Today, Giro launches its most high tech helmet ever, the Giro Manifest Spherical trail helmet. Spherical? Yes, this uses MIPS Spherical, a technology developed in partnership with MIPS and first seen on the Giro Aether road helmet; only this time, rather than the pared back,…
Diversion Diary | Solace In Solitude
Just like all of us, Hannah is looking to survive the social distancing and lockdown. The Diversion Diary is a tale of love under lockdown, and bikes. Only, there’s an added twist: Hannah’s partner, BK, lives in the USA, and they’re locked down on different…
Singletrack Lockdown Mountain Bike Quiz #2
If you missed Quiz #1 then you can go and have a go at that here. Be warned though, we have some pretty tricky questions for you in this week’s lockdown quiz. You are going to have to call on a knowledge of not just…
Showers Pass Refuge Pants | Tough Trousers for Rough Weather
Hannah checks out the Showers Pass Refuge Pants – waterproof trousers from the top of their range. Generally I’ll opt for waterproof shorts for wet weather rides, and deal with the wet and chilled legs later, but sometimes waterproof trousers are worth their relative bulk…
‘Meccano For Adults’ Flat Pack Trike
Insync Bikes, the brand that surprised us with plans for a new DH bike this year before then deciding not to sponsor a DH World Championships team this year, has been working with a part time inventor to develop a trike suitable for a child…
The Last Tarvo is a super lightweight German enduro machine!
Last Bikes from Germany always pique our interest with unique bikes, and the super-lightweight Last Tarvo is no exception! Last Bikes is a German brand that consistently impresses me with the types of bikes that it releases. The first time the company grabbed my attention…
First Ride Review: GT Zaskar LT Expert
We’ve had this mossy green-coloured hardcore hardtail in to ride for a few weeks now, and Chipps has been able to take it on enough of his local trails to bring you this first-ride review of GT’s most dramatic new hardtail in years, the Zaskar…
The new GT Zaskar LT – Is This GT’s Definitive Hardcore Hardtail?
The GT Zaskar is one of the mountain bike world’s longest-running names and one of the most versatile. Introduced in 1991, the Zaskar has seen World Cup victory in downhill, cross country, slalom and trials. And now, GT is introducing a more playful, almost UK-spec…
New TRP DH-R Evo disc brakes are powerful enough for a homemade Rampage
TRP has released 2 pairs of high-performance disc brake systems for both eMTB and DH applications, but are they powerful enough for a homemade Rampage? If you’re wondering what kept Fairclough in control while doing this the answer is massive amounts of skill, but we…
5-minute Bike Check: Isak Leivsson’s homemade steel downhill sled!
We had a chat to Isak Leivsson last week to give us details of his custom steel downhill bike that he made himself. We met Isak back at Fort William a few years ago where he was racing a prototype Pole downhill bike with the…
Kenda and Aaron Gwin launch the predictable and fast rolling Kenda Pinner Pro
The Kenda Pinner Pro is an all-new dry weather gravity tyre developed with the help of downhill legend Aaron Gwin for fast rolling and cornering performance. Aaron Gwin is well known for working with sponsors to develop products to his liking, so it’s hardly surprising…
FGF 498 Podcast | Memberships, Sheds, and the future of press launches?
If you’ve been listening to our Singletrack podcasts on a regular basis you will probably be able to detect a pattern in the lockdown episodes. A certain deteriorating madness in the tone of the staff is becoming more noticeable with every episode. This is clearly…
Making Up The Numbers Podcast | Vali Höll & Thibaut Dapréla
Joining George & Jack for this episode are Junior World Cup Winners Vali Höll and Thibaut Dapréla. Vali Höll is the 2 x Junior Women’s World Champion & 2 x Junior Women’s World Cup Overall Winner & in 2018 she completed the perfect season, winning every…
Did You Miss Out On This Cover Story? ‘The Toughest Day Of Our Lives’
Martin Bissig reveals the video to accompany Gerhard Czerners’ story of the trip to Pakistan that featured on the cover of Singletrack Issue 130. Singletrack Issue 130 had a cover that caught your attention even more than usual – two riders – Gerhard Czerner and…
Nukeproof Colouring Competition | Bikes of the future?
