Lance Branquino

News writer

Lance Branquino

Position: News writer

Height: 5ft 8in (178cm)

Weight: 76kg

Born Namibian. Childhood in Africa.

Fascinated by anything that has wheels, since being the backbencher on many family Safari trips. Two decades as a media professional on adventure journeys, nightshift digital newsrooms and technology trends.

Manager of an accidentally eclectic bike fleet, with a monster cross Cotic 26in single-speed in the starring role, supported by a Pyga 160mm aluminium prototype 650b enduro bike.

Eyes not so great anymore, so prefer open terrain with rocky descents, as opposed to dappled light in dense forest singletrack. Most of my miles roll by at the Contermanskloof and Helshoogte trails.

  • January 14, 2021

Arguably the most comprehensive recent study into mountain bike related injuries, has delivered some unusual findings. Initiated in 2017, the study was a collaboration between the Enduro World Series (EWS)…

  • January 13, 2021

The oil slick design theme is an acquired taste, but if you jealously saw what FSA sponsored pro riders last season, be jealous no more. FSA has now released is…

  • January 12, 2021

The Redcar Rocket has signed with Cube, in a contract that will see the British former downhill World Champion on the German brand’s bikes. Danny Hart’s credentials hardly require detailing.…

  • January 11, 2021

One of Britain’s most established off-road bike brands has proven that the Covid triggered cycling boom, is not limited to commuter products. As part of the ATB Sales annual report,…

  • January 10, 2021

As snowy winter riding conditions and lockdown regulations increase social anxiety, tensions are simmering in northern England. Macclesfield Forest is a popular mountain biking venue that also accommodates a diversity…

  • January 8, 2021

If you are after a quiver-killer hardtail, the new Rapidé Tigré is a definite candidate. For those mountain bikers who seek unrivalled versatility, the Tigré offers a diversity of build…

  • January 6, 2021

If you long for that classic bullmoose handlebar aesthetic but need modern geometry, Farr components have the solutions. The company has now launched a shorter version of its Headspace stem,…

  • January 5, 2021

When you think German trail hardtails, one imagines gorgeous aluminium welds and industrial design. But not everything about the German metal bike industry starts and ends with Nicolai. Founded in…

  • January 4, 2021

If you do not have a downcountry bike as a major bike company, your product portfolio is lacking cachet. BH has addressed this with an update of its Lynx dual-suspension…

  • December 30, 2020

Many industrial designers believe carbon-fibre is best presented in its fabricated state, without a layer of paint. Carbon-fibre doesn’t have the same corrosive risk as metal, other than some galvanic…

  • December 27, 2020

Winter riding is tough on your drivetrain and chain care is crucial. Meticulous lubrication can be a burden to some riders, especially after having spent much of their maintenance enthusiasm…

  • December 25, 2020

The inevitable desire to tinker with rear suspension remains a compulsion with most mountain bikers. Despite the current generation of air and coil shocks being fantastically advanced, linked to outstanding…

  • December 24, 2020

The Netherlands might be short on elevation, but its mountain bike design scene does not lack for innovation. Instinctiv has launched its M-series carbon-fibre enduro bikes and if you are…

  • December 22, 2020

For every great carbon-fibre frame design there is an aluminium test mule and Bird has now released one as a standalone model. The Hampshire brand launched its first composite bike…

  • December 20, 2020

Mountain bikers obsess about geometry charts and the number that carries most significance, is head angle. As frame design has responded to steeper trails and more capable suspension, bikes have…

  • December 18, 2020

As one of the world’s most stylish free riders, Brendan Fairclough isn’t easily intimidated by terrain. For someone who has jumped the canyons of Utah during Red Bull Rampage and…

  • December 17, 2020

Strava continues to grow and mature into the most influential digital riding app. The Californian company has collated the bulk of its user statistics for 2020 and identified trends. With…

  • December 17, 2020

Canyon has updated the specification and colourways for its shape-shifting enduro bike. The German brand’s Strive now offers an array of classic colourways with red on white, X-ray green on…