I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones.
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.
I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.
Bespoked ‘Best MTB Award’ Interview: Craft Bikes
Jim from Craft Bikes talks us through the exquisite titanium bikes, made in Kent, UK, that were on display at Bespoked, Manchester. Their hardtail actually received our ‘Best Mountain Bike’...
Bespoked Interview: Paul ‘Burf’ and the BTR Gasser
Paul \'Burf\' Burford, from BTR brought his latest creation, the Gasser DH bike, to Bespoked, Manchester. It\'s been a long road to this point, and at one point it looked…
Desert Island Disc Brakes: Josh Bryceland
In this episode of Desert Island Disc Brakes, we chat through the very interesting life of Josh ‘Rat Boy’ Bryceland. Recorded earlier this year, Josh talks about where the ‘Rat...
Spotted: Ted’s Retro Kona Themed Collection
At the York Cycle Rally I spotted this collection of bikes, which were perhaps curated around a theme. I asked their owner, Ted, to tell us a bit more about…
Fresh Goods Friday 711 – The Open All Hours Edition
This week we have mostly been casting our collective mind back to stuff we no longer have to do.
Readers’ Rides: George Thompson’s ‘Making Up The Numbers’ XXL Geometron G1
George Thompson’s ‘Making Up The Numbers’ XXL Geometron G1 in ‘snow leopard’ paint finish is certainly eye catching. It might even have him catching up with the rider in front. We...
Strong British MTB Team Heads To Paris Olympics
With two places in both the men’s and women’s XCO MTB, it’s a big year for British mountain biking at the Olympics. Tom Pidcock will be hoping to finish (and...
Spotted: Fuquay Retrobike Collection
This year’s York Cycle Rally and Festival included a retrobike show, alongside all the stalls, grass track racing, and more. A day out was on the cards, and I clocked…
Fresh Goods Friday 710 – The Outdoor Trading Edition
No time for a lengthy waffle intro this week. The sun is OUT and the trails are a-calling! Busy yourself with this week\'s Fresh Goods and then get back to…
Crans Montana: Adding the DH into XC
Flippin’ heck. The new XCO course at Crans Montana is… not something we especially fancy trying out without a dropper post, enduro bike and a set of knee pads. Here’s...
The 20+ Best Bits from the Outdoor Trade Show
Beyond Bikes: Products That Have Us Dreaming Of Adventures. Check out the products and brands on show at the Outdoor Trade Show.
Behind The Scenes: Getting The Shot
In Association With Calibre Bikes Words: Hannah Photography: Sam Taylor We’re waiting. Harry is up at the top of the hill, just out of sight. I am crouched in the...
Trail Tales: Midges
The midge can bring horror to the most perfect of days, and reduce rational beings to desperate evasive action. If you know, you know. If you think they’re just a…
Bikemon Go! Your June Ride Inspiring Download
Back in issue 153 in February, Hannah proposed an alternative approach to measuring rides. As part of that, we gave you a set of ride ‘achievements’ to collect in the…
Nominate Your Top Women in Cycling!
The public are invited to name inspirational women who promote cycling and encourage others to cycle for Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling 2024 awards. Nominations close on Sunday 30...
New RockShox Charger 3.1 damper (yes, it’s retrofittable)
RockShox has revealed its new Charger 3.1 damper platform, which will be added to a selection of 2025 forks.
Goodbye Amanda, Hello James
After nearly seven years as Singletrack’s Art Director, Amanda leaves us next week as she starts a new role in the ultra-distance cycling scene. Goodbye Amanda! Amanda joined us fairly...
What To See (and eat, and drink, and watch) At Bespoked Manchester
Bespoked Manchester is on 28-30th June at the Victoria Baths. Buy your tickets in advance to save on the on-the-door price, and be sure to book on for the rides...
The Trails Behind The Nationwide In Swindon
Hannah goes in search of a myth and finds a reality that should be on everyone’s doorstep.
Debate: Is It Even Mountain Biking?
As part of a new head-to-head debate series, Hannah and Chipps agree to disagree on what constitutes ‘mountain biking’ and, by extension, on what should appear in this magazine. We’ve…
Orbea Occam SL M-LTD review
The Orbea Occam SL is the svelte sibling of the Occam SL and LT duo. This Occam SL looks to the fast, light, distance side of trail riding.
Last Word: Choose Your Own Adventures
Hannah thinks there is much to be said for planning adventures. A friend of mine has just bought a tent. It is a lightweight single-person tent of the type you could…
Daredevil Wears Prada: Kriss Kyle’s new cagoule
Kriss Kyle’s latest edit sees him riding the vineyards of Lavaux dressed in Prada. There’s almost nothing left to say really, after Benji’s headline genius. The video has some nice...
New UK MTB Trail Alliance Gives Trail Stewards A Voice
I’ve been following the work of this group – and even attending its online meetings – since it first started getting set up, so I’m very pleased to see it...
Midweek Movies: Huck that hump day!
It is hump day, in a week after a short week, so the hump feels bigger than usual. To try and help you over the hump, here is a selection...
Women To Compete At Red Bull Rampage
It has finally been confirmed: this year will see women compete at Red Bull Rampage. Details are thin on the ground right now, but it’s been confirmed there will be...
What Sort Of Van Lifer Are You?
Ah, the open road. Sea views. Mountain air. Waking up to the sunrise, going to bed by moonlight. Wee scented lay-bys. Supermarket toilets. Van life can be a necessity for…
New Second Generation Geometron G1: Even More Adjustable
The Geometron G1 (which Benji previously called ‘the best mountain bike I’ve ever ridden‘) is getting a makeover. The G1 is already a bike that through its ‘mutators’ can be...
Fresh Goods Friday 707: The Spot of Bother Edition
Despite there only being 4 days left of this holiday week for things to go wrong in, it’s been a slightly tricky week here at Singletrack Towers. Zoe had a...
Are Welsh Trails Up For Sale By NRW?
Local mountain bikers and councillors around Coed y Brenin are concerned that Natural Resource Wales (NRW) is planning on selling off the Coed y Brenin visitor centre and its miles...