Second place. First loser. The next best. You know the game. Placing second isn’t always desirable, but in the case of the SRAM Force XPLR AXS…
Author: Jason Mitchell
Jason Mitchell
A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. With extreme attention to detail, he has been a technical product manager for top 10 web properties, eCommerce businesses and SaaS companies for 20+ years. The combination of outdoor experience and technical savvy gives him a unique perspective that is channeled into every gear review. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground. He rigorously tests every product and usually uses them beyond their intended purpose -- just for the sake of testing. (Note: Jason receives sample products in exchange for authentic reviews. He is not paid, nor influenced to share anything other than his honest opinions.)
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My love affair with Pinarello bikes goes way back. Every model I’ve ridden has blown me away with its classic Italian lines and trademark ride character.…
Wahoo has been the most user-friendly GPS bike computer brand on the market for quite some time. I always call them the “Apple of Bike Computers”…
When winter throws you a curveball, there’s still a time and place for the new HOKA Kaha 2 Frost GTX boots and I did my best…
We all love an underdog and OPEN has been quietly making some of the most rider-focused gravel bikes on the market with a cult-like following. That…
The 4th-generation Cannondale SuperSix EVO was introduced in 2023. Almost exactly three years later, Cannondale is launching the Gen-5 SuperSix EVO and it’s racier, lighter and…
Historically, down jackets have been best suited for sedentary activities or high-alpine pursuits. We’ve all seen climbers on Everest in their ultra-puffy down parkas, but there’s…
The Specialized Stumpjumper was the original trail bike. Growing up, that was the bike that everyone wanted — because it could do everything well. Over time,…
Versatile jackets are the name of the game in my book. Having something that can go from skin-track to a night on the town without skipping…
There’s gravel everything these days. Some of those “gravel” items are merely flannel shirts or baggy shorts — none of which makes a gravel kit in…
At the end of each year, we reflect on the best gear we tested and pick some winners. Sometimes the best gear is like splitting hairs…
If you’re looking for the secret to riding faster and more comfortably on gravel, let me tell you a little secret — tires and wheels. Looking…
After a long run, GOREWEAR is shutting down in 2026. But, before turning off the lights, their spectacular lineup remains available and ready for purchase. One…
SRAM has owned both the MTB and gravel groupset market for many years now. With the most 1x experience among the big drivetrain brands, every time…
Merrell athletes are representing the brand with continued success these days. Once really just a hiking boot brand, the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx proves…
There are a bazillion options when it comes to recovery drinks. Some are just jammed with protein while others use unique blends of all sorts of…
Lightweight, weather-resistant shells are the bread-and-butter of outdoor gear. Something that can be stashed anywhere, pulled on in an instant and versatile enough for just about…
Big, obnoxious sunglasses that would make the cast of Ocean’s Eleven swoon. Yup, these kinds of shades remain all the rage and we’re all better for…
Bikepacking gear needs to be versatile. And, in this case, versatile enough to be worn on the daily around home and the office. As it turns…
That iconic red scorpion is something of legend. With it comes over 100 years of history and more palmares than I can count. For years, their…