Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2020 i Mountain Biking UK

November isn’t always the funnest time of year, especially in damp, claggy UK conditions, but there’s enjoyment to be found on any trail Fun. That’s what it’s all about for me. Fitness is a handy side benefit, and I can see why some people get competitive, but what keeps me – and the rest of the MBUKcrew – passionate about mountain biking is the sheer enjoyment of riding new trails for the first time and rediscovering old ones, making the most of every little turn and undulation, capturing that elusive flow – if only for a moment – and sharing the excitement with my friends. And that’s what this issue is all about too. November isn’t always the funnest time of year, especially in damp, claggy UK conditions, but there’s…

Have you ever felt 12 sprockets are too many? Do you yearn to get back to a simpler time, while still enjoying the advantages of a wide-range cassette? Well, you’re in luck. Box Components have released just such a drivetrain, with an 11-50t, nine-speed cassette and multi-shift capability. Box claim a nine-speed set-up increases reliability and durability, by improving the chainline and requiring you to shift less frequently. The ‘One’ drivetrain pictured here is the premium version (there’s also Box Two and Three). At a scant 378g, the cassette is comparable in weight to SRAM’s 12-speed XX1 Eagle offering. All nine sprockets are made from steel and riveted to an aluminium body. It offers an 11-13-15-18-22-28-34-42-59t spread, and fits on an HG freehub. Other highlights include an adjustable-tension clutch on…

Hosted in a quarry in Birkenfeld, Germany, the Audi Nines is a week-long event, organised by riders, that’s becoming synonymous with world-first tricks. Its format gives some of the planet’s top slopestyle and freeride contenders the chance to practise and session their lines, building camaraderie and confidence to pull out their biggest and best new combos, often on the first attempt. This year’s event saw the jumps built bigger than ever, with 18m (60ft) doubles. The mostly European rider line-up included some of the sport’s biggest stars, from Swedish slopestyle ace Emil Johansson to UK MTB legends Brendan Fairclough, Sam Pilgrim and Sam Reynolds. With the contest split into freeride and slopestyle categories, there were plenty of plaudits up for grabs, including Best Line and Best Trick prizes, plus bonus…

RED BULL DISTRICT RIDE, 2005 The first Red Bull District Ride in Nuremberg tops my list as the funniest event party ever. Following Cédric Gracia around town as part of his entourage and watching the carnage unfold was outrageous. Picture Nathan Rennie in a club with his tackle out, mounting a DH bike hung from the ceiling; Cedric Gracia romancing anything on two legs – including the police; Greg Minnaar trying to sweet-talk his way out of trouble with the bouncers; and young Brits Gee Atherton, Chris Smith and Grant ‘Chopper’ Fielder embracing the ‘party hard’ spirit too! FORT WILLIAM WORLD CUP, 2006 With Sam Hill’s win and Peaty leading the title race, it’d been a great weekend. On a bit of a high, my partner-in-crime Doddy [then features editor…

GIANT TRANCE X ADVANCED PRO 29 0 IN CHUNKIER, LOOSER TERRAIN, THE BACK END IS IMPRESSIVELY ACTIVE AND DOES A GOOD JOB OF GENERATING TRACTION £7,999One bike to rule them all? Could the new Trance X Advanced Pro 29 be the ultimate all-rounder and, in Giant’s own words, the “one bike to master the mountain”? We hit the hills on the top-tier model to find out for ourselves. The frame The Trance X Advanced uses Giant’s tried-and-trusted twin-link Maestro suspension system to pump out its 135mm of rear wheel travel. This top-of-the-range Pro 29 0 model has Fox’s intelligent Live Valve suspension system neatly integrated into the frame, which is designed to control the damping of the fork and shock for you, thus removing any guesswork and giving you the…

