As part of a head-to-head review feature, Rob’s been testing two 130mm travel 29er trail bikes; the 2019 GT Sensor Expert and the 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.7. So which one has come out on top? Read on for Rob’s review of the Trek Fuel…
Review
Review | The 2019 GT Sensor Carbon Expert ditches complicated suspension for pure, unadulterated fun
As part of a head-to-head review feature, Rob’s been testing two 130mm travel 29er trail bikes; the 2019 GT Sensor Expert and the 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.7. So which one has come out on top? Read on for Rob’s review of the GT Sensor…
First Ride Review | Hutchinson Griffus – A Gravity Tyre From The Racing Lab
The Hutchinson Griffus is the first product from the Hutchinson Racing Lab. We sent George Thompson to find out all about it. How do you break the Maxxis stranglehold on the UK MTB tyre market? Schwalbe has come closest in recent times, and Pirelli and Michelin are…
Ortlieb’s New Atrack BP – Putting the backpack into bikepacking?
Is Ortlieb’s new Atrack BP bag the answer to bikepacking on a full suspension bike? Not everyone can fit bikepacking bags to their bike. There are some awkward frame designs out there and not everyone has got the room. Some people don’t want to either.…
Specialized Women’s Power Comp MIMIC Saddle – ‘I don’t even notice it’
The Specialized Women’s Power Comp saddle with MIMIC technology ain’t no gimmick, and has been awarded a Singletrack Recommended award from a rider that can find almost anything to complain about when it comes to pedalling. Read on to find out how Amanda has relieved…
Review | Burgtec Penthouse Mk4 Composite Pedals
We’ve been running Burgtec’s bombproof Penthouse Mk4 pedals for years, so a test of the newly released, and more affordable composite Penthouse MK4 was certainly in order. At the very start of this year, we headed down to Burgtec HQ for its own house show…
Review | Anita Active Air Control Sports Bra – No Underwire, No Rubbing
I’ve never really had a problem with my sports bra being too heavy, so the fact that this one claimed to be the world’s lightest sports bra wasn’t all that important to me. However, the fact that the Anita Active Air had no underwiring yet…
Review | Propain Hugene Highend 29er – Makes Pedalling Fun
Propain is a direct to consumer bike brand based in Germany. A lot of you will know the Propain name from the World Cup DH circuit, where the likes of Phil Atwill and David Trummer have piloted the Rage downhill bikes at the highest level…
Review | Forget 12-speed with e*thirteen’s 9-46t TRS Race 11-speed cassette
It feels like 1×11 drivetrains have been around forever (go on, take a guess. No Googling mind. Answer* at the bottom of the review). I don’t think it would be too much of an exaggeration to say that they’ve revolutionised mountain biking. Riders have less…
Review | Vibration-Killing Pro Series RevGrips
£99 for a pair of mountain bike grips? You read that correctly. But as David Hayward found out, the RevGrips ain’t no ordinary lock-on grips Vibration is a well known cause of nerve injuries. I’ve personally suffered from the effects of a bad handlebar combined…
Review | Nukeproof ARD Tubeless Inserts
Tubeless tyre inserts claim to offer additional protection for your mountain bike rim, so you can run lower tyre pressures for improved traction. Nukeproof’s Advanced Rim Defence (ARD) system is one of the newer inserts on the market, so we got our local rim-dinger, David…
Review | Shimano goes for mega bearing durability with the tough-as Saint M828 flat pedals
For over a quarter of a century, Shimano has held an unwavering reputation for producing some of the most functional and durable clip-in mountain bike pedals on the market. Curiously, the dominating popularity of its SPD system hasn’t exactly translated through to its flat pedal…
Review | The Calibre Sentry is a wallet-friendly enduro bike
For a brand that didn’t even exist five years ago, Calibre Bikes has shot to stardom pretty darn quickly. In its short history, the company has been breaking new ground in the mountain bike market with its mix of low-cost high-performance bikes, with the popular…
Review | The Ergon SM Pro Men’s Saddle Wins A Singletrack Recommended Award
Rarely do mountain bike saddles attract the attention they truly deserve. Then again, perhaps nobody really wants to talk about saddle sores, ingrown hairs and numb genitals. I’m no advertising guru, but I suspect that sort of thing is impossible to market in a way…
First Ride Review: 2019 Sonder Transmitter First Impressions
