All articles tagged with #mountain biking
A BBC travel feature highlights Phaplu’s growing mountain-biking scene in Nepal’s Solukhumbu, near Everest, where 70km of community-built trails, homestays, and local training empower Sherpa youth with guiding, maintenance and first-aid skills, creating new income streams and a deeper cultural experience for riders.
Reserve Wheels announces an exclusive aftermarket partnership with DT Swiss to offer Degree of Freedom wheelsets across its MTB lineup (HD, SL, DH in carbon and aluminum). DoF provides adjustable kickback with three settings (0°, 10°, 20°), no weight penalty, and low maintenance, with pricing unchanged and availability now at reservewheels.com.
The Pinkbike team concludes their Arkansas mountain bike field test with a roundtable discussion on their favorite and least favorite bikes tested, sharing insights and inviting listener questions, while promoting their podcast and sponsors.
Dario predicts that cross-country mountain biking will become more popular and stylish, with 32" wheels challenging traditional sizes, bike travel will continue to increase across categories due to tech improvements, adventure racing will grow as a fresh, escapist alternative to enduro, and AI will increasingly influence the bike industry, mainly in operational areas.
Jessie-May predicts that in 2026, the first World Cup XC win on 32-inch wheels will likely go to Charlie Aldridge, with major brands developing this technology. The industry will also see widespread adoption of motor gearbox units in eMTBs, possibly with eCVT systems for beginners. Helmet safety will advance with the release of RLS helmets like Canyon’s, and Fox will not release a shorter travel version of the Podium fork, despite its excellent bump absorption. The article emphasizes that bike performance depends on many factors beyond just equipment.
The article predicts a surge in e-bike brands using the new Avinox motor, a decline in global enduro racing's prominence, and limited adoption of electronic suspension systems in mountain biking, highlighting industry trends and challenges for 2026.
The SRAM Maven Base brake has won the 2025 Pinkbike Awards for Value Product of the Year, praised for its simplicity, power, and affordability, offering a linear and intuitive feel with excellent stopping power and consistency, making it a top choice among gravity brakes.
The 2025 Pinkbike Awards highlight bikes with innovative modular designs, versatility, and refined performance, featuring nominees like the Pivot Firebird, Trek Fuel, Scott Gambler, Orbea Rallon, and Revel Rascal, each excelling in adaptability and rider customization.
Dario DiGiulio shares his top biking experiences and gear in 2025, highlighting his love for the Santa Cruz Tallboy, testing high-performance brakes, the Shimano XTR drivetrain, durable shoes, and tires suited for soft conditions, along with advancements in e-bike motors and his favorite bikes and cycling community moments.
The article highlights nominees for the 2025 Pinkbike Awards' Suspension Product of the Year, featuring innovative products like Öhlins' RXF36 fork, Fox 36 fork, EXT's Arma V4 shock, Fox Podium fork, and DT Swiss' suspension hub, each praised for their performance, durability, and technological advancements.
Mike Kazimer's 2025 favorites include innovative mountain biking gear like the Akta Trail Vest and Shimano GE900 HS shoes, versatile bikes such as the Santa Cruz Bronson and Yeti MTe, and a celebration of the mountain biking community and culture, along with personal interests in music and books.
The article reviews the 2026 Trail Bike Field Test, highlighting the Revel Rascal SL as the overall winner due to its excellent climbing, descending, and fun riding qualities, based on a series of challenges and discussions between testers. The Rascal SL was praised for its traction, stability, and versatility, making it a top choice for various trail conditions, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
Shimano has launched the XTR M9220 Enduro Pedal, a highly supportive and durable pedal designed for aggressive enduro riding, featuring a large platform, adjustable traction pins, and improved seal technology, offering enhanced control but with increased weight and reduced ground clearance.
The 2025 Knolly Warden is a highly specialized, long, low, and slack downhill bike with unique geometry and suspension designed for aggressive terrain, particularly steep and rough trails. While it excels in traction and stability on challenging descents, its handling can be awkward, especially on climbs and technical sections, requiring careful setup and cockpit adjustments. Best suited for experienced riders targeting steep, technical terrain, the Warden offers impressive grip and composure but demands a tailored setup to perform optimally.
Chromag has released the Reazon, a versatile all-mountain full suspension bike designed for efficiency, confidence, and fun on diverse terrains, featuring 135mm rear travel, updated geometry, and durable components, aimed at riders tackling long, technical rides.