With the year winding down, we look back at our ten most popular gear review articles published in 2017. Sneak a peek at last year’s list here.
Santa Cruz Hightower
Santa Cruz launched the Hightower in early 2016 as a replacement for the Tallboy LT. With 135mm of rear suspension and the ability to run either 27.5+ or 29″ wheels, the Hightower has taken the trails by storm.
Read the full Santa Cruz Hightower review here.
2018 Giant Anthem 29
Hugely popular in South Africa, Giant’s cross country staple, the Anthem had a much anticipated redesign for 2018. We took the 2018 Anthem 29 2 for a quick spin on the Delvera trails to get a feel for the changes.
Read the full First Ride: Giant Anthem 29 here.
Specialized S-Works Tarmac eTap
The Specialized Tarmac is a bike synonymous with road racing performance. The engineers at Specialized have continually refined the platform, with the input from riders, in the pursuit of the ultimate lightweight, stiff, and responsive road racer. We spent a few weeks on the 2017 Specialized Tarmac and indulged in a little Tarmac nostalgia along the way.
Read the full 2017 Specialized S-Works Tarmac eTap review here.
Merida Reacto 4000
The Reacto forms part of Merida’s range of aero race road bikes boasting efficient teardrop tube profiles, with direct mount brakes, internal cable routing, and an integrated seatpost which features Merida’s S-Flex technology for some added comfort in the saddle.
Read the full Merida Reacto 4000 review here.
SRAM GX Eagle
The GX Eagle drive system has made the wonders of twelve speed attainable for a larger portion of the market: especially if you forgo the full groupset and upgrade with only the necessary components. We put the system to the test.
Read the full SRAM GX Eagle review here.
Pyga Slakline
With the Slakline only a few months away from being released, Pyga offered us the opportunity to get a closer look at a prototype of this enduro machine, and we headed off into the mountains to ride everything in sight.
Read the full Pyga Slakline review here.
2018 Specialized Epic Comp Carbon
The Epic has undergone a redesign for 2018. In short, the frame has had over 500 grams shaved off it and the geometry has progressed with the longer, slacker trend to be able to deal with the increasing level of gnar seen on the World Cup XC racing circuit. Interestingly, this has gone hand in hand with a reduced fork offset to keep the handling sharp on technical climbs and slow speed corners. We took the Epic Comp Carbon for a spin on the Boschendal Farm Estate trail network.
Read the full Specialized Epic Comp Carbon first ride review here.
Momsen R355
With wide open spaces and a vast network of country roads, added to our obsession with covering distance, South Africa is a perfect place for the booming adventure and gravel bike trend. The R355 marks South African owned Momsen Bike’s first play in this maturing category of crossover bikes.
Read the full Momsen R355 review here.
YT Jeffsy CF Pro
Known for providing excellent performance paired with a great value offering, YT’s announcement of the Jeffsy set the internet abuzz. The Jeffsy is a 140mm trail bike designed around 29-inch wheels, making it well suited to South African trails. The Jeffsy’s grin-inducing prowess both on the climbs and descents set a high standard for review bikes for the remainder of the year.
Read the full YT Jeffsy CF Pro review here.
BMC Fourstroke 02 XT
Swiss bicycling manufacturer BMC was born out of a passion for racing, first on the road and later moving into mountain bikes. The BMC Fourstroke is their full suspension cross-country/marathon contender which, in the hands of French super-star Julien Absalon, has claimed numerous XCO World Cup titles and XCO World Champs win.
Read the full BMC Fourstroke 02 XT review here.