Fresh new Hope XCR Pro X2 stoppers for XC racers or trail bike riders wanting to save on weight, but do they offer as much power as the competition? While some brands like to launch new products year on year, Hope tends to build kit…
Andi Sykes
Andi is a gadget guru and mountain biker who has lived and ridden bikes in China and Spain before settling down in the Peak District to become Singletrack's social media expert. He is definitely more big travel fun than XC sufferer but his bike collection does include some rare hardtails - He's a collector and curator as well as a rider. Theory and practice in perfect balance with his inner chi, or something. As well as living life based on what he last read in a fortune cookie Andi likes nothing better than riding big travel bikes.
Öhlins brings 38mm stanchions and downhill performance to Enduro and eMTBs with the new RXF38 m.2
Swedish suspension makers, Öhlins has taken the burly chassis and competitive damping of its DH fork to make the new RXF38 m.2. As eMTBs become faster and more capable, and as we watch enduro bikes become ‘super enduro’ bikes, suspension manufacturers are racing to keep…
Review – Fox 38 Factory Grip 2 does the burly chassis and new features make a better enduro fork?
The Fox 38 launched last year right at the start of lockdown, but over the year we have ridden various models of this burly enduro fork and this is what we think. There are trends that we can following depending on the market that we…
New Manitou Dorado gets new chassis, new internals and could be used for Enduro
The Manitou Dorado is the longest-running inverted suspension fork in the mountain bike market, and the latest looks better than ever! The Dorado has been a constant in the Manitou range for almost 2 decades now, but in its latest guise, the inverted classic is…
First Look and Giveaway | 3 x Giro Source MIPS Helmet to be won!
First look at the Giro Source MIPS helmet, a cool, fashionable and safe trail lid suitable for all off-road riding. I think it’s safe to say that we all think mountain bike helmets are cool now. Yes, of course, they all look great, way better…
Bike Check: Joe Connell’s Orange Stage 6 with prototype dual crown Formula fork
Check out what Orange Factory Racing rider, Joe Connell with be racing at EWS La Thuile this week in our latest bike check. Joe Connell will be hitting the EWS at La Thuile this week on his Orange Stage 6 complete with prototype Formula dual…
Mexico City bus drivers probably won’t pass cyclists so close after this terrifying training!
Spanish language Instagram page Trafico Zmg recently shared a video showing drivers getting a taste of what a close pass really feels like. You can see the Instagram post here, but we’ve found a YouTube video showing a similar, and equally scary exercise. It amazes…
Bike Check: Lachlan Blair’s Orange Stage 6 EWS Bike Check
Name: Lachlan Blair Height: 175cm Weight: 78kg Lachlan Blair is one of the fastest young riders of the newly reformed Orange Factory Racing Team. For this season he is racing a team spec Orange Stage 6 and in this bike check we’ll be seeing what…
Watch Andreas Kolb avoid a car accident on the Les Gets World Cup Course
MTBnews.de shared this shocking footage showing Andreas Kolb‘s near-miss with a car on the Les Gets World Cup Course! Downhill riders have a lot to keep an eye on during the race weekend. Before they’re on track it’s the weather, bike set-up and tyre choice,…
Bike Check: Louis Jeandel’s EWS Sunn Kern EN
Louis Jeandel, aged 22 lives in Aix-Les-Bains an epic spot for riding with stunning natural trails to keep his skills honed. When not riding, Louis spends time with friends or mixing up his training through other sports. This chilled-out rider is one to watch in…
The “ultra-secret” Cannondale Jekyll has finally launched! Did you avoid the spoilers?
In this day and age, it has become increasingly difficult to keep a bike launch a secret which is probably why you have already seen the new Cannondale Jekyll. Unless you’re fortunate enough to live without an internet connection or have abstained from social media…
5 years in the making, this is the Raaw Madonna V2.2
New updates mean the V2.2 is more refined and that all Raaw owners now get a 5-year warranty! Yes, that means you! The Raaw Madonna V2.2 isn’t anything for current Madonna owners to get too hot under the collar about. It doesn’t feature new geometry…
Peaty’s new grease and assembly pastes are here to keep your bike running like new for longer
Peaty’s new grease and assembly pastes are here to keep your bike running like new for longer Peaty’s, not content with lubing your chain and cleaning your frame, have now released a range of greases and pastes to keep your bike in top condition. The…
Production Privée celebrates downhill WC entry and motorsport history with 2 new ‘universes’
Production Privée’s new steel bikes celebrate downhill racing and motorsport history. Any rider with just a passing knowledge of Production Privée will be well aware of the brand’s love of motorsport. Over the years the Andorran brand has produced some spectacular bikes featuring some of…
Forbidden Druid GX ‘Ziggy Edition’ gives riders mixed wheels out of the box
You can now run a Forbidden Druid with a mullet right out of the box with the new ‘Ziggy Edition’ build. The mullets are taking over! Every time we turn a corner in the trail we’re confronted with another mix wheel rig promising a party…
Dorval AM teams up with UK start-up JR3DS for custom kit
Proof that you don’t have to be a multi-million dollar mega-corporation to get involved with a World Class Downhill team! Starting your own brand from scratch can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to design and manufacture a product that people want,…
Bike Check: Patrolling The World With David Cachon
There aren’t many riders who can claim to be a 2 x Trials World Champion a Guinness World Record Holder, an adventurer, photographer and content creator, but David Cachon wears all those hats. Frame: Patrol Mountain 691 Evo Enduro MTB, 12x157mm Super Boost, 150mm Fork:…
Are you looking for 30% more performance from your lube? Peaty’s has you covered!
