First Look

Brand new halo products don't come around often, and when they do it's worth taking note. The Manifest Spherical represents countless hours of design and thorough vetting in the Dome – Giro and Bell's widely regarded test lab. It has a two-piece EPS liner with progressive layering to better manage high- and low-speed impacts. The two layers can rotate around one another like a ball and socket, something not often seen before. It also vents incredibly well, providing 7% better cooling than their proven Montaro MIPS lid. Join Zach Petersen in the video above for a look at what makes it stand out...

Just last year, Guerrilla Gravity launched a fresh line of bikes featuring an easy-to-convert frame platform and a new material technology called Revved Carbon. Today they're pleased to show the full range of what their system is capable of by introducing the fifth bike built around a shared front triangle, chainstays, and linkage. Hop onboard with Vital MTB in the video above for a closer look and ride impressions. It has a point-and-shoot attitude and could not care less about what's between points A and B. Strengths Weaknesses Potential for five bikes in one High-speed stability Robust...

Last year Crankbrothers introduced the Synthesis line of carbon wheels, and in doing so they really brought to light how some added compliance in a front wheel can be a very beneficial thing. Pair that with a stiffer rear wheel and you get a bike that simply rides better through most mountain bike terrain – something Crankbrothers has proven with lots of blind testing. Today they are excited to unveil the aluminum counterpart, and we're joined by MTB Savant in the video above for a first look and first ride. Compliant Front Stiff Rear Wider, lighter aluminum rim Fewer, lighter spokes Lower...

Over the past four years, TRP has been researching, prepping, prototyping, and testing a new drivetrain. You've no doubt seen it in use at the World Cup level, beginning with fast man Aaron Gwin and his mechanic, John Hall, both of whom had considerable influence on the final design and features. Today the DH7 downhill derailleur and shifter move past the race-driven development phase and officially launch to the public. TRP DH7 Highlights 7-speed system on 11-speed spacing Designed for downhill bikes Hall Lock - Locks main pivot bolt to prevent derailleur from lifting, slapping, and making...

Inits debut, the Santa Cruz Hightower developed a bit of a reputation for being a “dad bike.” It was a pretty good all-rounder that just seemed to lack a certain amount of excitement surrounding its geometry and capability. Fast forward to now… dad grows a beard, gets some neck tats and starts running drugs for the cartel. Santa Cruz made sure dad’s bike is getting all the high-speed rowdiness he needs for his fresh persona with the newly updated Hightower. Strengths Weaknesses Gets up on command and hangs tough in the rough Impressive climbing efficiency Planted and composed Added reach makes...

The time has come to unveil the latest weapon in the Santa Cruz Bicycles arsenal. Meet the Megatower – a bike that is a big enough departure from its predecessor that it deserves its own name. From some perspectives, the Santa Cruz Hightower LT was a compromise, and the race-driven brand knew they could do better. The Megatower is their answer. Strengths Weaknesses Absolutely hauls in wide open bits Added shock compatibility Great tuning options for trail/rider demands Calm, quiet pedaling response that feels very efficient for a 160mm bike Uninterrupted pedal strokes over roots and rocks...