Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2020 i Mountain Biking UK

Those of us with kids have been enjoying daily exercise rides at a slower pace than we’re used to. Ironically, the banter has n less childish than usual! You’ll notice a few changes in this month’s mag. Obviously we haven’t been able to get out testing, so we’ve had to scale back our tech coverage and reviews a bit. Thankfully, we work well in advance, so still have plenty of photos and testing notes on file from before social distancing was introduced. There’ll no doubt be further changes as this situation develops, but I can assure you that we’re working our hardest to keep things as normal as possible and to continue bringing you our usual great mix of MTB entertainment, inspiration and advice. Opportunities for proper mountain biking may…

Fox have released a new single-crown fork designed for burly enduro bikes and pushing your limits on the fastest and wildest trails. The pistachio-coloured 38 Float (don’t worry, it also comes in orange and black) is available with 160mm to 180mm of travel, for 650b or 29in wheels. The 38mm-diameter upper tubes split the difference between Fox’s 36 enduro fork (which now has its travel capped at 160mm) and their 40 dual-crown DH fork, and the arch, crown, steerer tube and axle have all been redesigned to stiffen things up, improve lower-leg alignment and help reduce friction. Other fresh features include lower-leg bleed buttons for releasing excess air pressure; channels that allow air to flow past the bushings and into the space above to prevent excessive ramp-up; and a new…

We find out how the coronavirus crisis is affecting the bike industry Coronavirus COVID-19 and the measures put in place to try to prevent its spread have had a massive impact on everyday life here in the UK, and the world of mountain biking has been far from immune to its effects. We’ve spoken to people from all corners of the bike industry, from venue and shop owners to event organisers and team managers, manufacturers and distributors, to find out just how hard the crisis is hitting them and how they’re reacting – for more on this, head to MBUK.com. 1. Martin Astley: Founding director, BikePark Wales “What can I say? We decided to close our uplift as we didn’t feel we could operate it without risking spreading the virus.…

To ensure you’re able to use every bit of fork travel, RockShox have made some changes to their DebonAir spring for 2020. Set to feature in the brand’s headline Lyrik and Pike, as well as the cheaper Yari and Revelation, it’s also backwards-compatible with older forks and should be an easy and cost-effective upgrade. RockShox set out to get the new forks riding higher in their travel. To do this, they’ve moved the air piston up by 10mm so it now sits in the tiny indentation/bypass port in the spring-side upper tube, which lets air travel between the positive and negative air chambers. This means the air spring now self-equalises automatically when the fork is fully extended and stops it sinking into its travel under its own weight. Two of…

Hertfordshire-born, Sheffield-based snapper Duncan Philpott first realised he loved taking photos on a family holiday aged 13. “But it was a good five years before bikes came into my life and combined the two,” he explains. After honing his craft recording the antics of his mates in the university cycling club [which our features editor Ed was a part of, at the time] and documenting the British racing scene, things snowballed for Duncan when he got a chance to shoot his first Downhill World Cup. He became a full-time race photographer for the next few seasons, travelling around with the Santa Cruz Syndicate – Peaty, Ratboy and Minnaar – and collecting more than a few stories. These days he’s a staff photographer for the EWS and, when not on the…

These photos show the aftermath of what happened when Marvin Pugh, from Newport in South Wales, attempted to double-up a set of jumps on the Cwmcarn DH track but came up short. “I half cleared it,” Marvin tells us, “but my back wheel cased the lander and I went over the bars. I broke my collarbone into four pieces, but worse than that, my body compressed into the foetal position so hard that it caused the L1 and L3 vertebrae to fracture. My friends helped me get to my feet, but when I couldn’t put any pressure through my legs, I knew I’d done something bad. The mountain rescue team was called to carry me off the hill. I stayed in hospital for 16 days, having two rods inserted into…

TRANSITION SCOUT GX £5,299.95 Scouting for poise Transition are one of those brands that just quietly get on with making super-fun bikes, and the new carbon Scout looks to fit that mould perfectly. With 650b wheels, 140mm of travel and aggressive geometry, it’s a trail bike designed to give you a double shot of adrenaline. Should you wish, you can beef the rear end up to 150mm by fitting a longer-stroke shock. Transition’s Speed Balanced Geometry combines a slack head angle (64 degrees) and generous reach (460mm, medium) with a short fork offset (37mm). They claim this gives stability at speed while also improving low-speed agility, traction and control. The bike has a super-steep effective seat angle (78 degrees) too. It uses the same four-bar GiddyUp suspension platform as the…

ith all that’s been going on in the past few months, the new normal seems to be anything but. We’ve been racking our brains trying to come up with something that might be useful for you once lockdown measures have started to ease up a bit. So here it is – 11 rides around the UK that have been selected for their sense of getting away from it all. Some are properly wild like our route in the Cairngorms; others are quite near to civilisation yet still retain that quiet, secluded feel, like our South Downs loop. We’ve chosen rides that aren’t overly technical on the whole (no one wants to be ending up in A&E anytime soon), yet have some cracking views to lift your spirits. Just make sure…

Co-owner of Nevis Cycles Fort William born and bred, Ben competed in the Jason McRoy era and raced DH as a Junior at the 1994 World Champs in Vail, Colorado. He’s now a father, councillor and bike shop owner. “The very early XC and DH races at Invermoriston and Lochaline kickstarted the scene here. They were organised by John Ireland from the Forestry Commission, and he was hugely influential in building the first trail centre trails. Nevis Cycles and Off Beat Bikes started as one-man bands (Neil P and Davey A) in sheds.”…

