Indholdsfortegnelse for January 2021 i Mountain Biking UK

YT CAPRA SHRED £3,266.80 shipped Thrash metal! Brands often fit their aluminium frames with lower-spec parts, saving mid- to high-end kit for their carbon models. YT have noticed this gap in the market for a hardcore alloy bike and released the Capra Shred. This 180mm-travel, 650b-wheeled beast comes with a hard-hitting Fox 38 Performance air fork and DHX2 Performance Elite coil shock. SRAM Code R brakes provide downhill stopping power, while the 12-speed GX Eagle drivetrain means you can climb back to the trailhead again. If you’re into lapping the bike parks but have a penchant for gnarly enduro days too, this might be the well-priced sled for you. There’s a 29er version as well, with the same kit but 10mm less travel. www.yt-industries.com CANE CREEK DB KITSUMA AIR SHOCK…

At 154km long (96 miles) and with over 3,000m (10,000ft) of climbing, the West Highland Way is no walk in the park. This iconic long-distance route starts from Milngavie, a short distance above Glasgow, and wends its way north past lochs and mountains, taking in the full splendour of the Scottish Highlands, before eventually reaching Fort William. Most walkers take about 10 days to complete it, so riding it in one day is a feat in itself – but there are some for whom even that isn’t enough. This hardy bunch have quietly been battling for records since a 26-year-old Rab Wardell set the first Fastest Known Time (FKT) back in 2011, finishing in just 12hrs 10mins. Wardell is a former World Cup XC racer and now trains numerous professional…

HOW WE TEST THE KIT It 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 have the complete picture. 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. 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. Rotor INspider power meter…

VENTING Frequently located on the thigh panels, zipped vents are a great way to lose some of the heat that can build up when wearing waterproofs. They sometimes have a mesh-like fabric inside to reduce dirt ingress and keep the outer shell from sagging or losing its shape. ANKLE CUFFS Some trousers have elasticated ankles to create a stretchy but tight fit to help reduce the chances of water splashing up. Other brands provide poppers or Velcro so that you can adjust the tightness of the cuff, often paired with a calf-length zip to make it easier to remove the trousers without taking off your shoes. RAISED WAIST A raised rear waist panel can help stop mud and water splashing onto the small of your back, especially if your jersey…

SPECIALIZED S-WORKS STUMPJUMPER EVO £9,250 This is Specialized’s most expensive, no-compromises version of their hardcore trail bike, featuring geometry and parts that wouldn’t be out of place on an enduro rig. The carbon frame and drool-worthy spec means it’s as lightweight as it should be capable, but all this performance comes at an excruciating cost. MARIN EL ROY £2,295 One of the most radical hardtails on the market, the El Roy has reach figures and a head angle borrowed from the world of DH racing, as well as a long-travel Marzocchi Z1 fork and some ridiculously sticky rubber. The intentions for this steel bike are clear as day – winch to the top and then plummet down the steepest trail you can find. NUKEPROOF MEGA 290 CARBON RS £5,499.99 Nukeproof’s…

DAMPING The tyre’s ability to absorb energy as it contacts a bump. Increased damping means the tyre absorbs more energy, rebounding slower and ‘bouncing’ less, creating more control and grip. BURP Burping is when a tubeless tyre’s bead unseats from the rim and then the sidewall partially collapses under strong cornering forces or if it’s inadequately inflated, causing a loss of air. BITE Mechanical grip generated by a tyre’s tread blocks as they cling onto roots, rocks and harder terrain. RAMP Tread block with a leading edge that’s angled like a wedge to help decrease rolling resistance. SIPES Small grooves cut into the tread blocks that allow them to deform and splay out to provide mechanical traction. SQUIRM The feeling generated by a collapsed or partially collapsed tyre sidewall, which…

