Mick Kirkman

Contributor/tester

Quirk Bikes Superchub

This brand-new XC hardtail in autumnal shades is the Superchub; here with 100mm travel RockShox SID fork and designed for the pummelling Atlas Mountain Race Rob is signed up for.

Hope HB-916

Hope's latest handmade-in-Lancashire carbon enduro bike is this one-off HB-916. Aiming for a late Spring 2022 launch, it’s a significantly different successor to the HB-160 that’s currently being tested on…

Specialized Drirelease Tech Tee

Understated and neutral, you can leave the Specialized Drirelease Tech Tee on before and after a ride and I’ve also taken to wearing it at yoga classes as it stays…

Smith Optics Shift Mag

The Smith Optics Shift Mag uses a magnetic system to let you rapidly clip the lower frame and arms to one of four different lens options to the upper frame.

Whyte E-180 RS V3

The Whyte E-180 RS V3 is self-shuttling gravity enduro machine with 170mm travel out back, paired with a 180mm fork and the Bosch system.

RockShox Zeb Ultimate

Look around enduro and e-bikes and it’s clear this RockShox Zeb Ultimate competes directly with Fox 38 to be the best longer-travel fork on the market.

Marzocchi Bomber Z1

The Marzocchi Bomber Z1 uses technology from parent company Fox to offer quality damping and construction with less adjustability for a lower price.

Öhlins RXF 38 M.2

The Öhlins RXF 38 M.2 shares features and internals with the fork Loic Bruni has won World Championships on, but does this race pedigree stack up for us?

Fox Float 38 Performance Elite

It’s a fast-changing market, but for now at least, the Fox Float 38 Performance Elite is our new performance benchmark. It comes at a cost though,

DVO Onyx SC D1

Boutique US brand DVO offers a couple of longer-travel forks, with this 170mm travel DVO Onyx SC D1 being its beefiest single crown.

Dainese Trail Skins Pro

Dainese Trail Skins Pro feel reassuring when in the correct position, and really well made from quality materials, but doesn’t stay in place enough.

Ion K-Sleeve AMP

The new Ion K-Sleeve AMP knee pad ups protection levels over its predecessor and is now a slip-on Lycra-style tube with a removable, pre-shaped, kneepad.

Schwalbe Wicked Will tyre

Only available in 29x2.4in and with extra beef compared to XC models, Schwalbe Wicked Will sits between Racing Ralph and Nobby Nic.