I had mixed feelings coming to this Stanton Switchback Gen 3. Firstly, I’ve often slavered a little at Stanton frames friends have had, as they always look immaculate. When they do come into Singletrack, they also tend to swoosh straight through the office and right…
Bikes
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 components can really suck the joy out of life, and excuses not to ride pour…
Review: 2021 Saracen Ariel 30
Saracen is back in a big way and its major focus for the moment is the brand new Ariel line. Redesigned from the ground up, while still retaining the multi-link suspension that first appeared on the downhill Myst, the Ariel comes in many forms and…
Islabikes Creig 26 Children’s Bike – Long Term Test
Could this be the best kids bike on the market today?
Staff Bike Test: Hannah’s Stooge MK4
This article was first published in Issue 129 of Singletrack Magazine. Sometime during high school I had an epiphany: the cool kids were always going to think I was a freak – so I may as well give up trying to fit in and just…
Staff Bike Test: Chipps’ Ibis Ripley MK4
This article was first published in Issue 129 of Singletrack Magazine. The first Ibis Ripley, back in 2001 or so, was an alloy softail, a pretty advanced bike for the time. The Ripleys that followed were equally innovative: the MK2 was the company’s first carbon…
Staff Bike Test: Andi’s Commencal Meta AM 29 SRAM Edition
This article was first published in Issue 129 of Singletrack Magazine. The Commencal Meta has been around for quite a while now, but every so often the bike receives an update to keep it in line with what the rest of the industry has on…
Staff Bike Test: Amanda’s Juliana Maverick Carbon CC XO1 Reserve
This article was first published in Issue 129 of Singletrack Magazine. As I pushed back up a certain (pretty large, for me at least) feature on a huge loop in the Peaks, I caught the eye of two young lads riding an adjacent trail. “It’s…
The Stif Squatch – More than just a big wheeled Morf?
Since launching the Morf in 2016, Stif have taken four years to develop and launch this Squatch, their first 29er hardtail. I respect that, because upfront it tells me they haven’t rushed this out the door and have probably taken the time to get things…
Giant Reign Advanced Pro 2 – Long Term Review
Giant reckons their Reign 29er could be the ultimate Enduro machine but what does our resident aficionado of all things big mountain make of it after subjecting it to eight months of testing? Giant’s Reign has long been a staple of the brand’s mountain bike…
Review: Brand New Santa Cruz Nomad V5
The Nomad has been Santa Cruz’s flagship all mountain, long travel enduro bike for a good few years now, around 15 to be precise, and today sees the launch of the latest iteration - the Nomad V5. The brand new Nomad V5 Still rolling on…
Canyon Stoic 4 (2021) – 140mm of hardtail fun, reviewed
Canyon’s new alloy hardtail, the Stoic, comes in three models: the 2, 3 and 4. With the Canyon Stoic 2 starting at £849, and the bikes starting at a teeny size 2XS, I’d have quite liked to get my hands on that entry level model…
First Ride: 2021 Canyon Spectral CF 29 9.0
If there was one bike missing from the Canyon range then it was a 29er trail bike, that gap has now been plugged with the all-new 2021 Canyon Spectral 29. If you Google “Canyon Spectral 29” then you won’t be too surprised to see that…
2021 Commencal Meta AM 29 Review | Thought you were fast? Wait till you ride this!
The 2021 Commencal Meta AM 29 is a proven speed demon, with sorted geo and kinematics for reduced fatigue and impressive climbing. This is a full-on EWS weapon! Let's cut to the chase, the MY21 Commencal Meta AM is nothing like the outgoing model, sure…
2021 Nukeproof Mega 275 Factory – First Ride Review
The Nukeproof Mega has been the brand's top flight, big hitting enduro bike since 2011. The original prototype was raced to 3rd place in Masters at the 2009 Megavalanche (the race it was named after) by Michael Cowan, with the first production bike being launched…
First Ride: 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper Review
Chipps reports from a day of ups and downs in the remarkably sunny Tweed Valley aboard the new Stumpjumper. Although it was only a day, there was more than enough riding to give this new 2021 Stumpjumper a first ride review.