Q What is the B-tension limit screw on a rear mech for, and why is it important? Jed Ferguson, Brighton A The B-tension screw is an important adjustment to get right because it controls the distance between the top jockey wheel and the cassette. Essentially, the closer the jockey wheel is to the sprocket, the faster and smoother the shifting will be. This is because the angle between the jockey wheel and sprocket is larger when the two are close together, and this forces the chain – which is poor at bending sideways – to shift across quicker. If the jockey wheel and cassette are far apart, the angle between them is smaller, so the chain can bend enough to potentially not change sprockets (or do so slowly or poorly).…

WHERE ARE WE? CONISTON, LAKE DISTRICT The Lake District is a stunningly beautiful national park in Cumbria in northwest England, covering an area of 2,362km2 and packed with brilliant, and rocky, technical riding. www.lakedistrict.gov.uk The Lake District became the UK’s second National Park in 1951, less than a month after the Peak District became the first. Pick a peak time and the place can be heaving – its rugged landscape, carved out in the last ice age, attracted close to 50 million visitors in 2019. But come out of season and it’s much quieter, and cheaper too, and when out riding you might even bag a fellside all to yourself. One of the drawbacks to visiting at this time of year is the weather. Let’s just say there’s a good…

Route summary A long, non-technical ride, ideal for covering some miles quickly, exploring the barren but beautiful Salisbury Plain and hopefully spotting a few tanks and helicopters along the way. Start/finish Elm Hill, Warminster, (postcode BA12 0AU, grid ref ST 879/458). 1 From Warminster railway station, go ahead on Station Road, passing Lidl on your left. Head right at the roundabout, on the B3414 (towards Bath). Make a right at the next roundabout, on the A350 towards Chippenham. Pass under the railway bridge and, after the road bears left, turn off right, on Elm Hill. 2 Take the Imber Range Perimeter Path (IRPP) along here, which joins you from the left. You’ll finish on this later, by the entrance to the West Wilts Golf Club, but for now, continue up…

GETTING THERE The main trailhead, with cafe and bike shop, is located at Birches Valley Forest Centre – WS15 2UQ. You can also park at Moors Gorse car park between the Dog and Monkey trails (WS15 2UZ) or on Stile Cop Road for the bike park (WS15 1ND). FACILITIES Parking, toilets, cafe, bike wash, bike shop and hire NEARBY BIKE SHOPS Cannock Chase Cycle Centre has a big range of bikes to buy or hire, plus a workshop to see you right if you have any mishaps. www.cannockchasecycle centre.co.uk CONTACT www.chasetrails.co.uk OTHER RIDING Kinver Freeride Bike Park This small bike park just west of Birmingham, near Kidderminster, is packed with jumps, drops and progressive features. Shropshire Hills There aren’t loads of official riding spots close to Birmingham, but the city…

Come on, dude! Let’s go for a ride,” enthuses Olly Wilkins. “I’ve got some new trails I’ve built that are perfect for e-biking.” Olly is an e-bike convert, as is Rob Warner. They love regular mountain bikes too – in fact, this conversation takes place as they’re out doing jumps on their trail bikes. But it’s not long before they’re discussing their shared love for sticking the motor in Turbo and hitting their local tracks. The next time we meet, it’s a particularly bright sunny day in the Surrey Hills and we’re all on e-bikes. FULLY CHARGED Olly and Rob are both quick. Quick on the bike, sure – Olly’s known for his smoothness and style, while Rob was Britain’s first Downhill World Cup winner, back in the Nineties –…

In a relatively short space of time, electric mountain bikes have gone from an outlandish concept on a trade show floor to a common sight out on the trails. They remain a big investment, though, so whether you’re thinking of taking the plunge and buying your first e-bike, are an early adopter looking to upgrade your current model, or just want to know what all the fuss is about, we’re here to help. WHO ARE E-BIKES FOR? Anyone who enjoys having fun on two wheels, basically. The reason we opened this guide with a riding feature rather than a technical explainer is because that’s what these bikes are all about – getting people out there enjoying the trails. Electric pedalling assistance has obvious benefits for people with an injury or…

