The Freeminer Trail is a red-graded loop 11km in length that mixes and matches traditional hardpacked trail centre singletrack with more natural feeling sections with plenty of exposed dirt and roots. It’s a fun and flowing trail that offers a little bit of everything, whether that’s tricky switchback climbs to steep and twisty berms. That said, it does … Read more
The traffic-free Family Trail uses old mining railway tracks and forest roads to create a 17km loop through some of the quieter bits of the Forest. There’s not much gradient and the all-weather surface means it’s perfect for kids and families. You’re also in with a chance of seeing wild boar or roe deer, plus there … Read more
Cube’s Baselayer Be Warm Race Long Sleeve does pretty much what it says on the tin, with a thick and cosy stretch synthetic material that’s best suited to fairly chilly outings. However, while the seamless construction means there are fewer bits to dig in, I had big issues with it riding up around the waist and it’s … Read more
The Morvelo Stealth Women’s Stormshield Bib Knickers are a warm pair of three-quarter length tights. Built for the shoulder seasons where a full length tight would be too warm, the Stormshields bridge the gap nicely and get a waterproof membrane too. They don’t stay in place at the calf though, which is an annoyance on … Read more
The Kenda Flintridge Pro is a tough gravel tyre for dry, fast-rolling conditions. It’s easy to fit to tubeless rims, offers low resistance on and off-road and, even in this less-protective version, it’s robust. It struggles in muddy conditions, true, but nevertheless it’s a good all-rounder. Panaracer GravelKing AC tyre review Buyers guide to mountain bike tyres … Read more
Merida’s eOne-Forty 8000 is a well-made and decently priced e-MTB that offers a sorted Shimano drive system nestled sleekly in a carbon chassis. It rides and handles well, but most riders would probably be just as well off with it’s bigger brother in the form of the eOne-Sixty, which is much more capable, scarcely heavier and just … Read more
The Specialized Rockhopper is a bike steeped in history, one that will have been the first port of call for many first time riders. We check out the new hardtail ahead of the launch as the brand combines the Pitch and Rockhopper ranges as one super-range of hardtail, budget mountain bikes. Specialized Fuse Comp 29 … Read more
Last claims to set new standards in the world of enduro bikes with the new Tarvo. The 160mm travel 29″ wheeled frame is claimed to weigh just over 2kg without compromising strength. Getting fit for enduro: Jon’s blog Best mountain bikes you can buy for under £2,000 Best MTB’s that you can get shipped straight … Read more
The Gravelhugger from Mudhugger certainly went down a storm when they released news of its arrival a couple of weeks ago, this time we have a production version on test. Alongside it, we have summer mountain bike from Leatt, kneepads from Endura and a hard-hitting fork and shock from Ohlins Best mountain bikes you can … Read more
