I struggle to see much in any of the mags that is relevant to how and where I ride; but Singletrack and Dirt are the two that I tend to buy as the pictures and articles make me want to ride. I occssionally pick up MBUK for a train journey to see what the kids are being told to do and buy but it usually ends in disapointment. I might flick through MBR and whatMTB if they are at a friends house but I very rarely buy or even bother to brows them in a newsagent. I don't like the style or the content... not sure why but there seems to be no substance to the reviews, ride guides or articles... as if they came straight from a brochure without hitting a reality filter?
^^ thisDon't read it any more. Used to like it but I don't think the quality of writing or the originality is there these days. There used to be the odd good article but not enough of them to keep me interested.
Not sure what planet [i]mbr[/i] and [i]wmb[/i] are on
[i]mbuk[/i] not bad but suffering from the recent makeover
[i]Dirt[/i] is totally irrelevant but I like it
Also like online mags [i]Wideopen[/i] and [i]IMB[/i]
Both Ride and Privateer are the best magazines out there at the moment. Shred is excellent too, although difficult to get hold of.
[I]Ohh Errrr.. posting about the Mag on the Mags forum.. will this get shut down?[/I]
I doubt it, I personally like to see constructive criticism it helps to influence future writing.
I read the mag on and off. had a subscription that has just lapsed and will renew it soon.
i would like to see the routes having enough riding for a weekend. i rarely (if ever) travel to ride for a day so a day and a halfs riding would be ideal.
If they could make STW more like Mountain Bike World, or Mountain Biker International, I'd be far happier! 8)
I think the articles by the STW team are not as interesting as their 'external correspondent' ones, and some of them make me cringe
Actually Dave, I got that wrong. Your stuff is very good.
I doubt it, I personally like to see constructive criticism it helps to influence future writing.
Maybe. But you're not the gaffer, are you? 😉
I'm here. Reading away. Not closing stuff....
As you were..
🙂
I think the mag needs a LOT more stuff about road bikes in it 🙂
Personally, I think they should just package up the best bits of the forum every month.
Jamie... I'm already looking for a publisher. You up for being picture editor?
😐
rOcKeTdOg wrote:
i like a magazine i can read that's written by adults who do the same sort of riding that i do or aspire to do, not a comic for children with a limited attention span, that's why i buy ST
LOL! Yeah, thay kind of sums it up for me too. 🙂
Personally, I think they should just package up the best bits of the forum every month.
Would be as dull as dishwater.
I think the mag is great, mature, well written, honest and free from any hacking scandal.
I'm another ST and 'Dirt' reader. Probably says more about the type of riding i aspire to than the quality though. MBR is the best for price comparison ads from major retailers......
I thought Benji's last article was great and i would love more of that opinion style, whether i agree or not. Guess it was a real 'marmite' one!
Every mag has its ups and downs, you can't please all the people all the time. Singletrack Mag has on the whole, appealed to me the most out of all the mags for a number of years. It's by no means perfect, and there are articles in it that don't interest me too, but on the whole I'm glad it arrives on my doormat every so often.
Some things I would like to see though, but suppose not always possible...
-I loved the fish out of water articles of old. Please can we have more?
-Kit test wise, if you're going to do it do it properly, don't just print a picture (or not in several cases this month), a price and two lines about the item... This month's wheel review, bit of a waste of time IMO.
-Readers rides. We've had a few featured in the past, always think it's at least interesting to read about why someone has poured their time effort and money into some really strange and sometimes wonderful creations. Even if I'd not ride them myself, it's always cool to see I think.
-More contributor articles and pics... But then I would say that eh! (cough*gis another job mister*cough) 😉
-More local trail rides around the country, I know it wouldn't be easy, but reading about someone's local Sunday group route from the perspective of a total outsider, is quite a cool prospect. To me at least. But I just love hearing about new trails I've not yet ridden, it inspires me to go ride them.
But whatever happens, as long as it continues to appeal to me I'm going to continue to subscribe.
I get it through the letterbox, I read it over the next few weeks ( I like to make it last). Some bits I like, other bits are ok.
