We’re about to turn 20! Thanks to all our readers and Members, the next issue of Singletrack Magazine will mark 20 years of independent mountain bike publishing. We think that’s worth celebrating, so we’ve got an extra special edition magazine coming your way.
Countdown to membership cut off for the next print issue of Singletrack World Magazine
To mark the occasion we’ve got an illustrated cover by artist Isaac Orloff. His bold but detailed illustrations caught Amanda’s eye as she was looking for a style that could bring the cover concept to life. You can check out how it was made here in this video:
For this issue, we wanted to acknowledge the past, but look forward to the future. So there’s not much in this issue by way of retro bikes and ‘ahh look wasn’t it all golden in the 90s’. Instead, we’ve asked out writers to look at where they think mountain biking is heading. What will we be riding, who will be riding, and where will we be riding? Informed by history, we’re looking at where we’re going. It’s not all birthday themed though – we’ve got all your usual favourite features like the Classic Ride, Bike Test, and adventure features.
To reflect the past and future theme, we’ve got a magazine of two halves, and a cover that reflects that. There are two fronts to this issue, and how you choose to read it is up to you! Get to the middle, flip the mag over, and start all over again – think of it as party laps on your favourite trail.
On one cover we have our retro rider, kitted up in all the gear and surrounded by the influences and events of the past. On the other, we have today’s rider, with a background showing some of the latest technology and innovation. Take a moment and spot the items you’ve owned, the gear you’re riding now, the components you wish you had, and the things you’re glad you missed out on.
Just as that first issue of Singletrack Magazine was the distillation of everything we wanted to see in a mountain bike magazine – but which no one else was writing – so every issue since has been a celebration of mountain biking in all its many forms.
We’ve always made the magazine for riders like ourselves, who want to read about where mountain bikes can take us, the people and places we can discover and what experiences those bikes can deliver. This still continues, every issue, and we’re so grateful that you, the readers, have joined us for the ride for these past 20 years.
20 years!
Chipps Chippendale, Editor and plain and simple mountain bike rider.
As the resident, often rash, early adopter of technology and Singletrack’s biggest Star Trek fan boi I’m obviously really excited about where we are going next with both Singletrack and the mountain biking world in general. But that doesn’t mean I’m at all dismissive of the past as it’s that which guides the progress we make today and in the future.
I’m really proud of what we’ve put together with this anniversary issue and I think it perfectly sums up the character of SIngletrack. It doesn’t have a back cover so it symbolises that relationship with the past, present and future perfectly.
I think there’s something in there for everyone. I hope you enjoy looking back and forwards in a single issue as much we did in putting it together.
Mark – Publisher, futurist, proud geek.
The sharp eyed among you will notice that the present day side contains a nod to the future too – our future. For the first time in 20 years we’re changing our masthead – to Singletrack World. This brings together our magazine and website branding – we’ve always been Singletrackworld on the web.
Like it? We do, and we hope you do too! We’ll be bringing out a range of merchandise celebrating our birthday and mountain biking past and present – because whatever you’re riding, the mud is just as sloppy, the rain is just as wet, and the sun on your skin as you emerge from a forest trail is always warming. The joy of riding remains, whatever the technology.
How will you read yours? Past first, or dive straight into the now? Whatever your plan, make sure your copy is scheduled to arrive with you. Members should check their delivery address details are up to date – have you moved house recently? Any renewals or new Members should make sure you’re signed up by 25th February. Digital only memberships start at just £20 per year – choose the option that suits you now:
Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 20 years, and thank you for continuing to help us bring mountain bike news and inspiration to you long into the future.
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Yes – stw – with a woman on the ‘front’ of the front cover, too – it really is the future/present of mountain biking. Thanks for supporting female riders, and writing a mag for all. Happy 20 year anniversary!
Like it! Best get reading issue 135 🙂
Top work all round. Congratulations Singletrack♀️
Been with you lot since day 1, do I get a medal ? At that time I was riding a Kona Caldera having upgraded from a rigid Marin Bobcat. The Marin catalogue ( remember them?) from 1995 had me lusting after their Ti frame then Kona Hei Hei and King Kahuna. I had to settle? for an Airborne Lucky Strike followed by a Cove Hummer and now a Kona Raijin.
Also embraced the modern with a Kona Remote Control E Bike
This year not only commemorate your 20th Anniversary but its also the year I retire so it seems a perfect time for Chipps to return to the Quantocks and write another article like he did many moons ago
I also organise a Seaside Shuffle ride on the Purbecks Charlie Hobbs old stomping ground, had to miss out last year so there’s a couple of future suggestions for you.
Love that cover. It’s really interesting to see it constructed, too.
I can’t quite claim the loyalty of oldfart, but I think my first issue was number 5. It had a flat tyre on the cover and that appealed to me. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary (perhaps the issue should be made of china; can’t see any problems with that) and here’s looking forward to another 20 and beyond.
Agreed brakestoomuch – loving both the artwork and seeing it being created. Singletrack World sounds good and looking forward to reading for the next 20. The way my knee is going just now I’ll start paying more attention to the “Charged” content too.
Keep it up STW – great work, great team.
The next 20th? If I’m still here I’ll be 85
Going to be interesting seeing how the pdf version works…
@Eddiebaby There is a glue, scissors, paper, magic marker and gin session planned for next week while we figure that out 🙂
Nice classic rides route
As a digital subscriber is there any way I can pre-order the ‘analogue’ version (or should that be ‘acoustic’? ) or do I need to wait until in becomes available in the shops?
@the_pinkster we should get it up for pre-order soon, keep an eye on the shop! As a digital member you’ll get a discount on it too 🙂
Love that video of the design. Very very impressive.
We need a thread of the bike you had when the mag launched and what you ride now
Oooh, I like the look and sound of this.
Issue 1 still lurks under a cupboard in our house, I remember picking it up at Riks Bike Shed in Mabie, along with my Orange sub5
Thanks for all the hours and hours of reading and gazing at images….
The bike I had when ST launched?
A Kona Cindercone. With a whopping 2.5′ of travel at the front. (that needed a 30ft drop to get the full travel from). It’s still got those same Bombers on now.
And the last bike I rode ?
Well actually (ignoring a turbo spin) outside… the same Kona Cindercone ! A gentile spin with my daughter.
Those forks must be coming due their 2nd service soon.
They just don’t make ’em like they used to !!
@the pinkster. I have just added it to the merch shop so you can pre-order…. https://singletrackworld.com/shop/singletrack-issue-136/
Cheers Hannah & Charlie. Just about to place my order now
Happy Birthday.
I hate to think how much time I’ve spent on this forum reading and posting nonsense. I think I may have even talked about bikes/riding at some point!
Looking at the mag archive it seems like I started reading the mag at issue 7 as I have a vague recollection of the cover and the disc brake test which made me buy some hope mini’s for the front of my Specialized Hardrock.
I knew it – I was sure that I spotted you out on the Rivington tracks the other week. Should’ve shouted Hello!
Happy Birthday guys!
I’ve been a subscriber since (before) the first issue. Here’s to the next 20!
What’s coming first, the next jigsaw or the end of lockdown?
Congratulations on (finally) producing an interesting and exciting cover! It’s only taken 20 years (sorry – I do love Singletrack, but the covers needed a hot poker)