Recent Reviews
Guy KestevenFeb 8, 2023
With prices rising dramatically in the past few years can you still get a real mountain bike for £500? Pinnacle’s Kapur 2 certainly gives it a good go
Feb 8, 2023
Cube Stereo ONE mountain bikes reshaped for 2023 with four travel options 120-170mm for Downcountry, Trail, All-Mountain, Enduro & eMTB...
Knut NesFeb 8, 2023
Since the beginning of emtbs, Cube always had many full suspension models to choose from. The Stereo Hybrid 120, Stereo Hybrid 140 and Stereo Hybrid 160 are still available for 2023. So where does the Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE55 fit in? 150/160...
Aaron BorrillFeb 8, 2023
A veritable speed demon and quite possibly the best all-round aero road bike available right now
Super-fast in all situations
Great climbing efficiency
Stellar handling
Light
No power meter included
Standard Vittoria Corsa Control tyres are not the best option
Singletrack MagazineFeb 8, 2023
The Revel Rascal XT Build is a good-looking, playful machine that will back you up when the going gets tough, whether that’s uphill or down.
Feb 7, 2023
The carbon fiber Ibis DV9 hits the trails again with a modern trail hardtail, with sizes to fit any rider and NICA racer friendly prices!
Feb 7, 2023
Liv Cycling is modernizing its hardtail offering with the all-new Lurra. It joins the line up beside the Liv Tempt, contrasting against that as the…
Will JonesFeb 7, 2023
Crazy stiff, super aero, and a road bike position make life uncomfortable on rougher terrain
Martin StaffaFeb 7, 2023
2023 CUBE Litening AERO C:68X SLT aero race bike in review – Fun on a budget?
Excellent value for money
Brilliant spec
High level of comfort thanks to the relaxed riding position
Sparkly paint job
Exposed axle ends
Internally routed cables rattle
The tops of the handlebar aren’t ergonomic
Dario DiGiulioFeb 7, 2023
If you’re in the market for a DH-oriented hardtail that can truly hold its own, there are few options as well sorted as the Marin El Roy.
NelsonFeb 7, 2023
The newest version of the Capra is an evolution of that original bike and has features and geometry that have evolved with the sport.
Feb 6, 2023
REEB Cycles release limited Edition SST "Halo Build" with jaw-droppingly gorgeous Deep Purple paintwork paired with gold-anodized components
James HuangFeb 6, 2023
Trek’s latest iteration of its Domane all-roader packs more performance than ever, but there are also some big missteps that give me pause.
Superb rear-end ride quality, stiff and efficient-feeling under power, excellent handling, sleek aesthetics, competitively weight.
Ride quality still a little imbalanced, creaky IsoSpeed/seatpost area, exposed headset bearing, internal housing rub, disappointing tires.
Mick KirkmanFeb 6, 2023
If first impressions are anything to go by, Merida’s latest logically-named One-Forty trail bike, looks like the kind of do-it-all rig you’d expect from a mainstream brand – with a well-finished, smooth-lined carbon frame and fancy big-name kit. Dig a little deeper though, and Merida’s latest creation kicks any conservative ideas to touch faster than you can say ‘Rishi Sunak’. With real attitude and some of the most radical trail bike geometry around, the new One-Forty is seriously cutting edge. Buyer’s guide to the best full-suspension trail bikes Buyer’s guide to the best mountain bikes Need to know The new One-Forty shares the same frame with the One-Sixty, which means it’s a little ‘overbuilt’ as a trail bike and subsequently heavier than some. Merida’s ‘Agilometer’ sizing sees super long frames extending to a massive 535mm reach in size X-Long Thankfully the 80º seat tube angle is not as steep as claimed Fully Mullet compatible and gains 10mm more travel (153mm) with the smaller rear wheel. Low standover heights are paired with the brand’s own adjustable dropper post that extends up to 230mm. While most brands have scaled back the leaps in frame length that have revolutionised sizing over the last decade, Merida has gone full throttle. The mid (medium) bike here has a 480mm reach, a near vertical 80-degree effective seat angle, which we’ll get to in just a minute. It’s so long in fact, that the 535mm reach on the X-Long frame makes it the same length as an XL Nicolai Geometron – one of the pioneers of the longer frame philosophy. Merida’s new ‘Agilometer’ sizing system goes on frame length rather than seat tube height, so all five sizes come