https://www.mbr.co.uk Mountain Bike Rider Fri, 03 Jan 2025 09:27:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/electric-bikes/merida-eone-sixty-sl-8000-e-bike-review Fri, 03 Jan 2025 07:00:50 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=444993 Merida e-bikes have always been synonymous with Shimano motors, so this Bosch SX-powered eOne-Sixty SL is a seismic shift for both manufacturers.

Merida’s new eOne-Sixty SL is exactly the kind of machine that would have made our massive Superlight E-Bike of the …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/forks/fox-36-grip-x-damper-review Sun, 29 Dec 2024 17:00:44 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=444937 Fox’s flagship hardcore trail fork gets a new damper and shiny gold finish, but behind the sparkle there’s a lack of polish.

Boasting class-leading performance and that highly-desirable Kashima gold finish, the Fox 36 Float Factory fork with Grip 2 damper has …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/mullet-mx/mondraker-dune-rr-ebike-review Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:00:20 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=444799 According to Mondraker, the future of enduro bikes is this, a sub-20kg e-bike with a 600W motor, 400Wh battery, and MX wheels. It’s certainly a persuasive argument on paper, but how does it stack up on the trails?

Mondraker bills its Dune e-bike as the natural evolution of enduro. And the Spanish brand has a point. With many …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/electric-bikes/yt-decoy-sn-mx-core-4-cf-review Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:00:20 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=439737 A rock-solid, mid power enduro e-bike from the direct-sales disrupters was not on my bingo card, but the new YT Decoy SN defies the numbers.

The new Decoy SN is YT’s first foray into the diet e-bike segment. It’s also only the brand’s second e-bike, …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/mullet-mx/propain-spindrift-cf-5-ultimate-custom-build-review Thu, 12 Dec 2024 07:00:11 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=443231 The Propain Spindrift 5 with RockShox Ultimate custom build somehow manages to blend great downhill performance with pedalling efficiency and singletrack fun

In a world where excess is increasingly frowned upon, it’s easy to find reasons to be more conservative and play …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/helmets/bluegrass-jetro-helmet-review Wed, 11 Dec 2024 09:18:37 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=442715 The new Jetro Bluegrass is a trendy 3/4 style lid with MIPS protection, chunky padding, and good comfort and ventilation.

Three-quarter helmets like this new Bluegrass Jetro have forged a bit of a category of their own, sitting between regular half …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/full-suspension-bikes/boardmans-new-mtr-8-9-is-a-fast-and-light-hustler-of-a-down-country-bike-for-less-than-2000 Sun, 08 Dec 2024 17:00:56 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=444564 The Boardman MTR 8.9 is light and fast, with tight suspension to suit singletrack riders

Boardman’s MTR range has been one of our top bargain trail bike recommendations for years. The older model had 150/140mm …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/wheelsets/like-riding-chainless-ethirteens-sidekick-decoupling-hub-irons-out-the-trails-but-xc-riders-will-probably-hate-it Sat, 07 Dec 2024 17:00:05 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=444744 e*thirteen's Sylvan Race Carbon wheels use the new Sidekick decoupling hub to reduce pedal kickback, but it introduces a lot of lag when it's time to crank on the pedals

e*thirteen has something special inside the rear hub on these Sidekick wheels. Seven years in the making, the brand’s innovative …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/mullet-mx/santa-cruz-heckler-sl-carbon-c-s-e-bike-review Wed, 04 Dec 2024 17:00:43 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=444625 Santa Cruz has nailed almost everything on the Heckler SL, and we were smitten with the ride quality, but at 7.6k it's just too expensive, and the Fazua Ride 60 system isn't as reliable as it should be.

Everyone says that SL e-bikes are supposed to offer a more analogue-like ride experience. So what better way to make …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/full-suspension-bikes/atherton-s170-review Tue, 03 Dec 2024 17:00:07 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=444568 Designed to be much simpler and cheaper to manufacture than the high-tech 3D-printed models, Atherton Bikes' new S170 offers the same comprehensive size range, and even more distinctive looks, at a lower price.

Atherton Bikes moves so fast that loads has happened since the brand’s first aluminium bike – the S170 – first …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/full-suspension-bikes/specialized-turbo-levo-sl-expert-carbon-ebike-review Fri, 29 Nov 2024 11:59:00 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=444368 If Specialized could sprinkle in more power and battery capacity, then the Levo SL would have the kick and the staying power it deserves.

I think we can all agree that while Specialized’s Turbo Levo SL wasn’t the first lightweight e-mountain bike, it’s definitely …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/seatposts/sdg-tellis-v2-dropper-post-review Fri, 29 Nov 2024 07:01:07 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=442964 With significant improvements to the function and adjustability of its latest Tellis V2 dropper post, SDG has made a good product great.

The original SDG Tellis dropper came out in 2018 and made a bit of a name for itself as one …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/full-suspension-bikes/norco-fluid-vlt-c2-140-ebike-review Thu, 28 Nov 2024 13:55:30 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=444314 Better tyres, brakes and settings from Norco's Ride Aligned setup guide would definitely help elevate the performance of the Fluid VLT C2.

Most mountain bike brands like to have one suspension design to hang their hat on. Not Norco. Instead, it prefers …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/full-suspension-bikes/trek-fuel-exe-9-7-ebike-review Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:00:42 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=444239 Bottom line, with just 300 watts peak power, and limited range, the Trek Fuel EXe 9.7 won't do the hard yards for you.

Back in 2022, Trek was the launch partner for the ultra-compact TQ-HPR50 motor. The bike in question was the brand …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/disc-brakes-products/hope-xcr-pro-e4-brake-review Mon, 25 Nov 2024 07:01:35 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=442968 Light on the bars, heavy on the stopping, Hope’s latest mix-and-match XCR E4 disc brake makes an excellent lightweight trail / XC set-up.

