The Specialized Butcher Grid Trail 2.3 x 29 tyre comes in this special tan wall version, and with its Grid Trail casing and Gripton T9 compound, it claims to deliver dependable strength and grip. I found it to be one of the best all-rounders I’ve ridden recently, especially for a balance of speed, strength and … Read more
The flow of cool things coming into the office is showing no signs of stopping as this week we see fresh kit in from Brooks England, ExoGard, Specialized, Deity, and Apidura. There’s a pretty respectable heap of stuff in for testing so let’s get on with it. Can you change the travel of a RockShox … Read more
The Bontrager GR Elite is a handlebar aimed at gravel bikes that gives geometry numbers that will be familiar but a slightly different shape. The aluminium bar comes with EVA foam pads for the flat tops that aim to improve comfort and come at a price that makes them good value. 2021 Redshift Kitchen … Read more
Giant has introduced the brand new 2022 Trance X Advanced E+ e-mountain bike but it’s not just a quick refresh for the new year. Instead, the brand has refined the Maestro suspension platform for the bike, updated the SyncDrive motor, and has added Hybrid Cycling Technology to make the Trance X Advance E+ blend power, … Read more
Recognising the massive evolution of modern cross country circuits, Giant has updated the Anthem, giving it more aggressive angles, a lighter frame, and new FlexPoint Pro suspension. The next generation Anthem is designed especially to get the brand’s team riders that competitive edge. Big Read: Riding and surviving the Jeroboam, a tough as nails gravel … Read more
The Esker Trail men’s jersey comes as part of Altura’s new off-road-specific autumn/winter collection. It does a great job of offering a little extra warmth and weather protection on those nastier days, at a very reasonable price, but the white colour for a winter garment is definitely questionable. Buyer’s guide to waterproof mountain bike and … Read more
Words by Steve ThomasAs soon it turns dull and wet for any length of time, I find a terrible ‘down’ feeling sets in. It’s really not easy to counter it, and as for going out into that dark, unwelcoming and shorts-dampening stuff – it’s even harder to talk myself into it. I guess winter can … Read more
The Michelin Force AM2 is a fairly recent addition to the brand’s well-received tyre range. This tyre fills the gap for a fast-rolling design intended for mixed terrain, hardpack and trail centre conditions. It makes for a solid rear tyre in the dry that can stretch for when things get a little damp, but it’s … Read more
With the Awake 1.0, 720 Protections has rethought helmet tech and has brought in some innovations purely in the name of safety. While forward-thinking tech designed to protect us is always great to see, the execution leaves a lot to be desired, especially when compared with competitive helmets. When should you replace your bicycle helmet? … Read more
The mountain bike industry is forever coming up with many new and shiny things to tempt you from parting with your hard earned cash. However, a lot of the time the existing tech or what you’re already riding works perfectly fine and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. So to stop you from suffering … Read more
