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.

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.)

David Golay reviews the Chromag Reazon for Blister

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.
Zack Henderson reviews the Fox 34 SL for BLISTER

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.

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.)

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.
David Golay reviews the Shimano XT M8200 Di2 group for Blister

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.

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.)

Zack Henderson reviews the RockShox Reverb AXS B1 for BLISTER

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.