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Current Issue

As summer [sic?] swings into view, its time for those of us who haven't been riding over the winter months to bring our noble steeds out of hibernation and back onto the trails. MBR is, as ever, crammed with all the essential news and kit reviews to help you get back out there as well as advice on the best places to ride. We've also included a review of budget bouncers for under a grand for those looking to go full suss this summer. Happy trails...

Local Knowledge: Esher
We explore the carpentry of Esher's Shore, inside the M25

Trailhead: All the news, gossip, and grumblings from the last month

Hot Gossip: An excusive first ride of the new Kona Coilair MagicLink, plus lots more product goings-on

Product: We've got tyre reviews, saddle tests, a grouptest of trail shoes and a bunch test of heart rate monitors as well. For a full list see left.

Killer Loop: Brecon Beacons. We've got a guest on board this month — it's routin' tootin' Tommy Hutton. He's devised a Classic Killer in the Brecon Beacons for you.

UK Trails: British Trail Centres are the best in the world - we check out the crème de la crème here in Blighty. Tick them off this summer.

Arran: Our Scottish correspondent McCandlish checks out the riding on the Isle of Arran.

Tech Feature: Geometry. We're known for our stance on bike geometry, but what does it all mean? Find out here.

Bike Test: Budget Bouncers. Got a grand to blow on a full-susser? You've come to the right place.

Ride Guide

Q&A: Our experts have over a hundred years of experience between them, so they can solve your problems in a jiffy.

Workshop: Here's how to eplace the cleats in your SPD shoes, even if they're seized in.

Overseas: Who cares about China's human rights record when the scenery is this amazing? Not Darren Berrecloth or Cam McCaul, that's for sure...

Routes: You know the deal — four routes with wipe-clean, pull-out route cards for you to enjoy.

New Riders: Bike guru Chris Ball shows you how to set up your bike for ultimate trail enjoyment

Bikes tested:
Cannondale Prophet 3
Commencal Combi S
Giant Trance 3
Mongoose Canaan Comp
Specialized FSR XC Comp
Trek Fuel EX5.5

Products tested:
Outland Enduro 12 LTD
Easton EA70 stem
Quad QHD-5 Dime XC
Hope Vision 1 LED
Pro GOLD Hub Master
Specialized Sauserwind Control
Selle SAN MARCO Phobos
Ritchey WCS seatpost
Panaracer Rampage UST
Helly HANSEN LIFA Stripe Crew
Howies NBL Light L/S

Shoe Grouptest:
Cannondale Roam
Lake MX85
661 Expert
Adidas El Moro
Shimano AM30
Shimano MT51
Northwave Mission
Polaris MR 3000
Specialized Sport MTB
Specialized Tahoe MTB

HRM Grouptest:
Cateye V3
Garmin Edge 705
Polar CS 300
Sigma Onyx Fit
Timex Ironman Bodylink