BIKE COMPARISON Same Frame, Different Personalities, Two Winners The Pivot Mach 429 Carbon Comparison BIKE TESTS The KHS SixFifty 6500 A bike that’s right in the sweet spot. The Specialized P.Series 3 Jump to it. The LiteVille 301 3-In-1 Trailbike For the rider who can’t choose the right wheel size. The Cannondale Trail SL 29ER 1 Who says money can’t buy happiness? The Airborne HobGoblin Special delivery performance. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Rolf Prima Ralos 9 Wheelset A roadie wheel company hits the dirt. P...

SHOOTOUT Trailbike Tire Shootout Ten tires go knobby to knobby. BIKE COMPARISON Identical Twins, Different-Sized Shoes Specialized 26- and 29-inch Stumpjumpers battle it out. BIKE TESTS The Pivot Firebird Project Bike One chainring, endless possibilities. The Giant Anthem X 29er 4 Performance beyond its price tag. The Cannondale Trigger 29er 1 Same name, different animal. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS DT Swiss M 1700 Tricon A tough wheel with a smooth heart. One Industries Alliance Jersey and Sector Shorts A brea...

BIKE TESTS The Trek Stache 8 Old school has been let out. The Jamis Dakar XCT 650 PRO Jamis continues dialing-in their ‘tweener brigade. The Norco Sight Killer B-1 A boost of wheel size and capability. The Fezzari Hidden Peak Top-shelf performance delivered to your door. Moots Divide MX 29er American craftsmanship and welds neat as a pin. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Sports Optical Sunglasses First-rate optics for riders who need corrective lenses. Kali Avana Helmet Protect your head in style. Mavic Crossmax SLR...

BIKE TESTS The Kona Process So you think you’re tough? The Niner S.I.R. 9 A simple approach to mountain biking nirvana. The GT Zaskar 100 9R Pro A carbon bike that deserves a speeding ticket. The Haro FLC 29 Pro Taking Haro to new heights. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Sidi Drako Shoes An Italian tradition of cutting-edge technology. Lezyne MegaDrive Light Riding with the sun on your handlebar. Hydrapak Tamarack Not too big, not too small—just right. Club Ride Mountain Kit Stand out from the pack. Ergon GS2 Carbo...

SHOOTOUT Seven Flat Pedals Stand On Their Platforms Plenty of reasons to never clip in. BIKE TESTS The Giant Trance X 29er 0 A 29er that doesn’t feel like one. The Specialized Camber 29 An overachiever for under two grand. The Scott Genius 710 A smart way to attack any trail. The Trek Fuel EX9 DRCV? Yes, please. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Shimano’s Under-$200 Shoe/Pedal Combo Welcome to a clipped-in world. A’ME Heated MTB Ergo Tri Grips Stay toasty warm on every cold ride. RockShox Reverb Seatpost Hydraulic ha...

SHOOTOUT Shimano’s Sibling Gravity Groups The best way to invest your downhill budget. BIKE TESTS The Yeti SB-66 Carbon A carbon copy of a Colorado favorite. The Cannondale F29 3 A serious hardtail race bike with a soft side. The Transition TR250 Huge fun in a compact bike. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Spank Spike Race Stem and 777 EVO Handlebar A spike from the upgrade specialists. Continental Race King Tires King me. Specialized Dissident DH Helmet Tough as nails outside, comfortable as a pillow inside. Avid X...

SHOOTOUT Suspension Pump Pump-Off Bontrager, Fox and RockShox air it out. BIKE TESTS The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR Carbon 29 Because you’re dead a lot longer than you are alive. The Foes Shaver 29 Versatility and durability crafted in America. Intense Carbine 275 Bigger hoops on a carbon superbike. The Felt Edict 29er Felt’s ultimate race weapon. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Mavic Crossmax SX Wheels Supercross wheels for singletrack. Niner RDO Carbon Seatpost Take the sting out of your hardtail. Lazer ...

SHOOTOUT 62 It’s Camel Against Camel The CamelBak M.U.L.E. vs. the M.U.L.E. NV BIKE TESTS The Cannondale Trigger 1 Point this trailbike and pull the trigger. KHS 609 Carbon Another 27.5-inch-wheeled bike that can win today. Marin Mount Vision XM6 A bike with performance beyond its price tag. The Windsor C29 Pro A brand name is re-launched with value as the goal. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Gaerne Kobra MTB Shoes Italian race shoes as comfortable as slippers. Showers Pass LapelEau Cherry-picking from the nerds. ...

SHOOTOUT The $2000 Trailbike Face-off Five bikes, one winner. The Fezzari Alta Peak The Giant Trance 3 The Kona Tanuki Deluxe The Scott Spark 50 Specialized Camber 29er The Best Way To Spend $2000 BIKE TESTS The 2013 Rocky Mountain Element 970 RSL A race rig that can also handle long-haul backcountry adventures. The Ibis Mojo HD 160 The CTD Treatment, dw-Link style. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS The KS LEV Seatpost Somebody finally nailed it. The Azonic Outlaw 29er Wheels Built for the rugged trail. The RockShox ...