O1. You’ve got to spin it to win it. Getting the most from an e-bike motor means pedalling at a higher cadence than you may be used to – in other words, selecting a bigger cassette sprocket than you might normally and spinning your legs a bit faster. If you’re the sort of rider who likes to grind big gears and sees changing into the granny ring as an admission of defeat, this may take some adjustment, but it’s actually good technique on a regular bike too. O2. The weight isn’t an issue… except when it is. Most e-MTBs weigh over 18kg (40lb), but when you’re riding, the motor assistance means you don’t feel the extra heft, except through pumpy bits where it’s hard to get pedal strokes in. In…

Frame FACT 11m carbon fibre, 150mm (5.9in) travel Fork Fox 34 Float Performance GRIP, 150mm (5.9in) travel Shock Fox Float DPS Performance Drivetrain Specialized SL1.1 motor with 320Wh battery, SRAM GX Eagle gearing (1x12) Wheelset Roval Traverse carbon rims on DT Swiss 370 hubs, Specialized Butcher (f) and Eliminator (r) GRID TRAIL 29x2.3in tyres Brakes SRAM G2 RSC, 200/180mm Bar/stem Specialized, 780mm/ Specialized, 40mm Seatpost/saddle X-Fusion Manic 170mm dropper/ Specialized Bridge Comp Weight 18kg (39.7lb), XL size without pedals…

Kinesis’s Rise is a unique bike, combining the electrical assistance of a removable, modular motor with relatively progressive geometry and hardcore components on an aluminium hardtail chassis. It’s designed to be the perfect no-nonsense trail companion. The frame Built from hydroformed 6061 aluminium tubing, the Rise houses its Fazua evation motor and 252Wh battery in its down tube. These can be removed and replaced with a blanking plate if you fancy riding without any help. The drive unit delivers up to 252 per cent assistance and 55Nm of torque, operating most efficiently at pedalling cadences between 50 and 125rpm. It takes only 50 degrees of crank rotation to engage the motor, which is operated using a touchsensitive switch on the handlebar. Frame features include Boost rear hub spacing (148x12mm), internally-routed…

There aren’t many young riders who can look back on a decade in the spotlight – and especially not at the age of 16! However, that’s the case for Jackson Goldstone, the young shredder from Squamish, Canada. In 2010, aged just six, Jackson’s dad filmed him heading to kindergarten on his balance bike. The video went viral, with well over a million views to date. It was clear this kid was talented and pretty fearless, and that hasn’t changed. At 10 years old he was jumping the 50ft mega ramp at Woodward West, three years later he was pulling cork 720s and he’s now a regular at freeride events including the Audi Nines and Crankworx. What’s even more frustrating is that he’s multitalented, winning and podiuming at both downhill and…

The highs & lows of life on the mag We hope you enjoy our e-bike guide. For further e-nspiration (sorry!), check out Chris Akrigg’s Full Force on YouTube. It was distracting enough for us to get the tea and biscuits out! The rattly old MBUK vanhas finally been replaced with a shiny new one. It isn’t stickered up yet, but be sure to say hi if you see us. It’s that time of year when we’re returning our long-term bikes and awaiting the arrival of next year’s line-up. Those of us who already have theirs are looking smug... ... but many of us are still waiting, due to high demand – great news for the industry, but it sucks if you want a new ride! We’re devastated at the passing…

STAR LETTER ALL OUR FAULT It all started in 1988 when I picked up your magazine at King’s Cross station after having a back operation that meant I could ride a bike again. I caught the bug and bought my first MTB, an Offroad Pro-Flex full-suspension bike (that’s if you count a sprung seatpost and a rubber washer under the stem as suspension!). After enjoying events such as the Boltby Bash Enduro, in 2004 both knees needed replacing so the mountain biking had to stop. I had no alternative but to buy a road bike, which was OK until one knee wore out. After a full replacement, I could no longer do a complete revolution of the cranks. Then Minster Cycles in Beverley let me try a Bergamont electric hybrid.…