PROPAIN SPINDRIFT CF 29 PERFORMANCE From ›4,115.40 (shipped) Make waves at the bike park The Spindrift is Propain’s take on a modern freeride bike, with a whopping 180mm of rear wheel travel and burly parts including a coil-sprung shock. Its twin-link suspension has been overhauled for 2021, so that the vertically-mounted shock sits inside the front triangle, as on the brand’s shorter-travel Hugene and Tyee (previously, it was behind the seat tube). With a carbon fibre frame and top-spec parts including a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT Coil shock, SRAM X01 Eagle gears and Code RSC brakes, the Performance build seen here looks a bargain. A 650b bike is also available, and a ‘mullet’ option too. While it offers monster truck travel, the Spindrift is designed…

1 Gaps Gapping features on tracks is endlessly fun, whether it’s a giant pull-up to a faraway bank or simply doubling up little roots. Gaps don’t have to be the fastest line to be fun, either. Some might put you off the race line and without time to brake for a turn – that can be the fun part in itself! It’s often in these moments that you progress and learn the most, and you’ll also notice things you’ve never seen on a trail before. 2 Lines Thinking outside the box is super-fun when it comes to line choice. Look for spots where you can open turns up, pick inside lines and carry speed through parts of a track where you previously might have struggled. It’s amazing following a rider…

HOW WE TEST THE KIT Starts with a detailed product check in the workshop. Next we hit the trails… hard! We test in real riding conditions, incorporating feedback from multiple testers, and don’t stop until we’re sure we have the complete picture. WHY OUR TESTS ARE THE BEST! Our test team is made up 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. ABOUT OUR TEST TEAM Our technical-editor-in-chief, Rob Weaver, gets new products in as soon as they’re available and coordinates all the testing through our vastly experienced band of reviewers. CamelBak Women’s Chase vest £90…

WILL’S CANYON STRIVE CF 7.0 £2,799(+shipping) It’s been a year of adventures for our workshop manager and his bike Because our workshop was inoperable for a while earlier this year, I was furloughed, and so have been unable to provide any updates on the Strive since then. But I’m back, with plenty to discuss – so let’s get stuck in! My last entry (way back in issue 382!) suggested that I was going to be working on my bike handling over the following weeks. While that happened to a degree, DIY reared its ugly head, and my house saw rather more development than my riding skills. As soon as my wife and I felt it was sensible, we formed a ‘bubble’ with some riding buddies. But no sooner had…

A waterproof jacket is an investment, and while it’s broadly true that you get what you pay for, it’s still entirely possible to make an expensive mistake. So, what should you look for? Brands quote different waterproof ratings for their jackets, which seems counter-intuitive – surely something is either waterproof or it isn’t? It all comes down to just how much water a jacket can withstand. The hydrostatic-head figure, in millimetres, is worked out by seeing how high a column of water a material can support before it fails and starts to let moisture through. The British standard for something to be designated waterproof is 1,500mm (ie. it can support a 1.5m-high column of water). This would seem guaranteed to keep you dry, but a hydrostatic-head test doesn’t replicate driving…

There’s a time and a place for everything. Sometimes you want to drop your mates or beat that Strava time, but there are other ways to enjoy the trails and still ride impressively. Pro coach Olly Morris highlights six tricks to up the fun factor when you’re out. 01 DRIFTING INSIDES OK, you may not be Sam Hill (yet) but running a few inside lines can be a good way to mix things up down the trail. They’re also useful for developing your cornering skills. If you’re coming in hot and you know you’re going to slide, get your foot out early and prepare to enjoy the ride. If you’re coming in a little slower, it can be fun to try the inside line – keep your feet up, and…

1. Keep it secret The easiest way to avoid break-ins is by not advertising your bike collection. Don’t leave bikes lying around your front garden, take them inside quickly after riding, and don’t brag to neighbours about how much they cost. Maybe reconsider those bike brand stickers plastered all over the shed, too! 2. Keep it secure Use blinds to obscure any windows that give a glimpse of your bikes. Install secure hinges and a lock on the door, ideally one that can’t be opened from the inside, so if someone does break in through a window they can’t simply wheel your bikes out through the door. Consider fitting an alarm, too. 3. Keep it locked If you have multiple bikes, locking them together may deter thieves by making them…

