The wired remote has a few issues in use, but light output and settings all worked well
Review
Light and Motion Seca 2000
There are a handful of truly amazing high-end lighting systems available nowadays that allow you to ride at daylight speeds for hours on end and this is definitely one of…
Madison Flux jersey
Comfortable, cheap, full of features and not paint-on lycra tight. Blue is the new black.
Truflo Minitrack mini track pump
The Minitrack is now an essential part of my pack and the most lent-out of my tools
Sombrio Kettle women’s softshell
As a person who hates draughty riding, this weatherproof jacket keeps out the cold with style. As soon as I put it on it felt great. The cut is flatteringly…
DirtBaggies Feature bibs & Classic shell
A surprisingly versatile, supremely comfortable bib/baggy combo for any weather
Madison Zenith
Definitely a 'try before you buy' fit, but a great hardwearing short for the hard riding
Polaris AM 500 Repe
Shorts made for typical UK riding weather and for riders who wear pads year-round.
Hope District rear light
Invaluable for committed year-round riders who have no friends or always ride at the back
First ride on Giant’s ’14 Trance 27.5 1 trail bike
27.5 wheels, 140mm travel, XT/SLX spec, nice price
Maxxis Ardent Race 2.2 x 26in tyre
Maxxis suggests running the Ardent Race up front, paired with an Ikon at the rear, for out-and-out speed – given that I’m just as interested in staying on the trail…
Trail42 bamboo tech tee
Trail42 tech tees are difficult to find fault with. The selling point of bamboo shirts is that they don’t show sweat patches when you’re getting moist. But there’s a host…
Alpkit Gamma Headtorch
Small enough to pack as a 'just in case' back up light, is perfect for camping, bike packing, bivvy trips and just about everything else too.
Osprey’s Raptor 6 is built to last
Small is beautiful? The Raptor 6 is more than adequate for 2hr rides (longer for those who pack light)
Ergon BA3 Super Enduro backpack
Expensive but very versatile bag for adventures. Don’t let the ‘enduro’ label put you off.
Endura MT500 Spray
If you’re a ‘shorts all year’ rider, you’ve found your shorts from now until next summer.
Race Face Ambush
Good on and off the trail. More of a midwinter warmer than a midsummer’s dream, though.
Shimano XTR groupset.
If you can afford it, then it’ll certainly go the extra mile with and for you.
USE XC 29er wheelset
They're carbon rimmed and have a healthy dose of science in the shape of a 'Nano Surface Technology' finish
Sombrio Highline II Shorts
The Highline II is Sombrio’s top of the range short. It’s designed from four-way stretch material and comes complete with an inner short. Small ventilation holes are located on the…
Troy Lee Ace Shorts
Troy Lee’s Ace short is designed with what it calls “gritty XC” in mind and that’s fairly clear from the snug, tailored fit. Luckily it’s available in two-inch increments from…
Gore Bike Wear Fusion Trail
Although these Gore Bike Wear Fusion Trail shorts are in keeping with this year’s ‘TicTac’ fashion colour palette, they also come in brown or black. They’re made of a lightweight…
Sombrio Birm Queen Shorts
The Birm Queen is a great cross-country short with a flattering, slimmer cut. Though relatively heavy for hot and sunny summer trail riding, discrete mesh-lined and zipped thigh vents add…
Altura Quantum X Shorts
The velcro waist adjustment on the back draws the spare fabric away from the snag zone and together with the four-way stretchy yoke keeps the waist secure even when hanging…
Syntace’s Megaforce 2 stem: stiffness for big bars
Wide handlebars can be a lot of fun. Given enough space between the trees, the extra leverage that big bars provide can help even us scrawny folks manhandle even the…
Soleus’ budget Draft GPS bike computer
Born from the ashes of Nike’s timing division, Soleus is a brand that is well established in the running market. With their major client gone, designer David Arnold and company…
Kali’s innovative Maraka XC helmet
A helmet with a number of truly interesting and compelling features