#fat-tires

#fat-tires

The bike I'm borrowing is much lighter than my own, with tyres twice the width, and drop handlebars splayed out to the sides for extra control. The gearing goes much lower than I am used to, meaning even the steepest slopes should be eventually surmountable.

Enzo attempted a double front flip at Alaska's Hilltop Ski Area. He comes pretty close to landing it, nearly getting his skis all the way around, but he just didn't quite get it.

"After walking the future Red Bull Hardline track, I'm pretty intimidated but excited... bringing Red Bull Hardline to Canada is something everyone has wanted."

The Crankbrothers Stamp pedals have always been one of my favorites, so when the brand dropped the info on the latest Stamp pedal, I was keen to give them a shot. Making the move from clips to flat pedals with the Crankbrothers Stamp Evo has been a refreshing change, enhancing my bike-handling skills.

Surly describes the new Sorceress as a 'progressive hardtail built for ever-evolving trails and the humanoids who can't get enough of them.' The frame's design emphasizes low standover height and maximized dropper post travel to enhance rider comfort and control across different body types.

The updated GRIP X damper delivers a refined balance of descending performance, lightweight efficiency, and simplified usability, specifically designed for modern trail riders.

The SHIFT pedals offer a massive 1,201 mm² platform with lots of grip and an adjustable Q-factor, something that is the standout on the CTRL, ALT, and DEL pedals.

The new Levo R Alloy features the same Specialized 3.1 motor and 840Wh battery as the carbon version, providing similar performance at a lower price point.

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 Trek-Unbroken prototype is a clear signal that the '80mm of travel is enough' era of cross-country racing has officially been put to pasture.

The core idea here isn't gimmickry. It's composure. Specifically, the idea that a calmer, more composed ride creates speed, and that a platform intentionally designed around 32-inch wheels can deliver that in a way a scaled-up 29er simply can't.

The special build also included a custom Bike Ahead cockpit and the latest Shimano groupset offerings, showcasing the innovative approach to gravel bike design.

Batch aims to repeat the process, now in the gravel corner of the industry. Now, surely, these new gravel offerings won't completely knock your socks off, but that isn't Batch's intention. However, will they get new riders out on two wheels without the incredible cost barrier? Absolutely.

That's right, you read it correctly. Minnesota's Surly Bicycles wants you to up your daily fiber as they join the masses, and spec some carbon bits on the new 700c Black Cherry Fizz Midnight Special. Don't worry, if you prefer your Midnight Special with a steel fork and trusty aluminum hoops, come this Spring you can get that if you want. But, more on that at a later date.

But here is what that $2,600 will get you: 6061-T6 aluminum frame (note that these frames don't have internal cable routing) Fork: 140mm RockShox Pike Select Shock: RockShox Deluxe Wheels: Stans Flow S2 Comp 29 Brakes: SRAM DB8 Stealth Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission OR Shimano XT (mechanical) Tires: Maxxis Rekon EXO - 29×2.5 Cockpit: PNW Components and Ergon mashup