TRAIL STATS Distance:Blue, 1.1km; red, 13km; three black DH tracks, roughly 1.5km each Climbing: Fireroad or surfaced singletrack Time: 15mins to 2hrs Grading:Blue, red, black WHY RIDE HERE? Manmade flow trails that have a hand-cut feel, and no shortage of technical root sections RAD… There’s lots of variety, with rocks, roots, jumps and plenty of swooping berms The red route has a descent straight from the car park, to get you instantly in the groove You’ve got three DH race tracks to choose from, all free to ride at any time BAD… If you’re not confident on red trails then there’s not a lot here for you The hardpacked rocky dirt can get slick in places (as Ed found out the painful way!)…

It’s not just here in the UK that things get pretty damp and slippery – and all the more fun for it! The USA’s Pacific Northwest is home to a vast temperate rainforest, characterised by towering evergreens and deep, dark woods. And Bellingham, Washington, just 20 minutes south of the Canadian border, is perhaps the best-known riding destination in this northwestern- most corner of the country. It’s home to companies such as Evil Bikes, Kona and Transition, to name but a few. Local snapper Colin Wiseman tells us: “It’s almost hard not to ride a bike if you live here, and it shows in the trail networks. From utilitarian Galbraith Mountain, a working forest replete with flow trails and moderate tech, to the old-growth cedar and steeps in the Chuckanuts…

“The Audi Nines is like no other contest because it feels just like a normal session with your friends,” enthuses UK freeride veteran Sam Pilgrim. “When you’re feeling super-stoked and ready to send it, you tell the filmers and they shoot your run. This then ends up being a submission to the gala night, where we watch back the videos and have a rider-judged contest result, which is great fun! This format also makes for a very chilled-out week with no pressure. It’s amazing!”…

1 OS Maps We love Ordnance Survey maps for their detail and accuracy. With their app, you have access to all 607 UK maps in OS Landranger (1:50,000) or OS Explorer (1:25,000) format in the palm of your hand. Plan, follow and print routes, plus plenty more. £23.99 per year (or free, for more basic maps and features), iOS and Android 2 komoot komoot takes the hassle out of route planning. Choose a start and end point, and it’ll plan a ride that takes in the best trails around based on crowdsourced data, so you never need suffer from ‘fear of missing out’ again. Free to use online (offline maps start at £2.99), iOS and Android 3 Trailforks This trail-finding app has one of the biggest databases of MTB tracks…

1 Small scale There’s no big factory and assembly line here, just Cornelius and a workshop in his flat with a few simple shelves for storing parts. If you buy an Intend BC product, you’ll know it’s been built with care. 2 Mass appeal The new Blackline kit is high-quality but less complex. So the Ebonite fork forgoes the upside-down design of Intend BC’s other forks, but is still CNC machined from 7075 aluminium (with the parts then bolted together). Fitting between the Fox 36 and 38, or RockShox Lyrik and ZEB, it’s designed for enduro, freeride and e-bike use. 3 Simple servicing I SEE MY BRAND AS A REAL ALTERNATIVE TO BIGGER COMPANIES, BUT ALWAYS A SMALL PLAYER WITH EXCLUSIVE STUFF Intelligent choices make Intend BC’s products easy to…

Adam Yudowitz’s day in South Wales took a turn for the worsev “After an amazing day at Afan, we chose to go back and finish some trails off. Out of the blue there was a massive kicker into four jumps. I wasn’t expecting them at all and hit the kicker wrong, casing the second jump. The bike bucked me into a Superman and I landed head-first in the dirt. I sounded like a boiling kettle from being winded and I was in agony. My mates drove me home and I went to AbE where they sent me for an emergency CT scan after finding blood in my urine. Next thing I know, I’m being pumped full of morphine and blue-lighted to a different hospital! It turns out I broke my…

