Special Notice of Appreciation We wouldn’t be here without any of you and you’re all special, but the folks listed here are particularly special. Thank you to everyone who joined the 502 Club and helped us fund our new server. ADELAIDE ANDREWS – ADRIAN ADAMS…
Issue 156 Last Word: Know Your Frenemy
Hannah Discovers the impact of mountain bike injuries on your trails and explores how a favorite trail can turn into a nemesis and the challenges it brings.
Fresh Goods Friday 717: Sound The Sun Klaxon!
Apparently it’s only a week ago that I was on holiday. Since my house is currently shaking thanks to neighbours having their front garden paved over, let us cast our minds back to more serene times. Unless you are currently on holiday, in which case…
Nerd Alert! Rare Structure SCW1 Prototype Bike for Sale
This caught our eye in the Singletrack Classifieds. I mean, why wouldn’t it? With echoes of the old Whyte PRST1 but a stack of new tech, it’s a bike nerd’s treat. We figured before it finds its way to a new owner, we ought to…
Red Bull Rampage: Dates Revealed For Men’s and Women’s Events
It had already been confirmed that Red Bull Rampage would include women in this year’s event, but now it’s clearer that there will be two separate days: Women on Thursday October 10th, and Men on Saturday October 12th. Spectator tickets will go on sale on…
Off to Fort William? Test a Saracen while you’re there!
If you’re making the trip to Fort William and the Nevis Range, you’ll now be able to try out one of a number of Saracen bikes while you’re there, as well as stock up on products from Freewheel. With Madison Saracen’s Greg Williamson and Matt…
Tweedlove ends: Management of world enduro partly to blame says organiser
TweedLove founder Neil Dalgleish has announced in a blog post that the hugely popular Scottish mountain bike festival is coming to an end. If you’ve been meaning to get round to doing one of their events, you’re too late. In Neil’s announcement, he explains why…
Interview: Atherton Bikes at Bespoked
In our final interview from Bespoked, Manchester, I stopped for a chat with Alex from Atherton Bikes to see if I could find out what’s ahead for the Welsh brand. I think this is the newest model – want to talk us through it? This…
BikePark Wales: New 33 year lease to bring many benefits
Amidst reports of job cuts at Natural Resources Wales (NRW), it’s good to see some positive news coming from Wales: BikePark Wales has signed a new 33 year lease that will allow it to continue to operate on the site, and make the experience even…
Is NRW About To Close Coed Y Brenin?
According to several reports we have seen, it’s looking very likely that in the short term, several trail centres, including Coed y Brenin and Nant yr Arian will be forced to close, pending talks between NRW (Natural Resource Wales) and trade unions. Robin Grant from…
Fresh Goods Friday 716: The Icelandic Edition
It’s oh so quiet. There’s just me (Mark) in the office today. That’s not actually unusual as we run a hybrid home/office deal at Singletrack and Friday’s are my usual days in at my desk. But apart from me there’s just Zoe on duty today.…
Podcast Making Up The Numbers – Mid Season Review
We’re over halfway through the 2024 World Cup season and in this episode George, Jack & Emilie round up the first half of the season and grade the teams on their performance so far… The Making Up The Numbers podcast is sponsored by: Previous Episodes
MB Wales recruiting Steering Group positions to develop MTB
Following the recent rebrand of Beicio Cymru, MB Wales has announced that recruitment is open to support the development of MTB in Wales. MB Wales press release: MB Wales is excited to announce the recruitment of new members for its Steering Group. The Steering Group…
Shimano commits $10 million to trail building projects
Shimano Trail Born Fund is a new initiative aimed at increasing and sustaining mountain bike trails and trail access around the world. TRAIL BORN SHIMANO is proud to announce its new Trail Born Fund, aimed at helping increase and sustain mountain bike trails and trail…
Bike Check: Sour Bikes ‘Pasta Party’
Jürgen from Sour Bikes talked us through the features of this ‘Pasta Party’ bike from Sour Bikes, a German brand that’s managed to make production in Germany work for them. Unique content like this takes time to create, and would normally be paywalled. But we’d…
Readers’ Rides: Ally’s Resurrected Nicolai Saturn 14
For this edition, Ally Mitchell shares his “resurrected” Nicolai Saturn 14. What made him choose it? “Geometry and sizing mostly”. Bike brand and model Nicolai Saturn 14. Why this bike? What made me choose it? Geometry and sizing mostly, but I’d be lying if I…
Bespoked Interview: Auckland Cycle Works
I first saw these bikes when they were a very early prototype, at Bespoked in October 2022 at the Velodrome in London, where Gary explained to me how he’d used Lego to help him design his own ‘COLARP’ suspension. Since then he’s continued to work…
Fresh Goods Friday 715 – The Bouncy Bouncy Edition
Hello and welcome to this week’s Eff Jee Eff. The seven hundred and fifteenth edition no less. Come aboard the Good Ship HMS SingletrackWorld as we set sail for shiny stuff. We don’t have any music videos for you today because this week has seen…
How to watch Olympic mountain biking this Sunday & Monday
Want to watch Olympic mountain biking but not sure when it’s on and who’s racing? Here’s a brief guide to everything you basically need to know. Women’s Cross-Country Sunday, July 28 12:10pm (UK) 36 racers Expected race duration: 1hr 30min – 1hr 45min (the number…
Say hello to the new Maxxis High Roller III
You may have seen the new Maxxis High Roller III on various World Cup DH racers, often obliquey referred to as the “intermediate” tyre. (Or just all-out named as the new High Roller by less careful vlogging racers!) UK SRP is £74.99 for the DH…
Interview: Ted James Designs
I always enjoy chatting with Ted about his bikes. For one, it’s a bit like listening to Tom Waits or Iggy Pop – there’s more gravel in his voice than Kansas. But the other thing I love is that Ted makes everything. He’s not joining…
502 Club Back Stage Passes – We still need you
Your donations are still needed and if there was one thing that must surely convince you of our worthiness to remain a vital part of your existence, it’s clearly these t-shirts. If you don’t yet know what I’m on about then check out the details…
Cycling UK’s New Strategy – Still working for mountain bikers?
