Technique

The Trade Offs

All Articles

Articles
All

Issue 77

Tue 19th Sep, 2023

We have created another action packed magazine for you, totally free of charge. We sat down with Macclesfield Master of Steez, Lando Steezy. We talk about how he ended up where he is and what he has planned for the future. Slovenia is a well kept secret. Follow us as we head into the unknown with Jani above and below ground! Also, we entered Enduro2 in Meribel. Read our race report of the epic team's enduro race in the French Alps. We vent our thoughts on the rise of the lightweight e-bikes and of course there’s the regulars like Tried and Tested, Lightbox and Movienight!

Issue 76

Mon 10th Jul, 2023

Summer is in full swing, bikeparks are up and running and in front of you lies the latest issue of IMB! This issue we sat down with Olly Wilkins, rider, YouTuber and general hyperactive beam of positivity. In Trail Guide we head to the Southern Hemisphere, Nelson NZ, and we chat with Mischa Crumbach about ITRS, a newly developed trail grading system. Adventurer Tim tells us all about his trip to Tucson Arizona and Jarno made it to Haibike HQ in Germany for a visit. Of course there are tons of products in the Tried and Tested as well as the other regulars like Technique, Movienight and Lightbox.

Issue 75

Fri 28th Apr, 2023

We had a chat with the most sideways man on the World Cup circuit; Phil Atwill! Otago is known for its gold mining past, but how did this influence modern day mountain biking in the region? With all the technology around us, how can we use it to find good trails? We explore the options out on the market. Doug has been exploring the Pyrenees for more than a decade and shares his tips in the Trail Guide, while we of course still have the regulars like Technique, Lightbox and Movienight.

Issue 74

Tue 21st Mar, 2023

This issue we have a chat with the hardest man on the EWS circuit, Matthew Fairbrother. We talk with the IMBA how to turn trail building into a career and Derek reports on the Wine to Wales Epic in South Africa. The Trail Guide is about the Italian Domodossola region and Clive gives you tips to survive winter. Of course there is the Angry Insider, Tried and Tested, Lightbox and Movienight!

Issue 73

Wed 14th Dec, 2022

We pinned down Remy Metailler to chat about life as a Frenchie in BC, YouTube and creating content. Tim Wild went to B.C. and shares 10 things he learned over there. Still looking for a X-mas gift? Check out the IMB Gift Guide! The Trail Guide is all about the lesser known town of Meribel and in Getting Dialled me talk about indoor training. Behind the Brand is about FLi Distribution and of course we have tons of products on test from Fox, Etnies, Pedaling Innovations, Rocky Mountain and many more!

Issue 72

Mon 14th Nov, 2022

For this issue we caught up with Scottsman Lewis Buchanan and talked about EWS, injuries and Rampage. We ventured out to Europe’s most remote hut, tested Stanton's Switch9er Ti hardtail, Merida’s brand new OneSixty and a whole lot of products and kit. We take a deep dive in oval chainrings with AbsoluteBlack in the TechFocus while Adrian went on a pleasurable sufferfest at the Merida Ex Enduro. And of course there are pretty pics and vibrant vids in the Lightbox and Movie Night features.

Issue 71

Mon 22nd Aug, 2022

We sat down with Jamie Nicoll to talk about life, racing and adventure. We entered the Cannondale Trans Madeira and survived, tested YT’s Decoy Core 4 MX and a whole lot of products and kit. In Getting Dialled we go over the details of filming POV and the Angry Insider is the bike shop owner! The Trail Guide takes us to Wales and of course there are the regulars: Technique, Lightbox and Movie Night.

Issue 70

Mon 23rd May, 2022

The 2022 Spring Issue! We tracked down the Freeride Nomad Nico Vink to talk about video segments, building huge lines and his future plans. Connor Hamilton shows off his customised Ford Mustang and we follow the SCOR Collective on their first road trip. Behind the Brand shows us what’s going on with Suntour, in Tool Time we tackle wheels and in Getting Dialled we silence your bike. In the Technique section Clive enlightens you on how contact points matter while the Angry Insider this time is an outsider; the end consumer. Of course we got awesome kit reviews from Stanton, Ibis, WTB, Peaty’s, High5, PNW, Dainese and Melon Optics.