with very low seat tubes with stacks of standover clearance. This leaves tons of room for the rider to be dynamic on the bike and lowers the centre of gravity. But let’s get back to the 80º effective seat tube angle. It sounds crazy steep, right? That’s because Merida measures it with a saddle height that would correspond to the top of the head tube, not very useful for seated pedalling. Raise the saddle to something normal, say 740mm, and the effective seat tube angle decreases to 78º or thereabouts. Which is spot on. Choosing your optimum saddle height isn’t an issue either, thanks to Merida’s clever adjustable dropper post with a maximum 230mm of drop. Bigger frames also get a different suspension tune with more damping and support for heavier riders that typically opt for longer sizes. Now, part of the explanation for the progressive geometry on the One-Forty is that it shares its frame with the new One-Sixty enduro bike. By fitting a shorter stroke (57.5mm) shock (rather than 65mm) travel is limited to 143mm. It also gets a shorter travel 150mm fork, which steepens the angles, drops the BB and increases the reach over the One-Sixty. To compensate for the steeper seat tube angle, Merida fits a 10mm lay-back head on the dropper post. Yes, …Continue reading »
Consummate all-rounder that’s a fantastic climber. Smooth, efficient and fast across the ground and very stable at speed. Category 5 frame is rated for bike park or even DH use.
Shock tune on Fox DPS shock lacks a smidge of mid-stroke support. Reynolds Black Label carbon wheels are a bit sharp and stiff. Adjustable dropper post adjuster ‘box’ can occasionally catch on your thighs. At 14kg, it’s not as light as you might expect for an £8K trail bike.
Mike KazimerFeb 6, 2023
As it turns out, Oso hides its dimensions very well, and there's a ton of stability thanks to the longer wheelbase, which comes in handy when you're working up through a technical section of trail.
Good mix of traction & pep from rear suspension
Big bike feel without being cumbersome
Bosch CX motor, 750 Wh battery, and lights allow for extra-long rides.
Cluttered cockpit due to wired remote and display
Flimsy battery cover and charging port
Only one model, and it's not cheap.
Feb 5, 2023
We've already taken a look at the Super Soco CU Mini, an AM licence electric moped that we liked for its lightness, nippiness about town, comfort and competitive price, although it lacked hill climbing prowess. Competitor company NIU have now sent us their beefier-looking and heavier UQi GT SR model. Legally speaking the NIU UQi GT SR is in the same 50cc-equivalent moped class as the Super Soco. That means 16-year-olds can ride it (as long as they have a CBT certificate and insurance) and that you're restricted to a top assisted speed of 28mph.
Matt LamyFeb 5, 2023
Very competent and comfortable folding bike that won't leave riders disappointed, especially at this price
Light
Good value
Comfortable
Some fiddly set-up issues
Average climbing
Alan MuldoonFeb 4, 2023
As the best trail bikes become increasingly homogenous, Atherton Bikes’ latest short travel ripper stands out as something unique and exciting. Want to know more about Atherton Bikes? Check out our feature here Need to know The first short-travel 29er trail bike from Atherton Bikes DW-6 suspension delivers 130mm travel from the compact 6-bar design X-version gets a 150mm fork, standard AM.130 used a 140mm fork Frame construction combines carbon tubing with Ti lugs that are printed using an additive manufacturing process With 22 unique frame sizes and custom options, finding the perfect fit has never been easier. Atherton bikes are designed and made in Wales, and can come with a lifetime guarantee Before we dive in, I want to get my bias out in the open as it may cloud this First Ride/Review. I’m a big fan of the Athertons. There, I said it. I don’t really know them, other than to make polite conversation, but I’ve always admired their approach. And not simply because of their impressive race results, it’s more about their attitude and process that makes them standout. As world class athletes, they have never been afraid to invest in themselves, and like all true professionals they surround themselves with the best people to improve their odds of success. It should come as no surprise then that they have adopted a similar strategy with Atherton Bikes, enlisting the help of Dave Weagle, an