Despite sharing visual similarities with their road bike cousins, gravel bikes possess greater frame tolerances much like the mountain bikes of yesteryear, which means they are able to clear wider wheels shod with larger volume tyres. With the majority of contemporary gravel bikes eschewing suspension systems, the best gravel wheelsets have become crucial components – to such an extent that fitting the … Read more
[Words by Steve Thomas]In mountain biking terms, there has never been another racer quite like John Tomac, and quite possibly there never will be. From humble beginnings, Johnny T started competing on two wheels aged just seven years old and soon rose to national prominence as a BMX racer before turning pro for Mongoose in … Read more
It’s flat like a pancake and, in places, it’s also soft like one. For someone looking for a stunning-yet-challenging ride, the East Anglian Way needs to be on your bucket list. The rugged beauty of the area is impressive and, I bet, if you know a lot about birds and wildlife (or power plants), this route would be … Read more
Merida has given its One-Sixty and One-Forty enduro and trail mountain bikes a mighty overhaul. Not only has the brand brought in a whole new geometry concept but both bikes are brimming with cool and very useful features. Both top-bling carbon models and alloy models have a solution for every size, desired ride characteristic and price point. … Read more
Merida has just launched the newest iterations of the much-loved One-Sixty and One-Forty mountain bikes, and I was to Minehead and the EX Enduro to put the top-of-the-range One-Forty 10K through its paces. What better way to test a bike than between the tapes? Read on to find out my first impressions. Merida Ninety-Six 8000 … Read more
The Factor OSTRO gravel bike joins the brand’s existing LS and Vista platforms giving customers the choice of three distinct off-road-specific models, a rarity in the best gravel bike category. Gravel bike vs mountain bike: what are the differences? Best gravel bike shoes 2022 Types of bike tyres – find the best tyre option for … Read more
We’re bringing the end of the week with another edition of Five Cool Things. This time round we’ve got even more sealant and torque wrenches to ensure the most thorough of group tests as well as a new helmet made of recycled ocean plastic and Muc-Off’s instant puncture repair solution. That’s not all, as we’ve … Read more
In contact sports, concussion is categorised as the silent killer. Crashes are part of off-road riding and the best mountain bike helmets are a good way of ensuring you stay safe on the trail. Soft tissue brain damage is where concussions manifest. And over time, that soft tissue damage compounds and can trigger debilitating health … Read more
The Voodoo Nakisi is an entry-level bike designed for gravel and adventure cycling. It offers a good-value specification but some of the components are not quite up to the level for typical gravel riding. There are glimmers of a decent bike but just how capable is it when compared to the best gravel bikes under £1,500? 2022 … Read more
The Zipp 101 XPLR is the brand’s first attempt at the best gravel wheelset concept. What sets it apart is a single-wall carbon rim with a form that has been carried over from the Zipp 3ZERO MOTO mountain bike range. The 101 XPLR carries a premium price tag and they’re a touch weighty. Along with a few other issues these … Read more