Issue 69

Tue 29th Mar, 2022

Oh boy! The first issue of 2022. We sat down with YouTube legend Scotty Laughland to talk about riding, filming and life as a content creator. Graham went to the Queyras and wrote some words on his adventure while Mike did a deep dive into how much difference 1,5kg really makes on a climb. With it being winter and all, we decided to give snow biking a go and in Getting Dialled we tune up the home workshop. In the Technique section Clive enlightens you on how to improve your berm railing skills, and this issue the Angry Insider comes from the deep dungeons of the Warranty Department! Of course we managed to review some awesome kit by Unior Tools, WTB, PNW, TSG, Magicshine and DJI.

Issue 68

Fri 17th Dec, 2021

Time flies and we’re well into winter already. Still there is plenty of autumn action to look back on. Graham went on a multi day, multi country trip around the Combins. We sat down with legend Paul Basagoitia to talk about getting injured, the positive stuff it brought him and how E-MTB’s changed his life. As it’s close to Christmas, we figured to help Santa pick some presents for those bikers out there. With Tool Time we have a new regular to help you keep your bike in top shape and of course we have the other regulars like The Angry Insider, Getting Dialed, Lightbox and Movie Night. Furthermore there are bike reviews from SCOR, Santa Cruz, Bold and CUBE, and we try out gear from Suntour, Magura, IndustryNine, Riding Culture, AMS, Enve Composites and YETI!

Issue 67

Mon 25th Oct, 2021

Boom! And it’s time for issue 67. Fall time is here, and we explore the glorious Aosta Valley for some trail goodness. We checked out the YT’s brand new shop, the Mill, and entered The Ex Enduro weekender. With events back on, it was time to check out the E-bike World Tour, while the Angry Insider this issue is a photographer. It’s time to check your layers in Getting Dialled and we test bikes from Merida, YT and Specialized. On the gear front we put ION’s Rascal shoes to the test, together with Muc-Offs Punk Powder, DHarCO kit and the Bluegrass Rogue MIPS helmet!

Issue 66

Thu 12th Aug, 2021

We have a chat with Kiwi stylist Sam Blenkinsop on riding, racing and being a father. We head up high to spend a night in an Alpine refuge, while Graham goes chasing waterfalls in the French Haute Savoie. Clive walks you through how to prepare mentally for pushing your limits and we spend a day in Gampel where public transport and mountain biking are a match in heaven. The Angry Insider this issue is a grumpy trail builder letting off steam. And of course there are many tests from PNW, Fizik, Schwalbe, BMC, Santa Cruz and many more!

Issue 65

Tue 1st Jun, 2021

This issue we talk to Ludo May about racing, riding and much more. Luke and Graham show you a side of Chamonix you’ve never seen before. We dive into the history of Bikeparks to see how they came to be and what role they play in local communities. The Angry Insider will give you an insight into how your suspension service shop is thinking of you. In Getting Dialed we take a look at how to set up and tune your brakes with different pads, discs and levers. On test we have bikes and components from Merida, YT, Canyon, Fizik, Mavic, Smith and Bluegrass.. Of course Clive Forth is on here to help improve your skills in his excellent technique section, and we have loads more inside too, be sure to check it out and share it with your friends!

Issue 64

Thu 8th Apr, 2021

This issue we talk to Irishman Oisin O’Callaghan on what it took to become World DH Champ, what it’s like being part of the YT Mob and more. We explore ancient smugglers trails between Switzerland and Italy. Ben Gerrish chats to the do gooders from Trash Free Trails, and Jordi Bago goes to explore Mallorca. The Angry Insider will give you an insight in what’s really going on in the minds and souls of people in the industry. In Getting Dialed we take a look how to upgrade your first aid kit, and we have bikes and components on test from Merida, Cube, Transition, OneUp Components, Kids Ride Shotgun and Melon Optics. Of course Clive Forth is on here to help improve your skills in his excellent technique section, and we have loads more inside too, be sure to check it out and share it with your friends!

