Bikes & Frames

2013 Diamondback Scapegoat

2013 Diamondback Scapegoat

Though billed as a gravity / park bike with all-mountain agility and playfulness, the Diamondback Scapegoat shines brightest as a freeride machine. Blister reviewer Eric Melson reports.

First Look: 2013 Surly Krampus

First Look: 2013 Surly Krampus

The 2013 Surly Krampus brings back those good old memories of rallying rigid bikes with canti brakes; but instead of steep angles, long stems, and terrible tires, you’re on a sweet modern machine.

First Look: 2013 Diamondback Scapegoat

First Look: 2013 Diamondback Scapegoat

The 2013 Diamondback Scapegoat looks impressive, with quite possibly the best off-the-rack build of any Gravity / Park / AM bike on the market. Eric Melson’s been putting time on it, check out his initial impressions.

PREVIEW: 2012 Knolly Chilcotin

PREVIEW: 2012 Knolly Chilcotin

After a long wait, reviewer Joe Hanrahan finally got a Knolly Chilcotin. While he continues to put it through its paces, here’s a first look at the bike and Joe’s early impressions of the ride.

Transition Trail-or-Park

Transition Trail-or-Park

The Transition Trail-or-Park has what you’d expect in a do-it-all jump / park / pump track bike, but it’s the ToP’s unexpected details that makes this bike stand out.

2012 Kona Satori

2012 Kona Satori

The Satori is Kona’s attempt to make an aggressive 29er trail bike in a full-suspension package. So far, it’s been a lot of fun and a little bit confusing. Noah Bodman explains.

2011 Canfield Brothers Yelli Screamy (29er)

2011 Canfield Brothers Yelli Screamy (29er)

The Canfield Brothers Yelli Screamy is the first 29er Noah Bodman has ever liked. (So why does it seem like he’s trying to destroy it?)

2011 Specialized SX Trail

2011 Specialized SX Trail

The Specialized SX Trail falls between a burly trail bike and DH rig, which, when dialed, will rail the downhill and will climb when you need it to.

2010 Santa Cruz Nomad C

2010 Santa Cruz Nomad C

The Santa Cruz Nomad C is a stiff bike with precise handling whose descending capabilities leave little to be desired—once the suspension is dialed.

2011 Turner 5.Spot

2011 Turner 5.Spot

The 2011 Turner 5.Spot isn’t the lightest 140mm frame out there, but it is among the burliest.

2011 Trek Superfly

2011 Trek Superfly

With its light weight, dialed geometry, and stiffness, the 2011 Trek Superfly is a very well-rounded 29er.

2010 Santa Cruz Nomad

2010 Santa Cruz Nomad

The Santa Cruz Nomad has a stiff and sturdy feel and absolutely shreds corners, but the VPP suspension left BLISTER reviewer Rob Dickinson less than thrilled.

2011 Turner DHR

2011 Turner DHR

Kevin Bazar breaks down the 2011 Turner DHR.

2011 Specialized SX – Part 2: TRAILS

2011 Specialized SX – Part 2: TRAILS

Kevin Bazar is persistent, and his Specialized SX is now dialed. (Whew.) Read on to learn how he got it there.

2010 Morewood Makulu

2010 Morewood Makulu

“Makulu” means “big momma” in Zulu. For Marshal Olson, it also means, “perfect.”

2011 Specialized SX – Part 1: JUMPS

2011 Specialized SX – Part 1: JUMPS

Kevin Bazar has been trying to make the Specialized SX work for him. Really trying. You can find all of the gory (and funny) details here.

Commencal Supreme DHv2 – Atherton Edition

Commencal Supreme DHv2 – Atherton Edition

If you don’t win a World Cup DH title, don’t blame the bike.