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TO COMPETE?

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WE TEST 11 2023 AMB PHOTO

AWARDS
CHASING DRAGONS
NEW BIKES! ARE LIVE IN TASMANIA
TO THE RACERS,
THE HECKLERS,
THE TRAIL BUILDERS,
THE VOLUNTEERS,
AND ALL THAT
CHEERED LOUD…
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8
PHOTOGRAPHER PIPER ALBRECHT

Main: Richie Rude

finding the light in the
dark forests of Maydena
Bike Park at round 1 of the 2023
Enduro World Cup.

Inset: Luke Meier-Smith is

embraced by his Giant Factory
team mates and good friend Ryan
Gilchrist, after bringing home the
first Enduro World Cup win, on
home soil in Tasmania.

9
PHOTOGRAPHER PIPER ALBRECHT

Main: Jesse Melamed

finds the hips while
racing the second round
of the 2023 Enduro World Cup in
Derby, Tasmania.

Inset: Katy Winton grips it and

rips it on the fresh loam at the
Derby round of the Enduro World
Cup.

10
11
12
PHOTOGRAPHER MAT T ROUSU

Main: Dane Folpp

throwing a back flip on
his winning run in the
Pro Men slope style at the recent
Highline MTB Festival.

Inset: Leyla Sharman and Lucie

van der Schalk go bar to bar in
the dual slalom at the Highline
MTB Festival.

13
 Contents ISSUE #203

a lot of off-road adventure that awaits riders

FAST TRACK keen to check out the gravel routes. We rode
17 Editorial two stand out routes - just a small sample of
18 News the riding available in the north-east of
26 New Products Victoria
28 Subscriptions
30 Calendar 62 GROUP TEST: THE AMB BUDGET BIKE
33 X-Factor TEST
34 Trail Talk Is it too much to expect a bike that’s fun to
37 Gravity Check ride, handles well, and has parts that will
38 Plugged In work well for a few years? We don’t think so.
Bikes under $2000 are a key entry into
mountain biking, and the better they are, the
FEATURES more people will enjoy the trails. We tested 8
hardtails under $2000 to see how they
40 MADE IN AUSTRALIA  HENTY
stacked up..
Sometimes, making something in Australia just
isn’t possible. We spoke to Tasmanian brand
Henty about their backpacks and what they
manage to do locally, and what they need to
source off shore.
TESTED
84 Specialized Levo SL
42 DRAGON TALES 88 Mondraker Super Foxy R
We hop down to Tasmania to ride the Dragon 92 Whyte T-160
Trail MTB Stage Race, from Branxholm to St 96 Long term: Trek Fuel EX 8
Helens by way of some of the best mountain 98 Product reviews
bike trails in Australia. What a time! 108 Skills
110 Nutrition
48 SO I RACED AN ENDURO WORLD CUP 112 Fitness
Our Deputy Editor Georgina had the Maydena
Enduro World Cup as a major target for early
2023. She flew in, sent it, and landed on the
THIS PAGE
amateur podium. But what did it take to make
Artist: Zoe Cuthbert
it? Follow her journey in this feature.
Blue Derby once again drew crowds from
over the world. Zoe Cuthbert drew us a
54 GRAVEL ADVENTURES IN VICTORIA’S
trail map with the EDR stages from 2023.
HIGH COUNTRY
We know that Victoria’s High Country is a COVER:
playground for mountain bikers, but even off Rider: Richie Rude
the purpose-built mountain bike trails there is Photographer: Nick Waygood
 NEW!

ARE YOU
LEMON
OR LIME?

INTRODUCING
A FRESH NEW
FORMULA.
Zingy, zesty & packing
a punch that leaves
every other bike cleaner
in the dust.

PROUDLY DISTRIBUTED BY
AVAILABLE NOW AT SEE IT IN ACTION
YOUR LOCAL BIKE STORE.
Editorial enquiries amb@nextmedia.com.au
Editor Mike Blewitt
Deputy Edtitor Georgina von Marburg
Art Director Allan Bender

WORDSMITHS
Anna Beck, Mike Blewitt, Gracie Elvin, Georgina
von Marburg, Ben Morrison, Jordana Mullan,
Chris Panozzo, Jared Rando, Imogen Smith,
Ryan Walsch, Hayden Wright, Zoe Wilson

PHOTO GURUS
Piper Albrecht, Tim Bardsley-Smith, Mike
Blewitt, Gerard Lagana, Georgina von Marburg,
Murilo Mottas, Jordan Riddle, Matt Rousu, Nick
Waygood

ADVERTISING
National Advertising Manager
Damian Martin
dmartin@nextmedia.com.au
0417 168 663

Associate Publisher Daniel Findlay

Advertising Traffic Georgia Sutton
Production Manager Peter Ryman
GM Consumer Publishing Carole Jones

Managing Director Arek Widawski

Subscriptions www.mymagazines.com.au

Toll free 1300 361 146 or +61 2 9901 6111

Locked Bag 3355, St Leonards NSW 1590
Level 8, 205 Pacific Highway.

AMB (AUSTRALIAN MOUNTAIN BIKE) is pub-

lished by nextmedia Pty Ltd ACN: 128 805 970,
Level 8, 205 Pacific Highway, St Leonards, NSW
2065
© 2022. All rights reserved. No part of this
magazine may be reproduced, in whole or in
part, without the prior permission of the publish-
er. Printed by IVE Group, Sydney, distributed in
Australia and New Zealand by Are Direct.

ISSN 1328-6854. The publisher will not accept

responsibility or any liability for the correctness
BIKES ARE BETTER
of information or opinions expressed in the
publication.  All material submitted is at the
owner’s risk and, while every care will be taken
WITH OTHERS
nextmedia does not accept liability for loss or
damage. WORDS MIKE BLEWITT / PHOTO SWISS EPIC

PRIVACY POLICY
We value the integrity of your personal information. If you provide I think every one of us enjoys some of the In this issue, that sense of connection and
personal information through your participation in any competitions,
surveys or offers featured in this issue of AMB, this will be used to elements of being alone with our thoughts friendship on bikes plays through a lot of
provide the products or services that you have requested and to
improve the content of our magazines. Your details may be provided in the outdoors. A solo ride can be a time to our features. From visiting the Dragon Trail
to third parties who assist us in this purpose. In the event of organ-
isations providing prizes or offers to our readers, we may pass your
ride at your own pace, your own agenda MTB Stage Race, where the camp setting is
details on to them. From time to time, we may use the information and the trails you want to ride. It can also the perfect way to meet new people and
you provide us to inform you of other products, services and events
our company has to offer. We may also give your information to other be the perfect time to connect with the share stories. Then there is Georgina’s
organisations which may use it to inform you about their products,
services and events, unless you tell us not to do so. You are welcome environment you are in, and with yourself. recount of preparing for and racing an
to access the information that we hold about you by getting in touch
with our privacy officer, who can be contacted at nextmedia, Locked
Some of the best conversations I’ve had Enduro World Cup, which really sings the
Bag 5555, St Leonards, NSW 1590. have been in my head on long, solo rides. praises of the local, national and
But, that’s not why I ride. I ride to go to international enduro scene. Chris Panozzo
cool places, ride new trails, and share that takes us on a couple of gravel routes in
with other people. While I love solo Victoria’s High Country - the perfect
experiences on the bike, I find that shared medium for bulk chats on a bike ride. We
experiences can create the best memories. also have a huge bike test on bikes under
That has probably been a guiding principle $2000, which is an ideal place for more
of my life on bikes. And I’m lucky that a people to get into riding. And who wouldn’t
result of that is a network of bike riding want that?
buddies all around the country and the Enjoy this issue - see you on the trails,
world - and a drawer full of well-used maps. stop for a chat!

www.ambmag.com.au 17
fast track

YAHAMA JOIN THE EMTB GAME

With 30 years experience in making drive systems for e-bikes, Yamaha and 482mm in large. Yamaha use RockShox suspension, Shimano
put that experience into their new Moro range of eMTBs. Yamaha’s Deore XT 12-speed shifting and Magura brakes. Yahama’s PW-X3 drive
designers pulled on years of experience from the YZ series of unit has 85Nm of torque which is powered by a 500Wh battery. The
motocross bikes, and the result is what they call the twin spar system offers Eco, Standard, High and MTB mode. The latter is an
aluminium chassis. It’s a design that may polarise riders, but clearly it intuitive mode. There’s also Extra-Power, Automatic and Walk Assist.
has been done with purpose. It’s essentially a twin top tube design, We’ll need time on the trail to see how they all play out, and what the
with a twin down tube design as well. This is said to provide the best impact is on battery life. What’s cool is the battery can get to 80%
balance of flex and rigidity. charge in an hour, but needs 4 hours for a 100% charge.
The YDX Moro 07 sports a full aluminium frame with 27.5” wheels and Priced at $8999 Yamaha have hit the dirt ready to rip - but do the
a 160/150mm travel split front and rear. The bikes come in small, bikes? Head to AMBmag.com.au where we have some first ride
medium or large. Head angles are a hair over 66 degrees across all feedback on the Yamaha Moro 7.
three sizes, with reach running 392mm in small, 436mm in medium

FOX OVERHAUL THE FLOAT FAMILY

In recent years we have seen the get better traction, all while having
Fox Float 34, 34 SC, 36 and 40 a wider range of adjustment.
receive a bevvy of upgrades to The Float (top) brings a balance of
dampers and chassis alike, along trail riding capability with XC-
with the addition of the burly Fox weight, targeted right at the riders
38. While there have been who want a do-it-all trail bike that
incremental additions to the Float rips - up and down. It has a firm
rear shock range, and important pedalling platform for efficiency to
updates, Fox unveiled a total Float stomp the climbs, but trail feel that
family overhaul in mid April. mimics the Float X thanks to a
All new is the Float SL - light, fast shared damper technology. Still, it
and race ready. It is the smallest saves 150g over the Float X, in part
and lightest Float rear shock from due to the in-line design that keeps
Fox. Given its intention to grace the reservoir internal. A plus for
cross-country and marathon bikes, weight and performance, a minus
the unit has been optimised for for trail cred looks, if you’re that
pedalling efficiency and the vain. You’ve got more space in your
demands of XC riding and racing. frame for spares and a cage as
There’s an all-new main piston, well.
valving and an internal floating We’re keen to find out more from
piston. Fox reckon the damping is Fox Factory Australia - watch this
more consistent and you therefore space!

18
 fast track

SPECIALIZED’S NEW EPIC WORLD CUP

Some say XC is dead, but anyone who has shock, RockShox have custom build the SID
tuned in to top class XC coverage won’t WCID (World Cup Integrated Design). You
agree. Cross-country racing is possibly more can set the positive and negative air
exciting than ever, with courses pushing chambers independently, to help match the
riders and their bikes to the absolute limit. suspension performance to the terrain. The
The racing is tight, and the strength and Specialized Epic WC has three suspension
depth of talent in the younger generation settings for the tune, and the stiffest has no
means we’re set for more action to come. sag, as 25% sag is built into how the frame
And to that end, brands like Specialized are loads the shock. As such, it reacts instantly
still refining their top shelf cross-country with a hardtail like feel, something their
bikes, to suit the demands of their World Cup World Cup team wanted.
riders, and the needs of riders around the ‘“The first time I rode the Epic World Cup,
world who don’t want to compromise when it Cup Pro, or the S-Works frame set. Sizing I knew I’d never ride a hardtail again,’ said
comes to the performance of their mountain runs from XS-XL, although XS will be frame Christopher Blevins, the 2021 Short Track
bike. The new Epic World Cup adds a lighter, set only. World Champion. ‘This thing’s a hardtail
short travel addition to the Epic range, sitting killer... it gives me everything I could want
alongside the Epic (with a Brain) and the Epic DESIGN DETAIL from a hardtail, plus the control and
Evo. It is designed around a 110mm travel Efficiency was the order, and the Specialized capability of full suspension.’
front fork and a 75mm travel back end, with designers went to town, specifically around There is no Brain in the rear shock, but
a flex stay arrangement and a shock torsional rigidity and bottom bracket the concept remains at the core of how the
seemingly built into the top tube. stiffness. They went through 100 000 shock is setup for performance. The SID SL
The design is based on matching the ride different virtual designs, using what they forks keep the Brain internals.
feel of a hardtail, but providing the traction learnt from other light weight frame projects The Firm setting needs a high impact
and capability of a full-suspension bike. A to optimise every tube shape and junction. force to engage, and Specialized claim it
hardtail has an incredible feel out of the While they chased a low weight, Specialized acts like a 100mm travel bike, as it is set at
saddle when smashing the pedals; the also need the feeling the snap of acceleration zero sag, so you have the full 75mm of
feedback is instant and acceleration when a rider stomps on the pedals and pulls travel - like a 100mm bike with 25% sag.
matches that. hard on the bars. The rear shock has been The spring rate is near linear through the
A medium S-Works frame set weighs designed as a structural member of the midstroke while ramping up a lot to avoid a
1795g, and the bike will be available as an frame, with wide bushings to support the harsh bottom out. This one is for hardpack
Epic World Cup S-Works model, Epic World load while the top tube helps protect the courses, and would likely suit marathon
races and some short track.
The Medium setting runs 2.5mm of sag, or
5%, less force is required for suspension
support for better traction and small bump
compliance, with great bottom out support.
The Active setup has 10% sag (4mm) and is
the plushest setting with the lowest initial
force needed to actuate. This one is for the
chundery courses, as the shock still
ramps up for support.
Specialized have also released a
one piece Control SL cockpit,
with 0 and -12 degree rise
options, a 780mm width, and
various short lengths. This
one is 250g and has an
integrated computer mount.
With Canyon, Trek, Factor
and more adding integrated
cockpits to their top XC
bikes, this is an area that
can shave weight, but more
importantly gain handling
by having a stiffer unit.
Contact your local
Specialized dealer to get
details on when bikes and
frames will be available - and
what they will set you back.

19
fast track

QUAD CROWN LANDS IN

THE SUNSHINE STATE
Got plans for the June long weekend?
Cancel them! Make like a migratory bird
and fly north for winter to the Sunny 80, a
3-day mountain bike stage race that’s
taking place on Queensland’s beautiful
Sunshine Coast as part of the new Quad
Crown series.
The first event in Tasmania was a huge
success, and that same event team are
picking up the vibe and planting it in the
sunshine state. There’s a short prelude on
Friday arvo to kick things off, before a
longer stage each day on Saturday and
Sunday. Expect to be finished each day by
lunch time, so you’ve got time to get to the
beach, get an ice cream, or just park up at
one of the social events and tell some tall
tales from your day on the trails.
The event runs from 9-11 June, and you
can race all 3-days or just pick one
weekend day if you prefer. Get all the
details on the Quad Crown website.

quadcrownmtb.com.au

TELL US WHAT YOU ‘I have travelled to places

featured by AMB.’
THINK ABOUT AMB!
A few years back we put a survey feedback again. Whether you see it as ‘I’ve been buying it since the very first
together to find out more about you, your chance to act out a role from 10 edition (and yes, I still have a copy!).
more about us, and more about what Things I Hate About You, or a way to
content and stories you like from AMB, have constructive feedback into a
It’s the Australian MTB Bible.’
and what you’re not too fussed about. national media title is up to you.
Thankfully lots of you told us what was
awesome, and what wasn’t, and we Head to AMBmag.com.au to find the ‘your advice is valued in all my
listened. We’ve used what you told us survey link. We’ve got a tonne of purchases from bikes to accessories.’
to shape the content we produce, awesome prizes in store, which you
where we publish it - and how often. will be in a chance to win if you
And - we’re here to ask for some complete the whole survey.
‘When i was buying a bike, looked
into AMB alot for inspiration on what
bike to get.’
‘Good mag, plenty of variety n prices ‘I love the
on all products. Only issue the FONT content
is too small to read in low light.’ and love ‘Content is good with a good spread of
how disciplines. Plus I love the feel of an
relatable actual magazine in my hand while I
‘I love getting my riding-specific bit of it is in my drink beers by the pool!’
reading content and tend to read it in life.’
snippets over a week. I particularly like
the bike and tech reviews.’
‘I often use the information in your
reviews to inform my decisions on
purchasing clothing, accessories and
‘Bought my Forbidden Druid based
consumables.’
on an AMB review.’

20
Indy Jersey • Indy Shorts • Ambush Kneepads • Roam Gloves
 fast track

1 OF 5
WIN!
FROM ULTIMAT
SPEC E TRA
I IL
WOR ALIZED A PACKS
TH $7 USTR
Enter 00 EA ALIA
at AM C H!
Full Bma g.com
terms
and c .au/W
ondit
ions o IN
nline.

1 OF 5 ULTIMATE TRAIL
PACKS FROM SPECIALIZED!
Make some upgrades that count, thanks to our
friends at Specialized. We have 5 Ultimate Trail
Packs to give away, that include the following:

- A Specialized Tactic 4 helmet

- A pair of Specialized tyres of your choice
- Your choice of 2FO footwear

This means you can update your trail helmet

to one of the safest on the market, while also
fitting fresh rubber to your bike and slide into
some fresh kicks - be they for flat pedal or
clipless. Given the huge variety of tyres from
Specialized and the versatility of the 2FO
footwear range and the Tactic 4 helmet -
there really is something for everyone in
this prize pack.

All you need to do to enter is head to

AMBmag.com.au/WIN
and tell us what tyre model is not in
the Specialized tyre range.

PREVIOUS Thanks to everyone who entered our competition for an entry to a Quad Crown MTB event of their choice. Congratulations to
the following winners: H Laplace-Toulouse, N Cochrane, K Skellern, J Patricquin, K Gardner, F Buckland, M Patterson,
WINNERS M Boundy, M Thorne, B Willis, B Hawtin, J Haddow, B Barber, P Gregory, J Lowery, A Bryant, W King, M Breakspear, S Locke

23
 BE TWE E N THE TAP E
2023 is the year major events landed back in
Australia in a big way. Here at AMB we love
riding, but we really love racing. Bike racing
mixes passion for bike riding, dedication, hard
work and intensity of focus with all out action.
So we want to see photos that capture the
action, intensity and passion of bike racing. It
could be a real show stopper, or a photo that
draws you into the rider’s focus as they’re
staring intently at their line in a sea of jank.
We’ll be looking for a sharp focus on the rider,
with either a setting or position that captures
and holds your attention. If this is a high
action photo we expect to see the rider filling

T he 2023 AMB Photo Awards a lot of the frame while still giving a sense of
presented by Shimano are back movement and place. It needs us to feel the
again, after a huge year in 2022! excitement of riding and the exhilaration and

$5000
Last year we had a record level of intensity of racing - all with excellent
entries and voting, with a huge influx composition and technical photography
of entries from young prowess.
photographers. In 2023 were are
following on from last year, so
the AMB Photo Awards presented CASH
T
LOTS O WIN PL
by Shimano will not only have a
stand alone social media video
OF US
E N T R P R I Z E S!
category, but it will only be open
to entrants from Australia and
IE
New Zealand. The subject matter
MAY S OPEN
can be from anywhere in the world.
8, 20
As in previous years there will be 23
four main categories. Each will have a
winner, second and third place as
voted by readers on a microsite from a
short list put together by a judging
panel. There will be an overall winner
for the most complete portfolio, media. We want you to capture being
selected by a judging panel including out riding and having fun. Let’s hear
pro photographer Tim Bardsley-Smith, the trail, the stoke and the natural
and our editorial team of Mike Blewitt environment we get to play in. All
and Georgina von Marburg. The youth videos will be uploaded to our social
category remains and is determined by media accounts to be shared, but
being under 20 during the competition the winner will be decided by our
period. This will be a one off image voting panel. IN P ROF ILE
submitted in any of the categories. Our judging panel will select the
This winner will also be chosen by overall AMB Photographer of the Year. From afar, mountain biking is about trails. But
public voting from a short list selected The photography categories will have a from a lived experience, it is about people.
by our judges. winner, plus second and third place, as What we’re after for this category is a profile
The social media video will need to voted by readers from a short list. The shot that captures a story about the subject.
be a raw upload without music, under Raw Reels winner will be selected by This one is going to push photographers for
90 seconds and optimised for social our voting panel. the AMB Photographer of the Year, but it’s also
an opportunity for everyone to showcase
someone in mountain biking who is important

HO W T O E N T E R
to them - and it’s unlikely to need complex
equipment. But our judges will be looking for
excellent composition, framing, use of light,
and how well you are working with the
Head to photoawards.ambmag.com.au to enter. Full terms subject. All the small details matter with this
and conditions along with all category details are online. category.

24
R AW R E E L S WOMEN WHO RIDE ADVE N TURE
In this social media video category we want In 2021 we brought a category to showcase It’s 2023 and more riders are on the trails
you to show us what mountain biking is for women in sport back to the competition. than ever before. And the solution to that, if
you via a social media video. Keep it fun, keep Mountain biking is diverse and we want to you feel it’s crowded? Go further, explore
it raw and deliver some stoke! We want to ensure that it continues to be so and grows wider - have an adventure. The great
see the trails where you get to ride and why from here. Women have been outdoors has been the place for solitude or
it’s so good. Submit your sub 90 second video underrepresented in the photography of the communal catch ups for so many people,
via the instructions on our competition page. AMB Photography Awards, and that doesn’t and this category is about capturing the
We want the raw sounds, no soundtrack. This match who we see riding and ripping the feeling of being out in the natural
category will be judged on video editing trails. This category is designed to encourage environment, embarking on an adventure.
proficiency and how engaging the video is. a broader representation of who makes up This could be an all-day epic, a multi-day
our sport. Make it fun, make it inspiring, and vision quest, or just riding big new trails
make it inclusive. A winning photograph in that extend to the horizon. We want you to
this category will be all about excellent make us want to go there, and to be in the
composition, so make sure it’s unique to stand photo. Show us the views and the yiews,
out from the crowd. and exhibit the great places in the outdoors
that we get to ride. Winning photos will
need to capture the scale of the
environment while still having a rider or
riders as an essential element. Composition
and lighting are essential skills for success.
Show us your adventure and ignite our
#FOMO!

