Studio chat between Mark, Charlie and Benji covers everything from concussion protocols to why it’s often better to not understand how a product works before reviewing it. Charlie rants about his open insurance claim and Benji tells us about two products he had misguided pre-conceptions…
Retro Ridgeback gallery and video walkthrough
2023 marks Ridgeback's 40th anniversary and Madison had a bunch of retrobike beauties on display at their recent iceBike* trade show. For those who couldn't attend the show, here's our gallery and video for your delectation.
Government Slashes Funding For Cycling And Active Travel
Yesterday’s announcement that HS2 is being delayed to reduce costs has grabbed most of the headlines, but buried in the statement was the news that Active Travel funding is also being cut. Understandably, there’s a lot of anger and disappointment about this among those working…
Fresh Goods Friday 643 – The Chiller Aisle Edition
Let’s be truly British and talk about the weather, eh? It seems that no sooner have you been given a glimpse of spring than it all goes bonkers again and plunges us into winter again for a few weeks. It’s always been the way, though,…
NBD: Trek Farley, Thok Gram, Audi E-Tron, Last Cinto V2…
... YT Decoy CORE 4, Islabikes Creig.S and Luath.S. They're all in this week's New Bike Day round-up.
Islabikes Launches Bikes For Smaller Adults
If you’ve ever eyed up the Islabikes range with envy – or perhaps even had a go at riding one – you’re in luck. The Shropshire based company that revolutionised kids’ bikes designs has expanded its Creig and Luath ranges to suit small adults. If…
Women on The Move: The Politics of Patents
I think you’re going to like this. Fun, irreverence, freedom and a good dose of messing around. This new film looks at some of the clothing that adventurous women invented in an effort to be able to get outdoors under the disapproving gaze of society.…
Women and Bikes: How Far Have We Come?
Hannah charts the advance of women in the bike industry, as she sees it. Are you as optimistic? What changes have you seen? Apparently I am now long in the tooth enough that people have started asking me about how the bike industry has changed…
From The Archive: Womens’ Specific Bikes – do we need them?
Back in issue 15 of Singletrack Magazine, in 2004, we reviewed three of what were then a new development: women’s specific bikes. We followed it up with a head to head pair of columns from Joolze Dymond and Jenn Hill, complete with ironic pink and…
Lift Your Mood with 2 minutes and 47 seconds of video
Give yourself 2 minutes and 47 seconds to watch this video and we reckon you can’t fail to feel better. Turn that frown upside down, fill your cup half full, eat the green grass… Isn’t that better? May all your Easter holiday family rides be…
‘If in doubt, sit them out’ – British Cycling publishes first concussion guidance
We admit we’re a little surprised to see this headline – we had sort of assumed British Cycling already had policies about this. We’ve been writing stories about concussion risks since at least 2017, and by 2018 the EWS and Crankworx had concussion protocols in…
Move Over Chris Akrigg, Hello Leo Smith
Two northerners in one day? It’s almost like oop north is the centre of the mountain bike universe… While Chris Akrigg might have been the poster boy of your bedroom walls when you were younger, Leo Smith – or LandoSteezy – might be more likely…
Chris Akrigg Joins Whyte Bikes
Chris Akrigg has moved on from GT and will now be riding for Whyte – surely a great match of very British branding? You’ll be happy to know there are two videos to celebrate this move. Yeah… ebikes are heavy and difficult to handle… erm……
The Best Bits from iceBike* 2023
iceBike* is UK-bike-distributor-behemoth Madison's trade show. We popped down the road to Manchester to roundup the best bits.
Mental Monday! Singletrack Weekly Crossword #2
Welcome to the first Mental Monday. If you are a full member you will see below three puzzles for you to solve. There’s our tricky Singletrack crossword puzzle designed by a staff member here at STHQ and based on a mixture of bike related general…
27.2 Dropper Posts: 15 Options For Skinny Seat Tubes
27.2 dropper posts are not common but if you have a bike frame with a skinny seat tube you can still take advantage of the benefits.
Quiz: Do You Know Your Bike Acronyms?
CNC’d XC BSO with ETT of 571 and BSA fitting… we’ve all scanned our way through the spec list of a new bike and read the letters, but do we actually know what any of them actually mean? Here’s your chance to test yourself… While…
Fresh Goods Friday 642 – Cake For Me, Corned Beef For You
It’s been mixed up week here at STW Towers, mostly thanks to everyone suddenly realising they haven’t used up their annual leave so they’d better take some time off. We assume something similar happens in the roads department every year, when they realise they haven’t…
What’s Open At Glentress? A Redevelopment Update
The Glentress Masterplan sets out redevelopment proposals that includes new trails, improved facilities, and some new accommodation options in the area. Originally conceived before the 2023 UCI World Championships were planned to take place in the area, there have been a few amendments to the…
NBD: Last Tarvo 2, Specialized Tero X, Crankbros Mallet Trail…
... POC Omne Lite and Ultra helmets, Pole Voima ID, Bell Full-10 helmet, Cane Creek ILG2 shocks, and Focus Jam/Sam 2s.
Goodbye Deore? Hello Shimano CUES!
Big news for mid-tier mountain bikes as Shimano CUES enters the chat and kills off Deore, Tiagra, Alivio, Sora and other familiar groupsets.
Cheaper Things Tuesday: Discounted E-Bikes Edition
Along with certain salad items, electric mountain bikes are one of the more in-demand items in the United Kingdom currently.
Goodyear Newton MTF and MTR review
The Goodyear Newton tyres are as hefty as they are grippy, and as such they represent a solid choice - perhaps in more ways than one.
Ibis Mojo 4 review
The Ibis Mojo makes a great case for the validity of the 27.5 trail bike, with a nimble, poppy bike that’s happy to take on anything.
