Mick Kirkman

Contributor/tester

intense carbine

The all new Intense Carbine 29C is a 155mm travel enduro weapon rolling on 29-er wheels. We had a thrash of the top-end Factory model.

ibis ripmo

Designed to meet requirements for tough EWS races, the Ibis Ripmo is a longer travel 29er from a brand with reputation for fast pedalling, efficient bikes.

Cane Creek DBCoil InLine

A “rebel shock” built by one of Cane Creek’s coil fanatics. The new Cane Creek DBCoil InLine is a creation that it sure to delight the anti-air brigade.

blackburn tradesman multi-tool

The new Blackburn Tradesman multi-tool can remove chain quick links out on the trail. If, like me, that’s a task you’ve struggled with, rejoice!

wtb vigilante

WTB Vigilante is practical versatile tyre that’s become a UK staple. And WTB tyres have earned a good reputation as being tough and durable.

vittoria morsa

Big in the road bike world, Vittoria is making a major MTB push. But one of their established all round trail tyres is the Vittoria Morsa.

specialized butcher 2.6

Another brand reworking its tyres is Spesh. Bigger, meatier rubber is on the menu, like this Specialized Butcher 2.6 served up with Gripton compound.

schwalbe magic mary

Schwalbe Magic Mary has always been super grippy and now lasts longer and rolls faster than before. It works really well even in the drier months.

panaracer pandura

Panaracer Pandura TLC is a triple compound, all-mountain model with a proper two-ply DH casing. With nylon taffeta sidewall reinforcemen.

michelin wild enduro

Some of the fastest EWS racers helped develop these Michelin Wild Enduro. They’re end specific, with different treads and construction per wheel.

goodyear newton

Goodyear's four-tyre range from pure XC models up to these Goodyear Newton Premium tyres, more suitable for trail and enduro riding.

maxxis aggressor

Maxxis Aggressor is targeted as a bit of a do-it-all tyre, but has gained most popularity as a rear option, especially for hard-packed and dusty trails.

kenda hellkat

The designed-for-downhill Kenda Hellkat is now available with a more trail-friendly, dual-compound ‘ATC ‘casing that’s almost 250g lighter.

continental trail king

Continental Trail King looks familiar, but shoulder blocks are reshaped and jut out at a better angle as a result of a more rounded inflated shape.

bontrager xr4

The Bontrager XR4 Team Issue has always claimed to be a bit of an all-rounder that can handle loose, rocky, rough, wet or dry trails.

Merida now has a posse of models sharing the same gene pool, including the One Sixty and One Forty, the eOne Sixty and this latest One Twenty.

Truvativ Descendant DH 35

The Truvativ Descendant DH 35 bar is part of a fleet of bigger bore models in both carbon and alloy, with plenty pro rider signature geometries and widths.