Sonder’s popular Transmitter alloy hardtail returns for 2019 with a fresh lick of paint and updated geometry, but how does it ride? We sent Andi to the woods to find out. Just over a week ago we reported that Sonder had refreshed the popular Sonder…
Goggle Grouptest | We ran 5 pairs of goggles through the winter, and this is the result
Riding in the winter can be pretty shit. So with the hope of trying to make it less so, we’ve put five pairs of goggles to the test through an English winter. Goggles may be more associated with racing, but for a change from specs,…
Review | The Scott Prospect Goggles are about as ‘shouty’ as they come
What are the best goggles for mountain biking? We brought together five pairs from 100%, Dragon Alliance, Julbo POC, Scott, and put them in the hands of our goggle aficionado and all-round jumpy rider, Rob Mitchell, to see which ones we’d recommend for UK mountain…
Review | The POC Ora Goggles surprised us with both their price and performance
What are the best goggles for mountain biking? We brought together five pairs from 100%, Dragon Alliance, Julbo POC, Scott, and put them in the hands of our goggle aficionado and all-round jumpy rider, Rob Mitchell, to see which ones we’d recommend for UK mountain…
Review | With photochromic lenses, the Julbo Bang NXT Goggles automatically adjust to the light – at a price
What are the best goggles for mountain biking? We brought together five pairs from 100%, Dragon Alliance, Julbo POC, Scott, and put them in the hands of our goggle aficionado and all-round jumpy rider, Rob Mitchell, to see which ones we’d recommend for UK mountain…
Review | The Dragon Alliance MXV Max Goggles come with two lenses and very good ventilation
What are the best goggles for mountain biking? We brought together five pairs from 100%, Dragon Alliance, Julbo POC, Scott, and put them in the hands of our goggle aficionado and all-round jumpy rider, Rob Mitchell, to see which ones we’d recommend for UK mountain…
Review | The 100% Racecraft Goggles have literally 20 options for you to choose from
What are the best goggles for mountain biking? We brought together five pairs from 100%, Dragon Alliance, Julbo POC, Scott, and put them in the hands of our goggle aficionado and all-round jumpy rider, Rob Mitchell, to see which ones we’d recommend for UK mountain…
Review | The 2019 Focus SAM 9.9 delivers a few surprises for a 170mm travel enduro bike
Focus launched its new SAM enduro bike in late 2018, so we got one in and put it in the hands of our local Calderdale tester, Rik Legge. Over to Rik for the full review. Focus bikes are a familiar sight to anyone who follows…
Top 5 Lock-On Grips | The Cheapest Upgrade For Your Bike
What are the best mountain bike grips? Wil’s tested a bunch over the years, and here he’s put together five of his favourite lock-on grips. Over to Wil. Just think about this for a moment. Your hands – those fleshy starfishes at the end of…
ST Recommended | The Ergon GE1 EVO Factory lock-on grips go one better than the original
What are the best mountain bike grips? Wil’s tested a bunch over the years, and here he’s put together five of his favourite lock-on grips. Over to Wil! German brand Ergon may be best known for its popular flared grip design, though it also offers…
Review | We Test The Carbon Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro 27.5
In case you hadn’t heard already, Specialized has just announced the Carbon Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro 27.5. You can get all the details of the bike right here, though read on for our first ride review from local Calder Valley tester, Nick Cummins. Over to…
Review | The Renthal Traction lock-on grips are UltraTacky – in a good way
What are the best mountain bike grips? Wil’s tested a bunch over the years, and here he’s put together five of his favourite lock-on grips. Over to Wil! Makers of handlebars, stems, and chainrings for all things moto and MTB, Renthal currently splits its off-road…
Review | Judgement Day For The Trust Message Multi-Link Suspension Fork
The Trust Message is undeniably strange compared to anything we’re used to seeing on the front of a mountain bike. Its originators are three bike industry heavyweights: Dave Weagle, rear suspension designer extraordinaire; Jason Schiers, founder of EDGE (now ENVE) Composites, and Hap Seliga, co-founder…
Review | The Specialized SWAT Conceal Carry MTB Multi-Tool Hides Inside Your Fork
According to the photographer Chase Jarvis, the best camera is the one that’s with you. A reference to the proliferation of smartphone camera technology, Jarvis’s famous quote implies that you can own the most technically capable camera in the world, but if it’s too bulky…
