Last year we test rode a pre-production Motion Ride E18 linkage fork, this week we have a retail version to unbox and slap on the front of a bike. Unboxing video: Motion Ride E18 Linkage Fork It’s no secret that the suspension fork landscape is changing.…
Liv Intrigue Advanced 1 – Easy Climbing Meets Playful Descending
For 2019, the Liv Intrigue has returned to the women’s specific brand line-up. This is after taking a couple of years off in 2016 to allow for the Pique SX and Hail Enduro bikes to make an entrance. I attended the product launch for the…
Sea Otter 2019: The New Components, The Crazy Bikes And The Quirky
As it’s going to take forever to bring you individual stories of the thousands of new products launched at this year’s Sea Otter Classic, here’s a bucket of curated new bits and pieces in no particular order for your reading enjoyment. ODI Grips Pioneers of…
Chris Chance Unveils Fat Chance Yo Eddy Titanium At The Sea Otter
Chris Chance is celebrating moving the Fat Chance workshop from the Bay Area to Medford Oregon by announcing a full, US-made titanium version of the legendary Yo Eddy hardtail. He was at the Sea Otter Classic to launch it and to meet up with fans…
How To ‘Fix’ Your Spongy Reverb Dropper Post In Under 2 Minutes
When my spongy Reverb Dropper is driving me nuts on the trail, this two minute hack gets me rolling again. Maybe you’ve grabbed your saddle and lifted your bike. Oops. Or maybe your Reverb Dropper has just mysteriously developed a bit of spongy squish. It…
Commencal Meta AM 29 SRAM Edition First Look
First look at the Commencal Meta AM 29 SRAM Edition, a 29er EWS slaying enduro machine from Andorra. Ever since first riding a Commencal Meta AM 4.0 back in Spain, I have wanted to swing a leg over the Andorran full bouncer for a long-term…
Review | For £450, the X-Fusion Sweep RL2 is a big-hitting fork for those on a budget
Alongside the plethora of high-end mountain bike suspension forks out there from Fox, RockShox, Öhlins, MRP and Cane Creek, the £450 X-Fusion Sweep RL2 is pretty darn cheap in comparison. Is it cheap on performance too? We gave a set to local Calderdale skipping stone,…
Head To Head Trail Bike Review | 2019 GT Sensor Expert Vs 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.7
When it comes to full suspension trail bikes these days, there are so many options to look at. We’ve got super high-end, luxury carbon options from the likes of Santa Cruz, Yeti, and Pivot, to the other end of the scale with alloy offerings from…
Hayes JUNIT Offers Performance Mountain Bike Components For Kids
Hayes (who you’ll remember for brakes, but which is part of the whole Manitou/ProTaper/Sun-Ringle group) has just launched a full range of performance mountain bike components designed specifically for young riders. While we’ve seen smaller brake levers and smaller bikes for years, Hayes reckoned that…
WTB Launches Aggressive WTB Verdict and Verdict Wet Tyres
Could these be your next winter tyres? They’re certainly among the toothiest tyres we’ve seen so far and WTB reckons that the new WTB Verdict and Verdict Wet tyres are going to be the hot tyre to have for everything from wet Welsh roots to…
Review | The 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 is a tech-heavy trail bike that rips hard
As part of a head-to-head review feature, Rob’s been testing two 130mm travel 29er trail bikes; the 2019 GT Sensor Expert and the 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.7. So which one has come out on top? Read on for Rob’s review of the Trek Fuel…
Redshift Shockdrop. It’s A Suspension Seatpost That’s A Dropper Post…
Redshift, The people who brought you the Suspension Stem (for this century anyway…) now have something else for you to puzzle over, desire, or simply shake your head sadly at. It’s a (prototype) suspension seatpost. That’s also a dropper post at the same time. Redshift…
Review | The 2019 GT Sensor Carbon Expert ditches complicated suspension for pure, unadulterated fun
As part of a head-to-head review feature, Rob’s been testing two 130mm travel 29er trail bikes; the 2019 GT Sensor Expert and the 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.7. So which one has come out on top? Read on for Rob’s review of the GT Sensor…
Giant Launches New Shuttle Flat Pedal Shoes At The Sea Otter
Today, Giant Bicycles is launching a new shoe line. Some of the shoes, like the racy Charge Pro are redesigns of popular models, but there’s a whole new flat pedal shoe, called the Giant Shuttle, that we think will be of interest to Singletrack readers.…
#MakingUpTheNumbers | ‘I am not precise, I am cumbersome’ – SDA Rd 2, Innerleithen
George Thompson brings us his race report from SDA Round 2 – Innerleithen where he tries to weave in and out the trees. It’s not him that’s too big, it’s his bike. “We’ve got you a present” Hope’s Matt Rushton has just handed Adam Smith a.k.a.…
FGF 443 | Alcopops, bottle cages & body armour – the perfect Fresh Goods Friday combo!
