Pick up your copy of the latest MBUK to see if a ‘mullet’ bike can keep up with its 29in counterpart, whether Whistler is the world's most inclusive mountain bike destination, and just how Chris Akrigg is so smooth on a bike. The mag also includes a Superbike shoot-out with four ultimate trail bikes from Scott, Specialized, Mondraker and Yeti. Plus, 15 trail shorts tested, riding the Trans-Cambrian Way, hitting up Foel Gasnach downhill park, insights from pro photographer Geoff Waugh, Hope’s brand manager Rachael Walker, and much, much more.
There are few riders with the talent and skill of Chris Akrigg. We meet up with the Yorkshireman to see how he makes the impossible possible and what motivates him to perfect his craft.
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Chris demonstrates his ability to ride what most people wouldn't even consider. Photo: Mick Kirkman
Wheel science
After the UCI abandoned the rules that bikes need the same-sized wheels for gravity events (downhill and enduro), we sent suspension expert, British Cycling mechanic and professional coach Will Soffe to test whether ‘mullet’ bikes are as fast a 29er and if they offer smaller riders an equal chance of speed.
Will Soffe takes to the hills to see if there's any advantage to the new 'mullet' bike concept seen on the race track. Photo: Andy Lloyd
Foel Gasnach
Features editor Ed takes a trip to the North Wales downhill venue of Foel Gasnach to get a taste of the steep, loose and wild tracks this raw spot offers. Don’t expect to find any flowing trails here – not yet, at least!
Joe Breeden, Charlie Hatton and Robin Arthur, some of the UK's top downhill racers, show us around North Wales's Foel Gasnach bike park. Photo: Laurence Crossman-Emms
Carbon superbikes
Just how good can 'money-no-object' bikes get? We put four ultimate trail bikes from Yeti, Specialized, Mondraker and Scott head to head, to see which perform outstandingly and are worth their mammoth price tags.
Four top-of-the-range carbon trail bikes get put head to head for this month's bike test. Photo: Mick Kirkman
Ahead of the curve
The rider's paradise of Whistler, Canada is a bucket-list destination for many mountain bikers and has always been at the forefront of bike tourism. It also has an exceptionally high percentage of female riders. Writer Aoife Glass took a trip to this MTB hotspot to see just what they're getting so right.
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Whistler isn't just a brilliant riding destination, it's also one of the most inclusive. Photo: Mark Mackay
Wrecked and Rated
This month we put 15 pairs of trail shorts to the test, to discover which are a cut above the rest and which come up, well, short! Also, we review six of the best multi-tools, and our testing team get their hands on the latest products to bring you the best buying advice out there.
We've tested tons of great products this month, not least our 15-strong trail shorts group test. Photo: Russell Burton
Bikepacking the Trans-Cambrian Way
On the final instalment of our Dirty Half Dozen series, features editor Ed and MBUK pal Ben take on a bikepacking journey along 175km of the Trans-Cambrian Way. Dodging sheep s*#t, grumpy livestock and the odd gate or twelve. Find out why this is one type of riding that everyone needs to try.
Ed and Ben take on the 175km Trans-Cambrian Way for a wonderful summer bikepacking adventure. Photo: Anthony Pease
Free gift
This month MBUK blings up your bike with some rainbow anodised valve caps. Retro!
Bling up your bike this month with our rainbow anodised valve caps.
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Luke Marshall is a technical writer for BikeRadar and MBUK magazine. He's been working for both titles since 2018 and has over 20 years of mountain biking experience. Luke is a gravity-focused rider with a history of racing downhill, previously competing in the UCI Downhill World Cup. Educated to a degree level in engineering and with a penchant for full-throttle speed, Luke is more than qualified to put every bike and product through its paces to bring you informative and independent reviews. You'll most likely find him on a trail, enduro or downhill bike riding the off-piste tracks around south Wales and the south west of England. He often makes an appearance on BikeRadar's podcast and YouTube channel.
