Mick Kirkman

Contributor/tester

Vee Snap WLT GXE tyre

Part of Vee’s four model tyre range for gravity rigs and e-bikes, this Snap WLT is the pointier model for looser conditions. Thai tyre company Vee has been around the…

E*thirteen Grappler Enduro MoPo tyre

We tested this E*thirteen gravity tyre last year and it blew us away with its performance. The Grappler is available in two casing and compound options, including a thick dual…

Vee Attack FSX GXE tyre

Based in South East Asia, it’s logical Vee Tire Co makes a lot of tyres for the mopeds that are popular in that part of the world. You might be…

Maxxis Forekaster II 3C Maxx Terra tyre

The Maxxis Forekaster has been around for years, but isn’t normally seen on complete bikes, where the Minion, Dissector or Rekon usually feature. With a low profile, fast-rolling spikey tread,…

Maxxis Assegai Maxx Grip EXO+

Wherever you ride, Maxxis’s Assegai is a totally safe bet for aggressive riding. With its recently updated EXO+ casing proving more reliable and a better match for how hard you…

Specialized Butcher T9

We tested this Specialized Butcher a couple of years ago, but since then the price has dropped 25%. On the other hand, most of the competition are now charging more,…

Silt XC Alloy

Direct-sales brand, Silt, is a direct-to-consumer outfit based in Northern Ireland, and we’ve had good experience with its products in the past. Being part of the Scribe family, it also…

Race Face Aeffect R wheels

Race Face’s latest Aeffect R wheelset incorporates some of the brand’s higher price tech into a more affordable complete package. Most obvious in terms of looks are the asymmetric rims,…

Nukeproof Neutron V2

The cheaper of two complete Nukeproof wheelsets, these Neutron V2s share the brand’s workhorse, durable outlook at a more affordable price point. The wheels aren’t significantly different weight-wise than the…

Hope Fortus 30SC Pro 5 

Hope has been making hubs in Lancashire long enough that it will only mess about with a winning formula if significant improvements are on the table. Well the venerable Pro…

Hope 155mm EVO cranks

Hope initially made short EVO cranks for extra clearance on e-bikes, and ended up experimenting with even shorter lengths after seeing some additional benefits. The brand settled on 155mm as…

One Up EDC Pump

Part of One Up’s well considered range, this EDC pump is a different beast to most. First off, it has a higher volume compared to rival portable pumps, which means…

DMR Vault Mag mountain bike pedals 2023

One of the stone-cold classic MTB flat pedals, DMR’s Vault has earned multiple glowing reviews from us over the years. Its success lies in a deeply-dished platform with a big…

7Mesh Chilco Thermal Anorak men's mountain bike jersey

When you spot a fellow product tester, who can pick and choose whatever clothing they want, always riding in the same top, you pay attention. And when that same writer…

Lazer Cage Kineticore helmet

Lazer’s all-new full-face helmet uses a fibreglass shell with carbon fibre reinforcements and clocks in at under 900g in a size large, which is bang on the money compared to…

Specialized 2FO DH flat pedal

Specialized’s latest generation flat pedal shoes have the grippiest, stickiest rubber soles on the market. Yep, you heard that bold statement right – these 2FO Flat shoes have a more…

B'Twin/Decathlon 500 tool kit

Huge French superstore chain Decathlon is the largest sports retailer in the world, with five individual cycling brands in its portfolio. No surprise then, that it has multiple bike tool…

Giro Insurgent right front view

Targeting enduro riding and racing, backed up with design input from EWS Champion Richie Rude, Giro’s Insurgent is 200g lighter and a claimed 50% more breathable than the brand’s Disciple…