This is my 1964 Schwinn Traveler, given to me as a rather special 40th birthday present from my partner. I did protest that he shouldn’t give it to me, as it’s too nice, and I’m not worthy and I’ll probably break it, but he didn’t…
Hannah Dobson
More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments.
Podcast – The Giant Interview
Hannah, Amanda and Mark run through the news of the week, and Mark talks to one of the product engineers behind the new Giant Trance X Advanced E+. In the podcast, we talk about how applications to record historic rights of way need to be…
Making Cycling E-asier: Trikes added to range of options
Cycling UK’s ‘Making cycling e-asier’ scheme gives people a chance to try out an e-bike for a whole month before taking the plunge and buying one. This means riders can try out different styles of bikes and see whether they’ll fit into their lives, the…
Riding The Pictish Trail – a route down Scotland’s east coast
This nice video from occasional STW contributor, Huw Oliver, and first person to complete the HT550 in winter, Annie Evans, may have you planning a trip. Even if you don’t head off to the Pictish Trail, there are some nice moments in there about getting…
Fresh Good Friday 645 – Things that make you go Mmm…
Mmm… Pentax 645. Benji wrote that, and then went on holiday. So who knows? What sort of ‘Mmm’ is it? Perhaps it’s a ‘Mmm’ of the variety you give to your three year old as they tell you a long winded tale of what their…
Government Changes Policy on Rights of Way: The Deadline is Back
Having previously announced that the 2026 deadline for registering historic rights of way would be removed, the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has taken an about turn and decided that there will be a deadline – in 2031. By way of explanation, DEFRA…
How Much?! Why we should care about the closure of Kitsbow
If you’re in the UK, there’s every chance you’ve never heard of Kitsbow, so why should you care that they’re closing? And who even are they? Kitsbow were (or, until 7th April, are) USA based makers of cycling clothing. With an RRP of $289 –…
The Classic Ride Is Coming – with Cycling UK
The next issue of Singletrack World is about to whirl its way around printing presses, and you’ve got until 25th March to get your name on the list if you want to receive the printed copy! Within, you’ll find another Classic Ride, this time written…
The Answer To Everything Is…
This piece was originally published as the editorial in our Weekly Word – a newsletter which brings you a piece like this, plus a round up of news, offers, and whatever else we think you’ll like. It’s free to get the Weekly Word, and you…
Journey To Unbound: Riding Your First 100 with Marley Blonsky
If you’re looking at how your training plan has withered along with your quads and wondering whether that Dirty Reiver entry was such a great idea, here’s some inspiration for you. Follow along as PEARL iZUMi athlete, Marley Blonsky takes on her first century ride…
Fresh Goods Friday 644 – The Where Am I Edition
It is, inexplicably, Friday again. The longest fastest week to date. Are we sliding ever faster, reaching terminal velocity, and then about to hit British Summer Time? Hopefully it’s like one of those waterslides, that then launches you high into the air, whoosh into the…
After Slashing Active Travel Funding, Government Keeps £4.8 billion Fuel Price Discount
Hannah argues that the 2023 budget is taking us in the wrong direction.
Urgent call on Government to reverse devastating cuts to active travel budget
It feels like, given the response to our original story on this, this press release from the Walking and Cycling Alliance is worthy of a share. For what it’s worth, the Department for Transport still hasn’t answered the questions we asked them: In an open…
DirtFund Vitus Privateer Programme – 2023 riders announced
Having successfully launched the first DirtFund Vitus Privateer Programme in 2022, volunteers Daniel O’Shea and Tom Scott have announced the three new programme riders for 2023. Leah Maunsell, Ruairidh McRitchie, and Aidan Coulthard are the privateers set to benefit from the support for the coming…
YT Szepter Core 4 Review – Gravel For MTBers?
For this YT Szepter review I’ve been testing a medium sized YT Szepter Core 4, the slightly pricier version – the Core 3 gets a slightly lower grade suspension fork and drivetrain, and doesn’t have a dropper post. The YT Szepter Core 4, we are…
What’s Inside Singletrack Issue 148? Don’t Miss Out!
