Innehållsförteckning för March 2020 från Mountain Biking UK

GoPro are still by far the most popular action camera brand. Never resting on their laurels, they’re constantly developing and regularly releasing newer and better products – the latest of which is the HERO8 Black. A key update is its improved ‘HyperSmooth 2.0’ image stabilisation – something that’s of utmost importance to mountain bikers filming on rough trails. Hopefully the days of enduring nausea-inducing helmet cam footage will soon be a thing of the past! This stabilisation has three modes – ‘On’, ‘High’ and ‘Boost’ – the first two of which also work for slow-motion footage, so you can get all arty with your edits. There are a host of other software improvements too, to help make your footage look even more professional. Another highlight for MTBers is the updated…

Fabio Wibmer is a YouTube superstar who’s racked up more than 537 million video views (and counting). The 24-year-old Austrian trials rider is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a mountain bike and it’s making for awesome viewing. Snow, tarmac, dirt – seemingly nothing’s out of reach for Fabio and his limitless creativity and imagination. “I take inspiration from a lot of different things, often from different sports like BMX or skating and even parkour,” Fabio tells us. “If I see someone doing a trick, I always think about how I could recreate it on my bike. Music inspires me as well. All sorts of everyday situations can become a base for creative ideas.” So, how did it start for Canyon Bicycles’ newest signing? “I was always kind of…

Specialized’s Turbo Levo SL is the lightest e-bike of its kind. While most full-suspension e-MTBs tip the scales at well over 20kg, weights for this new model start from as little as 16.9kg (S-Works spec, small size) – not much more than some enduro bikes. The Expert build we tested was 18kg, in XL. This strict diet is intended to make the SL feel more like a ‘normal’ mountain bike than the regular Levo does. Specialized have done this by shrinking the battery capacity to 250Wh and using a lighter motor, which weighs just 1.9kg and, because it’s more compact, allows for shorter 437mm chainstays too. The pedalling assistance is limited to 250w (the standard Levo can deliver up to 530w), but alongside improved motor efficiency, this helps maintain an…

THE COCKPIT PROPORTIONS, SLACK HEAD ANGLE AND CAPABLE FORK LEAD IT DOWN STEEP DESCENTS WITH SURPRISING CONFIDENCE AND SPEED. IT ISN’T OUT OF ITS DEPTH GETTING AIRBORNE EITHER £1,000 Top-value carbon giant-slayer We’re big fans of the alloy-framed, £650 VooDoo Bizango, but when Halfords revealed they were making a carbon fibre version, we were sceptical. We weren’t initially convinced that a change of frame material would add much to the cost-effective recipe. However, it turns out that the Bizango Carbon’s got many other potent ingredients in there too. The frame There’s nothing to reflect the Bizango Carbon’s low price here. The frame looks sleek, with smooth lines, neat internal cable routing, modern geometry and Boost axle spacing to match that of far more high-end bikes. The frame is 1x-specific (meaning…

With no rear suspension, hardtails are instead defined by their geometry and componentry. Affordable beginner bikes will often have quite conservative geometry and basic kit, while more specialised ‘hardcore’ options will have longer-and-slacker geometry and burlier parts to help them handle better at speed and in the rough. PROS They’re good value for money, with better parts than equivalently-priced full-sussers There’s less to go wrong Without the safety-net of rear suspension, you’re forced to ride well and choose smooth lines CONS You don’t get the same level of rear-wheel grip and traction, and there’s nothing to absorb bigger impacts The rigid rear end can make them uncomfortable, although clever tube shaping and use of frame materials such as steel and titanium can mitigate this…

You can get much more for your money and pick up a real bargain by buying second-hand, but it’s easy to get caught out if you’re not savvy. Here are some things to watch out for: FRAME Check scrupulously for fatigue marks on the paint, cracks and dents. Cycle the bike through its travel and pull the rear wheel from side to side to check the state of the pivot bearings and shock bushings. SUSPENSION AND DROPPER POST Ask to see the service record and question how frequently the oil/seals have been changed. DRIVETRAIN Examine the wear using a chain checker. If the chain is very old, you may have to budget for a new cassette and chainring too. WHEELS Do they spin true? Check for dents and dings. If…