Issue 63

Wed 26th Feb, 2020

This issue we head to Scandinavia with Hanna Jonsson and her friends to explore the incredible trails on offer. Rob Warner stops by for a catch up to discuss his incredible career in the bike industry that shows no signs of stopping. Fabian Gleitsmann heads to the Venosta Valley to explore Switzerland, Italy and Austria in the same day, and we have bikes and components on test from Cube, Vitus, SRAM, Vecnum, Gloworm, Ravemen and Julbo. Clive Forth is on hand to improve our skills in his excellent technique section, and we have loads more inside too, be sure to check it out and share it with your friends!

Issue 62

Wed 18th Dec, 2019

It's another belter this month packed full of fantastic content from around the world. Inside we take a look at Red Bull Rampage with Cam Zink, Fabian Gleitsmann discovers the trails of Zermatt and Ewen Turner finds out more about the world of linkage forks. We're also encouraged to seek out hidden lines on our local trails by Going Nowhere with Ben Gerrish, and we chat with Martha Gill about riding and racing. New bikes from Marin, Kona and Kinesis are taken for a spin, and we test wheels from Industry Nine, Hunt and Sector. Clive Forth is on hand to improve our skills in his excellent technique section, and we have loads more inside too, be sure to check it out and share it with your friends!

Issue 61

Thu 24th Oct, 2019

It’s a belter of an issue this month with some of the best stories, images and videos from around the world of MTB! This issue we head to the north of Scotland to discover some trails well off the beaten track and we catch up with the new faces of women's downhill racing. Ewen gets behind the scenes with Merida’s new e-bike and he chats to Angel Suarez about why he loves racing bikes. On test, we have fresh bikes from YT, Kona, Marin and Merida and we test kit from Hayes, Muc-Off and MRPs new short travel trail fork. Clive is on hand with the technique, helping you to improve the way you ride and there is plenty more inside too!

Issue 60

Fri 16th Aug, 2019

This issue we head into the wilderness and get rad whilst bikepacking, Ewen chats to Jasper da Seymour about the creative film making process and Fabian Gleitsmann heads to the highest mountains you can ride in the Alps. We chat to Kilian Bron about mass start racing on snow and talk to Dr Leatt about neck braces. On top of all this, we have bikes from Pivot, DMR and Radon on test alongside three of the best short-travel forks on the market. Plus technique with Clive Forth and lots more inside!

Issue 59

Thu 27th Jun, 2019

Summer is on the horizon and we've already been playing in the dust. This issue sees us head to British Columbia, talk about modern XC bikes and find out more about two iconic World Cup photographers. We catch up with Merida rider Toni Ferreiro and get some science behind riding eyewear, whilst the test team check out bikes from Pole, Cube, Ragley and Marin alongside kit from Leatt, Marzocchi, Motion and Julbo.

Issue 58

Fri 19th Apr, 2019

Spring is here in the Northern hemisphere, and the trails are drying out nicely. This issue we get adventurous and head to the French and Slovenian Alps for some epic journeys through the mountains, Ewen Turner talks to Darrell Voss, the man behind Naild and team IMB head to New Zealand to compete in The Pioneer. Testing features the new bikes from Cannondale, Cube, Ghost, Greyp, Haibike and Merida as well kit from Hope, Lake, Leatt, SRAM and Box. Clive Forth is on hand with the technique once again, this issue he is looking at going around corners with speed and style there is plenty more inside too!

Issue 57

Mon 18th Feb, 2019

2019 is well and truly underway now, and we are stoked on another fantastic year of mountain biking. Shock horror spring might have sprung already outside the office, and it’s great to get back on the trails! This issue we talk to Dan and Gee Atherton about racing and catch up with Brendan Fairclough and crew to talk about Rampage 2018. We have some exciting destinations to visit including the sublime Revelstoke and Yukon! As ever Clive is on hand with the technique, he’s looking at improving your riding in wild conditions, and we have some new bikes on test and much more inside too!

Issue 56

Fri 19th Oct, 2018

We're heading into Autumn in Europe and the trails are running prime after a great summer. This issue we head to Wales both for Red Bull Hardline and to check out the mighty Black Mountains Cycle Centre. We also chat with Alistair Beckett about bike design and Ewen Turner takes a budget hardtail to an enduro race. Short and long travel bikes get some testing alongside components to make your riding life better!