A M B P H O TO G RA PHER OF T HE Y EA R
To win the overall title you need to enter a photo in each of the
photography categories. You need to blow our judges away as
the level to win the overall title has been set really high. Study
the categories and shoot to suit. The winner will collect $3000
and a Shimano Deore XT M8100 12-speed group set, plus have
a full feature in Issue #206 of AMB.

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

In this category, our judges select a short list from all the images
submitted by photographers under 20. So the entries can come
from any of the four photography categories. We’ll be looking for
proficient composition and editing, capturing the moment and
really nailing the category. The winner will receive a Shimano SLX
M7100 12-speed group set. There will also be an interview in
Issue #206 of AMB.

25
fast track

You know what they say, new gear, new you. Here's a look at
some fresh bits landing in Australia.

FUNN TRON STEM

Need a fancy stem for your XC, downcountry or gravel bike? Funn have the
answer with their new TRON stem. It’s a zero degree rise, 31.8mm clamp
width alloy stem, made out of heat treated 6061 T6 allo, with a CNC construc-
tion. It only comes in black, has a 40mm stack height and comes in 50, 60, 70
and 80mm lengths. Is it any good? Catch our review later this year.

$139.95
kwtimports.com.au

SCUVVERS SEAT COVERS

As mountain bikers, we are a pretty grubby lot. But
the cliche of mountain bikers having bikes worth
more than their cars no longer really holds true.
Plenty of riders have some nice cars that they don’t
want to trash by jumping in when dirty from a trail
ride - and they have nice seats they’d like to use, and
not have covered in neoprene or other seat covers.
So what about a hard wearing seat cover that is
washable, plus it stays stowed away when not in
use? That’s exactly what Scuvvers creators Stephen
and Joan have created, and it’s a product that should
suit all sorts of outdoors people who want to look
FUNN VALVES
after their car, but not look like a dirtbag the rest of
When is a tubeless valve not a the time.
valve? When it’s FUNN! The valve
stem itself has an alloy outer and $97
stainless steel inner for strength. scuvvers.com
The traditional valve core isn’t
there, instead the whole inner acts
like a valve core - with a wider
chamber to allow upto 3 times
more airflow than normal. What
that means is more air getting into
the tyre, faster - helping seat
tubeless tyres or assiting with
making flat tyre repairs fast - and
FUNN.

$53.96
KWTimports.com.au

26
 fast track

POWER2MAX POWER METERS

Knowledge is power, and power gives you knowledge. Power meters
have become a big part of cycling across almost every discipline.
Enduro riders train with power to make sure they are ‘enduro fit’ for
big races, and even manage liaisons via keeping an eye on their
numbers. Cross-country and marathon racers are big fans of training
by power, to optimise their time on the bike to know they’re getting
the work done. Most mountain bike power meters are crank-based,
with very few pedal based systems, and hub-based being far from
common anymore. Many mountain bikers won’t like the pedal based
options, and we’ve found their accuracy can leave a lot to be desired.
Enter Power2Max, who have been making spider based power
meters for over a decade. They are available to suit just about any
crank set, and we have a Shimano direct mount unit on test.
Power2Max units come in NG models which have 1% precision and a
rechargeable battery, and the NGeco which has 2% precision and
uses a CR2450 battery. Catch our full review in next issue.

NG $1699
NGeco $1099
FEsports.com.au

RIDEFARR GPS TOP CAP MOUNT

Have you got an awkward stem and handlebar to mount a GPS on?
Never fear, RideFarr have you covered with their GPS Top Cap
mount. The neat little box has a top cap and bolt to replace your
current one, with a nifty little arm and a GPS mount base plate.
There are inserts to suit Wahoo or Garmin computers. The design
lets you set the position and angle of your computer - perfect for
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LEATT ALLMTN 2.0

Leatt have really increased their range of equipment in Australia,
and the AllMtn 2.0 helmet arrived for testing, along with the Leatt
Gravity 4.0 tested in the back of this issue. The all mountain lid
shares the same 360 degree Turbine Technology rotational
impact protection as the full-face helmet, but with a deep
coverage open face shell. With ample coverage at the temples
and at the back of the helmet, the AllMtn 4.0 looks to offer
excellent security and safety. 20 vents and three sizes means
most riders should find their fit and keep their cool. We’ll have a
review finished online - so keep an eye on AMBmag.com.au.

$179.95
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27
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 XC/XCM AND THE REST

27-28 May XCM National Championships Wagga Wagga, NSW auscycling.org.au

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30
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 MANSPLAINING
HURTS EVERYONE
W O R D S G R A C I E E LV I N PHOTO MIKE BLEWITT

O
ne of the best things about cycling is are doing is diminishing the woman in front
there is just so much to know and to of them. After a very long history of women
learn – and this can be one of the being underrepresented or excluded, all a
worst things too. When you’re closer to the woman hears is the threat “Who do you think
entry level of the sport than the top end, it can you are trying to do this masculine sport?”
be quite intimidating and overwhelming not
knowing about all the different equipment WHAT IF I THINK I AM A
options, not having a high level of riding skills, MANSPLAINER?
and just lacking in general knowledge about
the sport you are really starting to enjoy. If you feel the urge to let a woman know HOW DO I STOP A MANSPLAINER?
Enter the mansplainers. They can be found what she should change or what she could
in the wild, out on your local trails, in bike do better while out on a ride, then take a If you are a woman (or a man) out on the
shops, at the café, and very much online. They breath and just don’t. That’s your ego buddy, trails and feel like you’re being mansplained
are (generally) a very well-intentioned subset not your good heart. Yell out a “whoop!” to, there are a couple of responses that may
of the community that can dish out advice on instead when she rips through a corner or help. Out riding you could say “Thanks mate,
just about anything, and all for the low cost of over a jump, let her choose a trail or a whole but I’m just out here to enjoy riding my bike
absolutely nothing and without being asked! ride, and if she ever wants to level up her today” or “I appreciate that you’re trying to
skills (and says that directly) then you could help but at the moment I’m only working on X
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? suggest X coaching clinic where she will skill that my instructor showed me last week”,
happily pay for expert advice. If she asks you and if you’re feeling like it deserves it –
As well-intentioned as unsolicited advice specifically for advice, only address the “Thanks for the mansplain.”
may be, it only comes across as annoying at question and not go into detail about every Saying something in the moment can be
best, and disrespectful at worst. other thing she could work on or change. helpful, and keeping it light and humorous can
Mansplaining can certainly happen to other If you work in a bike shop and you see a ease the ego bruise he may feel. Of course,
men and while I can’t speak from personal woman looking at specific products, ask first only say something if you feel safe to do so.
experience, I can only imagine it can feel not only if she needs any help but what her There are some situations where it is better to
somewhat like a crank measuring level of knowledge of the product is and just say thank you and ride away, and I’m
competition, so to speak. In this column I will what her concerns are (and only after she annoyed that I even have to write that at all.
focus more on the impact it has on women, says she does need help!). Many times I’ve So – don’t be that guy! Everyone is learning
as there is still such a gender imbalance in been patronised and oversold on things I do at their own speed, so save your pearls of
the sport. know a lot about. wisdom until they are asked for. Pump up
The general premise of mansplaining is Above all, do not leave online comments others’ confidence with words of
that a woman’s knowledge and skill is about what she is doing wrong or why her encouragement instead and you might find
inferior and therefore must be remedied by equipment selection needs improving. If she yourself with a few more trail friends. You
explaining how she could do something posted something bike or riding related, it’s may never know if you are talking to an
better or choose the “right” thing. The because she is proud of it. It already takes a intimidated new rider or an Olympian, so just
mansplainer is overconfident in his little courage for women to post photos of be cool and kind.
incomplete knowledge and assumes his themselves on their bike, so all you are doing Thanks to Shane Paton from the Mobile
advice is needed. Mansplainers feel like they is shooting her down with misguided Bicycle Workshop for letting us use these
are being helpful, when in actual fact all they commentary. photos – completely out of context!

www.ambmag.com.au 33
 THE CURIOUS CASE OF
CORNERS AND STRAIGHT LINES
WORDS MIKE BLEWITT P H OTO N I C K WAY G O O D

A
s a mountain biker, one of the greatest allures of riding off area available when racing against the clock, as that is a black and
road is riding great singletrack. I’ll happily admit that I’m not white decision where the fastest line wins. But on local trails, where
too fussed on how technical a trail is or isn’t, if it weaves a unique twists and turns add character and interest to a trail, inevitably
great line through the terrain and the environment it is in. For me, people will look for a an easier or faster way through. Or, on a trail
the whole experience is what makes the ride, and the trail. And that’s that has long switchbacks to allow a wider radius corner for easier
why I’d rather ride my mountain bike on singletrack in the forest, climbing, there will also be short cuts and straight lines - cutting out
than a clear felled area or on barren soil. the flow of the trail and speeding up the process for the rider.
But surely I’m not alone in the want and need for some corners and What irks me, is how these short cut lines change the nature of the
fun on the singletrack. A straight line is a fantastic way to get from trail. They work for straight-line speed, but not control and finesse.
A to B, and fast, but corners around trees and features, with some While I know that some trail features have lines around them when
extra lines to add some spice, are where your attention is drawn to riders find the feature too hard, I think most straight-lines occur
your immediate involvement with what you’re doing. As after all, who because riders find the section too slow. And we can shoot Strava
hasn’t left a pedal dragging too low, or cut in too tight to a eucalypt down for this, but it is still a rider’s decision to make for themselves.
on the inside of a corner and not paid the penalty? The quick thud to Do you want to master the trail and improve your riding - or just shave
the ground or immovable object is a reminder that you need to be a second off to move up a notch on a digital peg board?
paying attention - engage with the trails and get the reward. The issue gets compounded when you understand that many
So as a mountain biker, I love corners. I go left better than right, features are used to manage the use of brakes on a trail, plus
but don’t do either very well. But stitching together a great series gradient and therefore water flow. Change the alignment, make
of corners is just one intrinsic reward I get from a mountain bike shortcuts, and you also end up with a short cut for run off. That’s
ride, no matter how long it is. I don’t care if they are bermed, rock more ruts, and eventually a trail that needs repair. In most areas
armoured, horribly off-camber and blown out - but line them up and that doesn’t come for free. It may involve volunteer time, and major
let's solve the problem of getting through them with some flow. And I repairs take away from budget for new trails. And trails that probably
think most riders feel the same, as otherwise we’d likely all be riding will have corners and features to make them fun.
long and straight rail trails and access roads. That’s a different kind So next time you’re pushing hard on a trail, think about your line
of fun, but it can get a bit... banale. choices. Are you there to find digital infamy - or are you there to
So why, oh why, are so many corners always cut and straight-lined? become a better rider, get closer to a flow state, and leave the trails
And I’m not talking about on race tracks. I will use every inch of bunted in good condition for the next rider?

34 www.ambmag.com.au
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 DH BABY!
WORDS CHRIS PANOZZO P H OTO M AT T R O U S U

I t has finally happened. Tassie has managed to hold the first two,
World Cup Enduro rounds to kick off the 2023 season. These were
announced pre-Covid, so that gives you a clear idea how many times
lines are built up in the rider’s mind through reviewing helmet cam
footage alongside bike data, as well as trackside footage, which at a
local and world level is often crowd sourced and viewed pretty
things have been re-booked prior to events finally kicking off this quickly on social media. There is no need to wear out the body and
year, and what events they were. Without going into too much detail, equipment clocking laps anymore, which for riders now competing
they were a cracker, and you can catch all the action elsewhere in in the elite categories, means they have managed to make the best
this mag and at AMBmag.com.au. Something that was clear from the of both worlds. They have learnt the art of reading terrain at speed,
event, and has been happening for a while now, is the crossover making fast decisions on the fly and adapting to the situation as it
from top Downhill riders into the Enduro scene. Obviously its clear arises. We can call this theory the MJ theory, based off the history
from the last few years how successful that has been. Nearly all of that Michael Jordan would shoot free throws for hours upon hours,
the overall Enduro World Series Champs have a background in teaching his body to act without thinking.
Downhill. Now with the current technology, those riders having already
Strangely enough in its history, the EWS, now EDR has been learnt those basics, can stay fresher deeper into the weekend and
bookended by riders who haven’t had a successful Downhill when the time comes, attack that final run. I think we are beginning
background. The Frenchie Jerome Clementz took the title back in to see the results of this influx of technology in the age of the riders
2013, and last year Canadian Jesse Melamed took the top spot. In who currently occupy the top steps, where the majority are I would
between those, we have a few riders with some big Downhill say, older than they are younger.
credentials. Sam Hill, Richie Rude, Jared Graves and Jack Moir. A The counter argument to this, and it’s clear we have evidence of it
list that would sit comfortably on any pool room wall. as well, is that the accelerated learning curve that now happens
Now I’m not saying you need to have raced Downhill prior to over a race weekend can produce those fine gems that are often
jumping into the Enduro scene, but why is it that so many titles have created under immense pressure. The new school generation with
gone the way of Downhill riders and not to others from different far fewer base hours, but far better technology at their fingertips,
background disciplines? Downhill as a sport has been progressing and who know intuitively how to get the best from it, are in turn
so fast in the last few years that while it may look similar from the producing results that at times leave their opposition stunned. Just
outside, it has undergone massive changes below the surface. This take your winner from the Maydena Enduro World Cup, Luke Meier-
isn’t just happening at the elite level at World Cup events, it’s Smith, he took out the event having run such a demanding pace that
making its way to local rounds right here at home. no-one realistically could challenge him, the same can be applied to
Technology is driving these changes. That is clear no matter which his National Downhill title early this year in Thredbo.
way you look at it. One easy example, and I’m talking about 15 years Effectively then we have two counter arguments that are both
ago here compared to today, is practice. The previous consensus simultaneously right to my earlier question of what makes Downhill
during practice was more quantity over quality. Which was generally riders so good at crossing over to different disciplines? It’s simple
driven by the lack of available information, so tracks were learnt and has nothing to do with all of the above. Downhill itself is so
from repeatable runs building a clear idea in the mind of each rider much harder than any other sport, that once you’ve done it,
what the challenges were. Whereas now, following a track walk, everything else is easy.

www.ambmag.com.au 37
 HOW AN EMTB CHANGED MY LIFE
WORDS AND PHOTOS: JORDANA MULLAN

A
lmost 3 years ago, I crashed my mountain bike. It wasn’t the I was able to claw my way back to him on the climbs.
first time, but it was significant enough to suffer a traumatic I could tackle obstacles I wasn’t able to before - especially logs and
brain injury, requiring 6 months of intense rehab and a steps on uphill climbs. Before the accident, I would need to hop off
debilitating after-effect called dysautonomia. If you haven’t heard of my bike and push/lift my bike over them. With the help of the
it, I don’t blame you (neither had I), but in essence it’s a disorder of pedal-assist, I was able generate the force needed to ride entire trails
autonomic nervous system (ANS) function – which, in my case, from start to finish - more smoothly than I ever had before.
affected my blood pressure, breathing, heart rate and temperature More than the technical aspects of riding, I was able to get my life
control. In short, I was unable to even stand up for more than 60 back. I was arranging rides, being social and having more fun. A
seconds, let alone walk around the block or ride my bike. 60-minute ride no longer wrecked me so much that I had to doze the
I thought the life that I knew with riding bikes and hanging out with rest of the day to recover. I could say “yes” again to a beer after the
friends was over. Thankfully, two things happened which would ride, and not secretly be planning to cancel at the last minute.
change all of that. The magic of medication to stabilise heart rate and Since buying the eMTB, I’ve come to love e-bikes so much that I’ve
blood pressure, and more importantly, the discovery of e-bikes. added an e-gravel bike to my stable (n+1 is alive and well). The
Of course, I’d heard of eMTBs, but in the same way it’s easy to Powerfly helped me to recapture my passion for mountain biking,
associate road bikes with MAMILS, I had eMTBs pegged for MAMILs singletrack and bombing down gravity trails, but the eSilex opened
who had somehow ventured off-road. One day, while FOMO-scrolling up an opportunity to explore different trails and scenery with the
the Gravity Girls Adelaide Facebook group, I spotted an eMTB for same ease.
sale. And a spark of hope was lit within me. I messaged the owner Without e-bikes, it could have easily been the brain injury that
and popped over that afternoon to check it out. ‘changed my life’. And, as someone who has to take medication 5
She was a black Trek Powerfly, and she was beautiful. As soon as I times a day to control lifelong consequences of the brain injury, it has
took her for a test ride, I knew her 500Wh battery, Bosch motor and made an impact. But, however much my brain injury changed my life
plus-sized tyres would change my life. Not only was I able to ride in the immediate aftermath, e-bikes have changed it back… and, dare
again, I was able to do riding I wasn’t able to do before. New level: I say it, maybe into something better?
unlocked. With the Powerfly and the e-gravel bike, every outing is an
I hadn’t ridden with my husband before – now I was able to (mostly) opportunity to head out on the bike and explore. And if that’s not life
keep up. Or at least when he faded into the distance on the downhills, changing, I don’t know what is.

38
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 DE IN
MA

A
LI

U
A

STR
A

HENTY: DESIGNED IN AUSTRALIA

WORDS GEORGINA VON MARBURG

A
fter our series of interviews with Georgina: You obviously had a particular designed a suit bag for myself just so I could
Australian born and made companies sort of attraction to that area? keep active, and we went to mass market
in our Made in Australia feature, we Jeremy Grey: Well it’s quite hard to come up with that. And that is, I guess, what most
decided to branch out into the world of with a brand name. My co-founderr and I are people know the brand for: our unique suit
Australian designed products. While these Tasmanian, and we did want something that bag.
brands don’t necessarily make their products was Tasmanian, and we looked at a whole But then I was moved back home and I got
here in Australia, they are based here and range of possibilities. In the end we settled more into mountain biking, and I don’t like
are deeply inspired by the landscape and on a geographical region, and it was Henty. wearing traditional backpacks. I mean, my
climate of the land, and the needs of Aussie first option is don’t wear a backpack if I don’t
lifestyles. Georgina: Now Henty intrigues me as a have to. But if you’re out all day riding
We’re kicking things off with a small brand because your flagship product is around, then it’s sort of unavoidable. And
Tasmanian brand called Henty. These guys something where you can roll up a business especially if you’re riding with kids as well.
are known for their innovative commuter suit into a backpack and take it on the road We generally take food and spares.
products, and a unique solution to hydration with you. How did you come from building And so it was about designing a product for
with their popular Enduro 2.0 Hydration that product and then delving more into the myself and friends. That’s when we came up
pack. We caught up with one of their sports and specifically the mountain bike with the Enduro. It keeps the weight down off
founders, Jeremy Grey, to talk about the product scene? the shoulders, avoiding a sweaty back. But
history, products, and direction of Henty. Jeremy Grey: So I guess we’re targeting the real positive came very early on. We
active corporates, and these are problems I designed the Enduro off the shape of a
Georgina: So Henty is based in Hobart? had when I was working in Sydney as well. kidney belt. So protection is also another
Jeremy Grey: Yeah, that’s right. A friend [Jon How do you transport your suit and ride to good aspect of it, too.
Gourlay] and I launched that in 2012. Henty work? How do you keep fit when you’re an
is the region on the west coast of Tasmania. office worker? Commuting from work in Georgina: I noticed the Enduro 2.0
Just near Queenstown there’s some cool Sydney is such a basket case, by train, or Hyrdration pack featured heavily in a few US
sand dunes and a region which is called the bus. You just don’t know when you’re going mountain bike media outlets. Is there a
Henty region. And so that’s what we chose as to arrive, and then sometimes you can’t get particular reason the US really loves that
the brand name. off. So riding to work was the solution. So I product?

