MBUK's August issue is in shops now – with a free pair of Jagwire workshop gloves to help you give your beloved steed some TLC this summer!
In this unmissable issue we show you how to manual like a pro, scale impossible climbs, fend off flats by fitting a tyre insert and stay out of trouble when riding off-piste. On test, we’ve got 12 disc brakes, six sets of grips and full-suspension trail bikes from Focus, Sonder, Specialized and Vitus.
We meet the wakeboarding star making waves in the dirt jump scene, reveal our favourite British blue trail, see how much decent riding we can squeeze into 12 hours and pay tribute to some of the riders who helped shape the modern mountain bike. All this plus rides in the Cotswolds and Scottish Borders, four route maps and all the usual MBUK tips and titbits, plus Mint Sauce, of course!
Revolutionaries
![MBK_398_revolu.LarryCragg_JoeBreeze Joe Breeze, one of the grandaddies of mountain biking. Larry Cragg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/44/2021/08/MBK_398_revolu.LarryCragg_JoeBreeze-89120aa.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
In this special feature, we look back on the history of the sport to pinpoint the riders who changed the bikes we ride forever. From ace athletes to maverick mechanics, discover the icons and unsung heroes of MTB development.
£3,000 trail bikes
![MBK_398_biketest.IanLinton_focus_SANN7925 Can you get a killer do-it-all full-susser for three grand? Photo: Ian Linton](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/44/2021/08/MBK_398_biketest.IanLinton_focus_SANN7925-2ca23ae.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
For this issue's biketest we've found four do-it-all full-suspension bikes at the competitive price point of three grand. As always, we've tested them head to head, to find out which is the best affordable trail slayer on the market.
Disc brakes on test
![MBK_398_group.RB_opener A dirty dozen of the most powerful hydraulic stoppers around are put through the mill. Photo: Russell Burton](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/44/2021/08/MBK_398_group.RB_opener-dd19765.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
A good set of brakes is essential for your ability to ride faster, aiding confidence and control as well as providing more stopping power. We've reviewed 12 hydraulic disc brakes in this month's grouptest to single out the ultimate speed scrubbers for your bike.
Wake-up call
![MBK_398_wake.SB_20210507surrey814 Wakeboarder Liam Peacock transfers his talents from the waves to the dirt. Photo: Steve Behr](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/44/2021/08/MBK_398_wake.SB_20210507surrey814-61e88e0.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
Liam Peacock is a world-class wakeboarder. When lockdown put a stop to his wave-riding plans, he took to his mountain bike as a way to pass the time. Finding that his talent for airtime translated well to the world of dirt jumps, Liam was quickly nailing massive flips. We hang out with this multi-disciplined machine to hear his story.
Exmoor & more & more…
![MBK_398_merida.PB_downcountry7 How much 'downcountry' riding can 12 hours on Exmoor get you? Photo: Paul Box](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/44/2021/08/MBK_398_merida.PB_downcountry7-12d8cbf.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
Our cross-country aficionado Tom Marvin heads to the West Country to see just how much riding you can cram into a 12-hour stint on one of these newfangled 'downcountry' bikes. Can these rad XC rigs tackle Exmoor's gnarliest log drops and rock gardens?
And that's not all…
![MBK_398_tested.RB_pocKortal POC's Kortal Race MIPS helmet – reviewed in this month's Wrecked and Rated. Photo: Russell Burton](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/44/2021/08/MBK_398_tested.RB_pocKortal-2c6304d.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
This issue of MBUK is jam-packed with all the latest and greatest bikes, product reviews and news stories from the mountain biking world. There are new bikes from Norco and Cannondale, along with pages of product reviews that include POC's Kortal Race MIPS helmet.
Free gift
![MBK_397_next.AL_gloves Don't miss your free Jagwire workshop gloves with this issue! Photo: Andy Lloyd](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/44/2021/08/MBK_397_next.AL_gloves-8f976c8.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
This month we're giving away a pair of Jagwire workshop gloves with every copy of the print mag. These heavy-duty hand protectors will make all that fettling, tinkering and tweaking easier and safer, and will prove an invaluable addition to your toolkit, whether in the workshop or at the trailside.
Subscription offer
![MBK_398_digiads.BR700x500](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/44/2021/07/MBK_398_digiads.BR700x500-3f5754c.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
Subscribe to MBUK and receive a pair of G-Form Sorata Trail gloves!
Why subscribe?
- Save 30% on the shop price: only £24.99 every 6 issues
- Get a pair of G-Form Sorata Trail gloves worth £24.99
- Every issue delivered straight to your door
- Never miss an action-packed issue or supplement
- Exclusive offers and competitions with our Subs Zone!
You can subscribe to MBUK here and check out our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts for all of the latest mountain bike action.
And don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter!