Mountain Biking UK 01.2022

GOING DEEP XC

the original British cross-country stars were starting 2018 Commonwealth Games race. There, she was Left Barrie Clarke
to feel their longevity, and with the thinning out of those accompanied at the front of the pack by none other competing
role models (among other factors), the discipline was than promising Under-23 rider Evie Richards, who at the 1996 World
slowly losing its cool to downhill racing. finished second. Other British successes followed, Champs in Cairns
including fifth place for Isla Short at the 2020 World
In-between days Champs. Hattie Harnden, meanwhile, has been racking Bottom far left
There were still some quality British riders during the up some good results in the U23 category, while also Oli Beckingsale and
2000s, though. Liam Killeen looked set for the top, podiuming in the Enduro World Series. Liam Killeen flew the
finishing an impressive fifth at the 2004 Olympics and flag for British XC
seventh in 2008. Oli Beckingsale and the evergreen Nick All change through the 2000s
Craig also showed signs of cracking the world stage, So, what changed? The introduction of National
but it just wasn’t to be. It wasn’t until Annie Last began Lottery sports funding in 1997 was a game-changer Bottom left Seen
to consistently make the top 15 at World Cups in 2013 for competitive cycling in the UK. The previous year, here at the 2008
and 2014 that a glimmer of hope appeared, although British Cycling’s (then called the British Cycling Fort William World
strength in numbers was still lacking for UK XC racers. Federation) biggest grant was £22,750 from the now- Cup, Oli Beckingsale
defunct Foundation for Sports and Arts, raised from represented Britain
Annie went on to place eighth at the 2012 Olympics, football pools. In 1997 that rose to £900,000, but this at three Olympics
win the 2017 Lenzerheide World Cup, bag silver at was just interim funding as they worked on their new
that year’s World Champs and then dominate the World Class Performance Plan. Launched in 1998, this Below Annie Last
won BC the support of the mostly lottery-funded UK on winning form
Sport, who pledged six years of investment, beginning at the Lenzerheide
with a £2.5 million grant. World Cup in 2017

Our riders now had proper funding and back-up for
the first time. From the mid 2000s, British track racers
such as Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, Bradley Wiggins
and Rebecca Romero started to rule the Olympic
velodromes. Those medals prompted further injections
of cash, providing funds to chase yet more wins. By the
time the Rio Games came round in 2016, competitive
cycling had received over £30 million from UK Sport and
British cyclists were victorious on the road as well as
the track, with Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome both

Mountain Biking UK

notching up Tour de France wins as well as Olympic gold The gravity
medals – the pinnacle of road racing achievements. champ turned

Odd man out future for the sport in the UK. The bar has been XC hero
set high, much as it was in downhilling all those
Mountain biking did somewhat get left behind when years ago, and surely it’ll only reverberate with Not only does Tracy
the dosh was being handed out. To a degree this is more success and more riders taking up the Moseley hold multiple
understandable – there are only two Olympic titles up cross-country challenge. downhill and enduro
for grabs in the sport (compared to 16 for road and
track cycling), both in XC, and we just didn’t have the There’s little doubt that Tom Pidcock will be world titles, but she
numbers to warrant more funding. Plus, there were still an inspiration to a whole new generation of XC also dabbled in top-
elements within the system who hadn’t quite accepted racers, although how much mountain biking level XC, training with
the growing importance of MTBing. lies in his future is unclear, as his team focuses the British Cycling
on the road WorldTour. The amazing rainbow team and racing two
While UK downhillers defied the odds and came to dream-ride of Evie Richards will be just as World Cups. This put
dominate the world scene, their funding came from important in attracting potential champions the multi-talented
sponsorship – something that wasn’t so easy to attain of the future – and, of course, the funding to athlete from Malvern,
for cross-country racers, who didn’t garner the same help make it happen for them. Add in other Worcs, in good stead to
media attention. However, without that lottery-funded talented British riders such as Hattie Harnden, support and mentor
road and track success, there’d have been no Team Sky Isla Short and Annie Last, and it looks like there many of the current XC
– which has now morphed into Ineos Grenadiers and will be no stopping us! hopefuls. Under the
helped Tom Pidcock to his current XC and cyclocross banner of her Trek-
success – and no Olympic World Class Programme, the backed T-MO Racing
initiative that’s helped our female racers rise to the top. team, since 2012 she’s
helped young XC riders
A new dawn such as Alice Barnes,
Hattie Harnden, Beth
With the 2021 race season already behind us, the annual and Rosie Crumpton,
taking of stock is somewhat different than in previous and a certain Evie
years. Our XC riders have done us proud, making history Richards, along with
in the process. Tom Pidcock is our first ever fat-tyred DHer Meg James.
Olympic champion, while Evie Richards is our first Elite Currently on the team
XC world champ – both monumental accomplishments. are Corran and Emily
Their performances have well and truly opened up those Carrick-Anderson, plus
once creaky and seized-up shutters to a much brighter enduro rider Jayden
Randell. Add in her
skills coaching with
British Cycling and her
support for EWS racers
Martha Gill and Ella

Connolly, and UK
MTBing really does
owe Tracy a debt of
thanks.“In 1995,
[downhiller] Helen
Mortimer lent me her
previous year’s bike,
and that really helped
me get started in my
racing career,” she
explains.“It’s been
good to be able to
repay that favour.”

Mountain Biking UK

GOING DEEP XC

Above left In May, Left Then the Ineos Above Evie Richards
Tom Pidcock Grenadiers rider on her way to the win
stormed around went on to top this at the 2021 XC World
the course at Nové by dominating the Champs in Italy
Mesto in the Czech men’s Olympic
Republic to become MTB race at the Right Evie celebrates
the first British male Tokyo Games in July, another gold, at the
to win a World Cup aboard his BMC season-closer
XC race since 1994 Fourstroke full-sus Snowshoe World Cup

Mountain Biking UK

FULL SPEE

AS ATHERTON BIKES GO INTO FULL-SCALE PRODUCTION,
RACE-PROVEN MACHINES AND FIND OUT

Mountain Biking UK

WE CHECK OUT THE UNUSUAL TECH USED TO MAKE THE SIBLINGS’
WHAT THEY’RE ACTUALLY LIKE TO RIDE

WORDS WILL SOFFE PICS DAN GRIFFITHS

THE ATHERTONS HAVE always pushed

themselves, whether through coaching
methods and data analysis for the race
team, corporate deals with non-MTB
companies such as Jeep, or heading up their
own events – and now a full-scale bike park.
So, they were never going to start a bike
company by buying rebadged catalogue
frames from the Far East. It shouldn’t be
a surprise that they’ve taken on cutting-
edge production techniques and space-
age materials, combined with a complex
suspension system, to create the bikes
that bear their name.

The question is, does all this technical
wizardry and race-honed expertise translate
into better bikes? There’s only one way to
know for sure! That’s why I find myself at
Dyfi Eco Park in Machynlleth, faced with
the enviable task of uncovering how the
Athertons make their raceworthy machines,
and then hitting the trails of Dyfi Bike Park
on Gee Atherton’s own bike to find out
whether it lives up to the hype.

Mountain Biking UK

WHO
ARE THE
ATHERTONS?

A precise model of each DAN
component becomes the
Elder brother Dan is
instructions for the 3D a former 4X World
printer to follow Cup winner and
downhill racer who
went on to build the
infamously gnarly
Red Bull Hardline
track and now heads
up Dyfi Bike Park

RUNNING THE SHOW Piers Linney and almost £1.4m raised from crowdfunding, GEE
via 2,218 investors. They’re finally going into full-scale
Atherton HQ has moved from the quiet wilds of rural production, and will be offering both frame kits and custom Middle child George
Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Powys (where the race team builds direct to customers via their website. Four models will has won multiple
was based) to a new, more commercial facility. Upstairs is be available – a 130mm-travel ‘downcountry’ bike, a 150mm DH World Cup and
an open-plan space housing a showroom, dining area and trail bike, a 170mm enduro/bike park rig and a full-blown,
office. This is where the Atherton Bikes team work and play, World Cup-proven DH bike. World Champs titles,
and where CEO Dan Brown proudly talks me through the mixed it with the top
birth of the brand and where they are now. Eager to find out how they’re designed, engineered
and produced, I’m directed towards the engineering freeriders at Red
After deals with Muddyfox, Giant, GT, Commencal and department. Here, a handful of fervent young staff pore Bull Rampage and
Trek, the Atherton Racing team had a pretty good measure over computer models and data tables. As they explain drops jaws with his
of what was needed to make a bike work well on the exactly how they do what they do, the palpable excitement
toughest stages imaginable – the Downhill World Cup circuit makes it clear that this is more to each of them than just a wild riding vids
and Enduro World Series. So, it was perhaps a natural (if nine-to-five job. “We’re doing some things that no one has
perilous) step to begin making and selling their own. Robot done before. There’s no manual, we just have to work it out!” RACHEL
Bikes, a fledgling company from Monmouthshire, had I’m told with enthusiasm. The office vibe is easy to sum up
begun making full-suspension frames in an innovative new – it’s like a big family. High levels of banter and autonomy Rach may be the
way, taking lengths of carbon fibre tubing and mating them go hand in hand, as staff are free to experiment and explore, youngest but her
with 3D-printed (or to give the process its proper name, always with the goal of continuous improvement, reducing
additive-manufactured, or AM) titanium lugs. Liking the production time or waste, making the race team faster, or achievements
customisation options this afforded – unlike regular carbon increasing the effectiveness of marketing communication. outshine even those
frame maunfacturing, where any change to the geometry
requires an expensive new mould – the Athertons worked BUILDING THE BIKES of her siblings –
with brainbox Robot staff (many of whom still work on the she’s a six-time
project) and collaborated with UK AM specialists Renishaw Cutting the carbon tubes to length and bonding them into world champ with
to build the first 50 Atherton bikes. the lugs can be done in-house with a jig and epoxy glue, but 39 World Cup wins!
additive manufacturing is a different matter. At the heart of
Now, the company have their own premises, a team of this technology is a ‘printer’ – almost a derogatory term for
full-time staff, entrepreneurial funding from Dragon’s Den’s

HOW 1 Titanium powder is drawn in from a hopper and 2 Completed parts are purged of powder, with as
ATHERTON graded over the titanium baseplate to a thickness much as possible being recycled for the next print.
BIKES ARE of 30 microns (half the width of a human hair), then Waste titanium must be submerged in water to
MADE the lasers begin firing, four-abreast, into the powder, melting prevent oxidation. Parts, still attached to the baseplate, are
it into a solid dot matrix. Instantly, another graded layer of sent out for heat-treatment. Annealing, as this is called, is
Mountain Biking UK titanium powder is added and the process repeats. Each print essential in AM products, the engineers tell me, because a lot
takes 15 to 18 hours and the sta have a 24/7 livestream they of residual stress remains in the part after welding.
can access in the middle of the night from home, if needs be.

GOING DEEP ATHERTON BIKES

Schematics show
how long each tube

needs to be and
where it goes
Ready to shred! It’s hard
to believe this started
life as a pile of powder
and some tubes

something that laser-welds titanium to a billet baseplate team after selling them the ‘printer’ and coming up
in a managed inert environment. Gloucestershire-based with base designs.
Renishaw are world experts in AM and own a number of
these machines, so production of the lugs for Robot’s They’ve been able to do this thanks to the crack team
frames and early Atherton bikes was farmed out to them. of bike-boffins that Atherton Bikes now employ. Hailing
However, after a successful round of crowdfunding gave from across the UK, the keen young engineering team are
thousands of riders and investors around the world bubbling with enthusiasm as they explain to me how they
a stake in the company, Atherton Bikes were able to buy optimise each individual part to be printed, to streamline
their own AM machine. Renishaw built it and are now every stage of the production process and keep waste to
handing increasing levels of control over to the Atherton a minimum. Unsurprisingly, a huge amount of computer
and human brainpower goes into the design of each part.

