Jamie Darlow

Front Section Editor

VHS 2.0 Slapper Tape

The VHS 2.0 Slapper Tape is miles better than those neoprene guides you can buy online, but it’s also more than twice as pricey as most of them.

Gary Fisher on a hillside desolate

The godfather of mountain biking tells us about his Hollywood history, inventing the first klunkers, and his plans for a global trail network.

Smith Mainline helmet

The Smith Mainline helmet boasts excellent air flow, a reasonable weight and some of the best looks I’ve seen on a full face helmet.

Troy Lee Designs Skyline Air short

The Troy Lee Designs Skyline Air short is not the lightest in their range – that accolade belongs to the Drift – but it is definitely the best ventilated.

Scott Trail Tuned short

Overall we really rate the Scott Trail Tuned short – it’s comfy and tough, floats over kneepads and covers everything, but the price is fabulously steep.

Patagonia Dirt Roamer short

Patagonia asserts its green credentials on the Patagonia Dirt Roamer short by using a polyester fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.

Dainese HGL Aokighara short

The Dainese HGL Aokighara could be a decent short thanks to its unfussy styling, but the waist closure is over-thought and needs to add zips on the pockets.

100% Celium short

Two inches longer in the leg and a wider fit would have the 100% Celium short rocket up the rankings. But as it stands it’s expensive and oddly-sized.