Every winter, in the quest to keep pinkies warmer and drier in the slop, my waterproof socks come out of retirement. Over the years, I’ve tried a few different brands…
Mick Kirkman
Contributor/tester
Dainese Linea 01 full-face helmet review
After over a decade out of the helmet game, Italian protection legend Dainese is back with the world’s lightest ever DH-certified full face cycling helmet. The new Dainese Linea 01…
Julbo Fury Reactiv glasses review
French brand Julbo might not be as well-known as some premium rivals, but it’s been making quality eyewear competing with the best mountain bike glasses for over 100 years. This…
iXS Flow Protection Vest
Designed for trail and enduro riding, this iXS Flow vest is arguably the most comfortable and invisible piece of protection that we’ve tested that comes with the higher protection rating.…
Vee Flow R-CP tyre review
This semi-slick forms part of a subset of MTB tyres targeting fast rolling in drier conditions. Rear-specific, other options include Schwalbe’s Rock Razor and Maxxis’s Minion SS, which, like Vee’s…
Schwalbe Big Betty Super Trail Addix Soft tyre review
German brand Schwalbe’s Big Betty is marketed as a rear tyre to match its classic Magic Mary and take on the best trail tyres on the market, such as the…
100% Tarka Protection Vest
The 100% Tarka Protection Vest has thick flexible protection panels on both front and rear sides and is available in three different versions, including more expensive short and long-sleeve versions…
Leatt 3DF AirFit Body Vest
Leatt made its name in MTB protection, and specifically neck braces. This Leatt 3DF AirFit Body Vest might not be explicitly DH-targeted but it’s still seriously solid and protective and…
Ion Scrub Amp Protection Vest
The Ion Scrub Amp Protection Vest is an impressively lightweight piece of body armour that offers performance and comfort good enough for us to rate it among the best body…
Six Six One Evo Compression Jacket – Short Sleeve
Six Six One has been in the protection game long enough to have a well-refined range, including this Evo jacket that differs from the slightly looser and thinner fabrics on…
Evoc Protector Vest review
The best mountain bike body armour offers the right blend of high protection, breathability and comfort while riding, and EVOC’s protector vest offers a great blend of those attributes. Among…
Evil Insurgent MX 29 GX first ride review
Hit the bike park or get ready for some enduro racing with the Evil Insurgent MX 29 with, you guessed it, a mullet wheel setup. Combining a carbon chassis with…
Leatt AllMtn Jacket 4.0 V22 review
South African brand Leatt forged its reputation in the protection game, but has recently added an extensive range of feature-packed riding kit. The new Leatt AllMtn 4.0 jacket is no…
Continental Kryptotal gravity downhill tyre first ride review
Continental has just released a whole new range of Gravity tyres designed to suit downhill and enduro riders, with multiple casing, compound and tread options. Developed with the input of…
SRAM HS2 brake rotor review
Your bike might be rocking one of the best disc brake systems on the market, but there are still ways you can boost your stopping power. Rotors are one way.…
Teravail Honcho tyre review
This Honcho is US brand Teravail’s aggro trail tyre that comes in two casing options and two widths, and aims to compete with the best trail tyres such as Maxxis’…
O’Neal Mud Waterproof shorts review
O’Neal’s latest top-tier Mud shorts use a thick three-layer fabric that’s extremely waterproof, tough and rip resistant. Inside, well glued, fully-taped seams don’t skimp on the overlap and outer pockets…
The new Dainese Linea 01 may be the lightest full-face helmet on the market
Italian protection expert Dainese has returned to the MTB helmet market after a long break with a brand-new range. Targeting trail, enduro and e-bike riders, its fresh line up comprises…
On-One’s Hello Dave first ride review
On-One’s Hello Dave is a radical hardtail with a wild backstory. With a 62º head angle and stretched 1295mm wheelbase on the size L, it puts the 29in front wheel…
Salsa Blackthorn Carbon first ride review
Best known for its gravel and adventure bikes, Salsa has also spent years blending secret sauces for top-tier mountain bikes. The stealthy Blackthorn is its current 140mm travel rig that’s…