Well our work experience lad has left, not taking up our offer of an extra week having realised that we really don’t ride bikes very often. So normal service has resumed and we’ve got a mixed bag of items for Fresh Goods, but unfortunately no…
Yeti launches SB130 Lunch Ride At The Sea Otter – A Beefed Up Trail 29er
Yeti has launched the SB130 LR (Lunch Ride) at the 2019 Sea Otter. The SB130 has been out nearly a year, featuring 29in wheels and 130 (actually 136mm) of travel. The ‘Lunch Ride’ edition is based on the bikes that the Yeti Cycles employees spec…
Pole Stamina 140 Up Close At The Sea Otter
We got up close and personal with the new Pole Stamina 140 at today’s Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California. Previously dubbed the Bushmaster, apparently that name was in use, so Pole logically chose to name it in line with the existing Stamina 180. It…
OneUp Components Launches 210mm Dropper Post, Bars, Stems and Grips At The Sea Otter
Canadian/British brand OneUp Components has launched a wider range of dropper posts, clever new bars and stems, as well as grips and chain devices at this year’s Sea Otter Classic event. Let’s get stuck in! OneUp Stem OneUp makes a very popular multitool, called the…
Singletrack Newsdesk 7: Is Steve Peat racing again? New Steel, Atherton Bikes
This week on Singletrack Newsdesk we discuss Santa Cruz rider rumours, the new Cedric Gracia e-Bike, Production Privée’s new steel bikes plus more! As usual, you can watch Singletrack Newsdesk 7 in the video or read the highlights below. Watch Singletrack Newsdesk 7 Santa Cruz…
2019 Production Privée gets a Martini Makeover Shan No.5 now 29er
Andorran steel frame supremos, Production Privée, has revamped its range of steel Enduro frames with iconic motorsport livery, and 29er option for the Shan No5. If you’re a fan of hardcore hardtails Production Privée will be a name that stands out above the rest. The…
First Ride Review | Hutchinson Griffus – A Gravity Tyre From The Racing Lab
The Hutchinson Griffus is the first product from the Hutchinson Racing Lab. We sent George Thompson to find out all about it. How do you break the Maxxis stranglehold on the UK MTB tyre market? Schwalbe has come closest in recent times, and Pirelli and Michelin are…
Ortlieb’s New Atrack BP – Putting the backpack into bikepacking?
