Mountain Biking UK

All of us who bring MBUK to life are committed to creating content that reflects and celebrates the diverse backgrounds and interests of our readers, and the MTB community as a whole. While we always strive to be inclusive, we need to do better and have begun work on a plan to drive meaningful change, but we know it’s a work in progress. We’d love to hear from you and are open to suggestions on how we can create positive change together. If you’ve got a story to share or would like to get involved, email us at mbuk@ourmedia.co.uk.…

Our Bike of the Year test is always a massive undertaking, not least when the industry is having major supply-chain issues. And this year we decided to make things even harder for ourselves by adding a third category, e-MTBs. We pondered adding hardtails, too, but the way the market is, the bikes that did well would likely have sold out by the time we went to press. I’d like to say a big thanks to Rob, Tom and Alex for the countless miles they put in, in all weathers, and to Jess, Will P and Rach for their help with our final testing at BikePark Wales. We hope you enjoy reading this year’s guide, whether you’re in the market for a new ride or just a sucker for the latest…

VERONIQUE SANDLER FREERIDE TRAIL BLAZER From DH racer to freestyler, Vero’s not afraid to get gnarly – so it’s a surprise that her other passion is altogether more ‘proper’ (p19) WILL POOLE OUR MAN ON THE SPANNERS When he’s not prepping bikes in MBUK’s workshop,Will is rarely off two wheels, this month putting Halfords’ Carrera Fury to the test (p45) KATHERINE MOORE WRITER, TESTER & MORE Self-confessed bikepacking geek Katherine knows a thing or two about long-ride comfort and has some great bike-fit advice (p63) MATT GRAYSON INTREPID SNAPPER Sheffield-born, London-based Matt has travelled the world shooting cycling – most recently, visiting Rwanda for this issue’s feature (p68)…

JAMES COSTLEY-WHITE EDITOR Finally getting to use the tinted lenses that came with my riding glasses – for a week or two, at least! JAMES BLACKWELL ART EDITOR Getting out for proper dawn rides – no lights, no people, just empty trails and wildlife CHRIS BARNARD PRODUCTION EDITOR When it gets light at 4am and goes dark at 10pm. I’ll sleep when I’m dead! JULIA BROUSSIER DESIGNER A break from the endless dilemma of how many layers to wear on a ride. Shorts, jersey, sorted! WILL SOFFE STAFF WRITER Dusty berms and fast-rolling jumps! (Not having to wash bikes is a bonus)…

Sometimes, after conquering a gruelling ascent, you just need to strike a pose to mark the occasion. That’s exactly what happened when photographer Paul Sundin snapped this scene of rider Jess Dart at the High Cup Nick valley in Cumbria, back in January. “We were back in the valley for the second time, because on the first attempt we couldn’t even see 10ft in front of us due to fog,” Jess explains. “We were so grateful for the clear weather and amazing views. There was thick ice and snow everywhere, and people were even wearing crampons for some parts. It was nothing for our Five Tens, though! After nearly giving Paul a heart attack when I did a wheelie on the cliff edge, he pulled himself together and got this shot.”…

It's a season of contrasts here in the UK. While the peaks up North can still be still snow-covered, the rolling fields of Cornwall are toasty little sun-traps. When snapper Ross Taylor saw Zak Belasco on Instagram hitting this fun-looking hip, he knew he had to get down there on a sunny day. “Tucked away in deepest Cornwall is an old quarry, from which James Roberts and his crew have carved a really fun set-up. Zak is one of the best in a local scene full of burgeoning talent,” explains Ross. “I sent him an excited message and we met the next day. He sessioned the jump, going progressively higher, while also testing the limits of his suspension as he used up every inch on the landing. We got this one…