The return of Happy Mondays! We’re back to ease the pain of the start of the working week. Hey look, the daffodils are finally out too.
Over the past few days, I’ve managed to wean myself off E. E-bikes that is. I’m not going to say that ebiking is bad. Or that it’s better than regular MTBing.
What I am going to say is blindingly obvious. Ebiking is easier. And quicker. And noisier. Whether you think these three aspects are good, bad or meh, is up to you.
It took me a couple of rides on an unassisted bike to rid myself of the undeniable resentment that came with the extra effort and time required to cover ground.
I didn’t actually mind the extra effort so much (I have after all been riding non-E test bikes off and on throughout winter). What did take me longer to get used to was the extra time things (well, climbs) take to despatch.
You can’t help but be thinking of where you’d be by now if you were on an ebike. And how many more fun bits (well, descents) you’d be able to fit into the time period you have that day. (I’m also not entirely sure I enjoy the descents as much on a regular MTB as I do on an ebike but that’s another story).
What I did undoubtedly appreciate by the end of my acoustic ride was exactly that: the acoustics. It undoubtedly helped that I was riding a particularly quiet bike. But being able to just hear the sound of tyre on dirt, the noise of the freehub and the snick of gear changes was indeed very lovely indeed.
And then there was the whole harmonious Man And Machine aspect that is almost entirely lacking from the ebike experience.
Rob Warner x Valparaiso Urban Downhill:
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Redbull urban race went off at the weekend. Winning run by Thomas Slavic (the only Czech who can bounce) was clinical. Warner was on form in commentary, full replay on YouTube (vid above).
Hope WMN Enduro 2025:
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Hope Women: “That’s right! It’s back. The Hope WMN Enduro! Save the date Saturday 6th September 2025.
“MTB women! If you’ve ever thought about giving Enduro racing a try, we are here to say: Now is the time! Whether it’s your first race or you’re just looking to challenge yourself with something new, this event is all about riding bikes and having fun in a supportive, relaxed environment! Don’t worry if you’re new to Enduro racing, this event is for you! And if you’ve been to one of Enduros in the past we have more exciting news to follow! Keep your peepers peeled for more info coming soon!”
Ascend components are back:
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Not coincidentally to the recent return of Nukeproof perhaps, former CRC/Wiggle house brand Ascend is back. And yes it is still offering dropper seatposts for around £100, not to mention a longer 230mm travel post too – ascendcomponents.com
Bespoked preppers:
“Introducing the BESPOKED APOCALYPSE BUILD-OFF, happening at BESPOKED Manchester @victoriabaths , 25-27 April. This is your chance to put your creativity, skill, and ingenuity to the test—building the ultimate post-apocalyptic ride with limited resources.”
First of six cycle-trains in Wales begins service:
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Transport For Wales: “The first of six fully refurbished cycle travel trains has launched on the Heart of Wales line. As part of a gradual introduction, by the summer, customers will be able to bring up to 12 bicycles and e-bikes onboard the service that runs between Swansea and Shrewsbury.”
The return of the crotchgrabber:
Not willing/able to run a length of cable to your Fox Transfer externally routed dropper? Cavanero (no relation to cabbage) have you covered – cavaneromoto.com/cavashop/p/cavalever
Joey Ramone and his Mum:
“We’re wildly expressive. Let’s put it that way.” Extremely 90s.
Benny The Jet goes steep:
Benoit Coulanges rides stuff that makes you wince as you watch it. In a good way.
What’s yr fave rave tune?:
Some of these people have also dropped Es.
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Oh, just spotted a press release about the apocalypse build. Sounds like a good way to get in if you’ve got a bunch of mates who like fettling?
BESPOKED Announces Inaugural Build Off – Apocalypse!
Manchester, UK – February 18, 2025 – BESPOKED, Europe’s premier handmade bicycle show, is thrilled to announce its first-ever Build Off competition, now open to independent bike shops, mechanics, frame builders and enthusiasts. This year’s theme: APOCALYPSE!
Participants are challenged to design and construct their interpretation of an apocalypse-ready bike—a concept open to individual creativity and vision. The competition encourages the use of old, broken, or low-value components, promoting resourcefulness and innovation.
Entry Details:
Fee: £250 for independent bike shops, mechanics, and constructeurs; free for BESPOKED exhibitors.
Included with Entry:
10 full weekend tickets to the show (valued at £25 each).
A branded plinth to display your bike in the upper viewing gallery of the main hall.
A PDF manual outlining the build criteria and scoring sheet.
Entries must be submitted during setup on Thursday, accompanied by a printed document detailing parts used, cost breakdown, design principles, and technical details of the build. While a competitive spirit is encouraged, the primary goal is to provide independent shops with a platform to showcase their creativity to cycling media outlets and to have fun.
For more information and to apply, please visit bespoked.cc
How are Ascend Components “back"? They’re a new company formed by ex Chiggle guys bringing affordable droppers and frame spares. They’ve been around for a fair few months now. This has nothing to do with BCF buying Nukeproof from Frasers.
Still not sure why my ‘Nukeproof are back’ topic got closed……
Also surprised that it’s not been covered on the front page either.
I’ve got a couple of brand-x ascend dropper posts, it seems ascend was reusable but brand-x might have been owned, none the less good news in the stuff that works for not silly money world regardless of how they got there.
Love the Joey Ramone mum thing. Thanks for that ?
I can agree with much of the ebike article. I love my eeb as an uplift bike, but yeah, it’s kind of spoiled my enjoyment of my non assisted bikes I think and the nice simplicity of just going for a bike ride.