Is Ortlieb’s new Atrack BP bag the answer to bikepacking on a full suspension bike? Not everyone can fit bikepacking bags to their bike. There are some awkward frame designs out there and not everyone has got the room. Some people don’t want to either.…
5 ideas to plan your Easter weekend 2019 MTB ride
Easter weekend 2019 promises 4 days of non-stop bike riding action, but where should you ride? Here are 5 top places to ride. The sun is shining for longer, flowers are blooming and the supermarkets have had chocolate eggs on shelves for about 8 months!…
e*thirteen offers humongous 556% range with new 12-speed 9-50t TRS+ cassette
Looking for more range than both SRAM Eagle and Shimano XTR 12-speed? Well e13 has just jumped in to wipe the floor with a brand new TRS+ cassette that offers a yuuuge 9-50t ratio! Yeah you read correctly – e*thirteen has a 12-speed cassette that…
New Norco Revolver 2020 – One Frame, Two Bikes
Norco gives us two bikes for the price of one with the new 2020 Revolver 100 and Revolver 120 The existing Revolver is Norco’s 100mm travel full suspension XC mountain bike. For 2020, the Revolver receives a significant update that sees it splitting into two…
The 2020 Fox 32 Step-Cast fork is now as stiff as a 34
Today, Fox Racing Shox launches its new 2020 Fox 32 Step Cast fork. By adding just 30g of weight over the previous model, Fox has apparently made the new 2020 32 SC as stiff as the current 34 fork. It’s still a purpose-built XC fork…
Tuesday Treats: What’s it like on a guided MTB tour with Tom Hutton MTB Guiding?
Tom Hutton MTB Guiding is a family-run mountain bike holiday company that runs mountain bike holidays and weekend breaks in the Lake District, the Peak District, the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, and the Scottish Highlands and Islands. They specialise in getting their customers beyond the bike…
Cedric Gracia Joins Startup Forestal Bikes! Another e-MTB brand?
Cedric Gracia joins Andorran based Forestal Bikes, to build… What? It kind of looks like an e-Bike doesn’t it? We’ve been following Cedric Gracia very carefully since he announced he was leaving Santa Cruz, in fact, Andi has pestered him on a weekly basis, and…
Zipp’s new 3ZERO MOTO wheelset uses US-made single-wall carbon rims
Zipp has just announced its re-entry into the mountain bike wheel market with the 3ZERO MOTO wheelset – a high end set of hoops that feature US-manufactured carbon fibre rims and an eyebrow-raising single-wall profile… Hot on the heels of the announcement of the hotly…
YT Industries Body Bag converts your bike box to a travel bag
YT Industries Bag Solution If you have ever traveled by plane with your bike then you’ll already have been through the dilemma of how you should pack and protect your bike. Bike bag OR Bike Box? On one hand, a dedicated bike bag might be…
Marzocchi Re-launches the Bomber Z2 22 years after the original!
Are you ready to feel extremely old? Well, here goes. The original Marzocchi Z2 suspension fork was released 22 years ago in 1997… Yes, we cannot believe it either, so why is this news relevant today? Because Marzocchi has just announced the Z2 is back.…
Specialized Women’s Power Comp MIMIC Saddle – ‘I don’t even notice it’
The Specialized Women’s Power Comp saddle with MIMIC technology ain’t no gimmick, and has been awarded a Singletrack Recommended award from a rider that can find almost anything to complain about when it comes to pedalling. Read on to find out how Amanda has relieved…
Video | Trust Performance Message Linkage Fork Teardown
The Trust Performance Message MTB fork is quite unlike any other fork currently on the market and is unique, even among linkage forks, with its dual air spring and thru shaft damper system. Singletrack contributor Fahzure Freeride took the Message to Suspension Syndicate, a custom…
Fresh Goods Friday 442 | Tyres, flat shoes and bikepacking goodies
We’ve handed over control of Fresh Goods Friday 442 to Young James, our work experience stooge for the week… Hi, I’ve been on work experience this week with Singletrack, I’ve been asked to bullet point a few things I’ve learnt whilst here: It is really…
Pure MTB’s New Challenge & Bike Camp for Summer 2019
Press Release: Pure MTB are excited to announce the launch of a series of big mountain challenges and bike camps this summer, set in the Adula Alps, Switzerland. In partnership with the local ski resort, the enthusiastic founders Elizabeth & Luca are looking forward to…
Trash Free Trails Goes On UK Tour