Founded in 1980, over 40,000 walkers a year complete the West Highland Way. Beyond the throngs of hikers though, there are sections of the route that have become well known to the mountain bike community. While the Devil’s Staircase sits on many a Scottish rider’s checklist, the number who ride the WHW in full is much smaller, although its popularity has increased in recent years, with the summer solstice a particularly choice time to see how far you can get in 24 hours. A mixture of ancient Roman roads, technical descents and tricky climbs, amid stunning scenery, have put this 154km gem on the MTBer’s wish list.…

Don’t let the weather get the best of you When you’re building trails you’ll sometimes get heavy rain and sun in the same day. Always expect the worst and prepare for it. Be a visionary When building a new line, imagine how it’ll look after an event, after a storm or in 10 years’ time. These trails are for us now, but also for future generations. Consider nature a partner Nature will always be stronger than you. Understand it and work around it, never against it. Use harder materials that won’t deteriorate or wear out easily. Build what you love to ride Dig into what makes your heart beat faster and makes you want to ride every single day. Remain open It’s important to learn from your past mistakes and…

With With two tw decades of riding experience exper e , Rob R knows knows what t works wor and what doesn’’t t Riding anything up to five days a week means Tom has plenty of time to hammer test kit Long days outdoors mean photographer Russ needs kit that won’t let him down MBUK’s editor has 28 years of riding experience and an eye for the details that matter 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…

ROB’S SPECIALIZED ENDURO COMP £4,499 It’s time for a reluctant Rob to bid Big Blue a fond farewell I liked the Enduro from the get-go, but as time has gone on, I’ve appreciated it more and more. Where it really shines is when pointed down rugged, full-on downhill trails, where its big wheels, confidence-inspiring geometry and masses of travel make it feel almost untouchable. OK, the SRAM NX Eagle gearing is a little underwhelming when you consider the price of the bike, but the RockShox Lyrik fork is a great performer, as are the SRAM Code R brakes. After a number of months on NX, I actually switched to GX Eagle for testing. This isn’t an astronomical jump up the drivetrain ranks, but the step up in quality and…

SUSPENSION KINEMATICS The movement of the rear wheel in relation to the frame’s front triangle. This is dictated by the suspension system (aka ‘platform’) connecting the wheel to the frame, both in terms of general layout (single-pivot, virtual pivot point, four-bar linkage, etc) and how the different parts of that system are configured (pivot placement, etc). HARDPACK Trail-centre-style tracks with a firm surface that makes them ridable in all conditions. Typically, tyres won’t bite into hardpack like they would soft mud.…

TREAD PATTERN Bigger gaps between tread blocks help tyres shed mud, while tall blocks improve grip in soft conditions because they ‘bite’ into the terrain. Tighter- spaced blocks have less rolling resistance and are best-suited to dryer or hardpack conditions. CASING This is the part of the tyre that provides its strength and shape. The sidewalls are often reinforced to improve pinch-flat and tear resistance, plus general stability in corners. COMPOUND The rubber’s composition can greatly change how a tyre grips. Softer rubber will generally have more traction but will roll slower and wear out quicker than harder compounds. Some tyres have three or even four different compounds to blend their characteristics. BEAD This is the lipped edge of the casing, which locks into the rim’s ‘hook’ once the tyre…

1 To give your washing machine a break, hang your filthy kit outside and give it a good spray with a hose or (gently) a pressure washer to get the worst of the mud off. Empty and zip up the pockets, vents and main zips, and unravel any stowed hoods. 2 Run your washing machine on an empty wash. This will remove any leftover deposits of washing powder or liquid, which can impact on technical materials’ ability to perform, by clogging the ‘pores’. Give the dispenser tray a wipe-down too. 3 Wash your wet-weather gear with a specific waterproof detergent. Follow the instructions with regards to volume of washing fluid, number of garments and temperature, to avoid inefficient cleaning or damage to your kit. Dry as per the instructions. 4…

