The Pace RC295 then. Full carbon. 135mm rear travel dual linkage. 140-150mm fork. Full 29in or mullet thang with an offset shock bushing.
Review
Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Alloy Comp review
The Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Alloy gets all the cool things that the carbon Stumpjumper has had for a few seasons now.
Truflo Mini Shock Pump review: twofer bargain or double trouble?
Hannah tries out the Truflo Mini Shock Pump that can take on tyres, shocks, Presta and Schrader. Will versatility add up to a useful tool?
Whyte T-140 RS: First Ride Review
The Whyte T-140 is very much the classic trail bike of the Whyte range. Enough travel to cope with most things but responsive and efficient.
Canyon Spectral 125 CF 8 review
The new-for-2022 Canyon Spectral 125 has pretty much the exact same geometry as the regular 150mm rear-travel Spectral. Why?
TRP Trail Evo disc brake review
TRP Trail Evo has a super-light lever action and impressively short throw before biting. Great for racers. If you can handle it (literally!)
SRAM Code RSC disc brake review
For all-out power freaks, we going to give the nod to the SRAM Code RSC. It has the most anchor-dropping chops of all brakes we've tried.
Shimano SLX M7120 disc brake review
The brake that felt like the best combination of top-end power and all-over feel was the Shimano SLX M7120.
Magura MT7 Pro disc brake review
Folk who like to run their bite points really close to the grip should give the Magura MT7 Pro brake a try.
Hope Tech 4 E4 disc brake review
The lever on these Hope Tech 4 E4 brakes is a big step up from the Tech 3 with a claimed 30% more power from a longer, more ergonomic lever.
Hayes Dominion A4 disc brake review
The 4-pot Hayes Dominion A4 continues the venerable brand's return. Great to see them back in the mix when it comes to viable stoppers.
Formula Cura 4 disc brake review
If we have to decide on The Best Brake we’d go for the Formula Cura 4. The key thing is that the Formulas have the feel. And that’s what counts. Although never quite at the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to brake brands,…
Oakley DRT3 MIPS Helmet Review: Super Stable
The Oakley DRT3 MIPS is the newest of their mountain bike helmets, retailing at around £110 it is around £50 cheaper than the existing DRT5.
Kona Process 153 DL 29 Review: Mellow Yellow
The latest Kona Process 153 rolls on 29in wheels and sits in the middle of the Process range; Process X on one side, Process 134 on the other.
Carbon Wasp Truffle Review: All the Speed
The Truffle is Carbon Wasp’s first foray in to a full production MTB frame. Designed, made and tested entirely in and around Leeds.
POC Otocon Race MIPS helmet review
The POC Otocon Race MIPS helmet is a full face lightweight helmet, certified for downhill competition, but designed enduro racing/riding.
Smith Bobcat Glasses Review
The Smith Bobcat is a new addition this year to the brand's eyewear range. Designed to offer same features as the brand's popular Wildcat.
Canyon Torque 29 CF 9 review: big travel agility, big grins
The Canyon Torque 29 CF 9 is a big travel bike that won't sterilise the trails. Heaps of fun from the trail to the race tape, in one package.
Singletrack Issue 143 Bike Test: Party At The Back
Have we swallowed the marketing hook, line and sinker, or is there something to the mullet trend?
Review: Geometron G1
GeoMetron is essentially Chris Porter. If you don’t know who Chris Porter is, do a Google. Just make sure you have a brew ready before you dive in.
Review: Santa Cruz Bronson
Maybe the Santa Cruz Bronson does need an introduction. The latest Bronson is a massively different beast to the Bronson Mk1.
Review: Starling Twist Trail
Starling Cycles is Joe McEwan. Joe used to work as an aerospace engineer and build bike frames in his shed as a sideline.
Marzocchi Bomber Air shock: first ride review
Benji has had a Marzocchi Bomber Air plumbed into his RocketMAX for the past week or so. Here's how he feels about it. Yes, the piggyback reservoir is supposed to look like that.
Mountain Bike Hip Pack Buyers Guide – Kit Essentials
Benji tests out some modern hip packs that can cater for all but the furthest adventuring of riders. Words Benji Photography Amanda The return of the humble water bottle and the widespread ditching of hydration backpacks has been one of the more unexpected developments in…
Review: Bontrager Rapid Pack Hydro Hip Pack
This Bontrager Rapid Pack Hydro hip pack is reviewed as part of our Kit Essentials grouptest from Issue 143 of Singletrack World Price: £94.99 Capacity: 1.64L Bladder: 1.5L Included From: Trek, trekbikes.com Colours: Black The non-hydro version of this bag has been much loved amongst…
Review: Deuter Pulse 3 Hip Pack
The Deuter Pulse 3 hip pack is reviewed as part of our Kit Essentials grouptest from Issue 143 of Singletrack World Price: £50.00 Capacity: 5L Bladder: 1.5L (not included) From: Deuter GB, deutergb.co.uk Colours: Bay (blue), Cranberry, Black The square shape of the Pulse 3…
Review: Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini hip pack is reviewed as part of our Kit Essentials grouptest from Issue 143 of Singletrack World Price: £25.00 Capacity: 1L Bladder: No From: Patagonia, eu.patagonia.com Colours: Borealis Green, Black, Coriander Brown, Forge Grey At first glance this dinky…
Review: PNW Rover Hip Pack
The PNW Rover hip pack is reviewed as part of our Kit Essentials grouptest from Issue 143 of Singletrack World The PNW Rover is a tough, sturdy pack that is clearly designed with a hard life in mind, as opposed to being minimalist, delicate, lightweight…
Review: Polaris Aquanought Waterproof Hip Pack
The Polaris Aquanought Waterproof hip pack is reviewed as part of our Kit Essentials grouptest from Issue 143 of Singletrack World Price: £47.99 Capacity: 3L Bladder: No From: Polaris, polaris-bikewear.co.uk Colours: Black & Green If you’re like me, you’re a middle-aged mountain biker living in…
Review: Rapha Trail Hip Pack
The Rapha Trail hip pack is reviewed as part of our Kit Essentials grouptest from Issue 143 of Singletrack World Price: £60.00 Capacity: 3L Bladder: No From: Rapha, rapha.cc Colours: Old Gold, Black, Green, Navy Unlike a lot of mountain bike journos, I really have…
Review: Thule Rail 4 Hip Pack
This product was selected for our Editors’ Choice Awards 2022, as published in Singletrack Magazine Issue 146 Benji: “This Rail 4L from Thule was the first bumbag that I didn’t begrudge wearing. It remains the one and only bumbag that I reach for when I’m…
How to pick the best mountain bike for you
While there may not be such a thing as The Best Mountain Bike, there are certainly bikes that will suit you more than others.