3 Next, grinders and air hammers are used to 4 The finished lugs enter the bonding room. 5 Once the frame has dried, bearings are pressed
break the super-strong titanium parts away Carbon fibre tubes (manufactured in New in and a shock fitted, and it can be taken to
from their baseplate. “It’s really important Zealand by a company who make masts for the final assembly room. Here, a mechanic will
to optimise the supports,” says lead manufacturing America’s Cup yachts) are cut to length and the frame assemble the bike with the exact mix of components
engineer Will. “If they’re too thick, the powder can’t is dry-assembled in a jig. Atherton Bikes o er multiple specified by the buyer. In this digital age, prospective
escape from the holes, and we have a hell of a job sizes – 22 on the 150mm bike, with reach increasing in purchasers can specify a custom build from start to
separating the part from the base.” Parts are then sent 10mm increments as you go up the range, but the angles finish at www.athertonbikes.com.
out for final machining, to ensure the mating surfaces are remaining the same. An epoxy resin is mixed and inserted
in precise tolerance for the frame’s bearings and threads. into the lugs, then the carbon tubes are squeezed in.

Mountain Biking UK

Dan lets Will lead The spectacular Dyfi The AM machine is only as clever as the instructions
the way down the Valley is the test bed it’s given. Each part must be designed, and optimised
triple-black-diamond for all Atherton Bikes for printing, using computer software to model how the
Oakley Icon Way shape will coalesce from the titanium powder. Supports
have to be added so that the titanium has a solid surface
Mountain Biking UK to weld to. If they’re too big, it’ll be hard to separate
the lug from the supports, too small and the part could
distort or even fall apart. Most of the lugs are size-
specific. With so many frames sizes available (22 for the
150mm bike, 12 for the DH rig), that’s a lot of designing!

We head down to the ground floor – where the magic
happens. Passing a room where the bikes are built and
a bonding room resplendent with billet aluminium jig,
we move into the heart of the building. The Renishaw
AM machine sits imposingly in the centre of a
temperature and humidity-controlled room where even
the composition of the air is monitored. Inside it, no fewer
than four lasers sit above a titanium plate smothered in
a cloak of inert gas. Designs are fed into the machine and,
after running safety checks, it signals that it’s ready. I’m
given the honour of pressing ‘go’.

ON THE TRAILS

After lunch, the team inform me that I’ll be given Gee
Atherton’s personal play bike to ride – a 150mm-travel
29er. My instructions are to chase MTB legend (and
creator of Red Bull Hardline) Dan Atherton down the
trails he created. Gulp! Dyfi Bike Park is approximately
nine minutes’ drive from Atherton Bikes HQ, so testing
new parts, liaising with the public or just popping out

GOING DEEP ATHERTON BIKES

Will and Athy drop
into the bottom

section of Oakley
Icon Way

for a ride couldn’t be much no unpredictability or handling quirks. It’s rare that a bike THE
BIKES
easier! A connecting vein of feels instantly familiar, but this is one such steed. Gee’s
Additive
true passion for bicycles and bike’s 480mm reach (compact, considering his 6ft stature) manufactured
(3D printed)
the growth of the brand runs feels comfortable to me, and the short back end means it’s titanium lugs
bonded to carbon
through everything they do. chuckable, but with an inherent stability.
fibre tubes
On this 650-acre plot The frame uses a six-bar DW6 linkage, designed by Dave Weagle-
designed DW6
of Welsh hillside, conifers renowned suspension guru Dave Weagle and similar to that six-bar linkage
Multiple sizes
grow and are harvested for used on the prototype Commencal DH bikes raced in the available

an active sawmill alongside 2021 World Cup series. This gives a firmly supportive feel PRODUCT
RANGE
the grey snakes of freshly- but also allows the rear wheel to track the ground closely,
Enduro
dug trails. Athy [Dan] and offering great feedback and amazing traction, while also 150mm travel,
29in wheels
the Dyfi dig team have bags providing a good pedalling platform and ensuring that it ---------------------

of motivation; they’re the takes minimal effort to hop the bike. The back end is very DH
203mm travel,
masterminds and muscles behind the tracks, creating stiff and responsive, but in corners I notice that it feels like 29in or ‘mullet’
(29in f, 650b r)
trails graded from red up to triple-black. We bump into torsional flex is loading up, causing the bike to bite back ---------------------

Dyfi’s resident coaches, including World Cup downhiller harshly when traction is lost – something not helped by Park
(coming soon)
Al Bond and freerider Alf Raynor, who seem to live on the stiff sidewalls of the Continental Der Kaiser tyres. Dan 170mm travel,

their bikes, and (when they aren’t coaching) spend their Brown explains that this bike is a pre-production model ‘mullet’
---------------------
weekends riding with the Shred Mansion crew on the new, and the final version will have thinner carbon tubes in the Downcountry
(coming soon)
and phenomenally good, triple-black Oakley Icon Way. rear, allowing for extra compliance and traction when the 130mm travel,

It’s always a pleasure to see IT’S ALWAYS A bike is loaded up in the turns. This 29in
Athy. Beneath his signature half- is the advantage of having access ---------------------
smile and dry wit is a calmness to some of the fastest riders on the
Prices start at
and genuine warmth. He’s the PLEASURE TO SEE planet. Atherton Racing rider Charlie £3,995 for the
ideal person to follow down new Hatton has spent considerable enduro frame,
with full builds
and tricky terrain, because he ATHY. BENEATH HIS time testing how much the new- available from
always offers excellent advice SIGNATURE HALF- and-improved rear triangle needs around £6,500
and honest feedback. The Icon to flex to deliver maximum grip
Way is an absolute riot, too. and feedback. This level of detail, in
Despite windy conditions and a tandem with the rapid prototyping

wet surface, the trail has a great possible with the brand’s unique
production method, really sets
SMILE AND DRY WITrhythm.Dan and the team have
really put in the hours to perfect them apart from bigger-volume
this new jewel in Dyfi’s crown. IS A CALMNESS AND bike manufacturers.

Flowing down a triple-black- On my drive home, I think about

diamond trail over huge jumps GENUINE WARMTH how great it is to see a homegrown
and G-out-inducing berms, the British business using innovative

bike feels reassuringly chunky, materials and methods to create

stable and predictable beneath me. This is a machine exciting new bikes. The Atherton brand has gone from

that’s at its best when pushed hard – not surprising when three siblings who ride to a globally dominant racing team

you consider that the development riders are World Cup and now a full-blown bike manufacturer. I can’t wait to

pros! Right when you’re at the edge of control is where see what comes next – and to take the final production

that otherwise inert-feeling chassis feeds back to you, with bike for a spin!

Mountain Biking UK

chainreactioncycles.com

Scotland?

WE SEE IF A LONG WEEKEND OF ENDURO RIDING
IN THE TWEED VALLEY REALLY CAN COMPETE

WITH A BIKING TRIP ABROAD

WORDS: AARON TOLLEY PICS: SCOTT WINDSOR

Mountain Biking UK

Fans of steep, natural- We guarantee, the
feeling tech will be Tweed Valley trails will
in their element here give you smiles for miles

or even Whistler, if you’re really to the Scottish Borders town of quickly turned to sipping a cold pint
lucky (or loaded!). However, with Peebles to find out. of craft beer instead.
flights grounded and quarantine
compulsory for much of the past Our visit was all sorted. MBUK We woke up to a true taste of
two years, many of us have embraced staff writer Will was going to research Scotland. Not only was the rain
the idea of an MTB ‘staycation’ an article for the mag, while a few coming down hard, but the national
instead. But can you really replicate of us who’d previously enjoyed a dish was on the menu… kind of –
the chalet experience we crave on stay with MTB Beds in France made whoever invented the veggie haggis is
home soil? MTB Beds invited us up up the numbers for the photos. a genius! After an introduction to our
Unfortunately, Will had to pull out at guide, Craig, and a few cups of coffee,
the last minute, so we agreed to write the clouds had parted. With the sun
up the trip in his stead, promising not peeking through, the mist began to
to drop in too many sneaky plugs for rise through the thick forests visible
TrailMaps! We packed up the van and from the hotel restaurant. Kit on,
set off north in search of world-class bikes out and within minutes we
enduro trails, good food and a few were climbing smooth switchbacks.
drinks with like-minded riders. The warm-up trail for the weekend

In at the sweet end tweed tips

Leaving the motorway at Moffat, we Chris’s set-up advice for
found ourselves transported to a land Glentress and Inners
of rolling hills and vast pine forests.
After driving for an hour through the “It can get pretty wet so take your
stunning Scottish countryside, we Gore-Tex and a mudguard to make life
arrived at the town of Peebles, where on the hill more comfortable. Luckily,
we stopped for a quick coffee at The most of the trails run well in the wet
Potting Shed. From there it was just so there’s no need for mud tyres, but
a short trip down the road to the MTB tough casings are essential. The trails
Beds base at the Glentress Hotel. here may be longer than you’re used to
Its location at the bottom of the trail so set up your bike a little softer than
centre of the same name seemed standard to make it more forgiving.
ideal, but with only a few hours of Things can get tight in places so look
daylight left, thoughts of a swift ride ahead and don’t steam in too hot!”

Mountain Biking UK

WHO
ARE WE?

AARON TOLLEY

Owner of MTB art print
business TrailMaps.co.uk.
Loves exploring new trails
with his family and friends

CHRIS HEADLEY

A tech wizard with 30
years in the saddle.
Probably the fastest
hairdresser in the UK!

It might not be the Alps ELLIOT MACHIN
but the landscape feels
subalpine in parts 6ft 1in, athletic build. Loves
steep technical descents.
THE WARM-UP TRAIL WAS NOTHING SHORT OF EPIC, Looking for a like-minded
STRAIGHT INTO FLOWING UNMARKED SINGLETRACK
partner for adventures

SCOTT WINDSOR

MTB photographer Scott
is prepared to travel far

and wide to get that
perfect shot

RICH WILFORD

MTB Beds’ main man.
When not spending time
with his girls, Rich is on the
hunt for that dream trail

Magical mossy Mountain Biking UK
forests make for a
mint MTB experience

Granted, Scotland’s not known for its sun,
but chasing your mates down slippery
muddy trails is a helluva lot of fun

THERE’S A GOOD REASON WHY THE ENDURO WORLD SERIES
HAS MADE SEVERAL VISITS TO THE TWEED VALLEY

Bonnie Scotland has scenery to
rival anywhere (just imagine all
this heather in purple bloom)

GOING DEEP TWEED VALLEY

Get down and dirty with some
rut-sliding and do your best
Joe Barnes impression!

was nothing short of epic. Starting
from Glentress’s highest point, the
mast, we were straight into flowing
unmarked singletrack through
woodland covered in vibrant green
moss and with rays of sunshine
piercing the canopy. Next, we headed
into a black-graded trail, which was
fun and fast, before – 15 minutes later
– dropping out of the forest straight
into town for another quick brew.