Hawkshead comes at a convenient point in the route and there are a number of good places to eat there, such as the Sun Cottage Cafe, which serves up amazing cakes, and The Honeypot deli, where you can grab takeaway hot or cold sandwiches, pizzas, pies and drinks. If it’s warm and sunny The Little Ice Cream Shop is definitely worth a visit, offering a wide range of delicious flavours and generous helpings. Finally, the KITTCHEN cafe is quirky and essential if you like cats! Back in Coniston, Herdwicks Cafe is good for coffee, cake or a light bite, or try the Black Bull Inn for an evening meal.…

Route summary A short but tough ride, taking in a proper Welsh mountain. It may be along the same tracks there and back (or should that be up and down?) but still makes for a solid adventure and challenge, with a wonderful descent as a reward for the workout. Start/finish Car park opposite the chapel in Llanfihangel-y-pennant (postcode LL36 9TU, grid ref GR 672/088). 1 Turn right out of the car park to continue along the track. Cross a bridge, then immediately bear right on the other side to continue along the lane, bearing left to a gate and climbing a steep gravel track. NOTE: Many people stay on the track for an easier climb (rejoining the route at part 3), but the actual bridleway/right of way goes ahead, dropping…

TRAIL STATS Distance: Follow the Dog (10.8km) and the Monkey Trail (12km) combine to form one 22.8km loop Climbing: Fireroad and surfaced singletrack. Push up at Stile Cop Time: 1hr 30mins to 3hrs (Dog and Monkey combined) Grading: Red (XC trails), orange bike park grading (Stile Cop DH tracks) WHY RIDE HERE? Mellow, flowing waymarked trails that are perfect for beginner and intermediate riders, plus some short, sharp downhill tracks RAD… Cannock is easily accessible from Birmingham and beyond, making it a great option for a quick blast Ride the full loop of both XC trails and finish with a session in the bike park to feel like you’ve really earned your dinner There are a few big hits in the Stile Cop area that are guaranteed to get the…

Cannock may not have big features or world-beating descents, but its trails are a superb introduction to mountain biking, which is just what’s needed in such a busy location. The XC two loops provide options when it comes to choosing what to ride and how long to stay out for, and beginners shouldn’t be put off by the red grading, as the terrain is only slightly trickier than on some blue routes elsewhere. Factor in the downhill tracks and jumps at Stile Cop and there’s plenty here to challenge expert-level riders too.…

01. Use eMTB mode (Bosch) or toggle between the top two modes on other systems to conserve battery but still get maximum assistance when needed. 02. Always plug in the battery when you get back from a ride. There’s nothing worse than going to get your bike ready for a ride and finding it’s got no charge! 03. Get lost! Explore more, as there’s less to lose. Ride up or down that trail you haven’t been on before without worrying about the climb out again if it turns out to not go anywhere. 04. Practise good riding habits and skills. An e-bike is much heavier than a regular MTB, so focus on braking earlier. Also, change gear considerately, because you have a lot more power going through a mostly-standard drivetrain.…

‘THEY’RE MOTORBIKES, NOT BICYCLES’ The e-MTBs available from mainstream brands here in the UK are road-legal ‘pedal-assist’ or ‘pedelec’ models. Their motors only kick in when you pedal, and cut out at 15.5mph. There’s no throttle either, making them very different from electric motorbikes. Essentially, they ride just like a regular mountain bike, only with a bit of a helping hand for climbs and flatter sections. If you scour the internet, you’ll find e-MTBs that are throttle-operated and/or have derestricted motors. These are classed as motor vehicles under UK law, so the owner needs a helmet, licence, tax and insurance, and the bike can’t be used on bridleways and other MTB trails. E-BIKES ARE ‘CHEATING’ You can’t cheat at having fun! Yes, e-MTBs do make climbs and longer rides easier,…