40
Jeremy Grey: It’s generally more popular in Vietnam. And it’s relatively easy for us to
the hotter states, think Utah, Arizona, access too. We did get a tip from someone
California. The issue they have is hydration that was manufacturing offshore: make sure
when they’re riding; you just can’t get you actually enjoy the location of the country
enough water in a bottle. And so when I was that you choose to manufacture in because
riding in Arizona, I’d go through three litres you’ll be spending a lot of time there!
in a couple of hours. Whereas when I just
rode the Dragon Trail, I was doing, like, Georgina: Yeah, definitely. I guess people
500mL in two hours. So I think a lot of those often think that if it’s made in Asia, it
guys in the US had taken to that product mustn’t be as high in quality as if it was
because it’s the most comfortable way of made in a western country, which is
carrying three litres of water. completely not true. But what are the some
of the barriers that you encountered when
Georgina: While at Maydena earlier this you were looking to make products in
year, I noticed Henty branded seat covers on Australia?
the shuttle buses. Is that a continued Jeremy Grey: I guess it’s just the sheer cost
product, or just something you did as a once of doing business in Australia compared to
off? overseas. If you’re trying to produce a
product at a cost-effective rate that is
Jeremy Grey: So we went down to Maydena globally competitive, then you really need to
pretty early on when they just open and they look at your cost base. We wanted to
had garbage bags on the seats. So we just produce in Australia, but that was back in
said, “Oh, hey guys, can we just make you 2010 when we were looking, and we just
some seat covers?” And we just put our weren’t being taken seriously; Australian
brand on it, and you get every eyeball. But it manufacturers wouldn’t sign contracts. It
was just a once-off for them. We haven’t was just word of mouth and cash up front. It
replaced the Maydena covers. They’re still was just very unprofessional. Then when
there, still kicking. And it’s the same fabric you go to Vietnam, you’ve got the opposite
we use on our bags. So it’s good quality - the problem. Everyone wants to make it for you!
materials and craftsmanship. Yes, there are different risks, like how do we
ensure quality? How do we actually ensure
Georgina: So how does being based in that we’re giving the money to the right
Tasmania influence and inspire your person? How do we ensure that kids aren’t
products? Especially regarding making the stuff when we leave?
waterproofing and protection?
Jeremy Grey: Yeah, absolutely. Some of our Georgina:What do you think the future holds
customers have quite expensive suits, and for Henty? Do you foresee yourself
they need to be cared for. They need to expanding the product range and growing
withstand the elements when they’re riding the business, or do you want to keep it
home. And some of our customers tell us compact, like the size it is now?
they ride an hour and a half each way. So Jeremy Grey: It would be good to get a little
we’ve designed stuff to withstand the bit of growth, but we’re not trying to double
elements and to protect people’s gear. in size overnight. We are just trying to run a
wholesome, honest, Australian brand, that
Georgina: So your products are designed people can rely on. And if we get enough
here, but made overseas? funding to continue to do research and
Jeremy Grey: Yeah, correct. So we design development and find other cool products
them here and then we have a factory in that really do improve people’s lives, then
Vietnam that we use. It’s where all the best that’s what we’re striving for. We don’t need
stuff is made, and they’re relatively easy and to be the next North Face or anything like
motivated to do it. When we were doing our that. We just need to keep ourselves
market research, all the big brands like the grounded, and keep producing clever
North Face, Salomon, and others were using products when we find them.

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 DRA GO N
TA L E S
RACING TASMANIA’S
GREATEST TRAILS
WORDS IMOGEN SMITH PHOTOS MURILO MATTOS

Jump onboard as Imogen Smith flies south to Tasmania,

to ride and race some of the best trails in Australia.

T he cheapest rental vehicle in Tasmania is also the biggest. The Megavan, which we
found by scrolling to the very the bottom of a dozen rental car websites, is so big that it
spreads across four car parks in the Launceston short-term pickup area. On the plus
side, it fits all our bikes, supplies, and luggage for four days and nights camping and riding
Tasmania’s most famous trails during the Dragon Trail MTB Stage Race. And all for $300
bucks. Hell, if the weather turns bad, we’ll even be able to sleep in it.
We ease the beast into Launceston’s quiet highway system and take the long way around to
Scotsdale, avoiding the shorter route that would take us through narrow twists and... Never
mind. We wouldn’t have made it in the Megavan.
At Scotsdale we sit in a local café where we order an early dinner and watch, along with a
dozen locals, as an enormous bus rolls up and dispenses dozens of people in sporty clothes
with their socks hiked up.
“Mountain bikers” says someone, and we all go back to eating. We’ve beaten the Dragon
Trail shuttle bus so far - the racing has begun. We’re having dinner before they have bought
supplies - and we have already loaded up the Megavan with our snacks. Advantage - us.
When we arrive in Branxholm, camp is quiet. A few fit-looking people drift around with
inflatable mattresses. We’re told we can move our tent pretty much wherever we want, so we
drag it across to the Megavan and create a series of rooms. Or the illusion of rooms. The van
for luggage and food, the tent for sleeping. Rooms!

42
43
O N TH E TR AIL S I N BL U E DERBY
The next day we ride three and a half hours of perfect Derby trails, mistaking
our route for the race course, then go and have a shower, eat, and get ready
for race day. Registration is quick and efficient, and given the race organisers
are now on their 3rd Dragon Trail with a lifetime of adventure race
organisation under their belts - that should be no surprise. The football club
is buzzing with riders who are excited to be in Tasmania and part of the
event, there’s a mix of locals, plenty of riders from Northern Queensland,
and riders from New Zealand and even as far as Japan. We drag our camp
chairs into the Megavan and gaze down on the camp like the VIP emperors
of the event and tune into a lovely local singer on an acoustic guitar,
serenading knots of racers gathered around firepits. Does bike racing get
any better than this?
Riders who participated in the Dragon Trail MTB Stage Race in years past
might think they know what to expect, but the Race Director, Louise Foulkes,
a deceptively soft-spoken woman who has a habit of pulling on reading
glasses for race briefings, has a tough sadistic streak, and wants to show
racers the country and the guts that early miners and prospectors would
have needed to scratch out a living in the inhospitable, if stunningly beautiful
country. In 2023 Louise’s track specialists threw in a couple of curve balls
that did us the good turn of reducing camp logistics, while well and truly
messing with our legs. Gone is the first-stage ride from Branxholm to
Weldborough, in its stead a trip to the top of Atlas and down again. The very,
very top of Atlas. And this year we did it in the rain.

CA MP OR S TAY ? need much delving into. Either way,

The new, streamlined structure of the there’s just one move in the three-day
Dragon Trail makes everything easier, event, from Branxholm to St Helens.
except the choice between the With shuttle busses to the start and
comfort of a proper bed and the back from the finish line, as well as a
convenience of the camp. In 2023, we great community of drivers ready and
found riders split evenly between willing to help out a new friend,
camping and AirBnB stays. logistics are easier than ever.
On the one hand, the camp has The AMB contingent chose to camp in
everything you’ll need, including race 2023. Sure, our bodies ached like hell
stickers, timing, showers, food trucks every morning, but that was a small
and often, the start line! The benefits trade-off for making a bunch of new
of having somewhere to rest your friends, hearing the fire-side chats
weary body, a bathroom to yourself, and live music, and staring up at the
and somewhere to cook also don’t stars from our tents every night.

44
 P ROLOG UE AN D STAG E 1: DER B Y
After setting off in waves from Branxholm’s campground,
we took off on a six-kilometre prologue on the gorgeous
Derby Ponds trail that links Branxholm and Derby, before
being restarted at five second intervals on the main course
at the famous Derby trailhead about an hour later. By that
time, despite a forecast of 18 degree, sunny weather, a
misty drizzle had descended on the town, and everyone
was keen to get going. The route took us up Flickety Sticks,
all the way to Dambusters, then eventually, after much
climbing and wetness, onto Mt Paris Dam Road, a dirt road
that skirts the south of the entire Derby Trail network and
is used to access the very top of Atlas.
One of the trails established at Derby in the first year of
building, Atlas is usually accessed by shuttle for an epic
descent taking in choices like Krushkas and Trouty, a
favourite when the Enduro World Cup visited town
recently. On stage one we take in gentler Sawtooth and
Turbo Chook, then a quick wobble through the Derby
Tunnel (seemed darker this year?) and back to the shuttle
pickup for a brief presentation (with podium wine!) before
rushing back to camp where I won the real race and got to
the showers before anyone else.
It was a crazy day in the wet, testing the full spectrum of
mountain bike abilities, from fitness to skills and back
again. We cleaned up, washed our bikes, rugged up and
returned to the Megavan for recovery for day two, coming
up fast. Riders rolled in with tales of endless mechanicals,
cramps, and stoke on riding the trails in the forest.

WH AT B I K E T O TA K E DRAGON TRAIL THIN GS TO

We saw a variety of bikes over at the DOS AN D DON ’TS SE E AN D DO
Dragon Trail, and certainly heftier trail DO pack a blow-up mattress The Derby–St Helens area of
bikes than we’re used to seeing at DON’T miss the evening fireside chats —you’ll North-East Tasmania has a lot to
stage races. We’d recommend a dual meet a bunch of personalities from camp offer—even off the bike! At the
suspension bike of at least 100mm DO book a visit to the Derby Sauna coast, take a tour of the wineries,
travel front and rear (anywhere up to DO embrace the hike-a-bike on stage 2 — visit some galleries, sample
150mm was common), some pretty it’s EPIC! delicious seafood, then go for a dip
capable tyres like a Maxxis Forekaster DON’T mistake the finish line for the end of a in the perfect turquoise waters of
(especially if it’s wet) or Rekon – as stage—the stage is over when you get to the the Bay of Fires. In and around
wide as your rims can take, and showers Derby kids will love the pump
probably a dropper, too. Prep your bike DON’T trust the weather report track, there are some great drives
for wet conditions, so packing an ass DO bring a snack bag—it’s a stage race and hikes in the area, and the
saver and mud guard is always wise, as DON’T underestimate this race—it punches Derby Sauna is a must-do,
are spare brake pads. well above its weight especially if the weather turns cold.

45
S TA G E 2 : W E L DBOROU GH T O
S WI M C ART B E ACH
If the descent off Atlas was tough and left a few bruises on various
egos and shins, the next day saw us put even more on the line in the
name of bikes. We shipped out to Weldborough on shuttles that ran
like clockwork, then lined up for small wave starts of about 40 riders.
The creeks were ‘not up,’ we’d been told. There was ‘some walking,’
we’d heard, the descents were ‘riding well,’ and we’d finish at the
beach… but not until we’d earned it.
It’s easy to underestimate the Dragon Trail because its stages are
relatively short, but riders beware, they punch above their weight for
difficulty and sheer craziness. This year the track to the top of the tier
was more rock and less rideable than I remembered, and although the
creeks were indeed ‘not up,’ we still had to wade in to chamois depth
(every rider’s depth test) with our bikes held aloft to get through.
It’s a stage I never do well on. For some reason (help me out here)
repeated dousings in freezing cold water, scratchy branches, bruising
rocks and intermittent hike-a-bike sap me of energy. I devised a race
plan that basically excused me from trying until we hit the glorious
Bay of Fires Trail descent and the pedally bits that go all the way to
Swimcart Beach. I lost a lot of time, but not as much as I’d lost when I
did a somersault into a very deep creek in 2021 and stopped for a
sit-down cry. From the azure, white sand beaches of the Bay of Fires,
we hopped on the shuttle to our new camp, set up our ‘rooms’ and
went off in search of a hearty pasta dinner in town. This was at 4pm,
but a cool little Italian place was open, and we weren’t even the first
patrons there.

A N I NTE RN ATION AL
FL AVOUR: YUKI IKE DA’S
DRA G ON TRAIL
Yuki is a Japanese endurance superstar who
heard about the trails on offer at The Dragon
Trail and wanted to check it out for himself. We
caught up with Yuki to ask him about his
experience.
Why did you sign up for the Dragon Trail?
I had heard a lot about the race and how great
the Tasmanian trails are. I just couldn’t pass it
up after seeing all the amazing race highlight
videos, photos and testimonials.
What did you think of the race format?
The days and stages are shorter than I am used

46
 STAG E 3: ST HE LE N S
Vibe is not an accident. Louise, our quiet, sadistic race director,
is flexible, kind, and resilient, and this leadership sent waves of
positivity through the camp. Good Vibes ruled the day, and never
was this clearer than on the final stage.
With a lunchtime flight onto my next adventure, I was seriously
on the clock and couldn’t afford for anything to go wrong. As
much as a crash or a puncture could mean that I wouldn’t make
the plane that would eventually get me to my next gig. I didn’t
have to worry. It was like we were all under some magic spell
that day. I climbed the endless reverse gradient of St Helens
Flagstaff Hill with my best buddies from wave two. After about
an hour of that I looked at my average speed and knew the flight
was in the bag. It was time to relax and have fun. My group of
buddies caught me at the bottom of the amazing first descent as
we circled the famous Dreaming Pools and moved towards a
final climb before a last descent or two.
The ground is different here in St Helens, compared to the
Derby trails and on the Blue Tier. It’s mostly skatey hardpack
with rocky surfaces, endless flowing descents and a million
ways to boost into the air. I’ve never counted how many races
I’ve done, but it’s well into the hundreds over 20 years. And this
stage, on this day, was one of the most positive, fun, and joyful
I’ve ever had.
We made it back in time for hugs and to throw the bikes into
boxes to slide around in the back of the Megavan. Louise got
presos done in less than four minutes and we were away, the
pastel shades of late Tassie summer spooling out behind us as
we headed into Launceston and another adventure far away.

to, but I enjoyed it so much. However, I the trails are hiking trails and not purpose
wanted to keep riding after finishing every built. I was very impressed by the beautifully
stage because the trails were amazing. designed trails and the numbers of the trail
I had the whole afternoon to relax, chat with systems. I especially liked all the windy
other racers and explore the area. It was switchbacks. They were uniquely designed
very nice. and fun to climb. We rode a fair number of
How did you like the trails? trails through Dragon Trail MTB for 3 days,
I loved every section of the course. It was but they were just a small part of the whole
like an amusement park for mountain biking! Tasmanian trails. I’d like to come back and
It could be the best singletrack experience of explore more trails in different areas.
my life. Any other thoughts?
How did the trails compare to your home This is just my opinion as an ultra-endurance
trails in Japan? To other trails you’ve raced athlete, but the race should make the stage
in the world? longer and even make it to 5 or 7days, so we
We have good trails in Japan, but most of can enjoy more of Tasmania’s amazing trails!

47
48
SO I RACED AN
WORDS GEORGINA VON MARBURG
PHOTOS PIPER ALBRECHT

W hile Australia had a taste of the Enduro World Series in the

pre-pandemic years, it’s been a long time between drinks.
Like many Australians, I had planned to race a few EWS
rounds over the last few years, but like many, I was thwarted by
international and domestic COVID restrictions.
TE CHN ICALITIE S
Ok, firstly, the title of this story is slightly misleading because I actually
raced the Amateur or “Open” enduro held the day before the actual Pro
race. Why? Bear with me while I clear up some technicalities.
Previously known as the Enduro World Series (EWS), this esteemed
Well not this year! 2023 saw the big stage return to Australia, and of series was adopted (or hijacked, depending on which way you look at it)
course Tasmania had to play host. I’m happy to be proven wrong, but it by the UCI at the end of 2022 and renamed the Enduro World Cup
seems Tasmania is the only Aussie state that can appease the length (EDR). Along with filming rights acquired by Discovery Channel/Warner
and difficulty demanded by international enduro races. And while Derby Bros. (though we are yet to see any such livestream of EDR). Some
is home to huge rock formations, Maydena holds the title for the major changes were made to the rapidly growing discipline. For the
steepest and longest trails on the island. After an unequivocally fun first time, the pricey UCI licenses were introduced to the sport and
time at Maydena Enduro Jam last year, I eagerly signed up for the Saturday night “Pro stages” were scrapped. And crucially, instead of
Enduro World Cup (EDR) here. I expected bulk amounts of stoke, but I qualification being based on Global Rankings, it was based on the actual
also reserved a little place in my heart for some healthy fear. number of points a rider had accumulated over the previous year.

49
 Of course, pro riders on pro teams were not sessions and 1-2 big endurance rides per week
subject to this qualification system. But privateers using the TrainerRoad Gravity plan. Some
and punters like myself were. Like any discipline, enduros will require up to 2000m of climbing and
you can’t simply decide to enter an international stretch across 5-6 hours, so big days on the big
level race; you need to accumulate points by doing bike are essential. But most importantly, I was
well at qualifier rounds. There are very few racing nearly every weekend in the months
qualifier rounds here in Australia compared to our leading up to the EDR. There’s no training like
Euro counterparts, but after some good results racing, and enduro is no exception.
throughout the year, I was ranked in the top 70
elite women in the Global Rankings. ALL THE GE AR
In previous years, this would be more than Embedded in the ‘spirit of enduro’ is the notion of
enough to send me through to the pro level self-sufficiency. Once the race has started, you
circuit. However, because I didn’t technically have are allowed very limited external support; you
the new minimum number of points (125), I could are not permitted a spare bike or wheel set, and
only enter the Amateur race. The Amateur (or in this way, wealthier pro teams don’t have an
“Open”) races are now the sole qualifier events advantage over privateers on a budget. All your
for EDR apart from National Championships. gear must be exceptionally reliable and carefully
Nonetheless, despite this disappointing chosen, and you yourself must be a capable
technicality devised by the UCI at the eleventh mechanic. If something goes wrong outside the
hour (which ended up cutting nearly forty percent designated pit-stop time slot (typically between
of the elite women’s field), I was still eager to hit Stages 3 and 4), you must fix it yourself.
the trails at the gravity heaven that is Maydena. With all this in mind, I carried plenty of spares.
These included a tube, tyre lever, two CO2
T RA I NI NG F OR E DR canisters, tyre plugs, zip ties (you can fix most
Training: or as I call it, ‘chrainin. Psychologists say problems in life with zip ties), a multitool with a
that the positive feelings of a desired outcome chain breaker, a spare chain quick link, and UDH
actually come from the process leading up to the hanger.
outcome, not the outcome itself. This has been My bike was the famous Pivot Firebird, a tried
paraphrased by the slightly cringe worthy maxim and tested enduro bike with a slack geometry but
“it’s about the journey, not the destination.” incredible climbing capabilities. I had been racing
Despite the cliché, I wholeheartedly agree with a Pivot Switchblade all summer but opted for a
this. I actually enjoyed the training and Firebird to contend with the steeps of Maydena.
preparation for the EDR as much as the race itself. This was a last minute decision, and I spent
Training for enduro is very complex. If you have exactly 4 hours on the new bike before flying over
the common perception that enduro is for unfit to Tasmania. Obviously, I was anxious; how could
people who just want to ride descents – you are I possibly feel that natural connection with a new
so wrong. While some general fitness, skills, and bike in such a short time frame before the most
a go-getter attitude may see you through a Rocky important race of my year? But Pivot’s are built
Trail Superflow, you will need to specifically train different. Their handling is so intuitive, and their
for a proper enduro if you want to survive, let geometry so balanced, that new riders will feel
alone thrive. After hustling through multiple instantly secure. As practice day went on, I felt
enduros throughout Australia, it became clear to more and more at home on the Firebird.
me what’s required: you need the skills and It was complete with Fox suspension, for which
strength of downhiller, the all-day endurance of a the friendly Fox team in the pits helped me tune
marathon rider, and the explosiveness of an XCO to the conditions during practice. I ran a single
rider. Think of it at the triathlon of mountain volume spacer in my 38 forks to allow for
biking. You don’t need to be the best at all of maximum forgiveness on trails I had only seen
these things, but you need to be pretty good at once or twice. While you can set your suspension
all of them. super quick and stiff for your home trails, it’s not
EDR stages include incredibly steep and a bad idea to dial it back to allow for spontaneous
terrifying sections, unlike anything you will find line choice and accumulated fatigue on long
on mainland Australia. I knew this from multiple enduro courses.
accounts from mates who had raced last year’s I ran alloy Race Face Turbine bars with a 35mm
EWS, and my general experience at the Maydena rise to prop me back on steep sections, and
Enduro Jam. So I prepared myself by simply FUNN Ripper pedals with a large, hugey-saving
riding the hardest trails I could find until they platform. To many onlookers’ surprise, I opted for
didn’t feel so hard, fine tuning my skills as I went. the Race Face Next R 31 carbon wheels over my
I’m lucky enough to live in the Victorian High alloy Turbine wheels. I had been spending the
Country, where places like Mystic and Mount majority of the season on the Next R wheels and
Beauty are home to a couple of steep, long, and never had an issue. I loved their low weight,
off-camber technical descents. stiffness, and acceleration, and after bashing
EDR stages are commonly 10-15 minutes long, them through some questionable lines, I had
so arm pump and quad burn are major things. I complete faith in their strength.
wanted my body to be unshakable, so I employed As for rubber, the only thing I trust on tough
the advice of none other than downhill legend terrain is Maxxis’ Downhill casing. As usual, I ran
Sian A’hern to write my gym programs. I typically the ultra grippy Assegai up front and the trusty
did 2-3 gym sessions a week, tapering off as the Minion DHR II out back.
race was close. These gym sessions weren’t I also opted for the carbon Era cranks from Race
about blowing myself up with cross-fit style Face over my alloy Atlas cranks. Why? Well, I just
madness, but about lifting heavy and doing it wanted to prove their strength and durability! I
consistently. copped some heat from friends for running carbon
Out on the bike(s), I was doing 2-3 interval cranks on an enduro bike and was warned they

