Tag / Enduro
First Look: 2019 Niner RIP 9 v3
“Don’t call it a comeback… I been here for years…” It’s only fitting that I’m getting ear-wormed with L.L. Cool J., circa 1990, as I’m carving berms and boosting doubles through Southern California chaparral. The third-generation Niner Rip 9 has got me feeling nostalgic for a few reasons. I’ve ridden these same trails many times on my previous-generation Rip 9—a bike that served me well for two seasons, a bike that I have forsaken for a newer, shinier all-mountain bike even though I couldn’t have been happier with it. I’m going to make some comparisons to that bike, because as much as the v3 is true to its roots… there is not much that hasn’t changed for the newest Rip 9. And I would say that this bike is somewhat of a metaphor for Niner as a company right now (hang in with me for a minute while I explain) …
First Look: Evil Offering
Evil changed the face of 29er bikes with their Following several years back. Fans of the brand have been eagerly awaiting the coming of the next iteration of aggressive 29er from Evil, and it has finally landed. The all-new Evil Offering is 140mm aggressive trail bike ready for full send sessions. Jump in to read our review and check out our Jenson USA Exclusive Build.
First Look: OneUp Components Dropper Post
The world of dropper post is a crowded one, and it takes something pretty special for us to sit up (pun intended) and take notice of a newcomer to the scene. OneUp Components has made us do just that. Knowing the quality of products and innovative ideas that OneUp Components has come to be recognized for, our curiosity was piqued when we got word that they were throwing their hat in the dropper post ring. But, we were left with questions of what would make them stand out from the competition. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait too long to get a chance to jump on a call with Jon Hadfield from One Up Components to pick his brain on the ins and outs of this new challenger. Here’s what we learned, and why this sub-$250 dropper post is going to make it onto our bike upgrade/add-on lists.
First Look: Ibis Ripmo
When you've created 2 of the most iconic bikes, the Ripley and the HD4, that occupy different ends of the trail bike spectrum, what is the logical next step? Ibis answered this question with their latest addition to a stellar bike lineup. Introducing the Ibis Ripmo. A bit Ripley, a bit Mojo HD4. Ripmo. It's a bit of a quirky name, but after seeing this stunning bike in person and/or ripping it through your local trails, you won't care what they named this bike. Read on to get the stats and details, and to see our short-term impressions of this 29" trail assassin.
First Look: 2019 RockShox Lyrik RC2 – True Beauty Comes From Within
The 2019 RockShox Lyrik fork has just landed, and we've been racking up miles testing it out. RockShox even sent the legend, Duncan Riffle, to make sure we had it dialed, and to give us the 411 on what's new. Follow the link, and read on, to see our short-term impressions, and all the details of what's new for this rowdy single crown fork.
Best Bib for Enduro Racers? Alpinestars Paragon Bib Review
The search for a that perfect solution of being comfortable on your bike while still packing all the necessary gear and water that you may need can feel like an elusive endeavor. Alpinestars is throwing their contender into the mix of "utility bibs" that integrate pockets, hydration and more within the bib to reduce riders' need for additional gear to carry what they need on a ride. But, Alpinestars has an Ace up their sleeve... they've incorporated spine and hip protection into their Paragon bib. Sam slips into this multi-functional lycra kit to see if it has what it takes to take top pick in his drawer full of other bibs.
First Look: Orbea Rallon
Most advancements in the bike world are an evolution of design and technology that has proved itself in the past.
It's not often, that a company starts with a completely blank slate, and crafts their dream of the latest and greatest.
Orbea has done just that with the completely new, and radically different, successor to the Rallon namesake.
We got one of the first Rallon bikes to hit North America, and we put it through the wringer to give you our first look at this big-wheeled ripper with Spanish flavor. EUSKADURO!!!
Just Landed: The 2017 Intense Tracer
Intense Bikes helped to define a new era of mountain biking with the introduction of the original Tracer. Almost 20 years later, Intense is launching their latest version of the Tracer, and it is still defining how capable and efficient a long travel all mountain bike can be. We got our hands on a test bike, and gave it a good flogging. See what we thought of this latest iteration of a legend.
Kamikaze Games: Intense Tracer 275c Review
A while back, I got the chance to race the Kamikaze Games at Mammoth Mountain. I had also been wanting to test out the Intense Tracer 275c. So, what better time and place to break in a new bike and see if it was a match made in enduro heaven?
Just Landed: Diamondback Level Link
Diamondback Bicycles has unleashed a new suspension design, Level Link on it's lineup of full suspension trail bikes. Bred from a long tested 4-bar linkage and fine tuned for modern riders and bike geometries, Level Link is ready for anything.
