https://www.mbr.co.uk Mountain Bike Rider Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:47:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.mbr.co.uk/buyers_guide/best-crosscountry-mountain-bikes-396502 Fri, 10 Jan 2025 13:20:46 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=396502 The best cross-country (XC) mountain bikes are all about raw speed. But their light weight and excellent efficiency also makes then ideal for fast, flowing singletrack as well as racing.

The best cross-country mountain bikes are about raw speed, making them lightweight, efficient and ideal for fast, flowing singletrack as well as racing.]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/amflow-pl-carbon-unboxing-actual-weight-and-measurements-445565 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 11:43:38 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=445565 Having got our grubby mitts on the Amflow PL Carbon, the first thing we did was make an unboxing video, stick the bike on the scales, and measure the travel and geo. So how accurate are the quoted numbers?

What did you get for Christmas? I hope it was what you’d asked Santa for. Me? Well, I got the …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/news/bike_news/will-forbidden-be-the-first-brand-to-get-djis-motor-leaked-report-suggest-the-hyper-punchy-avinox-drive-unit-will-power-an-upcoming-edreadnought-444682 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:19:43 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=444682 Will Forbidden be the first independent brand to use the powerful DJI Avinox e-bike system?

The word on the street is that DJI never intended to start the Amflow bike brand. Seems crazy, right? But …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/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/news/the-latest-calibre-bossnut-is-the-best-bargain-full-sus-ive-ever-ridden-but-its-now-crazy-value-for-money-at-under-1000-in-this-black-friday-mtb-deal-443969 Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:30:22 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=443969 If you're looking for a brilliantly equipped, entry level full-sus mountain bike, the Calibre Bossnut is phenomenal value in this Black Friday MTB deal that lops a massive £500 off the usual price.

The original Calibre Bossnut was a brilliant example of how to put together a capable and fun-to-ride MTB at an …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/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/news/lightweight-e-bike-of-the-year-test-443250 Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:32:23 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=443250 Lightweight e-bikes are a hot category right now, but which is the best? We gathered 8 of the latest models together for the mother of all shoot-outs!

8 bikes, 5 motors, 4,000 watts of power; this is the MBR SL E-Bike of the Year test! After three …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/djis-amflow-e-bikes-get-wireless-action-camera-control-443016 Tue, 05 Nov 2024 07:01:12 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=443016 Never miss a POV action shot again, with DJI's latest update to the OSMO Action 5 Pro camera and integration with the latest Amflow PL Carbon e-bike.

DJI recently released a firmware update for the new Osmo Action 5 Pro camera that had all the pixel peepers …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/buyers_guide/best-cheap-full-suspension-bike-398551 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:29:09 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=398551 Good entry-level full-suspension bikes for proper mountain biking start at around this price point. We've tested loads if them; here's our pick of the best on the market.

We have seven of the best cheap full suspension bike rigs that are evenly matched and that won’t break the bank. But which delivers the best bang for buck?]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/29er-full-suspension-bikes/calibre-bossnut-2025-first-ride-review Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:00:44 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=442494 Calibre recalibrated the performance benchmark for budget full-suspension bikes with the first Bossnut. Can it do the same thing again with the Bossnut mark 4?

After a four year hiatus the Calibre Bossnut is back. It’s got bigger 29in wheels, more travel and now comes …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/pivot-phoenix-downhill-bike-highpivot-idler-mx-carbon-news-2025-441798 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 07:01:59 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=441798 The production Pivot Phoenix DH bike has DW6 suspension, 210mm travel and MX wheels... but no lugs in sight!

Pivot has just released its latest downhill race bike, the updated Phoenix, with two chains, three chainrings, and less friction …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/29er-full-suspension-bikes/specialized-stumpjumper-15-pro-carbon-trail-bike-review Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:01:27 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=439524 Specialized's new Stumpjumper 15 grants trail riders all their wishes, thanks to the Genie dual-stage air spring.

Specialized’s Stumpjumper Evo is without doubt, one of the best mountain bikes on the market. And I’m not just throwing …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/electric-bikes/giant-stance-e-1-first-ride-review Fri, 21 Jun 2024 07:23:50 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=430839 And if you're quick, you might be able to pick up the Giant Stance E +1 budget e-bike for even less than its £4k list price.

Giant’s Stance E +1  makes a compelling option if you’re in the market for a top budget e-bike. It looks …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/electric-bikes/yamaha-moro-07-review Thu, 20 Jun 2024 06:02:38 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=439235 With a killer specification and a full-power Yamaha motor, the Moro 07 is light, fast and fun.

Most of the best electric mountain bikes are designed around a second party motor, but not the Yamaha Moro 07. …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/electric-bikes/polygon-siskiu-t7e-e-bike-review Wed, 19 Jun 2024 06:01:08 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=438602 Long, low and slack, the Polygon Siskiu T7E is e-enduro ready, providing it doesn't fall apart!

Polygon builds on the success of the popular Siskiu T series analogue trail/enduro bikes, by going all in on a …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/electric-bikes/decathlon-rockrider-e-expl-520s-e-bike-review Tue, 18 Jun 2024 06:48:03 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=438620 It's not light, it's probably not cool, but we still loved every minute aboard Decathlon's Rockrider e-bike.

Decathlon’s entry-level Rockrider E-EXPL 520s proves that e-bikes don’t have to be expensive to be fun. Outdoor specialist, Decathlon offers …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/bike_news/what-no-idler-yt-unveils-the-mk4-tues-ahead-of-the-fort-william-downhill-wc-and-it-looks-just-like-the-old-one-438024 Thu, 02 May 2024 14:00:08 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=438024 Updates to the new YT Tues include MX wheel-compatibility, additional frame sizes, adjustable chainstays, and more.

YT leaked photos of a prototype Tues downhill bike with an idler, but this was simply a test mule, not …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/buyers_guide/best-mountain-bikes-under-500-331305 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:14:43 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=331305 Find the best mountain bikes around $/£500. Be warned: all of these great value bikes will hook you into a new sport and a whole new way of life!

Find the best mountain bikes under £500 for you. Be warned: all of these great value bikes will hook you into a new sport and a whole new way of life.]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/buyers_guide/best-enduro-mountain-bikes-326155 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:31:56 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=326155 We cut through they hype and recommend the very best enduro mountain bikes on the market; bikes that blend the downhill capability of a DH bike with the uphill prowess of a trail bike.

Enduro is still the hottest ticket in mountain biking, we cut through they hype and find the very best enduro mountain bikes on the market.]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/buyers_guide/best-mountain-bikes-under-3000-358395 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:00:40 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=358395 We bring you the rundown of the very best mountain bikes under £3,000/$4,000. Trail bikes with 27.5in, 29in and MX-style mixed wheel sizes.

We bring you the rundown of the very best mountain bikes under £3000. Trail bikes In both 27.5in and 29in wheel sizes. In association with Alpinestars.]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/it-was-love-at-first-sight-with-the-santa-cruz-heckler-sl-and-having-tried-it-im-now-convinced-it-rides-as-good-as-it-looks-437559 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 16:54:09 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?p=437559 Based on the Bronson, the Heckler SL does everything you'd expect, only better.

When Santa Cruz launched the Heckler SL back in September 2023, my first thought was “wow, that’s one good looking …Continue reading »]]> https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/29er-full-sus/first-ride-review-forbidden-dreadnought-v2 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:29:45 +0000 https://www.mbr.co.uk/?post_type=review&p=437315 Forbidden stays true to its values, even if the new Dreadnought looks completely different

Given the updates to the Druid V2 trail bike and the recently launched Supernought DH bike, it should come as …Continue reading »]]>