First Ride: Shimano’s all-new STEPS EP8 e-bike drive system

We’ve had our paws on Shimano’s all-new STEPS EP8 drive system, fitted to a Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 e-MTB. The unit promises more torque, less weight, lower drag and more responsive and totally customisable assistance settings, but how does it perform in the real world? Big Read: Racing e-bikes at the EX Enduro; how much difference … Read more

Miche K1 Carbon wheelset review

Miche’s K1 wheelset is a super-light carbon fibre setup that’ll satisfy the need for speed for even the most weight-conscious cross-country race head. They offer an impressively low weight for the money and decent 27mm width. The only downside is that the freehub has a relatively lazy engagement speed. 10 worst bits of mountain bike … Read more

100% Surpass knee guards review

100%’s Surpass knee guards offer huge amounts of protection thanks to a hard-shell capped design but they’re comfortable enough for all-day pedalling thanks to a pre-shaped design that holds them securely in place. They’re pretty expensive but they’ve become my go-to knee guards for trail and enduro riding. Buyer’s guide to mountain bike knee pads The best … Read more

Smith Optics Fuel V.2 goggle review

The Fuel V.2 from Smith Optics is an excellent performer, offering a super clear lens and a comfy fit while dealing with fog excellently. There’s not much wrong with them unless the colour offends you. Leatt Velocity 6.5 goggles review Julbo Quickshift MTB goggles review KOO Edge goggles review With the Smith Fuel V.2 you … Read more

Topeak Tubibooster X tubeless inflator review

Topeak’s Tubibooster X makes short work of inflating and seating tubeless tyres, with a tough, high-pressure aluminium body that’s charged using a separate track pump. It’s easy to use, with quality connectors and it’s a great addition to your workshop if you don’t have a combined pump/inflator already. 11 tools every home bike mechanic should own … Read more

5 cool things from Campagnolo, Liv, Topeak, Crankbrothers and Shimano

From Campag 13-speed to pocket-friendly women’s gravel bikes, we’ve got a wide range of kit in on test this week. There’s also some nifty gear for your pack to get you out of trouble in a hurry. Dig in…. The widest gravel bike handlebars you can buy: broad bars for bikepackers The 11 gravel-specific products … Read more

Mavic XA Elite II shoe review

The Mavic XA Elite II shoe is an excellent benchmark for all trail shoes to follow. They’re comfortable, great to walk in, and easy to do up – although they’re quite bendy, and the colour scheme is a little questionable. Fizik Artica X5 SPD waterproof mountain bike shoe Ride Concepts Transition clipless shoe review Buyer’s … Read more

Decathlon’s Van Rysel unveil new EDR CF GRX carbon fibre gravel bike

Decathlon brand Van Rysel has introduced the EDR CF GRX gravel bike, bringing a full carbon frame and Shimano GRX at a very friendly price: £1,700.  Shimano GRX RX600 1x 11speed gravel groupset: prices, weights and specs Five things that weren’t cool – until gravel happened The best gravel and adventure bikes you can buy for under £1,000 … Read more