Mountain Biking UK 01.2022

SKILLS, KNOW-HOW, MAINTENANCE & RIDE GUIDES

102

HOW TO STAY ON
TOP IN THE SLOP!

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR
WINTER RIDING WITH COACH
& GUIDE EMILY HORRIDGE

102 106 108 122

HOW TO... GRIMETIME BIG RIDE & MAPS TRAIL CREW

Stay on top in the slop Servicing your fork, our Remote & varied riding We check out the trails
this winter guide to Fox forks & more in Dyfi Forest at Wales’s Margam Park

HOW TO... PRO-FILE

STAY ON TOP EMILY HORRIDGE
IN THE SLOP!
JOB Skills coach & trail guide
Get the most out of winter riding with these
tips from coach and guide Emily Horridge CREDENTIALS
Hailing from South West
England, Emily now lives in the
Alps, where she runs a skills
coaching and MTB guiding
company. Emily progressed
through the national downhill
ranks to race at the UCI World
Cup series for many years and
is now the reigning Masters
world champion.

1 GENERAL WINTER RIDING

Ride with commitment. Of underneath you. It’s human nature body position that puts you fully in
course, you’ll probably want to to want to shuffle backwards charge of the bike. If this sounds
just get a feel for the grip levels in when we’re unsure of situations, scary to put into practice, then
the first section of trail, but once and on the bike this translates start by trying it on short sections
you’ve done that, start trying to into hanging off the back, with no of trail that look OK, and over time
commit to the ride. Stay loose on control over the front wheel. Try to you’ll build the confidence to do
the bike, to allow it to move around counter that by maintaining a good it on the gnarlier-looking bits.

Mountain Biking UK

THE MANUAL HOW TO

2 WET ROCKS

When it comes to rocky gullies or rock
gardens like this one, there are three
main keys to success.

1

Keep those eyes up
and try to pick the
smoothest line.

2

Make sure you tackle the
section with enough speed to
maintain momentum. That way,
if you fail to hit your intended
line, you’re less likely to get

stuck behind a rock.

3

Stay loose and relaxed, and let the
bike work underneath you. Smiling
really helps – if nothing else, it tricks
your brain into believing you’re
having fun. I was genuinely happy
here, because I’d finally nailed my
line on the third attempt. If at first

you don’t succeed, try,
try again!

Mountain Biking UK

3 OFF-CAMBERS 4 STEEP CHUTES

To maintain grip in off-camber Chutes can be intimidating when
sections, you need to get the side you’re unsure about grip, or whether
knobs of your tyres digging into the you can maintain a comfortable speed.
hillside. This isn’t easy to do, but
a combination of pushing the bike into BRAKING
the slope and counter-balancing by
hanging your weight off the other side Be smooth with your braking.
will help. Drop the outside pedal and Squeeze those levers rather than
rotate your hips away from the hillside grabbing, as this will cause your
(so that your knees point towards weight to be pitched forward, at best
it). Try to enter the section as high as unsettling the bike a bit, at worst
possible, because quite often you’ll resulting in a front wheel washout.
end up drifting low; possibly even off Avoid locking the rear brake, too
the trail altogether. Steering slightly
into the hill can help with that. – if you’re skidding, you have
no braking traction.
APPROACH

Line up as best you can on
approach. If you’re not keen
on speed, then enter the steep
section as slowly as possible
without losing your balance. That
way, the pace you inevitably pick
up won’t be so offputting.

BODY POSITION

The steeper the chute, the more you’ll need
to move your weight back, but be careful
not to overdo it. Make sure your arms are

still flexed at the elbow so that there’s some
weight on the front wheel. That way, you’ll
retain control over the steering and maintain
grip. Once you’re in, ride committed. Look
ahead to the exit of the steep section and
be ready to let the brakes off once you’re
comfortable to do so. Roll out and continue

down the trail.

Mountain Biking UK

THE MANUAL HOW TO

5 WET ROOTS

Think about your line choice. Here, I’ve
chosen to tackle one big root instead of
the smaller, more slippery-looking ones
you can see to my left.

1

Brake before you reach the roots,
and set up for the line you’re going
for. I’m taking an inside line around
this slight corner, so you can see my
body is set up to do that.

2

Spot your chosen line. Once on
target, make sure you shift your
gaze and look down the trail to see
what’s coming next.

3

PRO TIP Roll over the root, staying relaxed
and allowing the bike to do its work.
ROOTS TO If you have to brake, pull smoothly
SUCCESS on the levers. Avoid grabbing, as this
can result in a sudden loss of grip.
AVOID IT BUNNYHOP LOOK AHEAD
4
If there’s space, you A bunnyhop is another The best way to ride
can just ride around the great way to tackle roots. across roots is as close Keep your eyes up and looking
outside of the roots. The If your hop technique isn’t to perpendicular as you at the next section of trail. This
roots on the inside of this strong, keep an eye open can. Make sure you’re will help keep you rolling and get
corner are combined with for little rocks or roots you looking further down the you ready for what comes next.
deeper steps and awkward could use to help propel trail for what comes next, Smiling is optional, but I strongly
angles, so the outside line you into the air – that’s as this will help keep you recommend it!
works really well. It’s much what I did here to clear the rolling and stop you getting
smoother, allowing me to big roots at the base of the fixated on any one root
tree. If the roots have kindly
carry more speed. grown directly across the in particular.
trail, then you’re in luck.

Mountain Biking UK

EXPERT WORKSHOP ADVICE The 2017 Specialized Stumpjumper
(seen here) was a fun bike, but increased
anti-squat and a steeper seat tube make
the latest version a better climber

TECH Q&A where chain tension has been Plus, damaged carbon frames for extra cushioning, so look for
carefully tuned to counteract are actually easier to repair than something around the 2.4in width
UPHILL STRUGGLE the suspension’s tendency to cracked alloy ones. for your Kona. A trail tyre such
bob. Failing that, a shock with as a Maxxis Ardent or Schwalbe
I need advice regarding a new a lockout lever or ‘pedal platform’ The two bikes you’ve listed Nobby Nic will roll fairly well, but
full-sus MTB. As I approach setting will allow you to increase are very different – the Stumpy still grip in slippery situations. If
50, I’d like some help on the the low-speed compression is an all-rounder trail bike, while you’re a heavier or harder rider
climbs, but I’m not ready for damping on climbs and stop the Slash is much more of an who suffers punctures a lot, you
an e-bike yet. I’m replacing a it from bobbing. aggressive enduro bike. If you may need to go for a chunkier
2017 Specialized Stumpjumper, want an easier climber, we’d err tyre – a blocky Maxxis Minion
which has suited me well. Next on the list are faster- towards the Stumpy, or a similar DHR II with reinforced EXO+
Firstly, what makes a bike rolling tyres. A less chunky tread, model such as a Trek Fuel EX, casing, perhaps. It’ll be more of
a good climber? I know it’s to thinner casing and/or harder Orbea Occam, Whyte T-140, a drag on the climbs, though.
do with geometry, but a lot of rubber will all increase speed. Scott Spark or Vitus Escarpe.
your tech stuff goes over my Bear in mind, though, that more Up front, we’d go chunky, too,
head. Second, should I get anti-squat and faster tyres will SICK AND TYRED to get plenty of grip (plus, rolling
a carbon fibre frame? I worry compromise performance in resistance matters less at this
about cracking it. For reference, other areas, increasing pedal I recently started mountain end). A Maxxis Minion DHF 3C
I weigh 80kg. My budget is feedback from impacts and biking and I’m having a MaxxTerra or Schwalbe Magic
£4-5k. Aside from the latest reducing grip. Finally, as you great time. One thing I’m not Mary SuperTrail ADDIX Soft will
Stumpy, I like the look of say, geometry that puts you in a enjoying, though, is picking work well in many situations,
the Trek Slash, but would be good pedalling position, with your new tyres! Hopefully you can again in a 2.3 or 2.4in width.
grateful for any advice. weight placed evenly between the offer some advice. My Kona There are other tyre options out
Chris Mackay, via email wheels, helps, too. A steeper-than- hardtail has 650b wheels. there, of course. Specialized’s
average seat tube angle can aid I live in Scotland, so the latest ones are decent – a
The answer to your first question this, although some riders don’t weather isn’t always the best, Ground Control and Eliminator
could fill this entire page! like how these feel on the flat. but I want the tyres to still combo may work for you – and
However, one key thing to look be easy to pedal uphill on! Bontrager tyres are worth a look,
for is a suspension system that You’re likely to get better kit Georgia, Scotland too (XR3/XR4/XR5). Finally,
doesn’t waste too much of your for your money if you go for we’d recommend spending a
energy by ‘bobbing’ every time an alloy frame, and the extra Tyres can be really confusing! reasonable amount– tyres are
you put in a pedal stroke. Ideally, weight doesn’t make a massive There are so many brands and one of the most important bike
you want a bike with reasonable difference. That said, you’re well tread options, and a vast array of components when it comes to
levels of anti-squat – ie. one within the usual rider weight variations within each tyre ‘family’. control, comfort and confidence,
limits and are unlikely to take At the rear, on a hardtail, you’ll and not worth skimping on!
either material close to its limits. want as much volume as possible

Mountain Biking UK

WALKTHROUGH THE MANUAL GRIMETIME

HOW TO... CLEAN AND LUBE YOUR FORK BLUFFER’ S GUIDE

12 FOX FORKS

Ourcomprehensive uide to thebushy-tailed
brand’s frontsuspension inside and out

Prepare the fork by removing the front wheel and The procedure and tools required varies by fork
inserting the plastic spacer supplied with your model. Here, we’re working on a RockShox fork.
brakes into the calliper to keep the pads apart. Turn the red rebound dial at the base of the right
Remove the brake hose/calliper and mudguard (if leg fully anticlockwise (open). Undo the grub screw
in place) from the fork. Before starting, record the with a 2.5mm Allen key and remove the dial. Place
air pressure in the fork, then remove all the air. the bike in a workstand, with the fork over a bucket.

