Wolf Tooth’s pliers don’t fit the conventional mountain bike multi tool mould, so can sink their teeth into a wide range of repairs as a result. There’s some howlers when…
Guy Kesteven
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RockShox’ new Reverb might look like a Viagra abuser in Speedos but its huge service interval, big drop option and relatively modest price make it my wireless pick
The new RockShox Reverb AXS wireless dropper post features a longer drop than the old model it replaces. It also boasts a longer service life and a new ‘ActiveRide’ feature…
I’ve hammered Hunt’s superlight Proven Race XC wheels for a year without so much as a baggy spoke, and you don’t need to be an lycra-clad whippet to enjoy them: they’re comfy enough for trail bikes too
At 1260g with carbon spokes, Hunt’s Proven Race XC UD Carbon wheels sound like a time bomb for regular trail use. The only thing these super light, super responsive wheels…
The toughest, most accurate and foolproof mountain bike shift system I’ve ever used: SRAM’s new Eagle 90 Transmission
SRAM’s new Eagle 90 Transmission is the long hoped for cable controlled version of wireless AXS T-Type – that means it’s for battery haters or those on a tighter budget.…
That bunny hopping robot bike is just the beginning: AI and machine learning are coming for your mountain bike… but that’s no bad thing
Mountain bikers have been leaning on motors and batteries to get us up hills for a while, and GPS systems to get us back home safely for even longer. Shimano…
The Bel-Air is old school in looks, but it’s comfy, durable and still one of the best saddles I’ve tested… the leopard print helps too
I fitted SDG’s latest Bel Air V3 saddle for the colours, but stayed for the consistent comfort – SDG has levelled up its V3 saddle with enhanced comfort, a slimmer profile…
I’ve done two winters and over 1,000 miles on Enduro Bearings’ toughest BB, and it’s feeling smoother now than when new
Enduro has been making top quality bike bearings for suspension, headsets and more for years now, but the Maxhit series takes things to the next level. I’ve been testing both…
Ravemen’s primo bike light is almost faultless, with 2400 lumens, 100 minutes run time, and IPX8 waterproofing
Ravemen’s biggest self contained bar light is an excellent mix of useful power, clear accurate battery display and remote controlled modes. It’s tough and totally waterproof, with top up charging…
My favourite helmet light of 2025 is the ‘infinite’ run time Fenix BC26R
A powerful beam of light, switchable battery, multiple mount options, and great warranty make the BC26R one of the best mountain bike lights you can buy right now. Nothing’s perfect…
£30 to watch the downhill?! Why trying to make big money out of mountain bike coverage always fails
We’ve all heard about it, watching the World Cup live this year is going to cost a whole lot more money, as mountain biking gets lumped in with football and…
Exposure’s helmet-tap turn on is genius and makes the Zenith one of the best lights I’ve tested for easy night riding
The Zenith is the most powerful of Exposure’s range of five helmet-mounted options, and we’ve rated it one of the best mountain bike lights for years now. The latest Mk3…
Like taking a floodlight to the trails: Ravemen’s XR6000 bike light turns night into day, but at over half a kilo it’s a beast
Ravemen does a range of self contained PR lights but tops out with this separate head and battery XR set up. It delivers genuine floodlight illumination and plenty of practical…
SQlab’s ONE10 glove might look like a commuter’s claw, but the windchill cover tucks neatly away and I love the wide fit option
SQlab’s ONE10 isn’t like most serious mountain bike gloves, at first glance it looks pretty normal but peer closer and you’ll see a waterproof lobster mitt clever discreetly tucked away…
Night riding season is upon us, but you can do a lot better than Cateye’s AMPP2200 mountain bike light
Cateye has been making bike lights for longer than most, and the AMPP2200 is the brightest of an 11 strong AMPP headlight range. The focused beam makes it OK for…
Manitou’s highly tunable Mattoc Pro fork delivers impressive trail bike performance with minimal maintenance
Manitou is one of the original MTB suspension fork brands alongside RockShox and Marzocchi. It’s been 25 years since it were a top choice for trail use though. Which is…
I’ve tested a dozen lights this winter and Exposure’s Six Pack is literally brilliant… I just wish the mount was more robust
Six Pack is the biggest of Exposure’s self contained bar lights and the MK14 Reflex+ is the equal brightest too. It’s not the smartest or most expensive light Exposure makes,…
The 7Mesh Spruce jacket is so good I’ve basically lived in it all winter
Fellow mbr tester Mick Kirkman rightly raved about the 7Mesh Chilco jacket after I tipped him off about its miraculous weather-beating warmth. For most of my high energy riding the…
No screens, no remote switches, no gimmicks: Lezyne’s Mega Drive 2400+ is one of the best night riding lights I’ve tested this winter
The Mega Drive is the most powerful of Lezyne’s 14 strong bar light arsenal but it’s simple in terms of features. Deliberately so though, the idea is to prioritise brightness,…
In a year of endless tech developments and electronic gizmos, my 2024 MTB Gear of the Year goes back-to-basics with not a battery in sight
Considering how many thousands of bikes I’ve ridden since my first bike test in MBR issue #3 in 1997, the fact that a pair of no-frills trail bikes can still…
Boardman’s new MTR 8.9 is a fast and light hustler of a down-country bike, for less than £2,000
Boardman’s MTR range has been one of our top bargain trail bike recommendations for years. The older model had 150/140mm travel but this latest version drops that to 130mm both…