Frame CC carbon fibre, 170mm (6.7in) travel Fork Fox 38 Float E-Bike GRIP2 Factory, 170mm (6.7in) travel Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Drivetrain Shimano EP8 motor with 630Wh battery, SRAM X01 Eagle gearing with Shimano cranks (1x12) Shifting SRAM X01 Eagle (1x12) Wheelset Santa Cruz Reserve rims on DT Swiss 350 hubs, Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip DD 29x2.5in WT (f) and Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra DD 27.5x2.4in WT (r) tyres Brakes SRAM Code RSC, 220/200mm rotors Bar/stem Santa Cruz Di2, 800mm/ Burgtec Enduro MK2, 35mm Seatpost/saddle Fox Transfer Factory 170mm dropper/ WTB Weight 21.25kg (46.84lb), large size without pedals…

An e-bike lets you ride longer and further on steeper terrain than you could with a regular mountain bike. But what if you want to venture even deeper into the backcountry than a bit of motor assistance and a spare battery in your backpack allows? You jump in a helicopter, of course, for the ultimate e-MTB adventure! That’s just what trials legend Hans Rey did, with a little help from old friend Henry van Asch, who helped make bungee jumping a global phenomenon and now owns Heli Bike NZ (www.helibikenz.com),and with his photographer wife Carmen and Aussie MTB pioneer and World Trail director Glen Jacobs (https://world-trail.com) in tow. Hans explains: “We’ve all done traditional multi-day adventures carrying tents, sleeping bags, food, etc, and they’re always lots of fun. But the…

ART ATTACK When creative imagination meets technical prowess JB Liautard is one of the most creative mountain bike photographers out there, with a talent for not only capturing the rider’s skill, but also blending light, colour and composition to create jaw-dropping action photos. It’s this creativity that led top freerider Thomas Genon (aka Tommy G) to collaborate THIS MONTH Martha Gill, Ben Lawson, kids’ kit, Roberts DOGS BOLX, new bikes from Santa Cruz, Marin, Canyon and Stif with JB on a special photo project for Shimano that would give a glimpse of what happens behind the lens and in the photographer’s imagination. With video edits being such big news these days, what inspired these two to work with still photos for this assignment? “First of all, it’s a completely different…

Ben Lawson has been making waves since retiring from XC racing aged 21. He first started a skills coaching business – No Limits Cycling – and then began offering MTB guiding and mini breaks. It wasn’t long before Ben opened a bike shop and workshop of the same name in Malton, Yorkshire, which has grown rapidly. Still just 24, he’s looking forward to taking on new business challenges. “We’ve become dealers for Santa Cruz bikes and are attracting customers from all over the country,” says Ben, who still competes from time to time, although it’s mostly enduro races these days. His holistic set-up lets customers enjoy a weekend break in Malton and spend a day with him riding demo bikes around the moors and Dalby Forest before placing their order,…

For readers of a certain age, the name DOGS BOLX is synonymous with a golden era of mountain biking, when hardtails were still king, UK brands such as Pace, Hope and Orange were really pushing the envelope, and things weren’t taken quite so seriously. Even among such illustrious company, Charlie ‘Chas’ Roberts’ bespoke bike stood out (1), with some unique features and a fantastic ride, making it highly sought-after. As the ’90s progressed and full suspension took over, the company turned their attention back to custom-built road and touring bikes. But now they’re back, with the reins passed from father to son and a new DOGS BOLX that aims to bring that classic Roberts ride quality to a new generation. We caught up with Glen Whittington, Geoff’s apprentice fabricator and…

Paul Brown ended up with a different type of saddle sore while riding at Hindhead in Surrey. “While at my favourite trails one Saturday morning, I decided to hit a small hip jump that I’d done quite a few times before,” he explains. “This time, I went against my instinct to brake a bit and control my speed on the run-up, deciding instead to carry more speed and ‘stay off the coward levers’. Big mistake. I overshot the landing and ploughed into a tree slightly sideways-on, which catapulted me off the bike. While rapidly dismounting, I caught my thigh on the saddle, which bent, exposing one of its rails. This caught my leg and, well, you can see the result!”…

