If you’re starting to find your proverbial feet on a mountain bike, the Llandegla Blue Route offers up plenty of fun. It shares the same gently flowing climb as the Llandegla Red, but turns off and returns to the centre via a wider, flowing and mostly downhill trail.There can be a bit of splashing and mud in … Read more
The Llandegla Red route is the longest trail on offer at 23km, taking in plenty of singletrack climbing and descending as well as spectacular views over towards Snowdonia. It shares the first big climb up and out of the centre with the Blue Llandegla route, winding gently but steadily upwards on a broad off-road singletrack before … Read more
Llandegla’s black route is an add-on to the Llandegla Red trail and it offers up a bit more technical difficulty as well as a bit more climbing. There are a few options you can pick once you’re on the black trail, with the Parallel Universe jump line as well as the more wheels-on-ground option before … Read more
After Aaron Gwin’s chainless win at Leogang in 2015 (definitely worth a watch), there has been a race in research and development to remove the effects the chain has on the rear suspension. In comes the Ochain, a device it’s designers claim do just that. Your complete guide to SRAM MTB drivetrains, from AXS and XX1 Eagle … Read more
The Leatt DBX 2.0 Long jersey is a subtle design that neverthless performs brilliantly. It’s incredibly comfortable, fits very well and provides a little extra warmth during colder months. However, if you like wearing a long sleeve in summer, this one is a bit warm. Endura Women’s MT500 Marble LS jersey review Mons Royale Men’s … Read more
The Pearl Izumi women’s X-Alp Elevate is a rugged enduro/all-mountain SPD shoe that grips well in the wet and is reasonably stiff. They’re ideal for massive hike-a-bikes, but give a rather numb pedal connection if you use large-platformed pedals – and if you want truly secure heels, you have to lace them tight. Best trail … Read more
Most easily accessed from Bryn Bettws Visitor Centre at the top of the hill, Afan Bike Park offers ten runs of varying styles to keep everyone from those wanting to try their technical climbing skills to big air merchants.While the runs are all relatively short, it’s a good place to start from if you’re going to … Read more
The red-graded Blade trail takes you further out into the forest, rewarding the tough, often technical climbing with views over the Brecon Beacons and cracking technical singletrack decents.It starts from the Glyncorrwg centre and it’s also possible to add in the old Skyline trail for another 20km of distance and 370m of climbing on top of … Read more
The Rally WaveCel from Bontrager shares the looks of the brand’s flagship Blaze helmet. Although it does away with some of the cool techy bits of its pricier sibling, the Rally brings WaveCel at a wallet-friendly price. It’s comfortable and the shape looks rather nice, however it’s weighty and fairly warm. Bell Spark helmet review Specialized … Read more