As the day continued, our guide
adapted his route. Listening to
our whooping and hollering, Craig
quickly gauged the type of trails we
enjoyed riding and made sure that we
arrived back at the hotel with huge
grins and tired legs. After our bikes
were washed and a hearty dinner
consumed in the hotel bar, we were
ready for a good night’s kip.

Golfie club off-cambers. With close to 5,000ft You’ll find roots and chutes
There’s a reason why the Enduro of climbing under our belts, and no aplenty, plus sculpted
World Series has made several visits end of smiles and banter, we finished catch-berms and more
to the Tweed Valley, and that’s the the day with a beer in the Traquair
incredible riding in the area known Arms in Inners. The Lowdown: get a goody bag with kit from
as ‘the Golfie’. Transported five Tweed Valley Peaty’s, Fox and TrailMaps.
miles down the road to the town of Treat for tired legs
Innerleithen, with our bikes loaded By day three, our legs were feeling Getting there: From the Riding: There’s everything
onto the MTB Beds trailer, we then slightly the worse for wear. What we south, take the M6 then from the waymarked green,
began the 40-minute ascent to the needed was a lift to the top – the A74(M), exiting at junction 15 blue, red and black XC trails at
top of the hill. The climb was gradual, highlight of any alpine holiday! This for the scenic route to Peebles Glentress to some of the
with a freshly-paved section through was where Innerleithen’s Adrenalin through the amazingly-named hardest and steepest tracks
the middle woods making it fairly Uplift stepped in, repeatedly whisking Devil’s Beef Tub. The town is an in the UK at the Golfie and
easy, until the last rocky, muddy track us and our bikes up Caddon Bank. hour’s drive south of Edinburgh Caddon Bank in Innerleithen.
cutting through the heather on the The trails here are slightly different and its airport. A taxi from MTB Beds can guide you, while
moor. Then it was time to turn our to those on the Golfie, on the other there costs around £45. You Adrenalin Uplift (www.
bars downwards once again – and side of town. There’s a greater can also catch a train to adrenalinuplift.co.uk) take the
what a treat lay in store! variety, ranging from incredibly Galashiels, 18 miles away. strain o your legs. Highlights
steep, technical downhills to more A sleeper service runs from include ‘Decade’ in Cademuir
The trails here are unbeatable. bike-park-style tracks with jumps and London (www.sleeper.scot). Forest (steep, technical, loose
Rocky chutes up top lead you quickly berms. You’ve even got the option and rocky), ‘High Definition’
into the forests below, where you can to ride a longer, trail-centre-style Accommodation: We stayed in Thornielee Forest (through
feel your tyres scrabbling for grip on descent back to the uplift pick-up at the Glentress Hotel (www. Caledonian pines, with
the wet roots littering the hillsides, point. After nine runs we were glentresshotel.com) with MTB incredible views), ‘Feed The
until you’re caught by perfectly- cooked. Arms and shoulders aching, Beds (www.mtbbeds.com), Pony’ at the Golfie (a long and
crafted corners, which fire you at and bikes in need of a little TLC, we a holiday company owned by demanding EWS race stage)
speed into steep gullies and technical got cleaned up and went for food passionate riders with a and the ‘Quarry Descent’ from
at Franco’s in Peebles, a classy decade of industry experience. the Three Brethren (flat out!).
Italian restaurant with a friendly They personally recce every
and enthusiastic owner. trip they sell and utilise local Bike shops: You can pick up
knowledge to create the spares at Alpine Bikes at
We couldn’t go home without perfect package. There’s free Glentress (www.tiso.com/
getting one more ride in, so on our parking and wi-fi, bike storage, alpine), Bspoke in Peebles
final morning, with the weather on a bike wash, tools and a (www.bspokepeebles.co.uk) or
our side for once, our guide Craig workshop area, plus e-bike i-Cycles in Inners (www.i-cycles
led us to some local hills. We were charging and rental. You even -a-bike.myshopify.com).
greeted by winding natural trails,
made from shattered bedrock and

Mountain Biking UK

The Scottish weather is, let’s
say, changeable, but that

makes it all the more special
when the sun does come out

WE WERE GREETED BY WINDING NATURAL TRAILS MADE
FROM SHATTERED BEDROCK AND PERFECT PINE-FORMED DIRT

perfect pine-formed dirt. Stopping The variety of riding here is
for an hour to play around on some huge, and includes manmade
features the locals had built, we took trails with fun features
the opportunity to film each other
and discuss technique and body
position, before continuing back into
town for lunch, then hitting the road.

On our way home, we reflected on
our trip. OK, so there’s no network
of chairlifts in the Tweed Valley like
you’ll find in France or Switzerland,
and definitely no Italian-style sun-
soaked beach to relax on after riding,
but staying here with a company like
MTB Beds is about the closest you’re
going to get to a holiday in the Alps
without going overseas. The weather
in Scotland is never guaranteed – in
fact, we saw all four seasons in one
day! – but you’ll soon forget about
that once you’re riding what are
undoubtedly some of the best trails
in the world.

Mountain Biking UK

PPOLWAYERE-SBPIKEEAKEXTPOETRHTES

HOIUNNG-LSEITNROEARNNEOG&WE
D4I8SHPRATCH

£187MERIDA eONE-S.5IX0TYPC10MK £136CUBE STERE16O.00H8SYLPB7CR5IMD0 £113SCOTT STRIKE E.R8I6DEP9C4M0 £72CUBEPREREAFOCTRIMOAN.N1H9CYEPBC6R2IMD5

UK’S LARGEST CYCLE STORE | 0% FINANCE - INSTANT DECISION | BICYCLE MAIL ORDER SPECIALISTS

www.WHEELBASE.co.uk Mail Order +44 (0)1539 821443

3 STORES ACROSS THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

WHEELBASE Lake District WHEELBASE North East WHEELBASE Yorkshire
Tel. 01539 821443 Tel. 01325 352255 Tel. 01943 816101

Mill Yard, Staveley, 100 Bondgate, Ilkley, West Yorkshire
Cumbria LA8 9LR Darlington DL3 7LB LS29 9EW

Orbea are causing such a buzz

Orbea Occam 3 BIKES PUTTING

Discipline: Trail/ ON THE MAP
light enduro

Wheel size: 29in
Frame: Carbon fibre or

aluminium alloy
Suspension: 140mm or
150mm front and rear;

four-bar linkage with
concentric axle pivot
Geometry: Fast, efficient
and fun (slack head angle,
low BB, long reach, steep

seat tube angle)
Standout features:
Asymmetrical frame

weight, allows use of longer
dropper posts and leaves
room for a bottle cage); coil
shock compatibility; two-part
linkage; integrated multi-tool
Extras: MyO customisation

Mountain Biking UK

ADVERTISING FEATURE

O rbea’s bikes have been getting great ourselves,” says Lee, with a wry smile. The you’re after – or you want to personalise the
write-ups, yet here in Britain we know brand have been quick to adapt to emerging machine of your dreams – you can reserve it
very little about the Basque brand. MTB trends, from onboard storage to steeper at www.orbea.com and have it delivered to
We talked to their UK marketing manager seat tube angles, keeping machines like the your nearest store. Demo rides are available
Lee Williams to get the full lowdown and find Occam trail bike and Rallon enduro rig bang across the UK, too. Perhaps most impressively,
out why your next bike should be an Orbea. up to date. They’re also at the forefront of though, they offer a free lifetime warranty
lightweight e-bike development with their on all frames – something made possible by
Standing the test of time 16.5kg Rise e-MTB, now available in more testing that exceeds industry standards.
It sometimes seems like Orbea have come affordable aluminium Rise H form (see p26).
from nowhere with some top-riding bikes, “We continue to push the boundaries of our Part of the family
but the company from Northern Spain’s products,” Lee explains. “Features and tech While lots of European brands entering the
Basque Country was actually founded back that either increase performance, functionality UK market are online-only, Orbea see the
in 1840. Their history is one of continual or the overall rider experience are what drive value of face-to-face contact, so their bikes
reinvention. Beginning as a family-owned gun our development team.” are available in over 150 shops across Britain
manufacturer, they switched to bikes in 1930 and Ireland. They don’t just view these stores
and enjoyed success on the road race circuit. The company use the best materials and as stockists, says Lee, but consider them their
In 1969, with Spain in crisis, Orbea’s factory latest manufacturing techniques, and while partners. And that human connection doesn’t
workers formed a co-operative and saved the lots of brands say they put the consumer end with pre-purchase advice or after-sales
company from collapse. They launched their first, Orbea actually back this up with action. service. As a worker-owned co-operative,
debut MTB in 1984, hit our radar in the 2000s Examples include their MyO custom paint Orbea see themselves as a family, and they
with top XC results under the likes of Julien programme, which lets you personalise the extend this ethos to their customers, via their
Absalon, and more recently have impressed look of your bike at no extra cost, with over a #WeAreOrbea social media community. Here,
with their innovation, customer focus and a million different colour and logo combinations you can share your bikes and adventures, and
strong range of MTBs with racing in their DNA. available, plus the opportunity to upgrade get inspired by others. There are even specific
key components, too. There’s also their new channels for different disciplines, from Trail
Ride of a lifetime Rider Connect tool, which allows you to check Tales (XC/trail) and TheCommission (enduro)
“Selfishly, we only manufacture products the current and future availability of Orbea to Pachamama (gravel/adventure). As they
that excite us to ride and are beneficial to bikes (model, size and colour) at shops close themselves say: “Orbea isn’t just a product
to your home – very useful in these times of at a point of purchase –what follows is a way
of life. Join us!”
high demand. Not only that,
but if it’s a higher-end bike

Orbea Rallon AT A GLANCE

Discipline: Enduro/ Seven things that make
big mountain/bike park the Basque brand special
Wheel size: 29in front,
1
29in or 650b rear
Frame: Carbon fibre WORKER-OWNED
Suspension: 170mm front, CO-OPERATIVE
160mm rear; four-bar with
concentric axle pivot 2
Geometry: Longer, slacker
PROUD 180-YEAR
and adjustable HISTORY
Standout features:
Asymmetrical frame; coil 3
shock compatibility; LOCKR
down tube storage; short TRADITION OF
seat tubes enable sizing REINVENTION AND
up for even more reach
Extras: MyO customisation INNOVATION

Orbea Rise 4

Discipline: Trail e-bike LIFETIME WARRANTY ON
Wheel size: 29in ALL FRAMES

Frame: Carbon fibre or 5
aluminium alloy
DREAM BUILD AT NO
Suspension: 140mm front ADDED COST
and rear; four-bar with
concentric axle pivot 6
Geometry: Almost
identical to the Occam; BIKE SHOP BACK-UP
fast, efficient and fun
7
Standout features: One of
the lightest e-bikes on the THRIVING RIDING
market, with unique firmware COMMUNITY
that limits the torque of its
Shimano EP8 motor for a
natural-feeling ride and longer
range; asymmetrical frame
Extras: MyO customisation



THE BEST BIKES & MTB KIT GIVEN A THRASHING

92

GROUPTEST

OUR VERDICT ON THE LATEST
SUSPENSION FORKS FOR

TRAIL RIDING

72 78 80

NEW PRODUCTS SIX OF THE BEST LONGTERM RIDES

Pedals, shocks, clothes Winter riding gloves The final updates on
and more put to the test our team bikes

Mountain Biking UK

MEET MONS ROYALE
THE TEAM TARN MERINO SHIFT
WIND JERSEY
ROBIN WEAVER
TECH EDITOR IN CHIEF 100 https://eu.monsroyale.com/