BIKE TESTS The Niner Air 9 RDO The Felt Virtue Elite The Jamis Dakar Sixfifty B Comp The Norco Sight 3 The Turner 5.Spot SHOOTOUT Shimano XTR Trail vs. XT Trail vs. PD-M530 Pedals PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Kore Durox 2 Wheelset SRAM X0 GripShift Fyxation Mesa Pedal Rokform Rokbed v3 Bike Mount Kit Airace Fit Tele M Hand Pump Lezyne Superdrive and Powerdrive Lights MBA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Trail Rider’s Helmet Tips And Tricks Trail Rider Helmets Under $100 Trail Rider Helmets Over $101 TRAINING AND FITNESS Don’t ...

BIKE TESTS The Giant Trance X Advanced SL A Super Enduro racer’s dream comes true. The Nukeproof Snap Comp Riders ready? Watch the gate… The Airborne Goblin The home-shopping channel bike. SEA OTTER EXPO SPECIAL COVERAGE The 2013 New Year’s Celebrations Begin Next year’s products seen at the Sea Otter Classic. Jimmy Mac’s Picks From branding irons to carbon fiber. Mike Wirth’s Picks Multi-national product parade. Doug Barnett’s Picks Off the beaten path. Scott McClave’s Picks From animals to saints. PRO...

SHOOTOUT Attack Of The Killer B Our first-ever 26 v. 27.5 v 29 dual-suspension shootout.   BIKE TESTS The Giant Reign 0 Your chance to reign over the trails. The Specialized Demo 8 II Unleash the monster. The Trek X-Caliber 29er A simple solution to lots of needs. Kona Entourage Deluxe Slopestyle approved.   PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Marzocchi 44 Micro Switch TA Fork and the Roco Air LO Shock Italian designed butter. Crankbrothers Kronolog Dropper Seatpost A mechanical post that feel hydraulic. Mavi...

BIKE TESTS The Giant Reign 0 Your chance to reign over the trails. The Pivot Mach 5.7 Carbon Pivot makes no bike before its time. The Turner DHR Low and slack aluminum rocket ship. Cannondale Jekyll 4 Aluminum A two-faced, all-mountain machine. Specialized Camber Comp Carbon 29er A confidence booster when things get rough. The GT Karakoram 1.0 Ready for many peaks. SHOOTOUT Schwalbe Nobby Nic Tire Compound Shootout Evolution Triple Compound Tire vs. ORC Single Compound Tire PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Rotor Q-R...

AMERICAN-MADE BIKE TESTS From our shores to the mountains The Foes Shaver The Ventana El Rey   BIKE TESTS The Intense Carbine The Kona Operator Norco Revolver 2 The Trek Superfly AL 100 Elite Transition Bandit 2 PRODUCT FIELD TESTS E.thirteen TRS+ 29er Wheelset Truvativ XO Chainguide Maxxis High Roller II tires Easton EC90 XC 29er Carbon Wheels Fork Ace Air Chamber Enhanced Shimano M162 Shoes Vee Rubber V10 and Mission Tires Mavic Syncro Helmet Straitline AMP Pedals O-Tus Helmet Speakers   DES...

SHOOTOUT The Cannondale Scalpel 29’er Carbon 1vs. The Scott Spark 29 RC   BIKE TESTS The Yeti SB-66 The Trek Session 9.9 Carbon The Salsa Fargo 2 The Xprezo Super-D   PRODUCT FIELD TESTS SKS Aircon 6.0 Floor Pump Avid XX Disc Brakes Giro Remedy CF Helmet X-Fusion Hilo Adjustable Height Seatpost Shimano XTR Shadow Plus Derailleur Specialized Airlock Tubes Serfas True 1500 Lumens Headlight Bontrager RXL MTB Shoes   DESTINATION On the Gas In The Motor City RIDING SKILLS SPECIAL SECTION How t...

SHOOTOUTS Real Stopping Power Shimano XT metal vs. resin brake pad comparison. The Wheel-To-Wheel Grudge Match 26 vs. 27.5 vs. 29 wheels go knob to knob. Six Multi-Yools That Can Get You Out Of A Jam Over seventy tools attack bolts, screws, clamps and chains.   BIKE TESTS The Rocky Mountain Element 950 It’s aboot time, eh? The Trek Slash 9 Get ready to Slash some singletrack. The Specialized Carve Pro 29 A hardtail hard not to love. The Intense M9 FRO For raging only.   PRODUCT FIELD TESTS The...