Review | The ODI Elite Flow lock-on grips have hidden comforts
What are the best mountain bike grips? Wil’s tested a bunch over the years, and here he’s put together five of his current favourite lock-on grips. Over to Wil! Having invented the concept some 25-years ago, ODI has long been the king of the lock-on,…
Review | The DMR DeathGrip lock-on grips are made for rough ‘n’ rowdy riding
What are the best mountain bike grips? Wil’s tested a bunch over the years, and here he’s put together five of his favourite lock-on grips. Over to Wil! The DMR DeathGrips will be well known to our UK readers, having amassed something of a cult…
Review | The Lizard Skins MacAskill lock-ons are ideal for thin-grip lovers
What are the best mountain bike grips? Wil’s tested a bunch over the years, and here he’s put together five of his favourite lock-on grips. Over to Wil! Makers of grips, bar tape, gloves and body armour, Lizard Skins was an early adopter of lock-on…
First Ride Review | Pirelli Scorpion MTB Tyre – ‘Eliminates Climate Variables’
Pirelli entering the mountain bike tyre market? That’s pretty big news if you’re a rubber nerd. Pirelli certainly seemed to be pretty excited about it, since the company did a huge photoshoot in California and followed it up with flying journos from across the world…
Review | The SixSixOne Evo AM helmet comes loaded with MIPS, BOA and magnets
First released back in 2015, the Evo AM took the top spot in the SixSixOne (661) helmet range from its now-younger (and cheaper) sibling, the Recon. Since then, this broad-coverage trail helmet has split into two main models; the Evo AM MIPS that we have…
Review | The Panaracer PanDura is a fast-rolling tyre with some surprises on the trail
Though many mountain bikers will know Panaracer for the classic Smoke & Dart tyres (which are still in production!), the Japanese tyre manufacturer has been busy adding a load of newer tread offerings, including the PanDura shown here. To find out how this enduro/all mountain…
Review | Forget the bum bag – the Camelbak Chase Bike Vest is a hydration pack for minimalists
Inspired by trail running packs, the Camelbak Chase Vest has been purpose built for the minimalist mountain biker that still needs to carry essential tools and spares, along with a decent amount of water. It’s a little different to your average mountain bike backpack though,…
Longterm Review | 9 Months On SRAM’s Budget NX Eagle 1×12 Groupset
Thanks to SRAM’s Eagle groupset, 1×12 has been around a few years now. What was originally the preserve of those with bulging wallets is now available for a significantly more modest price, thanks to this NX level groupo. One of the criticisms of early 1×10…
Review | Leatt DBX 5.0 All Mountain Waterproof Jacket & Waterproof Shorts
It’s been a wet and gritty winter here in Calderdale, which has provided idyllic conditions for testing waterproof riding gear. With jackets and bottoms from Endura, Leatt and Fox, our local two-wheeled adventurer has been putting three waterproof riding combos to the test. Over to…
Review | Fox Attack Waterproof Jacket and Waterproof Pants
It’s been a wet and gritty winter here in Calderdale, which has provided idyllic conditions for testing waterproof riding gear. With jackets and bottoms from Endura, Leatt and Fox, our local two-wheeled adventurer has been putting three waterproof riding combos to the test. Over to…
Review | Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket & Waterproof Shorts
It’s been a wet and gritty winter here in Calderdale, which has provided idyllic conditions for testing waterproof riding gear. With jackets and bottoms from Endura, Leatt and Fox, our local two-wheeled adventurer has been putting three waterproof riding combos to the test. Over to…
Trust Performance Message: Testing This Bonkers Carbon Linkage Fork
We take the latest carbon fibre linkage fork on the market and test it in the U.K grit and mud. Keep reading for our Trust Performance Message linkage fork review. Trust Performance surprised everyone when it released the bonkers Message linkage fork back in October.…
Review | Giant’s latest Rail SX MIPS helmet has more coverage and clever goggle compatibility
Giant may be best known for popular mountain bike models such as the Anthem, Trance and Reign, but the Taiwanese manufacturer actually has a pretty huge array of components and accessories too. Alongside carbon fibre wheels, dropper posts and flat pedals, you’ll also find a…
ST Recommended | The Funn UpDown dropper post only lets you down when you want it to!