Frame Carbon fibre, 135mm (5.3in) travel ForkFox 36 Factory Live Valve FIT4, 150mm (5.9in) travel ShockFox DPX2 Factory Live Valve DrivetrainShimano Deore XT with XTR rear mech and MRP AMg chain guide (1x12) Wheelset Giant TRX-1 carbon wheels, Maxxis Minion DHF 3C MaxxTerra EXO 29x2.5in (f) and Maxxis Dissector 3C MaxxTerra EXO 29x2.4in (r) tyres Brakes Shimano Deore XT, 200mm/180mm rotors Bar/stemGiant Contact SLR 35 carbon, 800mm/ Giant Contact SL 35, 40mm Seatpost/saddleFox Transfer Factory, 150mm/Giant Romero SL Weight13.54kg (29.85lb), medium size, without pedals…

EXCEPT FOR CRASHING, OF COURSE, I CAN’T THINK OF A TIME MY FACE HAS EVER HURT MORE THAN MY LEGS ON A BIKE RIDE. Hurting, that is, from the permanent grin I’ve had plastered across my chops all day from chasing Olly Wilkins down his local trails. It’s a brain overload – trying desperately to keep up, emulate all the sneaky lines he knows so well and marvelling at his execution of them, all at the same time. I don’t reckon I’m exaggerating much by saying Olly is one of the most stylish riders the UK has ever produced. He’s got this knack for taking any jump or turn, attacking it with 100 per cent commitment and ending up with something way cooler than you’d ever imagine. Never has getting…

Full on. Flat out. But kind of chilled at the same time. Bernard Kerr knows how to live life to the max. Maybe it’s the array of cars on the drive and the big-boy toys scattered everywhere around his house, garage and garden that give it away. Bernard is all about fun. Pure, unadulterated fun. Which is why a weekend at Bernie’s is such an enticing prospect. To be honest, even a few hours at Bernie’s is full-on fun. He’s chilling in the garden when we turn up on a sunny summer day. If you can call riding round the garden on a pitbike with his puppy Lada on his lap “chilling”. Lada (named after the car brand) seems to be enjoying it, and Bernard is loving it. Emma, his…

With With two tw decades s of o riding experience e e , , Rob R knows ws what works w and what doesn sn’’t t The only thing Tom loves more than his clapped-out VW Caddy is hammering test kit Skier turned enduro racer Sarah is always on the lookout for kit that gets results Keen racer Luke is quick to identify what helps or is a hindrance between the tape Many years of breaking bikes means Alex can give reliable buying advice MBUK’s editor has 27 years of riding experience and an eye for the details that matter…

THREE-LAYER FABRIC Material where a waterproof membrane is sandwiched between the outer shell and an inner backing. Smooth against the skin, this backing often assists with moisture wicking. TWO-LAYER FABRIC Here, the waterproof membrane has no backing, and therefore is usually paired with a separate mesh lining to protect it, which can result in a heavier jacket. 2.5-LAYER FABRIC Another approach, where the waterproof membrane has a thin coating (the ‘half’ layer) on the inside to protect it. These materials can look similar to three-layer fabrics, but are typified by a ‘rubbery’ feel. D.W.R. Stands for Durable Water Repellent. A treatment that makes water bead off a jacket. Washing and wear will reduce the breathability of this coating, so be sure to refresh it every few washes. P.F.C.S Polyfluorinated chemicals…

“Hopton sits in a special place in my heart. Although the trails are largely manmade, it avoids the sanitised ‘trail centre’ feel. Hats off to Pearce Cycles for making such a fun loop and keeping on top of the maintenance. I first raced Hopton in 1996 as a Junior and I’m riding the same stuff now on my trail bike and still getting the same buzz. My advice is to knock out a lap of the red loop in the morning then session some of the classic DH tracks.”…

For MTB adventurer and photographer Martin Bissig, Davos Klosters in Switzerland is like a second home. In winter it has fantastic skiing, in summer it not only offers hundreds of miles of the finest mountain biking trails, but also some of the most photogenic spots in Switzerland. Martin took this shot during a three-day e-bike trip with his friends Franzi and Chris. Roughly 130km long, mostly on singletrack, and with more than 5,500m of climbing, the route should have been possible on a regular bike, in theory. But as it turned out, even on an e-bike it was a challenge. At least there were Insta-worthy photo opportunities around every turn in the trail! The ascents were technical and tricky, even with motor assistance, and the descents were no pushover either.…