50
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52
would fall apart and crack beneath me. But let it our way to Stage 1.
now be known: after running these cranks at races Jumping off the warm shuttle bus into Stage 1
such as Cannonball, Mount Beauty, and now a was a rude awakening however. While it may be a
World Cup at Maydena, and striking them against comfortable temperature in the event village, the
copious rocks along the way, these cranks have summit of the bike park is an icy peak. I did a
never failed me. Bravo Race Face! series of push-ups and squat jumps while awaiting
my turn to drop, knowing the intense burn that
TOUCH DOWN was to ensue down the longest stage of the race.
While other racers arrived days earlier to get Was I nervous? Without sounding cocky, I didn’t
comfortable with the Maydena terrain, I was rolling feel any more nerves than at a local club round. I
straight into practice. Travelling with my spiritual absolutely love the raw and natural trails of
family from Victoria, we were the unfortunate Maydena, and I was excited to hook into them
victims of a doof-doof at our motel in Hobart the aboard my shiny new Firebird. Despite a strong
night before practice. Now, you can either panic contingency of Aussie and international riders
about disadvantages like this, or just get on with it. eager to win some UCI points, I was honestly just
I chose to just get on with it. My career was not on stoked to be there. Admittedly, as my brakes faded
the line (though the AMB Editor may beg to differ), towards the end of the opening stage, so did my
so I sculled an instant coffee and jumped straight stoke; but it promptly rose again during the next
into the action aboard my beautiful steed. liaison through the dense and magical forest of
Arriving at Maydena, I was immediately star remote Tasmania.
struck. Riders you only see on Instagram were Enduro stages at the world level are designed to
suddenly standing in the shuttle line with us. test the strength and skill of riders across varying
Team tents were pitched across the field, and UCI terrain, combining all the assets of a great rider
banners were littered everywhere. It was a from line choice to sprint power. The stages at
surreal moment when I was riding up to a stage Maydena did just that. From steep loamers to
behind my mates and looked back to see Richie punchy fire-roads, Maydena threw everything at us.
Rude on my wheel. Each stage became more and more physical as
And this is what’s so great about enduro. It’s the the day wore on, and each liaison took a little
perfect blend of good times and elite racing. longer. While still keeping an eye on the live
Maydena nailed it with an electric atmosphere results, I tried to stay focused on each task at
– complete with a DJ in the middle of the woods – hand. There’s small margin for error at Maydena
and an impressively organised event. We knew and forgetting your lines can send you straight into
exactly where and when we needed to be at all the bunting. But aside from a few late brakes and
times, and if we didn’t, help was readily available. foot-out moments, I was able to keep it rubber-
Even spectators received a personal guide to get side-down to the finish, claiming a bronze medal
them to the stages on race day; complete with cow along the way.
bells and free beer, the spectating at Maydena was It was at the finish line that the sense of
as good as the racing itself. achievement started to sink it. Attempting any race
at Maydena is a daunting task, let alone a World
PR A C TIC E Cup course. It’s definitely not something I would
The Open course comprised of 5 stages with 1 have been capable of completing several years
shuttle at the start to transport riders to the ago, and it took countless hours of training and
highest point in the park. The Pro course practice to approach this race with confidence. As I
comprised of 6 stages, with one extra shuttle at the sat down with friends for a celebratory beverage,
end of the day. All other stages were ridden to, plans were already swirling for the next World Cup
using several groomed climbing trails at Maydena. adventure.
Traditionally in enduro, you only have one
practice run on each stage; once you drop into a WHAT I’D DO DIF F E RE N TLY…
stage, you can push back up to session features, The Maydena EDR was also a learning experience
but you cannot restart the stage. The UCI unlike any other, and there are two major things I’d
continued this rule and required us to ride to the do differently. Firstly, I’d wear a GoPro during
majority of stages during practice as opposed to practice regardless of the inconvenience. This is
being shuttled to them. This meant we were common practice for pro riders, and perhaps I was
climbing 1200m each day (fully kitted up with DH too casual during practice. Having this footage
tyres and full faces), for both practice and racing. would have allowed me to study the tracks the
Glad I did those big training rides! night before, and probably eliminated many of the
I followed a few friends around during practice, mistakes I made on race day.
but mostly rode the trails on my own. I’ve learned Secondly, I would not fly in the night before
that if you follow someone down a trail, it will build practice! Given the amount of airport delays in this
confidence, but you also don’t memorise the track day and age, this was a serious error. I didn’t
as well. Having to figure it out on your own helps arrive at my accommodation until 11pm, and had
solidify the course in your memory bank. I opted to wake at 6:30am for practice. Next time I will
not to use a GoPro, a regrettable decision which I’ll arrive at least 2 days out to allow for delays, doof
elaborate on later. doofs, and mechanical tweaking. Riders were
permitted on the non-race tracks all week at
RACING Maydena, which would have been a great
After a great night’s sleep following the departure opportunity to get my suspension dialed before
of our techno-loving neighbours, we arrived at practice.
Maydena for race day with an hour to spare. The Apart from this, I think my preparation and
check-in was relaxed, with the UCI’s super attitude was pretty spot on. I know it’s a cliché to
friendly staff giving us timing chips, a fun little “just have fun,” but this is honestly the number one
interview for the spectators, and sending us on prerequisite for a good day at an EDR.

53
 OFF ROAD ADVENTURES:

GREAT GRAVEL
RIDES IN
VICTORIA’S
HIGH COUNTRY
WORDS: CHRIS PANOZZO / PHOTOS: GEORGINA VON MARBURG

R iding off road is a means of escape, and a way to slow down the rest
of your life and connect with the here and now. A mountain bike ride
draws your immediate attention to a multitude of small decisions
that all involve keeping you upright. When to brake, where to brake. What
to steer around, what to pop over, and what to avoid at all costs - when to
jump, when not to jump, and when to haul on the brakes. Riding off road
demands attention, and the reward is immediate but also ongoing, pulling
you away from any struggles off the bike, and placing you in the
immediate here and now.
But this escapism is not just reserved for technical trails and the
exploits of riders charging trails hard and fast. Riding off road and the
rewards it provides is far more egalitarian. From a cruise along a winding
bike path, to a climb into the mountains on a little used forest road, the
chance to interact with the living environment and escape from the 9-5 is
the same. With more road and every day riders discovering the joy
mountain bikers have long since known of riding off road and away from
traffic, small towns and communities across Australia are opening their
doors to this burgeoning demographic. Victoria’s High Country is littered
with back roads and dirt trails. The threads of these routes are tied
together in a complex tapestry that have been decoded and laid out for us
by the folks at Ride High Country in the North East of the state. Where
anyone can download a route direct to their device from their website, and
follow along at their own pace. Here we follow two such routes in the
heartland of what is becoming the gravel riding hub of Victoria.

54
ROUTE NAME:
MOUNT PILOT LOOKOUT
Distance: 52km
Climbing: 1015m
Start/finish point: Beechworth.
Best coffee: Tiny of Beechworth
Best food: Tanswells Commercial Hotel

A local favourite, it could be said that these gravel roads

on offer resemble those of the Italian Tuscan hillsides. An
Aussie version of those infamous Strade Bianche routes.
Strade Bianche, for those here that are die-hard mountain
bikers, is an early spring, part road - part gravel race
taking in iconic areas throughout the rolling Italian
hillside. That description, apart from the Italian bit
obviously, isn’t too far off what is on offer here. Starting
and finishing in the family friendly town of Beechworth,
the route is best ridden here as a group. Broken up into
gravel and tarmac sections, the route features adventures
for those that are keen to explore, while simultaneously
offering a consistent and easily laid out route that once
you’ve got your head down, you can tick along and enjoy
what the countryside has to offer.
The shoulder seasons are the ideal time for a gravel ride
in the High Country, away from the heat of summer and
the icy days of winter. And if I could be even more picky,
I’d choose autumn. The local hillsides here transform into
a colourful utopia. All the leaves turn into a red and
golden hue, while all the local farmers, having pruned
their fruit trees since spring heap them together to burn
off, effectively add an in-person an Instagram filter for the
sun, tricking you into thinking that you’ve managed a Euro
holiday without the 24hr hell of an international flight.
This route can be ridden in either direction, although it is
worth noting that if you want an easier start, riding out
towards Beechworth Mountain Bike Park, (worth a visit by
the way), then onto the Mount Pilot climb will give you a
descent to start with, and not a pinch climb to finish. It
may seem like a small detail at the start of the ride, but
it’s a big detail at the end.

55
You’ll roll out of Beechworth on tarmac to begin with, as is the norm
when your route starts and finishes in the centre of any town, let
alone one as old as Beechworth. But this eases you into the ride.
Maybe that was needed, given the supply of local brewers into
town, sometimes an easy warm up is always welcome. Once you’ve
made your way off the tarmac and onto the gravel, a sense of
release always washes over the riding group - less attention has to
be paid to traffic, and the quality of ride kicks in where you can ride
comfortably together, share stories and take in the scenery.
The white roads come into force now, especially late summer
where the road is thoroughly dried out. Sure it is slippery, but so is
any gravel surface, and the speed that you can carry across the
surface does make for an enjoyable ride. There is no slog here,
whatever power you’re transferring to the pedals isn’t lost in any
soft patches. The sweeping turns make it easy to navigate, and the
climb through the National Park to Mt Pilot lookout comes quickly
and relatively easy. While the road does snake past the lookout, you
do have to be adventurous to seek it out as it’s a 300m walk or hike
off the bike to get there. This is worth it for sure when on a solo or
paired up mission, but with a group keen to spend time on the bike,
pushing through and spending the time we have to ride always
takes precedence.
Apart from paying attention to the odd major road crossing, you
can really press on and get lost in the rolling hillsides splattered
with farmland in between passing through classic Australian
bushland. Even the greenest of gravel rider would struggle to call
this road anything other than champagne gravel. Cover this ground
early on a crisp autumn or winter morning, the road almost sounds
frozen as first tracks can be both seen and heard, a strange and
intoxicating feeling whether on a mountain bike or a gravel specific
bike. It’s fast, and the easy speed spurs you on to go faster.
Heading back into town after covering these 52km may be in stark
contrast to your normal singletrack rides, but it is equally enjoyable
for all the different reasons why it is not your typical singletrack
ride. Some will enjoy it for the serenity, some for the scenery, and
some for the simplicity of cycling on those champagne white roads.

56
57
 ROUTE NAME: IL MONTE
Distance: 72.5km
Climbing: 1120m
Start/finish point: Whitefield
Best coffee: Hobbledehoy Distillery & Cafe
Best food: King River Brewing

Il Monte is a route for everyone, and equally a route for

those that are prepared. This is a big loop that takes in
everything from views of the back of Mount Buffalo and its
lake at the base, to sprawling pine forests and everything in
between. Starting and finishing in Whitfield, this is another
route I’d suggest be taken on as a group. Once leaving town
you don’t really have any chance of an emergency stop, be
it food or bike support, no servo choccy milk will be on offer
during this ride. So pack your snacks and spares, and be
prepared. There are sections where phone reception
disappears too, which isn’t unusual in the High Country, but
better to know before setting out than the alternative.
Heading out of town past all the wineries at the upper end
of the King Valley, this route follows farmland right up until
you don’t, you dip head first into bushland that helps bring
you up and over the first minor climb. Soon patches of pine
forest break out, and a mild gradient propels you back
down to a narrow corridor sunk between small hills on
either side of the road. It’s a meandering journey along this
section, riding past the odd farmhouse, now well past the
first lot of pine plantations, it’s a chance to let the bunch
organically dictate the rules. Gravel is a bit like that, as the
ride tends to be far more dynamic than a mountain bike ride
where we always stop and start at each trail head. On a
gravel ride it’s a rolling, living being. Riders move forward,
some roll back as they have something to eat, or opt out of
pushing hard on a climb. And you’ll always shuffle around
to chat to someone else. It’s a big part of the appeal for me,
is how much of the ride you get to spend in the direct
company of who you are riding with.

58
At this point you are still early into the trip, any energy that hasn’t been ride, although starting and finishing in a different location to this
tapped from the early climb can often burst out into small surges of particular ride. The purpose behind solstice rides is to start and finish
speed from those that have the legs. Those eager to push on are wearily with sunrise and sunset, and on this ride the overnight temperature
met by those who know they are planning their own surge later on in the was sitting at -6, and it didn’t really warm up until I’d reached this
ride. It is equally easy to let the mind slip away as you follow the twisting section of road, where the sun could slowly thaw my frozen existence
river bed all the way to outskirts of Lake Buffalo, and before you know it, back into some form of life. It was terrific, and on any ride through
staring you in the face is one of the iconic mountain ranges in Victoria. winter I’d imagine anyone could have that same experience I had.
The shear wall of rock that makes up Mount Buffalo can make you Passing through mid-summer however, you would want to have the job
instantly regret any earlier surge of pace you may have taken on, but done by 10am. This place heats up.
you needn’t worry, while you take in all that surrounding scenery has to On that tip once you make that turn away from Lake Buffalo, you are
offer back on a stretch of tarmac, pedalling alongside the inlet of Lake on your own back to Whitfield. I’ll let you decide on whether the river
Buffalo itself, you will make a hard left turn and safely away from that helped lead the way up until this point can be drunk from, but I
mountains of climbing and back onto a more forgiving gravel surface. would plan on being prepared from start to finish on this route and
The ensuing gradient almost feels like a relief in comparison, even leave the taste test to someone else. Pack enough water to suit the ride
though you still do begin to climb, you’re at peace knowing what could length and the conditions to play it safe.
have been. Back in a mixture of pine plantations, some logged, some Once you’ve managed to take in the final climb, short as it is, the
not, the accompanying roads match the scenery. At times rough then long run in back to town gives you ample time to soak in what the
smooth, picking a smooth line definitely helps now that we’ve passed upper end of the King Valley has to offer, passing more wineries, as if
the midpoint of the ride. that were possible, on the way back into town helps close the scene
Depending on the time of year this section is often welcomed with for what is a unique gravel tour. It’s no walk in the park, but it is a
open arms from autumn through to winter, or held with contempt in visually stunning route that doesn’t need to be physically demanding
summer. I’ve ridden this particular length of road on a winter solstice - as long as you plan your day.

59
 MORE GRAVEL IN THE
HIGH COUNTRY
Ride High CountryTourism North East have mapped out
DO I NEED A GRAVEL BIKE?
over 40 gravel routes in the region. They are rated as No, you don’t. Some say that the best gravel bike is
green, blue or black, based on the difficulty of the whatever you are riding right now. We find the beauty of
distance, route and climbing. You can use gravel rides is that it really is about getting into the
the Ride High Country website to choose outdoors, without huge demands on technical riding
a route, download the .gpx file and roll ability. Bring your eMTB, bring your XC bike, or hey - even
out on an adventure. bring your folding bike on an easy gravel route!
The easier gravel rides could be the perfect way to take
ridehighcountry.com.au/gravel/ the family on an outdoor adventure with a picnic on the
way, or to introduce a friend to the joys of riding off road.

60
 Beechworth & Yackandandah, Victoria’s High Country

Endless rides.
Choose your adventure…
 FEATURES

From the frame itself to the componentry, any rider

should have a tick list when buying a new bike.
Overall, these may not be must haves, but they are
things that should stand out. The more, the better:
• Boost (148mm/110mm) through axle frame/fork
• internal dropper post routing (or a dropper post as
stock)
• Wide range 1x group set
• Adjustable suspension fork
• Wide bars - they can be cut if they're too wide!
• Clearance for wide tyres
• Tubeless ready
• Serviceable parts
• Two piece cranks with external bottom bracket

GEOMETRY AND HANDLING

What we are looking at here is geometry that takes

some cues from performance handling bikes. So NAME: MIKE BLEWITT
head angles that are likely slacker than 70 degrees, HEIGHT: 178CM
so steering isn’t nervous. Plus we’d like to see a WEIGHT: 73KG
steeper seat angle for better overall balance when EXPERIENCE: ENOUGH TO
climbing. We’ll see how it transfers to the trail, and RUN THE SHOW
explain where the bike excels and why. The size SPECIAL MOVE:

H
ere at AMB we get to test many lovely mountain range available is also a big consideration. STAUNCHLY GROUNDED
bikes. Even in the past 12 months we have been
lucky to ride and review a top shelf Trek Fuel ERGONOMICS
EXe, a Factor Lando XC rocketship, a premium Fantic
XEF 1.9 eMTB, and of course the Specialized Levo SL in This always comes down to personal fit, but we’re
this issue. While a premium bike is a blast to ride, it’s looking at things that make the bike more comfort-
not the only way to enjoy mountain biking. able to use and ride – and therefore more fun. Small
In Issue #201 Daisy Day pointed out that if the bike changes in handlebar width and shape make a
industry worked to have more well-made bikes available difference, as do brake lever shape and size. Some
at lower price points, and cycling media promoted them, models offer more adjustment than others, and some
then the benefits to the sport, people and even the brake levers don’t work as well as they could with
environment would be huge. some gear shifters. When the ergonomics are good,
‘The social inclusion element of sustainability you don’t think about shifting and braking – you just
empowers those that have less access – it helps build do it. That’s part of making bikes fun and comfortable.
resilient communities, which in turn makes institutions,
industries, and companies accessible and accountable to COMPONENTS
people. It may sound like a stretch to include affordable
mountain bikes in this category, but I truly believe that There isn’t too much mystique with bikes and
the more people (of any social standing) that can enjoy a components. The ones that cost more work better.
sport that helps them enjoy the natural environment in a So given the price range in this test, what we are
low impact way - can only be a good thing.’ looking at is about ease of use, servicing and how
Daisy went on to relate that plenty of brands do this well they suit the bike. This is partly relating to
already, with a bunch of innovative, good-value and ergonomics, but also how fit for purpose the given
well-made bikes in the $1000-$3000 price range. And parts choice is. As an example, we’d rather see a
that people out on the trails, or submitting user reviews heavier crank set with a replaceable chain ring, than
of them talk about the FUN they are having off road. something lighter and flashier that would require
And this matches some of our own experiences here at the whole crank set replaced when the chain ring
AMB. The Polygon Siskiu D7 we tested in 2020 was a wears or gets damaged. A budget bike shouldn’t
blast to ride. As was the Merida Big Trail 500 later that have parts that require more expensive upgrades to
year. So we reached out to all the major (and some keep it running over time.
smaller) bike manufacturers, to see who would be NAME: HAYDEN WRIGHT
interested in submitting a bike under $2000 for this FUN FACTOR AND SUITABILITY HEIGHT: 193CM
group test. The 8 bikes featured represent a price range WEIGHT: 80KG
of $999.95 to $1999.95. They’re all hardtails, all 29ers, This is the big one – was the bike fun to ride? And EXPERIENCE: “I’M AN
and we had fun on every single one of them. Given the also, who does it suit? Some of these bikes are trail ENGINEER”
price range and the fact some of the bikes scream XC, rippers, others could be awesome rail trail crusaders. SPECIAL MOVE: TUCKING
while others are angled towards all-round trail use, here We’re testing for suitability, and will summarise what THE FRONT END
are the main things we are assessing each bike on. kind of riding each bike suits, and why.

62
WOMEN’S SPECIFIC
BIKES

As you’ll see, none of the

bikes tested are women’s
specific, and there aren’t
many on the market under
$2000. But there are a few
things that make a
difference for any rider, as
our Deputy Editor Georgina
von Marburg explains.
“If you’re a woman, the
right bike is not a ‘female
specific’ bike. It’s a you spe-
cific bike. The same principle
applies to men. Each rider is
totally unique in their body
structure, whether that’s
height, inseam, torso length,
weight, and of course - rid-
ing style. Virtually any bike
can be made to cater to you
specifically. Whether this
bike is $1200 or $12,000, the
saddle, seatpost height,
grips, and handlebar width
are all things which are
easily adjustable. You
should consult a knowledge-
able bike shop or bike fitter
on these topics.”
“Your riding style will
determine things like
suspension setup, crank
length, and how much drop
you need in your dropper
post. These adjustments are
a little more time and
money consuming, but will
dial in the bike to suit your
needs.”

Imogen Smith, a long term

AMB contributor, echoes the
same sentiment.
“Women come in all
shapes and sizes. If you’re a
lady, it’s more than likely
that you don’t actually need
women’s-specific geometry.
The right bike for you is a
combination of things:
suitability for purpose, fit,
price, colour... That could be
any bike.
Here’s the adjustments I
make to my unisex bikes. I
make sure the geo is going
to fit me (this could mean
getting a proper fit if it’s a
new bike). I cut the bars
down. I put on a saddle I like
(which by the way, isn’t a
women’s-specific saddle). I
have a crank length I know
works for me and so I put
my cranks on. Most people
won’t need to do this, it’s
more something ingrained
after 20 years of pedalling
the same sized circles."

63
MARIN
TEAM 1
M
arin Bikes have a home with Bikes rebound adjustment and lock out – to aid in help riders tackle more aggressive trails with
Online in Australia, and they have getting it set up to suit a wide range of riders. less fear of going over the bars.
helped countless riders around the The group set is a wide range Shimano Deore
nation find a great bike for the trails via their 12-speed group for precise shifting. ERGONOMICS
direct to consumer model. Marin bikes are
bought online and shipped to your door, and GEOMETRY AND HANDLING Everything falls nicely into place on this bike, as
as such their website is setup to help equip the geometry is well designed. If I had to be
you on choosing the right size, the right The layout on this bike walks a nice line picky, the Shimano MT200 levers are not a
model – and building it up. They even have between traditional cross-country handling favourite, but common at this price range.
free 14 day returns! and a more confident trail bike. The 68 degree They’re quite long, so need to be set a long way
The Marin Team 1 is called an aggressive head angle is very close to what a modern inboard on the handlebar to use them for one
XC bike, but what does that mean? Well it’s cross-country bike would be using, and finger braking – which the brakes are strong
fairly light for efficient bike riding, but with paired with the wider handlebars, short stem enough for. These small adjustments will make a
components and handling to suit aggressive and 450mm reach in large, the bike is agile big difference for any rider’s comfort and fit. Of
riding as well. but also steady at speed. The 74 degree seat note, at 178cm my seat height of 760mm was
angle keeps you central over the bike when near the maximum for the 350mm post on the
FEATURES climbing, to stop the front wheel wandering large frame size.
around, assisting when navigating steeper
The Marin Team 1 shares the same frame as climbs and technical ascents. COMPONENTS
the Team 2. It has internal routing, including The bars are quite wide at 780mm, and
for a dropper post, wide tyre clearance, a many riders may opt to trim them a little so Given the Marin Team 1 is at the top of the price
great finish, and 148x12mm Boost rear axle suit their needs, which is easier than making range, it should be no surprise that the parts are
spacing, and a 110mm Boost spacing front them wider. Wide bars do offer more control a good mix. The Shimano Deore 12-speed group
suspension fork. It’s great to see the in rougher trails, so kudos to Marin for set is a great choice, with durable parts that shift
RockShox Judy TK has an air spring with speccing these, along with a short stem, to well under load, while having a wide gear range.