Up-and-coming local racer “Growing up skiing, I’ve always preferred adrenaline-fuelled activities, so when I tried out DH I fell in love with it. I didn’t start racing with the thought of doing World Cups, but after riding my first SDA [Scottish Downhill Association] race in 2016, I just got a buzz to do more, get faster and get better results. We have so many technical, natural trails in Fort William, it’s the perfect place to train. We’ve got tons of great riders and racers too, and I’m really grateful for all the advice they’ve given me.”…

dhb Fractal Revo £70 SO GOOD… With a reflective lens that blocks over 80 per cent of light, the Fractal Revos are best suited to open terrain on sunny days, where they reduce brightness and glare greatly. The full frame, designed for small to medium-sized faces, never impinged on our vision, and the highly-sprung frame and arms grip well even on rough trails, yet remain comfortable on all-day rides. NO GOOD… The dark, blue-ish lens isn’t ideal in dappled light, where the reduced contrast makes picking out trail obstacles tricky. For £70 we’d expect an adjustable nose piece and a higher-quality feel. www.wiggle.co.uk Julbo Fury Reactiv £155 SO GOOD… Plenty of protection is provided by the large lens, but because it’s only held by the frame in a few key…

SEB STOTT With over five years of testing experience at MBUK and BikeRadar, Seb knows how to expose a bike’s strengths and weaknesses. Like many riders, he got hooked on mountain biking through riding a hardcore hardtail – often on terrain it really wasn’t designed for – so he knows better than most just how important these bikes can be. If they’re fun and confidence-inspiring, they could be the gateway to a lifelong passion for mountain biking; if not, they could put riders off the sport altogether.…

Having good brakes on your bike makes you go faster. Sound like an oxymoron? Maybe, but it’s true. The fact is, if you know you can quickly and efficiently bring your speed under control, you’re more likely to let it creep up into the red zone. You become a faster and more controlled rider. For more bike control, you want not only power, but also effective modulation of that power, where subtle variations in lever force give a much more controllable braking force, rather than an on/off feel. That way, you’ll reduce unintentional skidding and the resultant reduction in braking power and bike control. You want the precision to take yourself right to the edge of breaking traction, which is where you’ll get maximum stopping power. It used to be…

“WITH A COMPETITIVE PRICE, LIGHT WEIGHT AND HIGH RELIABILITY, WE FOUND THE TECH 3 E4 A CRACKING TRAIL BRAKE. ADD IN HOPE’S LEGENDARY AFTER-SALES SERVICE AND IT COULD LAST A LIFETIME TOO” Hope Tech 3 E4 £175 Pistons: 4 Fluid: DOT 5.1 Weight: 256g Adjustments: Reach (TF), bite point (TF) With a choice of levers and callipers that can be mixed and matched in the Hope range, we opted for the Tech 3 lever with the four-pot E4 calliper. The Tech 3 is slightly heavier than the more pared-back Race option (by around 40g), but what it loses in weight and titanium hardware it gains in on-the-fly adjustment, via tool-free reach and bite-point dials. It’s compatible with Shimano I-Spec A shifters, to cut down handlebar clutter, and other standards are…

SAGGING SHOCK, SHOCKING SAG Q I’m after a shock upgrade for my Cotic RocketMAX. I have an X-Fusion O2 RCX on it now, which is sagging too far into its travel and not rebounding properly. Got any recommendations? I’m a little heavier than average, if that makes a difference! Chris Cunliffe, via email A If you have a faulty shock, we’d recommend speaking to Cotic first (07970 853531, info@cotic.co.uk). It may still be under warranty. If not, they should be able to tell you which replacement shocks will work best with your frame (they spec X-Fusion and Cane Creek units themselves) and, just as importantly, what tune to go for. There’s no need to get anything too fancy, or with too many adjustments, especially if you can specify a tune…

SQUARE & COMPASS It won’t win an award for gastropub of the year, but the place we love to head to for refreshments along this route is the Square & Compass in Worth Matravers. With no wi-fi or phone signal, they serve homemade pies and pasties to enjoy with your cider or ale, alongside healthy servings of quirkiness and great views. There’s even a fossil museum! If you want a bigger menu, the Scott Arms in Kingston is great, with a large garden and views over Corfe Castle. Alternatively, if the timing suits you better, the Bankes Arms in Studland is good, for both beer and food. https://squareand compasspub.co.uk…

PEDALABIKEAWAY Another MBUKlocal, this venue in the Forest of Dean, on the English-Wales border, has myriad tracks to test your mettle, from smooth and flowing to rough and technical. They’re short but sweet and it’s a popular venue with excellent facilities. Uplifts are organised by https://pedalabikeaway.co.uk BLACK MOUNTAINS CYCLE CENTRE This bike park isn’t set in a forest but along an open hillside on the edge of the Black Mountains in South Wales. If freeride is your thing, this is definitely one to visit, with more jumps and berms than technical downhills, but there are trails for (nearly) everyone. https://blackmountains cyclecentre.com ANTUR STINIOG A bike park as wild as its surroundings. Located in an old slate quarry in Snowdonia, North Wales, this park has 14 trails ranging from green to…

ACCOMMODATION Where to base yourself Ambleside village is nice and has lots of facilities. We’d recommend staying somewhere on the edge, down by the lake. Hotels/hostels Best on a budget: YHA Ambleside Hostel, recently refurbished, with 64 bedrooms and a great restaurant and terrace overlooking Windermere (www.yha.org.uk, 0345 371 9620). Pub with beds: Wateredge Inn (www. wateredgeinn.co.uk, 01539 432332). Families/groups Skelwith Fold has holiday homes, ‘glamping’ pods and caravans for hire (www.skelwith.com,01539 432277). FOOD & DRINK It’s difficult to whittle down the list of good places to eat and drink, because there are so many, but here are a few… Cafes The Apple Pie, Copper Pot (good for breakfast) and Gandhi’s Cafe (vegan), all in Ambleside. Chesters By The River in Skelwith Bridge is superb, but usually pretty busy. Something…

