The latest issue of MBR is out now, and as ever it’s packed full of inspiring ideas and routes to help you find new places to get out and ride. Here’s what you’ll find inside MBR May 2023.
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On the cover
GeeMan puts the latest Atherton bike to the test, out in Moab. Photographer: Moonhead, June 2023
Features
Gee Atherton at Red Bull Hardline. Dan Griffiths / Red Bull Content Pool
Gee Atherton
We talk to mountain biking’s primo hardman about crashing on the Knife Edge, racing Hardline with a broken leg, and the joy of crumpets.
Why we ride
What is it that makes us climb aboard a bike and pedal it around the woods, even in the grimmest of conditions? Take a deep dive into the mountain biker’s psyche and figure out if it’s the adrenaline, the escape, or the post-ride beer.
Bikes and Gear
First Rides
First rides on the Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite e-bike, Rotwild R.X275 lightweight eeb, and Shimano’s EP801 motor and Auto Shift.
Longtermers
Sean fettles his fit on the Sonder Signal hardtail, and it’s verdict time on Ben’s Privateer 141 Ohlins. Plus updates on the Pivot Firebird Pro and Specialized Kenevo SL.
Product
The new Troy Lee Designs Flowline MIPS Helmet
Hope’s ultra-short 155mm Evo Crank on test, plus the Topeak Smartguage D2, Shimano PD-ME700 pedal, Squirt cleaner, TLD Flowline helmet, Specialized 2FO DH shoe, and loads more.
Tested: Wheels
Five wheelsets on test this month from just £350, offering increased zip, feel and control all without breaking the bank.
Biketest: Hardcore hardtails
Three high end British hardtails reviewed: the Identiti Aka XT/LTD, Nukeproof Scout Elite 290 and Whyte 909 X.
Bikes in this issue:
- Identiti Aka XT/LTD
- Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite
- Nukeproof Scout Elite 290
- Pivot Firebird Pro
- Privateer 141 Ohlins
- Production Privee Shan 5
- Rotwild R.X275
- Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL Comp
- Sonder Signal ST GX
- Whyte 909 X
How to
Buzz: Training for e-bikes
E-bikes take a fair bit more muscling around than your average bike, so it pays to make your body strong enough to take the strain. Fit4Racing’s Jonny Thompson shows us how to improve our upper body power.
Skills: Race ready Part 1
Enduro, XC, downhill or just racing your mates, Dirt School has the moves to get you fit for the race season ahead.
The Buzz: Future Pros
Our pick of the newest and most interesting bikes and gear for little shredders.
Column: Guy Kesteven
Trail centres were once the bright new future of mountain biking, but where are they today when most of us prefer ‘cheeky’ trails or private bike parks? Never short of an opinion, Guy has a theory.