A few years ago, it seemed as if dropper posts were expensive disposable items. With a bit of luck you’d get 12 months use out of them, before something would go wrong. No brands seemed to be immune from it, but the first iteration of…
Review: Vee Tire Flow Snap + Enduro Core 29×2.6in Tyre
Tyres, as many of you know, represent perhaps the least sexy but certainly one of the most emphatic ways to alter your ride. From those proponents of the ‘fit once and only replace once you can see the rim strip through the carcass’ school all…
Review: Bontrager’s XR5 Team Issue might just be the ideal aggro trail tyre
As condition-specific as mountain bike tyres are, some are just a little more versatile than others. Like this Bontrager XR5 Team Issue tyre I’ve been testing for the past 12 months. Having already enjoyed such a positive experience with the Bontrager SE4 – a tyre…
Review | Flat Tire Defender tubeless inserts are easy on your rims, but hard on your hands
Tubeless tyre inserts claim to offer additional protection for your mountain bike rim, so you can run lower tyre pressures for improved traction. The Flat Tire Defender is a US-made foam insert that is used by none other than a Mr Aaron Gwin. To find…
2019 Canyon Neuron CF 9.0 SL | A Longterm Review Of Canyon’s Carbon Trail Bike
Wil gives us the verdict on the 2019 Canyon Neuron CF 9.0 SL It’s been quite a few years since we last saw a carbon fibre trail bike from Canyon. In fact, it was 2014 when the Nerve CF was last kicking about – a…
Review: The Syncros Guide Multi-Tool Kit comes with almost everything you need
As the component and accessory arm of Swiss mega-brand, Scott Sports, Syncros has been steadily growing its repertoire over the past couple of years. From super high-end carbon fibre mountain bike wheels and one-piece integrated bar & stems, through to grips, dropper posts, saddles, bolt-on…
Review: The Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro V2 Is a Transformer Helmet
The convertible helmet market continues to heat up, with Leatt throwing its hat in the ring with the DBX 3.0 Enduro V2, which converts between a half shell and a full face helmet with the click of two bindings. Is it the best, or the…
Review: Gloworm Alpha and X2 Lights – For Night Riders And Wildlife Safaris?
“How much? For bike lights!”, said pretty much every non-mountain biker when asking how much the super bright torches attached to our bikes and helmets cost us. It wasn’t always like this: the first time I ever rode a mountain bike in the dark was…
Enduro Rubbers – 4 Maxxis DoubleDown Tyres Reviewed & Compared
Maxxis has a growing range of Wide Trail (WT) mountain bike tyres, including several options with the more robust DoubleDown casing. To make sense of the range, we gathered the Aggressor, Minion DHF, Minion DHR II and Shorty in their respective WT DoubleDown outfits, and…
Review: Maxxis Shorty 2.5 WT DoubleDown Tyre
Maxxis has a growing range of Wide Trail (WT) mountain bike tyres, including several options with the more robust Double Down casing. To make sense of the range, we gathered the Aggressor, Minion DHF, Minion DHR II and Shorty in their respective WT Double Down…