Having ridden bikes for as long as he can remember, James takes a certain twisted pleasure in carrying his bike to the most inaccessible locations he can find, before attempting to ride back down again, preferably with both feet on the pedals.
After seeing the light on a recent road trip to Austria, James walked away from the stresses of running a design agency, picked up a camera and is several years deep into a mid life crisis that shows no sign of abating. As a photographer, he enjoys nothing more than climbing trees and asking others to follow his sketchy lines while expecting them to make it look as natural and stylish as possible.
He has come to realise this is infinitely more fun than being tied to a desk, and is in no hurry to go back.
Classic Ride 149 – Britain’s Newest Bridleway
James Vincent takes on the classic Borrowdale Bash, complete with new official off-road start. Words & Photography James Vincent If ever there was a route that showcased all there is...…
Even though we’ve been enjoying some unseasonably warm and dry weather for this time of year, we’re not quite ready to bust out the shorts and t-shirt just yet. Fortunately,...
27.5, 29, alloy, mullet and even kids bikes are all covered in the new and improved 2022 Canyon Spectral range. One Family, Any Trail In December last year, Canyon filled...
First ride review 2022 Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV
The 2022 Canyon Spectral range received a massive update today, and James Vincent has been testing the mullet Spectral CF 8! Update! Canyon has just informed us that they’ve been...
Review | G-Spec TRP TR12 Derailleur and Shifter Kit Tested
James Vincent takes to the mountains of the Lake District with the G-Spec TRP TR12 derailleur and shifter kit for a full review. It used to be that if you...
The #JennRide is organised by Rich Munro in memory of our late Deputy Editor, Jenn Hill to raise funds for St Gemma’s Hospice. It’s quickly obtained a reputation for being...…
Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil and Bomber CR Coil Shock Review
Intro When it was originally launched way back in 1997, the Marzocchi Bomber caused something of a stir. I don’t think there would be many riders to argue against it...
Continental Kaiser Protection Apex 29 x 2.4 Review
James Vincent tests the Continental Kaiser on the knob ripping rocks of the Lake District. Find out how they performed in this review. Brand: Continental Product: Kaiser Protection Apex From:...
Propain Hugene Performance Review | One bike to rule them all?
In recent months, you might be more familiar with Propain’s Spindrift being hucked off all manner of ridiculous gaps by crazy Frenchman Remy Metailler. If such gnarly sends aren’t on...
Salsa Cassidy and Blackthorn Review – One frame, two dream builds
There are times when this whole bike testing thing can be such a drag, man. Being faced with the prospect of riding a less than ideal BSO* with poorly specced…
Shimano ME502 Review – An all round trail riding shoe?
Updated for 2021, The Shimano ME502 (or ME5 for short) can be found nestled in Shimano’s Enduro/Trail category along with the ME7 Enduro shoe, and their more insulated winter counterparts.…
Ladies and gentlemen, please allow myself to introduce… my new Deviate Highlander long term test bike. Or at least it will be once I’ve cut it down from the ceiling...
Rider Inspiration: All-mountain clothing from ASSOS
Legendary Swiss brand ASSOS have a solid reputation amongst our lycra clad cousins for outstanding kit at the unashamedly higher end of the market. Their summer 2020 TRAIL collection combines...
Evolution not Revolution – Identiti Mettle Mk 2 Review
James Vincent spends a winter in the Lake District on the new Identiti Mettle Mk2. Introduction For someone who spends a lot of their time riding bikes in the Lake...
On a day off in Revelstoke, Canada, James Vincent has no option but to climb a mountain, just to come back down again. Words & Photography James Vincent British Columbia....…
Time Speciale 8 ATAC pedal review | Pretty much perfect?
An early convert to clipless pedals, I’ve been riding variations of Shimano SPD clipless pedals for the best part of 25 years, and in that time I’ve never had an...
RedBull Hardline – Bigger In Real Life, But Is It Worth The Effort?
What’s it like to be at RedBull Hardline? Should you make the trip to Wales, or stay home and watch on TV? James finds out. RedBull Hardline 2019 2.11pm, Saturday...…
James Vincent grabs a first ride on the new Cotic BFe hardtail. When launching a new bike, some bike companies whisk a select group of lucky journos off to some...
James Vincent checks out the Manitou Mattoc Pro Boost fork – how does it stand up to the competition? Another month, another set of suspension forks for review. No fancy...
Giant Reign 29 | The Reign of 27.5 is over! Long live the 29er!
In a somewhat inevitable and not wholly unexpected move, Giant’s long travel enduro race bike, The Giant Reign 29, will be rolling on 29in wheels for 2020. The new Giant...
Review | Who needs carbon when the Hunt Enduro Wide wheelset is as good as this
James gives us his review on the Hunt Enduro Wide wheels after 9 months of punishment What do you do when you can’t find a wheelset with the exact specification...
After six months of testing, James Vincent delivers us his verdict of the FSA Flowtron dropper post Which has revolutionised trail riding more; 1x drivetrains or dropper posts? Now there’s...
Review | These Leatt 3DF 5.0 soft-shell knee pads are almost perfect
James Vincent gives us his longterm review of Leatt’s soft-shell 3DF 5.0 Knee Guards It’s incredibly rare that you’ll see me out on a bike sans knee pads. Ever since...