BIKE TESTS The Pivot Phoenix DH Leave your competition in the ashes. The Form Prevail 29er There is something very familiar about this bike. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Dual Eyewear Glasses Bi-focals have never looked so fast. Specialized S-Works MTB Shoes Pumped up kicks. IceToolz Rollup Tool Kit A great idea with a weird mix. SHOOTOUT The Best For Any Home Mechanic The Park Tool EK-1 versus the Pedro’s Master Tool Kit. THE ULTIMATE BUYER’S GUIDE Narrowing The Search For The Right Bike Making a tough decision ...

BIKE TESTS The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon Evo The Giant Glory 0 The GT Zaskar 100 Expert PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Osprey Viper 7 Hydration Pack FSA Gravity Light Andrew Taylor Cockpit Bontrager XR4 Team Issue TLR Tires Giant Contact Switch Seatpost Cane Creek Double Barrel Shock Sidi Spider SRS Lorica Lizard Skins G-Love Gloves SeaSucker Vacuum-Mount Bike Racks Andrew Taylor’s FSA Cockpit RockShox Boxxer World Cup Fork Troy Lee Designs Helmets DESTINATION Winter-Avoidance Locations THE WORLD A...

BIKE TESTS The Niner Jet Nine RDO A favorite gets a carbon fiber makeover. The Specialized Status 2 Podium ready without a high entry fee.   The Giant XTC Composite 29er A racing thoroughbred that loves to shred trails. The Spot Rocker SS A belt-driven single-speed makes chain lube obsolete. The Airborne Wingman Cheap seat for your next flight.   PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Leatt DBX Comp II Neck Brace It’s like a helmet for your neck Leatt Chest Protector Adventure Protection below the chin. SMAC Pla...

BIKE TESTS The Intense Tracer 2 The perfect Shaun Palmer trailbike. The Ellsworth Evolution 29er Worthy of anything you throw at it. The Kona Unit Simple sophistication. The Orbea Alma 29er S30 The pride of Spain. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Genuine Innovation Race Day MTB Kit The fastest way to get back into the game. Gaerne G.Keira Plus Shoes Like Air Jordans for mountain biking. RePlay XD Video Camera A tiny third eye to capture the big picture. KMC X10SL Silver Chain Smooth power delivery and less weight. K...

TESTS The Giant Yukon FX vs. The Giant Talon 29er The best thousand bucks you can spend.   Five Long-Travel Bikes In A Steel Cage Giant vs. GT vs.Specialized vs. Trek vs. Yeti. PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Giro Aeon & Specialized Prevail Top lids shoot it out. Specialized Command Post Blacklite This will make you faster. Guaranteed. Thule T2 vs. Yakima Holdup Rack Two options to hold your prized possessions. Enve Carbon 29er Wheels A long-term investment in performance. Cobb Saddle Unconventional lookin...

TESTS The Niner R.I.P.9 Your favorite trail just got more fun.   The Pivot Firebird Long Travel Bird of prey.   The BMC Trailfox TF01 The Swiss Army Knife of bikes.   PRODUCT FIELD TESTS GoPro Helmet Hero HD Camera Re-live every ride and take friends along with  you.  UVEX xp 100 Helmet A trail rider's helmet with cross-country-race weight.   Cane Creek Angleset A head-set that teaches geometry.   Mavic Crosstrail Disc Wheel-set Affordable do-it-all hoops built to last...

TESTS The Scott Genius LT Blurring the line between long-travel and lightweight.   The Felt Nine Sport Under a grand and overwhelming. The Tomac Supermatic 1 Johnny T inspired to rage.   The Bionicon Alva 160 Air An on-the-trail shape shifter.   The Devinci Dixon XP Devinci Comes Back To The U.S.A.   PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Crankbrothers Iodine 3 Cockpit Precision quality and stunning aesthetics.   Stans ZTR Podium MMX Wheelset 3.30Ti An unfair advantage.   Michelin WildGrip’r ...

BIKE TESTS The Trek Superfly 100 A stealth fighter on singletrack. The Rocky Mountain Element 50 MSL Quick bike, eh? The Jamis Dakar Sixfifty B2 The in-between wheel size delivers out-front performance PRODUCT FIELD TESTS Manitou Circus Comp Fork The circus has come to town. E.13 XCX-ST Chain Guide Weight-saving simplicity. Fizik Cyrano Seatpost A premium saddle brand posts up. Saris Thelma 3-Bike Rack Getting your bike to the trail. Tire Sealant Shootout Caffélatex vs. Stan’s The G-4 Thin Line Bolt on ...

ON THE COVER: South Mountain Cycles’ Taylor Lideen (front) and Jon Pettit power up Tom’s Thumb Trail in Ireland. Kidding, that’s Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by John “That cactus jumped at me” Ker. BIKE TESTS Specialized S-Works Epic 29er Should everyone else just stop trying? Trek Remedy 9.8 All-mountain cure for the common trail. Pivot Mach 5.7 How adding a 0.7 can double the value. Giant Anthem X 29er 1 Cross-country performance meets versatility. Turner Sultan American-made 29er built for the long haul. ...