If you watched The Slabs and felt a bit wobbly and clammy, then here’s the behind the scenes footage to make you relive the experience. All images: Dave Mackison No, it’s not going to make you feel much better, although it does show the level of…
Making Up The Numbers | MTB Training with Richie Rude and Todd Schumlick
Todd Schumlick has trained some of the world’s leading bike sports athletes from Aaron Gwin to Stevie Smith, Sam Blenkinsop to Emmeline Ragot. Richie Rude is the 2 x EWS Champion, 2013 Junior DH World Champion & has worked with Todd for the last 8…
Trail Centre Break-Ins Test The Willpower Of Shop Staff
It seems that number of recent bike shop break-ins at mountain bike trail centres has had some shop owners on the verge of packing it all in. Most recently, Afan Valley Bike Shed near Port Talbot had a(nother) break-in for the second time in a…
Updated Propain Hugene has all your trail needs covered
Propain updates the all-mountain Hugene now with jump, jib, and shred features! Plus updated geometry and a more elegant and lightweight frame! The Propain Hugene launched a couple of years ago with an all-new suspension platform and a carbon frame made for trail and all-mountain…
Staff Bike Test: Hannah’s Stooge MK4
This article was first published in Issue 129 of Singletrack Magazine. Sometime during high school I had an epiphany: the cool kids were always going to think I was a freak – so I may as well give up trying to fit in and just…
Staff Bike Test | Commencal, Ibis, Juliana, and Stooge
This article was first published in Issue 129 of Singletrack Magazine. Chipps and the Singletrack test crew get the enviable, but surprisingly difficult, job of reviewing the bikes that they’ve chosen as long termers for the next (or last) few months. One of the cardinal…
Staff Bike Test: Chipps’ Ibis Ripley MK4
This article was first published in Issue 129 of Singletrack Magazine. The first Ibis Ripley, back in 2001 or so, was an alloy softail, a pretty advanced bike for the time. The Ripleys that followed were equally innovative: the MK2 was the company’s first carbon…
Staff Bike Test: Andi’s Commencal Meta AM 29 SRAM Edition
This article was first published in Issue 129 of Singletrack Magazine. The Commencal Meta has been around for quite a while now, but every so often the bike receives an update to keep it in line with what the rest of the industry has on…
Staff Bike Test: Amanda’s Juliana Maverick Carbon CC XO1 Reserve
This article was first published in Issue 129 of Singletrack Magazine. As I pushed back up a certain (pretty large, for me at least) feature on a huge loop in the Peaks, I caught the eye of two young lads riding an adjacent trail. “It’s…
2021 Team News: Mélanie Chappaz Joins The Brigade
The 2017 UCI Junior World Champ, Melanie Chappaz joins The Brigade downhilll team for 2021 and will pilot the new Production Privée. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TheBrigadeTeam / SRsuntour (@thebrigadeteam) From The Brigade: Welcome to the team Melanie Chappaz, The…
Fresh Goods Friday 534: The ‘We’ve Found Bikes!’ Edition
It’s a crazy time – in general, but also in bike land. First, everyone seems to have sold all of their bikes and there are some long lead times heading our way for new models, with some surprising Brexit-related price hikes for those you can…
Rémi Thirion Joins Giant Factory Racing
Teased yesterday on Giant’s Instagram with a ‘Who dis?’ video, Giant has revealed its newest big signing: Rémi Thirion. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Giant Factory Off-Road Team (@giantfactoryoffroadteam) Giant’s website says: A new addition to the Giant Factory Off-Road Team…
UPDATED: Is this the UK’s biggest drop?
Is this the biggest drop ever on a bike in the UK? Are we stoked and awed, or are we all thinking ‘you’re a very naughty boy?’. We’re conflicted. In ordinary times we’d probably say ‘wow, that’s insane, our stoke is high!’. Maybe there’d be…
New Danny MacAskill Video – The Slabs
Danny MacAskill is at it again, riding things on the Isle of Skye and scaring us. If you just look at the odd clip some of this almost looks like the sort of thing we could manage. And then you look at the photographs and…
Ragley 2021 Range – 11 Bikes In Stock Soon!
Another year, another excellent colour palette from Ragley, though there’s no new geometry to report of. A range of 11 bikes with new build options has just landed. The Ragley line-up for 2021 doesn’t offer any new frames or geometry, however, all the bikes now…
Vali Höll Joins New RockShox Trek Race Team of Youngsters
RockShox and Trek have teamed up to create a new team consisting of gravity focused riders who are all under 21. The team includes two-time UCI Junior Downhill World Champion and World Cup Overall winner Vali Höll, up-and-coming Scottish shredder Jamie Edmondson, twice-crowned Canadian National…
Nukeproof Giga Launched: A Super-Enduro shouldn’t descend AND climb this well!
