MBR January 2017

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The latest issue of MBR is out now, packed full of inspiring ideas and route maps to help you find new places to get out and ride.

What about the magazine itself? Here’s a taste of what you’ll find inside…

Features

Must ride in 2017

We’re looking forward to a bumper crop of new trails this year. Here’s a rundown of the most exciting projects.

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7 Endless Descents

When it comes to downhills, you can never have too much of a good thing. Here are seven amazing descents that just keep on giving.

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Trail centre focus: Gwydir, Betws-y-Coed

While its simplicity may be a turn-off for some thrill seekers, we find the newly extended Gwydir trail presses all the right buttons.

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Bikes and gear

Genesis Tarn 20

Expanding its range, sorting its sizing and making the best of Plus-size tyres – Genesis has been busy creating another trail-ripping hardtail, the Tarn.

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First rides

KTM Kapoho 273 and the Specialized Demo 8.1 Alloy.

Longtermers

Roo’s Mojo/Nicolai G13, Jason’s Specialized Enduro Comp 650B, Jamie’s Transition Smuggler 4, Benji’s Vitus Escarp3 29 VR, Dave’s Trek Fuel EX 8 Plus, Charlie’s Genesis High Latitude and the final verdict on Jamie’s Nukeproof Scout 290 Comp.

Product testing

E13 TRSR crankset, E13 TRS+ cassette, Renthal Traction Lock-on grips, Maxxis Rekon+ 3C Maxx Terra Exo 2.8in tyre, WTB Ranger 2.8in tyre, Crank Brothers Stamp pedal, Odlo Molina cycling jacket, Shimano XT disc brake, Mission Workshop Steppe hoodie.

Winter boots group test

No need to get cold feet about your weekly rides now the weather has turned. With the right footwear, your toes will stay toasty and dry.

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Entry-Level Trail Bikes

We’ve rounded up four trail bikes that punch well above their sub £1,800 price tags. But which punchest hardest? Cannondale Habit 5, Giant Trance 3, Marin Mount Vision and Trek Fuel EX 5 27.5 Plus.

Routes

Go big, then go home

Long rides to burn off that turkey tummy, and kick-start your 2017 in style:

  • The Long Gap, Brecon Beacons
  • West Highland Way, Scotland
  • The North York Ridges, North York Moors
  • Amberley, South Downs
  • Dark Peak Epic, Peak District

Pull-out routes

  • Dunsop Bridge, Lancashire
  • The Breamish Valley, Northumberland
  • The Applecross Coffin Road, Scotland
  • Firle Beacon, South Downs

Skills: Step it up

Have your skills plateaued? Time to raise your game and conquer those intimidating trail features.

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How to

Keep riding at 60

Ned Overend has been riding and racing mountain bikes for four decades now, but how the hell does he do it?! Here are Deadly Nedly’s top age-defying tips.

Workshop: Dial in your disc brakes

Make the most of your brakes with these useful workshop tips and tricks.

Regulars

  • Big Pictures
  • Buzz
  • Real-world riding
  • Born-again rider
  • Mailbox
  • Reader photos
  • Ride guide
  • Afterimage

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