34 Numberin inconsistent feel. Available
aftermarket, Performance
Loosen the bolts at the bottom of each fork leg If the lowers don’t move easily, re-insert the bolts The number in the fork’s forks use the same
with a 5mm Allen key (three to four turns). Hit the and repeat, to ensure the internal spring and name refers to its stanchion 7000-series alloy lowers
bolts firmly to disconnect the internals from the damper shafts are disconnected. Allow the oil to (upper leg) diameter. as the Performance Elite
lower legs (aka lowers). Remove the bolts from the drain from the lowers, into the bucket. Use Generally, the bigger the and Factory forks, keeping
lowers, and the lowers from the stanchions (upper isopropyl alcohol and cloths to clean the legs, the sti er the fork weight in check.
legs), pulling firmly from the crown. Oil may leak. stanchions and shafts. and the better suited it is
to aggressive riding, but Performance
56 the more it weighs. Fox’s Elite
range starts with the 32
Using a pick, gently remove the foam ring from Carefully clean the inside of the lowers, using (32mm, for XC riding) and Elite forks have upgraded
inside the top of each lower leg. Clean the rings a rod, cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Make sure not progresses through the 34 dampers – either GRIP2
thoroughly by spraying them with isopropyl alcohol to scratch the insides. Wipe the hard plastic wiper (trail), 36 (all-mountain) (Fox 36/38/40) or FIT4
and patting them with absorbent cloths to remove seals at the top of the lowers, too, again taking and 38 (enduro) to the dual- (Fox 32). Some models
dirt and oil. Soak the rings in a pot of RockShox great care. Check for any damage to the seals. crown 40 downhill fork. also get pressure-relieving
suspension oil (30wt). bleed ports. Both dampers
‘SC’ and ‘E’ are again closed cartridge
78 systems. GRIP2 is a more
Fox also o er ‘StepCast’ complex version of GRIP,
Place the foam rings back in the top of the lower Before pushing the lowers home on the stanchions, versions of the 32 and 34 o ering external high- and
legs, making sure they aren’t twisted. Apply a thin use a syringe to inject fresh suspension fluid into chassis, which are narrower low-speed compression and
layer of slick grease to the wiper seals before each leg – here, 10mm of 30wt oil, but check your and have stepped lower legs rebound adjustment. FIT4
reinstalling the lowers. Make sure the metal rings/ fork manufacturer’s instructions for the weight and to reduce weight, for XC is less tunable, with just
springs are in place and the wiper seals are flush volume of fluid. Push the lowers home, reinstall the racing and ‘downcountry’ a three-position low-speed
around the stanchions. bolts (tighten to 7Nm) and reinflate the spring. riding, respectively. At the compression lever (with
other end of the scale, finer adjustment of the
they produce beefed-up ‘open’ mode) and a low-
‘E’ versions of the 34, 36 speed rebound dial.
and 38, with thicker-walled
uppers to increase sti ness Factory
on heavy electric bikes.
The Factory-level forks are
Rhythm the ones that stand out,
with their gold-coloured
Rhythm forks are OEM- Kashima stanchion coating
spec, so o cially only and (if you’re brave!)
available on complete orange lowers. Internally,
bikes (although you do they’re the same as the
occasionally see them for Elite forks, although you
sale). The brand’s cheapest can choose from a GRIP2 or
forks, they use Fox’s GRIP FIT4 damper for the 34 and
damper, a simpler version 36. Externally, the Kashima
of GRIP2. This provides coating has micropores in
external adjustment of the its surface to reduce friction
low-speed compression and and increase sensitivity.
rebound damping circuits.
Money is saved by use of Up radability
downgraded 6061 alloy
lowers, which add weight. Fox o er aftermarket GRIP2
and FIT4 dampers, which let
Performance you upgrade a Performance
fork to Elite spec. These
Performance-level forks cost just under £300 and
also use the GRIP damper. can be fitted at home. They
This is a ‘closed’ cartridge can be added to some
system – meaning that air Rhythm forks, too. You can
and oil don’t mix inside the also change the travel on
damper, which otherwise some forks, by swapping
might cause foaming the air-spring piston. For
(‘cavitation’), leading to an info, contact Fox UK.

Mountain Biking UK

As well as being home to the Atherton family, this
remote wooded valley in Mid Wales offers stunning
views, taxing climbs and deep, root-infested forest
trails for a full menu of mountain biking adventures

Words Max Darkins Photos Russell Burton

Mountain Biking UK

THE MANUAL BIGRIDE

Mountain Biking UK

Mountain Biking UK

THE MANUAL BIGRIDE

WHERE ARE WE? Climachx is one of the
oldest trails in the area,
DYFI FOREST, WALES
The rugged 6,000-hectare, first opening in 2005
open-access Dyfi Forest lies
T his issue we’ve come to the Dyfi Valley in graded up to triple-black. Check out our feature
between the towns of Mid Wales, an area that’s long been on the on p54 for the inside track on the siblings’ new
Dolgellau and Machynlleth MBUK radar. Back in 2001, work started on Atherton Bikes business.
in Mid Wales, and isn’t only three MTB routes here, known as the Mach
trails. These used natural tracks to the Up and at them
home to the excellent south of Machynlleth as their starting point, Russell and I roll up to the start of the Climachx
Climachx trail, but also lots with the town itself designated a ‘cycle hub’ and trail at the edge of the Dyfi Forest on an
providing a friendly welcome to travelling MTBers. uninspiring winter’s morning, not surprised to find
of natural riding and, of Sadly, the bike shop has since closed, but there’s we have the place to ourselves. We had hoped to
course, the Athertons’ still a wealth of other facilities, and now, a whole hook up with local MTB guru Dave Evans, founder
brilliant Dyfi Bike Park. load more trails through the wild countryside, too of the Bike Corris guiding company, but
https://beiciomynydd unfortunately he couldn’t make it this time. He did
In 2005, the Climachx trail, a new manmade kindly furnish us with a few route ideas, though.
dyfi.org.uk route, opened 8km north of Machynlleth in the Being (reluctantly) realistic, I know we can’t ride
Dyfi Forest. This offered more technical riding, but everything I want to, so we scale it back to an
YOUR GUIDE retained a very natural feel, and what was then the itinerary that really only scratches the surface of
longest descent in Wales to finish on, ‘Tony the what’s on offer here. I wish I had another day or
MAX DARKINS Tiger’, which attracted riders from all over the UK. two for Dave to show us around his favourite trails,
Max loves travelling up and Recently, the Mach trails have been refreshed with but that’ll have to wait.
down the country, searching new signage and mapping, and the Mach 4 project
for the best routes for you has added an additional, longer waymarked trail to We’re appreciative of the simple start to our
to ride. He’s the man behind the existing three, exploring the wilds at the heart ride, following the waymarked Climachx trail out of
www.roughrideguide.co.uk of the Cambrian Mountains. the car park. It allows us to get going with minimal
fuss, the forest road climb gradually easing us in
DOWNLOAD It still feels like it’s only the beginning for this and giving us time to disengage our driving brains
valley, though, with the recent opening of Dyfi Bike and fire up our riding ones. The gradual grind up
Download the Park, run by the legendary Atherton family, who’ve the forest track warms our legs up as it leads us
OS Maps app to ride made this valley their home and training ground. deeper into the trees, while slowly but surely
& share this route Based just outside of Machynlleth, the park offers gaining height. Right on cue, once warmed up and
some challenging downhill trails and jumps, ready to rumble, the first singletrack trail,
‘Sidewinder’, appears. This skinny little number
WE ENJOY THE VIEWS BEFORE forces us into action, the tight turns requiring our
DROPPING DOWN AROUND THE concentration so as not to topple off the side.
HEAD OF A DEEP VALLEY, WHICH After popping out and over the forest road to enjoy
IS MADE EVEN MORE STUNNING another short section of singletrack, its back to
BY THE LONG SHADOWS CAST BY the task of climbing the hill.
THE LOW WINTER SUN
Finally reaching the summit, we peel off the
Climachx trail and emerge out onto the open
hilltop, with fantastic views across the surrounding
hills. This confirms that we’re not actually at the
top yet, and our route now takes us along the
spine of a ridge, to the peak of Fedw-lwyd. We take
a moment to enjoy the vista once more before
dropping down the far side and around the head of
a deep valley, which is made even more stunning
by the long shadows cast by the low winter sun.