Twenty-five-year-old Joe is a pro rider supported by Royal Racing and DT Swiss. He started racing downhill aged 13 and went on to travel the globe on the World Cup circuit, before making the switch to enduro, joining the EWS scene in 2017. Joe’s been coaching and guiding for a few years, helping others to improve their riding and to have more fun on their bikes – which is what he feels it’s all about. To find out more about Joe’s coaching sessions, contact him on Instagram (@joe__connell).…

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 ED THOMSETT Always on the hunt for new technical challenges, Ed gives his gear some serious abuse 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…

Being bedbound for a week with flu meant my year’s riding didn’t get off to a good start. With that behind me, it was great to hop on the Trek around my local trails (Rowberrow Warren in the Mendip Hills) and really open the taps. It’s actually the first place I ever rode a full-sus, so it was fun to go back with more experience and a better bike. The Fuel EX’s predictable handling made me feel brave enough to try some riskier stuff. I still crashed loads of times, but the blame was squarely on me – and the slippery trails – this time, rather than the bike! www.trekbikes.com…

ANTIBACTERIAL TREATMENT Also known as antimicrobial treatments, these are used to stop synthetic fabrics becoming smelly quickly. New versions are very effective – look for ones marked as ‘permanent’ for best performance. ARTICULATED With an articulated cut, sleeves (or legs) are shaped to follow the bend of your elbows (or knees) when you’re in an active position on the bike, rather than being left straight. This is generally more comfy and prevents the fabric riding up or bunching. SEAMLESS KNIT This is when the body of a top is knitted in the round (just like a sock) so that there are no side seams, making for a more comfortable garment. THERMAL MAPPING Also known as body mapping or variable knit, this is the process of knitting fabric that’s denser and…

E-bikes are most enjoyable to ride when the motor is working to assist you, not when you’re working against the otherwise heavy bike. Gearing is an area that plays a big part in how the bike performs and how the motor delivers its power. 01 SPIN IT TO WIN IT Gradual climbs on a non-electric trail bike can be attacked in a relatively hard gear, with a lower RPM and a grinding pedal stroke. However, this approach won’t prove as effective on an e-bike. Less torque through the pedals and a higher cadence (RPM) will bring the motor alive and let the bike pull with you. 02 PATIENCE PAYS OFF Steep, sharp climbs require a hard attack on a trail bike. However, e-bikes reward patience in these situations. Set the…

1 Ideal width After surveying our test team about their preferred bar widths and comparing it with their heights and arm spans, we found no clear correlation, suggesting that proportions don’t always dictate ideal bar width. That said, taller riders generally prefer wider bars. All of our staff like bars at least 760mm wide. 2 Try before you cut If you have lock-on grips with a collar at each end, you can simulate having a narrower bar by loosening them, sliding them inboard and retightening them. Go for a gentle spin to get a feel for the difference – we’d strongly recommend against proper riding with any of the handlebar protruding from the grips. 3 Get chopping If you definitely want a narrower bar (remember, you can’t make them wider!),…

FAMILY-FRIENDLY The classic Ladybower Loop, circumnavigating the Ladybower Reservoir, is long but uses virtually flat trails (aside from a steep climb at the start). It follows a quiet tarmac lane and a well-kept gravel track. MOUNTAIN CLIMBING Jacob’s Ladder is the climb that many riders dream of conquering. Most mere mortals will falter on the first steep, loose section, but clear that and you’re in with a chance of getting through the rutted middle bit too. There’s a sting in the tail though – after negotiating the rock steps, a rough, stony track to the top stands in your way. Can you join local pro Nick Craig and clear it all? TOUGH DESCENTS The Beast: This rocky horror show is undoubtedly the best-known trail in the area, for good reason.…