Issue 55

Fri 24th Aug, 2018

In this issue Isac Paddock delves into the relationship between Aaron Gwin and his mechanic John Hall. We chat to Katy Winton about racing and life as a full factory enduro pro. Plus the team go electric and ride some of the best ebikes around to see what the fuss is all about, and take a trip to the Tweed Valley in Scotland. Tests feature some fresh new bikes and wheelsets for every budget.

Issue 54

Wed 27th Jun, 2018

Summer is here, trails are dusty, and everything is good with the world. This issue we catch up with Jill Kintner and find out how to become Queen at Crankworx, Emily Horridge gets adventurous in the French Alps and Damian Rosso heads to Vermont. The FS Funn Factory team bring us up to speed with World Cup action, and we test hot new bikes and the best dropper posts around.

Issue 53

Mon 30th Apr, 2018

It's looking like spring in Europe but the snow is still clinging onto the trails. This issue we head south to escape the winter and catch up with the Trippin' Fellaz to get a solid dose of adventure. Isac Paddock takes us 'up north' and Ross Bell experiences the magnificent scenery and trails of Colorado. Bikes, kit and even some 2019 suspension gets a once over to finish off another fantastic issue!

Issue 52

Mon 26th Feb, 2018

It's the first issue of 2018 and things are already set for a great year of mountain bike action. This issue we head to the Alps and the Canary Islands, test out some drop bar bikes and get behind the scenes with the FSFUNN downhill team. Plenty of bikes and kit have been tested along with the usual collection of amazing photos and videos.

Issue 51

Thu 21st Dec, 2017

It's the last issue of 2017, but don't worry, we've not hit the sherry yet and we've still got the best content and tests from around the world to finish off the year in style. From insane dirt jumps with Matt Jones to riding into the heart of darkness in Tazmania, this issue takes us far and wide with the finest photos, videos and tests all in one place. Merry Xmas!

Issue 50

Thu 26th Oct, 2017

It’s issue 50, so we’ve been travelling the globe to seek out the very best in mountain bike content just for you! From Norway to Finale Ligure, Wales to New Zealand we left no stone unturned! Be sure to check out the latest issue, which is packed with the best stories, photos and videos from around the world. We’ve got technique, tests and so much more inside! Enjoy!

Issue 49

Tue 22nd Aug, 2017

It’s a fantastic collection of bikes, people and destinations to get you inspired, motivated and generally psyched for all things mountain biking. We catch up with Greg Callaghan and find out what has made this year so successful, and take a trip to Croatia with Ross Bell. Part two of our Northern Ireland adventure finishes in Rostrevor and we get behind the scenes with Italian brand Formula. Enjoy!

Issue 48

Thu 29th Jun, 2017

It’s another stunning edition with loads of amazing stories, images and videos to keep you entertained! Inside we venture off to Ireland to discover what the vibrant MTB scene has to offer! Rebecca Parker asks they question all women want answering; do you really need a Women’s Specific Design bike? And Ronny Kiaulehn heads off to Fuerteventura and there is loads more inside too, be sure to check it out!

Issue 47

Wed 19th Apr, 2017

It’s another cracking edition with loads of fantastic stories, images and videos to keep you entertained! Inside we chat to one of mountain biking’s most entertaining characters, Yoann Barelli tells his incredible story! Ewen Turner spends an unhealthy amount of time investigating the modern hardtail, and James Swann heads to Tasmania to sample the stunning trails there!

Issue 46

Tue 21st Feb, 2017

It’s another huge edition with loads of fantastic stories, images and videos to keep you entertained! Inside Stu Lill goes heli-biking in New Zealand getting dropped in the wilderness and riding his way out with his buddies. Damien Rosso and Nico Quéré discover amazing trails in Hong Kong and Ewen Turner discovers what it really takes to be get on the podium at a World Cup!

