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Trail Test: Scott’s dirt-shredding, terrain-tackling Genius LT 710, taking your ride to new heights

Instead of testing the Scott Genius LT 710 on my home trails in Ontario, I took the bike out on some faraway testing grounds: the legendary routes of Moab, Utah.

Trail Test: Trek Procaliber 9.9 SL, for more comfort and traction on cross country routes

Trek has brought its seat tube-flexing IsoSpeed decoupler to its new hardtail, the Procaliber. The Wateroo, Wis.based company outfitted its XC race machine with technology that has worked on its road and cyclocross bikes.

Mud Test: Raleigh RX 2.0, a versatile, entry-level CX bike with top specs

For Canada, Raleigh offers six cyclocross models. In this range, you’ll find two built for women in either aluminum or carbon, both with rim brakes.

Reviewed: Louis Garneau Steeple-XC Performance, ready to take on the mud — and more

Garneau has expanded its cyclocross range to three bikes with a two new carbon fibre-frame models. The Shimano Ultegra-equipped Elite model ($3,500) and the Shimano 105 Performance version I tested ($2,900).

First ride on the Shimano XTR Di2 group

I think the Shimano XTR Di2 groupset is one of the greatest developments to happen to the mountain bike, so far. I first saw the electronic gruppo in July 2014 at the BC Bike Race.

Review: Lapierre Zesty Trail 829 e:i

The Lapierre Zesty Trail 829 e:i has been updated for 2015, its second year in the ultra-competitive trail category. The […]

Review: Louis Garneau Rytm Elite

Some new bikes are moving into the 29er hardtail market for 2015. Louis Garneau, which is based near Quebec City, is releasing its high end, off-road Rytm platform. The lineup will consist of three models that share an identical carbon-fibre frame in small, medium and large sizes. The price range will start at $1,799 for the Sport model with Shimano’s Alivio and Deore components. Next in line is Elite with Deore and SLX parts ($2,399), and then the premium Course with Shimano’s XTR CS-M9000 drivetrain ($4,999). The top- and second-tier models are available with Garneau’s cool DreamFactory custom colour program. Your frame can speak to your personal style or match your team race kit.

Review: Trek Boone 9 Disc

Trek has gone and stirred things up in the realm of cyclocross with its premium line of carbon-fibre frame ’cross bikes.The Boone 9 Disc is the main offender. On paper, it may lull racers into a thinking that ’cross racing is now going to be easy. Technological advancements – such as Ultegra electronic shifting, hydraulic disc brakes, a super light frame and Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler – seem as if they would take the edge off of a ’cross race. But, once the gun goes off, your lungs and legs will still scream. But, this is a fabulous bike to race and train on, or to just ride around. Cyclocross legend Sven Nys says it’s perfect.

Review: Norco Threshold 105

At this year’s Sea Otter Classic in April, Norco expanded its cyclocross offerings with a full redesign of the Threshold carbon line. I tested the base model of the series, which has a bright green and black graphics that drew looks wherever I rode.

Review: Felt Virtue Nine 3

The latest incarnation of the Felt Virtue Nine 3 has a nicely detailed carbon-fibre frame with very cleanly executed internal cables. The rear travel on the bike is 130 mm, which is more than enough for today’s 29er trail bikes. The travel may explain the slightly lofty ride height the bike seems to have. You can manage this lofty feeling on steeper descents with the KS eTen remote seatpost that comes already equipped. Lowering the saddle will help you to adjust your centre of gravity.

BC Bike Race 2014: Day 7 – Whistler

The 2014 BC Bike Race has come to a close. The last stage’s 22-km course was much improved due to […]

BC Bike Race 2014: Day 6 – Squamish

The riders at the sixth stage of the BC Bike Race in Squamish, B.C., could not have asked for better weather […]