By Chris Barnard

Published: Friday, 13 May 2022 at 12:00 am


MBUK issue 408 is available now, and it’s the Bike Of The Year special – with a 44-page mini mag packed with reviews of 2022’s hottest trail, enduro and e-bikes.

The team explain their 10 ultimate upgrades on any budget, plus bring you women’s bike-fit tips, trails by rail, advice on becoming a more powerful rider, emergency repair hacks and much more.

Plus, meet the latest generation of young rippers and check out the extraordinary talent of tomorrow’s pro riders. And as if that’s not enough, there’s a pair of exclusive TSG riding socks with every print copy. Don’t miss this special bumper issue!

Bike of the year

It’s Bike of the Year time again! The biggest event in the MBUK calendar is bigger than ever this year, with three categories on test: trail, enduro and e-MTB. Check out MBUK’s in-depth reviews of 2022’s bleeding-edge machines and see which three bikes come out on top.

Ultimate upgrades

This month’s grouptest is a special one, too – we’re showcasing our testing team’s personal pick of the very best parts to improve your bike’s performance, as well as your own experience on the trail. This isn’t all ridiculously expensive bucket-list kit, either; we’ve also included the best wallet-friendly products to suit any budget.

Smaller, lighter, plusher, faster

Our tester Katherine Moore explains how to make any mountain bike work better for women riders (and some men!). With the range of women-specific bikes being somewhat limited, Kat explains some key upgrades you can make – and some vital geometry alterations – that can get a bike sorted for all sorts of body types.

The kids are all rad!

As long as mountain biking has been around, there have always been some young guns who stand out from the crowd and climb the ranks at blinding speed. But the latest generation of youth rippers are crazier than ever before. We head over to 417 Bike Park in Gloucestershire to meet up with some of tomorrow’s pro riders who seem way too talented for their tender years.

How to boost your trail power

At any skill level and for any type of riding, there are huge benefits to be had from increased power on the trails. Having the strength to clear a steep climb or obstacle, out-sprint other riders or pump the terrain for extra speed will all increase the fun you can have on your bike. We’ve enlisted the help of Vitus ambassador and strength coach Ben Plenge to reveal the best ways to train for increased power.

Trails by rail

What are the best MTB routes you can reach without a car? Our map man Max has toured the UK to find three of the best MTB routes you can reach by train – including a trip across the Solent for a Big Ride on the Isle of Wight.

And that’s not all…

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 Canyon, Cannondale, Orange and YT, along with pages of product reviews that include Öhlins’ RXF34 M.2 shock. Plus, check out our Trail Crew report from Wind Hill B1kepark in Wiltshire.

Free gifts

As well as the 44-page Bike of the Year mini-magazine, every print copy of MBUK 408 comes with a pair of exclusive TSG riding socks. Don’t miss out!

Subscription offer

 

Subscribe to MBUK, Britain’s best-selling mountain biking magazine – made by riders to inform, excite and entertain other riders – and receive a pair of Madison men’s or women’s shorts!

Since MBUK’s first issue in 1988, it’s blazed a trail all of its own, combining unrivalled product testing with easy-to-understand skills tips and maintenance advice, inspiring route guides, entertaining riding features and stunning photography from the world’s best snappers – and all while never taking things too seriously.

Why subscribe?

  • Save 25%* on the shop price: only £58.40 every 13 issues
  • Get a pair of Madison shorts!
  • Every issue delivered straight to your door
  • Never miss an action-packed issue or supplement
  • Exclusive offers and competitions with our Subs Zone!

You can subscribe to MBUK here and check out our FacebookInstagram and Twitter accounts for all of the latest mountain bike action.
And don’t forget to sign up to the newsletter!

*Offer open to new UK customers subscribing to the print edition by direct debit only. Full details of the Direct Debit Guarantee will be provided and are available on request. Please allow 28 working days for delivery of your gift. You will receive 13 issues per year. Your subscription will start with the next available issue. 25% saving based on buying 13 issues at full UK shop price. In the unlikely event your selected gift is unavailable, we reserve the right to send an alternative. Offer ends: 09/06/22.