Even before I ever came to the U.S., I'd heard the legends of the White Rim Trail. It's not only an iconic mountain bike adventure, but also a route with a deep history of FKT attempts that I've followed throughout my career. It's incredibly special to see my name alongside, and ahead of, some amazing athletes. Next time, though, I'd like to slow things down a bit and take in the views.
"Our heritage is rooted in building gear for people who live and thrive in the mountains, and that includes our own team. Many of us ride; our athletes ride. Mountain biking is part of our culture," Ashley Anson, VP Design at Arc'teryx, said.
Orbea designed the Kimu 16 to roll in two different modes. For the newest of riders, the bike can be set up as a balance bike, achieved without many extra parts, as Orbea uses the crank arms flipped around and attached, serving as a platform for their feet.
The 32" tire started with a simple concept. Can it make top level XC racers faster in a real race situation? Our short tests have been pretty inconclusive. From what we've heard, it feels a tiny bit slower, yet it is incrementally quicker. That's great for an elite racer, but less so for my relatively slow rides.
The most significant change for the newest Spartan is Devinci's move away from the previous version's high-pivot linkage. This shift aims to enhance pedaling efficiency and reduce weight, addressing key performance aspects for riders tackling rough terrain.
SHREDLY's apparel has always stood out for its bold colors and patterns, and they're ramping it up for 2026. The brand says its 'our most expressive yet - a fun, earthy collection of prints and colorways inspired by the spirit of mountain biking.'
The Tall Tale is the type of bike that can easily handle both quick after-work rides and multi-day bikepacking adventures. It can climb efficiently while still providing confidence while descending.