Alan Muldoon

Bike Test Editor

Canyon Exceed Team CFR

With a single-minded focus on success, Canyon’s new Exceed hardtail is aimed at vanquishing long-distance stage races, such as the Cape Epic, and blitzing short-course XC sprints. Need to know…

voodoo canzo

Voodoo has three full suspension bikes. The Munster at £850, the Voodoo Canzo at £1,000 and the Zobop at £1,250. All three use the same 130mm alloy frame.

calibre bossnut

Since its introduction in 2015, the Calibre Bossnut has been the entry-level full-suspension bike by which all others are measured.

vitus mythique 27

With the introduction of the Vitus Mythique 27, Vitus looks poised to dominate the entry-level full-suspension category just as it dominates hardtails.

Editor’s Choice 2020 The Smith Squad XL is the equivalent of a 70in 4K TV for your face. Boasting pin sharp optical clarity and unhindered panoramic vision, it actually enhances…

YT Izzo

First ride review of the YT Izzo full carbon 130mm travel 29er. YT's 29in trail ripper's got a twist-grip lockout remote - will it turn us on or wind us…

Formula Cura 4

With the latest pads fitted, the Formula Cura 4 is a fantastic brake. Its sleek design masks its raw power and it’s also proven to be 100 per cent reliable.

scott genius

The Scott Genius 920 is definitely a contender If you’re into shredding singletrack, big rides and climbing. It's efficient but it's also a lot of fun.

gt sensor carbon

The GT Sensor Carbon Pro is the top-end bike in 130mm-travel 29er Sensor range. And it bears more than a passing resemblance to the 150mm Force.

cube stereo 150

On the Cube Stereo 150 C:62 SL 29, the C:62 of the mealy-mouthed model name indicates the level of carbon used for the frame construction.

Scott Scale 920

If you’re after a cross country race hardtail with a proven track record, then look no further than the Scott Scale 920.

Mondraker Chrono Carbon R

From the very first pedal stroke, the Mondraker Chrono Carbon R felt purposeful, poised and precise, instantly reacting to the most subtle of rider inputs.

Zipp 3Zero

What’s most interesting about the Zipp 3Zero Moto carbon wheels is weight-saving is a secondary concern; it’s performance that headlines this class act.

whyte s-150c

The Whyte S-150C trail bike continues to impress, even three years after its launch.

If you crave ultimate performance, and personal service from a local shop, the Nukeproof Reactor 290c Elite is the bike to get

Trek Procaliber 9.7

The Trek Procaliber 9.7 crossed our finish line first because it’s the fastest bike on test. And in XC racing, that’s all that counts.