Opinion

I tried to beat Wout Van Aert in a UCI gravel race

Surprisingly, the 2026 Paris–Roubaix and multiple Tour de France stage winner came out on top! Find out more about the Cube Nuroad C:62 EX gravel bike that Liam used to conquer the epic Marly Grav Race
Thu, Jun 11, 2026 16:01
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I tried to beat Wout Van Aert in a UCI gravel race

Surprisingly, the 2026 Paris–Roubaix and multiple Tour de France stage winner came out on top! Find out more about the Cube Nuroad C:62 EX gravel bike that Liam used to conquer the epic Marly Grav Race
Thu, Jun 11, 2026 16:01
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Camera crews, disqualifications and debris disputes: have self-supported cycling events become too difficult to police?

Following the controversial disqualification of Radek Gołębiewski at the Trans Balkan Race for allegedly accepting assistance from “an unannounced and unauthorized external media team”, Matt Page attempts to weigh up publicity vs protocol
Wed, Jun 03, 2026 16:54
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Camera crews, disqualifications and debris disputes: have self-supported cycling events become too difficult to police?

Following the controversial disqualification of Radek Gołębiewski at the Trans Balkan Race for allegedly accepting assistance from “an unannounced and unauthorized external media team”, Matt Page attempts to weigh up publicity vs protocol
Wed, Jun 03, 2026 16:54
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The Pace RC35 fork, when an inch and a half was a game changer

The Pace RC35 was my first suspension fork, and what a game changer it was
Fri, May 29, 2026 13:54
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The Pace RC35 fork, when an inch and a half was a game changer

The Pace RC35 was my first suspension fork, and what a game changer it was
Fri, May 29, 2026 13:54
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After hitting a Land Rover, destroying a bike and a trip to hospital… I somehow still qualified for the UCI Gravel World Championships

Matt has had a rocky run up to the Gralloch to say the least, but the result of his effort came as quite the surprise
Fri, May 22, 2026 11:00
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After hitting a Land Rover, destroying a bike and a trip to hospital… I somehow still qualified for the UCI Gravel World Championships

Matt has had a rocky run up to the Gralloch to say the least, but the result of his effort came as quite the surprise
Fri, May 22, 2026 11:00
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Recovering from injury was, and still is, one of the longest and most difficult bike progression journeys I’ve experienced

A couple of years ago, I crashed and injured myself. I’m still feeling the consequences years after, but finally learning to move on
Fri, May 15, 2026 14:00
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Recovering from injury was, and still is, one of the longest and most difficult bike progression journeys I’ve experienced

A couple of years ago, I crashed and injured myself. I’m still feeling the consequences years after, but finally learning to move on
Fri, May 15, 2026 14:00
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Despite the complete muddy chaos, the Korean MTB World Cup was the best I’ve seen since the 90s

There’s been a whole lot of blood, mud, and blasphemy flying around in the wake of the opening round of the Whoop UCI MTB World Series in Korea, and yet I’d say it was a welcomed shot in the arm for the future of the sport, in numerous ways – here’s why
Fri, May 08, 2026 14:00
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Despite the complete muddy chaos, the Korean MTB World Cup was the best I’ve seen since the 90s

There’s been a whole lot of blood, mud, and blasphemy flying around in the wake of the opening round of the Whoop UCI MTB World Series in Korea, and yet I’d say it was a welcomed shot in the arm for the future of the sport, in numerous ways – here’s why
Fri, May 08, 2026 14:00
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It’s time to stop hating on new bike things… and just ride your bike

Are brands really trying to sell us more stuff we don’t need? Our Liam weighs in
Fri, May 01, 2026 14:00
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It’s time to stop hating on new bike things… and just ride your bike

Are brands really trying to sell us more stuff we don’t need? Our Liam weighs in
Fri, May 01, 2026 14:00
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The UCI’s electric XC dream may be on hiatus for now – but the discipline could still thrive without cycling’s governing body