We were completely overwhelmed with entries to our competition with Nukeproof to win a Cub Scout. Not only did hundreds of children spend a great deal of time on their artwork, they also gave us a glimpse of what the perfect bike looks like to…
Rum Fuelled Fresh Goods Friday 498
I had something deep and meaningful to open this Fresh Goods with, but on reflection, nobody needs that right now. So instead I’m going to share a recipe with you, a recipe with a story. 1 frozen banana 1 mango 2 fistfuls spinach 1 cup…
Cotic RocketMAX Gen3 launches
Despite the lockdown the bike industry continues to develop and launch and today we have news of an updated favourite of many a British rider. Cy at Cotic has sent us all the details below of the latest iteration of their flagship full suspension offering,…
Chamonix to Zermatt | Tito Tomasi, Joey Schusler and Thomas Woodson
Tito Tomasi reports on a trip from Chamonix to Zermatt that he did in 2018 with Joey Schusler and Thomas Woodson – complete with gorgeous photos and dizzying video. Joey loves adventure and me too My story with Joey started with exchanging messages about his…
Diversion Diary | Fantasy Futures and Lockdown Dreams
Just like all of us, Hannah is looking to survive the social distancing and lockdown. The Diversion Diary is a tale of love under lockdown, and bikes. Only, there’s an added twist: Hannah’s partner, BK, lives in the USA, and they’re locked down on different…
Hope and Commencal are 3D printing PPE masks for hospitals
Commencal and Hope Technology have put aside printing prototypes to help 3D print PPE face masks for local hospitals. Although it’s a sad and crazy time, it has also been a time that has shown the cycling industry give back to the local community. During…
Privateer 161 | From Prototypes To First Customers
If you were among the early orders, then you might be taking delivery of your Privateer 161 about now. Demand has been strong, and pre-orders of bikes are now being taken for delivery as late as September this year. We had a bit of a…
Must Watch! Allen Millyard talks us through the Millyard Racing 001 Downhill Bike!
Allen Millyard, the man behind the Millyard Racing 001 downhill bike, has just released a video talking about this revolutionary machine and we’re geeking out! The Millyard Racing 001 Downhill Bike was one of the most revolutionary downhill bikes of its time, actually, it’s still…
Shimano XTR Groupset | Premium Components Punished Through Winter
It’s no secret that Shimano was a bit late to the game with their 12 speed drivetrains. While the other ‘Big S’ was cornering the market for wide range single ring setups, Shimano was beavering away getting their products developed to the standard they wanted…
Nukeproof Cub Scout Sport WINNER! Sam Hill shows his soft side
We had several hundred entries to the Colouring Competition to win a Nukeproof Cub Scout Sport. There were wax crayons, felt tips, gel pens, paint… Entrants ranged from an 18 month old right up to a 44 year old (nice colouring, Neil, but you didn’t…
Howies Doyle Waterproof Jacket | For Summer Rides And Much More
As Spring blends into Summer, and the winter wardrobe takes more of a back seat, having a lightweight jacket is a must for any riding kit bag – and the Howies Doyle looks as if it ticks many-a-box. Howies is a brand that many UK…
DMBinS Survey | What Trails Do You Want?
While lockdown might be limiting riding opportunities right now, that doesn’t stop policy makers planning for the future. Scotland has been pushing mountain bike tourism and activities through DMBinS, and their work continues. Right now, they want your input on what trails you want, so…
Tahnée Seagrave starts a YouTube channel with Kaos vs Kade game of B.I.K.E
Tahnée Seagrave has used recovery and lockdown time to start her own YouTube, kicking the channel off with a Kaos vs Kade game of B.I.K.E video. With racing out of the window for the present time many pro riders are looking at other ways to…
Nukeproof Reactor 290c ST – Ltd Edition More Mileage Build
Following on from the re-release of the 2020 Nukeproof Reactor in October last year, Nukeproof have added an XC/trail build to the mix. The existing Reactor was introduced to bridge a gap that formed when the Mega TR departed, so let’s take a look at…
Looking for the ultimate tyre lever? CushCore releases the Bead Dropper
Thought you had the best tyre lever on the market? Well, think again as CushCore releases the Bead Dropper, the ‘Ultimate Tyre Lever’! CushCore tyre inserts are a great addition to any bike, but unless your a wizard with your fingers and thumbs they can…
Then And Now | 19 Years Of Advertising Singletrack Supporters
When Singletrack magazine started, back in 2001, the publishing world revolved around print advertising. Online advertising didn’t really exist, and the online ads that were around normally sent the viewer to a web page inviting you to phone or perhaps email the company… Advertising sales…
Fresh Goods Podcast 497 | The Bike Connection interview and dangerous badger episode
It’s been another curious week for the Singletrack team – we have tales of long distance separation mixed with a dash of new kit and product news and all finished off with a look at the situation through the eyes of event organisers. Oh, and…
Making Up The Numbers Podcast | Tahnée Seagrave
There may be no racing yet, but that hasn’t stopped the podcasts rolling. This week we have Tahnée Seagrave, World Cup Winner – and potential World Champion contender, had 2020 gone to plan. As the 2013 Junior World Champion & winner of 7 World Cups,…
The sexy, steel The Full Moxie costs £200 less in pre-order offer
Pipedream Cycles has launched a pre-order special offer where customers can save £200 of the cost of their new steel full-suspension frame. It might be Friday, the sun might be shining, but we know there are a few people out there who just need a…
Cane Creek eeWings Cranks – Now in 165mm and now in Raven black
Cane Creek has had some good (and you’d have to say surprising) success with its £1000 titanium cranks, and even launched a limited edition tie-dye set last year for the peacocks out there. However, they’re not all for show and the cranks have had some…
Fresh Goods Friday 497 | Funn in the sun, gravel and rainbows
Fresh Goods Friday 497 drops with rainbow, gravel bikes, Funn and Granite components, plus a new big travel enduro frame that’s affordable! Yes, there’s a whole pile of exciting stuff below, but nothing is as exciting as the cover of the next issue of Singletrack.…
Video: Andi’s Custom Commencal Meta AM 29 SRAM Edition Bike Check!