Super-Enduro goes nuclear with the release of the Nukeproof Giga a 170mm or 180mm travel big rig with 27.5in or 29er wheel options. At a time when every brand has a big travel 29er that’s longer, lower and slacker than the previous version, it can…
Pipedream’s New SRS48 Fork Has Zero Millimetres of Travel. Or Is It Miles?
Pipedream Cycles has just launched its new 29er fork. In a time when suspension is getting longer and longer, the new Pipedream SRS48 fork has 0mm of plush suspension travel. And it’s made of steel. But it’s not about how rad you can get, it’s…
2021 Team News: Remy Métailler Joins Propain
Well we didn’t expect that! Freerider Remy Metailler joins Propain with a banging launch video! Press Release Follows We are very proud and beyond stoked to announce that Rémy Métailler will ride on PROPAIN Bicycles from now on. With his insane skills on the bike, he is…
All The Bikes, Many Distractions – Bike Video Round Up
Close your tabs, loosen the waistband on those elasticated pants, set your chair to recline and chill out for a few minutes. It’s out latest round up of videos from the bike world. Nukeproof: 9-5 with Lil Robbo This is going to prompt squeals of…
Slicy Products Smooth Tyre Inserts, Sealant and Valves – Reviewed
David extends his tyre insert experience even further, with yet another test. This time, it's banana yellow Smooth Tyre Inserts from Slicy Products. Another foamy contender enters the ring. Hoop? Wheel. Cyclorise do these in two widths, a small one for tyre 2.2in - 2.6in,…
9 Bike Locks, Chains and Anchors to keep your bike safe
If you've got a bike, you need a lock. Whether you are just wanting to deter someone from walking off with your ancient pub bike, or trying to keep all but the most determined thieves from stealing your treasures, it's going to take more than…
Troy Lee D4 Carbon Helmet – The King of Helmets?
George has a long and happy history with Troy Lee helmets - will the D4 Carbon keep a smile on his face? Being 6’ 6” limits your ability to test stuff. Test bikes are generally supplied in a medium or large, clothes the same; I…
Propain Statement – Covid/Brexit Update Prices Rising
With each day that passes it seems we are hearing about more businesses that are affected by the perfect storm of COVID and Brexit. We’ve had announcements and updates from Cotic, we’ve also talked about many of the new rules and problems in our Podcast.…
Fresh Goods Friday 533 – The Too Much Weather Edition
What’s his name? Storm Christoph? He can bog off now, thanks. We’ve had enough ‘exciting’ weather for a while and we’d just like some nice, dull, grey, dry winter weather for a month or two before we ease, gracefully into spring. Is that too much…
2021 Team News: Phil Atwill back on Propain with his new race program
Phil Atwill teams up with previous sponsor Propain for 2021 with his own downhill race program. Press Release: We are very happy to announce that Phil Atwill is back on PROPAIN Bicycles from now on. After two years away from us, the style master himself will return…
Leatt 4.0 MTB Enduro – DH Certified helmet with removable chin guard
Leatt has launched its first DH certified full face helmet with removable chin guard, the 4.0 MTB Enduro. The helmet is DH certified and is fitted with Leatt’s 360 Turbine Technology, an impact protection system designed to the brain protect from rotational forces in the…
Editor’s Choice Awards 2020 – Hannah and Ross pick their favourites
First published in Singletrack Magazine Issue 134. It’s been a ‘special’ year, for sure, but the sun has continued to come up and bikes have still been ridden. We’ve perhaps not been to as many far-flung places (even in the UK) as usual, but that’s…
The Stif Squatch – More than just a big wheeled Morf?
Since launching the Morf in 2016, Stif have taken four years to develop and launch this Squatch, their first 29er hardtail. I respect that, because upfront it tells me they haven’t rushed this out the door and have probably taken the time to get things…
2021 Team News | Emily Batty joins Canyon
The departure of Pauline Ferrand-Prévot from Canyon-SRAM left a space on Canyon’s roster for another big name fast XCO rider, so it may not be a surprise that Emily Batty will be joining Canyon. Though Batty’s record is more narrowly focussed than Ferrand-Prévot’s, it’s still…
2021 Team News: Becci Skelton signs for Saracen!
Becci Skelton, the current British Downhill Series Champion, signs for Saracen for 2021 riding Shimano and ODI parts! Press Release Follows Saracen is delighted to announce a new partnership with one of the most popular mountain bikers in the country and current British Downhill Series…
Editor’s Choice Awards 2020 – Mark’s Picks
First published in Singletrack Magazine Issue 134. It’s been a ‘special’ year, for sure, but the sun has continued to come up and bikes have still been ridden. We’ve perhaps not been to as many far-flung places (even in the UK) as usual, but that’s…
The New Alloy Ibis Ripley – The Ripley AF
There’s a new Ibis Ripley in town. Based on the impressive, carbon (and expensive) 29in wheeled Ripley frame, the Ripley AF offers the same 130mm DW-Link suspension, similar geometry (more on that in a mo’), but in a more affordable package. UK complete bikes will…
Breaking: Production Privée unveils prototype CNC downhill bike with The Brigade!