64
The RockShox fork is a big brand, and while it’s pressures set right, and even converting the
an entry level fork, it can be adjusted for rider wheel set to tubeless to get more comfort and
weight, with rebound adjustment to aid control. traction. This makes a big difference to how
RockShox forks are also easier to have serviced, capable a bike is, and is really worthwhile. When
with parts being readily available. descending, the stable tyre setup and larger RRP $1999
Special mention should go to Marin for the footprint aids in confidence in the traction
wheels and tyres. With 29mm internal rims that available – and for me it plays a roll for how WEIGHT 13.42kg
are tubeless ready, and 2.35” tyres, riders on this well the Marin rides. AVAILABLE SIZES S, M, L
bike can work to get proper traction and comfort The low head tube helps the bike push through (tested), XL
off road. The wider rim allows for more stability corners, and pairs well with the longer reach
FRAME MATERIAL 6061
when cornering with a wider tyre, and a greater and wider bars, The front of the bike is really Aluminium
contact patch for more traction. planted through snaking singletrack climbs, and
The only downside is the chain ring and cranks. it really excels on fast and buff trails. But when I FORK RockShox Judy Silver TK,
They work fine – however the chain ring isn’t was hitting rockier trails I was wishing there 120mm
truly replaceable. So when the chain ring gets was a dropper post on the bike, as it does mean SHIFTER Shimano Deore 12sp
worn, or damaged, you may be up for a new set of you are pretty low at the front. A dropper post is DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore 12sp
24mm cranks. There are nearly unlimited options a relatively easy addition, and would bump up
with this fitment, but we’d prefer to see an easily the fun factor for anyone looking at the Team 1. CRANK Marin Forged alloy 2
replaceable chain ring, as opposed to a whole piece, 32t, 175mm
crank set being replaced. OUR TAKE BOTTOM BRACKET BSA
external sealed
FUN FACTOR ON THE TRAIL Bikes Online state that the Marin Team 1 is ‘XC CHAIN KMC X12
light with trail riding capability’ and I would
With great ergonomics and handling, plus a low agree. It’s going to suit the rider who likes going CASSETTE Shimano Deore 12sp
overall weight within the line-up of test bikes, fast on the trails both up and down. While I’d 10-51t
the Marin Team 1 was a dream to get on and love to see a dropper post included, it’s actually HUBS Shimano rear, alloy front,
pedal. It responded really well to input through better that Marin have included a wheel set with 32h, Boost
corners, with no crazy fork dive or deflections, good hubs and wider tubeless compatible rims, SPOKES 14g stainless, black
even on a 32mm legged fork. The bike acceler- plus a brand name RockShox fork and Shimano
ates easily, and is easy to maneuver on the Deore 12-speed group set – as these items are RIMS Marin alloy, 29mm internal,
trails. The Marin was pretty quiet to ride – al- pricier to upgrade later if that is your aim. It’s a tubeless compatible
though some sort of chain stay protector would great bike and excellent value, with capable TYRES Vee Tire Rocco, 29x2.3”
be a good addition to look after the paint. handling for a wide range of trails, and frame BRAKES Shimano MT201,
With very reliable shifting and braking, there and component features that will serve a rider 180/180mm rotors
was little to think about when riding the Marin. over a number of years. If you want a bike to
The shifting was consistent through the range, ride hard and fast on singletrack now, and make STEM Marin 3D forged
with no missed shifts. When the KMC chain a few savvy upgrades over time – the Marin HANDLEBARS Marin mini riser,
wears out, upgrade to a Shimano 12-speed Team 1 is a great bike to check out. If you’re 780mm wide
chain, as these are designed to work with their after something burlier, take a look at the Marin SEATPOST Marin alloy, 30.9mm
12-speed cassettes for even better shifting San Quentin 2, also $1999, which is a hardcore
under load. hardtail that is ready to party. Just bear in mind SADDLE Marin Speed Concept
With one of the better wheel and tyre that you will need to build it yourself, or pay a
combinations on test, it is worth getting the tyre bike shop to do it for you once it is delivered. bikesonline.com.au

65
TREK
MARLIN 8
I
n 1976 the first Trek touring bike rolled a 100mm RockShox Judy, which has a
out of their humble headquarters in straight steerer and quick release axle. To
Wisconsin USA and out into the world. top it all off we have a relatively short stem,
Since that day, they’ve strived to ensure wide bar and the ever reliable Shimano
every bike encompasses the sense of travel MT200 brakes.
and adventure that their namesake is
founded upon, with the Marlin 8 being no GEOMETRY AND HANDLING
exception. Touted as a trail bike, this bike is
said to be at home whether you’re enjoying Handling on this bike felt quite different to
a morning at the trails, riding to school, or that of the Giant and Norco, irrespective of
out on an all-day adventure ride. Admittedly, their near-identical geometry numbers. The
that is a fairly broad brush stroke for this Marlin has a 66.5 degree head angle, 73.4
bike to paint - but Trek have done well to degree seat angle and 495mm reach in the
pack a long list of features into this black XL I tested. While the aforementioned bikes
and tan hardtail. were better placed to go fast in a straight
line, pop off lips and rail turns, the Trek felt
FEATURES more at home weaving through technical
singletrack and scooting up climbs. It has a
This Marlin 8 has an eclectic mix of features much more compliant character, thanks in
which make it truly unique in our group of part to its skinnier axles, surprisingly
test bikes. Starting at the rear, it has smooth 32mm fork, and narrow 28 hole
pannier rack mounts and provision for a rims. While this compliance was welcome at
kickstand. Moving to the middle of the bike lower speeds, I did feel that it came at a
we can see an internally routed dropper slight cost when trying to push it on a
post, 12 speed SRAM drivetrain and square descent. Alas, it seems we can’t have our
taper crank. Bump absorption is handled by cake and eat it too with the Marlin 8. I felt

66
the RockShox Judy fork did a fantastic job of FUN FACTOR ON THE TRAIL
smoothing out trail chatter in all but the most
extreme of events, further encouraging you to I had a great time on this bike exploring some of
gravitate towards trails which were tight and the lesser ridden XC trails in my local area. While
technical. Having an air spring is always welcome Trek may market this bike as a Trail hardtail, I
at this price point, as it gives the rider ample would put it down as a XC bike with geometry RRP $1899.99
opportunity to dial in the spring rate to their similar to what we are seeing on the World Cups
WEIGHT 14.5kg (XL)
weight and/or speed. at present. Fast, engaging, and quick to respond
to rider’s input the Marlin 8 is very comfortable AVAILABLE SIZES XXS, XS, S, M,
ERGONOMICS for hours on end thanks to its compliant chassis ML, L, XL (Tested), XXL
and smooth fork. The chassis did feel easily WHEEL SIZE 26” (XXS), 27.5” (XS,
Nothing on the Trek grabbed my attention as overwhelmed if I ended up going down something S), 29” (M-XXL)
being overly positive or negative. I found the faster and rougher, but thanks to the dropper
FRAME MATERIAL Aluminium
contact points on this bike to be comfortable and post and 180mm front rotor I was still able to
really fit my body shape. The handlebar in keep things in check. Unlike the Norco and Giant, I FORK Rockshox Judy Silver,
particular has a nice sweep and profile, and was would not be taking this bike out on any jump 100mm Travel
easily my favourite on the test. trails or black diamond runs - I don’t think the SHIFTER SRAM SX Eagle 12sp
wheels are up to the task. Zipping around on
DERAILLEUR SRAM SX Eagle
COMPONENTS singletrack is where this bike feels most at home.
12sp
Alternatively, this bike did have me considering
Trek have done a commendable job of modifying some adventures out past the horizon of my local CRANK SRAM SX Eagle, 30T,
their component choice to best suit the target trails. Thoughts of frame bags, tents, fire roads 175mm
user across the 8(!) sizing options. Wheel size, and weekend long rides were entertained with BOTTOM BRACKET Truvativ
fork travel, stem length, bar width, bar rise, crank the knowledge that this bike would get me there Powerspline
length, and dropper travel all change depending and back in one piece.
CHAIN SRAM SX Eagle, 12sp
on the size of the bike. This means you’ll end up
with not just a frame size that suits your height, CASSETTE SRAM PG-1210 Eagle,
OUR TAKE
but a whole bike build that should be a good fit 12sp, 11-50T
out of the box. Kudos to Trek for going to this Trek have delivered a versatile, feature packed HUBS Formula 6 Bolt, 28h, QR
length to make riders comfortable and confident bike with the Marlin 8. It has provisions for a wide
SPOKES Black
on the Marlin 8. SRAM’s SX Eagle drivetrain is variety of riders, be it bike-packers or XC racers.
one I have used in the past with little negative The head angle, dropper post and 2.4” tyres will RIMS Bontrager Kovee
experience. The range is wide and I did not save you should things end up on the wild side, TYRES Maxxis Ardent 2.4” EXO
experience any dropped chains or missed shifts. but to me this bike is best suited to someone who TR
The fork has plenty of adjustment in both air wants to tick as many boxes as possible from
BRAKES Shimano MT200
spring and damping, and allowed me to get the their budget hardtail and who isn’t interested in
Hydraulic, 180/160mm rotors
performance right in the ballpark for this bike’s upgrading it for the sake of performance or
intended use. vanity. N+1 no more, if you want to ride to work STEM Alloy, 60mm (XL) 31.8
Two negatives did stand out to me on this bike, Monday to Friday, hit some singletrack on clamp
but they both revolve primarily around service- Saturday and ride a rail trail on Sunday look no HANDLEBARS Bontrager alloy,
ability and ease of upgrade. The Marlin 8 has QR further – Trek have your bike with the Marlin 8. If 750mm wide, 15mm rise
cup and cone hubs, and a 3 piece crankset. In you do want something a little burlier, then SEATPOST TransX, 150mm drop
testing, they proved to be no issue however any consider the Trek Roscoe 7. It’s a trail hardtail
upgrade down the road is going to require careful with a 140mm travel fork, Boost spacing, strong SADDLE Bontrager Arvada
parts selection or additional spending to update wheels and geometry that is ready to rumble. It
the related parts to suit. sells for $2599.99. trekbikes.com

67
MERIDA
BIG NINE SLX EDITION
M
erida are one of the biggest bike has good tyre clearance for a 2.25” maximum through to XXL. The Shimano brake levers use
manufacturers in the world, and tyre, and the Manitou Markhor fork has an air the new iSpec mount for greater stiffness, but
that always shows in the finish on spring, plus rebound damping adjustment and still with the longer lever blade. I found the
their bikes, and the level of components they a remote lock out. The Shimano SLX drivetrain 760mm wide bars spot on, and the saddle and
can put on a bike at a given price point. For is a stand out for shifting performance, and the lock on grips were comfortable.
value, they are often very hard to beat. brakes have excellent feel and stopping power.
Merida have a lot of models under $2000, in COMPONENTS
both the Big Nine range and the Big Trail. We GEOMETRY AND HANDLING
tested the Big Trail 500 in 2020, and if you’re The Merida Big Nine SLX Edition is at the top
after a high value trail hardtail, look them up. Merida’s Big Nine frame has a classic 70 of the price range, and as such it has the best
The Big Trail 500 has a 140mm travel degree head angle and 73 degree seat angle, group set on test, with a Shimano SLX
RockShox Recon fork, Shimano 11-speed wide paired with a short reach. This means you 12-speed drivetrain, including crank set, plus
range group set, dropper post, a great wheel have a fairly agile bike that handles on a dime, an upgraded Deore XT rear derailleur. The
set and excellent trail geometry for $1999. but is less stable on fast and rough descents. cassette is Deore and the brakes are M4100
We’d love to have one in this test as well – You’ll find the bike is easy to move around on two piston. Merida have fitted a 100mm travel
alas they’re so popular that Merida Australia flatter trails, but more of a handful in steep, Manitou Markhor Comp fork, which has an air
are waiting for a restock. The Big Nine is a technical terrain. This isn’t a fault, but it’s the spring, remote lock out and rebound adjust.
more classic cross-country hardtail, with a intended purpose of the Big Nine. As such, it It’s a Boost, through axle fork, but I did find it
100mm travel fork and agile handling, suiting has flat bars and a longer stem to suit the was mostly underdamped, even when running
riders tackling easy cross-country trails, shorter reach of the frame. a lot more pressure than recommended, so
bikepacking adventures and fast paced rides. while it added comfort it didn’t always aid
ERGONOMICS control.
FEATURES Merida’s own rims are quite narrow, but a
While the geometry is the steepest and good quality build. The Maxxis Ikon tyre is a
The Merida Big Nine SLX Edition has an alloy shortest on test, the bike is designed like that, well-rounded cross-country tyre, but the 2.2”
frame with a 135mm quick release rear axle. with the longer stem to make sure it handles model fitted has a very thin sidewall, and the
There is neat internal routing, plus mounts for as it should, and fits true to size. Importantly, tyres need a lot of pressure for much support
mudguards and racks if needed. The frame Merida offer a wide size range from Small when on the trails and in rocky corners.

68
 RRP $1999
WEIGHT 12.34kg
AVAILABLE SIZES S, M, L
(tested), XL, XXL
FRAME MATERIAL Aluminium
FORK Manitou Markhor Comp,
100mm
SHIFTER Shimano SLX 12sp
DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore XT
On the whole, this is a thorough parts package, those fun, swoopy trails. It’s great for the big 12sp
and one certainly in keeping with what the exploration rides on firetrails and paths, and
CRANK Shimano SLX, 32t,
Merida Big Nine is targeted for. blasting around the trails that aren’t littered
175mm
with rock gardens.
What made it fantastic to ride was how well BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano
FUN FACTOR ON THE TRAIL
the brakes and gears worked through the BB52 external
It wasn’t that long ago that I was riding and entire test period. I think that seamless CHAIN KMC X12
racing a hardtail with the same geometry as the shifting and reliable braking go a long way
CASSETTE Shimano Deore 12sp
Merida Big Nine. So while it’s a little steeper towards a rewarding riding experience, and
10-51t
and shorter – it works! The Merida Big Nine the Merida Big Nine really nails that.
climbed like a dream, and made short work of HUBS Shimano MT400
rolling firetrails and nicely prepared singletrack OUR TAKE SPOKES 14g stainless, black
– which is common in most rider’s local
RIMS Merida Comp CC, 20mm
singletrack networks. The Merida Big Nine SLX Edition stands out
internal
Zipping from corner to corner, and stabbing for a few reasons in this group test. It has the
the pedals to get a bit more speed for small best overall group set, and this will result in TYRES Maxxis Ikon 29x2.2”
step ups was all taken well within the Big a bike that has smoother shifts, even under BRAKES Shimano M4100,
Nine’s stride. Out of the saddle and hauling on load, for longer. Parts that have a longer 180/160mm rotors
the bars, the Big Nine responds as you’d expect, service life mean you will be able to enjoy
STEM Marin 3D forged
and shifts under load admirably. riding the bike for longer between services,
On faster descents, a steady hand on the tiller and they will likely have a longer life as well. HANDLEBARS Merida Expert CC,
is rewarded by a bike that reacts fast to your The Merida Big Nine SLX Edition is going to 760mm
input. Where I found the Big Nine faltered was suit a few types of people. One would be the SEATPOST Merida Expert CC,
in rockier corners, and in terrain where the bike person wanting to get off road and explore. 90mm
would have repeated hits. Be it rocky step Forget a dropped-bar gravel bike, a 29er
SADDLE Merida Comp SL
downs, extended rock gardens, and even G outs hardtail is the perfect gravel bike! You’ll have
and V ditches. In these moments, both the fork the traction and comfort to go explore some merida-bikes.com
and the wheel set would be overwhelmed. I wild back roads, forest roads, and wooly
found it hard to set the fork up so it didn’t blow firetrails on this bike. It’ll also suit the riders
through the first half of its travel, and the looking for a bike for mixed use. Meeting
rebound damping didn’t have much impact friends for a quick ride on the trails at 6, but
given the higher spring rates needed. And the need to be at the office by 8? No stress, the
light tyres and narrow rims meant you either Big Nine is a fantastic bike to punch out the
had to run high pressures and deal with the commute, as much as it suits some fast laps
lack of traction, or have a wheel and tyre on the local trails. If you know you want
system that had too much movement when more, pure off-road performance, look to the
pushing into corners and features. Big Trail range, like the Big Trail 500 at the
But to be fair – this isn’t strictly what the Big same price of $1999.
Nine was designed for. The Big Nine is best on

69
NORCO
FLUID HT 2
N
orco’s Fluid HT range is their self GEOMETRY AND HANDLING
proclaimed ‘ultimate singletrack
adventure hardtail’. Building off their Perusal of the specification sheets for the
well known Fluid moniker, this hardtail Fluid HT 2 brings with it geometry numbers
variant promises to deliver a boundless which are expected for a mid travel trail
riding experience at a competitive price point. hardtail. The head tube angle is right on the
Distributed nationally by Advanced Traders, money at 66.5°, which strikes a nice balance
you can get your hands on one of these between stability at speed without sacrificing
Canadian freedom machines in store at one too much low speed handling. While hardtail
of their chosen dealers around the country. head tube angles do steepen quite a bit
during aggressive riding, this wasn’t the case
FEATURES on the Norco - more on that later. Similarly,
the seat tube angle on a hardtail will also
This HT 2 is the more affordable of the two steepen under sag. This puts the 74.5° STA
Fluid HT models which Norco offers. They on the Fluid right on the money for this
both share the same specification for the vast application, delivering a fairly upright riding
majority, including the frame. Featuring position when paired with a 500mm reach
internal cable routing, 5 size options across and 637mm stack height on the XL. As we
two wheel diametres, Boost spacing, and can expect with a Norco, the rear end is short
those beautiful welds which Norco are well at 430mm. This does give the bike a very
known for, this frame is a fine piece of playful character, further reinforcing the
aluminium to say the least. On the front end, overall ride quality this bike brings - fast and
it is supported by a 120mm SR Suntour coil fun.
sprung fork which has rebound and preload
adjustments. Drive is taken care of by a ERGONOMICS
Deore 5100 series 11 speed Shimano
drivetrain, which includes a wide range The contact points on this bike, while all
cassette and two piece crank. The HT 2 also being components I am not familiar with,
comes with a dropper seat post, which has were impressive. A gold star has to go to the
130mm of drop across all sizes. saddle. It is comfortable, has a smooth profile

70
and suited my sit bones so well I may actually had me questioning their long term durability.
look at speccing these on my own personal trail
hardtail. Similarly, I really liked the profile and FUN FACTOR ON THE TRAIL
compound of the WTB lock on grips. They had just
the right amount of cushion for my hands, and no Norco has fostered an eclectic mix of chassis stiff-
RRP $1699.00
outer lock rings which is always nice. The Fluid ness, playful geometry and a brutish overall
comes with a 50mm stem and 750mm bar which nature with the Fluid HT 2 that just screams “go WEIGHT 15.5kg (XL)
to me are the perfect combination for a trail faster” to me. I do think the (lack of) fork AVAILABLE SIZES XS, S, M, L, XL
hardtail. I felt right at home, but some riders may performance does add to this character, making (Tested)
prefer something a little wider. It would be good me want to grit my teeth and go hell for leather
WHEEL SIZE 27.5” (XS-M), 29”
to see Norco specify something in the region of knowing that my line choice may have little effect
(M-XL)
800mm, allowing for a quick chop to really dial in on chassis performance. In this instance, the
the cockpit fit. bike’s heavy overall weight is actually welcome. FRAME MATERIAL 6061
The burly wheels, heavy fork and stiff frame all Aluminium