“We get so damn comfortable with the world around us,” asserts photographer Tristan Tinn. “Staying in the same familiar places and going about our everyday lives, it’s easy to slip into autopilot, lose concentration and process less. It sounds clichéd, but studies have shown that new experiences can slow the mind’s perception of time.” The solution, he suggests, is to drop your life down a gear – taking time to travel, see new places and view things differently. “Life is inspiring and should be examined in more depth,” says Tristan. “I’ve tried to do this with my photography and, thanks to new technology such as drones, have been getting a new perspective on some familiar places. Winters in the Lake District can be cold and bleak, but also extraordinarily beautiful.…

DANNY MACASKILL Trials riding’s biggest star, this young Scot became an instant internet sensation when his first video went viral in 2009. He followed it up with a string of great edits, the latest of which, Danny MacAskill’s Gymnasium, is another must-watch. TRAVIS PASTRANA Possibly the world’s biggest action sports star, Travis is a man of many talents. He made a name for himself in motocross and rallying, runs the Nitro Circus TV show/tour and has even jumped out of a plane without a parachute!…

1 Klean Kanteen Insulated TKPro vacuum flask A must-have for keeping your hot drinks piping and your cold drinks icy. This luxury metal flask will reportedly retain its heat for up to 28 hours.£39.95(750ml)www.kleankanteen.co.uk 2 Tea colour chart There’s someone in every office who’s seemingly unable to make a decent cup of tea. Educate them and get a perfect brew every time by choosing your colour from a chart ranging from ‘Skimmed Alive’ to ‘Peanut Safari’ (our preference). £35www.tea-chart.co.uk 3 HuskeeCup with lid Reduce your waste by taking a reusable coffee cup out with you. The HuskeeCup contains no plastic and is made from coffee husks (a by-product of the milling process).£14.49(8oz)www.huskcups.co.uk 4 Breakfluid Beverage T-shirt Show your love of coffee with a stylish tee or hoodie from the Breakfluid…

Bike of the Year testing is well underway! This year’s competition is spit into ‘trail’ and ‘enduro’ categories, with 10 bikes for each. Tom and Rob are working flat-out to prepare for the final showdown in Spain. All will be revealed in our next issue. Urban DH is coming to Scotland! The Border Telegraph reports that a major event with international riders and TV coverage is being planned for Selkirk. It’s expected to take place around the end of August. JCW has been getting in lots of laps of our local Ashton Court and Leigh Woods trails (thanks to his new e-bike) and is amazed by how many riders he’s seen every time. It seems that loads of you are getting out in the winter months, and that’s great to…

STAR LETTER DOCTOR’S ORDERS Six months before hitting midlife-crisis age (45 years old), my GP scared me with the news that my blood pressure was off the charts, and I was at risk of a stroke or heart attack. It definitely made me take my biking more seriously. I’d been riding with my 71-year-old dad, but when he dislocated his replacement knee gardening, it pushed me to seek out some new riding companions. Armed with a new Marin Rift Zone (that I got through the Cycle to Work scheme), I thought I’d try a group ride. I contacted my local MTB group through Facebook and they invited me along on their Christmas social ride. I was suitably festive on the day – with antlers on my helmet, and tinsel and…

Cross-country bikes are enjoying a resurgence, with a slew of rad rigs hitting the market that are ready to take on the techiest tracks as well as rocket up the climbs. Orbea’s Oiz is an XC racer at heart, but the Spanish brand offer some optional spec upgrades that’ll help it make short work of your local trails too. The frame The Oiz’s carbon fibre frame delivers 100mm of rear wheel travel via a linkage-actuated single-pivot design that relies on lightweight, flexible stays, rather than a pivot above the rear axle. There are all the usual internal cable-routing options, including for a dropper post, as well as for the shock’s bar-mounted ‘Squidlock’ compression-damping lever, which lets you firm up the rear end on the fly. You also get two bottle…

#1 HOW MUCH TRAVEL DO YOU NEED? It’s essential to establish early on what sort of trails you intend to ride and on what terrain you want your bike to excel. This will help you decide what category of bike you need. Unless you’re set on a hardtail or fatbike (see panels), the easiest way to define the categories is in terms of suspension travel. Roughly speaking… 60-110mm: Cross-country race bike Trail types: Fast-flowing, smooth. Excels: Climbing and acceleration. 110-130mm: Cross-country/trail bike Trail types: Manmade loops and less rocky natural routes. Excels: Covering distance fast. 130-160mm: Trail bike Trail types: More technical tracks with some bigger features. Excels: Equally capable up and downhill. 160-180mm: Enduro bike Trail types: Steep, gnarly off-piste; rocky tech; bike park tracks. Excels: Rapid on the…