BRENDAN FAIRCLOUGH & OLLY WILKINS “I’ve been a builder at Red Bull Rampage five times now. The last two times, I went out to the desert with Olly Wilkins to dig for Brendan Fairclough. Brendan is usually super-sensible, but at the same time he’s got no common sense. I’ve seen him on the start ramp asking to borrow a Torx key ’cos he’s forgotten to tighten his disc bolts. Anyway, at the 2019 event he had it in his head that he was going to backflip the canyon gap. He was umming and ahhing for ages, then right before he dropped in, he goes: ‘Right boys, I’ve got this, I’ve worked it all out and the worst-case scenario is that I break my left shoulder.’ Through some sort of logic,…

JOHN FERNANDES Freeride Madeira co-founder “We were exploring a new mountain and suddenly I heard Alex screaming and running. When we met up 20 minutes later, it turned out he’d been stung all over his body by bees and still had stingers stuck deep in his skin. I thought we’d wrap up for the day, but he grabbed the tools and carried on working, feeling a bit numb! The ‘Abelhas’ (bees) trail was named after that and was part of the EWS in 2017.” BRENDAN FAIRCLOUGH UK DH/freeride don “Alex is the hardest-working trail builder I’ve ever worked with. After huge days on the tools, he’s straight to guiding. There’s always a massive smile on his face and he isn’t shy to hit the trails at full speed. In fact,…

1 Scott Trail Storm WP £149.99 SO GOOD… Scott’s pants fit true to size and have articulated legs with space for wearing pads. This is aided by mesh panels on the back and side of the knees, which, together with zipped thigh vents, also help prevent overheating. We found the Velcro waist tabs useful. You get a vast pocket, with organiser, too. The durable water repellent (DWR) coating is PFC-free. NO GOOD… Those mesh panels are in the firing line of spray from the wheels, so if you ride through a puddle, water drips down the inside of the legs. The trousers also wetted through after just an hour of riding, particularly at the seat. Even before it got wet, the three-layer fabric felt clammy, and this worsened when…

Whether your bike’s a full-factory range-topper or has been put together on a tight budget, fitting a set of great performing – or terribly treacherous – tyres can make or break the way it rides. However, finding the right rubber to match your needs isn’t an easy task – there are umpteen options and plenty of variables to consider, from tread pattern to casing width and sidewall thickness to compound, so you need to be clued up to choose the right balance. When it comes to width, our timed testing indicates that 2.6in tyres roll quicker over rough terrain than the 2.3 to 2.5in rubber tested here. However, these fatter tyres aren’t to everyone’s taste, because they can feel bouncy and undamped. Also, unless you have wide rims and enough…

What is layering? Layering is the system of wearing multiple thinner layers of clothing, rather than fewer thicker layers. The idea is that each layer can better perform a specific role, while giving additional flexibility when it comes to warmth and moisture management while you’re out on your bike. The key to comfort is working out the best layers for the conditions. Baselayer The baselayer should be the first you put on and sit right next to the skin. Its purpose is to provide the first layer of insulation and also to wick sweat away from the skin. Baselayers tend to be tight-fitting, because this helps them work more effectively. Natural fibres have the advantage of staying warm when wet, but synthetic weaves breathe better and dry out faster. Midlayers…

Route summary A short but excellent introduction to the North York Moors, with open moorland, wonderful views, some great singletrack and rocky, but not too technical, riding. Start/finish Danby Lodge pay & display car park (postcode YO21 2NA, grid ref NZ 717/084). 1 Turn right out of the car park, then right by the houses, signed to Danby Beacon. Climb this steep road, pass over a cattle grid and turn left, ascending across the moor. Ignore the first trail off to the left (it’s a footpath), keep climbing to the right, then turn off left onto a wide track opposite a road junction on the right. 2 Keep ahead across the moors, to the right of a farm with a small wind turbine. Ride to a road and go right…

