Mountain bikes are, in many ways, better than ever, but we’re also seeing fewer and fewer bikes that feel like truly specialized tools for a specific job. And for many folks, that’s great — many big Enduro bikes climb pretty well, plenty of more versatile Trail bikes still hold their own in burly terrain quite effectively, and so on.

Being well-rounded is certainly one way for a bike to stand out, but it can also make for a bike that doesn’t truly excel in any specific area. So we got a bunch of our bike reviewers together to talk about — and argue over — the bikes and other gear we were most impressed with from 2024, and talk about what makes them stand out.

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TOPICS & TIMES:

Cannondale Moterra SL (2:41)

Santa Cruz Vala (4:26)

Kavenz VHP16 V7 (9:06)

Deviate Highlander II (13:58)

Privateer 161 V2 (16:23)

Spot Mayhem 140 (21:42)

Specialized Stumpjumper 15 (25:20)

Specialized Epic Evo (28:54)

Trek Top Fuel (32:19)

Yeti ASR (34:15)

Chromag Lowdown (39:42)

Schwalbe Radial Tires (43:45)

Michelin Wild Enduro MS & DH22 (51:15)

Michelin DH16 (56:12)

Manitou Mara Pro PB (58:38)

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

Blister Cinematic

CRAFTED

GEAR:30

Blister Podcast

Off The Couch

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