Here is a quick look back at the most popular articles on our site based on page views. There are many ways to gauge interest in a particular topic or story, but page views are the most common for internet traffic. Facebook likes and the number of comments are also indicators and these usually go hand-in-hand with the page view stats.

Google Analytics is the de facto method for sites to accurately measure their traffic and it is much more reliable than the simple visit counter within the articles themselves. Some times these numbers will not match up and there are various reasons for this, but the most common one is that Google Analytics also counts the number of image loads.

So, without further ado, here are the Most Popular articles on MTBR.com from 2015.

Perhaps the scariest fall ever at Red Bull Rampage.

Perhaps the scariest fall ever at Red Bull Rampage.​

1. Video: Rogatkin falls off cliff in the biggest crash in Red Bull history

Red Bull Rampage has been a large part of mountain biking for years. It is arguably the single biggest MTB event in the world and it is often colored with controversy. This year was no different.

With the severe injury suffered by Paul Basagoitia, the real world risks came to light big time. Is it really worth it? Even before Paul B's crash, Nicholi Rogatkin had a get off so terrifying it needs to be seen to be believed.

In what we titled as the "biggest crash in Red Bull history", the ending is simply amazing. Watch the video here: https://reviews.mtbr.com/video-rogatkin-falls-off-cliff-in-the-biggest-crash-in-redbull-history

Flat or platform pedals are a simple but popular component.

Flat or platform pedals are a simple but popular component.​

2. Round Up: Best new flat pedals

Another popular article was our round up of the best new flat pedals. Illustrating just how popular flat (or platform) pedals have become for all mountain riding, this collection of the hottest pedals offers up some buying advice as well. Sure, everyone knows thin is in, but what other features are important? Brands highlighted include: Gamut USA, Xpedo, DMR, Spank, Race Face, Tioga, VP and more.

Whether you're looking for high-end bling or budget bargains, you'll find them listed here. Read the full article now: https://reviews.mtbr.com/round-up-best-new-flat-pedals

When is budget a factor when buying a new bike? Always!

When is budget a factor when buying a new bike? Always!​

3. 12 Awesome Value Mountain Bikes Under $3000

This article was actually written in 2014, but it remains one of our most popular articles and shows that buyers are always looking for a good deal. The $3000 price point is an important one for most shops and this list illustrates a good range of bikes that can be had.

For our list here, we ONLY calculated page views this article received during 2015. We gathered a new list for this year's newest bikes (https://reviews.mtbr.com/round-up-13-affordable-mountain-bikes-under-3000) but last year's version still keeps getting plenty of eyeballs.

Check out the 12 Awesome Value Mountain Bikes Under $3000 here: https://reviews.mtbr.com/12-awesome-value-mountain-bikes-under-3000

LED lights for commuting or night riding with plenty of high-tech features.

Side-by-side comparisons and analysis of the best night riding and commuting lights.​

4. 2016 Lights Shootout

MTBR has been doing the Bike Lights Shootout for many years now. In fact, it was the first comparison article we ever featured. LED and battery technology has continued to develop and lights are brighter, last longer and they are more affordable than ever.

Whether you need lights for commuting, night riding or both, we take an in-depth look at all the hot models on the market today and analyze, measure and compare them side-by-side.

Check out the 2016 Lights Shootout here: https://reviews.mtbr.com/2016-bike-lights-shootout-headlights

New updates and upgrades are key to releasing the true performance of this classic.

New updates and upgrades are key to releasing the true performance of this classic.​

5. First Look: 2016 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR

Love them or hate them, there's no doubt that the big red "S" makes some great bikes. They weren't the first to jump on the 650B/27.5 band wagon by a long shot and their first attempt was much maligned. That all changed with the new 2016 Stumpjumper FSR which got quite a few updates and upgrades and it is a model that appeals to the heart of the mountain bike enthusiast community. New dialed geometry, SWAT features and better components are the new highlights.

Read the First Look article for more details and a quick ride impression. Where did we feel this bike fell short? Read on and find out.

Read the full article here: https://reviews.mtbr.com/first-look-2016-specialized-stumpjumper-fsr

Continue to page 2 for #6 - 10 and most commented articles of 2015 »

For many buyers (new or otherwise) $1000 represents the limit of their bike buying budget.

For many buyers (new or otherwise) $1000 represents the limit of their bike buying budget.​

6. Round-up: Best Value Mountain Bikes Under $1000

Check out our collection of some of the hottest new mountain bikes for riders on a budget. For many riders (beginner or otherwise), $1000 represents the limit of their bike buying budget. What does $1000 get you these days?