Peaty’s release a new premium formulation of their LinkLube Premium all-weather lube boasting 30% more performance. If there is one thing I desire more than anything its performance from my lube! Poor performing lube literally grinds my gears, washes away easily and needs reapply more…
First Look: Our newest long term test rig is a custom Cotic BFE Max!
You’ve seen this frame before, and you’ve seen the parts hanging from it, but now it’s finally alive and ready to hit dry dusty trails. First of all, I would like to offer my apologies. The Cotic BFE Max has been sitting around waiting to…
Commencal will be racing a prototype DH bike with Virtual High Pivot this season!
Commencal takes the covers off its latest rendition of the successful Supreme downhill bike revealing a prototype with a virtual high pivot. The eagle eyed of you have probably already spotted Commencal team riders testing a new downhill bike during the off season thanks to…
Bike Check: Chloe Taylor’s EWS spec Privateer 161
Chloe Taylor is ready and waiting to hit the first round of the EWS in just a few weeks time, but she has taken a few moments out of her busy schedule to send over this very detailed bike check and first look at her…
Review: Fi’zi:k Gravita Versor Flat Shoes
Have the Fi’zi:k Gravita Versor flat shoes knocked Andi’s current favourite flat pedal show off their podium? There is a lot to be unhappy about in the world, but I like to try and find a little happiness no matter how small and insignificant it…
Microshift Advent X 1 x 10 drivetrain review: not just for budget builds
I’ve been testing the Microshift Advent X on a number of bikes over the past few months and I’ve come away a believer! Editors’ Choice 2021 This product features in our Singletrackworld Editors’ Choice 2021 round-up. Andi: “I’m a sucker for an underdog, so when…
Review: The Pole Taival Frameset is long but not unwieldy
Earlier in the year, Andi took delivery of a Pole Taival frameset, a bike that has helped rekindle his love of steel hardtails once again. I’ve had a lot of history when it comes to hardtails, and it’s only been the past 5 or so…
Meet the NEW mixed wheel Transition Patrol!
The new Transition Patrol gets new geometry, adjustable rear travel and a new haircut thanks to a mullet wheel combo! How do you make a 27.5in bike even more capable? Simples, you whip out the front wheel, swap it to a 29er and update the…
Fox Transfer SL is lighter and fits 27.2mm framesets!
Never have I been so excited to see 27.2mm before! But this is a big one for you retro frame riders, Fox may have just shown you some love. “The Fox Transfer SL is a little like a regular Transfer post only one that has…
First Look: Hope XCR 199g XC/Trail brakes
Hope releases the ultra-lightweight Hope XCR weighing at a feathery 182g per end, and we have a first look. Fans of Hope brakes, but those not needing the all-out stopping power of their current range, haven’t had much choice since the end of the XC…
Monday Mini Review: Nukeproof Horizon V2 Wheelset
Nukeproof are quickly becoming the kings of sensible, long-lasting kit, so what does Andi make of the Nukeproof Horizon V2 wheelset? What are they? They’re wheels and they give your bike something to roll on. It’s quite amazing in fact, that bikes are such simple…
Halo Gravitas are handmade wheels tested on the Downhill World Cup
Halo has added to its wide range of wheelsets with the new Gravitas, a handmade offering tested for the extremes of World Cup Downhill racing. In a market flooded with carbon rims, odd spoke standards and weird nipples it is nice to see that some…
Troy Lee Designs A3 Helmet | Monday Mini Review
Released earlier in the year, the Troy Lee Design A3 helmet promises maximum comfort, ultimate style and all-over safety. What is it? The Troy Lee Designs A3 helmet is the latest open face helmet from TLD. Funnily enough, it follows the A2 which in turn…
Return of the Goat 2: New YT Capra launches with a big-budget movie
YT launches an updated Capra, but what’s more exciting the new bike or the big-budget movie attached to it? So what do the new YT Capra and a new unnamed Indiana Jones movie have in common? Give up? Well, each one is now associated with…
First Ride: The Gen 4 Cotic FlareMax punches way above its weight!
