Issue 5

Singletrack Mountain Bike Magazine Spring 2002

In this Issue:
Ben Bardsley Interview
Lights Group Test
Cafe Society
Snowdon Snow

Cover photo: Flat tyre near Guildford. By Jon Webb.
Contents photo: Snowdrops in Surrey. By Jon Webb.
Spineline: … not jumpy, not grumpy.

Issue 5: Editorial

Without wishing to scare you Chipps points out that it’ll soon be midsummer and then winter again.

Snowdon Snow

Setting off to climb Wales’ highest Mountain at 5am in February is either a great adventure or a potential disaster. Chipps and Andy Armstrong and a company of other risk-takers rode it anyway.

Gallery

Mark Alker provides this collection.

Industry Insider

Ben Bardsley is a to solo and adventure racer. Chipps struggles to find what makes him tick.

Singleminded

The loneliness of the long distance commuter. Plenty passes through your mind and under your wheels in those pre-dawn commutes.

Bike Test

Titanium is still regarded by many as the material of choice for those who can afford it, but as this test shows, it’s no longer a material solely restricted to super-bikes:

  • Global TH One
  • Litespeed Lookout Mtn
  • Airborne Lancaster Bomber

Long Term Tests

Feedback on a number of components and other kit thats been under test for quite some time. This issue reviews:

  • Tioga 1.8SL Tyres
  • Shimano W101 Winter Boots
  • Shimano 959 Pedals
  • Answer ProTaper Carbon Riser Bars
  • Specialized MX Winter Gloves
  • Campagnolo Corkscrew
  • Weldtite Allen Key Set
  • Endura Clip Bibtights
  • Makt Bikewash

Column One

Ben Boney M laments the passing away of Cliff, his favourite trail.

Travel

Mexico is the destination for some riding for Nicky Allison and friends. An antidote for the winter blues with some great riding and a fair bit of tequila.

Gallery

Andy McCandlish presents another wonderful display of warm weather scenes.

Column Two

Polly Hall wants you to understand why she’s not going to be riding her bike today.

Exclusive Test

The Rocky Mountain Switch has six inches of travel at either end. Does it make you a better rider or your riding just more fun?

Column Three

Roly Lambert, this issues guest columnist tries to get his bike clean and fails.

Routes

Godalming, Surrey – three routes described as well as crucial information on what services and ammenities are in the area when you arrive:

  • Easy 13km (8.1 miles), 1-2 hours
  • Medium 40.2km (25 miles) , 3-4 hours
  • Expert 44.3km (27.5 miles), 4-6 hours

Gallery

A broad selection of images from Jon Webb, Chipps, Ben Haworth and others.

Grouptest

This issue sees the first group test, with a clutch of lights under scrutiny:

  • Cateye Stadium
  • Lumicycle 20w/12w
  • NiteRider Evolution
  • BLT Explorer
  • NiteRider HID
  • TurboCat S10

Cafe Society

A photo-essay celebrating the British love of the good old caff.

Hugh Jass

Sometimes there are riders who inspire you to ride more. Even if they’re wearing denim-look shorts.

The Perfect Jacket

Singletrack’s on-line forum readers suggested their perfect jacket. Then Freestyle were brought into make it.

The Armchair Feature

Andy Armstrong hosted a chaotic Singletrack ride in Northumberland. Only he can put it into words.

Singletrackworld.com Roundup

A brief look at the highlights from the magazines daily website over the last few months.

Outro

Photos and captions from the Singletrack editorial team.