Review | Orange Crush MX Pro LTD hardcore hardtail
Do the mixed wheels of the Orange Crush MX make this THE hardcore hardtail to own in 2021? Andi climbs on board to tell all. The continued evolution of the Orange Crush means that this alloy hardtail is now available in every flavour from 29er…
Canyon Strive CF 7.0 – One bike eager to rule them all
Our US correspondent takes the Canyon Strive CF 7.0 for a tour of the UK. Would this shapeshifter bike serve all his bike needs in one? The Canyon Strive CF 7.0 takes the moniker quiver-killer to heart and offers up a 125mm trail bike for…
Sonder Signal ST NX First Look & Ride
Launched in August the Sonder Signal ST is essentially a steel version of their existing Signal Ti model - that's Ti = titanium of course. You can check out Andi's Signal Ti review here. In that review Andi's large test bike had a reach of…
Privateer 141 | First Ride Review Of Privateer’s Brand New All-Rounder
Ross receives the new Privateer 141 for an early test. See what he makes of this aggressive UK trail bike in this review. Privateer Bikes first came onto our radar in Summer last year when they gave us a sneak peek at a brand new…
Canyon Exceed CFR LTD – First Ride Review
When an email dropped into my inbox asking if I’d like to test the new Canyon Exceed CFR, I’ll admit I hesitated before accepting the challenge. The last time I rode a hardtail race machine was exactly a year ago at the 10@Kirroughtree race, and…
Merida Matts J24+ | For the Mini-Shredder with Big Dreams
Eliza Marsh swings a leg over the Merida Matts J24+ little-hitter from Merida It’d be easy to sweep an abstracted eye over photos of the Merida Matts J24+ and assume it’s a much larger machine, as might befit (for example) an over-tall portly writer in…
Exclusive First Ride Review: The Brand New Transition Spur
We’ve been lucky enough to have the all new Transition Spur in for an exclusive first ride test ahead of its launch. The brand new Transition Spur sees Transition entering a new sector of the market and the Spur is designed as a 29” wheeled,…
Review: 2021 Orange Five Evo LE short travel big hitter
Andi tackles the trails on Orange’s latest creation, the short travel, progressively angled 2021 Orange Five Evo LE. A few years ago I reviewed the Orange Four and I concluded that the short travel, single-pivot Orange was probably the bike most riders should be on.…
First Ride Review: 2021 Specialized Epic Pro – No Mercy XC Racing Beast
Wheel this new Specialized Epic Pro out of the box and you’re immediately struck by how neat and purposeful it looks. Thanks to the SRAM AXS Eagle wireless shifting and a puritanical approach to dropper posts, there are only brake hoses coming from the bars.…
2021 Juliana Furtado | First Ride Review
The 2021 Juliana Furtado has seen some significant changes. Pitched as being a very capable trail steed, we’ve sent one of our favourite Van Girls out to play on the Juliana Furtado CC X01 RSV build. What’s new? The first thing you’ll notice on the…
Cannondale Scalpel 2020 SE 2 – First Ride Review
One of the more interesting aspects of reviewing the new crop of XC bikes is that the press packs manufacturers send out often start with an old photo of what the bike looked like 20 years or so ago. It might not surprise you to…
First Ride Review: GT Zaskar LT Expert
We’ve had this mossy green-coloured hardcore hardtail in to ride for a few weeks now, and Chipps has been able to take it on enough of his local trails to bring you this first-ride review of GT’s most dramatic new hardtail in years, the Zaskar…
First Ride Review: Kona Hei Hei CR/DL | For XC And More
The 2020 Kona Hei Hei has undergone another step-change, continuing its metamorphosis from XC race machine to something much more trail-capable, with a significantly remodelled frame design, geometry updates and upgrades to the componentry. Not too long ago, had you turned up at the start…
Orbea Occam M10 2020 Review | One Bike, Many Purposes?
Ross hops aboard the Orbea Occam M10 – is it really the all rounder it’s billed as? Last year Orbea relaunched the Occam as a 140mm travel, do it all trail bike. While the Occam name had existed in the Orbea lineup for a few…
Canyon Neuron AL 7.0 | How Can You Make A Best Seller Better?
Sanny checks out the latest release from Canyon: the Canyon Neuron AL, an update to their best selling full suspension bike. Another day, another bike to test. Last time around, I shared with you my thoughts about Canyon’s latest gnarpoon ebike, the Spectral:ON. Fair to…
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 District, I’ve tended to steer clear of your typical “Lakes Bike”, in favour of something…
Cotic Flare Ridden And Rated – Now in 135mm Option
Words Daz Hall Photography Chipps First published in Singletrack Magazine issue 126 Price: £3,249.00 (as tested) From: Cotic, cotic.co.uk On a recent holiday to California, I was brutally reminded of a side of human nature that I’ve never been very comfortable with. The ostentatious displays…
Lone Parabellum Review | Poppy and playful standards smasher
Lone Bicycles lent us their refreshingly unique Lone Parabellum to test against the UK finest winter weather. Romain Olmos is a French mountain bike legend who once shared sponsors with Darren Berrecloth, Anne Caroline Chausson and Neil Donoghue. Known for his stylish 4X wins and…
Salsa Spearfish | A Really Very Practical Type Of Bike
Charlie checks out the latest Salsa Spearfish, for ‘down country’ riding, and a lot of other stuff too. Down country, what the hell is “Down Country”? A large demo bike arrives at Singletrack, complete with not only gears, full suspension, and a carbon frame… but…
Deviate Highlander 29er – Ultimate Enduro Bike Contender
Sanny checks out the new Deviate Highlander, an enduro bike with idler. Back in November 2017, Deviate took a bold step into the mountain bike market when they launched their Guide carbon fibre Enduro machine. Building on Chris Deverson’s years of engineering experience and Ben…
Intense Primer 29 Pro | A Solution For The One Bike Shed?
