Mountain Bike Rider

Published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd mbr is the UK's leading magazine for trail riding, mountain bike enthusiasts. Published since 1997, mbr aims to inspire readers to just get out and ride! with every issue, by providing the very best expert advice about where, what and how to ride. Every edition delivers the ultimate mix of inspirational riding features, with extensive bike and product reviews, along with superb advice and reader involvement - plus free pull-out route guides.

UK’s best descents • From soul-stiring to hair-raising, British downhills are made to thrill

BIG PICTURE

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTING • Head as far west as you can get and you’ll find Llys-y-Frân reservoir, and a new 14km route packed with Welsh trail centre history

BIKES OF THE ROCK • Ard Rock is the UK’s biggest enduro event, drawing a global crowd of riders, spectators and party goers. We check out the expo area for the coolest bikes on show

HOT STUFF • WHAT WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS MONTH

NATURAL BORN CLIMBERS • Whether you’re a natural born climber or learning to love the lactic burn, here are five ascents to put your stamina to the test

7 PERFORMANCE METRICS THAT EVERY MTB’ER SHOULD STRIVE TO MEET • Our gym test is designed to gauge mtb-specific skills – how do you measure up?

FIND YOUR WAY • How to read a map and follow an off-road route

Fist rides • SWINGING A LEG OVER WHAT’S HOT THIS MONTH

YT CAPRA 29 CORE 2 • The new Capra bucks the inflationary trend but will it keep us pumped on the trails?

MONDRAKER CRAFTY R W/BOSCH E-BIKE ABS • Anti-lock braking is more than just techie grandstanding: it works fantastically well

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Mountain Bike Rider

Mail Box • CONTACT US mbr magazine, Future PLC, Unit 415, Eskdale Rd, Winnersh Triangle Business Park, Winnersh, Reading, RG41 5TU mbr@futurenet.com

BRITAIN’S BEST SESCENTS • From brake-fluid boiling downhills to scenic, sweeping rides that mix flow and fun, the UK has it all – you’re sure to find your thrill in our ultimate gravity addict’s hit list

NATURAL ABILITY PART 2 STEEP • Dialling in your suspension, keeping a loose and low body position and only braking when necessary, can all do wonders for your confidence when the ground tips away

JAMIE’S SPECIALIZED TURBO KENEVO SL COMP • Countless hours on the trails make this the ultimate test of performance as well as reliability

SEAN’S SONDER SIGNAL ST GX • MONTH 5: Sean discovers that while the Signal has a broad design remit, there are no mixed messages on the trail

BEN’S PRIVATEER 141 ÖHLINS • MONTH 4: With a lighter shock spring, Ben is getting more into the travel and feel of the Privateer 141

PB’S GIANT REIGN E+ 1 • MONTH 9: Upgrading to SRAM’s wireless shifting has kept the wheels spinning on PB’s Giant – surely autopilot can’t be far away…

Tested • MAVIC E-DEEMAX S 30/35 WHEELS £720

Trail forks • A 120-140mm-travel fork offers the ideal balance of plushness and liveliness for the trails most of us ride, most of the time; we put five of the best to the test

Conclusion

GREAT BRITISH BIKE OFF! • Three enduro bikes, all fresh out of the oven and baked right here in the UK. Time to tuck in…

COTIC ROCKETMAX 150 GOLD XT £5,778

HOPE HB916 £6,995

ORANGE SWITCH 7 SE £7,500

Conclusion

MY BEST TRAIL • Mtb’s movers and shakers select their favourite places to ride