Now in its 4th incarnation, the Cotic FlareMax takes on frame updates, new build options and a ‘down country’ alter-ego. Can you believe that the first generation Cotic FlareMax is now approaching 5 years old? Launched in 2016, the Cotic FlareMax is Cotic’s aggressive short-travel…
First Ride Review of the new Pirelli Scorpion Enduro S, Trail S and Enduro R tyres
Pirelli says that “Power is Nothing Without Control” so how does the new range of Pirelli Scorpion Enduro and Trail tyres perform? Just over 2 years ago, Pirelli launched the Scorpion MTB tyre range consisting of a collection of unique tyre designs suited for XC,…
Review: Fovno N Power Automated Pneumatic Bike Carrier
The Fovno N Power Automated Pneumatic bike carrier could be the solution to small and impractical car/bike interface. I have a problem, a problem that I believe affects quite a few petrolheads who also love to mountain bike. My problem is I like cars, quite…
Dropping In: Short Stuff You Should Know
Here’s a round up from the world of bike news. Short stuff, serious stuff, and a bit of silly too. Who Is Taking This Seriously? Antoine Taillefer and Corentin Desbois have teamed up to attempt to break two snow speed records. In this video to…
Shimano launch huge 220mm discs for 10% extra stopping power
If you’re in the market for more powerful anchors then check out these oversized discs from Shimano. Disc brakes are, in general, a very effective and powerful way of bringing your speed under control. Even a modest set of disc brakes provide plenty of power,…
Specialized’s new tyres build trails
We think about tyres riding on trails, even riding in trails, but never actually building them. Specialized is changing that. What we have here is a pair of the latest Specialized Butcher T9 tyres. They use the same tread design, construction and compound as regular…
Katy Winton announces Moxie XI EWS program with Nukeproof
Katy Winton will ride a Nukeproof Giga 297 for the 2021 EWS season through her own racing program Moxie XI. After learning that her 5 years with Trek was coming to an end, Katy Winton has been on the hunt for a new ride for…
Wheels, Components, Lycra and Turkish Rock: Fresh Goods Friday 545
There’s plenty of news to talk about this week. I believe the pubs are open? And Scotland is easing restrictions on how many pals you can see at once? Well there’s some huge news that not everyone will be aware of yet. THE GEESE HAVE…
Podcast: Andi joins the Sunn French Connexion Enduro World Series Team
As he quickly approaches 40, Andi decides to take a few more risks, little did he know that it would lead to joining the Sunn French Connexion EWS Team! I’m sure you will all have your stories of those missed opportunities. Those big dreams, new…
Ribble launches 2 new hardcore hardtails that are ready to rip!
Ribble Cycles has just hit us up with news of a couple of alloy hardcore hardtails with top geometry and premium finishes. When it comes to a hardcore hardtail, UK brands seem to have it nailed with plenty of choices when it comes to steel,…
Fresh Goods Friday 544 – Blinking into the bright future
Have you got your Big Coats at the ready? A nice warm hat? A fetching mask and a handy bottle of hand gel? The pubs are soon to open, and this is surely all essential kit for anyone venturing out there. Remember the days when…
Andi’s purposely alternative, accidentally purple Pole Taival build
In a world where the usual bike parts are as rare as hen’s teeth, Andi set out to see if he could build a bike using parts from the less obvious suspects. You probably know as well as we do that getting hold of parts…
Michelin Wild Enduro tyre review: hero dirt friendly grip grabber
Looking for extra grip and safety on the trail to enjoy that hero dirt? Andi thinks he’s found the perfect partner with the Michelin Wild Enduro Tyre. Editors’ Choice 2021 This product features in our Singletrackworld Editors’ Choice 2021 round-up. Andi : “The Wild Enduro…
NS Define AL 170 launches with fashionable mullet and .. 180mm of travel
NS adds a new Define to the range sporting a mixed wheel combo and 180mm of front wheel travel! Meet the NS Define AL 170! Perhaps you follow Joe Breeden or the UR Team and have been wondering what this orange NS models is (see…
Fresh Goods Friday 543: A jam-packed Easter FGF
We’ve crammed so much stuff into this week’s Fresh Good Friday we worry we won’t have room for our Easter Eggs this weekend! If you have been following FGF recently then you’ll know that Andi spent some time on a not so secret mission. After…
First Look: Feature-Packed Troy Lee A3 Helmet
The 2021 Troy Lee A3 helmet is packed full of style, safety and features that make this the most comfortable TLD open face lid to date. The Troy Lee A2 helmet has proven to be really popular over the past few years. It’s a good…
Crankbrothers Stamp Lace flat shoe review
Is 4 years of development time enough for the Crankbrothers Stamp Lace flat shoe to make a mark on the MTB shoe market? Editors’ Choice 2021 This product features in our Singletrackworld Editors’ Choice 2021 round-up. Andi: “For years Five Ten were considered the champions…
Say ‘good-bye’ to Jeffsy Pro, Comp and Base and ‘hello’ to Jeffsy Core
YT are on a Good Times roll this week with the second release in as many days! Check out the new Jeffsy Core series. If the big travel of yesterdays new alloy Capra launches didn’t float your boat, then how about a refreshed version of…
YT Capra Pro and Base alloy models refreshed for 2021
YT has replenished its stock with fresh new alloy versions of the popular Capra available in Base and Pro builds. If you’re after a new Capra then today might finally be your chance as two new alloy builds of the burly enduro bike have been…
Vee Tire Attack HPL Review – amazing grip and puncture protection
The Vee Tire Attack HPL tyre might have only been released to the public a few weeks ago, but I’ve been testing this new all-rounder for a few months already. There are a handful of parts that you can change on your bike that can…