Issue 45

Tue 20th Dec, 2016

It’s another packed edition just in time for the festive season to keep you entertained when you are off the bike! Inside Steve Shannon heads to the Canary Islands with Emily Slaco, we chat to Chris Cocalis from Pivot in our Behind the Brand feature and how about a bit of bikepacking in Iceland for the trail guide? Of course we have all the usual suspects too, be sure to check it out!

Issue 44

Mon 24th Oct, 2016

In this issue Euan Wilson heads on a bike adventure to Norway, using a boat to navigate the fjords and sniff out the trails! We head to Torridon in Scotland for our trail guide and Endura, the people who clothe Danny MacAskill feature in our Behind The Brand article. As usual Richard Kelly is on hand with the technique and we have loads more inside too, be sure to check it out!

Issue 43

Mon 22nd Aug, 2016

In this issue Ewen Turner puts himself into full race mode and heads to the Alps, taking on the Enduro World Series in La Thuile and revisiting the Megavalanche in Alp d'Huez and asking the question ''Is this iconic bike race still relevant?'' Elsewhere O’Neal feature in our Behind the Brand piece and Steve Shannon takes us on a tour of Cumberland and Hornby Island in Canada.

Issue 42

Sat 25th Jun, 2016

In this issue Graham Beaumont travels to New Zealand with no particular plans. Sandra Sabitzer travels to the Azores in the Atlantic to check out some stunning trails and we feature Vitus in our Behind the Brand feature! We’ve also got technique with Richard Kelly, bike tests and a feature on the Tweed Valley, there is plenty more inside too...

Issue 41

Tue 19th Apr, 2016

In this issue Ewen Turner takes a look at the booming female enduro scene, these girls can shred! Steve Shannon heads to Nepal to do some serious bike trekking on the trip of a lifetime and we feature Commencal in our Behind the Brand feature! We've also got technique with Richard Kelly, bike tests and a feature on Crankworx Rotorua, there is plenty more inside too...

All Articles

Issue 77

Tue 19th Sep, 2023

Mon 10th Jul, 2023

Fri 28th Apr, 2023

Tue 21st Mar, 2023

Wed 14th Dec, 2022

Mon 14th Nov, 2022

Mon 22nd Aug, 2022

Mon 23rd May, 2022

Tue 29th Mar, 2022

Fri 17th Dec, 2021

Mon 25th Oct, 2021

Thu 12th Aug, 2021

Tue 1st Jun, 2021

Thu 8th Apr, 2021

Wed 26th Feb, 2020

Wed 18th Dec, 2019

Thu 24th Oct, 2019

Fri 16th Aug, 2019

Thu 27th Jun, 2019

Fri 19th Apr, 2019

Mon 18th Feb, 2019

Fri 19th Oct, 2018

Fri 24th Aug, 2018

Wed 27th Jun, 2018

Mon 30th Apr, 2018

Mon 26th Feb, 2018

Thu 21st Dec, 2017

Thu 26th Oct, 2017

Tue 22nd Aug, 2017

Thu 29th Jun, 2017

Wed 19th Apr, 2017

Tue 21st Feb, 2017

Tue 20th Dec, 2016

Mon 24th Oct, 2016

Mon 22nd Aug, 2016

Sat 25th Jun, 2016

Issue 41

Tue 19th Apr, 2016

Issue 40

Sat 20th Feb, 2016

Issue 39

Fri 18th Dec, 2015

Issue 38

Sat 24th Oct, 2015

Issue 37

Tue 25th Aug, 2015

Issue 36

Mon 22nd Jun, 2015

Issue 35

Tue 21st Apr, 2015

Issue 34

Thu 19th Feb, 2015

Issue 33

Fri 19th Dec, 2014

Issue 32

Sat 18th Oct, 2014

Issue 31

Tue 19th Aug, 2014

Issue 30

Thu 26th Jun, 2014

Issue 29

Fri 18th Apr, 2014

Issue 28

Sat 15th Feb, 2014

Issue 27

Mon 16th Dec, 2013

Issue 26

Tue 22nd Oct, 2013

Issue 25

Thu 22nd Aug, 2013

Issue 24

Tue 18th Jun, 2013

Issue 23

Wed 17th Apr, 2013

Issue 22

Tue 19th Feb, 2013

Issue 21

Sun 16th Dec, 2012