This month's MBUK is chock-full of exciting content. We spend a day with one of the UK's most thrilling downhill racers, Adam Brayton, learn how the Austrians go about building a multi-million-pound bike park and discover just how impressive Switzerland's natural trails are. We test four flat-out enduro bikes, plus tons of the latest kit reviewed, and if that wasn't enough, we hit up Rogate with four MTB superstars.
The Keswick Kestrel not only guides us around his local Lake District trails, but also delves into his downhill history and how he forged his way into the world cup podium.
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We catch up with Adam Brayton – the Keswick Kestrel – on his home trails. Photo: Sam Needham
Rogate Wrecking Crew
Who better to show you around the bike park they grew up riding, than four of the South's most famous mountain bikers? Brendan Fairclough, Bernard Kerr, Sam Reynolds and Olly Wilkins show us the trails they love – and why you don't need a mountain to be a phenomenal mountain biker.
Brendan whips it out on our star-studded visit to Rogate Bike Park. Photo: Steve Behr
First rides
This month the new YT Decoy, Radon Swoop 29er and Vitus Nucleus get our initial impressions. Ranging from the latest e-bike, enduro thrasher and hardcore hardtail, we've covered all bases.
We mess about on the new YT Decoy and bring you our first impressions. Photo: Johan Hjord
The Dirty Half Dozen
Carrying on our Dirty Half Dozen series, James and Jimmer team up with the guys from +3 MTB and receive some skills coaching – to see if they can crank their riding up a gear.
James and Jimmer join +3 MTB for a day's coaching. Photo: Russell Burton
Ride on the wild side
We're fortunate enough to team up with MTB legend Tracy Moseley, who guides us around the wild, natural trails of Verbier – the place she used as a training ground for her assault on the Enduro World Series.
Tracy Moseley guides us around the amazing trails that lie close to Verbier. Photo: Steve Behr
Flat-out fast enduro bikes
Long travel 29er bikes from Pole, Scott, Specialized and Orbea are pitted head-to-head in our bike test. We tell you which of these trail-ripping machines is fast, and which falter.
We hammer long travel 29er enduro bikes from Orbea, Specialized, Scott and Pole. Photo: Russell Burton
More, more, more…
As always, we've crammed our pages with useful advice and helpful hints, including jumping tips from Kaos Seagrave and guides for SRAM Eagle shifting and bearing maintenance. Plus, there's masses more gear tested – from six of the best hydration hip packs to 14 pairs of flat pedal shoes and loads in between.
Kaos Seagrave demonstrates how to boost jumps, and offers tips to help you do the same. Photo: Dan Hern
Free gift
This month we bring you our guide to Britain's Best Wild Rides – 15 epic natural trails to tick off your bucket list.
The Britain's Best Wild Rides supplement is our free gift this month.
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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.
