RARE PHOTOS: Mick kirkman | Rare Historical Photos

I tested Norco's all-new Optic with its trendy high pivot suspension DH tech in a short travel downcountry package

125mm rear wheel travel might have you imagining something of an XC bike, but think again, as Norco’s latest high pivot Optic blurs the boundaries and brings maximum downhill attitude to the short travel trail bike segment

Bike Perfect · Jun 27, 2024

Trek Slash 9.9 Gen 6 review – a high pivot and idler suspension design, plus a completely new chassis

With 170mm travel and a complex high pivot layout with upper idler wheel and lower guide, Trek’s new Slash prioritizes bump swallowing and DH capability without sacrificing the ability to be a sorted enduro all-rounder

Bike Perfect · Jun 25, 2024

Kali Protectives Cascade review – the greenest trail helmet you can buy?

Kali’s open face Cascade helmet is a USA-designed trail lid packed with safety tech and exacting environmental credentials

Bike Perfect · Jun 20, 2024

I'm no MTB purist, but here are 10 things I really hate about electric mountain bikes

E–MTBs get you further, or fit in more fun runs however fit you are (or aren’t), but which design trends are dead ends and which features fail? Guy Kesteven gets revved up about his biggest e–MTB hates

Bike Perfect · May 22, 2024

It's the Fort William Downhill World Cup weekend. Our news round-up includes top DH launches including the new YT Tues, Vittoria's gravity tire, and we chat with Greg Minnaar

As well as the DH news, Hutchison launches the "fastest gravel tire ever" and Cervelo drops the new Aspero gravel bike. So read on for all this week's bike and gear stories dropped into one, easy-to-read article

Bike Perfect · May 3, 2024

Bosch Performance Line CX vs Shimano EP801 – which e-MTB motor is best?

With hundreds of e-bikes to choose from, knowing more about the two leading motor systems from Bosch and Shimano can help you make a better bike buying decision. Mick Kirkman takes a deep dive into the differences between the systems

Bike Perfect · May 3, 2024

Manitou Mezzer Pro MTB fork review – smooth, lightweight and excellent tuning options

A highly-tuneable, 37mm legged enduro fork with class-leading weight and performance that’s a match for the very best MTB forks available

Bike Perfect · Apr 25, 2024

Schwalbe SOS Mini Pump review – small, super portable and rock-solid

Schwalbe’s SOS Mini Pump is a small but mighty emergency essential that’s easy to always carry

Bike Perfect · Apr 23, 2024

Canyon Strive:ON CFR review – a UCI EDR-E championship-winning, carbon, full-fat enduro e-bike

A Bosch CX-powered 160mm rear/170mm front travel e-bike specifically designed for the demands of modern e-enduro racing

Bike Perfect · Apr 22, 2024

Mavic Deemax Enduro SL wheels review – lighter rims and Mavic's latest hub design

The well regarded French wheel brand’s latest take on its Deemax wheel concept

Bike Perfect · Apr 19, 2024