The powers that be, the UCI, just pulled the plug on the 2026 e-MTB cross-country World Cup. Perhaps it’s for the best
Fri, Apr 24, 2026 13:58
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The UCI’s electric XC dream may be on hiatus for now – but the discipline could still thrive without cycling’s governing body

The powers that be, the UCI, just pulled the plug on the 2026 e-MTB cross-country World Cup. Perhaps it’s for the best
Fri, Apr 24, 2026 13:58
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It’s impossible to ‘fail’ on a cycling adventure: the only way to fail is by not starting it

Fingers up to the naysayers, the doubters, and the inner voices – adventure on two wheels is what you make it. The only true failure is not taking that decisive first pedal revolution, says Steve
Fri, Apr 17, 2026 15:00
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It’s impossible to ‘fail’ on a cycling adventure: the only way to fail is by not starting it

Fingers up to the naysayers, the doubters, and the inner voices – adventure on two wheels is what you make it. The only true failure is not taking that decisive first pedal revolution, says Steve
Fri, Apr 17, 2026 15:00
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Alright Avinox, we’ve got enough power now

The 150Nm MS2 motor is out! And while it poses a big step forward in e-bike tech, it may not be the best thing ever
Fri, Apr 10, 2026 15:00
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Alright Avinox, we’ve got enough power now

The 150Nm MS2 motor is out! And while it poses a big step forward in e-bike tech, it may not be the best thing ever
Fri, Apr 10, 2026 15:00
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You never forget your first mountain bike – memories of my 1987 Raleigh Elkhorn

Steve takes a virtual rigid ride back to 1987 on his old Raleigh Elkhorn, his first mountain bike
Fri, Apr 03, 2026 14:00
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You never forget your first mountain bike – memories of my 1987 Raleigh Elkhorn

Steve takes a virtual rigid ride back to 1987 on his old Raleigh Elkhorn, his first mountain bike
Fri, Apr 03, 2026 14:00
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Dear bike industry: Give us more small travel, full-power e-MTBs please!

Liam reckons that the real way to achieve regular bike performance is through reducing suspension travel
Sat, Mar 28, 2026 10:00
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Dear bike industry: Give us more small travel, full-power e-MTBs please!

Liam reckons that the real way to achieve regular bike performance is through reducing suspension travel
Sat, Mar 28, 2026 10:00
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The big cycling app trap: Apps are muting the adventure and exploration of off-road riding

Love them or hate them, mobile apps and platforms of all kinds have had a huge impact on our cycling – and have muted the disconnected sense of adventure and exploration for many riders, according to Steve Thomas
Fri, Mar 13, 2026 14:00
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The big cycling app trap: Apps are muting the adventure and exploration of off-road riding

Love them or hate them, mobile apps and platforms of all kinds have had a huge impact on our cycling – and have muted the disconnected sense of adventure and exploration for many riders, according to Steve Thomas
Fri, Mar 13, 2026 14:00
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An homage to spring (cleaning): Why March to May is the best time of year to hit the trails

Tell me that hasn’t just felt like one of the longest, wettest winters in memory. It’s been brutal. Finally, days are getting longer and the sun stronger, as we squint into the light and delay wondering how to pedal through another Greenwich Mean Time eve
Fri, Mar 06, 2026 15:15
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An homage to spring (cleaning): Why March to May is the best time of year to hit the trails

Tell me that hasn’t just felt like one of the longest, wettest winters in memory. It’s been brutal. Finally, days are getting longer and the sun stronger, as we squint into the light and delay wondering how to pedal through another Greenwich Mean Time eve
Fri, Mar 06, 2026 15:15
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I’ve ridden a 32-inch wheel, and now, I think we’re overlooking its gravelly potential

Although usually found on small-batch or prototype mountain bikes, Liam reckons that 32in hoops are destined for gravel
Fri, Feb 27, 2026 14:00
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I’ve ridden a 32-inch wheel, and now, I think we’re overlooking its gravelly potential

Although usually found on small-batch or prototype mountain bikes, Liam reckons that 32in hoops are destined for gravel
Fri, Feb 27, 2026 14:00
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‘Extreme gravel’ bike tech is certainly intriguing… but it’s not new or unique enough to encourage me to add another bike to my stable (yet)

