Editorial

"I accept that some people will not be personally offended by any of this, but I think it's important to listen to the opinions of those who might be..."

Andrew Major can justify almost every part of his bikes, even the Gucci ones, according to the doctrine of min-maxing. Almost...

"Sometimes unbridled enthusiasm can wrinkle relationships and risk the trails themselves..."

Andrew Major breaks down a range of his favourite options in an attempt to convert the uninitiated.

Could the Shimano Deore M6100 12spd be the only drivetrain that really matters?

"When your buttoned-down cousin the engineer decides his first motorcycle should be a Harley, you can bet things are about to get interesting..."

No vaporware here - just currently existing or easy DIY collaborations that could improve your on-trail experience with wrenching, pedaling, and ergonomics.

The Wolf Tooth EnCase tool system is a nicely made tool system that has led to my first pack free rides in years...

"Generally speaking there will always be some small company there waiting for the big boys to drop the ball..."

Andrew gave up on better-than-nothing knee pads ages ago: "I decided it was hard-shells or nothing. Usually nothing."

The beating heart of MTB in Scotland is Innerleithen: it is the site of many of its most famous trails, the home of EWS founder Chris Ball, the birthplace of countless pros, and the best damn university program any rider could imagine.

We all have an old buddy or two who used to riden - the one who had kids and sold their bike, or the one who just seemed to fade away...

Weighing the trade-off between marinating in some you-stew and long days pedaling in the solid fit and mobility of Leatt's well-built gravity shorts...

Every time out, I'm reminded that riding bikes is as good as it gets, but now and then, it's even better.

WTF happened to the ever-increasing choice in semi-slick tires and all the riders preaching their virtues?

While bikes have changed and we riders have adapted a little, it could be that some of us are still riding like we're on 26...

There is a local trend for a boosted imbalance between frame and fork travel in our neighbourhood...

An Emotional Support Jacket (ESJ), like Pearl Izumi's Summit Shell, is no substitute for a waterproof rain jacket, but cost-per-use might make it an excellent investment...

Rémy Métailler thinks you should try moving your brake levers - and I think switching everything – one at a time – makes us better riders...

Setup with a rigid fork or with 120mm of suspension up front, Andrew's custom Waltworks V2 single speed was built specifically for riding on the North Shore.

If you want to be prepared without feeling like a pack mule, this might be your path to freedom...

Grab a scorecard and play along at home with your bike(s). Low scores win. Winners get to go ride their bikes while the rest of us get the tools out.

Andrew's first look at e13's new Vario dropper post remote and new, Wintek-equipped, 180mm, travel-adjustable Vario dropper post...

The baddest-looking fork Manitou has ever made, the Mezzer stands tall with the proven IRT air spring and a new MC² sealed bladder damper...