Production Privée unveils prototype downhill bike to be raced by Alex Marin and The Brigade Team! Made from CNC machined alloy! Since joining forces with Forestal, we really haven’t seen much new from Production Privée, well except for this one-off Titanium jump frame. But while…
Team Rumours Podcast! With Angel Suárez Alonso and Dakotah Norton.
It’s that time of year when the #teamrumours are in full effect! Join George & Jack for some wild speculation, uncorroborated insight & the odd confirmed fact. Joining them are a couple of riders who’ve recently confirmed new rides: Commencal 21’s Angel Suárez Alonso &…
Editor’s Choice Awards 2020 – Chipps’ Pick
First published in Singletrack Magazine Issue 134. It’s been a ‘special’ year, for sure, but the sun has continued to come up and bikes have still been ridden. We’ve perhaps not been to as many far-flung places (even in the UK) as usual, but that’s…
Editor’s Choice Awards 2020 – Andi’s Pick
First published in Singletrack Magazine Issue 134. It’s been a ‘special’ year, for sure, but the sun has continued to come up and bikes have still been ridden. We’ve perhaps not been to as many far-flung places (even in the UK) as usual, but that’s…
Maxxis Wetscream review: great when it’s awful
The Maxxis Wetscream was originally designed for one of the muddiest downhill race tracks in the world – Les Gets in France. Back when it was first designed, DH bikes ( and all bikes!) were running on 26” wheels, but with times and wheel sizes…
Editor’s Choice Awards 2020 – Amanda’s Pick
It’s been a ‘special’ year, for sure, but the sun has continued to come up and bikes have still been ridden. We’ve perhaps not been to as many far-flung places (even in the UK) as usual, but that’s not necessarily been a bad thing and,…
The Museum of Cycling Curiosities – The Plus Size Brompton
This is the first in a series of articles where Sanny will cast his critical eye over some of the more unusual designs out there. We’re going to be looking at the tech that’s lurking in overlooked corners of the bike world, the things that…
The Self Improvement Edition: Fresh Goods Friday 532
I’m putting my positive pants on for this round of Lockdown. It sucks, for many reasons we are all aware of, so I plan to make something good come of it, and you can too! My plan is to choose a thing that I’m missing,…
Singletrack Podcast – Where we try to unscramble what Brexit means for us
So Brexit is here now for real. It’s all come down to this. We are on the other side and following a hurried through set of Christmas free trade rules. What does Brexit mean for mountain bikers? There are businesses announcing their changes on a…
How A Singletrack Membership Can Save You From Polar Bears
As we draw to the end of incredible Trump’s reign of great nonsense and made up facts, allow me to join in one last time. You see, if we learnt anything from Trump, it is that making up your own facts is not only OK,…
Grenzerfahrungen – Borderline experiences along the Iron Curtain
You’ve probably already watched the whole series of Bridgerton and are ready for some new viewing. We have the perfect thing for you – a new film by Markus Stitz, covering his journey along the former Iron Curtain. We’ve got a story in the upcoming…
“the most British things I’ve ever seen” watch Adam Brayton, Elliott Heap and Danny Hart in GasToVlog
2 time World Champion, Danny Hart, joins Adam Brayton and Elliott Heap for some pre-season downhill laps at a local secret spot. In this ever-changing physical and digital landscape, riders and racers are having to think of new ways to keep in the public eye…
Cotic iron out EU export details – Prices go up
Last week Cotic informed their customers that they were temporarily suspending EU deliveries of bikes and frames until they could sort out exactly how much it was going to cost to send bikes across the new trade border between the EU & UK. It definitely…
Not The News: MTB Video Distractions
Want to spend a few minutes being entirely unproductive? You’re in the right place. Sam Hill & The Mega A new video from Sam Hill showing off his skills on the new Nukeproof Mega. Complete with extreme dramatic music. Which makes us wonder, what would…
Giant Reign Advanced Pro 2 – Long Term Review
Giant reckons their Reign 29er could be the ultimate Enduro machine but what does our resident aficionado of all things big mountain make of it after subjecting it to eight months of testing? Giant’s Reign has long been a staple of the brand’s mountain bike…
Danny Hart Joins Cube on two-man Factory Team
We hate to say we told you so, but… well, we did. At least, we told you the rumour that we were hearing and that has finally become official news today: Danny Hart joins Cube. It’s not just a case of Danny joining Cube though…
2021 Team News: Angel Suárez joins Commencal 21 Team
After leaving YT, Angel has been teasing his new DH ride, a ride we can confirm today is with the new Commencal 21 Team. Angel Suárez is riding for the new Commencal 21 Team for the next 2 years! Angel has been secretly testing his…
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot Joins BMC
Swiss bike brand BMC welcomes Pauline Ferrand-Prévot- arguably one of the greatest all round cyclists ever – to the team. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot was the first ever cyclist to simultaneously hold the World road, World cyclo-cross and World cross-country mountain bike titles, back in 2015. Since…