“WTF is that?!”, exclaimed my pairs partner when I rolled up to the 10@kirroughtree endurance race late last summer. I thought he was talking about my newly acquired beer belly, the result of six months of no racing or training, and lots of drinking and eating.…
Vitus Mythique 29 VR | Raising The Bar For Budget Trail Bikes?
Antony checks out the Vitus Mythique, another great budget trail bike for your shopping list. When I started riding mountain bikes, the more affordable end of the market seemed to be aimed at riders who were doing a completely different sport. Budget bikes had unwieldy…
Shand Shug | A Classic Hardtail or Radical Animal?
First published in Issue 127 of Singletrack Magazine, this Shand Shug was reviewed as part of our British Steel test of steel hardtails built in the UK. Shand Shug Price: £995.00 (frame only) From: Shand, shandcycles.com Shand has been building custom steel frames in Scotland…
18 Bikes No 9 | Sheffield Steel Hardtail
First published in Issue 127 of Singletrack Magazine, this 18 Bikes No 9 was reviewed as part of our British Steel test of steel hardtails built in the UK. 18 Bikes No 9 Price: £900.00 (frame only) From: 18 Bikes, 18bikes.co.uk 18 Bikes is a…
Canyon Neuron SLX 9.0 LTD Review – A Bike With All The Upgrades?
Take any full suspension trail bike, regardless of wheel size and if you leave it in the shed for any length of time, maybe swapping tyres or upgrading a few bits, it’ll inevitably come to about 31lbs. It’s just one of those things – like…
New Cotic FlareMAX | First Ride Review
The new Cotic FlareMAX is launched today, once again at a Cotic CC event rather than a far flung media launch with canapes and jacuzzi. Luckily for us, Cy at Cotic was happy to join us for coffee and mud baths to give us a…
Radon Slide Trail 8.0 Review | There’s A Lot To Like
David checks out the value packed Radon Slide Trail – a full suspension 29er – and finds there’s plenty to like. This Radon Slide Trail 8.0 arrived early in the summer, and after getting on well with Radon’s Cragger hardtail earlier in the year, I’d…
First Ride Review | 2020 Norco Sight A2
Hannah gets a quick spin out on the new 2020 Norco Sight A2, before its official launch. Norco, the Candian brand available in the UK through high street store and online retailer, Evans Cycles has been gradually working through its range bringing the models up…
NS Synonym TR1 First Ride Impressions
We take a ride on the NS Synonym, a cross-country bike with a wild side or is it a short travel enduro bike? Remember during our Eurobike coverage when we took a look at that stunning aggressive 29er XC bike from NS? Well, we could…
Bike Test | Long Haulers – For Bikepacking In Comfort
Antony de Heveningham looks at three unconventional mountain bikes that come with fitted racks and a sense of adventure. Perfect for bikepacking. Words by Antony de Heveningham. Photos by James Vincent. Not so long ago, many mountain bikes were designed so their riders could carry…
Trek 1120 Review| Custom Racks For Unbeaten Tracks
First published in Issue 124 of Singletrack Magazine, this Trek 1120 was reviewed as part of our Long Haulers test of bikes with racks. For when you really want to carry everything and the kitchen sink. Words by Antony de Heveningham. Photos by James Vincent.…
Salsa Blackborow | Haul More Junk In The Trunk
First published in Issue 124 of Singletrack Magazine, this Salsa Blackborow was reviewed as part of our Long Haulers test of bikes with racks. For when you really want to carry everything and the kitchen sink. Words by Antony de Heveningham. Photos by James Vincent.…
Mason InSearchOf | A Bike For Going Further
First published in Issue 124 of Singletrack Magazine, this Mason InSearchOf was reviewed as part of our Long Haulers test of bikes with racks. For when you really want to carry everything and the kitchen sink. Words by Antony de Heveningham. Photos by James Vincent.…
2019 Cotic BFe First Ride Review
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 exotic location on the other side of the world, wine them and dine them, and…
2020 Nukeproof Reactor First Ride Review
Ross throws a leg over the 2020 Nukeproor Reactor then throws it down the nearest rut infested trail to see how it rides. Today sees the launch of the brand spanking new Nukeproof Reactor, a mid-travel, do-it-all, trail bike that fills the gap in the…