ACCOMMODATION Where to base yourself The neighbouring villages of Hope and Castleton are right in the heart of the riding. Castleton offers more choice of accommodation, pubs and shops, while Hope has a bike shop and a railway station. Hotels/hostels On a budget: YHA Castleton Losehill Hall (www.yha.org.uk, 0845 371 9628). Pubs with rooms: In Hope, try The Cheshire Cheese Inn (www.thecheshire cheeseinn.co.uk, 01433 620381). In Castleton, there’s Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn (www. cheshirecheeseinn.co.uk, 01433 620330), the Inkeeper’s Lodge (www. innkeeperslodge.com, 01433 620578) or The Castle (www.vintageinn. co.uk, 01433 620578). Camping Laneside Caravan Park in Hope (www. lanesidecaravanpark.co.uk, 01433 620215). Families/groups Adventure Pedlars have a bunkhouse in Castleton and also offer ‘glamping’ off-site (www. adventurepedlars.com). YHA Castleton Losehill Hall has a separate camping barn. FOOD & DRINK Cafes Hope:…

ACCOMMODATION Where to base yourself Betws-y-Coed is the gateway and principal village of Snowdonia National Park, with lots of places to sleep, eat and drink. Hotels/hostels Best on a budget and for groups: The Rocks at Plas Curig Hostel (www. therockshostel.com, 01690 720225). Bike-friendly hotel: Best Western Waterloo Hotel (www.waterloo-hotel.info,01690 710411). FOOD & DRINK Cafes Alpine Coffee Shop in Betws-y-Coed caters for a variety of tastes and dietary requirements (www.alpinecoffeeshop. net, 01690 710747). On the routes, Moel Siabod Cafe in Capel Curig is open seven days a week, 7.30am to 6pm, and offers packed lunches (www.moelsiabodcafe. co.uk, 01690 720429). The Summit Cafe at the top of Snowdon is good, but always busy (https:// snowdonrailway.co.uk, 01286 870223). Pete’s Eats in Llanberis is great, and open from 8am to 8pm (www. peteseats.co.uk,…

EASY/MEDIUM ROUTE This clover-leaf -shaped ride allows you to ride as much or as little as you wish, as it explores in different directions from the village of Redbrook. HARD ROUTE It’s the unmarked trails that make this area so great for experienced riders, but they can be hard to sniff out. We’d recommend booking onto one of Wye MTB’s Wye Valley Off-piste sessions for a superb day of guided riding with vehicle assist, in order to cram in as many as possible. Follow the routes on komoot www.komoot.com/ tour/167900372 What else is nearby? We haven’t uploaded routes for the Forest of Dean’s manmade trails because they’re mostly waymarked, but they’re well worth checking out. Further afield, the trail centre at Cwmcarn Forest, BikePark Wales and FlyUp 417 Bike Park…

ACCOMMODATION Where to base yourself Porlock is lovely, with enough facilities for a weekend. Minehead, just down the road, has a bike shop and more if needed. Hotels/hostels On a budget: YHA Minehead Hostel (www. yha.org.uk, 0345 371 9033). Pubs with beds: The Ship Inn in Porlock (www. shipinnporlock.co.uk, 01643 862507) and The Bottom Ship Inn in Porlock Weir (www. shipinnporlockweir.co.uk, 01643 863288). Camping Burrowhayes Farm near Horner is wonderful (www.burrowhayes. co.uk, 01643 862463). There’s also the remote Poolbridge (www.pool bridgecamp.site, 01643 862502) or Sparkhayes in Porlock (www.sparkhayes. co.uk, 07721 045123). Families/groups The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, perched on a cliff face, is an amazing place to stay (www.nationaltrust.org. uk, 0344 800 2070). FOOD & DRINK Tea rooms Horner Tea Gardens has good portions/prices and welcomes cyclists (01643 862380). Kitnors in…

ACCOMMODATION Where to base yourself The village of Ballater is a pleasant place to stay and has all the facilities youshouldneed. Hotels/hostels Forcomfort:Deeside Inn (www.crerarhotels.com,01339755413).Moreaffordable: Alexandra Hotel (www. alexandrahotelballater.co.uk,01339755376).Budget: Ballater Hostel (www.ballater-hostel.com,01339753752). Camping Ballater Caravan Park (www.ballatercaravanpark. com,01339755727). Families/groups Glen Tanar cottages,east ofBallater(www.glentanar. co.uk,01339886451). FOOD & DRINK Cafes For hot drinks: Bean for Coffee? (01339 755514). For lunch: The Bothy (01339 755191) or Rock Salt & Snails (07834 452583). On a hot day: Shorty’s Ice Cream Parlour (www.shortysicecream parlour.co.uk, 01339 756215). On the route: Riverside Cottage, on the A93, near the Cnoc Dubh trails (01339 755126). Evening meals Something special: Clachan Grill Steak House (www.clachan grill.com, 01339 755999). Good pub: The Balmoral Bar (01339 755462). Curry: India on the Green (www.indiaonthegreen. co.uk, 01339 755701). BIKE SHOPS, HIRE, GUIDING Cycle Highlands…

