Specialized has a long dropper post heritage and has evolved its range to the point where the latest Specialized Command IRCC dropper is pretty bombproof.
Mick Kirkman
Contributor/tester
Manitou Jack dropper post review
Fresh for 2018 is the all-new Manitou Jack dropper for £300. It’s a collaboration between the engineers at component brand Answer and Manitou.
Crank Brothers Highline Dropper post review
Crank Brothers Highline is a totally new design. Crank Brothers are so confident about the performance that it’s offering a three-year guarantee.
Newmen Evolution SL A30 wheelset review
Bavarian component company Newmen is only a couple of years old, but has serious pedigree. Michael Grätz, who started Syntace and Liteville heads it up.
Sweet Protection Bushwhacker II MIPS helmet review
The Sweet Protection Bushwhacker II MIPS is the latest generation trail helmet from the Scandinavian brand. Improved in every way over the original Whacker.
Smith Session MIPS helmet review
Brand new for 2018, the Smith Session MIPS is an all-mountain lid offering Koroyd technology for a cheaper price than its flagship Forefront helmet.
Long story: Behind the scenes access to development of Nukeproof Mega
The suspension may be conceived on a computer screen but it's born on the testing trails of Afan - we witness the labour pains of the Nukeproof Mega.
New full carbon YT Tues downhill bike starts from €3,999
3rd generation of Aaron Gwin’s World Cup winning YT Tues is sleeker than ever with all models now fully carbon – right down to all stays and rocker link.
Gore Power Trail Jacket review
The hooded Gore Power Trail jacket has a tighter fit than most mountain bike trail riding jackets. It’s cut from three-layer Active shell.
Norco Range A3 (2018) first ride
Norco Range A3 is an economically viable enduro option from the Canadian big hitters. Eats up rough ground, stops confidently with good composure.
Leatt DBX 3.0 helmet review
The latest Leatt DBX 3.0 helmet has 18 vents, an angular profile and a quality, fully wrapped, matt finish that’s very durable.
Specialized Ambush Comp helmet review
Specialized Ambush Comp is a wallet friendly version of Specialized’s premium helmet. It shares a very similar low-profile as the £30 more expensive model.
Scott Vivo Plus helmet review
Scott Vivo Plus is an affordable lightweight trail lid. Scott’s top-tier MRAS2 fit system with its comfy rear cradle tightened by a micro-adjust dial.
Giro Chronicle MIPS helmet review
With 14 vents, the Giro Chronicle runs a little hot, but it’s the perfect helmet for harder trail riding — it’s also killer value.
Bell 4Forty MIPS helmet review
With fantastic quality, finish and features, the Bell 4Forty ticks all the boxes. Performs exactly as you’d want from an all-day trail helmet.
Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX review
This top-end Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX model here also offers miniature ‘Nano TorqBits’ in 4, 5 and 6Nm increments to accurately tighten on the move.
Endura MT500 Spray Trouser II review
The Endura MT500 Spray Trouser II is a stretchy, tapered, tough riding pant designed for colder weather. Secure, breathable, comfortable and durable.
White Lightning Wet Ride Synthetic Lubricant review
White Lightning Wet Ride is a thicker, heavier lube designed to stay put in the worst conditions. You want to know if it works, right? It sure does.
Orange Alpine 6 E Factory first ride
The Orange Alpine 6 E is their first foray into the e-bike market has yielded a motorised version of an old classic.
Joystick Emulator flat pedal review
Joystick Emulator pedal is the Brit brand's latest offering. It’s one of a breed of flats with the inboard bearing housed in a raised part of the platform.