With three decades of This merino wool-based jersey has
MTB experience, Rob can a ripstop front panel to block out the
identify the kit that works wind, making it perfect for those rides
that are too cold for just a long-sleeved
TOM MARVIN WHY OUR TESTS ARE THE BEST! jersey, but too warm for a jacket. The cut
TECH EDITOR is relaxed, with good length in the body
Our technical-editor-in-chief, Rob Weaver, gets new and arms, and Raglan-cut sleeves to aid
XC/trail/enduro rider and products in as soon as they’re available and coordinates mobility. Mons’ Merino Shift material
tech wizard Tom gives his all the testing through our team of tech experts, who have combines wool and polyester in a
kit a proper hammering 140gsm fabric that feels superbly soft
unrivalled knowledge and experience. and comfy, while the front panel is made
LUKE MARSHALL Every test starts with a detailed product check in the from lightweight recycled polyester and
TECH WRITER workshop. Next, we hit the trails… hard! We test in real nylon. It isn’t bonded to the body of the
riding conditions, incorporating feedback from multiple jersey, but attached via flatlock stitching,
Downhiller Luke is always riders, and don’t stop until we have the complete picture, leaving an air gap, which we think is the
looking for what saves secret to its performance. We weren’t
time between the tape no matter how long it takes. sure how well this design would work, but
Our testing is staunchly independent and not influenced were blown away by its performance. In
temperatures around 5°C, it strikes a
by PR or advertisers (sometimes to their great perfect balance between warmth, wind
discomfort). We’re never afraid to tell you the truth. protection and breathability, and we
could happily ride for hours without
getting cold or overheating. On fast
descents or into a headwind, the chest
panel makes a noticeable difference.
After high-intensity climbing, the merino/
poly blend wicks sweat so well that there
isn’t any moisture for the wind to chill.
While it won’t replace a proper windproof
jacket for more extreme weather, if you
add a neck warmer and baselayer it’ll see
you into or out of the colder months. It is
pricey, though. Jimmer

JAMES COSTLEY-WHITE HOW WE RATE
EDITOR
We base our scores on value for money and performance
JCW has 29 years of
riding experience and an EXCEPTIONAL

eye for the key details A genuine class leader

ALEX EVANS VERY GOOD
BIKERADAR TECH EDITOR
One of the best you can buy
Many years of breaking
bikes means Alex can give GOOD

reliable buying advice It’ll do the job and do it well

BELOW AVERAGE

Below average Flawed in some way

POOR

Simply put, don’t bother!

JAMES BLACKWELL The best product An exceptional A truly outstanding
ART EDITOR on test, in terms of product for the money product, regardless
performance, qual-
Jimmer rides as fast as he – you’re getting a of price
talks and needs kit that ity and price fantastic deal
can keep up!

WRECKED & RATED

HIGHS

Cleat release
is excellent

–
Fully rebuildable

–
Both sets of cleats feel
similar, so you don’t

need to buy more if
you have a second pair

of riding shoes

LOWS

Clipping in feels firmer
than on other pedals

set with a similar
release tension

–
Pins aren’t e ective
when riding unclipped

HOPE UNION TC CLIPLESS PEDALS

£150 www.hopetech.com

The Union TCs are Hope’s mid-sized entry and release tension with a 3mm (about halfway along their tension
clipless trail pedals (there’s also a GC Allen key. Hope have forgone using guide), we found it more difficult to clip
version for gravity riding and an RC SPD-compatible cleats, though, instead in than on standard SPD-compatible
model for cross-country), with a developing a proprietary design. They pedals or with Crankbrothers’ Eggbeater
90x70mm platform. This puts them on supply two sets of cleats – one with four system, the mechanism requiring more
a par with Crankbrothers’ Mallet Es and degrees of float and a 12-degree release force to make it engage. For the trail
Nukeproof’s Horizon CS’s in terms of angle, and one with five degrees of float riding these pedals are aimed at, where
size. Weight is competitive, too, at 450g and a 13-degree release angle. We you’re not likely to be clipping in and out
for the pair. preferred the four-degree cleats. that often, this isn’t a massive issue.
However, for more gravity-focused
They’re built around a chromoly steel If you like the feel of Shimano SPDs, riders, who may need to regularly get
axle (with a titanium upgrade available), you’ll feel right at home clipped into the a foot off to dab or corner, it’s not ideal.
with three sealed bearings and a Union TCs. Once the cleat is engaged,
Norglide bushing to keep them spinning the float gives the pedal a little wiggle The pedal platform is large enough to
freely. So far, our pedals haven’t room, so you don’t feel locked in place. provide a stable footing when unclipped,
loosened or tightened noticeably, and However, there’s a positive response and gives a reassuring amount of
have a smooth but pleasantly firm feel. from the springs when twisting to support. However, the mechanism does
The body is CNC-machined from release, so you don’t unclip by mistake. sit proud of the body. We found no
aluminium billet and has four removable The cleats are ejected from the pedals benefit from having the pins installed
pins per side. Hope offer the pedals in with a positive push once you do want compared to removing them. Mud
six colours – blue, red, grey, purple, to take your foot off the pedal, and we clearance was never an issue. Luke
orange and black. never had to twist a bit further or wiggle
our shoe to get free, making the cleat Solid-performing clipless pedals that’ll
The clip mechanism is spring-loaded release excellent overall. best suit riders who don’t unclip often
at the front and back, and made from
stainless steel, so shouldn’t rust. As on On the flipside, with the Hope pedals
Shimano SPD pedals, you can adjust the set at our preferred release tension

Mountain Biking UK

WRECKED & RATED

FI’ZI:K X2 TERRA CLIMA ENDURA MT500 D3O SCOTT DEFINED
CLIPLESS SHOES GHOST KNEE PADS LIGHT HOODY

£249.99 www.extrauk.co.uk £79.99 www.endurasport.com £89.99 www.scott-sports.com

Their woven, mid-height upper gives These lightweight knee guards are A technical hoody isn’t an obvious addi-
these shoes a unique look, but adds designed to add some protection without tion to your riding wardrobe, but this one
damp and dirt protection in all but the affecting comfort when riding all day. works great over a baselayer for spring/
worst conditions when worn with trousers And that, for the most part, is exactly autumn riding and under a waterproof or
(which help to hide the ‘ankle sock’ what they do. The flat, flexible D3O softshell in the colder months. The woven
section, too). The upper is fairly weather- padding isn’t pre-curved (as it is on DRYOxcell waffle fabric is soft, warm and
resistant, and the simple BOA and Velcro Troy Lee Designs’ Stage pads) but is breathes well. We like the slim cut, and the
strap closure system is easy to open with designed to articulate well to ensure four-way stretch material, which expands
cold fingers or when coated in mud. free movement. It can bunch up when to fit less svelte forms. The arms are a
Tension is simple to fine-tune with the you’re putting on the pads on, requiring decent length, too. Features are limited
BOA dial, but we didn’t run the Velcro you to wriggle it around until it sits to a vent/pocket on each side and an
strap too tight because, with no regular where it needs to be. The sleeve is tight, under-helmet hood, which doubles up as
tongue, we found it dug in a bit. There’s which not only helps to keep the D3O a neck gaiter. If you’re tall you might prefer
enough stretch in the ‘sock’ that it doesn’t impact foam where it’s meant to be, more length in the body, and the neck
impede getting the shoe on or off. A pull but also stops the pad slipping down would be comfier if the zip didn’t extend
tab at the back helps, too. Volume is while riding. While these don’t feel quite so far up, but otherwise it’s great. JCW
generous, especially around the toes, with as substantial as some rival pads,
room for thick socks. Heel hold is OK, but they’re really comfy and ideal for those
could be improved with better shaping looking for a bit of extra protection
and more padding. Toe and heel when trail riding. Rob
protection is ample. The sole is stiff
enough to work with XC pedals, but foot HIGHS
stability is improved when used with a
caged trail pedal. Pedal pins are able to Decent weather
dig into the Vibram tread, adding to the protection
secure feel. The cleat channel is fairly –
long, allowing for a rearward position. Roomy fit
These shoes work well in mud and on wet –
rocks (but take a while to dry out) and for
hike-a-biking. Tom ‘Sock’ prevents
dirt ingress
Accomplished trail shoes for shoulder-
season adventures, but they look better LOWS
under trousers
Not the plushest
Mountain Biking UK interior
–
High price

HIGHS

Fantastic throughout
its entire stroke
–
Super-supple and

fade-free performance
–

Adjusting spring rate
and progression
is a breeze

LOWS

Stock compression and
rebound tunes will be

too firm for some,
requiring the adjusters

to be left fully open
–

Hard to access
high-speed rebound
dial on some frames

FOX FLOAT X2 FACTORY 2POS-ADJUST SHOCK

£769 (205x65mm trunnion) www.silverfish-uk.com

This iteration of the X2 has a which worked on a host of different bikes
redesigned body and damper, with – the X2 became one of the best shocks
Variable Valve Control high-speed we’ve ridden, blending the masterful
rebound damping and linear damping off-the-top feel of a coil shock with the
elsewhere. It features a high-flow piston, mid-stroke support of an air spring. Set
and a finned internal structure to reduce up like this, it had a stable and
hysteresis (lag). There’s a more predictable feel deeper into its travel,
progressive air spring, too, tuned with with the air spring ramping up gradually
volume reducer tokens. towards the end of the stroke and the
MCU bumper helping to reduce the
We set it up according to Fox’s number and severity of bottom-outs.
recommendations, but their suggested
damping settings choked the shock’s If you can get it set up to your liking,
movement, reducing suppleness and the X2 has to be one of the best
giving a harsh feel over harder square- performance upgrades around. Alex
edged hits. On the plus side, there was
plenty of mid-stroke support. Excellent depth and range of on-trail
performance make this shock one of
A bit of experimentation led to us the best upgrades money can buy
leaving the high- and low-speed
compression and rebound damping
adjusters fully open. In this setting –

TECHNOLOGY

WRECKED & RATED HIGHS SINTER ELECTRIC
BRAKE PADS (S530)
FIVE TEN HELLCAT PRO Sturdy, protective feel
CLIPLESS SHOES – 24.90 (Shimano B type; £21) www.sinter.si