ACCOMMODATION Where to base yourself The Dales Bike Centre in Fremington has just about all you’ll need, including an excellent cafe, bunk rooms, showers, bike shop and bike wash. A £1 million extension will soon add further storage and bedrooms (www. dalesbikecentre.co.uk, 01748 884908). Camping Orchard Caravan Park in Reeth is a quiet site near the River Swale (www. orchardcaravanpark.com, 07397 302277). Families/groups Rokeby House in Reeth, just up the road from the Bike Centre (www. rokebyhousereeth.com, 07894 017767). FOOD & DRINK Cafes There’s a great cafe at the Dales Bike Centre, which offers coffees and teas, breakfasts, soups, sandwiches and jacket potatoes. Master baker Brenda also conjures up amazing showstopper cakes (available 24/7 if you’re staying here). On the routes Stop offat The CB Inn in Arkengarthdale (www. charlesbathurstarkengarthdale.co.uk,…

EASY ROUTE A great little ride out onto the moors, on a variety of trails and with some lovely views, for a gentle introduction to the area. MEDIUM ROUTE Explore the moorland on either side of the valley around the  village of Danby, with some fast, fun singletrack and huge panoramic views. HARD ROUTE This ride takes you all the way down the Baysdale valley for a big day out, with some rocky riding. Follow the routes on komoot www.komoot.com/ collection/922544 What else is nearby? Guisborough Forest and Dalby Forest both offer manmade, mountain bike trails that have recently had a makeover. Sutton Bank has some good natural but waymarked trails, with a bike shop and pump track too.…

ACCOMMODATION Where to base yourself The village of Peaslake has limited choice but stocks most things you’ll need. Holmbury St Mary is more central and has more facilities. Hotels/hostels YHA Holmbury St Mary Hostel is ideally located on the trails, with dorm rooms, ‘glamping’ pods and camping (www. yha.org.uk, 0345 371 9323). There’s also the Hurtwood Hotel in Peaslake (www. hurtwoodhotel.co.uk, 01306 730514). Families/groups Bulmer Farm in Holmbury St Mary has B&B and self-catering accommodation (www.bulmerfarm.co.uk,01306 731871). There’s also The Green Escape, near Forest Green/Leith Hill (www.thegreenescape. co.uk,01306711053) FOOD & DRINK On the routes Stop offat Peaslake Village Stores (www. peaslakevillagestores.com,01306730474) orthesmallcafeat Leith Hill Tower (www. nationaltrust.or.uk/leithhill, 01306 712711).YHA Holmbury St Mary offers refreshmentstoo. Evening meals Wecanhighlyrecommend the Hurtwood Inn in Peaslake(www.hurtwood inn.com, 01306 731769), The Royal Oak in Holmbury…

As the world battles its way through the various lockdowns, where travel restrictions have limited access to our favourite riding spots and we’re largely confined to our homes, we’ve become insanely jealous of those lucky few who’ve got backyard trails to shred. As you can see here, Erik Irmisch, YT product tester and downhill racer for Team Racing Dudes, has a pretty sweet set-up at the back of his home in Germany. There’s a dual slalom track, dirt jumps and a pump track – everything you could possibly need to keep you entertained. But he isn’t the only one taking the opportunity to get creative. Brendan Fairclough, Matt Jones and Kade Edwards are just a few big UK names whom we’ve seen building backyard tracks to help keep the boredom…

“I hope you’re all finding things to keep you busy at this unpredictable time. I never thought we’d end up here! The whole world, and our world of MTB, has taken a crazy turn, from cancelled competitions to simply not being able to go out and ride your bike how and where you want. I’ve been seeing mixed opinions online about whether we should be allowed to ride at all to avoid putting even more strain on our awesome NHS. “I’m fortunate enough to live in the countryside, where I can get to my local trails in five minutes for a quick solo spin. I’d probably go mad being without bikes for this long and I do feel very in control when riding at a slower pace and avoiding the…

It’s been heartening to see the bike industry’s response to the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. Several brands, including Hope and Santa Cruz, have been producing face masks for frontline medical staff, while others, such as Muc-Off and 100%, have been donating essential equipment to help fight infection. Some have also set up charity auctions to win one-off custom machines, and retail chains including Evans Cycles, Halfords and Freewheel have been doing their bit too, by offering free in-store bike servicing to NHS staff and key workers. We may not have been able to ride properly and test kit over the past two months, but the change of pace hasn’t all been bad. The ‘no gnar, not far’ exercise rides we’ve undertaken have helped us rediscover some great local haunts and given…

THE BIKE’S DESCENDING PERFORMANCE IS DOMINATED BY ITS SUPPORTIVE AND IMPRESSIVELY CAPABLE SUSPENSION. IT’S SURPRISINGLY FIRM WHEN NEEDED, WHICH MEANT WE COULD PUSH IT HARDER THAN WE WERE EXPECTING TO Canyon’s Neuron trail bike is a popular option thanks to its bargain price and solid spec. Until now, the alloy and carbon versions have used different-looking frames, but 2020’s Neuron AL update brings both the bikes’ aesthetics together. The frame While the new AL chassis may be heavier than the more expensive CF option, it actually has a couple of improvements. Canyon have increased the width of the main pivot to enhance stiffness, and specced bigger and better bearing-seals for better reliability and longer maintenance intervals. There’s internal cable/hose routing for the rear brake, gears and dropper post through the…

“I REALISED I LIKED IT MORE THAN COMPETING WHEN I FOUND MYSELF MISSING EVENTS AND DOING VIDEOS INSTEAD” “TODAY IS GOING TO BEEPIC!’ promises Sam Pilgrim at the start of his video documenting the day I’m spending with him, shooting this feature around Ipswich. Epic is probably not the first word that springs to mind when you think of Ipswich, but when Sam’s involved, there’s every possibility that the day will turn out that way. And anyway, he says just that at the start of most of his videos. His relentless – and slightly tongue-in-cheek – enthusiasm, mixed with an incredible ability on the bike (and whatever else he rides in his videos), usually does make for an epic day out. Sam rides a bunch of different bikes, seamlessly swapping…

