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  • 9-19-08 // Tested: Chumba XCL 5-Inch

    Even though Chumba bills the XCL as a cross-country bike, you won’t likely see many XCLs lined up at the start of any serious XC race. So without getting all hung up on categories, let’s be clear: this is a “trail bike”—and it’s a pretty good one at that.

  • 7-14-08 // Tested: Santa Cruz Blur LT

    This Blur LT performed better than expected and exceeded its predecessor. It absorbs big hits well and is a stiff, predictable climber. As for those creaky links? After three months of abuse, we have yet to hear a peep out of it.

  • 7-14-08 // Tested: Commencal Meta 5.5.1

    This bike is a ripper on tight singletrack. It’s a sprightly little beast that on occasion felt a bit spindly, especially when pointed through sustained rock gardens. But that might easily be cured with an oversized (now standard) bar/stem.

  • 7-14-08 // Tested: Scott Ransom 30

    Scott set out to build a long-travel bike that could take on the biggest, gnarliest descents without requiring a shuttle or chairlift. The bike goes from a super plush 6.5 inches of travel to a firm 3.5 inches - like having three bikes available at the flick of a switch.

  • 7-14-08 // Tested: Yeti 575 XTR

    Yeti’s redesigned flagship trail bike is built for versatility. If I’m embarking on a marathon ride or race with body-battering terrain chiseling away at me all day long, I like my chances with the race-bred Yeti 575.

  • 6-06-08 // Tested: ZR Cycles 650b Hardtail Frame

    The 650b wheel size (midway between 26- and 29-inch wheels) has been around a long time and is popular with Europe’s touring crowd. The bike tracks well, especially in loose conditions, and the big wheels rolled as well as I could have hoped.

  • 6-06-08 // Tested: '08 Specialized Pitch Pro

    At a shade over 30 pounds with 6 inches of rear suspension, the travel-to-weight ratio highlights the mantra of the Specialized all-mountain philosophy: In order to descend farther you must be able to climb higher.

  • 6-06-08 // Tested: Marin Wolf Ridge

    The Wolf Ridge seems like a little more than just an all-mountain bike. The 5.5 inches of travel can handle anything you throw at it, and climbs effectively, if not quickly.

  • 6-06-08 // Tested: 2008 GT Sanction 1.0

    The fluid lines of the Sanction will appeal to the adventurous trail rider without compromising responsiveness and agility.

  • 6-04-08 // Tested: Niner R.I.P. 9 29-Inch Full Suspension

    Though it is not quite an "all-mountain" bike, the Niner R.I.P. 9 delivers solid cross-country performance and ease of climbing that is on par with the best full-suspension designs on the market.

  • 6-4-08 // Tested: 2008 Mongoose Teocali Super

    In all my fussing with the Teocali's peripherals, its frame did the job, quietly dishing out nearly 6 inches of rear travel independent of whatever the drivetrain was doing.

  • 6-4-08 // Tested: 2008 Giant Anthem 1

    After assembling the $2,600 Anthem 1, I stood back to assess its personality. Let's see, Fox suspension front and rear; Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes; WTB wheels; Michelin Dry2 tires; Maestro suspension. Okay, I got it: humble weekend warrior.

  • 5-29-08 // Tested: Knolly Delirium-T

    The Delirium-T is a lighter version of Knolly’s signature V-tach (7.7 inches of suspension), and comes pegged as an “all-mountain” bike, with 6.3 inches of rear suspension and adjustable head angle and wheelbase.

  • 5-27-08 // Tested: 2008 GT Marathon Pro Carbon

    GT’s new marathon model was first released in 2007 under the i-Drive 4 Carbon moniker, but its name changed this year after GT replaced the aluminum rear triangle with one built from a carbon and aluminum composite.

  • 5-16-08 // Tested: 2008 Felt Redemption 1

    Despite their longer travel, aggressive all-mountain bikes are still expected to climb as easily as their XC brethren. So pedaling efficiency is a big issue among this new breed, and manufacturers are feverishly working to build better suspension designs.