Full suspension, aero, progressive, electric and eccentric gravel bike makers seem to be going off on some interesting tangents. They might be onto something but the marketing hype is strong, says Steve Thomas
Fri, Feb 20, 2026 16:00
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‘Extreme gravel’ bike tech is certainly intriguing… but it’s not new or unique enough to encourage me to add another bike to my stable (yet)

Full suspension, aero, progressive, electric and eccentric gravel bike makers seem to be going off on some interesting tangents. They might be onto something but the marketing hype is strong, says Steve Thomas
Fri, Feb 20, 2026 16:00
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Rule makers vs rule breakers – does the UCI have any power over regular riders?

We’re constantly bombarded by new rules and regulations by the likes of the UCI & British Cycling, but should we be the slightest bit bothered or impeded by them?
Fri, Feb 13, 2026 14:00
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Rule makers vs rule breakers – does the UCI have any power over regular riders?

We’re constantly bombarded by new rules and regulations by the likes of the UCI & British Cycling, but should we be the slightest bit bothered or impeded by them?
Fri, Feb 13, 2026 14:00
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Mountain biking has become gentrified… but is that progress?

Is it simply evolution, or is it rampant commercialisation? After observing plenty of online chatter on the subject, Steve offers his take
Tue, Feb 03, 2026 10:09
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Mountain biking has become gentrified… but is that progress?

Is it simply evolution, or is it rampant commercialisation? After observing plenty of online chatter on the subject, Steve offers his take
Tue, Feb 03, 2026 10:09
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Orbea’s Rallon RS may be a glimpse into the future of e-MTB… but I just don’t have the cash

Although bright, the future is looking rather expensive, says Mick Kirkman
Fri, Jan 30, 2026 14:00
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Orbea’s Rallon RS may be a glimpse into the future of e-MTB… but I just don’t have the cash

Although bright, the future is looking rather expensive, says Mick Kirkman
Fri, Jan 30, 2026 14:00
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A ban on drop bars by the organisers of America’s most famous mountain bike race won’t actually solve any problems

Famously won on a drop barred MTB last year, the organiser behind the Leadville 100 has announced its ban on curly bars… but is this a positive step? You might be able to guess Matt Page’s answer already
Mon, Jan 19, 2026 16:15
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A ban on drop bars by the organisers of America’s most famous mountain bike race won’t actually solve any problems

Famously won on a drop barred MTB last year, the organiser behind the Leadville 100 has announced its ban on curly bars… but is this a positive step? You might be able to guess Matt Page’s answer already
Mon, Jan 19, 2026 16:15
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Cyclocross is awesome, and every mountain biker needs to watch it

Cyclocross is the original form of pure off-road bike racing, and it’s some of the best bang for buck action you’ll ever see, or even try. Don’t miss out this winter
Wed, Jan 14, 2026 09:40
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Cyclocross is awesome, and every mountain biker needs to watch it

Cyclocross is the original form of pure off-road bike racing, and it’s some of the best bang for buck action you’ll ever see, or even try. Don’t miss out this winter
Wed, Jan 14, 2026 09:40
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The mountain bike is dead. Long live the MTB!

e-mountain bikes are becoming the standard but it’ll be a long time before Liam makes the permanent switch
Mon, Jan 05, 2026 12:18
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The mountain bike is dead. Long live the MTB!

e-mountain bikes are becoming the standard but it’ll be a long time before Liam makes the permanent switch
Mon, Jan 05, 2026 12:18
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Hybrids are the ultimate do-it-all bikes for MTB and gravel… but the name was just never quite sexy enough

Hybrid bikes capable of going off-road have been around for years, and could perhaps be considered the original gravel bikes, or even the first of the big wheel mountain bikes. So, why did they never really take off among serious riders?
Fri, Dec 19, 2025 14:00
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Hybrids are the ultimate do-it-all bikes for MTB and gravel… but the name was just never quite sexy enough