We might not be able to test a lot of gear during lockdown, but the fresh kit keeps pouring in meaning Andi has customised his Commencal Meta AM 29 with 2021 forks and more fresh test kit. Who knows when the lockdown might be finally…
Teaser | Singletrack Magazine Issue 131 – Don’t Miss This Cover!
Choosing a Singletrack Magazine cover image is a very lengthly process that the staff often struggle to agree on. Amanda likes landscapes, Chipps has an eye for good lighting and body position, Hannah likes to consider the colour palette, Mark is best at looking at…
Diversion Diary | Making The Most Of Lockdown
Just like all of us, Hannah is looking to survive the social distancing and lockdown. The Diversion Diary is a tale of love under lockdown, and bikes. Only, there’s an added twist: Hannah’s partner, BK, lives in the USA, and they’re locked down on different…
First Look And Competition: Win Shimano XC501 Fast Trail Shoes
Price: £139.99 From: Freewheel We’ve got a first look at Shimano’s new XC501 fast trail shoes and a chance to win yourself a pair. Read on for all the details. At what point does fast trail riding cross over into cross country racing? Is it…
Joe Smith Joins Vitus Bikes for 2020
Great news for Joe Smith who has successfully signed for Vitus Bikes for 2020, riding DH, Enduro and eMTB bikes from the brand. Press Release Follows We are excited to announce that Joe Smith will be joining the Vitus family. One of the UK’s most…
COMMENCAL Media Crew: Chapter one – Jb Liautard
Commencal’s Media Crew has been on the seen shooting pros and products over the past few years, in this article we get to meet one of their media artists, JB Liautard. I’ve been working closely with COMMENCAL for the last 3 years, traveling around the…
Magura MCi Conceptbike With Internally Routed Everything!
Fans of cable ties and haters of internal routing should look away now. Magura has created a bike with hardly any visible cabling – everything is tucked inside, even (most of) the brake hoses. Does this make for a clean and tidy look, or does…
Bike Check | Jeremy ‘Kickstand’ Hottinger’s Custom Ferrum
Rampage rider Jeremy ‘Kickstand’ Hottinger reveals his new custom Ferrum Bikes frame and build, and gets sendy. A couple of weeks back we caught up with freerider and Red Bull Rampage competitor Jeremy Hottinger just as he’d taken delivery of his new American made steel…
Ferrum Bikes | Sendy Steel From Nevada
When we saw Jeremy ‘Kickstand’ Hottinger’s new steel frame by Ferrum Bikes, it brought a new company to our attention. What was a US brand from Las Vegas doing making steel full suspension bikes? We dropped them a line to find out who they are.…
Five Ten Trailcross Mid Pro MTB – High Top Flat Pedal Shoes
COVID-19 Notice – The Five Ten Trailcross Mid Pro MTB shoes arrived in time for one regular ride before isolation and have since been ridden on relatively tame trails from out Amanda’s front door. We’ll update this review once life is back to normal. The Five Ten…
Someone smashed Steel City Downhill and Peaty is Pissed!
If you go down to the woods today then you might be in for a surprise, or at least Steve Peat was this weekend when he found his local DH spot trashed! Steve Peat’s local downhill, the venue for the Steel City Downhill, has been…
Classic Ride 130 – Bennachie Bash
A classic ride in the wide open spaces in the middle of Aberdeenshire. Words Gavin Baxter Photography Alex Doig The deep, dark winter can be a pretty bad time of year for getting out on a big ride. That’s especially true in Aberdeenshire, at 57°…
Crank Brothers Stamp 1 Pedals | Shred The Trails, Not Your Legs
Hannah has spent the sloppy autumn and winter months on these Crank Brothers Stamp 1 composite entry level pedals. Having had my favourite DMR Vault pedals stolen from me (while attached to a bike), I decided it was time to try out some new options.…
3 Thrifty Lockdown Recipes From Singletrack Towers
However you’re getting your shopping at the moment, it seems quite likely that you’re faced with a few challenges due to not just being able to nip out for a few missing ingredients. Online shopping carries with it the perils of unusual substitutions, and with…
FGF Podcast 496 | The one with bird song and Nick Craig’s guide to building a garden sauna
Once again, under lockdown, we’ve been remotely recording ourselves doing the things that have kept us entertained and sane for another week. This week Hannah has resorted to recording the sounds of birds in her garden with the occasional interruption from the neighbours’s jet wash.…
Making Up The Numbers Podcast | Charlie Hatton, Joe Breeden and Alan Milway
There may be no racing yet, but that hasn’t stopped the podcasts rolling. This week we have three huge guests for you. Atherton Racing’s Charlie Hatton & Polygon UR’s Joe Breeden are 2 of GB’s young guns battling on the World Cup stage; legendary coach…