I was lucky enough to leave my home in bonnie Scotland last month and travel out to central Europe to ride and race my bike in the Enduro World Series. It was fun riding at home all summer and I really got into my home trails in a new way. But I’ll be honest, some variety is good for the soul, especially when there’s a white sandy beach at the finish line! Finale Ligure in Italy was my final destination, and, with its endless trail options and Mediterranean weather, I was pretty happy to have pulled the trip off. There’s nothing quite like a fast, dusty trail to get the juices flowing, and then a rustic old Italian town to wander around and bask in the culture. I remember a…

It’s been an intense few weeks of racing, with the XC World Cup series and Crankworx Innsbruck, the World Champs due to kick off just after we went to press and the DH World Cup now in full flow too. We’re going to have to take some time away from our screens and let our voices recover after all the shouting at the TV! After a slow start to the year, it’s exciting to see lots of new bikes coming out now, such as the updated Propain Spindrift (see p44) and the Stumpy EVO and Nukeproof Mega on this page. We can’t wait to take these beasts out on the trails to find out what they’re really like. Local lockdowns in South Wales and elsewhere across the country haven’t just…

BACK IN THE SADDLE The last few outings on my trusty gravel bike made me realise its limitations, so I decided that, even though I’m 50, overweight, unfit and rubbish in terms of off-road skills, I’d get back in the MTB saddle. My last mountain bike was a 26in-wheeled Trek, which I bought 17 years ago. I obtained a new bike, a Sonder Transmitter hardtail, using the Cycle to Work scheme, and, wow, what a difference! My first outing was on the Sherwood Pines blue route with my son on his Cube. As it turns out, the investment in a decent hardtail was well worth it. It must have been odd for people to see this overweight, grinning middle-aged man slogging up the inclines ahead of a 19-year-old who was…

Tag your Instagram pics with #mbukletters. We’ll pick four each issue and our favourite will win a DMR Wingbar and Defy35+ stem courtesy of www. upgradebikes.co.uk. Usual T&Cs apply. WINNER! Ilkley Moor and @andy_j_marshall’s Swarf Contour sitting pretty in the golden hour We can appreciate the feeling of success as @sarahdexter27 summits Helvellyn in the Lake District @dbsuffolkbuh getting the GoPro goods of @mark499238 Epic views for @laurac_mtb as she drops into the Golfie at Innerleithen…

FrameAluminium alloy, 150mm (5.9in) travel ForkRockShox Recon RL, 150mm (5.9in) travel ShockRockShox Monarch R DrivetrainShimano SLX rear mech and shifter, SunRace 11-46t cassette, Wheeltop SR11A cranks and KMC chain (1x11) Wheelset Alex MD30 rims on Nautilus hubs, Maxxis High Roller II 3C MaxxGrip EXO 27.5x2.4in (f) and DC EXO 29x2.3in (r) tyres Brakes Shimano MT500, 180mm rotors Bar/stem Unbranded, 780mm/unbranded, 35mm Seatpost/saddle Unbranded dropper, 150mm/Velo MTB Weight15.56kg (34.3lb), large size, without pedals…

To follow Olly online you’ll find him on Instagram under the handle @odub_23. But what’s the name about? Well Odub is short for O W and 23 is a nod to his favourite sport, which isn’t cycling but basketball. “I just never made it to the big leagues, so bikes will have to do!” he jokes. Despite Olly once saying he never wanted to vlog, he’s even got a YouTube channel now, which is the place to go if you enjoy wild GoPro runs through Mexican cities and a constant barrage of him and Ben Deakin ripping the piss out of each other.…

THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY is considered one of the world’s most beautiful panoramic roads. It also just so happens to wind its way past the birthplace of mountain biking – Mount Tamalpais, near San Francisco. The sport has come a long way since riders here first put fat tyres to dirt in the 1970s, and now there are numerous riding spots along the coast that are worth trying out. So we – riders Gerhard Czerner and Franziska Gobeli, plus snapper Martin Bissig – decided to hire an RV (a massive American motorhome), chuck in some bikes and experience the mythical Californian roadtrip for ourselves. Starting in Venice Beach on the outskirts of Los Angeles, we drove north, soaking up the SoCal vibes, checking out some classic tourist spots and hitting…