Mountain Biking UK

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THE MANUAL BIGRIDE

Lying at the southern tip of
Snowdonia National Park, Dyfi is

remote, but all the better for it

Back to the roots WE CARRY ON ALONG A STONE BEST EATING
TRACK, WHICH OFFERS A FASTER
We already feel a million miles from anywhere, but DESCENT UNTIL ITS NAME, TAFARN DWYNANT
in the grand scheme of things we’ve only just begun STEGOSAURUS, MAKES SENSE There is, unsurprisingly,
to see what Dyfi Forest has to offer. As we follow the nothing on the route, but the
singletrack trail that hugs the steep hillside, the having been convinced to explore this dark, wet friendly Tafarn Dwynant pub
ruts and rocks seem keen to knock our wheels rooty trail. Now back at the top, we decide to carry in Ceinws, close to the start/
off-line and send us tumbling down the steep slope on along the more obvious stone track, which offers finish, is the place to go. With
to our right. We make it to the far side unscathed, a faster descent until its name, Stegosaurus, real ale, live music and good
though, and continue our journey, climbing uphill, suddenly makes sense. Large, jagged rocks pierce food, it’s a great place to chill
again, and heading deeper into the forest. It’s not the ground and at first seem to offer good grip, but out after a ride. Call ahead to
long before a dark and sinister singletrack trail where the rocks are smooth and damp, that check that they’re doing food,
dives off the main track, into the tightly-packed dreaded green slime that forms in wet, wintery though (01654 761660).
trees, which starve the forest floor of light. It’s as if conditions has made them super-slick. It leads to There are several other good
the roots have come out from hiding to find the some out-of-control moments, and even when eateries, such as restaurants,
light as I negotiate the tangle of slippery tentacles we’re forced to dismount, we continue to slip and pubs and cafes, back down the
reaching up at my tyres. slide our way down. It’s not long before we’re back road in Machynlleth, as well
on the bikes and ripping down the last section of as a mini supermarket and
Fighting and focused, trying to stay upright, it’s rocky trail, though, before being spat out onto the a chippy if you want something
only after a minute of riding that I realise I’m on my forest road, grins restored. With the light now
own. With neither sight nor sound of my riding fading, and being a fair distance from the start, we to take away.
partner, or from anything else for that matter, www.tafarndwynant.co.uk
I retrace my slippery steps, my shoes struggling as
much as my tyres did, fighting my way back to the Mountain Biking UK
top. There stands Russell, waiting patiently, not

Whatever type of riding you’re into,
Dyfi has it in spades, so don’t be afraid
to explore beyond the bike park

don’t have time to explore any further into the THE TRAIL DELIVERS STUNNING
forest today. However, it’s not all bad because the VIEWS OF THE VALLEY BELOW,
journey back starts out along a long singletrack trail BUT YOU’RE BEST OFF STOPPING
called ‘Goshawks’. Being back in the trees and hills, IF YOU WANT TO ADMIRE THEM
though, the already low winter sun soon sinks
behind the distant peaks and casts a cold, dark want to admire them, because you need to keep
shadow over us. Thankfully, there are some more a watchful eye on this twisting, rocky surface. It
fast forest roads and climbs to keep us warm, but may be downhill but it’s still tiring, with the narrow
with no cafe along the route, my internal battery track offering up rocks to launch off along the way
begins to run low. Russell, on his e-bike, is having and some tight switchbacks to manoeuvre around.
no such issues, and a gap starts to open up, and We’ve also got some pretty deep puddles to manual
grow. Alone in the silence of the forest, I concede through today, all while trying to avoid succumbing
that this would be an awesome place to explore on to the drop on our right.
an e-bike, allowing you to venture deep into the
unknown, exploring a plethora of trails for a proper It makes a great finish to the day, which has
adventure with your own uplift. provided us with a good mixture of trails, as well as
views and adventure, making the perfect blend of
Taming the tiger ingredients for an epic ride. Cruising back to the car
Eventually, reunited with Russell and back at the park, which is still deserted but for our van, we
top where we were earlier, we rejoin the Climachx reflect on how much this remote valley has
trail, ready and willing to cash in on the super-long contributed to British mountain biking over the
and fun descent that ‘Tony the Tiger’ delivers. The past 20 years, and how exciting it is that it seems
trail hugs the hillside, delivering stunning views of set to continue contributing even more over the
the valley below, but you’re best off stopping if you next 20 and beyond. I can’t wait to come back and
explore more of what it has to offer.

Mountain Biking UK

HARD ROUTE THE MANUAL BIGRIDE

DYFI FOREST, MID WALES

22.9KM (14.2 MILES) CLIMBING 930M (3,051FT) TIME 2HRS 30MINS TO 4HRS

3 4
5
26
7

1

EASY ROUTE

RUTLAND WATER, EAST MIDLANDS

DISTANCE 34.9KM (21.7 MILES) CLIMBING 400M (1,312FT) TIME 1HR 30MINS TO 3HRS

2
1

3

4

HARD ROUTE LOCATION DETAILS This area is an MTBer’s dream,

DYFI FOREST, MID WALES with huge forests and remote mountains to
explore as well as the Athertons’ Dyfi Bike Park,
22.9KM (14.2 MILES) CLIMBING 930M (3,051FT) TIME 2HRS 30MINS TO 4HRS a good choice of cyclist-friendly facilities and
a selection of waymarked MTB trails. There’s so
Routesummary A tougher ride than the stats suggest, this one offers plenty of climbing and technical challenges across varied terrain and much to explore that it’s well worth staying here
lots more to explore beyond the route for a few days.
Start/finish ‘Climachx’ trailhead car park, Ceinws (postcode SY20 9EY, grid ref SH 760/064)
GETTING THERE Machynlleth is between
1 From the car park follow the Climachx trail along (Alternatively, stay ahead on the main track, but beware
forest tracks, uphill, then onto singletrack at marker – the rock slabs get slippery, and it emerges a little Aberystwyth and Barmouth, south of Dolgellau.
post 4 (Sidewinder trail). Keep following the waymarked further south, so turn right on the forest track at the It’s best approached from the M54, then the
route, as it switches between forest track and singletrack, end). Cross the tarmac onto singletrack, descend and, A458 through Welshpool, going left on the A470
u a junction and post 12 (the start of the Va Va Voom after a right bend, keep ahead at the fork to cross a road. to Machynlleth. Head north on the A487
t . Leave the Climachx here. towards Corris but turn o right, following
5 Cross the forest track onto more singletrack, known the cycle signs to Ceinws and the car park
2 Stay on the forest track (ignore the route on the left, as Goshawks. After around 1km, either bear left at the at the trailhead.
post 21 – you’ll go this way later), then fork left (by fork for a shorter, more technical descent to the forest
post 20). Keep ahead on this track, to a gate exiting the road or keep right for a longer, shallower finish. Head MAPS & BOOKS Ordnance Survey Landranger 124:
for st onto the open hillside. Bear right shortly after, right on the forest road, around a big right-hander, then
at e fork in the trail as you descend. fork left to another junction and keep ahead. Porthmadog & Dolgellau. Wales Mountain
Biking: Beicio Mynydd Cymru by Tom Hutton
3 Climb and keep right at a fork to follow along the 6 Follow this around a left-hand bend to climb, then ride (Vertebrate Publishing).
ridgetop. Descend then climb to another peak. Drop around a right-hander, past a small clearing/vehicle
o to the left of this, to the pass. Bear right to join the turning area, and continue up to a track crossing. Take FACILITIES Stay at Caban Hyfryd cabin in Corris
singletrack around the top of the valley. the middle track, go quickly right at the fork and then
right again, back onto the Climachx trail, at post 14. (www.bikecorris.co.uk), Eco Retreats yurts
4 The trail becomes wider and climbs into the woods. (www.ecoretreats.co.uk) or Corris Hostel
Soon after, peel o to the right on some narrow 7 Follow the waymarked route once again, all the way (01654 764686, www.independanthostels.co.
singletrack into the trees, which can get muddy/rutted. back to the start. uk). The Tafarn Dwynant pub (01654 761660,
www.tafarndwyant.co.uk) is great and close to
Maps produced in DOWNLOAD RIDE the ride. There’s nothing out on the route, but
association with & SHARE THIS ROUTE plenty of choice back in Machynlleth. The
website www.ridedyfi.co.uk is useful and there
https://bit.ly/MBUK403-Dyfi are guided rides at www.bikecorris.co.uk.