Spy Shot – New Specialized Bike Spotted In Banyoles
Specialized debuted a secret new cross country race bike this weekend
Podcast – What’s up with marketing in the bike industry?
Mark, Hannah and Charlie talk about Hannah’s recent holiday incapacitation and how that lead to the discussion that the bike industry could maybe do a better job of selling itself in the media. Also in this week’s episode: Things that caught our eye in the…
11 Things That Should Be Standard Issue, Not Special Feature
We've rounded up some of those product 'features' that we think should go without saying. Feel free to disagree, or add your own below! When you're looking at products, especially on the web, you'll find yourself seeing bullet pointed lists of 'product features'. Some of…
Fresh Goods Friday 641: The Big Purple Edition
We hope you're not struggling too much with the absence of baby plum tomatoes in your packed lunch, or pepper sticks to dip in your hummus.
NBD: ENVE MOG gravel bike, Hope Pro 5 hub, Nicolai Saturn 11 SL…
... Unotre Mezzo, Salsa Fargo Ti, Veli Vasttech, new gravel tyres from Hutchinson. They're all here in the this week's NBD.
Mavic Crossmax XL S: mid-term review
The Mavic Crossmax XL S is the flagship alloy trail wheelset from French wheel aficionados Mavic. Touted as the best they’ve ever made.
Behind the scenes: Do A Wheelie with Danny MacAskill
One of the highlights of the Kendal Mountain Festival Bike Night was the behind the scenes film looking at the making of Danny MacAskill’s ‘Do A Wheelie‘ video. If you missed catching it there – or just want another viewing of this feel good film…
Red Bull Hardline Gets Summer Date for 2023 – tickets on sale now!
Red Bull Hardline has shifted to a summer date, away from its usual autumn calendar slot. For 2023, the Dyfi Valley event will take place on 15th and 16th July. Tickets are on sale now! The shift of dates is interesting… could it be a…
New Membership Perk: Cheaper Cleats! And What Else?
We wanted to give Singletrack Members another membership perk. Great deal on Shimano SPD cleats!
Falke Merino Wool Tech Tights and Vest review
Whether you're just not putting the heating on, or you're out being active, these Falke Merino base layers will keep you cosy.
Reyt Good Bikepacking: Rider Kit Lists
Some of you who enjoyed our A Reyt Good Time Bikepacking in the Dales article will no doubt want to know what sort of kit the riders used.
Issue 147 Editorial: Best Foot Forward
Admission time… I’m a secret, or perhaps ‘recovering’ left-hander. That is to say I write and use a mouse with my left hand, but apart from that I’m basically right-handed. I play guitar right-handed. If I played racquet sports or golf, I’d do it right-handed. I still rely on my left…
A Reyt Good Time Bikepacking in the Dales
Amanda discovers that bikepacking isn’t all beards, flannel shirts, and far-flung adventures. Words & Photography Amanda Bikepacking is one of those things I really like the idea of but when it comes down to it, I’ll almost always book a cheap hotel because the bed…
Magicshine Monteer 8000S Galaxy V2 review
For all out brightness, the Magicshine Monteer 8000S is a great light. But does that mean it's for you? It might depend on who you ride with.
More new stuff: Funn FastAir Tubeless Valves
Funn FastAir valves offer three times greater airflow than trad valves, making it easier to seat tubeless tyres and get on with your life.
Quick look at New Granite Quiver Tool Roll
The evolution of the saddle bag, the Granite Quiver holds your essential tools, a spare tube, spare change and other stuff for longer rides.
How Long To Rebuild A Bike? – Back From The Dead
Dieter is the kind of bike nerd mechanic that every good bike shop should want. He is endlessly enthusiastic about getting people of all kinds onto bikes of all sorts. He can fix your bike even when the outlook looks bleak. Go for a ride…
JoGo Straw review: decent coffee on the move?
Is the JoGo Straw the answer to lo-faff tasty coffee on the move? And does it work with herbal tea? We put the kettle on to find out.
It’s not easy being Singletrack. Please help.
Tough Times. These are not easy times for almost everyone right now, and we know this at Singletrack as individuals and as a business. Let me explain, and then ask for your help. Advertising is awful right now. Not just because it’s worth is less that…
Fresh Goods Friday 640: Three Feet High Edition
This is the shintro... coming at you like a BMX shark bite pedal at your 1980s shins.
NBD: Transition Smuggler, Windover Beacon, Bike Mechanic Simulator…
... Scott Contessa Signature range, Branchy Protection, Fox Transfer SL dropper seat post, Fox Racing Union footwear, Reserve alloy wheels.
Snowy Handcycle Commuting to the Office
Christian Bagg shows us what a Handcycle has done for him and the importance of his commute to him.
Dinos! Lions! Unicorns! Rad jerseys for lil rippers
Dinos, Lions and Unicorns: Kids Ride Shotgun launch riding jerseys for little people.
Classic Ride 147 – Island Adventure On Jura
A classic album provides the inspiration for an island adventure on Jura. Words & Photography Markus Stitz It was a small boat shed on the southern tip of the Isle of Jura that inspired me to return there in April. Neighbouring the Isle of Islay,…
Cheaper Things Tuesday: Bike Lovin’ Edition
It's February 14th. It's time to show some love to your bicycle. Here's a bundle of great deals for our dirty two wheeled partner.
Issue 147: Vinegar and Brown Paper
A nasty crash has Chad Bean looking at his local trails from a new perspective. Autumn is upon us, and the routes through the woods today feel damper, darker, more challenging. My rear tyre skids along a tree root before finding purchase in the damp,…
BikeTag Review: On-BIke AirTag Storage
If you’re looking for a stealthy solution to hiding an Apple AirTag on your mountain bike, BikeTag is one of the more secure.