Like most mags really.
There's nothing in it that actually annoys me, unlike MBR, but I still get that every month anyway.
What annoys me about MBR? Well, I'll tell you - every bike HAS TO HAVE the same length stem, the same width bars, the same tyres, a chain device, etc etc or they say its wrong. Stupid that is.
I subscribe, but don't read the mag but just skim through.
I look at my subscription as supporting the forum, far more of an interesting and useful read than the mag could ever be. Thats not a slight on the mag, just that there is such a diverse group of people and ideas on the forum contributing to what is mostly an interesting read.
i like the bike tests. the themes make them more interesting than "three very similar 140mm suspension bikes" from other mags.
they feel more like wondering into a bikeshop and seeing whats on display than focussed research into a type of bike.
I think it is brill. Along with Dirt and Wideopen it feels like a magazine about mountain biking by people who genuinely love doing it, as opposed to a magazine about bits you can buy for your bike. I disagree with the comments that it repeats itself although I have only got the mag since the late 20's. I also think it stands up really well to being re read. Last year I travelled 2 hours out and back every weekend, and re-read through my entire ST stash. A bit sad but thoroughly enjoyable. In short, it is boss.
May pick up a copy and give it another go - stopped reading it a couple of years ago...
...because it was in the worthy but dull pile on my table
My 2p worth -
STW Magazine, it's crap, uninspiring & too cliquey. I used to buy it regular, but haven't for 2 years.
STW Website, a riot, I'm here aren't I. Full of crap, but occasional gems and sometimes useful. The classifieds have so far served me qell as both buyer & seller.
I think the mag is very inspiring. Certainly head and shoulders above the rest in that respect, but I guess it depends on your type of riding.
If there's one criticism of Singletrack I have, it's that too often the photos accompanying atricles are very small and there seems to be an unwritten rule about not showing too much of the rider or their bike.
I understand this probably makes for a better / more arty photo (as long as it's not a close-up action shot, obviously), but it is a bike mag after all and I'm sure can't be the only one who likes to see what bikes and bits others are riding. (Not that I'm a gear freak these days, but just out of interest - like!)
I've been a subscriber from day one to about three years in then let it slide and have been subscribing for the last five years or so. When I wasn't subscribing I reckon I still read most of the issues, just mates' copies.
As most things it's gone through good and less good phases. I don't think it's ever been bad but in the good times, it's been compulsive reading while the less good issues have been ones that I've got through but just as and when.
Either way, I find it better than any of the other mags I've read. Certainly miles better than Privateer which literally sent me to sleep...
I don't think the mag's currently going through one of its better periods at the moment though. A lot of the articles just seem very samey or just trying too hard (Benji's recent rant for example). For my money, the best articles/reviews/etc are things that either have a good theme (the racing/bonking issue IIRC) or are interesting products (the more offbeat bikes - not niche tryhard stuff that are only 'exciting' because of who they're made by or because of the lugged construction/<insert other completely non-functional design aspect>, just interesting concepts that make you think or have an interesting idea behind them even if the end result isn't necessarily an improvement.
EDIT - just been reminded about fish out of water - I always though that was a great one - something a bit different but kind of related. Maybe hard to contantly come up with new content but it's worth it if it could be.
I'll still keep buying it though - if nothing else, simply to pay towards the forum.
I personally like to see constructive criticism it helps to influence future writing.
This is a good thing.
Reading what lots of people have said about no longer reading or only doing so infrequently, I suspect it's less that the magazine or its content or editorial direction have changed but more that the readers have change.
I remember my first issue of ST - something in the single figures, I think - and it was a revelation. I surfed its wave. I was returning to MTBing after several years away. It spoke directly to me. It felt accessible and bullshit-free.
I think it still is. There's a thread out there that's 20 pages long about branding. ST managed to hit the anti-branding thing perfectly (and, in so doing, created a nice brand for itself).
My riding has moved on. My MTB is ridden a handful of times a year. I'm almost always out on the road bike. So, for that reason, ST doesn't really seep into my psyche in the same way. This is important: people need to recognise the ebb and flow of their own proclivities.
