The Mavic Lombarde jacket uses Gore-Tex Shakedry material and has been developed in partnership with outdoor experts Arcteryx – but does it have the features, durability and performance we look…
Mick Kirkman
Contributor/tester
Kask Caipi helmet review
This new Caipi is a more affordable MTB helmet from an Italian brand with a cult following on the road bike scene. Kask already offers a more angular, enduro-styled, Rex…
Suntour Durolux 36 EQ RC2 fork review
SR Suntour might not be the first name that comes to mind when looking to upgrade your enduro fork, but the Durolux proves that it can compete with the best…
Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail fork review
Legendary Italian suspension firm Marzocchi, pretty much built its entire reputation on simplicity, plushness and durability. It came into the same ownership structure as Fox a few years ago though,…
RockShox Pike Ultimate (MY23) fork review
RockShox’s ambitious new changes for 2023 sees the brand update and redevelop every single aspect of its forks from Zeb to Pike, so it’s like ground zero for this popular…
Specialized Purgatory Grid 2Bliss T7 tyre review
The latest Specialized Purgatory is still a pure trail tyre, but it has been completely redesigned to offer more cornering grip and extra braking traction for aggressive riders and faster…
The Fox 34 Float Factory GRIP2 fork review
Installed in a chassis redesigned last year for extra stiffness and other benefits, Fox’s latest Float 34 fork has a damper and air spring that’s been tuned and updated for…
Cream teas and incredible tracks: the EX Enduro is a must-ride event
What makes an event so good you want to return to it again and again? Well, the EX Enduro seems to have it as regular MBR contributor Mick Kirkman couldn’t…
The Cane Creek DB Air IL Trunnion shock review
Hand-assembled in the USA, Cane Creek’s latest IL (inline) shock has been updated, and now comes with new Trunnion mount options. Is it good? Let’s just say it’s now got…
Sweet Protection Trailblazer helmet review
For the last couple of years, I’ve ridden a Sweet Protection Trailblazer helmet whenever I’m not in a full-face lid or reviewing a rival product. It’s become my go-to and…
Quirky and beautiful bikes from the Ard Rock Enduro
Ard Rock is one of the world’s biggest enduro events which takes place every year in Yorkshire Dales, UK. Combining an incredible race with a festival-like atmosphere and an expo…
Abus Bordo Lite 6055 Folding Lock review
What do you do with your bike when you’re out riding but need to pop into a shop or cafe? If you’re worried about someone hopping on and spinning off…
Hope Tech 4 E4 brakes review
Hope’s been making some of the best MTB disc brakes in Lancashire for over 25 years now, with its basic lever shape remaining pretty similar for quite some time now.…
Smith Leadout PivLock sunglasses review
Leading eyewear brand Smith has a huge range of MTB sunglasses that always seem to fit my face really well. These new Leadouts are designed with slightly less wrap to…
Canyon Torque CF8 review
The Canyon Torque has morphed into a bike park bike over the years, but can this redesign make it a more versatile proposition, that can challenge the best enduro mountain…
Alpina Rockit Bold Q-Lite sunglasses review
Alpina has a big range of new eyewear aiming to get among the best MTB sunglasses on sale, including this broad-coverage, modern-looking Rockit Bold. Its widescreen lens uses the brand’s…
7Mesh Farside Long shorts review
This Farside short from 7Mesh is a lightweight breathable trail short made with a thin four-way stretch fabric. It’s exceptionally cool and comfortable, and, unlike most of the best summer…
Michelin Wild Enduro Racing Line Front tyre review
Identified by the funky blue and yellow chequered sidewall logos, Michelin’s Racing Line MTB tyres are, you guessed it, made for racing. That means in DH and enduro categories they…
Weldtite Tubeless Repair Kit review
Tubeless tyres offer superior ride quality and puncture resistance compared to inner tubes. Occasionally, the expensive airtight tyres themselves get sliced or punctured by sharp rocks though, and riders need…
Topeak Ninja cage and Tubi 11 tool review
Topeak’s space-saving bottle cage and multi-tool is one of many solutions to help ensure you’ve always got a tool to hand when out riding. Being bolted to the bottle cage…