It’s out now!
Here’s a run down of some of what’s in this very special issue.
Editorial
In a fitting echo of issue one, both Mark and Chipps pen editorials for this landmark 25th anniversary issue. Chipps reflects on a quarter century at the helm and hands over the reins after a “good shift,” while Mark looks to the future with pride — and a frank admission that it’s always been the people who make this magazine what it is. A rare, emotional double opener.
The Generation Game
What do you get the dad who has everything — and still rides like he’s 40? If you’re the Gehrig twins, you strap him to a Specialized Turbo Levo and send him into the Swiss Alps for three days. This e-MTB hut-to-hut adventure around Davos proves that 70 is no barrier to epic riding — even when the solar-powered mountain hut runs out of electricity to charge your batteries.
STW Merchandise Through the Ages
From the very first mugs to beloved tea towels and the odd jigsaw, Singletrack has been churning out merch almost as long as it’s been publishing. This affectionate look back at 25 years of T-shirt designs, branded kit and collectables is guaranteed to spark nostalgia — and remind you of the one you wish you’d kept. How many do you still have in the cupboard?
Rider Down
Twenty-five years is a long time to build a community — and long enough to lose some of the people who helped shape it. Mark and Chipps pay quiet, heartfelt tribute to friends and colleagues no longer with us, including Jenn Hill and forum legend Rob Fisk. A reminder of what makes this community more than just a magazine.
From the Archives
Chipps never really planned to become a 25-year institution of British mountain bike media. He just kept turning valves and pushing buttons — and somehow it worked. A candid, funny and deeply personal look back at the highlights, the disasters, the unexpected famous faces and the moments that defined Singletrack’s improbable journey from dial-up startup to beloved magazine.
Cast of Thousands
Nearly fifty people have appeared on the Singletrack masthead over the years. We tracked down a handful of them to share their best — and worst — memories of life at Singletrack Towers. From all-night deadlines fuelled by Scampi Fries, to press trips, race courses and the occasional van bog, this is the inside story of the people who built the magazine.
Jerseys of Singletrack
Three rear pockets, bold colours and enough retro charm to fill a wardrobe — Singletrack jerseys have always been something readers wear with pride. This visual love letter to 25 years of kit spans race jerseys, baggy half-sleeves, one-off event editions and designs that probably should have stayed on the mood board. How many have you owned?
Destination Guide: Todmorden and Hebden Bridge
Forgive us — this one’s personal. Singletrack has called the Calder Valley home for 25 years, and it’s finally time to show you around properly. Two cracking routes through gritty gullwing valleys, moorland singletrack and classic Pennine terrain, plus a full food and drink guide to the pubs, pizza spots and bottle shops that keep the office going. Route guides are back, baby.
Gentle Giants
Pete Scullion was used to racing against Zander Fagerson on downhill tracks. Then Zander grew to 6ft 2in, 130kg and became a Scotland rugby international. Pete reunites with his old junior rival for a blast round the local woods — and discovers that enormous size is apparently no obstacle to fast, smooth, very committed mountain biking. Terrifying and brilliant in equal measure.
One Gear One Goal
Sam Morris’s first holiday since Covid was a 1,430km bikepacking race through the Atlas Mountains of Morocco — on a singlespeed. Three Everests of climbing, rancid sardine oil at 1,800m, hallucinations, and the world falling out of his arse near the Moroccan Stelvio. He rode it to raise money for a dementia charity supporting his dad. He finished. Barely. Magnificently.
Through the Final Grinder
Grinder has been a fixture since issue one — and now it’s time for a change. New editor Benji will be shaking up the format next issue, so this is your last classic Grinder. Going out in style, we test the Orange Stage 6 trail bike, Shimano’s long-awaited XT Di2 wireless groupset, a Singular Swift hardtail, some ingenious bar-end hackery, and the Thule Velospace 3 bike rack.