There are blips - I'm still no fan of Ferrentino's writing, but then I don't like Johnny Green's efforts in Rouleur. Some good stuff has come and gone (Samuri..!). Some bad stuff has found its way in - at one time there seemed to be a monthly article that started "what I did on my holidays".
But, you know, it has created something that finds true value in British MTBing. In fact, if it did more of this - more about, say, rigid 29ers than just Calder Valley "techcore" - the better.
Each time I read/contribute to one of these threads, I tell myself: "Write something. Put your money where your mouth is." But then I remember how hard it is to be interesting....
In short: continue as you are, but expand the range of what you cover beyond what the Calder Valley Kings are into. Just a little - 5% will do.
The magazine has changed in style and content, its inevitable that it has to so that sales continue, but there is still room for good and unusual work to appear on the pages, take the access issue for example, those articles have stirred debate across the board and as far as I know there's only Privateer who have taken this on board and put their slant on the subject.
The photography continues to be amongst the best on offer, not sticking to a rigid formula as per the other mags, the opinion pieces are not just about selling bikes/gear etc, there's a regular column from a proper industry insider (i:e not a bike journo "insider") the route guides are done the right way round !
All this and more, it and Privateer are the only MTB mag's I subscribe too and yet I still don't read them as avidly as I once did, thats not a reflection of the mag its a reflection of me and what I devote my time to doing.
Long may Singletrack mag continue 🙂
Mag - not my cup of tea.
Forums - highly entertaining. Found some proper bargains in the classifieds too.
I suspect it's less that the magazine or its content or editorial direction have changed but more that the readers have change.
I wondered that but when reading old issues (the benefit of still having them!) I still find the articles interesting and not just from a nostalgic pov - in fact, that's what usually reminds me that the most recent issues just aren't hitting the spot for me in the same way.
that's what usually reminds me that the most recent issues just aren't hitting the spot for me in the same way
Interesting. At least you've tested it - I never have; I've just assumed that I've changed more (or more differently).
it and Privateer are the only MTB mag's I subscribe to
Though I have a subscription, Privateer is yet to capture anything for me. Funnily, and I think this is something that would get TJ's goat, it's the choice(s) of font(s).
I bought a copy a 6 months ago, thought it was dull as dishwater. But I don't really like magwazines anyway..
Not heard of Privateer so googled it - how much? Nearly £10 per mag!!!
No wonder they are named after pirates.
As to STW, I subscribed for a long time then cancelled my subs as it was getting a bit samey, although I have changed a lot too which must add to the mix. This is the second time I have done this.
Actually getting a hankering for it again so will have to go buy a copy, if I like it then I'll sub once again.
Maybe this time, unlike the last two times, I'll get the free gift (is there still one offered?).
It's great that MTB is such a big and diverse pastime that geriatric benders with spuds and a well thumbed highway code can have their own niche mag and forum to compare how omniscient and uptight they are and belittle people who don't share their tastes ie commuting, ignorance about road biking, with a few useful bits and bobs thrown in
It should be a charity really
(tbh it is nice to read mag that acknowledges that not all so-called extreme sports are really rad to power gnarr and some of us listen to R4 rather than spend time lowering our jeans - but don't tell Benjii)
Good thread, actually, and some really interesting points.
When I read it (past tense), I found it to be more of a grown-up read than some of the others - a bit like Playboy (hear me out!) in that the articles are included because they're an interesting read, not because it's necessarily proving a particular point or any such.
If I want to know how a particular bit of kit works or is worth buying, I'll probably go to WMB or Bikemagic, as sometimes a score out of 10 is useful (and they do seem to have a larger collection of reviews). But for general coffee-table reading by (reasonably) normal people rather than self-professed experts, it's not bad.
Having said that, though, I never bought it that often, perhaps because general coffee-table reading wasn't top of my list of priorities. I'd read it if there was a particular grouptest of interest (Ti hardtails, for example), and then enjoy the rest of the articles, rather than buying specifically for the articles.
