The latest issue of MBR is out now, and as ever it’s packed full of inspiring ideas and routes to help you find new places to get out and ride. Here’s what you’ll find inside MBR January 2023.
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On the Cover
Joe Barnes aka Top Chief loose in the Highlands. Photographer: Macca McCandlish
Features
Top Chief
Spicy local tracks in the Highlands, with Joe Barnes
Revolution Bike Park
Revs closes its trails permanently this month, we head up for one last memorial lap
Bikes and gear
First Rides
First rides on the new Scott Lumen lightweight e-bike, Haibike Allmtn CF12, and YT Jeffsy Primus 24.
Longtermers
Sean talks brakes aboard his Sonder Signal hardtail, plus updates on the Specialized Kenevo SL lightweight eeb, Giant Reign E+ 1 e-bike, Privateer 141 Ohlins coil-sprung bike, and the Pivot Firebird Pro enduro machine.
Product
Mountaining biking product shot in the studio
On test this month is the minimalist Insta360 Go 2 POV camera, Altura Kielder Unisex Trail Glove, Mavic CrossMax XL wheelset, Race Face Atlas pedal, Rapha Trail Liner, POC Spine VPD Vest, Alpinestars Paragon Plus Protection vest, and Altura Ridge Thermal Waterproof trousers.
Tested: Tool kits
Doing your own spanner work is satisfying (mostly) and money saving – we’ve got the best MTB-specific hardware on test to help you find the right tool for the job.
Biketest: Lightweight e-bikes
At the cutting edge of mountain bike design is the lightweight e-bike, finding the perfect balance between weight, power and range. On test this month is the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL, Pivot Shuttle SL 29 Team XTR and Forestal Cyon Neon 29 – find out which has the equation right.
Bikes featured this issue:
- Actofive Cycles P-Train 165
- Auckland Cycleworks Marra
- Forestal Cyon Neon 29
- Giant Reign E+ 1
- Haibike Allmtn CF12
- Pivot Firebird Pro
- Pivot Shuttle SL 29 Team XTR
- Privateer 141 Ohlins
- Prova Gearbox Ti Hardtail
- Scott Lumen eRide 900 SL
- Sonder Signal ST GX
- Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL
- Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL Comp
- Stayer OMG
- YT Jeffsy Primus 24
How to
Buzz: Seven ways to get stronger
Fit4Racing shows us how to eliminate arm pump for good
Skills: Corner control
How to stay in control on steep stuff with great body position, good range of movement, and balance, with help from Dirt School.
The Buzz: New places to ride
Rother Valley, near Sheffield; BikePark Wales; Forest of Dean; Laggan Wolftrax, and Dyfi Bike Park all have new trails for your wheels in 2023.
Column: Matt Wragg
Being forced to do his own mountain bike maintenance helped Matt Wragg achieve inner peace, on and off two wheels