Lightweight, offer a ton of grip and should go a couple of seasons before they need servicing.
Mick Kirkman
Contributor/tester
Onza Aquila RC2 tyre review
Being designed by a World Cup DH champion on a coffee shop napkin is a cool marketing story for Onza’s latest downhill tyre the Onza Aquila RC2.
Schwalbe Rock Razor tyre review
The Schwalbe Rock Razor we’ve previously rated as a best back tyre now rocks Schwalbe’s new Addix compounds. Superb, fast rolling rear tyre experience.
Continental Der Baron Projekt tyre review
Made in Germany, the Continental Der Baron uses a sophisticated casing with four plies or layers under the tread, and three on the side.
Transition Scout Carbon 3 review
The Transition Scout Carbon 3 has a great shape and ground-tracking suspension. But for that cash, some equipment isn’t at the level we’d expect.
Pivot Mach 5.5 Pro review
With the Pivot Mach 5.5 the brand waited seven years before deeming itself ready to bring out the successor its most popular bike ever, the Mach 5.7.
Evil The Calling GX Eagle review
The Evil The Calling is the perfect downhiller’s trail bike. With maximum grip, cornering shred-factor and attitude. Easy to ride for intermediates too.
Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5in WT tyre review
What do you get if you tweak the Maxxis Minion DHF to suit wide rims? This ‘Wide Trail’ version is designed to square off less with the beads stretched out.
Bontrager SE4 Team Issue 2.6in tyre review
The new new, wider Bontrager SE4 - the SE stands for Super Enduro - has a relatively low tread pattern and works best as an aggressive trail tyre.
Source Hipster Hydration Belt review
The Source Hipster belt stands out from the bumbag fannypack crowd by having additional shoulder straps and an unusual reservoir design.
Forme Lathkill Ltd (2017) first ride
Flattering and instilling rider confidence isn’t a trait all trail bikes manage, so the Forme Lathkill LTD deserves props for delivering the fundamentals.
Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPA SL 500 (2017) first ride
With the 2017 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPA SL 500 the ultimate power-assisted enduro rig is no longer just an electric dream.
Renthal FatBar 35 handlebar review
We ended up liking the precise control and shape of the Renthal FatBar 35 handlebar so much that it’s stayed put on our own bikes.
Five Ten Freerider EPS High shoe review
The Five Ten Freerider EPS High is a winter-friendly ankle boot packed with PrimaLoft insulation. The best winter flat pedal trail shoe you can buy.
7Mesh Revo Gore-Tex shorts review
From slush to torrential rain, the Revo hasn’t flinched. It isn’t cheap, but the 7Mesh Revo Gore-Tex short ticks every box to justify the asking price.
Cube Stereo 160 C:62 SL 27.5 (2017) review
The Stereo has long been one of Cube’s most popular mountain bikes in the UK. We review the new Cube Stereo 160 C:62 SL 27.5.
Ragley Stubbing stem review
The Ragley Stubbing stem comes in a multitude of colours, all with a two-tone finish. The smaller size doesn’t result in a below average weight.
Hope AM Freeride stem review
Machined out of a solid billet of 2014 T6-series aluminium, the Hope AM Freeride stem is exactly what you’d expect from the Lancashire component giant.
Gamut Cillos stem review
Gamut is better known for chain devices, but this minimal, matt-anodised Gamut Cillos stem shows another side to the US manufacturer.
Burgtec Enduro Mk2 stem review
Made in the UK from 6061 T6-series aluminium, the Burgtec Enduro MK2 short stem is second-generation trail and all-mountain stem for both bar sizes.