Santa Cruz Chameleon R MX review: venerable yet versatile
For the past 25 years the Santa Cruz Chameleon been a tough hardtail that can still be comfortable and light enough for longer rides.
Rockrider ST 700 Rain Jacket review: £70 brilliance
At around 500g, the Rockrider ST 700 Rain Jacket is not lightweight but when the conditions are harsh, comfort and morale are everything.
Review: Modibodi Maxi-24hour Pants
No, these are not pants for making you go fast at 24-hour races. They’re pants that will absorb your period for up to 24 hours. About once every 23 days (I know, it sucks, right?), I think ‘oh my god, these are so great, I…
Renpho R3 Mini Massage Gun Review
Renpho makes a number of ‘healthy living’ products, including a few different massage items designed to massage various parts of the body (no giggling at the back). There are implements for massaging your back, your feet, your legs, and even your eyes (I didn’t even…
POC Omne Eternal Helmet Review: Self-Charging Rear Light
POC Omne Eternal features new Powerfoyle technology to charge an in-built rear light, that knows when it's needed.
2023 RockShox Zeb Ultimate & Super Deluxe Ultimate Review
We’ve had a new Zeb Ultimate and Super Deluxe Ultimate bolted on to a RAAW Madonna so read on to see what we think.
2022 Nukeproof Scout 290 Review: Trail Toy!
2022 Nukeproof Scout offers four build specs, all as 275 or 290. Nukeproof have brought the signature yellow paint back, too...
Ridgecrest Waterproof Gilet review
Not a waterproof jacket. Not a windproof gilet. The Ridgecrest Waterproof Gilet is something of a unique proposition.
Flat Pedal Shoes Buyer’s Guide: MTB Kit Essentials
What makes a great pair of flat pedal shoes? And, more importantly, who is delivering? Here are the best flattie pumps around.
Atherton AM.150.1 first ride review
Does the 150mm travel Atherton AM.150 mountain bike offer something that's unachievable via more traditional construction methods?
The Trespasser’s Companion – A field guide to reclaiming what is already ours
TLDR: I love this book, and I want you to read it. ‘The Trespasser’s Companion – A field guide to reclaiming what is already ours’, is a call to reconnect with nature. Through a series of compelling essays and case studies, the book illustrates how…
Öhlins RXF38 m.2 review: for proper hard charging
Öhlins joined the 38mm stanchion gang with the OEM-only Öhlins RXF38 m.1. Last year they launched this RXF38 m.2.
Giro Havoc H2O Shorts review
The Giro Havoc H2O shorts are one of my current go-tos. Though best known for helmets, Giro has been putting out clothing for over a decade.
Rapha Trail Knee Pads review: genuinely great
The Rapha Trail Knee Pads are the first piece of protection from the prestigious cycling brand (their helmet is made by Smith).
YT Capra Core 2 review: doing it for the lolz
After the carbon launch models, then the aluminium Uncaged versions, here is the more affordable alloy YT Capra Core 2.
Maxxis Shorty Gen 2 review: the best just got better
After waiting the best part of a year for a Maxxis Shorty Gen 2, I managed to get one and quickly put it through its paces.
Review: Adidas FIVE TEN Freerider Pro
This review featured as part of the Kit Essentials grouptest in issue 142 of Singletrack World. Predictable winner that still has few real rivals Price: £130.00 From: adidas.co.uk Tested By: Benji The Pro version of the iconic Five Ten Freerider is a very different beast…
Review: Adidas FIVE TEN Gore-Tex Trailcross
This review featured as part of the Kit Essentials grouptest in issue 142 of Singletrack World. All-mountain meets all-weather excellence Price: £160.00 From: adidas.co.uk Tested By: Charlie The Adidas Five Ten Gore-Tex Trailcross shoes are available in three variations: the lightweight LT, the XT with…
Review: Bontrager Flatline Shoes
This review featured as part of the Kit Essentials grouptest in issue 142 of Singletrack World. Never mind the grip, feel the feel Price: £124.99 From: trekbikes.com Tested By: Benji The Flatline has been out a few years now, but we don’t see very many…