COMPONENTS add up to give a stable and predictable ride FORK RockShox SR Suntour
across any terrain when combined with the 2.4” XCM32 LOR DS, 120mm Travel
This was my first experience with the 11 speed Maxxis tyres. The consistent front end ride height
SHIFTER Shimano Deore
Shimano Deore 5100 drivetrain. It provided more makes the Norco feel slacker than it actually is, SL-M5100 11sp
than enough range and a reliable shift, which we which also breeds confidence on steeper terrain if
have come to expect from all Shimano group sets you’re brave enough to hold on. DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore
of late. I was surprised to see a 175mm crank on On the way back up the trail the Fluid provided RD-M5100 11sp
the larger models, but honestly that was little a comfortable riding position and sharp shifting. CRANK Shimano Deore
more than a number in the back of my head once The Shimano drivetrain shifts well under load FC-M5100-1, 30T, 170mm (XS,S),
I took to the trails. Similarly, the 2 piston Tektro and still provides a full 51t granny gear even 175mm (M-XL)
brakes had good lever feel and enough braking though it is an 11-speed group set. As mentioned BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano
power to keep me out of trouble during testing. earlier, the seat is a lovely thing to rest upon and Sealed Bearing BSA Threaded
The 180mm front rotor is also a nice touch, I could happily spin away for hours on this bike,
CHAIN KMC X11
adding some additional stopping power and be it on a leisurely trail ride or marching my way
modulation. TransX’s 130mm dropper worked back up for another spicy descent. CASSETTE Shimano Deore
well, but did not have enough drop for my liking. CS-M5100, 11sp, 11-51T
When swapping between bikes I would find OUR TAKE HUBS Alloy, 6 bolt, 32h, Boost
myself constantly hitting my rear against the seat
while descending. It would have been good to see Of the three more trail-oriented hardtails we have SPOKES Stainless, black
at least 150 mm of drop if not more, similar to on test here, the Norco is definitely the one that RIMS Alex DP30 TRS
what the Giant and Trek offer on the big sizes. would ride with a speaker blasting Metallica out TYRES Maxxis Ardent 2.4” EXO
One could argue that on a hardtail, fork loud, encouraging others to join it on its next wild
performance is at an absolute premium. As such, adventure. This bike is tough, capable, and has BRAKES Tektro HD-M275
I was disappointed by the performance of the SR handling that is a little rough around the edges. I Hydraulic , 180/160mm rotors
Suntour XCM32. The coil spring offers little in the think it would best suit an exuberant rider who is STEM Alloy, 50mm, 31.8 Clamp
way of rate adjustment, and the bushings are looking for their first foray into mountain biking, HANDLEBARS X6 Alloy, 750mm
loose like a wizard’s sleeve out of the box. The regardless of age. The bike’s character is wide, 15mm rise
fork does do well at absorbing single hard hits, supported by a dependable drivetrain and brakes,
but any repeated chatter was being transmitted and the frame quality is more than worthy of SEATPOST TransX YSP18
straight to my arms rather than being soaked up long-term use and upgrades. If you want Dropper, 130mm drop
by the suspension. Similarly, I was surprised to something a little flashier, the HT 1 sells for SADDLE Norco XC
see cup-and-cone hubs on a bike this capable. $1999, and gains an air sprung Suntour fork, and
During testing they did require adjustment which Shimano 12-speed components. norco.com

71
CUBE
ATTENTION SL
C
ube Bikes are sold exclusively at 99 including room for a dropper post if you chose bike didn’t leave me feeling beat up like a
Bikes in Australia, so you’re always to add one later. The externally threaded couple of the heavier bikes on test, with a
likely to find good levels of stock on the bottom bracket will be reliable, and the frame fairly resilient ride. It’s a very well-balanced
shop floor. Hailing from Germany, Cube have has plenty of clearance around the 2.25” tyres. position, and the quick release seat post is a
an extensive line up of bikes, from hybrids, to Cube equip the Attention SL with a remote lock nice inclusion for dropping the saddle quickly
speedy road bikes, high zoot e-bikes, and entry out, air sprung Judy from RockShox, and add a when needed.
level hardtails like the Cube Attention SL here. group set mixing Shimano Deore, SLX and
The Attention SL is a contemporary entry level even XT 12-speed parts. The eyeletted rims ERGONOMICS
XC 29er hardtail, with a great build kit and attach to quick release hubs front and rear.
nicely finished frame. 99 Bikes say that with I was happy with all the contact points on the
the Attention SL, you’ll grow in confidence GEOMETRY AND HANDLING Cube Attention SL. From the grips, to the
before you know it. common MT 200 brake levers and Deore
The geometry on the Cube is what you’d shifter. The RockShox Poploc remote is easy to
FEATURES expect for a well built entry level hardtail, setup right next to the left brake lever for easy
focusing on balance and easy handling. The access to the suspension lock-out. While the
This is a really nice frame, with double-butted Cube Attention SL has a 68.5 degree head short stem was a good fit, I did find the low
alloy tubing to help keep the weight down and angle and 73.5 degree seat angle in the large rise bars just too narrow at 680mm. They’ll
the strength high. It has a good stand over on test, and the reach is just under 430mm. suit cruising on bike paths, but for anyone
height and comes in 6 sizes, with XS and S With a short stem and fairly narrow 680mm around 175-180cm who would be eyeing off
using 27.5” wheels. The tapered head tube bars, the bike rides a little smaller than you’d this bike, I think they may prefer something in
meets a large down tube with internal routing, think – but it is pleasingly nimble. Of note, the the 730-760mm range for a better balance.

72
 RRP $1799
WEIGHT 13.77kg
AVAILABLE SIZES XS, S, M, L
(tested), XL, XXL
FRAME MATERIAL Double
butted alloy
FORK RockShox Judy Silver TK
Air, 100mm
SHIFTER Shimano Deore 12sp
DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore XT
12sp

extended rough sections, which is where I CRANK ACID 2 piece, 32t,

COMPONENTS
would have happily had a wider set of bars and 175mm
Cube have delivered a great mix here for a wider tyres for a little but more comfort and BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano
well-built entry level hardtail. When I still worked control. With a steady hand it can handle a lot BSA external sealed
at a bike shop, riders always wanted something of intermediate trails, and will be a blast on all
CHAIN Shimano M6100, 12sp
with easy gears to use, and brakes that worked. but the fastest flow trails, where the higher
Cube deliver that with probably the most speeds and compressions may well leave you CASSETTE Shimano Deore 12sp
comprehensive group set on test, with a Shimano beyond the limits of traction and stability from 10-51t
Deore drivetrain and an XT rear derailleur – but the tyres and wheels. HUBS Shimano MT401, 32h, QR
also a Shimano Deore chain which works with the With a low overall weight and seamless
SPOKES 14g stainless, black
Hyperglide+ cassette so you can shift under load shifting, the bike really excels getting out on
better than any other bike on test. The Shimano beginner to intermediate trails. Given all the RIMS Cube ZX20 alloy, 32h
MT200 brakes work as expected, and RockShox equipment works so well, the Cube should be a TYRES Schwalbe Smart Sam
trust suspension to the oldest lady in the game confidence inspiring bike to get on for anyone Active, 29 x 2.5””
– Judy. The 100mm of air sprung suspension can new to riding off road. It would have been good
BRAKES Shimano MT200,
be set to suit the rider, with rebound damping that to see updated through axles front and rear, but
180/160mm rotors
works. I don’t think the quick release is going
While the wheels use a quick release, they’re a anywhere yet in the overall bike market. STEM Cube alloy, 70mm
nice build with Shimano hubs and eyeletted rims, HANDLEBARS Cube flat bar,
that let the wheels have good spoke tension. The OUR TAKE 680mm wide
Schwalbe tyres aren’t a very wide 2.25”, but they
SEATPOST Cube alloy, 27.2mm
have plenty of tread and they’re a robust build. The Cube Attention SL has a very balanced
build kit, built on a superbly finished alloy SADDLE Natural Fit Venec Lite
FUN FACTOR ON THE TRAIL frame. It has good geometry for hitting the
99bikes.com.au
trails, and modern features like a tapered head
Where the Cube shines is getting out to explore. tube, internal cable routing, and good tyre
It’s a dream to tick over the kilometres on. The clearance for some fatter tyres. The handling is
Cube handles mellow trails with aplomb, and I modern XC, and it is perfect for taking to local
think there’s a balance for riders between a light singletrack that’s smooth and fast, with some
handling bike like this that’s easy to handle on flat low speed technical features. It may not be the
and smooth trails, compared to a longer and best choice for anyone looking to tackle the fast
slacker and burlier trail hardtail that really needs flow trails, jump lines and janky trails at their
the assistance of gravity to come alive. local. But if you want a fast bike to get out and
The Cube playfully pops over features on the ride, or load up for a day in the hills exploring
trail, and makes short work of climbs and fast - then you’ll likely get on really well with the
corners. It only really starts to come unstuck on Cube.

73
REID
TRACT 4
R
eid Bikes have carved a niche in the also impressive that they have hydraulic the front wheel to keep it gripping.
Australian market by offering brakes at this price point. There is routing
exceptional value for the budget for an internal dropper post, but one is not ERGONOMICS
conscious mountain biker. We have tested a included at this price. The frame uses a quick
number of their bikes over the years, and release rear wheel, and there are bolts for a I really like the bike length when seated,
always been impressed with the ride quality single bottle on the down tube. however the riser bars are just too narrow
and features that Reid can put together at for a large sized bike. It seems like a small
the price the bikes hit the floor at. The Tract GEOMETRY AND HANDLING quible, but the length of the frame and a
range of bikes are 29er hardtails with short stem are designed to go hand in hand
120mm travel forks - a perfect gateway into Reid have a 68 degree head angle and 74 with a wide bar. It’s an easy change, but
the world of riding off-road. Reid call the degree seat angle on this large test bike. The unfortunately many brands stick to the
Tract 4 a value monster, and at $1000 with a reach isn’t listed, but the 637mm top tube 690mm size due to legislation. Apart from
12-speed group set they’re spot on. and feel would suggest around 450mm. The that, the levers offer reach adjust and the
head tube isn’t overly tall but with spacers, shifter falls nicely at hand; the saddle is
FEATURES the upright stem and 30mm riser bars, you comfortable, and it’s easy to run the bars
end up with a pretty high position - some- high as stock, or lower it for a more
The alloy frame has internal cable routing, thing anyone new to riding will likely really purposeful stance.
and a sturdy 34mm legged, coil sprung enjoy. The steering is far from nervous with
Boost spaced suspension fork. Kudos to Reid the 120mm fork and steady 68 degree head COMPONENTS
for getting a 12-speed group set on here for angle, although a little more emphasis is
simple shifting across a wide gear range. It’s needed in the stock high position, to load up The Reid Tract 4 has managed to bring some

74
great features together for $1000. The 120mm off-camber corners, with more stability than you
travel, 34mm legged Suntour fork is a nice touch. might expect for a $1000 hardtail. I was pretty
It has lock out and spring preload, but no option wary dropping into moderate trails with extended
to change the spring rate or rebound. The rocky sections, but on compressions and single
Shimano Deore 12-speed components are a drops or hits the bike is still really capable. The
RRP $999.99
bonus, and although the spec list online lists a suspension fork just holds it back from being able
Shimano 12-speed cassette, we have a slightly to recover for repeated impacts, and that impacts WEIGHT 15.42kg
narrower range Suntour model fitted. It shifted control and fun. Additionally, while the brakes AVAILABLE SIZES 38cm, 43cm,
fine, and the replaceable chain ring on the were adequate, they never truly achieved the 48cm (tested), 53cm
two-piece cranks is a good touch. The tyres have power I was expecting from a hydraulic system
FRAME MATERIAL 6061
a full tread and a reasonably firm, stout casing; like the others on test.
Aluminium alloy
there were no issues on test for the tyres or
wheels. FORK SR Suntour XCM 34 Boost,
OUR TAKE
120mm
FUN FACTOR ON THE TRAIL About 5 years ago I tested a Reid gravel bike for SHIFTER Shimano Deore 12sp
about $900, and questioned how much fun you
DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore
At over 15kg, the Reid charges ahead like a could have on a bike under $1000. I had a tonne
12sp
battleship on the trails. The upright position and of fun riding that bike, and the Reid Tract 4 is no
reach makes for a comfortable ride, although the different in that sense. It’s a two wheeled CRANK Prowheel Charm,
narrow bars do impact the overall comfort and adventure machine that is ready to let someone 175mm, 32t
stability when moving faster. Compared to some go and explore the world of riding off-road. Be BOTTOM BRACKET BSA
of the other hardtails I tested, there was no sense that dipping your toes into singletrack, checking external sealed
of nervousness at higher speeds on fast flow out the local multi-use trails or exploring a rail
CHAIN KMC X12
trails, like some of the test trails that we used trail - that’s up to you. But, there really is no
which have had a recent refurbishment. But given mystique between a bike at $1000 and $2000, the CASSETTE Sunrace 12sp 11-50t
the stout nature of the frame and fork, the built one twice the price will have components that HUBS 32h alloy, sealed bearing,
rock gardens that are common in purpose built will work better. I like that the Reid gets people 6 bolt
trails were bone rattlers. on the dirt with some great features, and with a
SPOKES 14g stainless, black
The Reid was surefooted in corners, and the couple of tweaks it should be a great long-term
reasonably long wheelbase even tracked well on off-road adventure bike for a those looking for a RIMS Reid 29” Double wall
great value buy. TYRES Compass Jumping Hare
29x2.2”
BRAKES C Star hydraulic,
180/160mm rotors
STEM Reid Alloy
HANDLEBARS Reid Alloy 30mm
riser, 680mm
SEATPOST Reid alloy, 30.9mm
SADDLE Selle Royale

reidbikes.com

75
GIANT
FATHOM 2
Y
ou’ll have to excuse me as I Norco. Second, the fork is house brand and
rummage through the kitchen junk while it has rebound, compression and air
drawer for my rose tinted glasses spring adjustments, it is unproved to our
before writing this review. I, like many of you testers and carries with it little information
reading this, grew up on and around on servicing and maintenance.
affordable Giant hardtails. While the
Taiwanese heavyweights of industry did take GEOMETRY AND HANDLING
a sabbatical from this genre of bike through
the early to mid 2010’s, they’re now back Across all four sizes the Fathom has a 66
with bikes like this Fathom 2 that we have on degree head tube angle, 75 degree seat tube
test. But how does this 29er trail hardtail angle and 438mm chain stay length. This,
hold up against the other bikes on test? Can when paired with the 490mm reach on the XL
it capture the blissful reliability of its test bike we had on hand led to a ride quality
predecessors? And what about the that was both comfortable and confidence
performance of that Giant branded fork? I inspiring. The angle of the seat tube gave a
was keen to find out. very comfortable climbing position, without
putting too much weight on my wrists on
FEATURES flatter pieces of trail. Similarly, the head tube
angle felt just right for this style of bike,
The Giant Fathom 2 shares almost the exact giving a good mix of performance regardless
same specification of the slightly more expen- of the gradient of the singletrack I was riding.
sive 1 model, excluding the drivetrain and The boost axles front and rear, 34mm fork,
brakes. Boost spacing front and rear, a wide rims and thick Maxxis rubber all
dropper post, wide Maxxis tyres and a meshed well with the frame geometry to
130mm fork firmly place it in the ‘trail’ provide a ride which was stiff without being
category - but further inspection shows a few uncomfortable or chattery. The only letdown
interesting spec choices. First of all, drive is for the handling of this bike was the 700mm
handled by a 10 speed Shimano group set wide bar and thick soft grips. Being narrower
which we rarely see here at AMB, lacking the and softer than what I expect, my upper body
range of the comparatively priced Trek and was forced into a riding position which was

76
too narrow and lacked precision. This was the FUN FACTOR ON THE TRAIL
only letdown to an otherwise great handling
package. This bike put a smile on my face, plain and
simple. Once I became familiar with the narrow
ERGONOMICS handlebar, the Fathom became an absolute blast
RRP $1899.00
to ride. There were no quirks or surprises with its
As mentioned above, it was immediately obvious performance, leaving my mind free to just focus WEIGHT 13.5kg (XL)
that the handlebars and push on grips hamstrung on the dirt in front of me with no distractions. The AVAILABLE SIZES S, M, L, XL
the performance of this otherwise very capable Minion DHF and Aggressor tyre combo gave gobs (Tested)
bike. The width of the bar led to a lack of of traction, with the age-old combo of grippy on
WHEEL SIZE 29”
leverage, particularly mid turn and when trying to the front and fast on the rear lending itself to lots
jump or manual. When combined with the push of drifts and skids on my loose test loop. The FRAME MATERIAL ALUXX
on grips, which had a tendency to twist and 170mm dropper post specced on this XL model SL-Grade Aluminium
squirm when I was really trying to push on the further bolstered this positive trait, as I was able FORK Giant Crest 34RCL, 130mm
descents or sprint hard, you had what I feel was a to get the seat right down and out of the way Travel
real let down ergonomically. If you are looking to when things started to get a little wild. Fork
SHIFTER Shimano Deore
get your own Fathom, I would highly recommend performance was second to none on the test,
SL-M4100
you include the purchase of an aftermarket bar / further lending me to believe this bike was the
grip combo before you roll the bike off the best descender we had across the 8 hardtails we DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore
showroom floor. rode. Having the ability to dial in the spring rate, RD-M5120
compression and rebound to my liking on a fork CRANK Shimano Deore
COMPONENTS that is stiff and smooth is a real treat at this price FC-M5100-1, 30T
point. Climbing performance was comfortable, BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano
At this price point, manufacturers have some although the decreased gear range and large Sealed Bearing BSA Threaded
tough decisions to make regarding the compo- step to the smallest cog does leave some
nents specification of their bike. Do they go in the performance to be desired from the 11 and 12 CHAIN KMC X10
middle of the road across the board, like on the speed group sets seen on comparable bikes. CASSETTE Shimano Deore
Trek? Do they focus on the drivetrain, like we see CS-M4100, 10sp, 11-46T
on the Merida? In this case, Giant chose to focus OUR TAKE HUBS Alloy, 6 Bolt, 28h, Boost
on the fork and wheels, both of which are the
highest performing across the three trail This 29er hardtail from Giant definitely recaptures SPOKES Stainless Black
hardtails on test. If I had a blindfold on, I’d say the fun of old. Their decision to prioritise a quality RIMS Giant AM29, 30mm internal
that the lesser known Giant Crest 34 fork was a fork and wheel set culminates in a bike which is
TYRES Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5”
Fox Float. It had a smooth action, plenty of an absolute joy to ride regardless of if you are EXO TR, Maxxis Aggressor 2.3”
adjustment and little chassis flex leading to what going uphill or down. While I feel a few minor EXO TR
I felt to be the best fork on test. The 30mm wide upgrades are required to really unlock the true
alloy wheels are also great performers, coming potential of this bike, it still gives a high quality BRAKES Tektro HD-M275
tubeless ready and with sealed bearing hubs - riding experience in stock trim. Those who are Hydraulic, 180mm rotors
these hoops should give you years of faultless looking for a wider range drive train could opt for STEM Giant Contact SL 35, 50mm
service. To allow for this choice in wheels and the Fathom 1 model, but to me that money is HANDLEBARS Giant Contact SL
fork, Giant have gone with a lower specification better spent on a new cockpit as the two models TR35, 700mm wide
10 speed Shimano drivetrain. Shifts were crisp share the same high quality Maxxis tyres and
and the inclusion of a front guide ensured no Giant brand fork/dropper/wheels. The Fathom SEATPOST Giant Contact Switch
dropped chains during testing, but this transmis- hardtail is best suited to a rider who is looking for 170mm (XL)
sion definitely lacked the range and smooth steps a reliable bike which is a blast to ride on a wide SADDLE Giant Romero
of the other 11 and 12 speed drivetrains we’ve variety of singletrack from green to black
been using. diamond. giant-bicycles.com/au

77
CANNONDALE
TRAIL SL 4
C
annondale have a history steeped in front fork. This Suntour fork has rebound up with some very performance minded
alloy hardtails. The brand were proudly adjust, remote lock out, alloy legs and an air handling, especially from a bike that Cannon-
made in America for decades, equipping spring - all adding up to adjustability and dale says thrives on low impact trails and
pro teams at the highest tier of bike racing on control. It’s great to see Shimano hubs on gravel roads. The 75 degree seat angle keeps
the road and off, forging a place for American WTB rims that are tapered, ready for a you nicely centred and balanced, and works
manufacturing in a Euro-centric sport that was tubeless setup. 23mm isn’t overly wide, but with the 419mm reach on our large test bike.
starting to shift manufacturing to Asia. They it’s wider than many on test, and suits the The handling here is XC, but as a positive, not
even made motorbikes for a little while! These purpose of the bike. The Shimano 2x11 Deore a swear word. It’s fast and agile, but also capa-
days, Cannondale’s growth has expanded in group set puts this as the only 2x bike on test ble given the balanced position it puts you in.
each direction: in premium mountain bikes and - but it is a lightning fast shift with a super
entry level mountain bikes as well. The Trail wide gear range. ERGONOMICS
SL 4 is one of 10 bikes in a range from $829 to
$2999. The Trail SL models are designed for GEOMETRY AND HANDLING Of the five bikes I tested, this one felt the most
faster rides, and the Trail SE models have comfortable for me out of the box. A lot of that
longer travel forks and burlier builds. At a glance, the Trail SL 4 shares many comes to the FSA bar with a comfortable rise,
geometry traits of the top Scalpel hardtail sweep and width, but also the total reach and
FEATURES from Cannondale. The 68 degree head angle is steeper seat angle for a balanced position. The
spot on for a modern cross-country hardtail lock out lever is over the bar while the front
The Cannondale Trail SL 4 has a Boost spaced like this, equipped with a 100mm fork. With the shifter is under it, I find that’s an easy
frame, although it has a 100mm QR equipped wide bars and relatively low front end, you end combination - but it doesn’t really suit adding

78
 RRP $1899
WEIGHT 14.1kg
AVAILABLE SIZES S, M, L
(tested), XL
FRAME MATERIAL Alloy
FORK SR Suntour XCR RL,
100mm
SHIFTERS Shimano Deore
M5100 2x11
DERAILLEURS Shimano Deore
a dropper easily down the track, without a tures, bikepacking trips, the commute and entry M5100 11sp
change to a right-handed dropper lever or lock level trails, you’ll love the range and close
out. spacing of the 2x11 gearing. The 4-bolt crank set CRANK Shimano M5100, 26/36
is easy to change to a 1x ring down the track if 175mm

COMPONENTS that’s what you prefer, but as is the Cannondale BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano
is a ready to go adventure bike, capable of external BSA
I’ll start with the double chain ring. Yes they still ripping flowing singletrack and chewing up the CHAIN KMC X11
exist, and yes they serve a purpose. The 26/36 adventure hours in the saddle. The spacing for
chain ring combination and direct mount, side wider tyres, tubeless ready rims and frame CASSETTE Shimano Deore 11sp
11-42t
swing front derailleur makes for a rapid fire shift mounts all speak to the versatility of the bike.
between the rings, and the tighter 11-42 cassette The Cannondale had very balanced handling, HUBS Shimano MT200 QR front,
in the does the same. I found the shift perfor- with the FSA bars proving to be the perfect MT400 Boost rear
mance absolutely faultless, along with the chain contact point at the front of the bike. The only SPOKES 14g stainless, black
security from the clutched rear derailleur. The downside to pushing the bike a little harder than
quick release fork and front wheel is a bit of an was truly intended was a little more movement RIMS WTB STX i23 TCS, tubeless
ready
oversight, I would have rather seen a through than I’m used to in the front end. On all the bikes
axle model with Boost spacing to match the we tested, those with quick release forks did TYRES Schwalbe Rocket Ric 29x
frame’s standard. It would also improve the always catch us out a little, as they just don’t feel 2.25’
handling at higher speeds. The brakes, wheels as certain in high speed corners or in rougher BRAKES Shimano MT20,
and tyres held no surprises, and worked as terrain. This certainly didn’t hold it back from 160/160mm rotors
expected for the remit of the Trail SL 4. being a fun bike to ride, and one that felt the
STEM Alloy
most complete - running quietly and smoothly all
FUN FACTOR ON THE TRAIL test. HANDLEBARS FSA 15mm riser,
760mm
Cannondale state that the Trail SL range is ‘a OUR TAKE SEATPOST Alloy, 31.6mm
mountain bike built to raise your game and ignite
SADDLE Cannondale Ergo XC
a passion for the trail. Designed for the Cannondale have a long heritage with hardtails,
mountains and ready for anything.’ They also say and their entry level hardtails show that. They
cannondale.com
its strengths are handling and durability. And have added great geometry to suit the end use,
from my experience I cannot fault those with a thorough parts package that offers high
statements. quality gears and brakes, a reliable wheel set
Bear in mind the Trail SL models are unapolo- and very adjustable suspension fork. If you know
getically XC geared bikes, with the Trail SE you want to spend more time on faster trails and
($2199 starting point) having slacker geometry, in the rougher stuff, look at the Trail SE at $2199,
bigger tyres and wider rims, 1x group sets, which has burlier wheels and tyres, 1x12
longer travel forks and dropper posts. But to me, gearing, a dropper and a 120mm fork. But for all
it’s the handling and rock solid component day gravel adventures, mixing commutes with
choices that make the Trail SL 4 what it is. The trails and just having a two wheeled adventure
Shimano Deore 2x11 group set is an absolute buddy - the Cannondale Trail SL 4 is a great
workhorse. If you’re taking on gravel adven- option that will go the distance.

