October issue on sale now!

This issue we check out eight of 2023’s most promising-looking bikes, from XC to enduro, plus test hip packs and storage bottle cages.

We show you how to get your bike set-up and suspension dialled, and how to pull whips and scrubs over the jumps.

Plus, we tackle Europe's highest singletrack, head to the Malverns Classic and investigate #vanlife without the van. Don't miss it!

2023 all-stars

Eight of the newest machines that are carving up the MTB world reviewed in depth. Photo: Andy Lloyd

Mountain bikes evolve year on year, with new tech pushing the way we ride forward. For this special Biketest we've hit the trails with eight of 2023's hottest machines to see what design and tech trends we think will be affecting the sport next year and beyond.

Hip packs on test

We take 11 bumbags out over some tough trails to see which is the best buy. Photo: Ian Linton

Hip packs are an increasingly popular alternative to the classic riding backpack, potentially offering more comfort and freedom of movement on the bike. We've tested 11 of the latest and greatest bumbags to see which is the best choice for a lightweight loadout.

How to nail scrubs and whips

Learn how to spice up your jumping with scrubs and whips. Photo: Andy Lloyd

We've enlisted BikePark Wales team rider Leon Rosser to share some essential tips for perfecting these two classic moves. You'll be adding some serious steeze to your jump sessions in no time!

Van life without the van!

Can you live the van life without shelling out thousands? We test a neat alternative. Photo: Ian Lean

Can you live the aspirational van life with your bike, without forking out for a van and turning it into a motorhome? Chris and Katherine head to Dartmoor to check out a cost-effective alternative.

Riding high

Tom puts his body and mind through the ultimate alpine challenge. Photo: Sam Morris

Senior tech editor Tom Marvin embarked on a mission to ride Europe's highest singletrack. But the trip didn't go as expected and he ended up getting a lot more than he bargained for. Check out the amazing story of Tom's adventure.

The Malverns grows up

Editor JCW takes his family to the Malverns Classic MTB festival and has a very different experience than he had there in the '90s. Photo: Steve Behr

Back in the '90s the Malvern Hills Classic MTB festival was renowned for its wild after-hours antics. But as editor JCW heads along to this year's event with his family in tow, he discovers a whole new side of the UK's original mountain bike fest.

And that's not all…

The latest and greatest MTB kit and clobber tested in Wrecked and Rated. Photo: Andy Lloyd

This issue of MBUK is jam-packed with all the latest and greatest bikes, product reviews and news stories from the mountain biking world. We've got new bikes from Pivot, Santa Cruz, Trek and Haibike, along with pages of product reviews that include Öhlins' RXF38 m.2 fork. Plus, check out our special Trail Crew report from the community-run Van Road trails in South Wales, and a Great British foody adventure through Cheddar Gorge in Big Ride.

Free gift

Don't miss your Park Tool workshop gloves, free with every print copy of the mag! Photo: Georgina Hinton

Every print copy of MBUK 413 comes with a free pair of Park Tool workshop gloves. Whether you're performing some essential pre-flight checks or giving your pride and joy a full makeover in the garage, this high-quality hand gear will prove indispensable!

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