Distribution was always the other issue for me - if I was at Kings Cross looking for a read for a 5 hour train journey, I probably would pick it up if I could have found it. Now I'm in Canada, I can't get it anywhere, and my buying habits don't justify buying a sub, to my mind.
st magazine is pretty good, decent writing and some lovely photography. I dont buy it though as it seems a bit thin on the ground.
The best mtb magazine is dirt, which I try and buy every month. The photography is fantastic, good gear reviews and some interesting articles (the writing is not as good as single track though)
Singletrack the site - Fine, I can look at what I want and laugh at some of the ramblings of the mental patients (me included)
Songletrack the magazine - meh! Some articles are ok, the bike tests seems fine too, some articles are in no way relevant to me but you can't have it all ways. I'll have a flick through while waiting for the wife in Sainsbury's but if it's not my cuppa that month i'll buy something else
Ive only ever bought one issue and that was only because I was in it. Really doesn't inspire me but then I don't read any mtb mags other than the ones in my mates van on the way to rides. I likes to sees new bikes and kit but the words is far too confusings.
bring back mountain biker international!!!
too much chromatic abberation on the photos recently
meh.....
i miss MTB Pro - i think it & ST are pretty similar in "feel" - had to bin my old Pro copies after a house move in 98...:( . i keep all the ST copies i have since 2003. Found the mag, met Chipps when he came over to the Isle of Man for the Polaris, found out about Dirt Rag too , and subscribe to that... What i like about both DR and ST is that they go beyond WMB/MBR who are "of the moment'. Don't keep [i]them[/i] more than a couple of months before recycling. Meant to cancel my mBR sub about 9 years ago - just inertia really that stops me cancelling it.
i like that i can pick up an old ST and still find it worth rereading - and often being surprised how old the issue is, especially when the clean subs copy doesn't date it as much...
long may it continue..
It does seem to be getting a bit tired at the mo and a bit Mbr, although just like summers from years ago I'm sure it used to be better back along.
Maybe after 'many' years I just don't need to be told what the latest fandango piece of kit is I can just do what I want to do.
I certainly know for a fact I couldn't make it any better !
I find it very erratic... When it's good it's very good, when it's bad it's pretty bad. That Matt Hart article in the last issue but one, frinstance, was like something out of some zero-budget fanzine. But I'll tolerate the bad for the good. Right now it seems to be at the low end of the cycle, that issue was really not up to scratch.
None of the mags are perfect but they've all got something to add IMO.
My favourite series was the Fish Out Of Water series - it put the writer in a position closer to most of we mortals, ie unsure of excatly how to do something and discovering a lot on the way.
My all-time favourite Singletrack article was the frame building one, which was from that series.
I've always felt the difference between STW and other magazines is that the readership have a sense of ownership over the content rather than having something served up on them. This is a lot to do with the forum and the history. I can see the mag slipping away from this a bit as it grows and becomes more mainstream. I hope the owners stick to their roots though and build the market rather than follow it.
Even though I didn't agree with it at all the Benji rant made me think, as did the Dave Anderson access pieces. I think Ferrantino and Matt Hart have run their course and wonder whether STW should be a bit more anarchic in its month to month format. If the same old sections are there it becomes a formula.
I found ST mag after years away from the sport. (I had read MBUK from issue 1 and MTB International too). I had tried the MBUK, MBR, What MTB, etc when I returned to the sport but only ST hit the spot for me. It focused more on the riding than just the 'latest kit' or new pigeonhole that the marketing types have invented to increase the bike range.
So, as much as it seems to go against the grain of this thread, I enjoy!
Firstly, in true STW forum tradition I haven't read any of the previous posts.
I don't buy it anymore except the edition that comes with the calender.
I would say there is less of interest in the mag for me the last year or two. It's a bit too in bed with the advertisers, a bit too MBR-ish and lacking any back bone.
The last article I really enjoyed was the frame building one!
too much chromatic abberation on the photos recently
I have no idea what this means but I have noticed many of the photos seem the same vivid green tone lately.
Mag is good though IMO - bivvying fixation aside.