EASY ROUTE LOCATION DETAILS England’s smallest county,

RUTLAND WATER, EAST MIDLANDS Rutland, is home to Britain’s largest reservoir,
and lots of birdlife, including ospreys. Even
DISTANCE 34.9KM (21.7 MILES) CLIMBING 400M (1,312FT) TIME 1HR 30MINS TO 3HRS though the area isn’t well known for MTBing,
Rutland Water provides an oasis laden with
Route summary A gentle, car-free ride around Britain’s biggest reservoir, with plenty to see along the way. It’s easy riding but reasonably good cycle tracks and shops nearby.
long, but can easily be shortened by leaving out the Upper Hambleton loop
Start/finish Whitwell car park, off the A606 (postcode LE15 8BL, grid ref SK 923/082) GETTING THERE Rutland Water is between Leicester

1 From Whitwell car park, ride along the perimeter track 3 Go left at the crossroads on the cycle track, through and Peterborough, o the A606, accessible
to Barnsdale car park and keep along the water edge. Egleton Nature Reserve. Just after going under from the A47 via the A6003. There are various
Pass Barnsdale Country Club and follow the tarmac cycle Manaton railway bridge (use the road if you’re towing other car parks around the reservoir, including
path alongside the road for a couple of kilometres, then a trailer), go left through a gate, up to Manaton, by the in Edith Weston, by one of the two Rutland
turn left at the road junction, signed to Hambleton. pub, and join Ridge Road. Pass the garden centre and, Cycling bike shops.
after 1.5km, turn left on a track, down to the water’s
2 Keep ahead on the road for 2.2km, then go left before edge (this is a great place to view ospreys). MAPS & BOOKS Ordnance Survey Landranger 141:
the village, downhill on the reservoir (cycle) track
along the northern edge of the peninsula. Cross the road 4 Go right at the bottom, joining the perimeter cycle Kettering & Corby.
and go along the southern side, taking care of the cattle track. Just past the sailing club, go left through a gate
grids. Keep left at a fork, uphill. Head left on the road, to Normanton car park. Follow the perimeter track, FACILITIES Barnsdale Lodge near Oakham (01572
then left on tarmac to Egleton. passing Normanton Church, to the dam. Go over this,
to Sykes Lane car park and back to Whitwell car park. 724678, www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk) and The
Finch’s Arms in Hambleton (01572 756575,
www.finchsarms.co.uk) o er accommodation.
Oakham Tourist Information can be reached on
01572 724329. Rutland Cycling have two bike
shops around the reservoir – Whitwell (01780
460705) and Normanton (01780720888) –
with bike hire, including trailers. See www.
rutlandcycling.com for more. There’s a cafe at
the start, near the museum, and pubs in
Whitwell, Manton, Hambleton and Edith Weston.

Maps produced in DOWNLOAD RIDE
association with & SHARE THIS ROUTE

https://bit.ly/MBUK403-RutlandWater

MEDIUM ROUTE THE MANUAL BIGRIDE

ALFRISTON, SOUTH DOWNS

DISTANCE: 28.9KM (18 MILES), CLIMBING 700M (2,296FT) TIME 2HRS TO 3HRS 30MINS

8 3
12

4
7

65

HARD ROUTE

POOLEWE, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

35.2KM (21.9 MILES) CLIMBING 960M (3,149FT) TIME 3HRS TO 5HRS

1

2
3

6
4

5

MEDIUM ROUTE LOCATION DETAILS The South Downs are a range of

ALFRISTON, SOUTH DOWNS chalk hills along the English coast, from
Winchester to Eastbourne. Forming the UK’s
DISTANCE: 28.9KM (18 MILES), CLIMBING 700M (2,296FT) TIME 2HRS TO 3HRS 30MINS newest National Park, they provide a large area
of countryside in which to escape the city
Routesummary A mix of open hilltop riding with huge views and forest singletrack, with some fast linking tracks in between crush. There’s a range of riding, with rolling
Start/finish Firle village car park (postcode BN8 6NS, grid ref TQ 469/075) chalk tracks along the top, shallow descents
to the south and steeper ones in the north.
1 Go left out of the car park, then ahead and left just 5 At a forest road, go right and follow the bridleway left,
past the monument on the South Downs Way (Water past some houses. When the stone wall on the right GETTING THERE Our ride starts o in Alfriston,
Lane). Follow this over a footbridge. Head left into the ends, turn left past a metal barrier, then quickly right.
trees, then over a field. Cross a road, onto a bridleway. Follow this bridleway left, to the visitor centre. which is on the Cuckmere River, just south of
the A27, west of Eastbourne and north from
2 Cross a minor road (after a car park), uphill. Halfway 6 Go right on the A259. After the bridge, turn left, Seaford. The nearest railway stations are in
up, bear left at the fork, onto a grassy trail, and through a car park, and follow the new NCN.2 route. Seaford and Polegate.
traverse the hillside. Pass the Long Man and go around Turn right at a track by some houses. Follow this over the
the hill for 4km. Head right at a triangle junction. A259, then keep ahead on a bridleway by the houses. MAPS & BOOKS Ordnance Survey Landranger

3 When you meet the SDW in the woods, go right on it, 7 Cross a road and ride for around 5km to the top of the 199: Eastbourne & Hastings and 198: Brighton
but quickly bear left on a wide bridleway. Keep right South Downs, emerging by the Bo Peep car park. Turn & Lewes. Mountain Bike Rides in & around
for 1km, to a junction by Winchester’s Pond (on right). right on the SDW. After 1.7km, go through a gate. Follow North & South Downs by Max Darkins
Turn left just before the main junction, alongside the a fence to the next gate, turn left and descend. After (Rough Ride Guide).
trees, to the edge of the forest proper, and a few trails. another gate, bear right and keep right on a faint track
when the hill levels out, between the line of trees. FACILITIES For overnighters, try Ye Olde
4 The bridleway/forest track continues ahead, but you
need to head left, into the woods. Continue down to 8 Turn right on the byway track at the end and ride until Smugglers Inn (01323 870 241, www.smugglers
a junction at the bottom and keep ahead (left then right) you meet a road. Go left, descend for 300m, then alfriston.co.uk) or camp in Alfriston (www.
to the top. Turn right on some singletrack, part of the right on a bridleway crossing the road. Join Sloe Lane, alfristoncamping.co.uk). Alfriston has a good
Jeremy Cole trail, on a track known as Clint Eastwood. then fork right and the car park entrance is on the left. deli, the Singing Kettle tea room and various
places to eat and drink. There’s also the Eight
Maps produced in DOWNLOAD RIDE Bells pub in Jevington (01323 484442, www.the
association with & SHARE THIS ROUTE eightbellsjevington.co.uk). For more, contact
Eastbourne Tourist Information (01323 411400,
https://bit.ly/MBUK403-Alfriston www.visiteastbourne.com). There’s Evolution
Cycles in Eastbourne (01323 737320, www.evo
cycles.co.uk) for spares and repairs.

HARD ROUTE LOCATION DETAILS The west coast of the Scottish

POOLEWE, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS Highlands is home to great trails and stunning
scenery. Great caution is required, though, as
35.2KM (21.9 MILES) CLIMBING 960M (3,149FT) TIME 3HRS TO 5HRS the going can be super-technical, trails can fade
into bogtrotting romps, the weather can change
Route summary A superb route heading out into the hills, which can be adapted to suit a variety of abilities by missing off the Meall Mheinnidh very quickly, phone reception is patchy at best
loop at the end and it’s a long way from civilisation.
Start/finish Poolewe (postcode IV22 2LA, grid ref NG 858/808)
GETTING THERE Take the A835 from Inverness
1 Exit the car park and follow the road beside the River 4 Continue to follow this track, which eventually drops
Ewe for over 2km, passing through a gate and keeping down the far hillside on a rocky trail, bearing left and towards Ullapool, then bear o left on the A832
left at the fork. Continue to follow the road as it becomes crossing a small valley. After the ford, turn left on a to Kinlochewe and continue to Poolewe. There’s
a rough track and bears away from the loch. Turn o better, newer track and head up a very steep climb. This a car park just after the bridge, on the right. If
over a bridge. is loose and rough but partially ridable. it’s full, there’s more parking by the post o ce
before the bridge.
2 Pass a house, bear right and, after a short climb, look 5 Crest the summit and drop down the valley on a
for a right turn into the woods, with a sign to steep, rocky trail that’s very technical in places. As it MAPS & BOOKS Ordnance Survey Landranger 19:
Carnmore (this trail can get churned up by machinery). flattens out and nears the lochside, keep ahead to ford
Follow the diversion signs to the left and exit the woods. a stream, if you want to visit the water’s edge. Otherwise, Gairloch & Ullapool. Scotland Mountain Biking:
bear left and follow the singletrack, which eventually The Wild Trails by Phil McKane (Vertebrate
3 Follow the obvious singletrack into the wilderness for meets the trail you came in on earlier. Publishing).
around 4.5km, passing two small lochs on your right.
About 0.5km past the second loch, keep right on a faint 6 Retrace your route back to the woods, past the house, FACILITIES For a little luxury, stay at the Poolewe
grassy track up into the valley (not the better trail over the bridge and back to Poolewe.
dropping to the river, unless you want the easier out- Hotel (01445 781241, www.poolewehotel.co.uk)
and-back route option). or in summer, midges permitting, try Inverewe
Gardens campsite (01445 781249, www.
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk). There’s
a shop at the post o ce and the Bridge Cottage
cafe (01445 781335) if you need refreshments
in Poolewe.

