Mountain Biking UK

Mountain Biking UK has got all the latest news, kit and exclusive info on the newest and best bikes. The MBUK Wrecking Crew testing team are out there right now, riding new bikes and products to destruction, to give you expert reviews you can count on to be brutally honest. We live to ride - and that's what makes MBUK Britain’s best-selling bike magazine.

HELLO

IN THE MAG THIS MONTH

MEET THE TEAM • What we’ve been up to and what we’re looking forward to (or dreading!)

DUST-UP DOWN UNDER • WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MOUNTAIN BIKING

VIDEO NASTY • How Cédric Gracia’s worst crash became an instructional film for first responders

FIRST LOOK

MBUK SEND IT! + Win all of this

‘32T CHAINRINGS ARE TOO BIG –HERE’S WHY’ • Alex Evans explains why he thinks a smaller gear can make your riding a happier experience

ATHERTON BIKES GO ELECTRIC

Factory Fresh • THIS MONTH’S NEW BIKES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

TECH FOR 2026 • FROM BIGGER-WHEELED BIKES TO SORTED ENTRY-LEVEL RIDES – WHAT WE WANT TO SEE FROM THE CYCLING INDUSTRY IN 2026

HOWTO STACK IT SAFELY (ISH) • Our official crash consultant Olly Wilkins explains how to minimise the impact of unplanned offs

IS THE FUTURE THERMOPLASTIC? • We take a deep dive into the material that could pave the way for recyclable and sustainable carbon frame manufacture

PADEMELON STEERING DAMPER • £427 + mount kit from £75 More stable handling – at a high price

BIKETEST ALUMINIUM ALL-ROUNDERS • Can these two options prove that the trail bike still matters?

7MESH GUARDIAN APEX WATERPROOF JACKET • £500 Performance and price aren’t necessarily always linked

BRAKE PADS • Budget, mid-range or high-end – which type should you splash your hard-earned cash on?

NUTRAK SNAP WLT FULL 40 GXE CORE MUD TYRE • £59.99 www.freewheel.co.uk

LONGTERM RIDES • Team bikes ridden hard for a year

MADISON ROAM ISOLER THERMAL TRAIL JACKET • £59.99 This waffle-knit top is a top performer for the price

SET UP A COIL-SPRUNG REAR SHOCK • Coil shocks can be smoother than air equivalents, but you need to pick the right spring for your weight and riding style

TECH Q&A • Our test team answer your mechanical queries

SLEEP BETTER TO RIDE STRONGER • Good nighttime habits help your body to adapt and rebuild after a day on the trails

Mountain Biking UK

MINT SAUCE • WE DON'T NEED SONGS ABOUT ROSES, WE DON'T NEED YOUR TERRIBLE BLUES, WE DON'T NEED SONGS ABOUT ROSES, PLEASE SING ME SOMETHING NEW