Syd has been riding and wrenching on mountain bikes since 1987 when he picked up his very first Rocky Mountain bike. He's an educator and mechanical expert who has written hundreds of MTB how-tos and product reviews.
Learn the basics of mountain bike photography including aperture, shutter speed, ISO, composition, and white balance to take your trail shots beyond point-and-shoot.
We test Answer's ProTaper Carbon 780 DH handlebar and ROVE XC stem, finding lightweight performance that reduces fatigue without sacrificing strength or durability.
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Formula debuts zero-loss quick-release brake lines, SRAM showcases XX1, and Yakima's new Hold Up rack finally solves the dual-DH-bike transport problem at Interbike 2012.
Avid's new XO Trail brakes blend Code power with XO weight savings, offering fade-free performance and excellent modulation for aggressive all-mountain and downhill riding.
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Interbike 2013 gear preview: t.h.e.'s DOT-certified Thirty3 helmet, Bell's camera-ready Full-9, Five Ten's sticky VXI shoes, and updates from Dakine and Osprey.
Leatt drops prices on neck braces while adding improvements to the DBX Pro and introducing the new split-design DBX Comp 4 for gravity riders.
Giro introduces the women's-specific Feather helmet, new vibrant colorways, and flat-pedal shoes developed with input from downhill racer Aaron Gwin.
Swedish safety gear maker POC expands their 2013 mountain bike protection line with new VPD knee guards, touch-screen compatible gloves, and hydration packs.
Easton unveils lighter carbon wheelsets and popular 35mm Havoc cockpit components, plus refreshed graphics across their mountain bike component line for 2013.
Shimano debuts Zee, an affordable gravity drivetrain that delivers Saint-level performance without the premium price tag, plus new hydration packs and footwear.
NukeProof pushes into North America with gravity-focused bikes including the 130mm Mega TR and new 210mm Pulse downhill rig built from team input.
After a full season testing the 2012 RockShox BoXXer WC fork, we found improved small-bump sensitivity and bottomless performance in an impressively light 5.84-pound package.
THE Industries' T2 Carbon helmet and Cosmo shorts blend race-ready performance with thoughtful design, offering gravity riders lightweight protection and durability without compromise.
The Cane Creek DBAir offers lightweight design, true 4-way tuning, and adjustable air spring volume, making it the best-performing shock tested to date.
The Kuat NV Core offers the same dependable performance as the original NV rack in a stripped-down, stealth black package for $439.
Final review of the Santa Cruz V10 Carbon downhill bike.
The Five Ten Cyclone high-top offers bomber ankle protection and grippy SPD-compatible soles perfect for aggressive riding and bike park days.
The lightweight Selle Italia SLR Super Flow saddle features a large cutout for breathability and weighs just 179 grams, perfect for weight-conscious riders.
The Maxxis Highroller II is a decent all-around tire, and the softer, loamy turf is where these DH tires truly shine.
On their final day at Mountain Creek Bike Park, overnight rain improved trail conditions while a close encounter with a black bear added unexpected excitement.
Spank's new Spike 777 Evo handlebar and Race stem deliver carbon-like vibration damping and bomber strength at mid-level prices, perfect for gravity riders.
Mountain Creek bike park in New Jersey offers 44 gnarly runs with massive rock gardens, challenging technical features, and convenient on-site townhouse accommodations.
We review the carbon fiber version of Giro's Remedy full-face helmet and the budget-friendly DND gloves after putting both through real-world trail testing.
Topeak's PrepStand Pro and JoeBlow Ace represent premium shop-quality tools for home mechanics, featuring innovative designs like built-in scales and dual-barrel pumping systems.
SRAM's revolutionary XX1 introduces the first 1x11 drivetrain system, eliminating front derailleurs with an 11-speed, 10-42T cassette for simplified mountain biking.
Shimano's AM41 flat pedal shoes blend everyday comfort with trail performance, featuring a strategic Vibram sole and debris-resistant design for around $120.
Truvativ's Holzfeller stem and BooBar handlebar combo delivers wide-bar control and clean aesthetics for gravity riders seeking a unified SRAM cockpit setup.
Mavic's updated Crossmax SX wheels feature an asymmetric rim design, improved hub engagement, and impressive durability at 1755 grams for $899.
Complete your spring tune-up by servicing your headset bearings, truing wheels, and replacing shifter cables for a season of trouble-free riding.
Osprey's new Zealot hydration pack features bomber materials, 16 liters of storage, and refined comfort details perfect for aggressive all-mountain and enduro riding.
After breaking both clavicles, wrists, and ankles, this gravity rider tests the Leatt DBX Pro neck brace to see if it's worth the investment.
Learn how to service your mountain bike's drivetrain, frame pivots, and hydraulic brakes to keep everything running smoothly this spring.
Learn how to give your mountain bike a complete overhaul yourself, from fork service to bearing replacement, when local shops are backed up.
At just 1870 grams, the Easton Havoc 150 UST wheels deliver race-ready performance for aggressive riders seeking lightweight speed without sacrificing durability.
The Cane Creek Double Barrel shock features 4-way adjustment for long travel bikes.
A review of the Loaded Precision AmXc grips and flat pedals.
POC's VPD 2.0 knee and elbow pads use visco-elastic polymer padding that stays soft while riding but stiffens on impact to absorb energy.
SRAM's new XO DH components deliver lighter weight and improved shifting performance for gravity riders, with redesigned cranks, derailleur, chain guide, and brakes.
The Giro Feature offers long-travel riders enhanced coverage and protection at a mid-range price point, blending comfort with aggressive-riding peace of mind.
The Cane Creek 40 series headset offers refined design, lightweight carbon options, and bulletproof cartridge bearings that stay smooth through constant abuse.
The Manitou Circus Expert DJ fork sheds 300 grams from the Comp model with aluminum stanchions and ACT spring technology for responsive, controlled jumping.
The 2012 Fox 40 FIT RC2 offers race-proven downhill performance with Kashima coating, inverted damper design, and exceptional tracking for $1,600.
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**A custom Banshee AMP dirt jumper build with lightweight components proves flickable and responsive on jumps, skinnies, and pump tracks at Joyride 150.**
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The final installment in our Santa Cruz V-10 carbon DH build series covers stem, handlebar, brake lever, and shifter installation.
SunRingle's revamped ADD gravity wheels deliver impressive durability and rolling speed at $750, undercutting competitors while featuring tubeless-ready rims and versatile rear hub spacing.
Learn how to properly trim and install hydraulic brake hoses on a mountain bike build using Avid's pro tools and techniques.
Installing the drivetrain on a DH bike requires proper torque specs, careful chain guide alignment, and precise cable routing for optimal shifting performance.
The cSixx 150gm is a lightweight carbon chain guide from South Africa that survived three months of aggressive trail testing without dropping a single chain.
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