Cycling UK recently launched its new strategy, setting out what the charity will be working towards in the years ahead. Plus, in advance of the general election, it issued a manifesto, which called on the future government to implement a range of policies. After a…
Cduro Epona: Innovative Carbon Fibre Mountain Bike | Bespoked Interview
Humphrey and Martin brought this wound carbon fibre Cduro Bike to Bespoked, Manchester, all the way from the Czech Republic. As the more confident English speaker of the two, Humphrey talked us through what gives this bike its unique look. How do you say this…
The new Specialized Status 2 starts from £3000
The new Specialized Status 2 is available in 170mm or 170mm DH option. M5 alloy frame, alloy wheels, stout suspension, powerful brakes.
Unique Bi-Monthly Print & Digital Subscription | Stay Flexible and Affordable
At Singletrack we are all about doing mountain bike content differently. The way we write; the way we review and some would say the way we ride are all unique and done in our own inimitable style. And that applies to the print magazine too.…
Fresh Goods Friday 714 – The TMI Edition
Too Much Information. Can you ever have too much information? Almost certainly. In fact, TMI is pretty much The Modern World in a nutshell. We’re afraid we’re just going to go right on ahead and add to your information overload with this week’s Fresh Goods…
Niner Bikes go consumer direct in Europe and UK
We don’t often see Niner Bikes on the trails in the UK but that may be about to change as they move to selling direct to the public. Niner Bikes press release: NINER BIKES ADDS DIRECT-TO-RIDER SALES MODEL ADDING CONVENIENCE AND PERSONAL TOUCH TO PURCHASING…
‘Wales. Made For Bikes’ – but maybe not all mountain bikes?
Welsh Cycling has revealed its rebrand to ‘Beicio Cymru‘ and a new ‘Wales. Made for bikes’ strategy. The strategy document reads like a bit of a mix of tourism/participation promotion (woo-hoo, bikes are great, come and see our scenery), and athlete pathway programme (inspiring others…
Eurobike 2024 – Chipps went so you didn’t have to
Chipps gives the Singletrackworld members his personal takeaways from the massive 2024 Eurobike Show, held recently in Frankfurt. I reckon it’s coming up on 30 years since my first Eurobike Show and, obviously, much has changed since my first one in 1995. Back then, there…
It’s Time To Subscribe To Get Your August Edition of Singletrack!