BETWEEN MY HOUSE AND THE NEVIS RANGE THERE ARE MYRIAD HAND-DUG DELIGHTS, ALL BUILT BY DIFFERENT RIDERS AND EACH WITH ITS OWN UNIQUE STYLE The Fort William World Cup is the best-attended downhill race of the year. It’s become an annual pilgrimage, with 30,000 fans migrating north each June to watch the fastest racers on the planet do battle. For two days, our small Highland town at the foot of Ben Nevis is filled with mountain bikers. The crowds roar and new champions are crowned, but once the champagne’s stopped flowing and the World Cup circus rolls on to its next venue, normal life resumes. For those of us who live in Fort William, though, the buzz of riding here never disappears. There’s an excitement in the air and the…

Owner of Off Beat Bikes This big bald Geordie has made a huge contribution to the development of the official trail network we have today, from the paperwork right through to actually getting his hands dirty. Today he’s the owner of Off Beat Bikes on the High Street. “I first came to Fort William for the skiing. Working at the Nevis Range led to me getting involved with the building of the DH track. It rains a lot here, but if you like the mountains then you just get on with it. If not, you go somewhere else!”…

HOW WE TEST THE KIT Starts with a detailed product check in the workshop. We strip and rebuild, checking for any problems. Next we hit the trails… hard! We test in real riding conditions for the complete picture. And finally we re-test with another tester. WHY OUR TESTS ARE THE BEST! Our test team is made up of some of the most respected bike and kit testers in the world. We have unrivalled knowledge and experience, and spend a vast amount of time making sure we get it right. We tell you the truth and aren’t influenced by PR or advertisers. PLEASE NOTE All testing and photography for this issue was done before, or (in the case of some smaller parts and accessories) in compliance with, the latest government social…

The Giant had a couple of whirlwind weeks of personal touches and upgrades last month, all topped off with a trip to Fox UK for some suspension tweaks that I was really keen to try – big thanks to those guys for squeezing us in! While the Reign is a well-rounded bike, when put up against some heavy-hitters in the enduro category of our Bike of the Year test (MBUK 380), it seemed to lack a bit of surefootedness when the going got rowdy. That was partly down to its shorter travel (146mm), which means it requires a bit more finesse and accuracy from its rider – two characteristics that people who know my riding style wouldn’t be likely to say I possess! Fortunately, the Reign uses a 205x60mm-stroke shock,…

Writing about a bike I can’t ride is frustrating, but it’s a minor inconvenience when you consider what the world is going through. All the same, I’m gagging to ride a big, bouncy bike as fast as I can on some full-on trails. That’s where the Enduro truly thrives. Its supple suspension, which I’ve waxed lyrical about on numerous occasions, is just one of the traits that gives so much confidence when riding at speed. The geometry is great too. At 5ft 8in, the 464mm reach is bang-on for me. I’ve spent a lot of time on a GeoMetron G16, which has a longer reach (485mm) and is even slacker, so I’m at home on bikes that are a bit more stretched-out than the average. Coupled with the Enduro’s 440mm…

LEVER Your contact point with the brake, so its ergonomics are important for feel and comfort. Most hydraulic brakes use single-finger lever blades. CALLIPER The calliper holds the pistons that drive the brake pads against the rotor, applying stopping power. BITE POINT This is the point in the brake lever’s travel where the brake pads connect with the rotor. There should be a clean, positive resistance that tells you it’s now time to squeeze for more power! FREE TRAVEL The slack lever travel before you hit the resistance of the bite point. More free travel will mean the lever has to be run further out from the bar. MOUNT ADAPTER Your frame and/or fork will likely need an adapter to space the calliper out to fit the rotor, especially if…

1. Pack these essentials for remote rides: • Synthetic-insulated jacket with hood • Emergency shelter (great for eating lunch in as well as emergencies) • Space blanket • Spare mech hanger, quick-link and brake pads • Small battery pack and charger cable 2.Carry a first aid kit – and be prepared to use it We’d recommend attending an outdoor first aid course – and refreshing it every three years. Don’t underestimate how bad you’ll feel if something goes wrong and you’re not equipped to deal with it. 3.Ride safe When you’re a long way from help, adjust your riding to suit. A rescue team will take at least an hour to scramble, then more time to reach you.…

1 If you have a sturdy workstand, it’s quicker to service the fork on the bike (as shown here). If not, you’ll need to remove the fork from the bike first. Detach the front wheel, brake calliper and hose clamp, then secure the calliper to the workstand with a ziptie or similar. 2 Give the fork a thorough clean to stop any dirt getting inside, using a soft brush and rags. Unscrew the valve cap and use a shock pump to record the pressure in the air spring. Note this down. Detach the pump, then press an Allen key into the valve to remove all the air. 3 Remove the rebound adjuster from the base of the fork – using a 2.5mm Allen key, loosen the grub screw (if there…

For each location, you’ll find a Must-Ride Trails box with ‘easy’, ‘medium’ and ‘hard’ route suggestions. Where applicable, these are accompanied by QR codes, which can be used to view the route on komoot’s app or website, and either follow it on your phone, export it to your GPS device or print it out. 1 If you’re new to komoot you’ll first need to sign up, either on their website or after downloading the app to your phone. Komoot is free to use, but to save routes for offline use you can purchase maps (£3.99 per region to £29.99 for full worldwide mapping; one-off charges, not subscriptions). You get your first region free. 2 Simply scan the QR code for the route you want to follow using Google Lens (Android),…