Fatbikes with monster 3.5-5in tyres have a devout following in the bikepacking community, but unless you ride on sand or snow (and have a penchant for bushy beards and craft beer), they’re heavy, slow and the handling takes some getting used to. ‘Plus-size’ 2.8-3in tyres caused a big buzz a couple of years ago, promising some of the fatbike benefits, but with less weight and rolling resistance. They make sense for hardtails, where their extra volume and bounce adds comfort, but tyre brands struggled to deliver the right balance of strength, stability, grip and weight to satisfy more aggressive riders. Most manufacturers seem to have settled on 2.4-2.6in tyres as the best compromise for their trail and enduro bikes. If you’re still tempted by a plus bike, be warned that…

More and more brands are cutting out bike shops and distributors and selling directly to their customers, via the internet. As a buyer, there are both advantages and disadvantages. PROS You’ll get more for your money. By cutting out the middlemen, brands such as YT Industries, Canyon, Commencal, Radon and Vitus can turn out top-performing bikes with impressive build kits at extremely competitive prices Buying a new bike is quick, easy and can be done from the comfort of your sofa CONS There’s less chance to try before you buy. While some direct-sale brands hold occasional demo days, it’s not as convenient as dropping into your local shop and sitting on a range of different bikes. Don’t underestimate the value of this, especially if you’re unsure exactly what it is…

Chasing Joe down the hill reveals a wealth of information, especially if you’re looking for it. The devil’s in the detail. It’s how he straightens out a kink in the trail, tucks low and hugs the smooth edge of the track, or brakes early and carries his momentum through the turn. It’s the idea that every metre of the trail requires your attention and that you need the right tactics to make smart decisions, ticking off each one as quickly as possible. AS WE PLUMMET DOWN THE HILL, WE DIVE INTO THE SWIRLING CLOUDS STILL HUGGING THE VALLEY FLOOR RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB It’s this knowledge that I want to tap into to improve my racing, especially in enduro, where I struggle to be competitive. I’ve completed a half-dozen…

PRO Pressure Checker Digital £19.99 SO GOOD… PRO’s small gauge covers the basics well. It fits both Schrader and Presta valves, albeit using a removable adapter. The display is easy to read, and there’s a pressure-release button so you can make minor adjustments. It’s light enough to throw in a pocket for trail use. NO GOOD… The valve is prone to leaking and it’s a little tough to pull off the valve too. The lack of a swivel head makes it less practical than some if you’re left-handed. It measures in psi and bar only (like many in this test). The screen isn’t illuminated. Its plastic body has a slightly cheap, brittle feel. www.freewheel.co.uk Fabric Accubar £34.99 SO GOOD… This is the only device here that can be used in-line…

My first rides on the Cannondale have been local ones on Salisbury Plain. With the area’s usual military war-games on hold over winter, miles of usually-inaccessible trails are opened up. But they’re muddy and rutted, so it’s on with some more substantial tyres and mudguards. A Crud XL Fender up front and a rear Mudhugger have worked brilliantly together. The Mudhugger, in particular, has made the difference between post-ride trousers you could grow vegetables on and ones that are ready to wear again without cleaning. www.cannondale.com…

From the very first ride, one bike here didn’t put a foot wrong. Calibre’s latest Triple B has improved geometry, a good-looking chassis and even better parts bolted on. Rather than just making the most of a meagre budget, this modern 130mm-travel trail bike is genuinely fun to ride and encourages way more than just getting some old-school miles in. The Triple B’s value-to-performance ratio is so good that you can power it uphill and tear down even technical enduro trails without compromise, thanks to its great shape and balanced, supple and supportive suspension. The other brands here simply don’t juggle the complicated matrix of price-constrained parts, geometry and handling quite as sweetly. Vitus’s new Mythique looked incredibly promising, until we rode it hard and the X-Fusion shock straight-up died.…

