Santa Cruz Vala E-Bike vs Santa Cruz Bronson // Does Ditching VPP Mean Its No Longer Distinctly Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz Vala E-Bike vs Santa Cruz Bronson // Does Ditching VPP Mean Its No Longer Distinctly Santa Cruz?

When Santa Cruz released the new Vala E-bike, they ditched their patented VPP suspension platform for a Horst Link design. So is it still distinctly a Santa Cruz? We ride the Vala and its analog si...
Transition Sentinel V3 Bike Check // The Bikes We Ride

Transition Sentinel V3 Bike Check // The Bikes We Ride

We sat down with Matt to dive into the story behind his one-of-a-kind Transition Sentinel build. Focused on pure function and long-term durability, Matt built his Sentinel V3 carbon frame into a no...
DT Swiss DF Upgrade Kit Review // Eliminate Pedal-Kickback

DT Swiss DF Upgrade Kit Review // Eliminate Pedal-Kickback

During my relatively brief stint in industry, I've noticed a pattern of conversation dominated by specific trends. The most recent examples to come to mind are mixed-wheel bikes and electronic shif...
Deity Grip Review // Which Deity Grip is the Best?

Deity Grip Review // Which Deity Grip is the Best?

Looking for the best mountain bike grips? From ultra-slim to extra-wide, Deity offers a grip for every rider style and hand size. Explore the full Deity MTB grip lineup—Slimfit, Supracush, Knuckled...
Santa Cruz Bronson Bike Check // The Bikes We Ride

Santa Cruz Bronson Bike Check // The Bikes We Ride

Our demo bike specialist, Stellan, put his years of hands-on experience to the test with this custom Santa Cruz Bronson build. This Bronson is designed to thrive on the punishing terrain of B.C.’s ...
Smith Hardline and Goggles Review

Smith Hardline and Goggles Review

For the past few seasons, the Smith Mainline has been my go-to helmet for everything from shuttle days to weekends at the bike park. As an enduro-oriented helmet, the construction of the Mainline p...
Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Bike Check // The Bikes We Ride

Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Bike Check // The Bikes We Ride

This Specialized Stumpjumper 15 showcases a demand for durability and performance, featuring key upgrades such as a Fox 38 fork and custom Reserve alloy rims with Hydra 2 hubs. Starting from a Stum...
Smith Helmet and Glasses Review // Forefront 3 Compared to Forefront 2

Smith Helmet and Glasses Review // Forefront 3 Compared to Forefront 2

Smith’s latest lineup of helmets and eyewear delivers a compelling blend of safety, comfort, and performance across a range of price points. The Forefront 3 refines an already excellent design with...
The Best MTB Helmets for Trail Riding // Staff Favorites

The Best MTB Helmets for Trail Riding // Staff Favorites

In the event of a crash, helmets provide a protective barrier, significantly reducing the risk of severe head trauma. Explore our extensive collection at Fanatik, where we offer a diverse range of...