Mountain bikes are evolving in incredible ways, increasingly raising the standard of quality in build, components, and versatility on the trail. Searching for a new bike or fresh gear can be challenging, as there are many high-end brands that are all competing to innovate with each new model they create. We aim to make this search less daunting and more exciting by supplying you with thorough research, information, and key highlights of leading mountain bikes. NS Bikes is one of the companies that was founded on seeking the best possible hardware combinations to give … [Read more...]
Intense Tracer Review
For the uninitiated, Intense Cycles was founded in 1993 to compete at the top levels of professional mountain-bike racing, and, in the 25 years since, its distinct, innovative designs and pro-level performance have earned it a sterling reputation that ranks among the best in the industry. While it may not be the biggest, most-household name in biking, those in the know recognize Intense Cycles as a mountain biker's mountain bike, delivering peak performance without consideration of the cost. In line with this design philosophy, and as a product of it, Intense Cycles … [Read more...]
Trek Stache Review: Stable & Balance
Mountain biking is an intense sport and travel method that requires heavy-duty gear designed to withstand even the harshest terrains and weather conditions. Since the amount of fun you can have while mountain biking is dependent on staying safe and mobile, it is important to take your time while shopping for a new mountain bike setup.Recognizing that looking for fresh bike gear can be challenging and time consuming, we are here to help with your search and provide you with thorough and informational bike reviews. In this article, we are specifically highlighting four, … [Read more...]
Canyon Bicycles: Our Honest Review
Price is often the biggest determining factor in making any purchase. To reduce customer cost for their product, Canyon has adopted a clever factory direct retail strategy that makes their bicycles more affordable than those of their competitors. Starting at around $1,500, the price of Canyon bicycles is high, but this is comparable to the industry standard for bicycles of this quality. Before making a purchase, potential customers need to know of the quality of Canyon's bicycles and the value these bicycles represent compared to the overall market.There are certain … [Read more...]
Mach 6 Review – Strong And Durable
When you go out to explore the world, you want to make sure you have reliable resource possible to back you up, especially when the trails are rough. One of the most important aspects of your wilderness adventure is your bike. You need something that is strong, durable, and always able to propel you forward. This is why you need the Mach 6. WHAT IS MACH 6?The Mach 6 is one of Pivot’s highest quality bikes, perfect for wilderness trails or competitions. It comes with a full carbon frame that includes cutting-edge carbon fiber materials along with Pivot’s proprietary … [Read more...]
Vital MTB’s Top Member Reviewer Earned $100 at Jenson USA – You Can Too!
Have an informed and honest opinion about a product? Help out your fellow MTBer by writing a review. The top Vital reviewer each month earns a Jenson USA gift card. Check out some of the best reviews from last month inside. more » … [Read more...]
Shimano RS505 hydraulic disc brakes
As soon as Shimano 105 inherited the equally smooth and precise 11-speed gearing from its Ultegra sibling, we were eagerly waiting for the more affordable groupset to get hydraulic disc brakes. They’ve arrived, but aren’t necessarily the no-brainer bargain we’d been hoping for.Compared with Ultegra R685 STI levers the 505s are longer, lower and more like Shimano’s non-hydraulic levers, with a familiar fit in the crook of your thumb and palm. But the more accessible bleed port – a good thing – creates a very obvious square-edged bulge … [Read more...]
First Look: 2016 Troy Lee Designs Collection
Hot on the heels of last week's helmet launch, time has come to pull back the curtains and reveal the 2016 Troy Lee Designs apparel and protection collection. And what a collection it is. From XC to DH, from soberly understated to brash and bold, there is something here for everybody. And far from just a bunch of new colors, there are plenty of design improvements and innovation to discover as well. We've been putting in the miles with the new kit already, jump right in to find out how we've been getting along! 2016 Troy Lee Designs ACE When Troy Lee sets out to … [Read more...]
2016 Test Sessions: Santa Cruz Bronson C S
Reviewed by AJ Barlas and Brandon Turman // Photos by Lear Miller New for 2016, Santa Cruz revamped their ever popular Bronson, the company's 150mm travel all-around trail smasher. While the updates may seem minor on paper, they’re just the right amount to take it from being a pretty "standard" trail bike by today’s standards to something with more potential to get wild and ridden with aggression. You're looking at a revised Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension system, fresh rear shock tune, Boost axle spacing, slacker and longer geometry, lower standover … [Read more...]
Garmin Fenix 3
Garmin's Fenix 3 is an extremely versatile multisport watch. The durable device can be used to record data from activities ranging from cycling and running, to mountaineering and skiing.In fact, on top of its vast range of data fields, Bluetooth connectivity and numerous built-in sensors, the Fenix 3 has us contemplating ditching our trusty Edge 500 computer.Our sample Fenix 3 is the standard version with rubber wrist strap. There are also the newly announced Sapphire, HRM and Titanium versions, which feature a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, additional band options … [Read more...]