We went around to different bike manufacturers at Interbike and asked them to show us their best value mountain bike around $1000. For this round-up, we also included brands that weren't at Interbike and even included some direct-to-consumer offerings as well.

Read the full article here: https://reviews.mtbr.com/round-up-best-value-mountain-bikes-under-1000

For today's enduro/all mountain rider, lightweight protection is as important as flat pedals and dropper posts.

For today's enduro/all mountain rider, lightweight protection is as important as flat pedals and dropper posts.​

7. Round up: Best New Lightweight Knee and Elbow Pads

Perhaps giving a glimpse into the style of today's enduro/all mountain rider, flat pedals, lightweight armor and dropper posts are the most popular components/accessories on our site. Current technology keeps developing and even aggressive XC riders can benefit from this style of protection.

Brands highlighted include: POC, Dainese, G-Form, Alpinestars, iXS, Troy Lee Designs, Leatt and more.

Read the full article here: https://reviews.mtbr.com/round-up-best-new-lightweight-knee-and-elbow-pads

Trek updated their  Procaliber SL, Top Fuel and Fuel EX 29 for 2016 and the masses approved.

Trek updated their Procaliber SL, Top Fuel and Fuel EX 29 for 2016 and the masses approved.​

8. Trek Procaliber SL, Top Fuel and Fuel EX 29 Revamped

Significant changes made to line-up of cross-country race bikes the Procaliber SL, Top Fuel and Fuel EX 29. MTBR attended the world-wide launch of these new models in Europe and we even got to spend a little bit of riding time on some of them.

What are the changes and improvements? Read on to find out.

Check out the Trek Procaliber SL, Top Fuel and Fuel EX 29 Revamped here: https://reviews.mtbr.com/trek-procaliber-sl-top-fuel-and-fuel-ex-29-revamped

This tech article takes a deep dive into explaining conversion/gearing options.

This tech article takes a deep dive into explaining conversion/gearing options.​

9. Tech: 1x10 Narrow Wide Conversion Gearing Revealed

When SRAM first released a 1x drivetrain, it was indeed a "game-changer". It allowed riders to simplify their ride without much sacrifice. It even allowed bike designers to make changes that were previously not possible due to having to account for the spacing of two front rings. The biggest draw back, however, was price. Before SRAM's latest "performance" version of 1x (GX series), users looked at conversion options.

Gearing has never been as important as it is now and users want to try 1x without having to go all in for a new, full drivetrain. Was there a way to rig up their own version of 1x with their existing bike and parts?

This tech article from the guys at Art's Cyclery really struck a nerve with our audience. What conversion options are out there and just how many gear inches are you sacrificing? Find out in this great feature story.

Read the full article here: https://reviews.mtbr.com/tech-1x10-narrow-wide-conversion-gearing-revealed-2

Can a good 10 speed cassette give you the same benefits as 11 speed?

Can a good 10 speed cassette give you the same benefits as 11 speed?​

10. Sneak Peek: Praxis Works Wide Range 11-40 10 Speed MTB Cassette

As if to emphasis just how popular gearing options are, the tenth most popular article this year was the Sneak Peek: Praxis Works Wide Range 11-40 10 Speed MTB Cassette. Whether you are setting up a 1x or 2x system, this new wide range cassette gives you options at an affordable price. It is is engineered for 10-speed systems and can potentially extend the usable life of your current rig.

Read the full article here: https://reviews.mtbr.com/sneak-peek-praxis-works-wide-range-11-40-10-speed-mtb-cassette

Is it trail maintenance or trail sanitation?

Is it trail maintenance or trail sanitation?​

Bonus - Most Discussed Article: Opinion - Confessions of a trail dumb downer

If there are two topics on our site that garner the most comments and reactions, it is E-bikes on trails and Trail Access issues.

In this guest editorial entitled "Opinion: Confessions of a trail dumb downer", Lev Stryker talks about the techniques and tactics used to help maintain trails. But is it really trail maintenance or trail sanitation? You can read and decide for yourself.

Besides the high number of comments to this article, it should also be pointed out that most comments are quite long, indicating that the readers felt a real attachment to the topic and really wanted to take the time to explain their opinions and concerns.

Read the full article here: https://reviews.mtbr.com/opinion-confessions-of-a-trail-dumb-downer

So there it is. We hope you enjoy a look back at some of the most "popular" articles of 2015. Once again, it is a bit surprising that although he is clearly one of our most popular writers and there is no shortage of "responses" to his articles, the Angry SingleSpeeder's contributions didn't land at least one in the top ten. But it is worth noting that several of his articles incited plenty of feedback.

Thanks for reading MTBR.com and thanks for your continued support of our site for this past year and hopefully for many more years to come!