Maps produced in DOWNLOAD RIDE
association with & SHARE THIS ROUTE

https://bit.ly/MBUK403-Poolewe

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

On the right track
We solve the inal clues to bring us to the conclusion of our
OS Maps-guided adventure in the beautiful Brecon Beacons
Words Ed Thomsett Pics Andy Lloyd

Mountain Biking UK

TREASURE HUNT

n a shower of loose Crowding around his phone Ben reads aloud. “Follow that Whether you’re setting out
rocks and dust we skid screen, we put our heads to find your Brecon gold.” This on a big-mountain epic or
to a standstill, stopping together to work out what last sentence causes the pair a short spin from the door,
just shy of the wooden Chris means. Just up ahead of us to pause and scratch the OS Maps app makes
gate blocking our path. is the snaking blue line of the our heads for a second. The route-planning easy. With
Time to solve the next Afon Cynrig river, and running first bit is straightforward. full Ordnance Survey
clue, and set the OS along its banks is the clearly- We can see the “natural flow” Explorer and Landranger
Maps app to work... labelled ‘Three Rivers Ride.’ of the river running down to mapping, as well as 3D
If you’ve only just caught up Our excitement for what lies meet the “manmade flow” of terrain visualisation, it’s
with us, we’re midway through in store isn’t quite the same as the Monmouthshire & Brecon great for exploring the
a ride in Wales’s Brecon it was at our last checkpoint, Canal. But “Brecon gold” has wilderness and discovering
Beacons that could best be with all 4km of the famous us stumped. “Do you reckon he new places without getting
described as a treasure hunt. ‘Gap’ descent in front of our means beer?” Ben suggests, lost. You can download
MBUK’s production editor Chris wheels, but the map shows with a sly grin. Neither of us existing routes or plot your
has planned where we’re going there are still a few contour ponders this for too long, own, or a great feature for
but hasn’t disclosed our route. lines to cross. As it turns out, because the idea of rounding route-finding on the fly is
Instead, he’s written a series of what the trail lacks in gradient, out our mission with pints of OS Maps’ snap-to-path
clues, which we’re attempting it makes up for in idyllic amber-coloured refreshment function. Available in all
to decipher as we ride, with help woodland meandering. is too good to question. UK National Parks, you
from the OS Maps app. simply select an end point,
Correct answers give us the The ribboning singletrack Putting on a final burst tap the magnet icon and the
next waypoint to aim for. Wrong cuts through meadows of of speed, we sprint the last app will automatically find
ones could send us pedalling flowers and bends around the few kilometres down the the most direct way there,
for miles in the wrong direction. trunks of mighty beech trees. towpath, sending groups of on bridleways, roads and
But Chris has been kind to Plunge-pools off to the sides sunbathing ducks flapping for other legal cycling routes.
us so far, and we have an ace would be perfect for a dip, the sanctuary of the water. But Give it a go and who knows
up our sleeves, in the shape too – if the temperature were our joy when the route ends, what treasures you’ll find
of OS Maps’ handy snap-to- another 10 degrees warmer, rather conveniently, at a pub out in the hills!
path function. This means we that is. The terrain is flat, but is short-lived, because we find
aren’t fully reliant on our rusty the speed makes it fun, and the windows shuttered and the To ind out more, visit os.uk/osm
navigational skills. All we have both of us pedal hard towards door firmly locked. Luckily, the or download OS Maps direct to
to do is input each checkpoint the tree roots, using them as nearby village shop comes to your phone/tablet from the App
into the app and, because we’re tiny kickers and exaggerating the rescue, providing us with
within the boundaries of a the left-right arcs through the bottles of Brecon Brewing’s Pen Store or Google Play
National Park, the technology turns. It’s good to savour the y Fan Ale. Sitting on the bench
does the rest, plotting the most last stretches of dirt before by the moored narrowboats, we A subscription to OS Maps Premium – which
logical route to get there. It’s we’re deposited onto tarmac. reflect on what’s been a pretty includes all the features listed, plus more –
simply a case of following the successful day in the hills. costs from £2.99 on a monthly plan, or sign
arrow and enjoying the trail. Cold gold up for an annual subscription for £23.99,
We’ve made it home
Water feature Our GPS location on the app unscathed, for a start, ridden just £2 a month.
shows we’re not far from our some killer trails along the way
“From falling water to flowing starting place in Talybont- and, what’s more, we haven’t Mountain Biking UK
water – three, in fact,” recites on-Usk, so we check Chris’s taken a single wrong turn. Both
Ben, my fellow trail hunter, after instructions for how he wants of us agree that we wouldn’t
extracting the now-crumpled us to get back there. “From want every ride to be directed
sheet of clues from his pack. natural flow to manmade flow by unseen puppet master Chris,
(and not the bike park kind),” but today has proven that you
don’t need to spend hours
gazing at maps and plotting
waypoints to have a good time
exploring on your bike – just
know where you want to get to
and have the OS Maps app do
the hard work!

Mountain Biking UK

THE MANUAL TRAILCREW

MARGAM
COUNTRY PARK,
SOUTH WALES

This picturesque country park overlooking the coast has bags of TRAIL STATS
MTB history, but does the old XC dog have any new-school tricks?
Distance
Words Will Soffe Pics Steve Behr 4km (green), 5km (green and
blue combined), 6-8km (red

and black combined)

Climbing
Easy fireroads to tough
black-graded singletrack

Time
1hr to 1hr 30mins per loop

Grading
Green, blue, red, black

WHY RIDE HERE?

Just o the M4, this wooded
estate has plenty of XC
pedigree. Every level
of rider is catered for,
particularly beginners,

although the black trails have
more of an old-school feel

RAD...

Quiet, natural trails are an
antidote to busy bike parks
Sprawling Welsh topography
is reminiscent of a bygone

era of MTBing
Good range of tracks, with
newly-built greens and blues

BAD...

Poor maps and patchy
signage mean navigation

can be di cult
Red and black trails are
long-in-the tooth and being
reclaimed by nature in places

Mountain Biking UK

Fantastic coastal backdrops are
par for the course at Margam – just

pretend Port Talbot isn’t there!

W ith its sprawling steelworks, Port Talbot slab which promptly gave way. After winching LOCAL
in South Wales isn’t exactly synonymous him out (but not before snapping a few photos!) KNOWLEDGE
with mountain biking. But behind this we’re funnelled down into another technical right-
dramatic skyline of gantries and silos lies hander, which Emily dispatches with aplomb. An Locals do…
Margam Country Park, formerly a grand open straight with a drop-off sends riders into the
family estate and now home to a variety of public plantation below. Jimmer spots a possible gap, so Take a GPS unit if they
attractions. The park has hosted plenty of XC races I push up to have a gander and send it without don’t know the trails –
over the years, including rounds of the UK National hesitation before dropping back into the woods. otherwise, direction-
Series. But are the trails worth riding outside of finding is a challenge!
racing? Joining us to find out is reigning Masters Beyond the black
downhill world champion and alpine guide Emily Loam! It’s not often you see it at a UK trail centre, Bring a jacket and/or
Horridge. Emily’s riding is, as you’d expect, fast and but that’s exactly what greets us upon entry to the sun cream; parts of
creative, so she should give every one of us a serious plantation that gives the trail its name. Taking either the venue are exposed
run for our money. a high or a low line provides equal fun, leaving us to to the elements
decide whether we’d rather dance over the roots on
This is the way the off-camber, or drop down into a gravity-cavity Enjoy the coastal views
After saddling up and layering against the chilly berm. Both fire us out into the open sunshine (keeping eyes left, to
coastal wind, we set out to locate the trails, which and onto a short, sharp climb. No wonder this is a avoid the vista being
prove hard to find. They aren’t signposted from black trail. Summiting this mini peak, we drop into spoilt by Mordor-esque
the car park, the paper map handed to us at a smooth, twisting snake of berms, while trying Port Talbot!)
the entrance doesn’t seem up to date, and the to avoid overhanging bushes that grab at brake
enthusiastic but long-winded instructions from the levers and exposed skin. I nearly come a cropper Locals don’t…
friendly park staff leave us somewhat confused. as my front brake is activated by an errant bramble,
Undaunted, we roam through the quintessentially throwing me onto the bar and making me wish I’d Bother the deer
British deciduous woodland and deer herds to done a few more press-ups recently.
find our first trail, deciding that if we head up high Go too fast on shared
enough we’re sure to stumble across something. We winch back up to the top of the black via a trails. Remember to be
straight and easy fireroad. One of the joys of Margam patient with walkers
Stopping to admire the gorgeous coastal view, Park is that the varied topography makes it easy and horses, and
which is juxtaposed with the austere functionality to spot landmarks, which make up for the sparse watch for vehicles
of the nearby steelworks, we realise we’re standing
at the top of a black-graded trail called ‘Plantation’.
Following our inauspicious start, we aren’t expecting
much, but we soon learn that this gem deserves its
grading. Dropping into a chute at the top leads you
to a junction; straight on leads to another black trail
called ‘Rock & Rutt’, but we turn left around a steep
hairpin. Exiting the well-supported but challenging
corner, we’re faced with an ancient bench-cut
straight, long eroded by the Welsh weather into a
tricky series of rock slabs and pumpable bombholes.
We stop to admire the view and Jimmer suddenly
disappears off the side of the track into a bush,
having unclipped and rested his foot on a loose

Mountain Biking UK

THE MANUAL TRAILCREW

MEET
THE CREW

JAMES COSTLEY-WHITE

Editor JCW is as happy on
a techy track as he is

wrangling words into order

JAMES BLACKWELL

MBUK’s longest-serving
sta member is always
buzzing for a cheeky spin

EXITING THE WELL-SUPPORTED BUT CHALLENGING CORNER, WILL SOFFE
RIDERS ARE FACED WITH AN ANCIENT BENCH-CUT
STRAIGHT, LONG ERODED BY THE WELSH WEATHER Sta writer Will is happiest
tackling massive jumps
and techy gnar

JULIA BROUSSIER

Our designer bravely
tackles every trail, but
wishes we’d start on a blue

EMILY HORRIDGE

Reigning Masters downhill
world champ Emily climbs
fast and descends faster!