£150 www.adidas.co.uk Great fit Sinter’s Electric pads are designed to
– withstand the increased heat generated
Designed for aggressive riding, these when trying to slow down a heavy e-bike
updated Hellcat Pros are slightly lighter Good balance of and provide the extra power required. The
than the previous version (1,000g, UK10.5 e ciency and pedal Slovenian brand are coy about the details
pair with cleats), but the welded upper – of the compound used on their blue pads,
made partly from recycled materials – feedback but claim they have a long lifespan, are
still features tough abrasion-resistant fade-resistant and offer more modulation
panels. A wide hook-and-loop strap LOWS and power. Bedding-in took us 10
boosts security and keeps the laces from minutes. On the trail, they made our
trailing (although a Crankbrothers-style Need extra spacers (or Shimano XT M8120 four-pot brakes work
lace ‘pocket’ would make things quicker pin adjustment) for significantly better, allowing us to feed in
and neater). Mesh panels and extra stopping power without any
perforations add ventilation without easy unclipping snatchiness. In fact, we found we had to
overly compromising splash resistance. – recalibrate and pull the levers more gently
If you want better protection from the than with the stock Shimano N04C
elements, the standard Hellcats have less Expensive sintered pads. Power felt endless, and was
venting and a coated leather upper for easy to modulate with small lever
£30 less, but are a bit clumpier. Riders LEATT MTB 2.0 movements. The pads didn’t fade or
used to Shimano or Specialized shoes WINDBLOCK GLOVES squeal, even on long, very steep descents.
may want to go down half a size, but Once heated up, the available power
sizing is on a par with Scott and £34.99 www.hotlines-uk.com increased and was better at the end of
Crankbrothers. For us, the fit was spot-on runs than the start. Alex
– fairly slim but with plenty of toe room, These WindBlock gloves do what their
no heel lift and a sturdy, stable feel. name suggests, with a windproof upper
There’s decent feedback through the sole that stops chilly air. They’re as svelte as
and a fairly stiff midsole keeps pedalling summer gloves, but usable in single-
efficient. The grippy Stealth Marathon figure temperatures. The thin material
outsole stops things feeling precarious has coped well with scratchy bushes and
when you’re temporarily unclipped and keeps splashes at bay, but isn’t designed
works well for hike-a-bikes, too, but can to keep your hands dry. Bar feel is
impede unclipping if you use platform excellent, thanks to the unpadded palm.
pedals equipped with pins. With our There’s a small snot-wipe pad, too. The
normal single cleat spacer in place, the elasticated cuff is long enough to fit
pins gouged a track into the rubber as under jacket sleeves, but can make it a
we tried to clip out, and even with the struggle to pull the gloves on if you’ve got
provided steel plate fitted underneath, clammy hands. With a skinny cut and
there was some resistance. Of course, if fingers that aren’t that generous in
you always ride in the same shoes, you diameter, we’d recommend sizing up if
could simply wind the pins in a bit. JCW you like the look of the these gloves and
fall between sizes. There’s also a thick
Top-performing shoes for gravity riding, seam between the cuticle and first
but need careful set-up and the cheaper knuckle, which all our testers noticed.
version shares many of the features Some found it irritating, which knocks
the score down. Tom

Mountain Biking UK

Leah Lind-White, San Diego. Photo: Satchel Cronk

Evolve d Singl e Track Destroye r, Elusive Shr e dding De vice, Eve ry
Sender’s Dr eam, Extra Stee z y Demon, Extraordinarily Smashes Descents,
Emphatically Slays Dr agons, Elusive Sexy De vil, Extr a Savag e
Deathmarcher, Every Single Day. T he Honzo ESD means many things to many
people. It’s rad, fast, uniqu e and special...but to us, it’s Extra Slack, Dude.

konaworld.com

WRECKED & RATED MINITEST

WINTER GLOVES

Protect your paws from wind, chills and (in some cases) water

SPECIALIZED TRAIL THERMAL ALTURA POLARTEC WATERPROOF SEALSKINZ WATERPROOF
ALL WEATHER MTB
£42 www.specialized.com £50 www.altura.co.uk
£45 www.sealskinz.com
SO GOOD… The padding-free palm is comfy, SO GOOD… With an 8,000mm waterproof
with no hot-spots, and gives a ‘connected’ rating and 8,000g/m2 breathability, these SO GOOD… Sealskinz’ polyurethane
feel with the bike. It also contributes to kept our hands dry in the soggiest weather. membrane kept our hands bone-dry in heavy
a general lack of bulk, which makes it easy to They’re warm for their thickness, too, and rain and when fully submerged. There’s no
use the controls (shifter, brake levers, windproofing is good. These work best on movement between the gloves’ layers,
dropper remote). Grip is good, too. The slim, cold days with high exertion, or milder ones boosting control. The palm is soft and
adjustable cuff slips under jacket sleeves. with less movement, maintaining heat rather malleable, and its textured finish grippy, with
Even with sweaty hands, these gloves are than adding to it. It’s easy to pull them on and no hot spots. Dexterity is good. Once our
easy to pull on and remove, thanks to the liner off, with the liner staying put. The cuff slides mitts were sweaty and clammy, the gloves
staying in place. They’re light, too. under jacket sleeves to seal out the elements. remained easy to pull on and remove.
NO GOOD… No waterproofing. Light NO GOOD… The fit, with short fingers and NO GOOD… We found the back of the gloves
insulation and some cold air penetration a large palm, may not suit everyone. We quite stiff and the knuckle protection caused
make them better suited to warmer (6-10°) found that the liner bunched up at times. pressure points. Sizing up for more comfort
rides. The baggy fit may not suit all, either. Touchscreen operation was intermittent. would reduce dexterity – their best point.

GORE C5GORE-TEXTHERMO TROY LEE DESIGNS SWELTER GIRO PROOF

£69.99 www.gorewear.com £40 www.saddleback.co.uk £79.99 www.zyrofisher.co.uk

SO GOOD… Gore’s legendary membrane SO GOOD… These close-fitting gloves SO GOOD… Packed with 100g of Polartec
proved faultless on prolonged wet rides or moulded to our hands, without ever feeling Power Dry insulation, these gloves are
when fully submerged, with water beading on restrictive. The palm isn’t thickly padded, exceptionally warm, making them best suited
the back of the glove, not penetrating the giving a bar feel akin to that of a summer to the coldest days, when they not only
fabric. Windproofing is spot-on, too. There’s glove, with no hot spots and good trail maintain but actually increase the warmth of
ample insulation for cold days, but we didn’t feedback. Sleeves fit well over the long your hands. Giro’s OutDry membrane stops
overheat when putting in hard efforts. adjustable cuff. The level of insulation works all water penetration, even during
Dexterity is good, the synthetic leather palm well for milder days, physically-intense rides submersion. The fleece liner is comfy, and the
lets enough trail feedback through and it’s or people who run hot. Fitting and removal grippy Ax Suede palm doesn’t reduce
grippy, too, with a useful thumb wipe. with damp hands is easy. The long fingers will feedback too much. We like the protection
NO GOOD… While the fingers are generous, suit some riders. They’re lightweight, too. from the adjustable two-layer cuff.
the palm isn’t, so our hands ‘bottomed out’ NO GOOD… The Swelters aren’t waterproof. NO GOOD… All this insulation comes at the
before our fingertips reached the ends. The While touchscreen operation is possible, cost of dexterity, making it tricky to discern
big cuff doesn’t fit under or over sleeves well. accuracy is poor. The fingers feel quite long. shifter and lever pushes. They’re pricey, too.

Mountain Biking UK

MAKE YOUR BIKE FLY

End of Year

OAUFORTFEVRREIRADDYINIECGATRS

We bid farewell to our team bikes

Mountain Biking UK

WRECKED & RATED LONGTERM

HIGHS ROB’S NUKEPROOF MEGA 290
RS CARBON £5,999.99
The Mega has
been ridiculously It’s been nothing but great times for Rob and his Mega
fun to ride all year,
no matter what In the blink of an eye, challenging terrain to get the most
another year draws to from it. The Mega, on the other hand,
the terrain a close, and sadly my has been fun everywhere I’ve ridden
– time aboard the Mega it. From high-speed runs at BikePark
has come to an end. Wales to cruisy laps on the Mendips,
Maintenance has I’ve had a wonderful year riding the it’s consistently delivered.
been minimal fourth-generation bike and have
– come to properly appreciate all the In fact, aside from a wheel change
changes Nukeproof have made to for testing reasons, the bike is still
Easy to set up and it. While I got on with the previous stock, and I’m more than happy with
feel fast on Mega just fine, it certainly wasn’t as it that way. The tester in me is keen
well-rounded as the machine you see to try it with a smaller back wheel,
LOWS here. Don’t get me wrong, the latest but even at 5ft 8in, I’ve had no real
bike can still take a battering with the issues with the rear tyre buzzing my
The cheaper alloy best of them, but the more energetic bum. There’s little I’ve needed to
Megas feel just as feel to the suspension means that on do in terms of maintenance either,
flatter trails it’s simply more fun. aside from replacing brake pads and
good as the It’s not all been plain-sailing, cleaning the drivetrain. The brakes
carbon models though. When Nukeproof sent me do need a bleed now after a year of
their new Giga to test at the use, but that’s to be expected.
BEST UPGRADES beginning of the year, I did start
doubting my original choice. With the Before I finish up here, it’s
Michelin Wild AM2 ability to alter its progressivity, plus important to answer that final tricky
29x2.4in tyre, 10mm more travel than the Mega, the question – would I buy a Mega 290
£59.99, www. Giga is an incredible bit of kit, and, RS Carbon? Well, yes, I’d buy a Mega,
I’d argue, feels more surefooted and but probably not this one. I was
silverfish-uk.com confident when things get wild. Its seriously impressed with the cheaper
low-slung weight helps it corner like alloy version I tested as part of Bike of
Michelin Force AM2 stink, too. But it isn’t as easy to chuck the Year back in issue 394 and, with
29x2.4in tyre, around as the Mega and really needs a much cheaper asking price, that’d
£52.99, www. likely be the one I’d go for.
www.hotlines-uk.com
silverfish-uk.com

WTB CZR i30 TCS
wheelset, £1,250
www.hotlines-

uk.com

Mountain Biking UK

HIGHS JIMMER’S NS SYNONYM TR2 £4,199.99

I’m still amazed After kissing a lot of frogs, Jimmer reckons he’s found his two-wheeled soulmate
at how composed,
After all my years on In fact, I reckon I’ve racked up more fast-rolling tyres with something
aggressive, MBUK and riding these miles on the Synonym TR than on any chunkier and grippier, but that’s just
balanced and fun wonderful contraptions other bike in my time on the mag, and honed the NS to near-perfection. It’s
the bike feels, given called MTBs, I think I’ve that’s saying something. the geometry, and particularly the
its limited travel finally worked it all out. massive reach, that makes it for me.
Less is more! Well, for me at least. Like I’m not someone who feels the need Super-long and slack with a steep seat
– a teenager with an attitude problem, to chase KOMs, but this is certainly tube angle, it looked great on paper
Great geometry the short-travel Synonym TR goes a bike that loves to climb and head out before I’d even slung a leg over it, and
with a long reach where it wants and does things it on long rides. It’s rapid on the flat, but has never disappointed.
probably shouldn’t. It’s the definition of still keeps up with longer-legged trail
LOWS radical, and my year aboard this svelte bikes on the toughest of tracks. And My only criticism would be its price.
beast has confirmed that I hit paydirt while I don’t do big hucks, it’s handled At £4,200 it’s a lot of dollar, especially
Stem is too long, as when I took a punt on the emerging smaller ones with ease. Put simply, given the changes I needed to make.
is the dropper post downcountry category and this NS. it’s been a game-changer for me. Much of that cost is down to the
I can’t say it’s a bike that’s improved A do-it-all, handle-(nearly)-everything carbon fibre frame, so it’s a real shame
– my riding or taken me to any epic bike that I fall back in love with on each there isn’t a cheaper alloy model, as
Stock tyres are too places, like some in the past – and every ride. that would be the one for sure. If
XC focused for me probably because I feel so at home money were no object, it’d be a solid-
on it. I’ve just ridden it a hell of a lot. OK, so when it first arrived, I had to gold five stars from me.
– rein in the stem length, fit a shorter- www.hotlines-uk.com
Lack of an alloy- stack dropper post and replace the
framed model

