The switch to aluminium not only expands the range, it also means the Merida One-Sixty now comes in four frame sizes rather than being restricted to three.
Alan Muldoon
Bike Test Editor
Saracen Ariel Elite (2018) review
New Saracen Ariel Elite has suspension and character influenced by the Myst downhill bike and it’s gained a new sense of purpose.
Ancilotti Scarab Evo 29 first ride
The Ancilotti Scarab Evo 29 is the mountain bike equivalent of Savile Row and takes customisation a step further than most.
Commencal Meta TR V4.2 Essential (2018) review
We crowned the Commencal Meta TR our 2017 27.5in Trail Bike of the Year. A lot has changed in a year so has Commencal done enough to retain its crown?
Giant Trance 2 (2018) review
There’s a directness to the ride of the Giant Trance 2 that makes it feel very efficient and fluid. And it doesn’t trade big hit capacity to achieve it.
Merida One Forty 700 (2018) review
Modern geometry and 2.6in tyres make the new Merida One Forty 700 trail bike a delight to ride. Joins a line-up featuring One Twenty and One Sixty.
Canyon Spectral CF 8.0 (2018) review
Make no mistake, the new Canyon Spectral CF 8.0 isn’t just a facelift with a nip here and a tuck there to extend the shelf life of an existing platform.
2019 RockShox Lyrik RC2 not available in coil because air version feels sooo nice
RockShox launches a new RockShox Lyrik RC2 with key improvements to the air spring that will be introduced across Pike, Yari and Revelation.
RockShox Revelation RC Debonair suspension fork review
With the switch to 35mm upper tubes, the RockShox Revelation RC is now in line with the Pike. And it’s just the shot in the arm it needed.
Merida Big Trail 500 review
The Merida Big Trail 500 frame certainly looks modern, with its compact rear triangle, Boost 148mm dropouts, hourglass head tube and low-slung top tube.
Norco Fluid 1 HT review
The Norco Fluid 1 HT strikes a great balance between performance and value. Low BB height makes you feel more in the bike and boosts stability.
YT unveils two new Capras, including a 170mm travel 29er
While the name remains the same, everything about the design of the new 2018 YT Industries Capra has changed, even the YT logo gets a refresh.
Specialized Enduro Pro 29 (2018) review
With its recently revised geometry the 2018 Specialized Enduro Pro 29 now has the attitude and riding position to capitalize on its 165mm travel.
Orbea Rallon M-Team (2018) review
Orbea Rallon combines efficient pedalling dynamics with light weight and it feels like a very capable 29er trail bike with enduro race bike geometry.
Whyte G-170 S (2018) review
The new Whyte G-170 S is smooth, composed and balanced. It is easy to set-up and even easier to ride flat-out. A full-blown gravity focused race weapon.
Nukeproof Mega 275 Comp (2018) review
Nukeproof has done an amazing job with the new Nukeproof Mega 275 Comp. The geometry and sizing are on point, the specification is on the money.
Trek Remedy 9.8 (2018) first ride
We’ve been impressed by the sensitivity of Trek’s RE:aktiv dampers from RockShox and Fox, but the Trek Remedy brings sensitivity to another level.
Nukeproof Mega 275 Factory (2018) first ride
There’s a tightness to the Nukeproof Mega 275 Factory that makes it easy to pick a line and stick to it. Confident hitting tracks flat out from the get go.
Homegrown hardtails: Nukeproof vs Orange vs Whyte
UK woodland is the natural habitat of humble hardcore hardtails, so we've picked three Brit-built rigs to hammer around our home turf.
Orange Crush S review
Revised specification and pricing within the Crush range makes the Crush Pro £2K, but the entry-level Crush S has also been upgraded to fill the void.