FLATLOCK SEAMS Easily identified by the visible stitching on the outside of garments, these make for a more comfortable finish, especially on anything designed to be close-fitting or worn under a pack. RAGLAN SLEEVE A construction method with no seam across the top of the shoulder, which gives more freedom of movement, making it especially good for bike kit. HIGH NECK Essential for the coldest conditions, this adds extra comfort under jackets and seals in warmth. Look for a zip opening to add a fast cooling option when needed. THUMB LOOPS Not just to keep your hands warmer, but thumb loops or thumb holes are great for holding your sleeves in place when you’re layering up. RELAXED FIT Performance fabrics and an easier fit make for a versatile piece that…

MAKING IT CLICK Q I’ve just purchased a secondhand 2018 Saracen Myst Team (an insane machine!). It’s got a Fox 40 fork up front, which I’m running at 53psi, and a Fox Float X2 shock out back, currently at 150psi. You can adjust the high- and low-speed compression damping at both ends. There’s a single rebound dial on the fork plus high- and low-speed rebound adjustment on the shock. My question is, can you add more clicks of damping without needing to change the air pressure, or do you have to adjust that at the same time? I mostly ride at bike parks (Revolution, BikePark Wales, Black Mountains Cycle Centre, etc), so how many clicks would you recommend for that sort of riding? Veronica Rathbone, via email A First off,…

Even off-season, Castleton village draws a decent number of outdoor types, who benefit from the quieter trails and easy parking. I actually prefer riding here away from peak times, because the harsher weather seems to suit the rough and rugged scenery, and I like having the trails to ourselves. After making the most of the cafe, we head out of the village, aiming for 517m-high Mam Tor. The name means ‘Mother Hill’ – so-called because frequent landslips have resulted in multiple mini-hills beneath it. While the road that traversed it was officially closed in 1979, it’s still open to cyclists – although you need to be careful of the hidden drops! At the top, a big puddle forces our tired legs to produce one more burst of power to get…

ACCOMMODATION Where to base yourself: The villages of Hope and Castleton are slap-bang in the middle of some great trails and share an abundance of amenities. Castleton offers more parking and a nice selection of pubs, shops and cafes, while Hope has a railway station, bike shop and even more good eateries. Best on a budget:  Adventure Pedlars (www.adventure pedlars.com) offer bunkhouse accommodation near Castleton and are set up specifically for cyclists (with a workshop, etc). They also hire out kit for bikepacking adventures and arrange glamping trips. YHA Castleton Losehill Hall is another good low-budget option, with dorm and private rooms, as well as a camping barn, situated in a lovely building and grounds (0345 371 9628, www.yha. org.uk). Pindale Farm has a campsite and electric hook-ups, plus self-catering…

Route summary A full-on, relentless ride that’s loaded with steep, punishing climbs and technical, rocky descents, and skirts around the picturesque Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs along the way Start/finish Upper Derwent Visitor Centre car park (grid ref SK172/893, postcode S33 0AQ) 1 Exit the car park and go right at the roundabout, past a gate. Continue along the foot of the dam. The track bears right and climbs to a T-junction. Go ahead/ right here. When you see a gate ahead, pass through another one on the left, onto some flagstones, uphill. 2 Go through the gates past a shelter and uphill over some rocks. Proceed through a gate onto open moorland, then through the next gate, where the trail bears right. Keep right at the fork just after and…

LUKE MARSHALL Our staff writer was stoked to ride in such rad company and came away very impressed VERONIQUE SANDLER Queen of the Vision Line, who’s pushing women’s riding forward outside the tapes JAMES FOSTER The man with the plan. James owns, digs and lives Revolution LEO SANDLER Leo’s one of the most stylish riders around, throwing some truly wild shapes in the air DANNY BATEMAN Trail crewman Danny is fully committed on a bike, and his style is wild and awesome to watch HARRY HEATH This ex-pro racer turned Revs trail crewman is still a force to be reckoned with on a bike LEE RANN The mechanic who keeps the uplift vehicles running and isn’t fond of door-slammers…