Will and Jimmer scrap it out on STEVE BEHR
the blue with Emily in hot pursuit
Mr Behr is an MTB legend
and a wizard behind the

camera lens

TRAIL CREW Emily soars through the air
WISDOM above the Plantation trail

EMILY HORRIDGE, North Shore-style
ALPINE GUIDE AND boardwalks are great fun
2021 MASTERS WORLD no matter how old you are
DOWNHILL CHAMPION

“Blasting down the hill
between big rhododendron
bushes was pretty cool,
quite di erent from the
usual pine forests you
might find yourself in at
other trail centres. Margam
is set on a relatively small
hill, with a definite
old-school feel to the trails.
Some feel really raw, rocky
and natural, while others
are very obviously
manmade, surfaced and
with small berms. Oh, and
the view out across the sea
and the Gower Peninsula
isn’t exactly rubbish, either!
The signposting definitely
needs work, but we had
a really fun time messing
about there, and I did feel
like I was transported back
in time to the early days of
modern trail centres.”

Margam puts its topography
to good use with some fun
flowing singletrack

Mountain Biking UK

THE MANUAL TRAILCREW

THIS TRACK MAKES A GREAT END TO OUR VISIT, THE
THE LUNG-BUSTING CLIMB REWARDED WITH SOME DIRECTORY
GNARLY-STEEP (IF BRIEF) CLASSIC DH SHENANIGANS
Everything you need to
signage and wayward cartography. Reaching the more modern and bike park-esque (when we peered know about Margam Park
top of the black again, Jimmer and I drop into the over from Plantation, that is). A steady fireroad climb
right-hand descent, ‘Rock & Rutt’. Perhaps we’ve takes us past a herd of curious, but unflustered, deer. GET THERE
been spoiled by the early morning delights of the The blue turns out to be great fun and in minty-fresh
over-delivering Plantation, but Jimmer describes it condition. More modern-feeling than the blacks and By Road: Take junction 38 o
as “meh.” I diplomatically explain that it’s “more XC- reds of the morning, the wide, sweeping turns are the M4 and follow the brown
orientated.” It’s certainly still fun, expecially when the furnished with multiple berms and jumps. A couple tourism signs. The park is less
final part of the descent inclines sharply. Julia’s eyes of senders and corners catch our eye, and Jimmer, than 5mins from the motorway.
are almost out on stalks after being dragged down Emily and I act like it’s 1999 and embark on a duel Use the postcode SA13 2TJ.
a black trail, blind, so we sample a red next. race. Jimmer is nearly taken out on a tabletop and
Emily T-bones me off the course like she’s on the By Train: The nearest railway
The entrance to ‘Deer’s Leap’ looks a little final corner of a 4X race. Steve snaps away with station is Port Talbot Parkway.
overgrown and there are a few rain ruts. After some a grin as JCW and Julia cover their eyes, torn There are very busy roads
tentative brake-dabs, everyone from our e-biking between amusement and anxiety. between the station and the
editor to photographer Steve Behr is hooting and park, so we don’t recommend
hollering through the rhythmic hairpins. As we carry Having finally found an online map that shows the travelling here by train.
on into ‘Economic’, I think to myself, “this is proper trails correctly, our last mission of the day takes us
riding!” With minimal braking and pedalling needed, to another old-school black section, ‘Stags Antler’, FACILITIES
you can just slot into the flow and flip-flop from berm with an atmospheric tree-ride and some serious
to berm all the way to the stream ford at the bottom. steeps. It’s on the other side of the valley from the Co ee shop, parking (£6.60),
Slightly breathless, we talk over each other, offering trails we’ve ridden until now, and we have to winch toilets
the traditional mountain-biker’s babbling debrief: our way up an impossibly steep incline to get to
“I nearly lost it back there, before the tight turn!” the top, wishing we had JCW’s e-bike. After the NEARBY BIKE SHOPS
quad-busting, calf-burning ascent (which seems
Straight up and down to go on forever), we drop in, and are immediately West Coast Cycles is a
We climb and head back towards Margam’s country cannonballed into some ruts that channel us steeply rider-run shop just 8mins’
house and outdoor centre, all previous worries down. As we pinball between them with rear brakes drive away in Port Talbot.
of potential tedium from visiting an ‘XC venue’ locked, the trail has an unmistakable South-Walian www.westcoastcycles.co.uk
forgotten. A rollercoaster of North Shore-style downhill vibe, reminiscent of some of Cwmcarn’s
wooden features catches our eyes. Despite a finest tracks. We then find the tree-ride, which is CONTACT
passing ranger telling us that “they’re for kids,” we a wide ladder of two-by-fours over a large branch.
have a good laugh tackling some short, coaching- This track makes a great end to our visit, with the www.margamcountrypark.co.uk
focused skill trails by the park’s miniature train lung-busting climb rewarded with some gnarly-
tracks. Next, we wander over to a blue that looked steep (if brief) classic DH shenanigans. OTHER RIDING

Afan Forest Park
Forty minutes up the road,
park at the Afan visitor centre
car park to access green
fireroads, the blue ‘Scar’ trail
and the long red loop of ‘Y Wall’

Bryn Bettws Lodge
Here you’ll find a skills park,
jump track, national-standard
4X course, bike rental and
repair, a cafe and alternative
access to Afan’s Y Wall trail.

VERDICT

Entertaining blue and green
trails deliver their promised
family fun, although the
signage is confusing. Bike park
regulars may find the lack of
sculpted jumps and berms
underwhelming, but the steep
and technically-demanding
blacks and reds have their
own, slightly old-school appeal.

NEXT MADE BY RIDERS
MONTH FOR RIDERS

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LATEST E-MTBS RATED • ESSENTIAL BUYING ADVICE • GET AN E-BIKE SKILLS BOOST! • EWS-E RACING



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WELCOME

ME WE

WELCO LCOME

WELCOME

E-bikes are the past decade, as they’ve evolved
from ungainly-looking beasts with
now a common a battery bunged on top of the down
tube, a gargantuan BB area and
sight on the some head-scratching geometry, CONTENTS
into the sleekly-integrated (in some
trails, making cases, at least!), progressively- P8 E-MTBs
shaped, lighter and more natural-
the sport we feeling machines covered in the explained
First Rides section of this guide. The key things
love more you need to know
For us at MBUK, they’re never before buying
JAMES accessible going to replace regular MTBs,
COSTLEY-WHITE than ever and simply because you can’t beat the P15 First rides
putting a new thrill of threading a lightweight bike
EDITOR spin on familiar through tight singletrack using body Latest bikes from
English alone, or ‘cleaning’ a tricky Yeti, Specialized,
trails. So, this climb purely under your own steam. Nukeproof, Vitus
But they’re a great complement to and more reviewed
year’s guide is less about explaining them, or an excellent alternative if a
standard bike doesn’t work for you. P38 Want That!
how they work and whether you
We hope you find this guide E-specific kit –
should get one – let’s be honest, useful and look forward to seeing essential upgrades
you out on the trails, with or or a triumph of
by now you’ve probably decided without pedalling marketing? Only
assistance! you can decide!
ON THE COVER which side of the fence you sit on –
P40 E-racerhead
Rider Joel Anderson and more about how best to enjoy
Bike Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo We give e-bike racing
Location Old Hill Bike Park, Cornwall them. Whether that’s by buying the a go at the EWS-E
Tweed Valley
Photographer Steve Behr most suitable one for your riding,
P48 How to
investing in the right upgrades,
Pro coach Alan
entering a race or using yours to Milway shows how
e-biking can make
hone your technical skills, we’ve you a better rider

got it covered! Mountain Biking UK

It’s been amazing to witness the

development of these bikes over





5 THINGS
YOU NEED
TO KNOW
ABOUT
E BIKES

WHO THEY’RE FOR, HOW THEY WORK AND HOW THEY’VE CHANGED

Mountain Biking UK

EXPLAINER

1 integration. Drive units starts to feel a lot heavier. 5
are smaller, lighter and You may also have to adapt
THEY’RE BRILLIANT FUN! quieter than they used to your pedalling speed to get THERE’S ONE OUT THERE
be, and batteries are almost the most out of the motor TO SUIT YOU
Yes, they’re especially universally concealed within on climbs. On top of all that,
useful for people with health the down tube, rather than you have to keep an eye on Most e-bikes we feature in
problems, who can use bolted on top. battery life, and they’re a MBUK are designed for trail
them to make riding less pain to lug over gates or into or enduro riding, but you
strenuous. But if you’re 3 the back of your car/van, can get e-hardtails, e-XC
young(ish) and fit(ish), you too. Thankfully, the positives bikes (most notably the
can put in the same e ort you … BUT THEY DO HAVE outweigh the negatives. Trek E-Caliber) and e-MTBs
would on a ‘regular' bike and A DIFFERENT RIDE FEEL with dual-crown forks or
go faster and further. It’s like 4 180mm of travel for DH
having your own inbuilt uplift The extra weight of the or bike park duties. You can
service or range extender! motor and battery adds NO, THEY’RE NOT MOTORBIKES choose between models
stability and grip, especially IN DISGUISE with chunky bar-mounted
2 on the downhills. However, displays or more subtly-
it also makes the bike In the UK, e-bikes can integrated controls, and
IT’S INCREASINGLY HARD harder to throw around, only be legally ridden on with batteries designed for
TO TELL THEM APART FROM especially when combined public roads, cycle paths, long range or lighter weight.
‘REGULAR’ MTBS... with the longer chainstays bridleways and most Wheel size, geometry and
required to make room for purpose-built MTB trails if suspension travel also
Manufacturers have made the drive unit. Pumping the motor is limited to 250W varies. On top of that,
great strides in terms through flatter sections of average, continuous power there’s a whole new breed
of motor and battery isn’t always an option, (the output can peak higher of lower-powered e-bikes