BEST UPGRADES

Schwalbe Magic
Mary ADDIX Soft
29x2.35in front

tyre, £65.99,
www.schwalbe.com

–
Crankbrothers
Synthesis XCT 11
wheels, £2,150,
www.extrauk.co.uk

–
PNW Loam dropper

post, £150.17,
www.pnw

components.com

Mountain Biking UK

WRECKED & RATED LONGTERM

ED’S YT JEFFSY CORE 3 29 £3,749 + P&P

He’s had a lot of fun aboard the Jeffsy, but for Ed, the geometry doesn’t quite hit the spot

While I wouldn’t say to be really supple and sensitive, even certainly be improved by some softer HIGHS
it’s the perfect bike for under braking. It copes with big hits 3C MaxxGrip or MaxxTerra rubber.
me, my time aboard the robustly, too, considering there’s only Opting for a lighter,
Jeffsy has certainly been 150mm of travel. This is matched This brings me to my one big more trail-
a positive one. Having a admirably by the Fox 36 Performance complaint about the bike, and that’s
rig that’s light (at least compared to my Elite fork, which is just one part of an the 66/66.5-degree head angle. orientated bike over
previous longtermers) and goes fast altogether well-chosen build kit. I just think this is too conservative an enduro rig has
both up and down hill has made longer for hardcore trail riding. Fitting offset made pedalling a lot
rides and hacks about in the woods I have no complaints about the hardware in both ends of the shock easier this year
equally fun. It’s not a bad pedaller, but DT Swiss M 1900 Spline wheels, which slackened this out by two degrees,
with some noticeable bob when you remained solid all year, nor the SRAM improving things greatly, but it’d be –
push hard, a bit more support wouldn’t G2 R brakes and GX Eagle drivetrain, good if this DIY adjustment wasn’t The Core 3 build
go amiss. The Fox DPX2 Performance which never skipped a beat. The YT required. It’s really only this, and kit is pretty sorted
shock has pedal-platform and lockout Postman dropper worked well and I the fact that I should perhaps have straight out of
settings that help offset this – if only only switched it for a BikeYoke REVIVE gone for a bigger size, that, for me,
I could remember to toggle them off as I wanted more travel. My only meant the Jeffsy didn’t quite live the box
again before descents! spec-related gripe is the hard dual- up to its potential, and prevents
The flipside of the active suspension compound Maxxis Minion DHR II front me from wanting to part with my LOWS
is that I’ve always found the rear end tyre. I’m a big fan of the tread pattern, hard-earned for it.
but traction and confidence would www.yt-industries.com I frequently found
myself wanting
slacker, more

aggressive
geometry, especially

when out riding
steep tracks with

fast mates!

BEST UPGRADES

O set shock
hardware, £33.59
(pair), www.o set

bushings.com
–

BikeYoke REVIVE 2.0
dropper post, £365
www.tftuned.com

–
Maxxis Assegai 3C
MaxxTerra EXO 29x
2.5in WT tyre, £60
www.freewheel.co.uk

Mountain Biking UK

HIGHS JCW’S WHYTE E-160 S V1 £5,200

Great geometry Our editor’s had a great year of exploring aboard his copper chariot
–
While there have been decent for the money. I do think it’d of the current design outweigh the
Powerful yet moments when I’ve benefit from a fork with adjustable negatives. The Bosch Performance
natural-feeling wished for a more svelte low-speed compression damping, as Line CX motor remains the same,
motor support ride – not least when I’ve struggled to balance bottom-out which is good, because it has plenty
lugging the E-160 into resistance with mid-stroke support. of grunt and, with its eMTB setting
– the back of my car – the Whyte rides The SRAM Guide RE brakes also lack automatically toggling between modes,
Sensible spec lighter than its 25.83kg weight (sans a little power on such a heavy bike, lets you focus on the trail. I wish the
choices, including mud or accessories) would suggest. Its despite the four-piston callipers and Purion display were less bulky though
a 38mm-stanchion Bosch motor sends it soaring up the 220mm front rotor, and I’ve found the – mine has some battle scars!
fork and 203mm climbs and kicks in quickly on technical WTB Verdict tyres have a tendency to
sections when assistance is needed. lose grip without warning when leant The geometry is hard to fault, but
front rotor Of course, it’s on the descents that this over on harder surfaces. Other than a year on 650b wheels has reminded
bike really comes into its own, with its a price rise to £5,400, the 2022 model me how much I prefer the stability of
LOWS burly 38mm-stanchion RockShox ZEB doesn’t look to have changed much, 29ers. Also, while standover height is
fork, supple four-bar rear suspension except for having grippier Maxxis tyres. good, the tall seat tower can get in the
Very heavy, making and long-and-slack geometry giving way on steeper trails. It’s annoying
it a pain to transport a composed-feeling ride. Interestingly, Whyte haven’t done you can’t fit a full-size bottle, as well.
Taking into account the cost of the anything to improve battery fitting and So, would I buy this bike? In its 29in-
– motor and electronics (which seems removal – a major bugbear with the wheeled E-150 guise, potentially, yes
Battery removal to add £2,000 to the price of any bike), 2021 bike for anyone who can’t charge – but that would change to ‘definitely’
and refitting is the SRAM GX Eagle-based spec is in-situ – saying that the low-down if the battery access were improved.
weight and conventional down tube https://whyte.bike
a right fa
–

Personally, I’d prefer
the extra stability of

29in wheels
–

Only room for a
500ml water bottle

BEST UPGRADES

OneUp Components
carbon bar, £126,
https://uk.oneup
components.com

Mountain Biking UK

WRECKED & RATED LONGTERM

SARAH’S VITUS SOMMET 27 CRX £3,599.99

Sarah is still mourning the great summer she had – and partly missed – on the Sommet

The infamous off-piste pressure needed for my weight (56kg) year, which I think is partly down to the HIGHS
trails of Morzine, the it was a bit sluggish. As the tune of lack of a remote lockout, and also its
swooping berms and RockShox’s Lyrik fork has worked well heavier weight. But on the downhills it Top parts spec
jumps of Avoriaz, the for me in the past, I replaced the 38 excels, and I’ve felt super-confident on for the money
fast Morgins tracks, the with a Lyrik Ultimate 29, with the added steep trails. I’ve ridden it mostly in the
roughness of Schladming, the rooty UK advantage that I was then able to set mullet set-up, though – it’d have been –
trails, the dust of Pila… the Sommet the bike up with mixed wheel sizes. interesting to ride those same trails It’s a beast on
and I have ridden it all. Replacing a fork isn’t an option for all, with the original 650b front wheel. the downhills
It’s a head-turner straight out of but a less pricey custom-tune could
the box and overall I’ve been super- have improved the performance too. I’ve had so many good times on this –
happy with the spec. I particularly like bike that I’m sad to see it go, especially I got to ride it in
the Shimano XT stoppers – although Apart from an air leak from the as our time was cut short due to my plenty of great
they’ve needed a few bleeds, the power shock, which I was able to sort out, crash in August. While I have made places this year
provided by these brakes was great for I haven’t had any major problems, and some big changes, I’d happily put
the steep trails I rode over the summer. the frame is still in good condition, down my money for the stock model LOWS
For me, the only weak point is the Fox apart from the usual wear and tear. – although I’d consider opting for the
38 fork. I’m sure it works fine for most On bigger enduro missions, I haven’t 29er version for the rough and rocky RockShox
riders, but I found that with the low air found the Sommet quite as pedalling- trails here in the Alps. suspension has
friendly as the Scott Ransom I had last www.chainreactioncycles.com worked better for
me in the past than
the Vitus’s Fox kit

–
I’m gutted that,
having bust my

knee on the
Sommet – not the

bike’s fault, of
course! – I wasn’t

able to test it
between the
[race]tape

Mountain Biking UK

WRECKED & RATED LONGTERM

HIGHS JULIA’S JULIANA JOPLIN C S £4,999

A good-looking and Our designer is reluctant to part company with her ‘majestic beast’!
very capable bike
’Tis the season when the Joplin felt like a lot of bike to handle in sync with the Joplin and ready to
– we spend our last in tight corners and on narrow trails. push myself when I visited Chicksands
Amazingly moments with our Being bigger than previous bikes I’ve Bike Park early in 2021. This was
comfy saddle longtermers before we ridden, the frame has space for a full- shortly followed by a team ride and
have to hand them back. size bottle, leaving me backpack-free. photoshoot at BikePark Wales, where
– And when temporarily owning a Joplin, the Juliana gave me the assurance
I’ve got on well with there’s really nothing jolly about that. The Joplin shares its unisex frame to ride those techy trails I’d always
I’ve been truly spoilt. Firstly, by the with sibling brand Santa Cruz’s dreaded. It may only have 120mm of
the 29in wheels taut-feeling carbon fibre frame, which Tallboy. What makes it female-specific rear travel, but that’s been enough to
helps the Joplin feel sprightly on the is the suspension tune and kit spec help me build my skills and progress.
LOWS climbs, even when my legs are tired. – including the Juliana Segundo
Of course, the 29in wheels also help saddle, which is so comfy that it got Now, would I make it my permanent
I struggled to get here. Before riding this bike, I was keen me praising Juliana over Santa Cruz bike? Most definitely! But would I buy
the SRAM G2 R to find out what all the fuss over 29ers pretty quickly. That, and I already have it? Despite no spec changes for 2022
brakes feeling how was about, but didn’t think the bigger a tall man at home – no more needed! – beyond a colour update to what can
I wanted them to wheels would suit me, small woman With so few flaws, it’s been a struggle only be described as ‘1950s bathroom
that I am (5ft 2in on a good day). I’ve finding new things to talk about. I’ve pink’ – the Joplin C S’s price has
– been surprised by just how much extra whined enough about the brakes, with increased by an astonishing £600, to
A huge price stability they provide. This has been a set of Formula Curas being the only £5,599. As smug as I’ve felt out on the
increase for 2022 an enormous confidence booster, upgrade required. trails on this majestic beast, that’s a lot
outweighing the few occasions when of money to spend.
BEST UPGRADE Overall, my longtermer has been www.jungleproducts.co.uk
a fantastic year-round partner. I felt
Formula Cura
brakes, £113.99,
www.geometron

bikes.co.uk

Mountain Biking UK

RYAN MCNULTY PRO INSERTS

PRO

GO BIGGER. cushcore.com
CORNER HARDER.
RIDE FASTER.
TOTAL CONFIDENCE.

