BIKETEST BACKCOUNTRY HARDTAILS

We see whether carbon fibre or steel, big-name value or boutique attention to detail comes out on top on the trails

NUKEPROOF MEGAWATT CARBON 297 RS

The original Megawatt proved itself almost instantly, winning our inaugural E-Bike of the Year award in 2022.

CALIBRE LINE T3 29

£1,100 (with £5 GO Outdoors card) Cost-effective proper' mountain bike

FIRST RIDES

STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX & ONTO THE TRAILS

ROUTES QUICK BLASTS

Facing shorter days and inclement weather, Max finds three satisfying routes that show it doesn't have to be an all-day ride or nothing

GRIME TIME

EXPERT WORKSHOP ADVICE

TRAILCREW HAVOK BIKEPARK

A hand-cut, rider-built bike park, Havok reopened earlier this year at a new site in West Yorkshire and is still expanding

From dust it did rise

Steve Thomas traces the birth of British mountain biking, from 'tracker bikes' to Muddy Fox

THROW DOWN THE CAUNTLET

In our final challenge of the series, we see if e-bikes really are as good at climbing as they're cracked up to be, as we tackle Antur Stiniog back to front

THE RIDER OFF YEAR' 23

THE BIG REVEAL! You voted in your thousands - now meet our winners...

CURTIS AM9

£5,200 (custom build), £1,450 (frame only) Can Curtis's handmade steel shredder live up to its heritage and price tag?

FIRST RIDES

£9,000 How much for a hardtail?!

6 OF THE BEST PROTECTIVE VESTS

Lightweight body armour for back protection on the trails

GRIME TIME

EXPERT WORKSHOP ADVICE

NUKEPROOF DISSENT CARBON 297 RS

£5,999.99 Impressive spec, components and capability for the price

TRAILCREW LAGGAN WOLFTRAK, SCOTLAND

A rough-and-ready trail centre in the Cairngorms with fun riding and views to die for

GIANT GLORY ADVANCED

£7,499 We can see this bike bringing plenty of race wins

BIKETEST DOWNHILL BIKES

We test three rigs raced on the DH World Cup circuit to see which works best for the weekend warrior and bike park shredder

LEARN TO JUMPIN A DAY

ALWAYS STRUGGLED WITH GETTING YOUR WHEELS OFF THE GROUND? AN INTENSE SIX HOURS OF DRILLS WITH PRO COACH OLLY MORRIS HAS FINALLY GOT EDITOR JCW ON THE RIGHT TRACK AFTER FOUR DECADES OF TRYING AND HIS TIPS CAN HELP YOU, TOO

HUSQVARNA MOUNTAIN CROSS MC4

$5,899 Does the MC4 leave you power-tooled up for the trails?

TYLER MCCAUL

With the gnarliest event of the year fast approaching, Kari Young speaks to 10-time Red Bull Rampage veteran Tyler McCaul to find out what the 34-year-old eats to fuel his body for such extreme exercise and what his 'Kryptonite' snack food is

LIFE BEGINS AT 40 (WINS)

MBUK's founding editor Tym Manley meets up with Rachel Atherton for the first time in years to find out about her plans for retirement - which are quickly ripped up!

6 of the best summer jerseys

Lightweight tops to see you through the hottest months

TRASH BAND

We meet some of the riders behind Trash Free Trails

BIGRIDE SUN, SEA AND SINGLETRACK

Max and Russell explore South West England's Jurassic Coast, with bonus seaside routes in South Wales and on the Isle of Skye

HOW TO...STAY FIT OVER 40

Strength coach Ben Plenge’s essential tips for keeping your body at its biking best

TRAILCREW: WOBURN BIKE PARK & TRAILS

This classic spot on the Beds/Bucks border has something for everyone

GROUPTEST FLAT PEDALS

We see which design is grippiest and most supportive

BIG MOUNTAINS ON A SMALL BUDGET

WE SEE IF YOU CAN REALLY RIDE PROPER PEAKS WITH A £500 BIKE AND BARGAIN-PRICED KIT

GENERATION GAMES

WE MEET UP WITH TWO OF THE BEST BRITISH RIDERS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE ERAS T0 SHRED THE TRAILS OF BIKEPARK WALES, ENJOY A BIT OF FRIENDLY RIVALRY AND FIND OUT HOW THE SPORT HAS CHANGED