Take a look at the Open hardtail that British racer Rachel Fenton will be piloting at the 2015 XCM World Championships. In contrast to professional racers who have access to a whole stable of bikes suited to particular courses, we privateers have to pick one bike to rule them all (unless we are lucky enough […]
Reviewed: Nextie 29er Carbon Wheels
“Strong, Light, Cheap. Pick any two.” Keith Bontrager was onto something when he first coined his famous phrase, because those words are just as relevant now as they were 20 years ago. Sure, mountain bikes have progressed enormously over that time. Today’s modern race bike is lighter, faster and more capable than ever before. If […]
Merida launch Ninety Six full suspension bike
The last UCI XCO World Cup in Albstadt wasn’t just a showcase of sporting talent and German sporting enthusiasm, but it was also the location for Merida’s launch for their updated short travel cross-country bike. While Merida were pretty quick to get into the big wheeled game with the Big Nine and Big Ninety Nine, […]
Bike Check: How do you do the Dirty Gran Fondo?
The Dirty Gran Fondo has been run and won. Or as I prefer to suggest in my recent event review, it’s been ridden and enjoyed. As an event, the Dirty Gran Fondo is more about the ride than the race. Each year it draws riders from all around Victoria (and beyond) to the small town of […]
Reviewed: Gerber MP 400 Compact Sport Multi-Tool
As a mountain biker, I love getting into the outdoors. I love camping, hiking and any opportunity to escape the city and explore remote natural environments. For that reason, I really love outdoors gear too. Especially cool lightweight techy-stuff like tents, sleeping bags and compact cook stoves. And no, you probably don’t want to end […]
Nove Mesto world cup – Equipment choice
For the last two years the Nove Mesto World Cup has been voted as riders favourite and with one lap around the course it’s easy to see why. The course is exciting with technical rock gardens and climbs with multiple lines that provide epic wheel-to-wheel battles that are sure to excite the crowd. Speaking of […]
Reviewed: KMC X10SL Ti-Nitride Chain
With the exception of a few conspiracy theorists out there, I think most people would agree that a chain is an important part of a bicycle. I mean as far as the building blocks that come together to create a fully functioning mountain bike, a chain is pretty crucial to the whole ‘riding’ thing. As […]
Women’s bike setup tips
A while ago now, we made a video about optimising bike fit for women, with then team rider Kath Bicknell. Many of these pointers will work for any rider and any bike. The key is making sure the controls are in reach and easy to use, and that your contact points are comfortable. Since then, […]
BMC release new Teamelite 01 – a Racing Evolution
The Swiss don’t do things by halves, and BMC haven’t been known to take bike design lightly. The Impec Lab has teamed up with the BMC Mountainbike Racing Team to create the new BMC Teamelite 01 – the world’s most technically advanced hardtail mountain bike. Cross-country racing, and marathon racing, demands absolute perfection from your […]
Reviewed: Osprey Escapist 32
Review by Tom Arch, photos by Wil Barrett While the mountain bike market is continually being divided into more and more specialised gear each season, not all of us have the room (or the money) to have a garage filled with multiple bikes and different types of apparel for each day of the week. Sometimes […]