EASY ROUTE A great little route around Loughrigg Fell, taking in some great trails, countryside and villages, and offering lovely views of the surrounding area. MEDIUM ROUTE This ride around the Skelwith Bridge area and beyond is a wonderful low-level option suitable for all conditions, with refreshment stops and bail-out options. It’s a good route for intermediate riders, although still tough physically, which makes it a decent wet/winter/easier ride for experienced MTBers too. HARD ROUTE A ride over Helvellyn, the highest peak in England that you’re allowed to scale by bike, is always going to be an epic undertaking and experience. Not to be taken lightly in any sense. Follow the routes on komoot www.komoot.com/ collection/922543 What else is nearby? The North Face trail at Grizedale Forest trail centre is…

EASY/MEDIUM ROUTE This ride around the Hope Valley provides a great introduction to the Dark Peak’s rugged terrain, and if you’re feeling confident, you can add the optional ‘medium’ sections to provide some more challenging trails along the way. HARD ROUTE Centred on Ladybower Reservoir, this ride (here split into two parts) takes in the technical trails all around it, such as Screaming Mile, Cutthroat Bridge and the epic Cut Gate route, which heads out-and-back across the moors. Follow the routes on komoot www.komoot.com/ collection/922545 What else is nearby? Wharncliffe Woods and Grenoside Woods, on the northern edge of Sheffield, are home to a network of unsanctioned but well-established trails with a firm downhill bias. To the south-west of the city, Lady Cannings Plantation has a couple of short (under…

EASY ROUTE A gentle, explorative ride around Beddgelert Forest, using some marked bike trails and with the option to venture out for some more technical, wild, rocky riding too. MEDIUM ROUTE The classic Capel Curig route is a quintessential Welsh ride, with remote trails, wonderful views and some great rock-infested trails. Be warned that it’s pretty physically challenging. HARD ROUTE Riding up and then back down Snowdon. The route up is almost a given, but there are three options for the descent. Most riders will find one suitable, but each will still provide a significant challenge. Follow the routes on komoot www.komoot.com/ collection/922546 What else is nearby? Not many places can boast so many superb manmade trails in such close proximity, including those at Betws-y-Coed, Penmachno, Antur Stiniog and Coed-y-Brenin.…

ACCOMMODATION Hotels/hostels Closest to the trails: The Speech House, a historic three-star hotel in a former hunting lodge, is in the centre of the forest, is bike-friendly and serves hot meals all day (www. thespeechhouse.co.uk, 01594 822607). Best for groups: Ye Old Ferrie Inn in Symonds Yat is a bit out of the way, but a nice place to be. The bunkhouses are great for groups, or the inn itself for more comfort (www. yeoldferrieinn.com, 01600 890232). Pubs with beds: Try The Boat Inn, just over the river from Redbrook (www.theboatpenallt.co.uk, 01600 712615), or The Bell Inn, in the village (01600 713612). Families/groups The Hollies is a bungalow in the heart of the forest where children and dogs are welcome, with cycle storage and a workshop (www. wyedeantourism.co.uk, 01594 368705).…

EASY ROUTE The classic Porlock Hill loop offers a superb taste of the riding available here. That means you have some big hills to climb and descend, with a variety of terrain and challenges, but without things getting too remote or wild. MEDIUM ROUTE Venture further onto the wild moors, to tackle even more tough climbs, but also more superb descents, with plenty of rocks, ruts and roots to test your skills and push you a little further out of your comfort zone. HARD ROUTE Book onto Exmoor Adventures’ Ultimate Exmoor MTB Experience for a day to remember, where you’ll be uplifted to the top of the best descents in the area, including some little-known permissive trails and gnarly hand-cut off-piste tracks. https://exmooradventures.co.uk Follow the routes on komoot www.komoot.com/ collection/922542…

EASY ROUTE Culsten Burn and The Green Mile descents – both trails involve a ride out to a remote hillside, before following long, fast and flowing descents back down, which are never too technical, and offer stunning views. MEDIUM ROUTE Enduro ride – piece together some of the best trails around, including Mastermind and Heartbreak Ridge, for a good technical (and physical, if you ride all the loops) challenge that’s not too remote. HARD ROUTE Loch Muick – break free into the mountains for an epic, remote and rocky ride that takes you on an amazing adventure right up into the hills and around the loch. Follow the routes on komoot www.komoot.com/ collection/922540 What else is nearby? Head south, over the River Dee, to Craig Coillich Woods, where there’s a…

EASY ROUTE Explore the wonderful, scenic natural trails on offer here with the classic Gypsy Glen route, which travels along historic drovers’ trails, starting with a hard, grassy climb into the remote hills. MEDIUM ROUTE This physically demanding route uses a combination of natural and manmade trails around Innerleithen to provide the best of both worlds – fast, flowing, technical singletrack with the adventure and views of wild-and-rugged natural trails. HARD ROUTE We’re not providing a route guide for this one – just go and seek out some of the amazing off-piste trails dotted around the valley. These rider-built enduro and downhill runs will keep any rider with a penchant for descending happy. Follow the routes on komoot www.komoot.com/ collection/922539 What else is nearby? Only perhaps the best-known trail centre…

LOCATION This upland area of the Pennines encompasses 2,179km2 of moors, valleys and hills. The limestone rock drains well and there are numerous trails to explore. www.yorkshiredales.org.uk WHY COME HERE? The Swaledale area in particular has a good network of rights of way for mountain bikers, offering an option of different routes through this changeable landscape, which varies from lush green, rolling hills to desolate grey moonscapes. The hard, fast-draining surface makes it a good wet-weather destination too.…