Hope’s minimalist XCR carbon lever started out mated to an X2 twin pot brake caliper, making it ideal for proper …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/kids-bikes/kids-ride-shotgun-dirt-hero-off-road-balance-bike-review Sun, 24 Nov 2024 17:00:45 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=444069 The Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero is my kids balance bike pick, and the disc brake is a touch of luxury

Kids Ride Shotgun started out with a great idea, take the traditional toddler bike seat and fit it up front …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/full-suspension-bikes/orange-phase-evo-le-ebike-review Fri, 22 Nov 2024 07:01:07 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=443767 With 160mm travel the Orange Phase Evo is full enduro - albeit without the painful climbs

At this price point, most SL e-bikes use carbon fibre frames to save weight, or at least that’s what the …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/buyers-guide/best-hardtail-mountain-bike Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:10:55 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=318588 These are best hardtail mountain bikes out there right now, whether you're looking for a top beginner mountain bike, back-to-basics trail hardtail, or flyweight XC race machine.

These handful of rad machines are the absolute best hardtail mountain bike options out there right now. We've been thrashing hardtails for nearly three decades to build this definitive shortlist.]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/full-suspension-bikes/orbea-rise-lt-ebike-review Wed, 20 Nov 2024 07:01:17 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=443473 Orbea has totally reworked the pioneering Rise, with more travel, better geo, more power, and a longer range.

Foresight or good fortune? It’s hard to say which it was, but Orbea’s decision to use a detuned full power …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/mullet-mx/whyte-elyte-evo-stag-works-ebike-review Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:00:30 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=443856 At 22.35kg, with the 250Wh range extender, is Whyte's ELyte Evo Stag Works still an SL e-bike? Does it even matter?

Is it groundhog day? It sure feels that way to me. Because exactly one year and three days ago, I …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/electric-bikes/cannondale-moterra-sl-1-ebike-review Mon, 18 Nov 2024 09:22:58 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=443315 Cannondale has done something special with the Moterra SL 1, and with better tyres and brakes it might have won our SL E-Bike of the Year award.

The Cannondale Moterra SL truly is a hybrid bike. It shares its name, travel and Shimano EP801 motor with the …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/shocks/coil-or-air-cane-creeks-unique-tigon-shock-gets-both-but-its-not-enough-to-lure-me-away-from-fox Sat, 16 Nov 2024 17:00:23 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=442960 Cane Creek's invented RAMP tube, a positive air spring that adds support and bottom out resistance to your plush gravity bike

Cane Creek has made twin tube coil and air shocks for decades now, including the Kitsuma Coil shock I’ve previously …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/full-suspension-bikes/whyte-elyte-150-rsx-e-bike-review Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:37:43 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=443322 With killer suspension, dialled geometry and sublime handling, the Whyte ELyte 150 has it all. Well, almost.

It’s no secret that Whyte’s full power e-bikes are built solid, and as a result, they typically weigh over 25kg. …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/grips/peatys-monarch-mushroom-grips-reivew Fri, 15 Nov 2024 07:00:19 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=442962 Peaty’s Monarch Grips come in thick and thin sizes, mushroom or knurl grip options, and five colours

Peaty’s all-new Monarch grips come in two different designs and five different colours with both tread patterns selling for under …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/full-suspension-bikes/voodoo-canzo-2024-review Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:24:48 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=442966 Things are hotting up in the budget full-suspension category. First came the relaunched Calibre Bossnut, and now there's the updated Voodoo Canzo. And it's an impressive package.

Voodoo’s all new Canzo full-suspension trail bike isn’t perfect, but it’s a brilliant example of an affordable have-a-go-hero with future-proof …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/helmets/treks-blaze-wavecel-with-removable-side-protection-is-a-triumph-of-design-and-technology-i-only-wish-my-ears-were-smaller Tue, 12 Nov 2024 07:00:57 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=442737 The Trek Blaze WaveCel has spring-loaded ear guards for extra protection, WaveCel technology, great padding and wicked venting... but it does squish my ears

The Blaze is Trek’s newest mountain bike helmet, it is packed out with features and technology that go some way …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/grips/burgtec-josh-bryceland-bartender-pro-super-soft-grips Fri, 08 Nov 2024 07:01:23 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=442958 These Burgtec Bartender specials are super soft and aim to marry the comfort and feel of push-on grips with the practicality of a lock-on.

As one of just two bike contact points when you’re stood up taming the most technical trails, grips better be …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/electric-bikes/cotic-rocket-e-bike-review Wed, 06 Nov 2024 07:01:09 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=442983 Distinctively different, Cotic's steel-tubed, externally-powered, premium-priced e-bike looks retro, but rides all the better for it.

Cotic’s new e-bike stays true to its signature steel frame style of 21 years, and uses a wholly UK-built frame …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/tyres/schwalbe-albert-radial-gravity-pro-tyre-review Thu, 31 Oct 2024 07:00:58 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=442882 With a claimed 30% larger contact patch promising loads more grip, comfort, and control, Schwalbe's Radial tyre tech is an exciting development. But do the bold claims hold up on the trails? We put them to the test.

Schwalbe’s latest gravity tyre range has to be one of the most hyped in recent memory, with its new Radial …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/jerseys/castellis-prosecco-is-the-most-effective-base-layer-ive-ever-tested-it-wicks-sweat-faster-than-you-can-make-it Sat, 26 Oct 2024 16:00:15 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=439904 The Castelli Prosecco Tech Short Sleeve base layer is a quality piece of cycling kit, if it didn't have the bib short section at the back I'd be giving it full marks

Italian brand Castelli has been providing kit for pro road teams for decades and offers various product tiers from amateur …Continue reading »]]>