Current Issue

March 2010

Seems like this winter is determined to be filled with ice and snow, so the only thing to do is get out in it and enjoy. If you fancy trying something a bit different, there could be nothing more addictive than riding a pump track. These miniature BMX tracks are designed to be pumped rather than pedalled and are not only superb for developing your bike handling skills, but inexplicably leave even the fittest riders comatose on the sidelines after a mere couple of laps. Check out our Just Get Out and Ride feature for the full story.
More exciting news – fingers crossed, next month there might be a new name at the bottom of this editorial letter. Watch this space…

Danny
Acting editor, mbr

March issue
Out Wednesday February 10

Just get out and ride
A pump track
We gear up in the obligatory skinny jeans and check shirts to discover how to ride a pump track. It's fun, hard work and will improve your riding no end.

Interview
XC Racers' special
Nick Craig, Oli Beckinsale and Simon Burney discuss the forthcoming World Cup, the first time England has hosted a WC in 10 years.

NEW SERIES!
Industry killers
We head out with Orange Bikes on a classic Lake District route that proved instrumental in defining the brand. You can ride the route yourself too, it's one of our pullout maps this month.

Bike Test
160mm travel bikes
Four all-mountain bikes tested in their optimal environment this month: Finale in Italy. Some are great climbers, some great descenders, but only one has the best of both.

Bike test head to head
Full-suspension bikes make much less sense in the winter when the soft ground makes for slower riding. Bikes from Whyte and Spesh tested.

Grouptest
Eyewear
Eye infections are not fun. Prevent them with a blob of Vaseline, or if you still want to see out of those eyes try our bunchtest for inspiration.

Grouptest
Winter socks
Why suffer with cold feet over winter? Get some waterproof or thermal socks like these lovelies.

NEW! Natural skills feature
How to master a techie climb
We've all been there, your mate hops up a rocky rise with ease while your wheels spin impotently in the mud. Discover how to make climbs your own with help from Chris Ball.

Plus
• FOUR PULL-OUT RIDE GUIDES with Ordnance Survey mapping.
• Pages of advice on maintenance, consumer, route and health issues.
• back to basics workshop guide to sorting your rear mech.
• Shedloads of new products ridden and rated.

Important news – In 2010 we're continuing to publish 13 issues rather than the usual 12. This means there'll be a new mag every four weeks, rather than one per month. And instead of popping into your local newsagent on the first Wednesday of every month, you'll need to get down there every fourth Wednesday. The April issue's out on March 10th, then every fourth Wednesday following.

NEW! We've also set up a range of multi-media channels so you can keep up to date with all things bike:
Watch us on www.mbr.co.uk/youtube
Follow us on www.mbr.co.uk/twitter
Watch us on www.mbr.co.uk/vimeo
Find us on www.mbr.co.uk/gpsies