Alpinestars Cascade WP Tech £60 SO GOOD… With an impressively water-resistant back/top, the Cascade WP Techs keep your hands dry. The leather palm feels tough and durable, and the large Velcro wrist closure is nice and secure. They’re relatively warm too. NO GOOD… The palm is thick and stiff, and has a separate cotton lining, which creates a slip-plane between the two layers. This creates a disconnect from the handlebar, which makes it difficult to ride technical trails with confidence. The back/top doesn’t offer much insulation. At 94g, these are the heaviest gloves here. Plus, they’re not touchscreen compatible. www.zyrofisher.co.uk Fox Defend Fire £50 SO GOOD… These are some of the only gloves with knuckle protection we’ve come across where the armour doesn’t ruin their comfort. The D30 padding is…

MULLET OVER The effect on a bike’s handling of pairing a smaller 650b back wheel with a 29in front (known as a ‘mullet’ set-up) is overhyped, but it does allow a shorter chainstay length, which is noticeable here LIFT-OFF! Use of a relatively small external battery allows Lapierre to position its weight further back in the frame, making it easier to lift the front wheel POWER RANGER A 500Wh battery is small by modern standards. The other bikes on test have 20 per cent more capacity, so can be ridden for longer…

DOUBLE ZIP Allows the jacket to be opened up from the bottom for fast cooling when climbing, then closed up quickly against the chill of a descent or more exposed terrain. DROPPED OR SHAPED CUFF A cuff that protrudes over the back of the hand, usually with elastic or Velcro adjustment to hold it in place. More protective and works better with gloves than a traditional straight cuff. VENTS Zips that open up on the front of the jacket or under the armpits to allow heat to escape. Double-ended ‘pit zips’ are easier to operate, as are those with long zip-pulls. Look also for ‘gills’ or strategically-placed perforations. DROPPED TAIL A longer back hem that protects against mud and spray. The best are made from a more durable material than…

1 If you buy a bike overseas, the brakes may be set up back- to-front, with the front lever on the left. You’ll need to swap the hoses. Pop the bike in a workstand and remove both wheels. Cover the front brake calliper with a clean rag in case of oil spills. 2 Use a 4mm Allen key to loosen the bolt securing one brake lever to the bar. Reposition it so the lever blade is horizontal, then retighten. Repeat on the other lever. Pull the rubber ‘boots’ off both levers and slide them out of the way to expose the nuts. 3 Using an 8mm open-ended spanner, turn one nut until it comes off. Slide it down the hose. Repeat on the other lever. Without pulling the levers or…

Apart from the easy access, there’s a good reason why we start and finish the ride in Birdlip. The Royal George Hotel here not only offers a bed for the night if required, but also serves up some great food. After the ride, share a pile of loaded nachos or a baked camembert, before gorging on a gourmet burger or any of the wide selection of classic pub dishes (www. greenekingpubs.co.uk). Out on the route, Painswick makes a good stop, with The Painswick Pooch Coffee House and The Royal Oak pub, although you’ll want a bike lock with you. Alternatively, The Butchers Arms in Sheepscombe (www. butchers-arms.co.uk), further along the route, makes an excellent refuelling option.…

GETTING THERE Half an hour west of Ludlow, the main car park is at postcode SY7 0QF. Alternatively, park at the southern side of the woods near Bedstone village and join the red route midway round, postcode SY7 0BG. FACILITIES Free parking NEARBY BIKE SHOPS Owned and run by local heroes Dave and Lindsay Pearce, Ludlow’s premiere bike shop is the place for all your MTB needs. It’s also thanks to Dave’s hard work that Shropshire is home to so many great riding spots, so pay a visit to say thanks. www.pearcecycles.co.uk CONTACT www.forestryengland.uk/ hopton-woods OTHER RIDING EastridgeWoods If you like the style of trails at Hopton then Eastridge is well worth checking out. The red route is super fun and flowy, and there are steeper DH lines peeling off…