Whether you’re planning lazy days by the pool, sheltering under damp canvas in a field, or endless party laps in the mountains, we hope you’ll find at least some down time this summer. Don’t spend that precious time doom scrolling – grab yourself a print…
Crankworx – What is it and why it should be on your bucket list
The next round of the Crankworx World Tour takes place on the 19th – 28th July in Whistler, Canada. Here’s our short Singletrack guide to Crankworx. Crankworx is no ordinary mountain biking festival; it’s a mecca for MTB enthusiasts from around the globe. This high-energy…
Crankbrothers BC18 SOS Bottle Cage Tool Kit review
Crankbrothers BC18 SOS Bottle Cage Tool Kit is undeniably expensive for a bottle cage and multitool combo but I would say the long-term value and peace of mind are worth it. This BC18 SOS Bottle cage is a left or right entry cage that holds…
Bike Check: Dawley Bikes T16
Thom Dawley brought this understated short travel full suspension bike to Bespoked, Manchester. We stopped for a chat to find out what goes into making something as apparently simple and beautiful as this. What is this bike, Thom? This is the T16 full suspension bike…
Julbo Forest MIPS helmet review
This Julbo Forest MIPS helmet is a bit more towards the gnar-oriented side of open-face helmets yet still feels nice and light to wear. Is this the perfect all rounder trail helmet? Julbo is best known for its sunglasses and snowsports background, however it seems…
Bikemon Go! Your July Ride Inspiring Download
Back in issue 153 in February, Hannah proposed an alternative approach to measuring rides. As part of that, we gave you a set of ride ‘achievements’ to collect in the month ahead. Here’s your next seasonally appropriate set of ride goals. Enjoy! https://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/issue-153-last-word-weights-and-measures
Fresh Goods Friday 713 – The Lasting Gasping Winning Edition
Welcome, welcome one and all (not you though) to the internet show your telly was made for: Fresh Goods Friday! Since last Thursday various teams who aren’t really used to winning, have been winning. Not that that includes us. Or you. We’ve always been winners.…
NBD: Flow eBMX, Trek Top Fuel, YT Decoy SN, Kona Process 153 & 134…
… Lapierre Spicy CF, Thok GRAM dk e-MTB frameset, Canyon TEMPR CFR shoes. It’s this week’s New Bike Day round-up! Trek Bikes press release: New Trek Top Fuel Gen 4 Top Fuel is a fast trail bike that’s more capable and forgiving than an XC…
Madison Saracen Factory Race Team to cease racing at the end of 2024
In surprise news that would have been pretty unthinkable a few years back, but is now almost no surprise at all, Madison Saracen Factory Race Team has announced it will be disbanded at the end of the 2024 season. They’re certainly looking like they’re going…
Starling Cycles Mega Murmur review
The Starling Mega Murmur, as you may be able to guess by the name, is the bigger travel Murmur. 165mm of rear travel paired with 170mm travel forks up front. Pros Cons In a market that is utterly swamped with dual-link carbon fibre flavoured mountain…
Les Gets World Cup DH results, report and highlights vids
The fifth World Cup DH of the year took place in France. Here are the results, race report and highlights vids from a Les Gets miudbath. RACE HIGHLIGHTS | Elite Women Les Gets UCI Downhill World Cup RACE HIGHLIGHTS | Elite Men Les Gets UCI…
Madison Code Breaker Sunglasses review
If you want a three lens eyewear option, the value for money is clearly present on these Madison Code Breaker Sunglasses 3 Pack. The first pair of riding glasses I ever bought were Madison’s budget Shield specs, dubbed by my mates and I as “Shred…
Bike Check: 18 Bikes Full Suspension Prototypes
Peak District based 18 Bikes had two prototypes on display at Bespoked Manchester. Matt talked us through them. These two bikes are the first prototypes on what is already quite a long course to us finally launching a full-susser that will be available at some…
Fresh Goods Friday 712 – The Overlording It Up Edition
A new dawn, a new day, a new batch of bike bits for you to spoil your ballots over. Yes, there’s been a general election but we all know that Chief Lizard Charles is still the real power pulling the strings, don’t we? Don’t we?…
NBD: Merida Big Trail, Hutchinson Eco Tyre, DJI ebike motor…
… Amflow PL, SRAM T-Type expansion, SRAM DB8 brakes, Giant Revolt, TRP x Bosch E-Shift system, Manitou R8 fork and Mara shock, Orbea Rise Alloy, Schwalbe Clik Valve and Fizik One-To-One saddle tech. A big bunch of New Stuff that launched this week. Merida press…
Readers’ Rides: Rick’s Custom Marino
Whether you’ve got a special new bike or just a bike that’s special to you, this is where you get to tell us about it! You send us your submissions, and then we cast our judgemental expert lustful eyes over them and bring them to the world to ooh…
Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Pro: first ride review
The 50th anniversary of Specialized brings us the fifteenth Stumpy: here's our early verdict on the Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Pro.
Bespoked ‘Best MTB Award’ Interview: Craft Bikes
Jim from Craft Bikes talks us through the exquisite titanium bikes, made in Kent, UK, that were on display at Bespoked, Manchester. Their hardtail actually received our ‘Best Mountain Bike’ award – though when we had this chat we’d yet to make our choice. Unique…
Bespoked Interview: Paul ‘Burf’ and the BTR Gasser
Paul 'Burf' Burford, from BTR brought his latest creation, the Gasser DH bike, to Bespoked, Manchester. It's been a long road to this point, and at one point it looked like he might have stopped making bikes, so we caught up with him for a…
Desert Island Disc Brakes: Josh Bryceland
In this episode of Desert Island Disc Brakes, we chat through the very interesting life of Josh ‘Rat Boy’ Bryceland. Recorded earlier this year, Josh talks about where the ‘Rat Boy’ nickname came from and owning it. We also cover his life on and off…
Spotted: Ted’s Retro Kona Themed Collection
At the York Cycle Rally I spotted this collection of bikes, which were perhaps curated around a theme. I asked their owner, Ted, to tell us a bit more about it. Is it a Kona collection? Is it a Joe Murray collection? What inspires it?…