EASY ROUTE A ride out around the southern side of the Swaledale valley on Harkerside Moor, with its more gentle slopes. MEDIUM ROUTE This great all-weather route takes you into the remote moonscape scenery of Reeth Moor for a more challenging ride. HARD ROUTE No one likes the climb straight up Fremington Edge, but the descent is fun, and the rest of the day’s ascents will seem easy. Kind of. Get ready for lots of big climbs and big descents throughout. Follow the routes on komoot www.komoot.com/ collection/922548 What else is nearby? The long-distance Pennine Bridleway and Off-Road Coast to Coast (C2C) routes both pass through this area.…

ACCOMMODATION Where to base yourself The Yorkshire Cycle Hub in Great Fryup Dale is a relatively new facility set up by cyclists, for cyclists, offering comfy bunkrooms, camping pods (soon), a bike shop, showers and changing rooms, and a great cafe. They also have a cottage and farmhouse for rent (www.yorkshirecyclehub. co.uk, 01287 669098). Hotels/hostels Pub with a bed: The Fox & Hounds in Ainthorpe has good food and comfy rooms (www.foxand houndsainthorpe.com, 01287 660218). FOOD & DRINK Cafes At the start: The Yorkshire Cycle Hub cafe offers a range of food and drink, served from 9am to 3.30pm, seven days a week. On the routes: Danby Bakery is good, for either sit-in or takeaway snacks (www.facebook. com/danbybakery,01287 669126), and The Old Chapel Tearoom in Castleton is nice too (www.facebook.com/…

EASY ROUTE Summer Lightning on Leith Hill allows you to explore the area (with a little guidance from some marker posts) on a natural-feeling, fun and at times challenging trail. MEDIUM ROUTE Holmbury Hill is home to some of the area’s best-known and most fun trails, including Barry Knows Best, Yoghurt Pots and Telegraph Row. HARD ROUTE Pitch Hill is the smallest of the three hills but has the highest density of trails. Steeper gradients provide more challenging riding, on trails such as Supernova, T-Trails, Curly Wurly and Proper Bo. Follow the routes on komoot www.komoot.com/ collection/922547 What else is nearby? On the northern side of the A25, the beech woods offer a quite different setting, and a good network of bridleways on which to explore it.…

Watching Harry Schofield ride a bike is a humbling experience. At just 10 years old, Harry, from Sussex, is already going faster and hitting bigger jumps than most of us would ever dare. And back when he was eight, his trick bag was brimming over with backflip variations, 720-degree spins and more. With a background in BMX and MX, Harry has been spending more time on MTBs in recent years, and when a YouTube video made by his dad Paul went live, showcasing his son’s insane array of skills, bike brands clamoured to sign him up. At the back end of last year Harry signed a deal with the appropriately named YT (Young Talent) Industries, and he’s since been ripping it up on a custom 24in-wheeled full-susser built specially for…

The year 2001 was a tough one for mountain bikers. As well as having a devastating effect on agriculture, the rapid spread of foot-and-mouth disease among farm animals led to access to the countryside being severely limited. A lot of bridleways were cordoned off and woodlands closed, and many of the trails we knew and loved were off limits. Still, it was for the greater good, and it wasn’t all doom and gloom. We were fortunate in that some places remained open to ride and a few events still took place. We remember Fort William hosting its first British downhill race (part of the National Points Series) that year and having to pass through disinfection checkpoints before entering the Highlands. Steve Peat and Fionn Griffiths dominated on the very rough,…

STAR LETTER BACK ON THE BONESHAKER In 2017 I was diagnosed with bone cancer. A large tumour had developed in my left femur and had to be removed, which required an implant and a new knee joint. Obviously, this was pretty horrendous news, made worse by the worry that I’d never ride again. But, after four months of recovery confined to the couch, I started riding an exercise bike, and that quickly led to road biking, which helped me get my fitness back up. I was riding again! But not MTBs. My surgeon told me to be careful with impact sports, because the bits in my leg could come loose. Wondering if I’d ever get back on the trails, I realised that a change in mindset was needed. Instead of…

While most full-suspension e-bikes weigh well over 20kg, the Levo SL Expert is an impressive 18kg in size XL, and the top-end S-Works version is even lighter. Like the Lapierre eZesty, it’s designed for riders who like to push the pedals and want the lightest, most natural-feeing e-bike possible, while still offering a significant speed boost compared to a regular bike. The frame Just like Specialized’s regular Levo, the Levo SL is a 150mm-travel 29er trail bike. Aside from slightly shorter chainstays (437mm rather than 455mm), the geometry is virtually identical, yet the SL is around 4kg lighter. Specialized have achieved this by shrinking the battery capacity to 320Wh (from either 500Wh or 700Wh) and using a smaller motor that weighs just 1.9kg. The drive unit produces a maximum of…

Sam lost his front tooth when he faceplanted a ramp in a skate park. It’s become a trademark and, as he says, “It would be rude to fix it now.” He starts most of his videos with: “Today is going to be epic!” Sam said it at the start of about three videos in a row and now it’s become a bit of a catchphrase. Sam closes each video with the distorted phrase: “To the sky!” This originated when he directed his brother Lewi to finish a scene by tilting the camera up to the sky, and left it in the edit. The “stairset of doom” seems to apply to any set of steps that Sam decides to ride down. A “spinach” is now a new name for a spin…