Supercross is the pinnacle of moto racing, held in front of huge crowds on highly-technical indoor tracks with 20 riders battling bar-to-bar. It usually takes a lifetime of dedication to get to this level – but, after a bet with his Pivot teammate Eddie Masters, Surrey Hills shredder Bernard Kerr almost made it to the big league after just four years of MX! The 2015 King of Crankworx attempted to qualify for the 250cc class at the 2020 AMA Supercross Championship opening round in Anaheim, California. All was going well in practice and Mr Supercross himself, seven-time champion Jeremy McGrath, even loaned him a bike. But then, at sign-on, the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation) stopped him from racing, even after he’d required all the necessary licences and spent a month…

“Pre-season training is always a complicated process to plan. It shouldn’t be, because in theory you should know what works and when to do it, and it’s as simple as sticking to the formula. But in elite sport that’s never the case. Every year holds fresh complications and challenges to overcome. There are seasons that have one-off early races that you have to be fit for, then you have to hold that fitness over long periods of no racing. There are injuries that have to be fully recovered and rehabilitated before you can properly start training, last-minute sponsor commitments that have to be built into the plan, and many more unknowns. But it’s these challenges that keep you motivated and keep your training fresh. “This year I’ve been working hard…

You only have to look at Nico Vink – with his long hair, missing teeth and propensity for wearing motocross roost guards – to know he rides hard! The wild Belgian first appeared on our radar at the DH World Cups back in the early 2000s. Our earliest memory of him is seeing Nico ripping down the hill on a black and orange B1, alongside his teammate, the legendary Dutchman, Bas de Bever. Despite 15 years of top-level racing, it was always Nico’s all-round bike skills that made him stand out and, since retiring, his name’s become synonymous with building and hitting monster jumps. As well as being a Red Bull Rampage veteran, Nico’s a core member of the FEST Series tour and the crazy mind behind Loosefest XL in…

Bikes and black ice are never a good combination, as this ankle dislocation by Kerry Jeavons proves. Kerry was halfway round a lap of Whinlatter in the Lake District with her boyfriend Rich when she hit a patch of ice. “Kerry tried to correct it, but couldn’t keep it upright and fell, breaking her tibia and fibula, and dislocating her ankle,” Rich explains. “The ironic thing is, it was on a section of trail called ‘More adrenaline please!’” It was a hectic day for the Keswick Mountain Rescue team, who were called out to help with a total of three broken ankles. In Kerry’s case, they put her ankle back in place right there on the hill before stretchering her off. The operation to pin the joint went well and…

UK dirt-jump veterans Identiti’s first foray into the full-sus market was with 2017’s Mettle – a no-frills, alloy-framed enduro rig with 160mm of rear travel, designed in conjunction with the late Michael Bonney (of Orange Bikes fame). They’ve made some small adjustments for 2020, tweaking the geometry, revising the build kits and – thankfully! – losing the eye-assaulting purple and yellow colour scheme. The frame The basic shape of the Mettle is unchanged. It still rolls on 650b wheels and the kinematics of the four-bar Horst link rear end are the same, as are the metric-sized shock, Boost hub spacing and easy-to-maintain external cable routing. The geometry has been updated though, with the effective seat angle being steepened by a degree (to 76 degrees) to aid seated climbing and the…

Few brands still make true women’s-specific bikes, with bespoke geometry and suspension tunes – Canyon and Liv being two notable exceptions. Most argue that women’s requirements from a bike are much the same as similarly-proportioned men’s, so their ‘women’s bikes’ are simply unisex models with a different saddle and paintjob. We’ll look at this in more depth in our biketest next issue. Opting for a unisex bike opens up more choice, and you can adapt them by fitting a women’s saddle, trimming the bar down and bolting on thinner grips.…

