In past years, we’ve done a series called ‘Bikes vs Skis’ where we’ve posed the question: Which bike company is most like which ski company? But today our team is zooming out and comparing the ski vs bike industry to identify the significant similarities and differences; assess the relative health of each; and see how the trends in one might align with trends in the other.
Flash Review: Pivot Shuttle SL/AM
We’ve started testing Pivot’s Shuttle SL/AM, and its combination of impressively low weight and solid all-mountain capability has it looking like a compelling new option in the light-assist category.
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Win a Pack From The Brown Buffalo
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the Conceal Pack 21L from The Brown Buffalo!
The Transformation of Esker Cycles w/ Tim Krueger (Ep.276)
In today’s conversation, Simon talks with Esker Cycles founder Tim Krueger about being a small bike brand during difficult years in the bike industry, saying goodbye to carbon fiber, their new metal bikes, focusing on affordability, and more.
Amateur Hour: Blister reviewer, Zack Henderson, on Paella (Ep.71)
Today on CRAFTED, Eli is joined by fellow Blister contributor Zack Henderson to talk all things paella. We dive into the mysteries of the socarrat; explore a Pacific Northwest take on the dish; brainstorm potential flavor combinations, and more.
EXT Vecta
EXT has made a name for itself building unapologetically high-end suspension products. However, their new Vecta coil shock is their take on a more affordable offering, and it’s impressively fully featured relative to the brand’s flagship options. Here are all the details.
Hope Carbon Cranks
Hope has added a carbon fiber crank to go along with their Evo aluminum one, and we’ve spent a ton of time on it to see how it stacks up. Check out what we’ve found.
James Bond: ‘A View to a Kill’ w/ Jonathan Ellsworth, Justin Bobb, & Simon Stewart (Ep.39)
Forty years ago, snowboarding was featured for the first time ever in a massive, mainstream film. So today, we break down the on-snow action of ‘A View to a Kill’; discuss its historical significance; & share some wild facts about this crazy movie and its star-studded cast.
Flash Review: Specialized Turbo Levo 4
We’ve been spending time on the Specialized Turbo Levo 4. Find out how the new motor compares to the competition, plus some initial ride 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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Specialized Turbo Levo 4
Specialized is adding aluminum models to the Turbo Levo 4 lineup. The Turbo Levo 4 has a more powerful motor and a bigger battery than the outgoing Turbo Levo 3, plus a host of other innovations that, combined with the new drive system, make us eager to spend time on it. Check out our First Look for the details.
Our (Shrinking) Common Ground: The Latest in the Fight for Public Lands (Ep.358)
Public lands are one of the few unifiers for a huge number of Americans — but they’re currently under attack. Luke Koppa and Paul Forward discuss these recent developments, why anyone who enjoys the outdoors should be concerned about them, and how to take action.
Pivot Trailcat SL & LT
Pivot’s twin Trailcat models share a frame, but their on-trail differences are bigger than one might expect. We’ve spent the spring testing the Trailcat LT alongside its shorter-travel sibling, the Trailcat SL, and are ready to share our thoughts.
Your Questions: Our Favorite Skis This Season; Big vs Small Brands; Quiver Overlap; & More (Ep.348)
Jonathan and Luke answer your questions, including our go-to backpacks for ski-touring; how a given brand’s size, location, and ethos factor into our own purchasing decisions; what skis to get if you’re spending a lot of time cruising slow-speed groomers; how we view “Quiver Overlap”; and one of the most frequent questions we get: what were our favorite skis this season?
Win Cycling Gear From Lezyne
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the Super Drive 1800+ Smart Front Bike Light, Saddle Ai Alert 250 Rear Bike Light, & Pocket Drive Pro Bike Hand Pump from Lezyne!
2026 Orbea Rallon
FMD Racing unveiled the prototype Orbea that they’ve been racing on at the Bielsko-Biala DH World Cup last weekend, and it turns out that it’s the new Rallon — historically Orbea’s Enduro bike. The new version is meant to fill double duty as both a DH and Enduro rig, with a big range of adjustments to suit, and looks to be a massive departure from the Rallon of old. Check it all out here.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Steve Matthiasson on Wine, Punk Rock, Bikes, & Fireworks (Ep.73)
Steve is one of the most respected winemakers in Napa Valley, and he produces wines that buck some of the most fashionable trends in the valley. Steve is also a passionate mountain biker and snowboarder, a teacher, and a wine consultant; today, we dive into all of these aspects.
Flash Review: Revel ReRun
Revel Bikes is back in action after being reacquired by its founder, and that means their new bikes, like the ReRun, are hitting the market. Check out how we’re getting along with Revel’s first eMTB 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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‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ w/ Jonathan Ellsworth & Simon Stewart (Ep.40)
On June 10, 1982, ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’ premiered in the USA. This Steven Spielberg film won multiple Oscars, became the most successful film of all time, and caused a huge spike in bike sales. So today, we revisit one of the most significant films in movie history.
Flash Review: Salsa Spearfish
Salsa has jumped right into the modern XC bike mix with the new Spearfish. Check out our Flash Review to see how we’re getting along with it after a few rides.
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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Salsa Spearfish
XC bikes have seen a renaissance in the past few years, melding more confident Trail-inspired geometry with super-efficient pedaling performance. Salsa has made their entry into this brave new world of XC bikes with the Spearfish, and it looks rather promising. Our First Look digs into what they’ve cooked up.
Flash Review: 25/26 Salomon QST 106
We’re rounding out our Flash Reviews of the updated Salomon QST series with the longest-standing model, the QST 106 — check out our initial thoughts on how it compares to the prior-gen version and other QST models.
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.)
2025-2026 Salomon QST 106
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for Salomon’s updated QST 106.
Blister Book Club: ‘Everest, Inc.’ w/ author, Will Cockrell (Ep.360)
Jonathan talks with Will Cockrell about his excellent book, Everest, Inc. They discuss the fascinating history of guiding on Everest, the evolution of that industry, and the broader topic of the ethics, principles, and parameters of guiding in general, anywhere.
TRP Evo Pro Brakes
TRP’s Evo Pro brakes take over from the popular DH-R Evo as their flagship gravity offering, and TRP says the new stoppers offer better ergonomics, more power, and greater adjustability. We’ve spent the last seven months putting those claims to the test. See how the Evo Pro brakes stack up.
Ski vs Bike Industry, Part 2: State of Shops; Gear Wins & Fails; & the Future of Each (Ep.350)
Today, we take a look at the state of ski shops vs bike shops; what each industry is doing to grow participation and engagement in their sport; gear wins and fails; and our reviewers weigh in on which industry has the brighter future.
Ibis Oso 1.1
The Ibis Oso 1.1 got a few construction tweaks and a smaller price tag, but it’s still a very unique-looking offering on the eMTB market. It comes with a unique ride, too, but one that should appeal quite a bit to the right buyer. Read on to find out who the Oso might be for.
Win Apparel From SPC/LST
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the Sapien Quilted Crew, Omega E-Waist Active 5.5” Short, and Range Beanie from SPC/LST!