HIGHS TOM’S MARIN EL ROY £2,375

Better handling It’s been a real love affair between tech ed Tom and his hardtail this year
and more control
than any hardtail The first weekend of Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip tyres its completely unflappable attitude
November signifies the front and rear, it’s one of the most to descending – the shape and the
I’ve ridden start of my winter. sluggish bikes I’ve ever ridden, and components all marry together in a
– During October I usually the 63-degree head angle makes it package that’s better down a hill than
manage to pick the best fairly barge-like on the flat. Not to a hardtail has any right to be. What’s
A sturdy parts days to ride, dodging the rain and mention the almost comically steep more, if I’m on a group ride with mates
package that’s making the most of lingering summer seat tube angle, which becomes even and I’m not as fast, or chicken out of a
proved well up warmth. But my annual trip to the more upright when the fork sags, and larger jump or drop, I’ve got the perfect
Lake District in November with mates feels bizarre on the flat. But point the excuse – no skill compensation! And, if
to the job from uni is always wet and wild, Marin up or down something steep I do keep up with my fully-suspended
especially as we tend to pick a couple and suddenly it makes a whole heap mates, I get to be all smug!
LOWS of Lakeland summits to ride our bikes of sense.
off. This year was no different, with There’s not much I haven’t loved,
You might put three decidedly damp days spent I’ve piloted the El Roy down a vast except it is really heavy, and there are
your back out navigating down some proper nadgery array of near-vertical tech, from the no ISCG mounts, and the rear axle
lifting it over a fence Lakeland tech. It proved a great way to sun-drenched rocks of the southern threads are getting a bit stiff. But in all
when accessing look back at a year of riding the El Roy Alps to the rain-drenched mud and honesty, that’s about it. Would I buy the
cheeky trails! – taking it to a place where its radical roots of South Wales. No, it’s not the bike? If you’ve read between the lines
shape really came into its own. smoothest bike ever, and I’ve certainly over the past 12 months, I don’t think
BEST UPGRADE This bike certainly isn’t for everyone, felt like I was going to lose some fillings my answer of ‘Yes, absolutely, and so
or even for every ride. With its stock, from time to time, but that’s entirely should you’ will be a surprise!
Maxxis Aggressor part of the bike’s charm. I’ve loved www.marinbikes.com
Dual DD TR 29x2.5in

WT tyre, £74.99,
www.extrauk.co.uk

Mountain Biking UK

RUSSELL’S SPECIALIZED TURBO LEVO SL WRECKED & RATED LONGTERM
EXPERT CARBON £8,500
CHRIS’S LAPIERRE
Light, lithe and lively, the Levo has been a much-loved companion to snapper Russ EZESTY AM 9.0 £5,399

Any concerns I may racking up of long trail days resulted in I remember, earlier in the year,
have had about the a slight numbness in my hands, which writing that while Lapierre intend the
smaller-than-average led me to swap out the bar for a OneUp eZesty to be a ‘best of both worlds’
320Wh battery of carbon bar/stem/grips package. This bike – combining the versatility of
the Levo SL were turned out to be a game-changer in an ‘analogue’ trail bike with motor
dispelled on its first outing, and the terms of comfort and, together with assistance – I was concerned that it wasn’t as good
bike has continued to prove that its getting a customised fork set-up, was as either. In some ways I still feel that’s true, and in
combination of light weight (18.6kg), the best upgrade I made. some ways it isn’t. The biggest issue I’ve found with
sensible geometry and limited the bike is its 250Wh battery. At 19.5kg, the eZesty
pedalling assistance (200 per cent in I’ve been riding and testing e-bikes is a lot heavier than a regular trail bike, so unless
the top ‘Turbo’ mode) delivers a ride since the beginning, because they’re I was eating up the miles on flat bridleways and farm
that’s less about the ‘e’ and more about solid workhorses for covering the tracks, I still felt the need to put the FAZUA motor
the experience. miles more easily when carrying heavy in its highest setting (250 per cent assistance) on
On most e-MTBs, there’s a power camera kit. The difference with the climbs. This drained the battery quickly, even after
surge when the motor kicks in, but on Levo SL is its nimble playfulness, which a 24-hour charge. Take a recent ride with the team
the Levo SL it’s more natural and more makes it a joy to play on as well as work as an example – we started at around 10am and by
in harmony with your riding. Any e-bike on. There’s none of the usual quiet 1pm my battery had run out, halfway up a hill. Ever
has the benefit of allowing you to ride worry about getting a heavy bike home tried grinding a 19.5kg bike up a long climb using
further and faster, but this one has if there’s a motor problem, because only leg power? I can’t say I recommend it.
an agility and finesse of handling that its handling isn’t so affected by lack What I can recommend is just about everything
allows you to tackle more technical of power. It’s also worth mentioning else. The spec is excellent and I didn’t swap anything
features with a confidence you might that the drive system has so far been out all year. I did add a frame strap so I could carry
not have on a heavier machine. problem-free. Would I buy it? The bank some spares, however, and had to buy a side-loading
On early rides, it proved to be so manager might not be happy, but yes, cage and lower-volume bottle because of the limited
much fun that an over-enthusiastic in a heartbeat. space above the fat down tube. If you remove the
www.specialized.com ‘drivepack’ (the motor and battery unit), the eZesty
is a perfectly serviceable carbon fibre trail bike. I
HIGHS rode it like this quite a lot over summer, so I can get
on board with Lapierre’s intentions in this area. It’s
Natural ride feel an experiment that’s successful enough to open
– up some interesting discourse about where bikes
could be heading. But, would I buy one? As much as
Responsive handling I’ve enjoyed my time on the eZesty, I think I’d rather
spend such a large pile of cash on a more powerful
LOWS conventional e-bike. Or even splash out on a super-
special non-e-machine, because I don’t really feel like
Numb hands on being able to do both reasonably well solves enough
high-mileage rides problems to justify the compromises it requires.
www.lapierrebikes.com
BEST UPGRADE
Mountain Biking UK
OneUp bar/stem/
grips bundle, £198,
https://uk.oneup
components.com

WRECKED & RATED LONGTERM

HIGHS LUKE’S CUBE STEREO 170 29 RACE £3,499

Impressive After a year on the Stereo, did it crank up Luke’s fun-o-meter?
performance-to-
When the Stereo and the weight isn’t too excessive brilliantly. It felt perfectly in its
price ratio compared to a trail bike, then why element, letting me finish every ride
– 170 arrived last year, not enjoy the fun and additional with a huge smile.
I felt comfortable confidence that extra travel delivers
Easy to strip on it immediately. on the descents? While the Stereo Still, it’s not perfect. I’d like to see
down and rebuild, The geometry 170 is a bit portly, it ticks those boxes. it lose a little bottom bracket height
was sorted, and the spec was as Plus, most of my rides are winch-and- to help it hunker down in the turns
or to replace impressive (for the price) as its plummet affairs, where I’m chasing even more, and a bit more seatstay
frame bearings ride character. During the year, runs rather than kilometres – and clearance would mean you could run
the price rose by £500, which is that’s where the Cube shines. a wider tyre than 2.4in. So, would
– frustrating, though understandable, I recommend this bike? Without
Individual shock and didn’t detract from the This was most evident when a doubt. When it was summoned
mounts for a coil enjoyment I got from the Cube. I took it to Morzine in the French back to Cube HQ, I was pretty
Most of my riding is around the Alps for two weeks this summer. disappointed. It has been superseded
or air shock UK’s South West, where, if I’m Surprisingly, the closest I came to by a new model, though – the 2022
completely honest, I don’t need a bike park or flow trail for two Stereo One77, with small updates to
LOWS 170mm of travel. Still, personally, weeks was the Le Pleney mainline. the geometry and suspension. Given
I feel that if the seated position Other than that, every day, we were how good the 170 was, I’m dead keen
A wider rear end and promotes efficient pedalling, you riding steep, technical off-piste to swing a leg over it!
lower BB would can firm up the shock on the climbs trails, and the Cube handled it all www.cube.eu

make it even better
–

It’s not the lightest
enduro bike

Mountain Biking UK

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WRECKED & RATED GROUPTEST

TRAIL FORKS DETAILS

Which front suspension gives the most control for your cash? CHASSIS

Suspension forks are one of the key components (see Jargon), which can be ‘tuned’ with volume This is the ‘frame’ of the
that determine how a bike feels and behaves on spacers to provide additional progressivity. fork, consisting of the
the trail, so it’s no surprise they’re a popular However, they tend to feel firmer early in their stanchions (upper legs),
upgrade. Choosing the right one is an important, travel and softer in their mid-stroke than coils. crown, steerer tube,
and pricey, decision. Forks comprise three main
parts – the chassis, spring and damper – all of Compression damping controls the speed at lower legs and axle.
which contribute to their performance, but which the spring compresses. More damping It determines how sti
deciphering the details can be tough and there’s makes a fork feel firmer and generally more the fork is, as well as
a lot of potentially confusing terminology involved. supportive, but can decrease sensitivity, making
for a harsher ride. The compressed spring stores how much tyre
The chassis determines how stiff and strong energy, which is released when the fork re- clearance it o ers.
a fork is, and is a balancing act between strength extends. Rebound damping controls that release.
and weight. Forks with wider-diameter stanchions The amount of both rebound and compression AIR SPRING
(upper legs) tend to be stronger and less flexy, damping needed is linked to spring rate, riding
but heavier. In most cases, one leg houses the style and personal preference. Air springs o er quick
spring, which supports the weight of the bike and and easy fine-tuning of
rider, and determines how much force is required For this test, we’ve rounded up six of the latest the spring rate with a
to make the fork move into its travel. The spring 140 to 150mm-travel 29er forks and used them shock pump, and usually
provides resistance to compression, and the on the same bike (a Specialized Stumpjumper) allow the end-stroke
damper, in the other leg, controls that resistance. with the same tyres, pressures and bar height, on
the same trails at BikePark Wales and in the Forest progression to be
There are two main spring types in MTB forks of Dean, to keep things consistent as we find out adjusted independently
– air and coil. Air springs are the most widely used how they compare in terms of chassis stiffness, using volume spacers.
and feature in all the forks tested here. They’re spring feel and damping control. We’re focusing on
lightweight, and the spring rate (resistance to forks designed for trail riding here, but our findings As the fork moves
compression) can be easily adjusted via air are relevant to enduro riders, too, as longer-travel though its travel, air is
pressure to suit different rider weights and styles. forks from the same brands generally use the
Air springs also have a progressive spring curve same tech, just in a burlier chassis. compressed in the
‘positive’ chamber above
JARGON
the piston, where it
STROKE PROGRESSIVE COMPRESSION REBOUND SQUARE-EDGED HITS resists movement and
helps to hold the fork up
How far the stanchions A spring rate that High-speed compres- High-speed rebound Mid-sized and bigger in its stroke. Below the
(upper tubes) slide into ‘ramps up’ as the fork sion damping controls damping helps stabilise impacts on the trail that piston is the ‘negative’
the lower legs during moves through its travel, cause the suspension
compression. This is with the force needed how much travel is the fork after a big to react quickly, such as chamber, which
often split into thirds – to compress the fork used when hitting large compression. Low- rocks, roots and holes. counteracts the positive
the beginning stroke increasing exponential- speed damping is key
ly. As opposed to a linear impacts or landings. for maintaining usable chamber to prevent
(first third of travel), spring rate, where the Low-speed damping travel and keeping the harsh ‘top-outs’ as the
mid stroke (second increase is steady and controls how much front tyre in contact fork rebounds and make
third) and end stroke travel is used due to with the ground. it feel plush at the start
incremental. rider weight shifts dur- of its travel. Some air
(final third). ing pedalling, cornering,
braking and the like. springs su er from
a sti beginning stroke

when the negative
chamber isn’t working

as it should.

DAMPER

The damper forces oil
through valves to

control the speed at
which the fork
compresses and

rebounds. Some have
separate adjusters for
high- and low-speed

compression and
rebound, but the range
of adjustment is more

important than the
number of dials.

VOLUME SPACERS

Most air-sprung forks let
you use plastic inserts

(sometimes called
tokens) to reduce the
volume of the positive
air chamber, thereby
making the fork even
more progressive and
feel firmer towards the
end of its travel. Some
use an extra air spring

to control the
progressivity instead.

