It’s been a full decade since Hope launched its F20 flat pedal. Ample time, then, to iron out the problems with the old design, and come up with an improved…
Mick Kirkman
Contributor/tester
Best mountain bike cranks: single ring chainsets for all riders
It’s easy to underestimate the importance of the best mountain bike cranks – and the better they are, the easier they are to forget.
Altura Ridge Thermal Waterproof trousers review
It’s that time of year when the keenest riders keep on getting out regardless, but the rest of us need some extra motivation to tackle freezing cold and soaking wet…
The Trans Savoie: a wild, epic big-mountain race like no other
There’s a mountain bike event in France that’s been going on for ten years now, in which clusters of riders stand around at the end of a trail completely dazed…
Bell 4Forty Air MIPS helmet review
This 4Forty Air MIPS is part of Bell’s latest helmet range, and thanks to considered design and features it’s one of the best mountain bike helmets we’ve tested. It’s an…
Scott Six Days hip-belt bag review
If you’re opting for a mountain bike waist bag or hip pack rather than a rucksack, you’ll want something that’s secure, allows you to keep all your essentials to hand,…
Öhlins RXF34 m.2 fork review
The latest model from legendary Swedish suspension brand Öhlins is this 34mm stanchioned RXF fork. It’s the lightest and most expensive fork in our comparative test against the Fox 34…
Fox Hip Pack review
After ditching bulky backpacks a decade ago, I’ve tried MTB bum bags (more commonly labelled hip packs these days) from all the leading brands. This Fox Racing version has two…
Mavic Lombarde SL jacket review
The Mavic Lombarde jacket uses Gore-Tex Shakedry material and has been developed in partnership with outdoor experts Arcteryx – but does it have the features, durability and performance we look…
Kask Caipi helmet review
This new Caipi is a more affordable MTB helmet from an Italian brand with a cult following on the road bike scene. Kask already offers a more angular, enduro-styled, Rex…
Suntour Durolux 36 EQ RC2 fork review
SR Suntour might not be the first name that comes to mind when looking to upgrade your enduro fork, but the Durolux proves that it can compete with the best…
Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail fork review
Legendary Italian suspension firm Marzocchi, pretty much built its entire reputation on simplicity, plushness and durability. It came into the same ownership structure as Fox a few years ago though,…
RockShox Pike Ultimate (MY23) fork review
RockShox’s ambitious new changes for 2023 sees the brand update and redevelop every single aspect of its forks from Zeb to Pike, so it’s like ground zero for this popular…
Specialized Purgatory Grid 2Bliss T7 tyre review
The latest Specialized Purgatory is still a pure trail tyre, but it has been completely redesigned to offer more cornering grip and extra braking traction for aggressive riders and faster…
The Fox 34 Float Factory GRIP2 fork review
Installed in a chassis redesigned last year for extra stiffness and other benefits, Fox’s latest Float 34 fork has a damper and air spring that’s been tuned and updated for…
Cream teas and incredible tracks: the EX Enduro is a must-ride event
What makes an event so good you want to return to it again and again? Well, the EX Enduro seems to have it as regular MBR contributor Mick Kirkman couldn’t…
The Cane Creek DB Air IL Trunnion shock review
Hand-assembled in the USA, Cane Creek’s latest IL (inline) shock has been updated, and now comes with new Trunnion mount options. Is it good? Let’s just say it’s now got…
Sweet Protection Trailblazer helmet review
For the last couple of years, I’ve ridden a Sweet Protection Trailblazer helmet whenever I’m not in a full-face lid or reviewing a rival product. It’s become my go-to and…
Quirky and beautiful bikes from the Ard Rock Enduro
Ard Rock is one of the world’s biggest enduro events which takes place every year in Yorkshire Dales, UK. Combining an incredible race with a festival-like atmosphere and an expo…
Abus Bordo Lite 6055 Folding Lock review
What do you do with your bike when you’re out riding but need to pop into a shop or cafe? If you’re worried about someone hopping on and spinning off…