The last time we lined up Merida’s Big Trail in a bike test against the best hardtails on the market it was quite a different machine. All models rolled on…
Mountain Bike Rider
Nukeproof Scout 290 Comp review
One look at the Nukeproof website and you’ll notice there’s a strong focus on trail, enduro and DH riding, with a range of bikes that look very fit for purpose.…
Turn your Santa Cruz Bronson into a mullet Nomad
Bronson will always be a storied name for Santa Cruz. The original Santa Cruz headquarters was in Bronson street. And the company’s first 27.5” enduro bike was named Bronson, too.…
Whyte 629 V4 review
Whyte’s reputation for producing the best trail and enduro bikes is second to none. This UK brand’s design team doesn’t seem to sit still, constantly refining dimensions, geometry, and specs.…
127 new Giant e-bikes stolen near London
Mere weeks after a Shimano parts shipment was hijacked in Germany, many e-bikes have been stolen in a single act – near London. Giant has confirmed that 127 of its…
UK’s lost trails saved after deadline to register them is cancelled
Some 49,000km of unregistered public access paths have been saved from extinction, after the government agreed to cancel its deadline to register them. We’d had until January 1 2026 to…
Pivot Mach 4 SL gets SRAM UDH friendly mech hanger
Pivot has updated its Mach 4 SL lightweight 29er. The American brand’s lightweight mileage eater continues with unchanged geometry and suspension specification. But the rear triangle has seen some alteration.…
Canyon launches the Spectral 125: A short-travel shredder for riders who like to redline
Short-travel trail bikes are all the rage. And while it’s lightweight down-country bikes that seem to be getting all of the attention, Canyon has adopted a different approach with the…
Ragley adds new colours for Mmmbop and Big Wig
Ragley has announced some new colourways, for two of its progressive geometry models, in the current frame range. The brand known for bringing value to steel and alloy hardtail riders,…
Authorities in Scotland warn riders about storm risk
With storm damage having postponed the Naughty Northumbrian, authorities are warning mountain bikers to remain vigilant. This week, meteorologists are predicting intense storm conditions over much of southern and central…
Starling shows carbon prototype e-bike
British boutique steel frame brands – like Starling – are the least likely, to produce carbon-fibre models. That’s the perception, right? And few come with more authentic British ‘built-in-shed’ legacy…
Orange Stage 6 Evo SE first ride review
Tired of feeling disconnected from the trail thanks to miles of suspension travel? Well, the Orange Stage 6 Evo aims to deliver that frenetic, plugged-in feeling you get from the…
The Merida EX enduro returns in 2022 with 20 stages and a spot of tea
Entries for one of the UK’s most exclusive enduro events will open on 6 March, but you can now preregister. The Merida EX enduro – presented by Shimano STEPS –…
Haf-Clip is a smarter way to ride uphill with enduro kit
Committed enduro riders know the bother of pedalling with kneepads and a full-face helmet. Knee pads can pinch skin and create irritation when you are cranking up a long fire…
Shimano sets new income record
Mountain bikers who have attempted a new build in the last year will have experienced the reality of limited component choice. And surging prices. With government incentives and changes in…
Naughty Northumbrian postponed due to storm damage
Storm Arwen has wreaked significant damage upon the established trail networks in Northumberland. With wind speeds of up to 115kph, Arwen flattened trees and disrupted power lines, leaving some areas…
18 Bikes No9 gains bolder geo
If made in Sheffield, it must be steel. Preferably double-butted Reynolds 853. In the best British hardtail tradition, Sheffield’s 18 Bikes has updated its No9 hardtail, without sacrificing its steel-is-real…
EVH is Tora’s dual-suspension MX singlespeed
Nobody does steel singlespeed mountain bikes, with quite the same style, as British brands. But within that niche, there is a new sub-set: the singlespeed gravity bike. The concept isn’t…
Focus Jam 8.9 review
Focus launched its redesigned trail bike last year with an alloy frame and an impressive price tag for a brand sold through a dealer network. Now the Jam gets a…
7Mesh Thunder Pant review
While the Thunder Pant sounds like the kind affliction you might experience after a curry and a few pints, it is in fact a waterproof trouser from Canadian outerwear wizards…