independent suspension engineer. Weagle’s designs include DW-Link, Split-Pivot and Delta Link to name a few. And unlike most suspension engineers who claim that their design is best, Weagle is somewhat agnostic to the specifics; DW-Link is a twin-link design, Split-Pivot is a single pivot with a floating brake mount, Delta-Link is variable rate floating shock design, all with specific strengths and weaknesses. The latest addition to Weagle’s suspension portfolio is DW-6 and currently Atherton’s use it on all of their suspension bikes. As the name suggests it’s a 6-bar design, but there’s virtually no information about how it works or what advantages it brings. On the Atherton’s website they go into depth on the 3D additive construction process used to make the titanium frame lugs that are bonded to the preformed carbon tubing. There’s a distinct dearth of information about the workings of the suspension though. No anti-squat or anti-rise curves, not even a simple graph for the progression rate. In fact, the whole suspension part on the website seems fluffy, descriptive and vague. Maybe that’s the price you pay for outsourcing the design to a third party? That’s not going to stop me inferring the possible benefits from what I know about other 6-bar designs though. The main advantage being that the suspension engineer can achieve more consistent anti-squat across the entire travel range, if that’s what they want. On a traditional four bar design if you want 120% anti-squat at sag, it will probably start out around 140% at full extension then once you pass the sag point it keeps dropping. With …Continue reading »
Unique look and ride characteristics, thanks to the unique production process and DW 6 suspension. Damped ride feel, without ever feeling dull or flexy. Insane number of sizes. Great geometry and fit.
It’s very heavy for a short travel trail bike. Taller 150mm fork isn’t accounted for on the geometry chart.
Graham CottinghamFeb 3, 2023
Crankbrothers m17 multi-tool has been a staple of emergency bike repairs for years
Feb 3, 2023
Ventum's newest gravel bike checks a lot of boxes for the modern gravel racer - check out our firsthand video impression inside!
Feb 3, 2023
State Bicycle Co. has released the new Undefeated Carbon Disc Road frame, a full carbon offering, with a budget-friendly price tag!
Cyclocross MagazineFeb 3, 2023
Specialized opens a flagship Los Gatos store with a Sunday gravel ride, Saturday road and trail rides, and Grand Opening party. Get the details.
Feb 3, 2023
Daniel's Smash is from one of the last batches of aluminum frames that Guerrilla Gravity produced. Since buying it used it's been serviced as required and ridden as desired.
Warren RossiterFeb 2, 2023
The crowdfunded Superstrata Classic looks distinct, but the poor-value parts package and sub-standard handling mean we cannot recommend it
Distinct looks
Claimed eco-friendly credentials
Heavy
Sluggish ride
Limited fit adjustment
Some low-quality components
Very poor value
Sep 21, 2022
The Aventon Soltera Single Speed is a simple and affordable e-bike that's great for someone that still likes to pedal, but could use a little extra oomf.
Simple
Affordable
Integrated lighting
Lightweight
Poor braking peformance
Fenders don’t come standard
Not great for hilly areas
Dec 31, 2021
The Engwe EP-2 Pro is an affordable and powerful folding e-bike with fat tires and a suspension fork for when your adventures take you off the beaten path.
Portability
Plenty of power
Beautiful LCD Display
Lacks fit and finish in several areas.
Dec 2, 2021
The Swift S1 e-bike features a powerful motor, fat tires, and a folding design; all features that make it perfect for riders looking to explore areas beyond the pavement.
Powerful folding e-bike with fat tires offering stability when leaving the pavement.
Handlebar height has limited adjustability
Not the best fit for smaller riders
Nov 2, 2021
The Himiway Escape is a powerful and affordable e-bike with off-road finishes that will have you searching for more adventurous options on your urban commute.
Powerful and affordable e-bike with off-road finishes that will have you searching for more adventurous options on your urban commute
Limited pedalability due to non-adjustable saddle
Apr 29, 2021
The RideWrap Tailored Frame Protection Kit uses a custom design to match your frame and offer up to 95% coverage, protecting your investment from scratches and dings.