It’s the shoulder season. Kind of Atlas sized shoulders, that go on forever. Snow, sun, ice, mud, frost, wind… This issue, out early April, bridges the seasons nicely. We’ve got sunny days out, snowy epics, and the brightest collection of waterproofs ever assembled on a…
First 3D Printed Thermoplastic Mountain Bike: Revel Rodeo
Revel, the Colorado brand behind Revel Bikes and Wheels, has been experimenting with 3D printing in order to make a FusionFiber bike. This is a type of thermoplastic, and using it can avoid the epoxies needed to use carbon fibre layups. In the longer term,…
After The Storm – #RideOverRacism
I first saw this film at its premier at Kendal Mountain Festival and recommended you seek it out at one of the screenings that have since taken place around the world. Now, it’s available on general release, to mark the United Nations’ International Day for…
Monday Movies: The British Connection Edition
Have yourself a bumper viewing of mountain bike videos – not just two minute shredits, but some longer stuff too. Plus, all of them have a UK connection. Should keep you occupied for a while. You didn’t really have any work to do anyway, did…
Full Suspension for Short Riders: What’s Out There?
If you’re a smaller adult looking for a full suspension bike, it can be tricky to find what you’re looking for outside of the women’s specific market. Some women’s specific bikes come with a shock tune suited to the lighter rider, which doesn’t always suit,…
Government Slashes Funding For Cycling And Active Travel
Yesterday’s announcement that HS2 is being delayed to reduce costs has grabbed most of the headlines, but buried in the statement was the news that Active Travel funding is also being cut. Understandably, there’s a lot of anger and disappointment about this among those working…
Islabikes Launches Bikes For Smaller Adults
If you’ve ever eyed up the Islabikes range with envy – or perhaps even had a go at riding one – you’re in luck. The Shropshire based company that revolutionised kids’ bikes designs has expanded its Creig and Luath ranges to suit small adults. If…
Women on The Move: The Politics of Patents
I think you’re going to like this. Fun, irreverence, freedom and a good dose of messing around. This new film looks at some of the clothing that adventurous women invented in an effort to be able to get outdoors under the disapproving gaze of society.…
Women and Bikes: How Far Have We Come?
Hannah charts the advance of women in the bike industry, as she sees it. Are you as optimistic? What changes have you seen? Apparently I am now long in the tooth enough that people have started asking me about how the bike industry has changed…
Lift Your Mood with 2 minutes and 47 seconds of video
Give yourself 2 minutes and 47 seconds to watch this video and we reckon you can’t fail to feel better. Turn that frown upside down, fill your cup half full, eat the green grass… Isn’t that better? May all your Easter holiday family rides be…
‘If in doubt, sit them out’ – British Cycling publishes first concussion guidance
We admit we’re a little surprised to see this headline – we had sort of assumed British Cycling already had policies about this. We’ve been writing stories about concussion risks since at least 2017, and by 2018 the EWS and Crankworx had concussion protocols in…
Move Over Chris Akrigg, Hello Leo Smith
Two northerners in one day? It’s almost like oop north is the centre of the mountain bike universe… While Chris Akrigg might have been the poster boy of your bedroom walls when you were younger, Leo Smith – or LandoSteezy – might be more likely…
Chris Akrigg Joins Whyte Bikes
Chris Akrigg has moved on from GT and will now be riding for Whyte – surely a great match of very British branding? You’ll be happy to know there are two videos to celebrate this move. Yeah… ebikes are heavy and difficult to handle… erm……
27.2 Dropper Posts: 15 Options For Skinny Seat Tubes
27.2 dropper posts are not common but if you have a bike frame with a skinny seat tube you can still take advantage of the benefits.
Quiz: Do You Know Your Bike Acronyms?
CNC’d XC BSO with ETT of 571 and BSA fitting… we’ve all scanned our way through the spec list of a new bike and read the letters, but do we actually know what any of them actually mean? Here’s your chance to test yourself… While…
Fresh Goods Friday 642 – Cake For Me, Corned Beef For You
It’s been mixed up week here at STW Towers, mostly thanks to everyone suddenly realising they haven’t used up their annual leave so they’d better take some time off. We assume something similar happens in the roads department every year, when they realise they haven’t…
What’s Open At Glentress? A Redevelopment Update
The Glentress Masterplan sets out redevelopment proposals that includes new trails, improved facilities, and some new accommodation options in the area. Originally conceived before the 2023 UCI World Championships were planned to take place in the area, there have been a few amendments to the…
Fresh Goods Friday 641: The Big Purple Edition
We hope you're not struggling too much with the absence of baby plum tomatoes in your packed lunch, or pepper sticks to dip in your hummus.