Most bikes have got longer and slacker over the past few years, as the bigger manufacturers catch up with the progressive geometry pioneered by the likes of Mondraker. But brands such as Nicolai/ GeoMetron, Pole, Airdrop and Privateer (a new venture from the people behind Hunt wheels) are making bikes with notably more extreme head angles and reaches than is the (new) norm. While this super-progressive geometry has potential advantages in terms of control and stability, especially on fast and steep enduro-style tracks, it’s less suited to flatter terrain and the slightly altered riding style required to reap the benefits won’t suit everyone. If you’re curious about experimenting with a super-long bike, we’d recommend taking one for a demo ride before buying.…

“Luke’s a solid rider, so technique wasn’t too much of an issue here. His history in downhill racing means he’s happy to attack steep sections of trail, but enduro racing isn’t downhill – it’s quite a different beast. It was great to be able to share a few tips that can help Luke improve. Whatever your fitness level, you’ve got to be smart about where you expend your energy (more so if you have less of it). This is something for Luke to think about – tucking, saving his grip strength and being smart with his line choice. Additionally, thinking about where to brake and where to pedal are two things for him to get stuck into.”…

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. 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,…

When the box your bike comes in says ‘engineered 2 party’ on the side, you know it’s a good sign! Until this year, I’d never ridden a Transition for more than a few short test runs, but the brand’s fun-loving ethos has always appealed to me. It could be the video edits they pump out – usually of dudes hammering their bikes flat-out into soft, loamy turns in the Pacific North West – or maybe it’s because when I raced the Trans BC Enduro in Canada a couple of years ago, all the fastest privateers appeared to be riding Transitions. Having said that, it could just be because the American brand seem to build bikes that are simple, elegant and burly all at the same time, with geometry which, while…

I spent a good amount of time aboard the top-end S-Works Enduro at the tail-end of 2019 and really enjoyed it, so I was keen to try the most affordable model Specialized offer. At £9k, the S-Works bike is unattainable for most of us. The Comp model may cost half as much, but it’s still not cheap. While you get a full-carbon frame, the kit is decent but not jaw-dropping. I want to see how the cheaper RockShox fork and shock perform, and to know if a bike that costs half the price as the top model is actually half as good to ride. www.specialized.com…

The layer of clothing next to your body is the most important one, in terms of comfort. This is especially true when the temperature drops, because once you stop working hard, any moisture on your skin will quickly get cold and chill you – as you’ll soon find when you get to the top of a climb and stop for a snack or to wait for your mates. A good baselayer not only wicks sweat away from your skin, it also has the capacity to disperse it to your outer layers. This is due to a combination of the fibres used and the way the baselayer is constructed. Broadly speaking, the fibres can be synthetic or natural. Synthetic fibres can be manufactured with hollow channels to aid the wicking process…

Gore Windstopper £64.99 The clue is very much in the name here. As well as having the wicking performance you’d expect, the Gore baselayer is windproof. If that sounds like an incongruous feature in something designed to be worn as an underlayer, bear with us. The wicking element comes from polypropylene, which is extremely efficient at whisking sweat away from your skin. Overlay that with Gore’s water-resistant Windstopper panels on the front, sleeves, shoulders and kidneys, and it’s a top that works from the outside as well as the inside. This has proved the perfect winter base for those days when it’s cold but dry so you don’t want to layer up with a waterproof. Worn with a lightweight insulated jacket, it makes for the perfect combination – the jacket…

Self-made snacks will always trump shop-bought ones in terms of price, personalisation and taste. This is Chris Kilmurray’s pistachio and coffee energy-slice recipe, which he describes as: “The tastiest and most customisable way to keep energy levels on-point during any ride – whatever the duration!” Below is the ‘base’ recipe. By changing the ingredients that bring the key flavours, you can get whatever taste you want from this delicious all-natural energy bar. INGREDIENTS • 200g dates (soaked) • 225g oats • 75g pistachio nuts • 80g dark chocolate (80%) • 1 tsp sea salt • 25g ground almonds • 2 tbsp honey • 1 tbsp ground coffee METHOD • Soak the dates for at least two hours, then de-pip them. • Pre-heat the oven to 180°C (gas mark 4). •…

