These handful of rad machines are the absolute best hardtail mountain bike options out there right now. We've been thrashing hardtails for nearly three decades to build this definitive shortlist.
Mountain Bike Rider
The Merida Ex enduro opens entries to e-bikes AND analogue bikes after outcry
E-bikers won’t now push out regular riders at the Merida Ex this year, despite the race being initially labelled pedal-assist only. Exmoor’s popular multi-day enduro event is back for its…
Best mountain bike helmets: cool, comfortable head protection
The best mountain bike helmets are primarily protection but they can also be stylish and comfy things to wear in their own right. Here are twelve favourites.
5 amazing new UK trails and bike parks to tempt you in 2024
Trail builders across the UK put in some serious graft in 2023. They made new trails, reworked some of our old favourites, and even opened up a few new bike…
Coed y Brenin, the UK’s original trail centre, could close this year after a spending squeeze, with the fate of its famous trails in limbo
Three Welsh visitor centres including the hallowed Coed y Brenin could close this year, with the fate of the trails surrounding them unknown. That’s according to a report from the…
Best mountain bike stems: improve your fit and steering
The best mountain bike stems are an important factor when it comes to the control of your mountain bike, but which one should you choose?
Which is the best e-bike motor? Power, punch and range compared
Brose, Bosch, Shimano, Fazua, Panasonic, Yamaha ebike systems... which has more power, which has more battery punch, which is more reliable? Our guide to e-bike motors has the answers.
Best floor pumps and tubeless tyre inflators: no stress, just success!
The task of converting to tubeless can leave you feeling deflated — the best tubeless tyre inflators make the process totally stress-free.
Best mountain bike tire pressure gauges: Get the perfect set-up to maximise grip
Since the tyres on your bike are the only thing in contact with the trail, maintaining an optimum tyre pressure ensures maximum grip, support and braking traction. However, the tyres…
Scott’s packable ExplorAir Light Dryo 3 Layer Jacket lets you batten down the hatches when the weather turns
The Explorair Light Dryo 3 is a proper three-layer waterproof jacket. It has an outer Polyester skin, which is made from recycled material, and has a rip-stop style construction so…
Best MTB mini-pumps; portable and powerful puncture-savers
It takes a brave mountain biker to venture out without the means to fix a puncture. And that means carrying some form of mini-pump. But the difference between the best…
Fazua e-bike owners now looked after by Upgrade Bikes, home of DMR
German brand Fazua – makers of popular lightweight mid-drive systems like the Fazua Ride 60 – has announced a new servicing partnership in the UK with Upgrade Bikes Ltd. Upgrade…
The cost of repairing your SRAM T-Type AXS derailleur just got a whole lot cheaper!
In fantastic news for anyone with SRAM’s latest T-Type wireless transmission, the cost of repairing a bent rear derailleur has just become significantly cheaper. Even with the new drivetrain’s sturdy…
Will you be swapping your Trek Rail or Specialized Turbo Levo for a Honda, Ducati, or Yamaha e-bike?
E-bike sales are currently dominated by traditional mountain bikes brands like Specialized, Trek, Canyon and Giant. But there are an increasing number of motorcycle brands keen to get in on…
After 12 month’s testing the Sonder Signal, and 35 years riding MTBs, it’s earned a spot as one of my all-time favourite hardtails
Sonder Signal need to know Handmade 4130 steel frame with size-specific chainstays and up-to-date trail geometry Cane Creek Helm air fork upgrade comes with a 35mm chassis and 130mm travel…
Best mountain bike handlebars: steer with confidence and precision
The best mountain bike handlebars are a relatively cheap upgrade that will last you for ages. We’ve compiled the very, very best: carbon, alloy, 31.8, 35mm.
Best mountain bike grips: lock-on grips for all types
The best mountain bike grips don't need to cost the earth. There are hundreds of grips on the market - a bewildering choice! Here's a shortlist of the best.
3 helmets in 1 makes the Leatt MTB Helmet 3.0 the ultimate convertible lid
Convertible helmets are nothing new, with the original Giro Switchblade being introduced over 30 years ago. Since then, the likes of Met and Bell, have joined the fray, introducing open-face…
Best mobile pressure washers: blast the filth away
Most rides end up in an anonymous car park with no hosepipe or jet wash to hand, so the only option is to buy one of the best mobile pressure…
Downhill champion, Kerry Wilson, beats the rebooted Gladiators on primetime Saturday evening TV!
Is beating the superhuman stars of the Gladiators TV show part of your 2024 training plans? Well, it was for Scottish downhill and enduro racer Kerry Wilson, who this weekend…