79
SO WHICH
ONE SHOULD
YOU BUY? MARIN TEAM 1 TREK MARLIN 8

T
his is far from an exhaustive test, but it does show a
WEIGHT 13.42kg 14.5kg
good mix of what is on the market under $2000. As
noted, we didn’t test any full-suspension bikes, but
there are a couple on the market that may have equivalent
parts to some of the bikes here and still just sneak in under PRICE $1,999.00 $1899.99
$2000.
To help make your decision, think first about what riding
you will do. Do you want to ride some more technical trails,
or high-speed trails with some jumps? You’ll need to look AXLE SPACING
5x110mm Boost 100mm QR
more at the trail hardtails like the Norco Fluid HT or Giant FRONT
Fathom. You should also investigate the Merida Big Trail,
Trek Roscoe, Cannondale Trail SE and Marin San Quentin. If AXLE SPACING
you want something that’s more of an all-rounder for trails, 12x148mm Boost 135mm QR
REAR
rail trails and general use then the Merida, Marin, Trek,
Cube or Cannondale are worth a look. And if you want a
bike that will get you off road and let you have some
serious fun for under $1000 - the Reid really does a good NUMBER OF GEARS 12 12
job of that.
You also need to consider sizing and fit. Some bikes like
the Trek come in a huge variety of sizes, making it easier to
DROPPER POST Compatible Yes
get on the right one when you visit your dealer. Don’t
underestimate the importance of being on the right frame
size, and do understand it’s about the fit, not the size. One
brand’s large may not fit like a large from another brand. It TUBELESS READY Yes No
is worth spending a little more to change grips or
handlebars to suit your needs as well. We found all the
saddles on these bikes great, and typically in this price
range they are comfortable. The table shows the size CRANK STYLE 2 piece 3 Piece
ranges available, and how the fit of a medium changes
between the bikes on test.
The parts on the bike need to be taken into consideration. FORK Air spring, Air spring,
As we noted, some parts are exceptional at a given price ADJUSTMENTS rebound, lock out rebound, lock out
point, but that is usually at the cost of something else. If
you’re a tinkerer and you know you would like to upgrade a
bike over time, make sure you have the frame, fork, wheels
FORK TRAVEL 120mm 100mm
and brakes that you want - in that order. As those are the
most expensive items to upgrade later. Our table shows
some of the features we think are worth taking note of,
including fork axles, dropper post compatibility, fork type, GEOMETRY
crank style and whether a bike is tubeless ready. We also (MEDIUM)
have the weight listed - as it makes a difference.
Perhaps the most important thing if you’re newer to
riding is visiting your local bike shop to build a rapport. SIZE RANGE S-XL XXS-XXL
While Bikes Online sell Polygon and Marin direct via courier
delivery, that won’t be for everyone. We have been
impressed with how simple the bikes are to put together
yourself, and the 14 day returns option - but it may not be REACH (MM) 430 440
for you. Visit your local shop and see what bikes they have,
or what they can get. Don’t like the vibe? Go somewhere
else - you want to start with a good relationship. HEAD TUBE ANGLE
Hopefully this has been a helpful group test, if you’re 67 66.5
(DEGREES)
looking for a bike on a budget that’ll still blow your hair
back. Any of these bikes will provide years of service with
proper maintenance and care, and that means years of fun SEAT TUBE ANGLE
74 73.4
on the trails as well. (DEGREES)

80
MERIDA BIG NINE CUBE CANNONDALE
NORCO FLUID HT 2 REID TRACT 4 GIANT FATHOM 2
SLX EDITION ATTENTION SL TRAIL SL 4

12.34kg 15.5kg 13.77kg 15.42kg 13.7kg 14.1kg

$1,999.00 $1699.00 $1,799.99 $999.99 $1899.00 $1899

5x110mm Boost 15x110mm Boost 100mm QR 15x110mm Boost 15x110mm Boost 100mm QR

135mm QR 12x148mm 135mm QR 135mm QR 12x148mm Boost 12x148mm Boost

12 11 12 11 10 22

Compatible Yes Compatible Compatible Yes Compatible

No No No No Yes Yes

2 piece 2 Piece 2 piece 2 piece 2 Piece 2 piece

Air spring, rebound, Coil preload adjust, Air spring, rebound, Coil preload adjust, Air spring, rebound, Air spring, rebound,
remote lock out Lockout, Rebound remote lock out Lockout lock out remote lock out

100mm 120mm 100mm 120mm 130mm 100mm

S-XXL XS-XL XS-XXL S-XL S-XL XS-XL

398mm 440 409 617( top tube) 445 419

70 66.5 68.5 68 66 68

73 74.5 73.5 74 75 75

81
TESTED
There’s a world of choice
in bikes and bike parts
out there. Our test team
put bikes and products
through the works.
84 Specialized Levo SL
88 Mondraker Super Foxy R
92 Whyte T-160
96 Long Term: Trek Fuel EX 8
98 CST tyres
100 FSA Afterburner wheels
102 Funn pedals
104 Specialized S-Works Recon
106 Leatt Gravity 4.0 helmet

THE HUB
The where, what, how
and when of mountain
biking, from industry
professionals.
108 Skills
110 Nutrition
112 Fitness

83
 Ryan
Walsch
PHOTOS: Jordan Riddle

SPECIALIZED HEIGHT: 178cm

WEIGHT: 74kg

LEVO SL COMP EXPERIENCE: Just Ryan Along.

USUALLY RIDES: Forbidden
Druid mini Enduro sled
WORDS RYAN WALSCH PHOTOS JORDAN RIDDLE
BIKE TEST TRACK: Chundery
jank of our nation’s capital

I
t should be no big news that the eMTBs we an incredible handling trail bike that gives some
see on shop floors and on trails have seamless assistance. Their design aim was all
technology that is accelerating at a rate of about handling, capability and class leading
knots, if you’ll excuse the pun. A few main brands pedal-assist.
have really been pushing forward in the eMTB
space, working to make bikes that ride how us INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
riders want them to, with seamless integration
between our input and that of the support system. Well look at it, it looks like a Stumpjumper Evo,
Specialized have continually put their own spin with the same lines and frame features we have
on the world of e-bikes. And when the Levo SL grown accustomed to seeing with a very slender
launched a few years back, cutting the power and mid-drive motor tucked into the chassis with a
battery size, everyone was ready to hate it, battery conceiled within the completely normal
including me – until I tested one in 2020. Since diameter down tube.
then, we have seen some incredible mid-power Specialized have constructed the all new Levo
eMTBs hit the dirt. From Orbea to Pivot to Trek SL (or Super Lite) frame from their own FACT
and Transition. There’s a bit of a range of what 11M carbon fibre composite driven by FEA
‘mid-power’ is, but in general you’re getting less modelling resulting in optimal tube and junction
than a full 85Nm of torque, with a smaller battery shapes, layups and material usage. It’s a
size and a lighter bike that responds much more seriously slender frame when you realise its an
like a bike without assistance. e-bike. Just like Specialized’s Stumpjumper Evo,
In early May, Specialized released the second the Levo SL’s geometry is highly adjustable and a
generation Levo SL. Specialized say it’s the ‘best near carbon copy.
ride, amplified.’ To me, that means it needs to be The headtube angle ships in the middle of 3

84
positions at 64.25 degrees and can slacken Specialized, we see the Levo SL move to their A smaller rear wheel is also stronger laterally
out by 1.25 degrees to a slack 63 and reigned S sizing from S1 to S6 instead of the and does handle the abuse of the increased
into a sharper steering 65.5 degrees. This can conventional small, medium and large of its weight – even though this bike doesn’t have
all be carried out with supplied adjustable predecessor. With a low standover, riders can much of a weight penalty over a lot of capable
cups, the neat SWAT tool stowed in the choose a bike based on reach, playfulness and trail bikes.
steerer tube and a clean rag and some riding style. At 178cm tall I could easily swing Specialized’s suspension setup guide is very
grease, the cups are keyed so they can only be a leg over an S3 or S4 but opted for the S4 accurate, probably the most accurate Ive used
installed the correct way with no room for with its 475mm reach and an actual wheel- and as always I setup the bikes as per their
error which a fantastic. Ben Morrison’s recent base of 1247mm which feels a little more recommendations before I fiddle. It’s great to
review on the Alloy Stumpjumper Evo delves stable for the type or riding I prefer. The see the addition of a Fox Rhythm 36 and a Fox
into this feature further. In addition to the neat “Rider First” philosophy Specialized has Float X performance rear shock which
head-angle adjustments, there are two “flip followed means each frame from sizes S1 transforms the ride when compared to the
chips” on the frame, located on the chainstays through S6 have unique carbon layups giving Fox 34 and Fox DPS found on the original Levo
which allows for either 29 or 27.5 inch setups smaller and larger riders the correct amounts SL we reviewed. While the smaller units shed
and at the shock mount which in high or low of compliance and strength where its needed. a little weight, the decision to add a little
varies the BB height by 5mm. The wheel size Mixed wheel setups suite e-bikes beautifully weight, fun and additional travel to the Levo
change doesn’t imacpt the geometry except and when paired with an already short SL is perfect. With 150mm of rear wheel
for chain stay length – so if you like the ride of 435mm chain stay in the Mullet position, the travel and 160mm upfront, just like the
a 29er, go for it. Levo SL tips in and turns on a dime, kept in Stumpy EVO, the Levo SL is built for getting
Inline with all the recent models from check and in control by the long front centre. rowdy and all keeping within a very scant

85
18.1kgs with cage and no pedals as tested. water bottles place for a maximum total responsive despite the slightly heavier build.
Rounding out the build, SRAM’s GX Eagle 480Wh. Using the neat and ergonomic bar mounted
drivetrain is the benchmark in range, While the additional power and torque is a remote riders can easily toggle between
durability and value. SRAM Code RS brakes huge increase over its predecessor the 1.1 modes and displays on the top tube mounted
with 200mm rotors front and rear take care of motor, the biggest difference I noticed initially Mastermind TCU display.
the whoa, and 30mm internal alloy Roval was how quiet the new 1.2 motor is. Not that Toggling between the modes Eco, Trail and
Traverse wheels are wrapped in a T9 the outgoing 1.1 motor was loud but this new Turbo the power and torque gains are
compound Trail casing Butcher up front and powerplant is barely noticeable in Eco and instantly noticeable and feels most comfort-
slightly more durable T7 compound Elimina- Trail and Specialized claim a 34-45% able at a higher cadence than some other
tor 27.5 inch in the rear. A generous addition reduction when compared to the latter. motors I have reviewed. The default power
is the 170mm dropper, with plenty of room to My only concern before hitting the trail was setting for Turbo is set at 80% power based
move up and down true to Specialized’s S if the Trail casing tyres would be up to the on accumulated Mission Control Data which
sizing mantra and giving riders of various duties on this progressive two third strength can be changed two ways, either in the
shapes and sizes a choice on frame size and trail weapon. brilliant Mission Control App on your phone
handling characteristics. or using a new feature that we love, with
At the heart of the Levo SL is the highly ON THE TRAIL incremental increased or decreases to the
revised and Specialized’s own 1.2 motor which power output by 10% at a time via the bar
has drastically increased in both power and My first impressions of the new Specialized mounted remote. This is something I found
torque figures compared to the 1.1 motor. An Levo SL is just how smooth and quiet it is myself using quite a bit, not as much as the
increase of 33% power and 43% torque when pointed uphill, the revised kinematics gears but more than I thought I would.
respectively, or from 240W to 320W peak result in a “flatter” spring curve and it feels On sustained climbs the seated position is
power and from 35Nm to 50Nm of torque. Fed firmer or slightly less active than other Levos I very comfortable, the 64.25 degree headangle
by a 320Wh battery across all sizes of frame, have ridden when pedalling the bike. This is a does feel a little floppy on steep technical
with the option to extend it out further by an welcomed sensation and one that makes pinches but the climb switch on the Fox Float X
external 160Wh battery which neatly fits in a spirited out of the saddle efforts snappy and does help level things out. Its worth noting

86
that while Specialized states a 76.9 degree OUR TAKE
virtual seat-tube angle the actual angle is 69.5
degrees when I measured it. For taller riders Specialized have worked hard to really push what is
with a longer inseam this will result in a possible with eMTBs. The Levo Gen 3 is an
saddle that wanders further back over the outstanding eMTB, and the Kenevo SL and Levo SL RRP: $11900
rear wheel. This was not noticeable or an show that they really wanted to offer a range of
WEIGHT: 18.1kgs
issue for my shorter 82cm inseam but eMTBs to riders, to suit how they ride. Now, the
something to keep in mind if you’re sizing Specialized Levo SL sees Specialized push into the AVAILABLE SIZES: S1-S6 (S4
down on the S sizing. front of the mid-strength eMTB market again. Even tested)
I touched on one of the most impressive without looking at the support system, having the FRAME MATERIAL: FACt 11M
points of the Levo SL earlier, just how quiet it handling and ride of the Stumpjumper Evo already carbon fibre main frame and swing
is. Sure the motor noise has been reduced by puts the Levo SL2 in an excellent place. Is the Levo arms
34-45% which makes it almost inaudible in Eco SL2 1.2 motor the punchiest in the mid strength
FORK: FOX Rhythm 36, 160mm
and Trail but the Levo SL is equally as class? It does feel like it requires a little more spin
impressive when descending. It’s amazing the to get the most out of it. However the efficiency, SHOCK: FOX Float X Performance,
way the power rolls off discretely at 26kph and absence of noise, industry leading smooth power 210 x 55mm
leaves just the sound of the freehub and trail delivery and fade out and a highly adjustable SHIFTER: SRAM GX Eagle 12sp
debris. There is no distinct clacking around system via the ever improving and over the air
DERAILLEUR: SRAM GX Eagle
like some other motors, just a smooth and updatable Mission Control app make it the package
12sp
silent experience not that dissimilar to an of choice. Good thing too it shares the same motor
analogue bike at all. mount with the 1.1 motor, we will have to wait and CRANK: SRAM S series Alloy,
The handling is spot on, planted but not see if the 1.2 motor will be available as an 170mm
glued to the gound like many eMTBs. The Levo aftermarket upgrade for existing customers? MOTOR: Specialized 1.2
SL remains playful, easily manouvered and Buy the latest Levo SL if you are looking for the
BATTERY: 320Wh
bunny hops and manuals like a normal bike. most capable allrounder trail bike that combines
The Levo SL has a slightly more rearward axle refined handling, adjustability and untainted ride HEAD Unit: Mastermind
path than before, more progression and a feel. While you can punch out some laps on the Levo CHAIN: SRAM GX Eagle 12sp
bottomless feel that maintains momentum. SL2, this isn’t the bike to get if you just want a
CASSETTE: SRAM GX Eagle 12 sp
With a weight penalty of a tad over 2kgs from self-shuttle rig. You’d be better to look at the Levo
11-52t
my regular ride, the SL system itself disappears Gen 3 which is still a more capable bike, with
and as Specialized marketing boffins have greater power and a bigger battery. We tested the WHEEL SET: Roval Traverse
coined so well, it purely amplifies the riders entry level Comp Carbon, but you can also get the 29/27.5”
input when on the pedals. Pro, S-Works and S-Works LTD. Speak to your local TYRES: Specialized Butcher 29 T9/
Specialized dealer for specifics. Eliminator 27.5 T7
BRAKES: SRAM Code RS 200mm
rotors F/R
STEM: Specialized 40mm
HANDLEBARS: Specialized
800mm x 25mm rise
DROPPER POST: X Fusion 170mm
SADDLE: Specialized BG fit Bridge

specialized.com

87
MONDRAKER
SUPERFOXY R
WORDS RYAN WALSCH PHOTOS NICK WAYGOOD

D
espite a few attempts over the years at INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
getting time aboard a Mondraker, the
chance has always eluded me. So there Out of the box, the Superfoxy R screams fast with
was much excitement in the camp when I found super clean lines that follow the entire chassis.
out the Mondraker Superfoxy R was on its way to The iconic slender top tube we see often on the
my workshop. The Superfoxy R is the range podium really stands out - these design cues are
topping alloy model with premium suspension common through the entire Mondraker range.
Ryan
from Ohlins and a selection of sturdy components
from E-Thirteen, SRAM and Maxxis.
The Superfoxy R is Mondraker’s Super Enduro
The frame has high quality hardware, beautifully
machined linkages, retaining C-clips to retain
linkage bearings, flawless welds... the list goes
Walsch
HEIGHT: 178cm
weapon, sporting 170mm of travel up front and on. This is all on the alloy frame which we have
an incredibly supple 160mm out the back. The on review. I personally love how the seat stay WEIGHT: 74kg
platform is designed to flatten terrain and pedal lines up with that thin top tube across the size
EXPERIENCE: Been just
efficiently back up for those huge days in the alps, range giving riders very generous stand over riding along for decades
locals only shuttles or EDR rounds. across the board.
If you’re a fan of longer, lower and slacker, Unlike many suspension systems, Mondraker’s USUALLY RIDES: Forbidden
Mondraker pioneered the long front centre or Zero Suspension consists of two magnificently Druid over build
what they dubbed Forward Geometry and when machined alloy linkages which mount at both BIKE TEST TRACK:
paired with their Zero Suspension system (Zero ends of the shock. This means the shock floats Canberra’s finest trails
Power loss, Zero Pedal Kickback, Zero Brake between the two links and does not touch the
Jack) they have created a bike that has incredible frame at all. The linkage and placement of the
stability at speed and supple ground hugging shock mounts give Mondraker the kinematics that
suspension while retaining sharp handling they are after and characteristic that are hugely
characteristics. advantageous for both descending and climbing.
The long travel enduro bike market is full of Another not as unique feature of late is Mondrak-
great choices, The Superfoxy R sets itself apart er’s Forward Geometry which was introduced into
with a premium aluminium frame for the their 2013 line-up. Ten years ago, this blew
brawlers and privateers paired with Ohlins industries minds. Initially on Forward Geometry
suspension and durable components to round out equipped frames, if the frame reach was, say,
the $7499 package. Mondraker state that the 470mm, Mondraker increased the reach by 60mm
Superfoxy R is for the riders who want to give it and spec’d a custom 10mm stem. The following
everything on the downhills, but don’t have a season, with curious and cautious eyes on them,
carbon frame within their budget. 30mm stems across the board normalised the