Mountain Biking UK

EXPLAINER to customise the assistance provided 4 FRAME E
in each mode, via a Bluetooth phone
1 MOTOR app, and some motors are even It’s becoming harder and harder to
‘smart’ enough to sense when you’re distinguish e-MTBs from regular
While town e-bikes sometimes use tackling obstacles or extreme terrain mountain bikes, the telltale signs
hub motors, e-MTBs use a ‘mid-drive’ and automatically adjust the level of being an oversize down tube, a bulky
system, positioned in the bottom assistance for you. bottom bracket area and perhaps
bracket area and connected directly a bit of motor whine at times. E-bike
to the cranks. This keeps the weight 3 BATTERY frames are available in aluminium or
low and central for better handling, lighter carbon fibre. Key things to look
and gives better torque and smoother The size and weight of the battery for when buying include protection for
traction. How much assistance is ensure that it’s almost always housed the motor in the case of ‘sumping out’
provided depends on the model of in the down tube on modern bikes. A (catching the underside of the bike on
motor (see overleaf), what mode 500Wh capacity used to be the norm an obstacle) and, if there’s no power
you’re in and how much pressure is but that’s slowly creeping up. At the to your shed/garage or you’re into
being put through the pedals. Motor bigger end of things, Bosch now o er long rides, easy battery removal for
smoothness and response speed a 750Wh option (plus a DualBattery charging or swapping.
vary, but the latest o erings, such as system that lets you run two batteries
Bosch’s Performance Line CX, seen to achieve a whopping 1,250Wh) 5 PARTS
here, o er enough grunt for even the and Norco sell bikes with a Shimano
steepest and trickiest of trails – in this motor and their own 900Wh power The added power of the motor and
case, up to 340 per cent assistance pack. Bear in mind that the bigger the extra miles being covered cause
and 85Nm of peak torque. battery, the more it’ll weigh, so don’t the gears to wear faster, so e-MTBs
go for the largest one available if your often have steel (rather than alloy)
2 MODES rides only last a couple of hours. Many chainrings and cassette sprockets, and
batteries are removable, so they can stronger chains. Sometimes single-
Most e-MTBs have several modes, be swapped mid-ride or taken inside click shifters are used, to prevent you
from ‘eco’, for maximum mileage, to to charge. Some brands o er spare putting excess strain on the drivetrain
‘turbo’ or ‘boost’, for ultimate power full-size batteries or smaller range- by trying to shift across several cogs
and torque. Commonly, you can toggle extenders that can be bolted to the at once. Powerful four-pot brakes
between these using a bar-mounted frame or stowed in a pack. with big rotors are generally specced
remote, which also shows remaining to slow down all that added weight,
battery life and other data on an LCD and brands often fit stouter forks,
screen. Many manufacturers allow you wheels and tyre casings, too. Because
e-MTBs tend to be ridden hard, you’ll
often find tougher enduro-style parts
on e-bikes with trail-bike amounts of
travel. Brands o er all kinds of other
e-specific parts, too, from handlebars
to saddles (see p38), but the jury’s still
out on a lot of those!

BUYER’S GUIDE 3,000 K £4K
SUB £
£3£
CANNONDALE TRAIL NEO S 2 VITUS E SOMMET VR
THE KEY THINGS TO
LOOK OUT FOR AT £2,800 | www.cannondale.com £3,599.99 | www.chainreactioncycles.com
DIFFERENT PRICE
POINTS TO MAKE Want an o -road e-bike on a tight budget? For this kind of cash, you should get a decent
SURE YOU GET THE A hardtail is your best bet. With no rear bounce enough full-suspension e-bike, especially if
BEST POSSIBLE and only basic kit, we’d stick to gentler trails. you buy online (although that’ll count out a
E-MTB FOR Like many cheaper bikes, this one has an older test ride and make it harder to sort out any
YOUR MONEY motor (Shimano E7000), 1x10 gearing and no issues). With extra money spent on the (alloy)
dropper post. But you do get a good-looking frame, the parts spec will be fairly basic,
frame with integrated battery, plus a fork with although here you do get a dropper, four-
less-flexy-than-some 34mm stanchions. piston brakes and a 36mm-stanchion fork.

Mountain Biking UK

KEY FEATUR ES E MTB

ES E MTB KEY FEATUR

K £6K £10K £10K

£4
£6K

SCOTT PATRON ERIDE 920 ORANGE PHASE MX RS SANTA CRUZ BULLIT CC X01 AIR AXS

£5,499 | www.scott-sports.com £8,200 | www.orangebikes.co.uk £11,699 | www.santacruzbicycles.com

This is where things start to get interesting. At this price, you should expect something If cost is no object, you can spend a lot of cash
Carbon fibre frames start to appear (although special. Most £6k+ bikes have carbon frames, on an e-bike! The Bullit doesn’t necessarily
this Scott is alloy) and you get more travel, although Orange opt for a hand-built-in-the- ride significantly better than bikes costing
geometry and battery options, plus a better UK aluminium monocoque instead. You can thousands less, but you do get SRAM’s top-of-
spec. The Patron 920 uses Bosch’s top motor, pick from a range of travel, wheel-size and the-range AXS wireless shifting and dropper
paired with a big 750Wh power pack. You also kit options, and some customisation may be post, a great-looking frame and wheels made
get a big-name RockShox Domain fork with o ered, too – the Phase comes in six colours of top-tier carbon fibre, some high-spec kit
38mm stanchions, plus a 1x12 drivetrain. and you can add upgrades like Hope brakes. and that coveted Santa Cruz head badge.

Mountain Biking UK

EXPLAINER ORS COMPA

MOT RED MOT

DRIVE TIME ORS

Bosch and Shimano have emerged as the two major players in the e-MTB
motor market, supplying the vast majority of bike brands. However, a handful
of companies have chosen to go their own way. Most notably, Specialized have

enjoyed great success with their Brose-built drive units. Giant, meanwhile,
continue to work with Yamaha, and Rocky Mountain with small French-Canadian
outfit Propulsion PowerCycle. You’ll also come across the name FAZUA if you’re
looking at lighter-weight e-bikes – they provide motors and batteries for the likes
of Lapierre, Kinesis, Trek and Focus, as well as several road bike brands. There’s

more to choosing an e-bike than just picking the most powerful drive unit, but
here’s how some of the most common motors compare. Just bear in mind that
not all brands use them in stock form – for example, on their Rise e-MTB, Orbea
use a Shimano EP8 system but limit torque to 60Nm (and fit a smaller 360Wh

battery) for a more natural-feeling ride.

BOSCH SHIMANO STEPS SPECIALIZED GIANT ROCKY SPECIALIZED FAZUA RIDE
PERFORMANCE EP8 DU EP800 TURBO FULL SYNCDRIVE PRO MOUNTAIN SL 1.1 50 TRAIL
LINE CX GEN4 POWER 2.2 DYNAME 4.0
Brose FAZUA
MANUFACTURER Bosch Shimano Brose Yamaha Propulsion
CATEGORY PowerCycle Lightweight Lightweight
Full power Full power Full power Full power
YEAR INTRODUCED Full power 2021 (MY22)
2021 (for model
WEIGHT (CLAIMED) 2020 (with June 2020 year 2022) 2021 (MY22) 2021 (MY22) 2019 4.4kg inc. battery
TORQUE software update & 58Nm
2021 display/ 3.05kg
battery update) 90Nm 252Wh

2.9kg 2.6kg 2.7kg Not specified 1.95kg Not specified
85Nm 108Nm 35Nm 250W
85Nm 85Nm 350W
Walk Assistance,
BATTERY OPTIONS 400, 500, 625, 504, 630Wh 700Wh 625, 750Wh 720Wh + 314Wh 320Wh + 160Wh Breeze, River,
750Wh 400% 410% 400% range extender range extender Rocket
250W 250W LED
MAX ASSISTANCE 340% 500W 565W Not specified 200%
250W Desktop software
POWER – CONTINUOUS Not specified 250W 250W 240W lets you customise
RATED OUTPUT assistance levels
Not specified 700W 240W
POWER – PEAK 2 years

MODES Walk Assist, Eco, Walk, Eco, Trail, Walk Assist, Eco, Walk, Eco, Basic, Walk, Eco, Trail, Walk Assist, Eco,
DISPLAY Tour, eMTB, Turbo Boost Trail, Turbo Active, Sport, Ludicrous Trail, Turbo
EXTRA FEATURES Power

WARRANTY LCD LCD LED LED LED LED

eMTB setting – E-Tube app lets Mission Control RideControl app Ebikemotion app Mission Control
changes mode you customise app lets you lets you customise lets you customise app lets you
automatically assistance levels customise assistance levels assistance levels customise
based on the assistance levels assistance levels
pressure the rider 2 years and works out and works out
is putting through optimum mode optimum mode
the pedals usage for ride usage for ride

Motor 3 years, 2 years or 2 years Motor 3 years, 2 years/300
battery 2 years 300 battery battery 2 years battery charge
charge cycles cycles

Mountain Biking UK

Rider: Bristol Store Manager John | Photos: @ jimbland_ | Bike: Santa Cruz Bronson CC