Trash Free Trails is going on a UK tour to clear up litter from UK trail centres and it needs your help… Trash Free Trails is a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to clearing (and keeping) litter off our trail centres and bridleways. With its founding sharing…
Open Access For Wales Gets One Step Closer
Exciting access news took access campaigners by surprise yesterday. Here’s Cycling UK’s response – more information and reactions as we get it. Welsh land shake-up most significant in over a decade Welsh Government proposals will allow cycling and horse riding on many footpaths Move welcomed…
Singletrack Newsdesk 6 | Rat Boy and Sam Hill back to DH WC? RockShox Ultimate and more
In this week’s Singletrack Newsdesk Andi takes us through the latest, most breaking news of the week including rumors that both Sam Hill and Rat Boy could be returning to the Downhill World Cup. Watch the video below, or read the highlights further down the…
RockShox Launches Improved Range Of Suspension For 2020
It’s all change at RockShox for 2020! You’ll have seen teases of Rockshox Ultimate Pike forks and Lyriks and other oddly chromed looking forks on the front of sponsored riders’ bikes. Well, now we can reveal that it’s all new. And it’s been here under…
#MakingUpTheNumbers – DH English Champs on Danny Hart’s Home Turf
George Thompson reports from the English Championships Gravity Events Round 1 – Hamsterley As I arrive at Danny Hart’s Descend Bike Park in Hamsterley Forest, I’m three-quarters of the way through a podcast with ex-World Cup racer Eliot Jackson. He still hasn’t mentioned Making Up…
Sixth Element To Supply British Olympic Tokyo 2020 Team
British Cycling has asked British wheel builders Sixth Element to supply their XC team wheels. With the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games only a year and a bit off, training plans are firmly focussed on Tokyo 2020, and no doubt the team riders are looking to…
Review | Burgtec Penthouse Mk4 Composite Pedals
We’ve been running Burgtec’s bombproof Penthouse Mk4 pedals for years, so a test of the newly released, and more affordable composite Penthouse MK4 was certainly in order. At the very start of this year, we headed down to Burgtec HQ for its own house show…
Review | Anita Active Air Control Sports Bra – No Underwire, No Rubbing
I’ve never really had a problem with my sports bra being too heavy, so the fact that this one claimed to be the world’s lightest sports bra wasn’t all that important to me. However, the fact that the Anita Active Air had no underwiring yet…
Hitting the “Home of Trails” with Local Hero Claudio Caluori
Narrated by Danny MacAskill Pictures by Martin Bissig If I could, I would spend every day on my bike. Nothing beats hopping on my bike, getting out there in the fresh air and hitting the trails with my mates. Throughout my career I have been…
Singletrack Magazine Issue 124 : Editorial
The wider we travel, the more narrow our focus… Words Chipps It’s been said that travel broadens the mind. If you expose your mind to new experiences, new places and people, you will find that your understanding of the world at large is brought into…
Singletrack Magazine Issue 124 : Dyfi Dynasty
Deep in the woods of west Wales, there lies a network of ancient (and very modern) tracks waiting to be discovered. The hidden trails of the Dyfi Forest could be the best-kept secret in Wales. Words chipps Photography james vincent Dan Atherton, the legendary trail…
Singletrack Magazine Issue 124 : Filth Camp 2019
Chipps tries to teach Californians about winter riding and ends up learning as much about himself. Words & Photography chipps “Come to the UK in February! The trails will be wet and muddy. It might snow. Our goal is to get you miserably cold and…
Singletrack Magazine Issue 124 : I Love Wight
Dean Hersey goes island hopping with this early season leg stretcher over some of the Isle of Wight’s green, rolling hills.
Singletrack Magazine Issue 124 : Grayson Perry, Bloke On A Bike
The artist and TV personality Grayson Perry is famously a keen mountain biker. Hannah travelled to his north London studio to discover that the legend might be overshadowing the reality. Words & Photography hannah I’d seen a few articles about Grayson Perry in which his…
Singletrack Issue 124 : Getting’ High In Colorado
Rich Rothwell is a successful and experienced British endurance racer, but the 500-mile Colorado Trail Race nearly broke him. Fortunately, it merely changed him for life. Words & Photography Rich Rothwell The head of the Fooses Creek Trail hung a tantalising 50 metres above my…