Behind the scenes: Do A Wheelie with Danny MacAskill
One of the highlights of the Kendal Mountain Festival Bike Night was the behind the scenes film looking at the making of Danny MacAskill’s ‘Do A Wheelie‘ video. If you missed catching it there – or just want another viewing of this feel good film…
Red Bull Hardline Gets Summer Date for 2023 – tickets on sale now!
Red Bull Hardline has shifted to a summer date, away from its usual autumn calendar slot. For 2023, the Dyfi Valley event will take place on 15th and 16th July. Tickets are on sale now! The shift of dates is interesting… could it be a…
Santini Women’s Vega Grido Bib Tight review
Is an all in one thermal top and bottoms a practical solution for cold weather? Hannah tests out the Santini Women’s Vega Grido Bib Tights. In my experience, Italian cycling brands often fail at two things: sizing, and winter. You may imagine then that I…
Falke Merino Wool Tech Tights and Vest review
Whether you're just not putting the heating on, or you're out being active, these Falke Merino base layers will keep you cosy.
Magicshine Monteer 8000S Galaxy V2 review
For all out brightness, the Magicshine Monteer 8000S is a great light. But does that mean it's for you? It might depend on who you ride with.
Cannondale Moterra Neo 3 review
Hannah takes the Cannondale Moterra Neo 3 through the winter slop. Or is it the Moterra that’s taking her out into it? Three things I liked Three things I’d change Stop right there. Do not pass Go, do not leave the shop. Remove that Rekon…
JoGo Straw review: decent coffee on the move?
Is the JoGo Straw the answer to lo-faff tasty coffee on the move? And does it work with herbal tea? We put the kettle on to find out.
Trek Launches Fetch+ Range Of Electric Cargo Bikes
It’s got to be seen as A Good Thing when a big bike manufacturer starts making cargo bikes. These are straight up car alternatives, and bringing them out of the world of niche enthusiasts or committed eco-warriors will place them in full view of the…
Exclusive Update From Stanton Bicycles: The Recovery Begins
The news leaking out of a corner of the Peak District is true – Dan Stanton has successfully bought back control of Stanton Bikes (or Stanton Bicycles Ltd as the new business is officially called). There’ll be more detail to come and we’ll be chatting…
Do we need trail maintenance trousers?
Rapha has launched a limited edition collection of clothing. It’s a collaboration with ‘Brain Dead’, a trendy LA-based international fashion collective. With its disruptive, graphic-led approach, Brain Dead takes its cues from post punk, underground comics, and the spirit of subculture as a whole. Not…
Cheaper Things Tuesday: Same But Different
Slightly different version of Cheaper Things Tuesday for you this week. Only Singletrack Members will see all the great deals we've found.
Singletrack Magazine Issue 147 Is Out Today! How will you read yours?
If you receive a printed copy of the magazine each issue, it’s now in the post – we can’t be sure exactly when it will land with you, but if you’re in the UK and you’ve still not got it by 16th February please email us.…
Issue 147: Last Word: Feel The Love
Hannah goes head over heels… in a good way. Was it an instant thunderclap of ‘this is it’, or a slow burn realisation that you were happy and you couldn’t imagine life without it? Did love hit you, or creep up on you? The feeling of giggling like…
15 Ways To Spend Less On Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is not cheap. You'll never 'save' money as a mountain biker. But you can stop a lot of avoidable spending if you're canny.
Taiwan: A storm brewing for the bike industry?
Remember when that ship got jammed in the Suez, and goods shipped around the world got stuck? Remember when Covid disrupted the natural flow of shipping containers and products, and everything got delayed? If you thought that was a mess, that’s nothing to what could…
Fresh Goods Friday 638: Blasting From The Pasting Edition
This is the bintro... very much like an intro but please be careful to sort the cardboard and paper from the glass and plastics.
Jack Reading’s Gravity School: Episode 2
Feeling like it’s just too long to wait until the next episode of Happy Valley? Don’t worry, the next episode of Gravity School is here. There’s a lot less crime, but a lot more grime. Still plenty of steep descents though. Enjoy! The second of…
Hand Made Bike Show Bespoked Heads To Germany
After over a decade of successful UK shows Bespoked heads for the first time to Dresden, Germany, for its inaugural central European show on 13th to 15th October, 2023. Bespoked has opened applications to its first central European show, in Dresden, Germany. This year’s central…