Route summary This is a big route even by the standards of the Lake District, which, although not going very high, takes in a lot of climbing and some fun, technical trails along the way. Start/finish Coniston car park (postcode LA21 8EH, grid ref SD 303/976). 1 Turn right out of the car park on the B5285. Over the bridge, join the cycle path beside the road and cross the tarmac by the lake, signed ‘Mon Coniston and Ulverston cycle path 37’. Climb, keep right, ignore the first bridleway on the left and take the second as you start to descend. Ascend to Lawson Park and keep left by the forest edge, up to a track. Go left on this. 2 Head right at the first junction, then left as…

“The Dog and Monkey XC loops have plenty to offer for beginners and more experienced riders alike, and they’re trails that anyone can have fun on. Short punchy climbs are rewarded with flowy trail-centre-style descents filled with rollers and berms that are sure to put a smile on your face while chasing your mates down them. If you’re more like me and are after something a bit more gravity-assisted, you should check out the Stile Cop DH area. It has some great DH tracks littered with various size jumps, drops and berms – you won’t be disappointed!”…

By now you’ve probably figured out which camp you fall into when it comes to e-bikes. Unless you’re a diehard e-hater – in which case we’d highly recommend actually trying one before passing judgment – or an early adopter, who’s already out there enjoying all the ‘more gain, less pain’ (or ‘same pain, even more gain’) benefits of a little electrical assistance, then you’re probably e-curious. That’s to say, there are aspects of e-MTBs that appeal, but you’re put off by the price or weight, see them as an option for later in life, or just aren’t quite sure whether they’re for you. Whatever your current thinking, we’re here to help. Like many mountain bikers, here on MBUK we’ve gone through the whole gamut of feelings regarding e-MTBs, from initial…

01. Because e-bikes are limited to 15.5mph, it means you need to ride them up or down – they aren’t that great on the flat. 02. Otherwise, get one derestricted and use it only on private land. But that’s not practical for most, so you’re probably better off finding some hills. 3. Take a spare battery and ride everywhere in Boost/Turbo mode. You know you want to! 4. Buy a towbar bike rack so you can save your back when transporting them. Unless you have a van, that is. 5. Run e-bike-specific kit, tyres and whatever else you can. You’ll go through stuff much faster than on a normal bike, and more and more e-specific parts are being made these days to address this. Put some cash aside for brake…

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. 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 e-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 provides up to 200 per cent assistance and…

Frame ALUXX SL aluminium alloy, 140mm (5.5in) travel Fork Fox 36 Float Performance Elite FIT4, 150mm (6in) travel Shock Fox Float DPX2 Performance Elite Drivetrain Giant SyncDrive Pro motor with Giant EnergyPak Smart 625W battery, Shimano XTR gearing with Praxis e-Cadet+ cranks (1x12) Wheelset Giant e-TR1 wheels, Maxxis Assegai EXO TR 3C MaxxTerra (f) and Maxxis Dissector EXO+ TR 3C MaxxTerra (r) 29x2.6in tyres Brakes Shimano Deore XT M8120, 203mm rotors Bar/stem Giant Contact 35 Trail, 780mm/Giant Contact SL 35, 50mm Seatpost/saddle Giant Contact Switch 125mm dropper/Liv Sylvia SL Weight 24.2kg (53.3lb), medium size without pedals…

Frame BallisTec carbon fibre front triangle, SmartForm C1 aluminium alloy rear end, 160mm (6.3in) travel Fork RockShox BoXXer Select, 180mm (7.1in) travel Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Select Drivetrain Bosch Performance Line CX motor with 625Wh battery, SRAM GX Eagle with FSA cranks and NX Eagle shifter (1x12) Wheelset WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS rims on Formula hubs, Maxxis Assegai EXO TR 29x2.5in WT tyres Brakes SRAM Code R, 220mm/200mm rotors Bar/stem Cannondale 3, 780mm/ Cannondale 1, 50mm Seatpost/saddle Cannondale DownLow 150mm dropper/Fabric Scoop Shallow Sport Weight 24.6kg (54.2lb), medium size without pedals…