What Mountain Bike is brought to you by the makers of Mountain Biking UK, and is filled with reviews of the latest bikes, components and kit that cut through the hype and jargon to tell you exactly how it is. Whether you're a novice or time-pressed expert, this special-edition magazine has essential advice to help you navigate the maze of kit and bikes out there, helping you make the most of your riding time and hard-earned money. You'll also find plenty of easy to follow how-to workshop guides to keep your bike running smoothly and save money on repairs. We're mountain bikers first and foremost and know how important it is to get the best gear possible so you can crack on with enjoying your ride, safe in the knowledge that we've done the hard work for you.
PACKED WITH EXPERT MTB ADVICE
What Mountain Bike Spring 2023
WELCOME
HOW TO BUY A MOUNTAIN BIKE • The mountain bike market might seem bewildering, but take five minutes, sit back and read our comprehensive guide to picking the right machine for your needs.
How much should I spend?
CHAPTER ONE UP TO SPEED
In case you missed… • If you’re feeling out of the loop with what’s gone on in the world of mountain biking, we’re here to fill you in with all the details.
e-MTBs • Considering an e-bike but not sure it’s for you? We give you the facts about these amazing machines.
High-pivot bikes • Have you wondered why some new bikes have a chain that rolls over an additional sprocket?
Downcountry bikes • Not another MTB genre! OK, but this one makes sense. Fast up and fast down – the bikes most of us should be riding?
Get to know • Fill in those gaps with our quick-fire guide to the top topics in mountain biking. Once you’re up to speed, you’ll be better placed to make smart buying decisions.
Brakes • Power and modulation delivered in spades
Tyres • Tyres are one of the most vital components on your MTB, so picking the right pair is crucial
Forks • Plugged in up-front, your fork keeps things calm
Buying a Second-hand Bike • Check these tips before parting with your pocket money
Helmets • Helmets are a vital piece of safety equipment, so picking the right one is one of the most important buying decisions you can make.
SPOKE TENSION
Is long, slack & low geometry better? • Our technical sages debate the highs and lows of mountain bike geometry
THE TRENDS THAT WILL DEFINE MTB TECH IN 2023 • OUR MOUNTAIN BIKE TECH GURUS DUST OFF THEIR CRYSTAL BALLS
1 SUSPENSION GETS EVEN SMARTER…
2 NEW RACE FORMATS WILL MAKE ENDURO BIKES MORE AGGRESSIVE…
3 CAN BRANDS SURVIVE THE POST-COVID SLUMP?
4 INTERNAL STRUGGLES AHEAD
4 SPEC MISTAKES TOO MANY BRANDS MAKE • Why-oh-why do MTB brands keep getting it wrong?
CHAPTER THREE HOW TO
FIX A NOISY BIKE • STOP THOSE ANNOYING RATTLES AND CREAKS BEFORE THEY LEAD TO ANYTHING MORE SERIOUS
REPLACE INTERNALLY-ROUTED CABLES • INTERNAL ROUTING GIVES YOUR BIKE A SUPER-CLEAN LOOK, BUT CAN BE A HASSLE TO WORK WITH. HERE’S THE SIMPLE WAY TO CHANGE AN OUTER CABLE OR HOSE
SETTING UP AIR-SPRUNG SUSPENSION • SORT OUT YOUR SPRINGS AND DECIPHER YOUR DAMPERS. GET YOUR SUSPENSION SET UP WITH EASE.
CHECK & REPLACE CHAIN* • HARD TO SPOT, A WORN CHAIN CAN BE THE CAUSE OF MANY DRIVETRAIN ISSUES
INSTALL A TIGHT TYRE • YOU MAY NOT NEED THUMBS OF STEEL AFTER READING OUR TOP TIPS
TRUE A BUCKLED WHEEL • BANISH THOSE WOBBLY RIMS AND RATTLING SPOKES - IT’S NOT THE DARK-ART YOU’VE BEEN LED TO BELIEVE IT IS
TAKE CARE OF YOUR TYRES • TYRES ARE PRICEY ITEMS THESE DAYS, SO IT’S BEST TO KEEP THEM ROLLING
CLEAN YOUR BIKE • PREVENT PREMATURE WEAR, SPOT...