Key founder of the kids’ club “The club started in 2014 with a few families riding together and friends’ kids tagging along. It grew so fast we had to formalise it. The local club helped fund the parents through MTB leadership training. In Fort William we have some great role models, and the kids can compete and hang out alongside riders who race internationally. It’s really positive for our kids to grow up in an area where people make a living from riding – not just racing but through avenues such as coaching and film-making too.”…

1 Nevis Range gondola (not open for bikes in the winter) Amazing views, gondola uplift and two fast, rough tracks to enjoy. Expect punctures – use strong tyres. 2 Nevis Range trail centre stuff There’s a big mix of hardpack flow trails now that are fun for all abilities, regardless of the weather conditions. There’s also a nice cafe to start and finish with. 3 Torlundy trails This is where the locals will park or ride to from town. It’s easy to get to and there are plenty of steep, natural trails to find if you keep your eyes open. 4 Laggan Wolftrax The trail centre stuff is fantastic, but don’t forget to ride the ‘brown trails’ on the other side of the road. There you’ll find some cool but…

ROB WEAVER With two decades of riding experience, Rob knows what works and what doesn’t TOM MARVIN The only thing Tom loves more than his clapped-out VW Caddy is hammering test kit SEB STOTT No slouch on the race track, Seb’s passion for engineering helps him pick products apart LUKE MARSHALL Keen racer Luke is quick to identify what helps or is a hindrance between the tape ALEX EVANS Many years of breaking bikes means Alex can give reliable buying advice JAMES COSTLEY-WHITE MBUK’s editor has 27 years of riding experience and an eye for the details that matter…

What have we learned from this test? For one thing, that geometry is still king. Measurements and angles vary more at lower price points, with some brands lagging behind with older designs, while others race to apply the latest knowhow. The Calibre Line 29 is the clear winner in this test because it’s the easiest to ride challenging terrain on, both uphill and down. That’s mostly down to its longer and slacker geometry, which boosts confidence without making it dull on flowy singletrack. The stellar components don’t hurt either. While a dropper seatpost is a must-have for trail riding, they can be bought for not much over £100 aftermarket and we’d rather brands got the basics sorted instead of cutting corners to spec one. The Specialized Fuse 27.5 has a…

ROTOR SIZE Bigger rotors exert more force at the tyre and have a larger area to cool down on sustained descents, which keeps them working optimally, but they’re heavier. ADJUSTMENT Most brakes offer reach adjustment, allowing you to set the lever distance from the bar to suit your hand size. Some offer bite point (or free stroke) adjustment too, varying the amount of lever-free travel before the pad connects with the rotor. This can be either tool-free or tool-driven. PAD REMOVAL If pads are removable from the top of the calliper, they can be cleaned or replaced without the hassle of removing the wheel first. You don’t have to do this often, but it’s handy and far easier when you do. PAD MATERIAL Most brakes have organic pads made of…

WEATHER If you’re planning a ride high up in the hills or in a remote area, check and recheck the weather before you set out (see the recommended websites below). Pay attention to wind speed, direction and ‘feels like’ temperature, as well as precipitation and actual temperature. Remember that the air gets approximately 1°C cooler for every 100m of altitude gained and that wind speed can more than double between sea level and 1,000m. Consider the number of daylight hours available and always leave some slack. If in doubt, leave it – the mountains will always be there another day. • www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/specialist-forecasts/mountain • www.mwis.org.uk • www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom • www.xcweather.co.uk • www.windy.com CHOOSING A ROUTE Don’t try to reinvent the wheel (unless you have a real desire to explore the unknown). Do…

1Look after yourself/other members of your group. If it’s cold, put on all clothing and deploy emergency shelter. 2Make the casualty comfortable. They’ll get cold quickly so wrap them up and put extra jackets on top of them. Only move them if it won’t make their injuries worse. Other riders can get in the shelter with them to boost the temperature. 3 Call 999. Ask for POLICE then MOUNTAIN RESCUE. Unless you’re on a road easily accessible by ambulance, always request Mountain Rescue. Mountain Rescue will want to know: • Six-figure grid reference (use OS Locate app). Always take a screenshot by the casualty before going to find phone signal. • Description of the location • Number in your party • Nature of injuries and treatment given • Age/sex and…

TINCUP WHISKEY Inspired by, and made for, the mountains, this classic American whiskey is cut with water from the Rockies and named after the tin cups used by Colorado gold miners. Aged for a minimum of four years in American white oak barrels, TINCUP whiskey has a bourbon-style profile with a bold and spicy finish. You can buy it at Asda supermarkets and from Amazon online. www.tincup whiskey.com KOMOOT Komoot is a unique route-planning and navigation app. Enter your start and end points, and komoot’s MTB-specific routing will create the best route for you, using any available off-road rights of way and user-recommended trail segments. You can see trail surface and elevation profiles, and either use the app on your phone to navigate, or sync it with your Garmin or…

ACCOMMODATION Where to base yourself Glentress Forest is in the midst of all the action and has (limited) accommodation options, along with trail centre facilities including a cafe and bike shop, but if you’d prefer to be in a town with a wider choice of facilities and shops, both Peebles and Innerleithen are both close by. At the entrance to the forest: Glentress Forest Lodges has camping, ‘glamping’ pods and pitches for camper vans, right on the doorstep of the trails (www. glentressforest lodges.co.uk, 01721 721007). There’s also Craiguart B&B, just off the A72 towards Peebles (www.craiguart.co.uk,01721 720219), and the Glentress Hotel, which is MTB-friendly (www. glentress hotel.com, 01721 720100). In Peebles: Peebles Hydro is very comfortable (www.peebleshydro. co.uk, 01721 720602), Lindores Guest House offers secure bike storage (www.lindoresgh.co.uk,01721 729040)…