1 Bar height takes experimentation to get right, so that your body is in a good position and your weight is well distributed. For trail/enduro riding, a good starting point is to set the grips so they’re level with (or slightly below) the saddle at full pedalling height. 2 To adjust bar height, remove the top-cap bolt, loosen the stem’s steerer clamp bolts and slide it off. Put spacers below the stem to increase bar height or vice versa. Refit the stem, tighten the top-cap, align the stem and do up the steerer bolts to the recommended torque. 3 Consider bar roll. Rolling it forward puts your weight towards the front of the bike and vice versa. Start with the bar tips pointing a few degrees up from horizontal. Loosen…

LOCATION The Peak District was the first place in the UK to gain National Park status. It’s made up of the White Peak to the south and the higher and wilder Dark Peak to the north, which is where our weekend of great riding is based. www.peakdistrict.gov.uk WHY COME HERE? Thanks to its central location, the Peak District is accessible to many. With steep, rocky terrain, superb technical trails and stunning views, it’s home to a wealth of great mountain biking. The increasing number of bridleways being opened to cyclists has also added options for less experienced riders. There’s a wide range of facilities, from camping to hotels and week-long cottage rentals, plus numerous cafes, pubs and shops catering for outdoor types. The cycling community is strong, with guides, events,…

Route summary This ride can be either a gentle introduction to this rugged terrain, or you can include some optional extensions to add some rougher stuff. The simpler version does feature some tough climbs and rocky descents, but it never gets too remote or wild Start/finish Castleton Visitor Centre car park (grid ref SK 149/830, postcode S33 8WN) 1 Turn right out of the car park, leave Castleton and keep ahead/ right at the fork. Head past all the layby parking, climbing gradually. Go straight at the end of the official road, climbing more steeply, and bear left through a gate. Be careful along here, because there are multiple hidden drop-offs. 2 Climb to the top and join the tarmac. Keep ahead and proceed to a T-junction. Turn right. Take…

Route summary A superb out-and-back ride, with some excellent technical, rocky singletrack out in the high, bleak, barren moorland. If you’re feeling tough, add it onto the northernmost point of the ‘I like it hard’ route Start/finish Upper Derwent Visitor Centre car park (grid ref SK172/893, postcode S33 0AQ) 1 Exit the car park and head to the roundabout. Go right, past a gate (closed to traffic) and down a slight hill to pass the foot of the dam wall. Bear right and continue uphill to a T-junction. Turn sharply left here, on a bridleway. Head through a gate, after which the route becomes an off-road track along the edge of the Derwent Reservoir. 2 At the other end of the reservoir, the track becomes narrower as you go through…

TRAIL STATS Distance: 13 trails, up to 2km Climbing: All uplift-accessed Time: 2 minutes 25 seconds for Danny Hart (2019 national champion), longer for the rest of us Grading: Red, black and pro lines WHY RIDE HERE? Everything from steep, technical downhills to flowing jump lines. A serious gravity bike park. RAD… The uplift is fast and efficient There are lots of trails to test your skills on The jumps are well-built and maintained BAD… There are no easier trails While there is shelter, there are no indoor facilities…

“The best way to ride here is to start easy, warm up and inspect the trails first. You can fit loads of runs in, so don’t rush. There’s probably a lot more than you think, so take the time to look around. Make sure your brakes work and have plenty of pad life left. If it’s wet, you can wear away a lot of material with the sheer number of runs you can hammer out. Oh, and don’t forget the complimentary flapjack with your burger order!”…

GETTING THERE From the south, take the A5 west from Shrewsbury. From the north, take the A483 and A5 around Oswestry. Then go left on the A495, then the B4396. Turn right on the B4391 to Llangynog. Turn left and the bike park is on your left. Postcode SY10 0HJ. FACILITIES Parking, food van, toilets, bike shop and bike wash. NEARBY BIKE SHOPS Revo Bikes is on-site. www.revo-bikes.com CONTACT www.revolutionbike park.co.uk WHAT ELSE IS NEARBY? Antur Stiniog –This uplift-accessed venue is built around an old slate quarry in Snowdonia, with all-weather trails suitable for both DH and trail bikes. They also offer bike hire and have a DH centre with a cafe, shop, workshop, showers and bike wash. Dyfi Bike Park –The Athertons’ personal playground is now open to the…