MX’ing it up

Stif North | New York Mills, Summerbridge, N. Yorks, HG3 4LA
Stif South | 5-7 High St, Winterbourne, Bristol, BS36 1JJ

www.stifmtb.com | 01423 802 208



IDES FIR

S FIRST R ST RIDES
ELECTRICAL MEET
FIRS R DE THE TESTERS

TESTING Riders not living under a rock for MICK KIRKMAN
the past few years will have noticed TESTER/PHOTOGRAPHER
WE GIVE SEVEN OF THE LATEST E-MTBS A THOROUGH GOING-OVER IN THE WORKSHOP ever more folk out on the trails (and
AND OUT ON THE TRAILS TO SEE IF THEY REALLY DO SOAR UP TECH CLIMBS AND TAME overtaking them on the climbs!) on Yorkshireman Mick
THE GNARLIEST DESCENTS – AND WHETHER SPENDING MORE ACTUALLY PAYS OFF e-bikes. They’re now outselling ‘normal’ raced Elite DH and 4X
bikes in the UK, above the price point of back in the day, and
about £4,000. This won’t be shocking still loves riding flat
to anyone who’s ridden one properly, out, with or without
and rapidly racked up all the best pedalling assistance.
trails in succession. They’re enablers,
allowing averagely-fit riders to take ALEX EVANS
on rides that wouldn’t normally be BIKERADAR TECH EDITOR
possible without lungs and leg muscles
of Olympian proportions. But it’s not A hard rider with a habit
all about making it easy – e-bikes also of breaking bikes –
turn otherwise insurmountable terrain including one of the
into technical puzzles of balance,
timing and traction, bringing big thrills machines reviewed here
in the process. Pointed back down, – Alex pulls no punches
you can ride these heavy, stable and
grip-rich bikes FAST, which not only with his testing.
improves rider technique in record
time, but also builds strength. While
you might need mega money for
a super-slick, fully-integrated, carbon
fibre superbike, there are a ton of
machines available for less if you shop
wisely, and they’re getting ever more
refined. We’ve tried to cover a good
spread of options with these First
Rides, to help find the e-MTB for you.

THE LINE UP

SPECIALIZED S-WORKS TURBO LEVO NUKEPROOF MEGAWATT 297 COMP YETI E160 T1 VITUS E-SOMMET VRS

P16 P21 P25 P28

THOK TK01 R MERIDA EONE-SIXTY 700 INTENSE TAZER 279 EXPERT

P30 P34 P36

Mountain Biking UK

TRAIL TRAIL T RAIL TRA

SPECIALIZED S WORKS TURBO LEVO
IL TRAIL
Mega-money Levo has the performance to justify its price
£13,000
There are plenty of reasons why the Turbo Levo is one of the world’s most
popular e-MTBs, and Specialized aim to build on that success with the 2022
version. It has some new features that represent a significant leap forward
over the outgoing bike, along with an eye-watering price tag, particularly on

this range-topping S-Works model.

Mountain Biking UK

THE FRAME sporting a more aggressive, slacker and FIRST RIDES

Built from Specialized’s FACT 11M carbon lower shape. The frame is also massively SPECS

fibre, the frame sports their ‘Sidearm’ adjustable, with six potential geometry Frame ‘FACT 11M’
carbon fibre,
driveside strut between the top tube and configurations on each of the six reach- 150mm travel
Fork Fox 38 Factory
seat tube shock mounts, designed to boost based sizes (S1 to S6). We preferred the GRIP2, 160mm travel
Shock Fox Float X2
chassis sti ness. Although chunky-looking slackest, longest and lowest setting, which Factory
Motor Specialized
compared to a normal bike, the Turbo Levo gave our S4 test bike a 63.5-degree head Turbo Full Power
System 2.2
is considerably slimmer than most e-MTBs, angle, 76-degree e ective seat tube angle, Battery Specialized
M3-700, 700Wh
despite its high-capacity 700Wh battery. 472mm reach, 1,268mm wheelbase and Drivetrain SRAM
XX1 Eagle AXS (1x12)
Spesh’s latest Brose-built Turbo Full Power 447mm chainstay length. Wheelset Roval
Traverse SL 29 (f)
System 2.2 motor has a new drive belt and and SL 275 (r)
carbon wheels,
much-improved waterproofing, to address THE KIT Specialized Butcher
GRID TRAIL T9 (f)
previous reliability issues. It boasts 90Nm The S-Works Levo is decked out with and Specialized
Eliminator GRID
of max torque and 565W of peak power. top-end kit, including a Factory-series Fox TRAIL T7 (r) tyres
Brakes Magura MT7,
Mounted on the top tube is the 38 fork and Float X2 shock, a SRAM XX1 200mm rotors
Bar/stem Roval
MasterMind Turbo Eagle AXS wireless Traverse SL carbon,
780mm/Deity
Control Unit (TCU), drivetrain and Copperhead, 50mm
a RockShox Reverb Seatpost/saddle
SPESH'S LATEST MOTORwhich tells the motor RockShox Reverb
AXS, 170mm/
how much power to AXS electronic Specialized Bridge
dropper post. Roval Weight 22.36kg
HAS A NEW DRIVE BELTsupply and when. It (49.29lb), S4 size
without pedals
has a full-colour LCD Traverse SL carbon
wheels are wrapped HIGHS
AND MUCH IMPROVEDdisplay with fully-
Impeccable handling
customisable data in Specialized’s own and geometry
Butcher GRID TRAIL –
WATERPROOFINGfields, programmed Amazing spec
–
using Spesh’s Mission T9 and Eliminator Impressive
suspension
Control smartphone app. Remaining GRID TRAIL T7 tyres. You also get Magura –
Great battery life
battery capacity is displayed in one per MT7 brakes with big rotors, plus finishing and power delivery

cent increments. The level of assistance kit from Roval, Praxis, Spesh and Deity. LOWS

in each of the three modes – Eco, Trail and Trail-casing tyres
reduce out-of-the-
Turbo – can be set in the app, and also THE RIDE box capability
–
adjusted in 10 per cent increments using Pointing uphill, the fairly long chainstays, Mind-blowing
price tag
the bar-mounted controller. comfortable top tube length (632mm on

Suspension-wise, the Turbo Levo shares the S4) and steeper-than-average seat

many traits with Specialized’s latest tube angle mean the Turbo Levo sticks to

Stumpjumper EVO trail bike. It has 150mm your chosen line. Front-wheel lift is limited,

of rear wheel travel, a progressive leverage even on the steepest and most technical

rate (making it more resistant to bottoming inclines, and easy to control with minimal

out) and a rearward axle path in the first rider input. Not only is the geometry spot-

65mm of vertical travel. The brand have on for climbing, but the bike is smooth over

opted for a ‘mullet’ wheel set-up (29in bumps, too, damping harsh vibrations well

front, 650b rear), to balance smooth

rolling with flickability. Geometry has been

updated for 2022, too, with the bike now

Mountain Biking UK

TRAIL T

TRAIL RAIL TRA

IL TRAIL

and with a super-fluttery and reactive rear THE SUSPENSION PROVIDES only has 150mm of travel, especially when
suspension action over trail chatter, which we were pining for yet another run down
further improves comfort and grip. INCREDIBLE CONTROL AND a hair-raising EWS track.

The Specialized 2.2 motor is quiet, even TRACTION, ALONG WITH Only one thing detracts from the Turbo
under high strain. It helps in a natural- Levo’s descending ability. After just a
feeling way, with the power coming in UNHEARD OF LEVELS OF handful of rides, it became clear that the
gradually, not peaking with wheel-spinning, stock tyres aren’t suitable for the bike’s
rip-the-trail-up assistance that’s di cult POP FOR AN E BIKE weight and wide-ranging capability. The
to control. We found it prefers lower gears GRID TRAIL casing is easy to overwhelm in
and a higher pedalling cadence than other long reach and wheelbase all create turns and through holes, when ridden with
e-bike systems. This makes cleaning tech stability, so the bike rarely gets knocked sub-27psi pressures. Fitting tougher GRID
climbs beautifully controlled, rather than o -line and the see-sawing e ect over GRAVITY versions of the same tyres solved
a seat-of-your-pants experience. bumps that can sometimes be felt on this problem, but we’d like to see them
shorter bikes is nearly non-existent. come as standard.
This bike is a true masterpiece to ride
downhill, too. The updated geometry All this makes getting on with the job That small grumble aside, the Turbo
keeps the Turbo Levo’s handling calm of either riding as quickly as you can or Levo not only met our expectations of what
when things get rough, fast and steep; choosing lines precisely much more fun, a modern bike should be capable of, but
the suspension provides incredible and a darn sight easier than on a less blew them out of the water. It raises the bar
amounts of control and traction, along composed-feeling bike. We needed to be for what a trail bike could – and should –
with unheard-of levels of pop for an constantly reminded that the Specialized be able to handle, with performance that
e-bike; and the frame contributes to transcends the e/non-e divide. Alex Evans
a precise and smooth connection with www.specialized.com
the trail, which helps with meticulous line
choice. On rough, furrowed trails, where One of the best mountain bikes
on lighter bikes the wheels would get we’ve ridden to date, with or
bounced about uncontrollably, the without a motor
Turbo Levo’s weight provides poise and
control, allowing the rear end to absorb
the bumps. This turns super-gnarly tracks
into grip-abundant descents that you can
really attack. The slack head angle and

Mountain Biking UK