Hybrid bikes capable of going off-road have been around for years, and could perhaps be considered the original gravel bikes, or even the first of the big wheel mountain bikes. So, why did they never really take off among serious riders?
Fri, Dec 19, 2025 14:00
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Electric pumps have taken the cycling world by storm… but I’m not convinced

Arguably 2025’s biggest bike tech trend, electric pumps take the effort out of tyre inflation. That’s all well and good, but I still reckon regular pumps are better
Fri, Dec 12, 2025 14:00
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Electric pumps have taken the cycling world by storm… but I’m not convinced

Arguably 2025’s biggest bike tech trend, electric pumps take the effort out of tyre inflation. That’s all well and good, but I still reckon regular pumps are better
Fri, Dec 12, 2025 14:00
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Off-road bikes are going back to the future, and I’m here for it

Michael might not be buying into all of the latest trends, so it’s a good job that some older tech is making a comeback. Just with newer names…
Mon, Dec 08, 2025 14:00
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Off-road bikes are going back to the future, and I’m here for it

Michael might not be buying into all of the latest trends, so it’s a good job that some older tech is making a comeback. Just with newer names…
Mon, Dec 08, 2025 14:00
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Despite being around for more than 30 years, cleats for mountain bikers are far from perfect

They’re small and have hardly changed in 35 years… but are two-bolt cleats as we know them really the best way of engaging with a pedal?
Tue, Dec 02, 2025 14:00
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Despite being around for more than 30 years, cleats for mountain bikers are far from perfect

They’re small and have hardly changed in 35 years… but are two-bolt cleats as we know them really the best way of engaging with a pedal?
Tue, Dec 02, 2025 14:00
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As British Cycling ditches original founders of the British Gravel Championships, what’s going on with gravel racing?

Organisational ruffles within the British Gravel Championships, The Rift splitting from the Gravel Earth Series… there seems to be something of a spat going on with gravel racing right now, but were the clashes inevitable?
Fri, Nov 28, 2025 14:00
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As British Cycling ditches original founders of the British Gravel Championships, what’s going on with gravel racing?

Organisational ruffles within the British Gravel Championships, The Rift splitting from the Gravel Earth Series… there seems to be something of a spat going on with gravel racing right now, but were the clashes inevitable?
Fri, Nov 28, 2025 14:00
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Adolf Silva’s Rampage crash was one of the most horrifying things I’ve seen live. Red Bull needs to take more responsibility

Has the world’s wildest mountain biking event still got a place, or does it just need a few tweaks to stay relevant? Is it really worth riders potentially risking their lives for? Rebecca reflects one month on from the 2025 edition of the Red Bull Rampage
Fri, Nov 14, 2025 14:00
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Adolf Silva’s Rampage crash was one of the most horrifying things I’ve seen live. Red Bull needs to take more responsibility

Has the world’s wildest mountain biking event still got a place, or does it just need a few tweaks to stay relevant? Is it really worth riders potentially risking their lives for? Rebecca reflects one month on from the 2025 edition of the Red Bull Rampage
Fri, Nov 14, 2025 14:00
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The UCI needs to steer clear of ‘true’ gravel races

Almost a month on from the UCI Gravel World Championships, and with other races on the gravel circuit attracting serious names and fierce competition, Steve is left questioning if the ‘official’ way is the best way to go for the burgeoning discipline
Fri, Nov 07, 2025 14:00
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The UCI needs to steer clear of ‘true’ gravel races

Almost a month on from the UCI Gravel World Championships, and with other races on the gravel circuit attracting serious names and fierce competition, Steve is left questioning if the ‘official’ way is the best way to go for the burgeoning discipline
Fri, Nov 07, 2025 14:00
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Do mountain bikes really need flip chips?

Almost every MTB has one, but is the flip chip really a good thing, or a sign of lazy design?
Wed, Oct 29, 2025 12:54
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Do mountain bikes really need flip chips?

Almost every MTB has one, but is the flip chip really a good thing, or a sign of lazy design?
Wed, Oct 29, 2025 12:54
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