Aaron Chamberlain has been in the bike industry since 2012, and was a member of the Singletracks staff from 2015 - 2018. He's written dozens of product reviews and travel reports and is an expert on mountain bike components.
Aaron says, "I love any kind of mountain biking, but especially all-day rides with plenty of climbing and descending. Used to race a lot and I still do the occasional endurance event or stage race. Most of my rides now are just about enjoying my time in the woods."
A challenging all-day epic combining the technical Old Toll Road climb with Heartbreak Ridge's rowdy descent near Saluda, North Carolina.
The five-stage Pisgah Stage Race returns April 11-16, covering 140 miles and 20,000 feet of technical, wet climbing across classic Pisgah trails.
SRAM's new Level brake line features two-piston calipers derived from Guide technology, offering five tiers for XC and trail riding from $63-$297.
The 45NRTH Japanther winter boots kept this cold-weather wuss's feet warm and comfortable during wet, muddy rides in temperatures down to 25°F.
Pivot's updated Phoenix DH frame sheds 300g, features improved tire clearance, and comes spec'd with Fox's Float X2 air shock.
Lithuanian builder Wittson debuts at NAHBS with a stunning 17.2-pound titanium hardtail featuring integrated seat mast, rigid Ti fork, and premium components.
Western North Carolina's Outdoor Gear Builders hosts Get in Gear Fest March 19, showcasing local cycling and outdoor brands like Industry Nine and Cane Creek.
Georgia's Snake Creek Gap section of the Pinhoti Trail delivers brutal climbs, technical ridge riding, and rock gardens unlike anywhere else in the state.
Hope's UK-made crankset delivers impressive stiffness, durability, and customization options, though the $600 price tag matches premium offerings from major brands.
Hope's lightweight Slick Chain Device pairs machined aluminum with engineered plastic to silently prevent chain drops on demanding 1x drivetrains.
Lindarets' Boostinator adapts select 100x15mm and 142x12mm hubs to Boost spacing for $25-$40, requiring wheel re-dishing and rotor spacers.
SRAM's Rail 40 wheelsets offer stiff, durable performance for aggressive riding, but narrow rims and low spoke count hold them back.
Looking for custom bikepacking bags? Bike Bag Dude crafts waterproof, lightweight frame bags in Australia with tailored precision and over one million color combinations.
The Mio Fuse offers accurate wrist-based heart rate monitoring and impressive battery life, but app syncing issues and band design quirks hold it back.
Canfield Brothers' Crampon Ultimate pedals deliver exceptional grip and featherweight performance with a slim profile that lives up to their lofty name.
The Marin Pine Mountain 2 is a modern steel hardtail with 27.5+ wheels, versatile mounts, Shimano XT drivetrain, and innovative Nalid thru-axles.
Aaron reflects on his 4,000-mile year filled with epic rides, new trails, heartbreaking loss, and finding solace on two wheels.
MRP's new SXg chain guide uses a passive TPU lower guide instead of a drag-inducing pulley to keep chains secure without sacrificing speed.
The SRAM 1x11 GX drivetrain offers quality at an affordable price.
Here's a one-sentence excerpt in Singletracks style:
**Niner updates the JET 9 Carbon with a 120mm Pike and XT 11-speed, but wimpy Ikon tires sell this capable trail bike short.**
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Sony's 4K Action Cam delivers excellent stabilized video and future-proof resolution, but complex menus and mediocre stills make it best for advanced users.
Club Ride's latest gear bridges the gap between technical performance and casual style, offering mountain bikers versatile clothing for trail and town.
The Lazer Oasiz MIPS trail helmet offers aggressive styling, excellent ventilation, and innovative features like the magnetic Magic Buckle and Rollsys retention system.
WTB's Riddler semi-slick tire delivers impressive speed and cornering grip on dry trails, though tight beads make mounting challenging.
The WTB Trail Boss is a versatile do-it-all trail tire that balances aggressive cornering grip with efficient rolling speed and exceptional durability.
The Zen TRAIL hardtail boasts modern geometry, exceptional steel ride quality, and nimble handling that punches well above its 120mm travel weight class.
American Classic's Wide Lightning wheels prove you don't need carbon to go wide and light, delivering impressive performance at 1,610g for under $900.
Ready to sell your old mountain bike to fund your next ride? Here's how to price it right, photograph it well, and avoid getting robbed.
The Alpinestars Pathfinder shorts offer lightweight comfort, deep pockets, and impressive durability for $115, making them ideal for riding, hiking, and everyday wear.
Scottish brand Endura updates their legendary MT500 Waterproof Jacket with improved materials, strategic venting, and thoughtful details for wet, nasty riding conditions.
Zoic brought runway-style fun to Interbike with a fashion show featuring their 2016 apparel line and new Osiris-collaboration MTB shoes.
Bell Helmets showcased their comprehensive Joy Ride women's collection at Interbike, featuring seven models from enduro to commuting plus expanded MIPS technology.
Spank debuts Spoon flat pedals in three widths for different shoe sizes, plus lightweight 20- and 24-inch Spoon 28 wheels for young riders.
American Classic's new Smokin' Gun wheels are a massive 40mm wide internally, yet weigh just 1733g for aggressive trail and enduro riding.
POC debuts the Coron full-face helmet with motorsport-derived M-Forge composite shell and enhanced ventilation, plus the new Tectal trail helmet for spring 2016.
Topeak showcases new commuter-friendly LED accessories, versatile camera mounts, precision torque tools, and specialized pumps for fat bikes and tubeless tire installation.
Maxxis expands their tire lineup with new fat bike rubber, 27.5+ options including the aggressive Rekon+, and updated XC classics for various wheel sizes.
The Transition Patrol's low, long, and slack geometry delivers nimble trail handling and efficient pedaling performance through its new Giddy Up Horst Link suspension design.
The Intense Carbine 29C proved impressively nimble and whisper-quiet on Nevada trails, carrying speed effortlessly even through tight, technical terrain.
After losing their way in the 2000s, Marin has refocused on mountain bikes with cleaner designs and impressive performance.
Giant's Reign Advanced carbon enduro bike impressed with its plush suspension, confident geometry, and powerful components that inspired aggressive riding on technical terrain.
A test ride review of the 2016 Rocky Mountain Altitude enduro bike.
When the Specialized Enduro 29er wasn't available, we tested Nate's personal S-Works Stumpjumper 650B featuring innovative internal frame storage and premium components.
We tested the Devinci Troy carbon mountain bike on trails in the Nevada desert.
Santa Cruz updates the Bronson and 5010 with slacker geometry, shorter chainstays, Boost 148 spacing, and their signature wild colorway options.
Here's a one-sentence excerpt in Singletracks style:
**The Singletracks crew tested Trek's best-selling Fuel EX 9.8 on Colorado's high-altitude trails to see if this do-it-all trail bike lives up to the hype.**
Renting a carbon Santa Cruz 5010 from Willamette Mountain Mercantile proved the perfect choice for tackling Oakridge's legendary Alpine Trail.
The SR Suntour Aion RC delivers stiff, reliable performance that punches above its $550 price point, once you dial in the setup.
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