Mountain Biking UK

MEET
THE TESTER

LUKE MARSHALL
TECH WRITER

No stranger to a race track,
keen downhiller Luke has
been testing bikes and kit
for several years now so
knows what sets the best
apart from the rest when it

comes to forks

Mountain Biking UK

Adjustments LSC, HSC, LSR, OTT (Off The Top,
negative coil spring), air spring pressure,
air spring volume
Travel 150-170mm (650b), 140-160mm (29in)
Offset 37/44mm (650b), 44/51mm (29in)
Weight 2,255g (29in, 150mm)

DVO DIAMOND D1

£899.95 www.windwave.co.uk

The Diamond has externally-adjustable high- and
low-speed compression damping plus low-speed
rebound, along with DVO’s OTT (Off The Top)
system – a coil negative spring under the air
piston. While it’s heavy for a trail fork, we didn’t
notice this when riding. The 35mm-stanchion
chassis handles well through drops, turns and
jumps, and can be pushed hard without a
concerning amount of flex. There’s no doubting the
D1’s initial suppleness, and the fact that you can
tune it by preloading the OTT spring is impressive.
On the other hand, it’s an extra dial to fiddle with
and means the fork takes longer to set up.

Once dialled in, the Diamond has a ground-
hugging ride, with the front tyre staying planted
over small chatter bumps. Friction in the system
seems minimal. Unusually, DVO use oil, rather than
volume spacers, to increase spring progressivity.
We didn’t need to add extra and found the
ramp-up was good, letting us access full travel
during hard compressions without ending up deep
in the travel too often. Mid-stroke support is
decent, and the fork doesn’t dive or wallow in
high-load turns, on steep trails or under braking.

Sadly, the D1’s supple beginning-stroke and
ample support doesn’t translate into the most
comfortable ride. It doesn’t deal with square-
edged hits and braking bumps as well as the best
forks here, and, even with the high- and low-speed
compression fully open, doesn’t soak up mid-sized
bumps with the same composure, leading to
noticeable hand fatigue. Our 76kg tester ran
106psi in the air spring, which matched DVO’s
online set-up chart, but had to run the rebound
damping fully open. Lighter riders may need
a custom tune to make the fork active enough.

Mountain Biking UK

WRECKED & RATED GROUPTEST

Adjustments LSC, LSR, air spring pressure,
air spring volume
Travel 150-180mm (650b), 140-170mm (29in)
Offset 44mm (650b), 44/51mm (29in)
Weight 2,230g (29in, 140mm)

MARZOCCHI BOMBER Z1

£799 www.silverfish-uk.com

Marzocchi’s Z1 is an ‘all-mountain’ classic. Its
36mm-stanchion chassis is made from lower-
grade 6000-series aluminium, so it’s heavier than
the equivalent Fox Performance fork it shares
internals with, but also cheaper. It uses a simple
damper with just external low-speed compression
and rebound damping adjustment. The Z1 handled
the rough and tumble we put it through, its big
stanchions giving us confidence on demanding
terrain, where its additional weight went unnoticed.
Beginning-stroke sensitivity is only middling, but it
still does an admirable job of taking the buzz out of
high-frequency trail chatter and keeping the front
wheel in contact with the ground.

Deeper in the travel is where you’ll feel the
Marzocchi’s charm. Progression can be tuned with
plastic spacers; we ran one spacer, which gave us
enough progression to push the 140mm of travel
hard into big compressions and down steep trails,
without causing a harsh ramp-up. The fork has
a controlled mid-stroke, where it absorbs
square-edged hits well, so provides a comfy ride,
but isn’t as forgiving as the Fox 34 Factory
(overleaf). We had no issues under heavy braking
or when loading the fork through corners.

The Z1 feels plush throughout its travel, with
a gradual transition between the beginning-, mid-
and end-stroke compression. It has a damped
feel, so we ran the compression fully open. The
gold dial goes from open to pretty much locked-
out, but isn’t indexed. With no clicks to count, you
just have to remember its position. We wound the
rebound damping off to get the spring to return
fast enough for repeated hits, so feel that the fork
is overdamped for lighter riders. But it’s impressive
for the price and its ease of set-up is a treat.

Mountain Biking UK

Adjustments LSC, HSC, LSR, HSR,
air spring pressure, air spring volume
Travel 160-180mm (650b), 150-170mm (29in)
Offset 44mm (650b), 44/51mm (29in)
Weight 2,200g (29in, 150mm)

SR SUNTOUR DUROLUX36 EQ R2C2

£699 www.moorelarge.co.uk

Like the DVO and Marzocchi, the SunTour fork’s
bigger 36mm stanchions put it more in the
long-travel trail/all-mountain category, but again,
its extra weight isn’t noticeable when riding. The
Durolux is feature-laden, with externally-adjustable
high- and low-speed compression and rebound
damping, which is impressive for the price. This
latest version has a self-equalising air spring rather
than a coil negative one. Plus, it has air bleed ports
to release pressure build-up in the lowers. The
fork has a direct handling response and can take
a punishing. It landed around the middle of the
pack in terms of beginning-stroke sensitivity, but
has no problems ironing out trail imperfections
and keeping the tyre digging into the dirt.

Thanks to its decent mid-stroke support,
the Durolux doesn’t dive excessively through its
travel when riding steep sections of trail and
loading the fork doesn’t result in much wallow.
However, it’s less good at taking the sting out of
hard square-edged hits than others here when
rattling over rough sections of trail and feels
a touch less refined, giving more feedback through
the handlebar. This isn’t to say its performance is
bad – just a touch off what the RockShox forks
offer in terms of comfort.

Progression is fine, with a strong ramp-up that
doesn’t become harsh deeper in the travel, when
landing drops or hitting bigger obstacles at speed.
As is the case with most of the forks here, we
found the compression and rebound overdamped,
so ran the four-way adjustable damping circuits
fully open to make the fork feel lively enough.
Heavier and more aggressive rides may not have
this problem, but riders weighing less than 75kg
could struggle to find a set-up that works for them.

Mountain Biking UK

WRECKED & RATED GROUPTEST

Adjustments LSC, HSC, LSR, HSR, air spring
pressure, air spring volume
Travel 130-140mm (29in)
Offset 44/51mm (29in)
Weight 1,820g (29in, 140mm)

FOX 34 FACTORY

£1,099 www.silverfish-uk.com

Fox’s do-it-all trail fork is the slimmest on test,
with its 34mm stanchions. While the redesigned
chassis and new arch shape make it impressively
capable, it can’t match the sturdier forks here for
confidence in the rough (there’s always the Fox 36
for that). However, for 90 per cent of trail riding it
won’t hold you back. The fork’s weight is great for
riders seeking a lighter build, and it has bypass
channels to keep its bushings and seals lubricated.
It’s also massively adjustable, with external high-
and low-speed compression and rebound controls.

On the trail, it’s hard to fault the performance
– if you’re the right weight. It’s the supplest fork on
test, with good small-bump sensitivity, so it easily
tames trail chatter. Even with this supple beginning
stroke, it has excellent mid-stroke support, which
holds it up in its travel well. This keeps it
predictable under hard braking and stops it from
feeling overwhelmed on steeper trails or when
loaded through compressions and turns. It
absorbs small and mid-sized hits efficiently and
comfortably. We ran one volume spacer, which
gave us enough ramp-up on big hits and hard
landings to not blow through the travel, while
allowing us to access the full stroke when needed.

However, once again, we had to leave the
damping fully open to get the most from this fork.
Set up like this, it was great at muting bumps but,
with 83psi in the air spring, it was at the limit of
rebounding too slowly. Heavier riders may get on
well with the 34 Factory, but for lighter folk, the
overly-damped rebound and compression circuits
make set-up trickier and can leave the fork feeling
a little sluggish. This is a shame, because the great
spring would be hard to beat with a more usable
range of adjustment.

Mountain Biking UK

Adjustments LSC, LSR, air spring pressure,
air spring volume
Travel 120-160mm (650b and 29in)
Offset 37/46mm (650b), 44/51mm (29in)
Weight 1,790g (29in, 150mm)

ROCKSHOX PIKE SELECT

£715 www.zyrofisher.co.uk

The lightest fork on test, this Select model is the
entry-level offering in RockShox’s Pike range and
uses a less-refined Charger RC damper that only
has externally-adjustable low-speed compression
and rebound damping. With the same 35mm-
stanchion chassis as the Pike Ultimate, it’s just as
tough, and had no problems with us getting
aggressive. For trail riding, it punches above its low
weight in terms of robustness. If you judge the Pike
Select on its beginning-stroke suppleness it won’t
win any prizes, but it handles small bumps
perfectly adequately. Finding grip on the trail isn’t
a problem, either. The fork comes alive in the
middle portion of its travel, though.

While mid-stroke support isn’t outstanding, its
ability to deal with hits fast and effectively, and
return from deeper in the travel towards the sag
point, is impressive. This gives the Pike Select
a comfort level that’s only surpassed by the
higher-spec Pike Ultimate and Fox 34 Factory.
We settled on the same 75psi air pressure and
one token as we did for the Pike Ultimate, and the
same rebound settings. The Pike Select’s cheaper
Charger RC damper isn’t quite as forgiving and
plush as the Charger 2.1 in the Ultimate, so the fork
is a shade less composed over square-edged hits
and has a slightly harsher feel through the bar.

That said, progression builds up nicely, and the
damping will suit a wide range of riders. The Pike
Select’s six-position low-speed compression dial
is more user-friendly than the adjuster on the
Pike Ultimate, too, which is good news for fit-and-
forget types. For the money, this fork impresses
with its simple set-up and impressive performance.
There’s also the option to upgrade to a more
expensive damper as and when you can afford it.

Mountain Biking UK

WRECKED & RATED GROUPTEST

Adjustments LSC, HSC, LSR, air spring pressure,
air spring volume
Travel 120-160mm (650b and 29in)
Offset 37/46mm (650b), 44/51mm (29in)
Weight 1,895g (29in, 150mm)

ROCKSHOX PIKE ULTIMATE RC2 LUKE SAYS

£919 www.zyrofisher.co.uk “ROCKSHOX’S PIKE
ULTIMATE OFFERS
RockShox’s top-tier trail fork features both COMFORT AND
high-and low-speed external compression COMPOSURE THAT
damping adjustment, plus low-speed rebound. The OTHERS STRUGGLE TO
US brand have spent plenty of time fine-tuning MATCH, WHILE
their 35mm-stanchion fork range and the Pike REMAINING ACTIVE
chassis is stout and stiff while still being ENOUGH FOR A WIDE
lightweight. We never had any doubts about RANGE OF RIDER
pushing it hard through rough corners or deep WEIGHTS AND RIDING
holes, and it stood up well to everything. While the
beginning-stroke sensitivity isn’t the best here, grip STYLES”
and front wheel tracking are good.
Mountain Biking UK
The Pike Ultimate doesn’t offer the ultimate in
mid-stroke support, either. While it’ll hold up the
front end adequately during hard hits and steep
descents, the fork makes plenty of use of the
middle part of its travel. It’s this freedom of
movement that gives it such impressive comfort
on the trail. The RockShox fork handles square-
edged bumps and repetitive hits with a composed
and forgiving feel that the others here struggled to
match, taking the sting out of the trail remarkably
well with its buttery, plush action.

What’s more, we weren’t at the limits of the
Pike Ultimate’s damping range, and the rebound
was fast enough that the fork could return to full
travel between hits, helping it to maintain its ride
height and use its full stroke. You get 17 clicks of
low-speed compression damping, which seems
excessive, but does let you fine tune the amount
of support on offer. We found that one volume
token gave enough progression. While the Pike
Ultimate is ‘travel happy’, we had no issues with
it bottoming-out easily. Overall, its balance of
composure and suppleness is unbeaten here. It’ll
work for a range of riders, and it’s a good price for
the performance, too.

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