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 as I am in going fast in a straight line though, I much prefer it…
Review
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 of other reasons why you might choose a Trail42. The fabric is as soft as…
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 inner thigh and rear hip panels. Two zipped side pockets and a rear zipped waistband…
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 30in to 38in (you may want to go bigger than you think you are, as…
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 matte nylon with a thin Windstopper panel on the back and crotch for spray protection.…
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 some cooling. The mid-weight fabric does, however, give the feel of an ultra-durable short with…
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 off the back of the saddle. Long zipped air vents on the outer thigh allow…
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 biggest trail bike or highest-geared singlespeed. But what German cockpit specialists Syntace found when their…
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 struck out on their own, making a range of digital watches and, more recently, wrist-top…
Kali’s innovative Maraka XC helmet
A helmet with a number of truly interesting and compelling features
Howies Dyfi Active Shell jacket
My first impressions of the Dyfi Active Shell were focused on the colour and looks; understandable given that I nabbed it from Singletrack for photoshoot dressing-up. It’s a happy looking shell that works as well during everyday wear as it does in the hills. Unlike…
CamelBak All Clear Microbiological UV water purifier
A clean water source for adventures? the good DrJon investigates
Lake MX331 disco slippers
The first pair of these shoes died a premature death following last year’s Transvesubienne race. Because it was a ‘race’, I wore my new ‘race shoes’ without having really done very much research about what sort of a race it was, and with catastrophic results…
Issue 83: Islabikes Beinn 29
Isla added the Beinn 29 to the range because lots of parents who’d bought her age-specific bikes wanted a bike of the same quality for themselves.
Issue 83: Surly Krampus
We often wonder how mountain bikes might have looked if they’d been designed from ground zero rather than having a junkyard heritage of rescued beach cruisers dictating most things. How large would the wheels and tyres have been? How much suspension would they have had?…
Issue 83: Pivot Les
The Pivot Les (see what they nearly did there?) is partly here to show that a fixed blade fork can be plugged into any hardtail. Okay, the Les isn’t just any hardtail. It’s the first cross-country trail hardtail produced by Arizona suspension masters Pivot Cycles.
Wildcat Gear Tiger seatpack and Mountain Lion handlebar harness
UK made gear for Bikepackers and off road tourer's alike
Morvélo Daze womens jersey
"Female cyclists are a picky and notoriously fickle bunch to please.", Says Jenn, who has been trying out this Morvelo jersey for the last four months.
Knox Cross Lite Knee Pads
Knee pads are one of those items that can be really noticeable on a ride; a catch 22 situation where you want protection but also want the freedom to pedal unhindered. The Knox Cross Lite knee pads are an attempt at getting that balance right.
Giant Trance X 29er 1 Long termer
A couple of months in, how's Sanny getting on with his Trance X 29er
Salsa Beargrease – UK Exclusive Review
You don't need a fatbike, but you may just end up needing this one
Canyon Nerve AL 8.0
In the UK you buy Canyon bikes via mail order. Whether you agree with the concept of direct sales bikes or not, they aren’t going to go away. There's only going to be more and more brands following this business model.
Nukeproof Mega AM Comp – Bike review
The Mega is set to be a real cult favourite. The privateer's choice.