88
approach and brands have been following ever ON THE TRAIL
since. I opted for the size Large which measures
a whopping 490mm reach. I could/should have To go down I have to go up. So getting the
selected a medium which measures 470mm but 170mm/160mm Superfoxy R up the hill put
wanted to upsize and ride Forward Geometry on the climbing comfort to the test. It climbs
the trails - it is extremely stable! surprisingly well for a bike with such supple
Out of the box I set the Superfoxy R up suspension and hefty rubber. The Forward
tubeless, and the Maxxis DH casing tyres seated Geometry and steep seat tube angle of 71
up easily on the e*thirteen LG1 Enduro rims degrees (76 degree effective) have you
which were pre-taped and had valves provided. sitting what feels to be just forward of centre
All this alloy and the DH casing tyres do put the and in a strong and commanding position on
Super Foxy R into a hefty region for this climbs. The overall 1273mm length of the
category at 17.2kgs without pedals for our size bike makes the climb stable and it tracks
Large test rig. As always, I set the suspension very nicely up the jumbly and technical
up as per the bike brand’s recommendations; pinches. With a smooth pedalling technique,
Mondraker had a comprehensive suspension the bike moves neither into or upward from
setup guide including damping adjustments for its sag position, true to its Zero or neutral
the front and rear. anti-squat values. The rear wheel remains
The Ohlins RXF 38 170mm fork is extremely active to follow the contours of the terrain
adjustable including a positive and self-equalis- while resisting bobbing either side of sag,
ing negative chamber along with a separately this is very advantageous in the hills.
adjustable ramp up chamber located at the As expected with premium Ohlins
bottom of the fork (which gets filled first). I suspension and DH casing Maxxis tyres the
pressurised the Ramp Up and main chambers Superfoxy R is an absolute plow heading
to 190/90psi respectively and close to 30% sag downhill, particularly when the going is
out back with 165psi in the Ohlins TTX Air which rough. The rear travel via the Zero Suspen-
was surprisingly tricky to equalise. sion System feels bottomless and with the
The only concerns I had before hitting the recommended setup I didn’t noticeably feel it
trails were that the fork was on the softer side bottom out. However the sag indicator/fun
of what I prefer and I wondered how the ring was maxed out - so clearly all the travel
e*thirteen rims would fair with the abuse a was being used. The fork on the other hand
capable bike like this can handle. was way off being balanced with the rear

89
when using Ohlins recommended settings following Ohlin’s setup process. It was a bit I suspect the wheels were machine built and
guide. I kept losing pressure from the ramp up weird and something I will continue to work on not checked and finished by hand; this has
chamber and rapidly blowing through the and likely rebuild to resolve at a later stage. resulted in some minor hops and wobbles
travel, pitching me forward and violently hitting The Superfoxy R excels on the rocky, which cannot be pulled out even after backing
the bottom out bumper which was quite the rutted-out trails and I tested it with both flat off the tension, hammering out the dents and
contrast to the rear. and clipless pedals to experience the Zero starting again with the tensioning process.
The bottom bracket height on the Superfoxt R Pedal kick back feeling as it can often get SRAM’s new DB8 brake is brilliant, and paired
is over 1cm higher than a few bikes I have been overlooked when riding clips only. Riding flats, I with 200mm rotors front and rear, this is in my
riding lately and the combination of the soft can certainly feel some kickback but it is about opinion the most powerful and consistent
fork, conservative 65 degree head angle and as minimal as can be expected when charging braking power at the lower end of the brake
high bottom bracket had me feeling a bit over through a rock garden on flats without a last market. Snappy lever feel, adequate adjust-
the front! With some very helpful back and name like Hill or Fearon. ments, quality pads and rotors make it a
forth communication with the knowledgeable Mondraker have gained some extra points familiar feeling even when compared to my
team at NS Dynamics (the Australian distribu- when it comes to specifying the Maxxis Assegai SRAM Code RSC brakes.
tor for Ohlins) we concluded that there may be and Dissector DH casing tyres in the 3C SRAM’s NX and SX round out the remainder
an internal leak between chambers. To get the MaxxGrip compounds, but I feel they missed of the components, and while at the lower end
fork ridable ASAP I tried upping our pressures the mark with the e*thirteen LG1 Enduro of the field, worked well and without complaint.
until the fork felt and performed like the rear pinned rims. I have long had issues with the The NX derailleur’s clutch may have been at its
which required an eye-watering 130psi/230psi reliability of these rims and more aggressive limit when in the highest ratio gears and
main/ramp up chamber pressures which are riders will need to run higher than normal pinning through rocks, but given how capable
well above the recommended for a 74kg rider. pressures or inserts - or both - despite the the bike is, this is not a deal breaker. I do wish
This was all carried out with the same digital brilliant tyres adorning them. Our wheels lost that Mondraker had spec’d slightly shorter
shock pump used for the rear shock and close to half their tension over the first 2 rides. cranks as at 175mm on the large I was lucky

90
the bike had a higher BB than I am used to. As and presence on the trail. The Superfoxy R’s
the bike has Superboost 157mm rear hub spacing, Ohlins suspension and Zero Suspension system
finding a shorter crankset can sometimes be tricky itself are what make this bike an absolute
or confusing, although the smaller models do dream in the rough, the long and stable chassis
have 170mm. make it track across rough as all hell lines with
RRP $7499
Mondraker’s own Onoff bar, stem and travel ease. In contrast, the super active suspension
adjustable dropper post are all neatly finished did make the bike a little wallowy and less WEIGHT 17.2kgs (as tested)
and feel like good quality offerings, particularly responsive on bike park style features and AVAILABLE SIZES S, M, L
the dropper post. The ability to change the dropper terrain. The Mondraker is happiest sitting into (tested), XL
post’s drop from 170mm to 140mm, and anywhere its travel and charging steep and chunky trails.
These same traits mean it absorbs lips more FRAME MATERIAL 6061 Alloy
in between, by 10mm increments is very handy.
Stealth Evo, hydroformed tubing
It would be even more adaptable to riders of all than other bikes but eats braking bumps and
shapes and sizes if the seat tube wasn’t quite so ruts like they weren’t there. FORK Öhlins RXF 38 M.2 29,
long; at 470mm it is higher than almost all Large Throughout the test period, our Superfoxy R 170mm, TTX18 cartridge
frames I’ve reviewed in the last few seasons, and held up very well considering its intended use SHOCK Öhlins TTX Air
despite the fantastic standover something to be and the abuse it received. While the initial setup 205X65mm
mindful of if you’re considering a Superfoxy! of the fork and the leaking ramp up control air
SHIFTER SRAM SX Eagle 12sp
chamber is annoying, this will be a one off and
something the distributor is happy to look at DERAILLEUR SRAM NX Eagle
OUR TAKE
and resolve, so a non-issue in our book. The 12sp
It’s great to see more companies going back to rear wheel’s tension backing off is easily CRANK SET Truvativ Descendant
offering a premium aluminium model bike in their resolved too, however I would have loved to see 7K Eagle, SuperBoost, DUB, 32t
ranges. I would have loved to see some more bling a more robust rim on this bike, something like 175mm
in terms of components, but there is no denying the DT Swiss’s FR541 for example. That being said,
BOTTOM BRACKET SRAM DUB
fact that the Ohlins suspension, powerful brakes and if you know you are hard on equipment, pop a
Threaded
careful selection of parts on the Superfoxy R is a Tannus or Cushcore tubeless insert in and enjoy
robust and durable contender with a quality ride feel trouble free charging on the wildest trails. CHAIN SRAM SX Eagle
CASSETTE SRAM NX Eagle 11-50
12sp
WHEEL SET E*13 LG1 Enduro,
30mm internal
TYRES Maxxis Assegai/Dissector
29x 2.5/2.4”
BRAKES SRAM DB8 200/200mm
STEM Onoff Sulfur FG 30mm
forged alloy
HANDLEBAR Onoff Sulfur, 20mm
rise, 800mm
SEATPOST Onoff Pija 140-170mm
drop SDG BEL-AIR 3.0, LPU foam,
steel rails

mondraker.com

91
 Ben Morrison
RIDING EXPERIENCE:
20+ years racing many forms of
mountain bikes around the globe.
GENERALLY, RIDES: Trek Slash 9.9
HEIGHT: 177cm
WEIGHT: 77kg
BIKE TEST TRACK’S: Majura Pines,
Stromlo Forest Park, ANU Bike Park

WHYTE
T-160
WORDS BEN (MOSHY) MORRISON PHOTOS NICK WAYGOOD

H
ailing from the United Kingdom, Whyte internal cable routing, rubber armour on the
have set the benchmark for making down tube and a nice soft chain stay protector
weatherproof bikes for years. They’re also tick the modern inclusions box. At first glance,
known as pioneers of the longer, lower, slacker there are many similarities between the T-160
trend of bike geometry. The British bike whizzes and the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo I recently
started designing their bikes that way over a reviewed, including a Horst link and the cable
decade ago – because it worked. For any Whyte routing, as it leaves the main frame and goes
bike we have tested here at AMB, we have always under the bottom bracket and on to the chain
been impressed with the build quality of Whyte stays.
frames, which have bearings so well sealed that Whyte geometry has always been on the front
they cover them with a lifetime warranty! But the foot. The G-170 I reviewed a few years ago was
handling and balanced design is what always one of the longest bikes getting around at the
wins us over. time and would likely still be modern when
looking at the numbers some brands use. The
FIRST IMPRESSIONS Whyte T-160 has a 64.7 degree head angle and
75.1 degree seat angle, with a 450mm reach in
Whyte’s T-160 continues on the past success of my medium test bike. The T-160 isn’t out there
its smaller sibling the T-140. Like all of trying to reinvent things, and this geometry is
Whyte’s current full suspension line up, it is using similar to the Stumpjumper Evo I tested.
a full alloy frame. However the T-160’s hydro- However it’s a case of independent minds
formed alloy frame set could easily be mistaken working to achieve a common goal and land close
for carbon at first glance with its nice smooth to each other with a result that works.
welds around the head tube. Features like Geometry adjustment for things like head angle

92
and bottom bracket height are done using keeping the weather out and you riding. This models in the Lyrik range. But if you take a
Whyte’s Shape It Link which runs an offset is a neat rubber cover where the seat post second to think that this was the benchmark
shock insert. It’s more of a do it at home enters the frame to keep out dirt and water of forks in the 160mm category a few years go
adjustment as you don’t want to lose that out which is very cool! you realise it’s actually a really good fork and
offset bushing, but it is a simple process so a Braking is looked after by a set of 4 piston that some of us are just a bit snobby.
car park adjustment should be totally safe. TRP trail Evo brakes. This is my first time on a Whyte use a RockShox Super Deluxe Select
Once moving to the lower setting, it really set of TRP brakes and after setting them up I + to gain 150mm travel in the back. This unit
opened things up and the T-160 was left in had high hopes out on the trails after is custom tuned for Whyte and the T160 which
this position because there were no negatives experiencing an excellent shop feel. The shows! I set it up with my go to sag of 30% for
coming from it. This changes the head angle shifting is looked after by Shimano with a longer legged bikes.
to 64.1 degrees and drops the bottom bracket fresh 12-speed Deore shifter and rear mech
height by 8mm. attached to a universal derailleur hanger ON THE TRAIL
Whyte has given you loads of standover (UDH), working alongside a Sunrace 11-50t
height on this frame and are using their cassette and the in-house Whyte direct mount Whyte state that the T-160 is all about ‘easy
in-house ‘Drop It’ post which has 170mm drop crank set. climbing, epic descending’, and so that’s what
on a medium frame and a range of adjust- The T-160 uses a 160mm fork and this is I wanted to test it against. The T series is
ments that allows you to reduce travel in where the T-160 name comes from, all while aimed at trail riding, and a 160/150mm travel
10mm increments up to a total of a 30mm the frame has 150mm travel. The RockShox trail 29er sure is a versatile bike, but this is
reduction. In this same area you see the first Lyrik Select RC does feel a little out of its also a pretty competitive field. When climbing
of Whyte’s custom items designed around depth due to a lack of adjustment over other I spent a fair bit of time looking down to see if

93
the linkage was moving as the climbing especially for nice bikes at the 5k price point!
efficiency of the T-160 is outstanding even Perhaps one of the contributing facts around
without use of a lockout. The T160 climbs like it the grip was the use of a pair of Maxxis tyres
has much less travel and when the compression with a High Roller II out back and an Assegai up
of the Lyrik is dialled up, and the lockout on the front, both with the EXO casing and Maxx Terra
Deluxe Select + is actually used, there is no fire compound (which I did not flat at all during the
road climb that’s too long. Looking back at the test). These sit on a set of WTB rims with Whyte
Deluxe Select +, the way it worked with the sealed bearing hubs connecting them to the bike
Horst link style suspension was outstanding. and the front hub using a set of Torq caps to
Grip was always there when you needed it and create a 20mm contact point, stiffening the forks
even the harshest bottom outs were taken off more than the normal 15mm found on most
with only minor feedback coming through to the hubs. The confidence in front end grip is a big
rider. The shock performs like it has a few more part of the capability of the Whyte T-160 – it feels
bells and whistles than it does. It must be said sure-footed and direct.
that when bike brands go to the effort of a One area I found a little lacking was the
custom tune so a bike works the way it was brakes. While the TRP brakes are 4-piston with
designed to work, not just as good as they can big 203mm rotors and sintered pads, I didn’t get
get it, the bike will stand out from the crowd. the performance I expected. After performing
When it comes time to descend, the Whyte the normal bed in process used for many other
holds no surprises. It’s long, has the right brands, I still found that there was no grab from
numbers for head angle and reach, and takes the pads, the feel was like the pads and rotor
just about anything in its stride. The suspension had glazed over. The sintered pad in the Trail
is well-balanced and takes large hits with no Evo brakes should bed in by at least 3 rides and
harsh bottom outs. From big hits through to start to show signs of increased power,
loading up the bike into corners, it responds as especially with the 203mm rotors. Several rides
you’d expect – direct and wanting more. It’s a later it was found that once the Trail Evo brakes
long travel trail bike baller, that will get you to started to get some heat in them, the power
the top and is ready to press Send on the way started to show. But at the start of every ride the
down. brakes feel like they need bedding in. Perhaps
Despite the slacker geometry setting, there this will change over time.
was never a question of front-end grip. The front The shifting was as expected; totally flawless
wheel tracked as it should and the Lyrik worked during our time with the T-160 and pretty much
hard to keep the tyre stuck to the ground. If you zero adjustment was needed. I had my doubts
remove the fact there are newer, fancier about the Sunrace cassette, but it proved them
dampers out there, the only gripe I had with the wrong. All of the Whyte in house parts have a
Lyrik is an air sucking sound you hear on very nice feel, from the bars, to the cranks and the
fast mid travel hits. It’s not uncommon for a fork Drop It adjustable dropper post. They were
but I think it is time this was addressed really nice to use and well thought out.

94
OUR TAKE ride and did have me singing its praises, with its
only short comings really being the brakes. I am
The Whyte T-160 is a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing 100% certain that with some other brakes (or
and you can’t just make assumptions about this bike. different pads) like a set of Code Rs or Deore 4
Being from the UK, Whyte have made double sure pistons that there would be no downfalls for the RRP $4999.00
anywhere water can get in has been engineered to T-160. I hear you say what about frame storage? WEIGHT 16.4kg
make sure it can’t. Whyte state that it’s a capable Well, the team at Whyte Australia have you
SIZES M, L (tested), XL
climber to rip the descents and this bike climbs covered with the addition (in Australia only) of
really well, and it’s got the fun parts covered too. the neat Occam Apex Race Strap system using a FRAME 6061 Alloy, SCR
Yes, it’s a 160/150mm travel bike but it only rides BOA closure. On top of that they include a top Aluminium
like that when it needs to. Bike park laps with berms cap cover that will hold an Apple Air Tag (Air FORK RockShox Lyrik Select
and jumps are a playground for the T-160 and it feels Tag not included) to make sure you always RC160mm travel
right at home there. But if steep chunky rocky trails know where the fun is being had! This is a lot of
SHOCK RockShox Deluxe Select +
are more your thing, the T-160 has that covered too. bike for $5000, and one truly worth speaking
From the word go this was a bike that was easy to with your local Whyte dealer about. SHIFTER Shimano Deore 12sp
DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore 12sp
CRANK Whyte Alloy
BOTTOM BRACKET FSA
CHAIN Shimano SLX 12sp
CASSETTE Sunrace 12-speed, 11-51t
ROTORS TRP 203mm
HUBS Whyte Alloy, Double
Sealed Cartridge Bearings
SPOKES DT Swiss
RIMS WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0, 32h
TYRES Maxxis Assegai / Minion
DHR II
BRAKES TRP Trail EVO, 4 Piston,
Sintered Pads
STEM Whyte Gravity Stem, 35mm
HANDLEBARS Whyte Custom
6061 Alloy, 30mm rise, 780mm
SEATPOST Whyte Drop it Post II,
30.9mm, M/L 140-170mm
SADDLE Whyte Custom, Dual
Density, Triple Panel Design

Carbuta Pty Ltd

95
 TREK
slightly higher and steeper position works in
the same manner, adding a little more
manoeuvrability on the flatter trails that

FUEL EX 8 typify the greater Brisbane area. And it’s not

a huge change, the head angle is still 65.1
degrees, and not 64.5 degrees. And I think
most people who ride trails that aren’t so
long and steep would find it’s a good change.
WORDS AND PHOTOS MIKE BLEWITT
I am running about 5 psi softer than I was in
the less support position with this change,

I
’ve had the Trek Fuel EX 8 in my shed staying capable with some Pirelli Scorpion and enjoying it for day to day trail riding.
since January now, and unfortunately I Enduro HardWall tyres in 2.4”. It might seem
haven’t played around with it as much as wild to back off rim width from 30mm to A BIT OF ERGONOMICS AND BRAKING
anticipated. When it launched last year, Trek 27mm, and tyres width from 2.5” to 2.4” - but
really said it was going to be a trail bike for hear me out. That move dropped about 500g I really like how the Shimano iSpec EV
everyone. And I agree. It’s a completely of rotating weight off the Fuel EX, and took mounts allow customisation of your cockpit
different bike to the previous generation of nothing away from the capability of the bike. - but I think it is an oversight that Trek didn’t
Trek Fuel EX models, but one that has moved It did mean that riding to the trails to rip spec them, using a bar mount shifter instead.
with the times as mountain biking some descents was all the more pleasant. I’ve struggled to match the placement of
progresses. I still really think that the Trek There is nothing wrong with the wheel set on shifters and levers like on my other bikes. So
Fuel EX platform can be the trail bike for just the Fuel EX 8, but if this is a the trail bike to I think I’ll be digging into the parts bin for a
about anyone, thanks to the adaptability, rule them all, in terms of a frame and suspen- an iSpec EV shifter, which will give me
model range and size options. But from my sion package, you can expect to do some inboard and outboard movement, not
experience with this bike so far, let’s look at a parts swaps to make it the trail bike that you restricted by where the shifter and brake bar
few things going well, and a few things want and need. clamps are.
holding it back. And on braking, the Shimano SLX 4-piston
MORE SUPPORT brakes are fantastic, but as I’m expecting the
HEADSET ADJUSTMENTS... LATER headset cups to arrive to revert the Fuel EX
On the same token, I made a similar change to something slacker and burlier for some
Head set cups to drastically change the head to what I did at the tail end of my test on the more aggressive use - I want to up the
angle are a very cool feature on the Trek Fuel Trek Fuel EX 9.9 AXS. I put the suspension braking power. But this can be done via
EX. It looks to be a simple system, albeit a setting in the ‘More’ support position (not rotors and pads, as the stock units are fine
workshop more than trail head adjustment. I shown in this photo) and changed the but they have room for improvement. I’ve got
don’t think many riders will look to adjust MinoLink to the high setting. This is far from some Galfer Wave rotors coming with their
their geometry very often - but being able to turning it into an XC bike, but it does Advanced pads which should change the
use the head set adjustments along with the completely change the dynamic of the Fuel brake feel and power a little.
MinoLink to tune in the geometry to suit the EX. With more support in how the suspension
needs of your trails is fantastic. Unfortunate- ramps up, I find the bike rides higher in its
ly, these haven’t been available yet from travel, which suits a lot of my local trails. I
Trek. And that’s not just for me, but mostly prefere the bike to stay high in its travel to
globally. When they do arrive it will be time skip over some of the rockier lines, as
to play, along with lining up a 27.5” rear opposed to sinking into the travel - it just
wheel and potentially a longer travel fork to suits my preferences. Additionally, the
really change the nature of the Fuel EX. But
for now, like any Fuel EX owners with the
same idea - we wait.

LIGHTEN UP!
BETWEEN THE TAPE
So I went in the other direction. With the
chance to test the FSA Afterburner i27 Does it enduro? Well I’m not sure, but it sure
wheels (turn to page 100), I had the ability to was a lot of fun at a recent Rocky Trail
fit a high quality alloy wheel set in that shed Superflow at West Mt Cotton. The trails were
some weight from the Fuel EX, while still very dry, and got progressively loose. I didn’t
go particularly fast, but the Fuel EX 8 had no
worries stepping onto the race track at this
fun-filled gravity event. I did have the bike
setup back into the low position and the less
support option with 180psi in the shock, and
enjoyed the day on the trails with some
friends. It shows that the Fuel EX can be the
pedally trail bike and have fun in gravity
events as well. Fingers crossed the frame
hardware arrives soon and I can push the
bike and my ability a little more in the gravity
sense. Catch the updates next issue.

96
97
CST
TYRES REVIEW
CST has a reputation for producing reliable but affordable tyres over autumn.
for all disciplines. The Chinese manufacturer is also the parent These tyres were all tested on the same wheel set – a new pair
company of the renowned Maxxis tyre brand, so they have plenty of alloy Race Face Turbine R 30 29” wheels. I typically run a
of experience when it comes to creating and distributing bicycle Maxxis Assegai EXO+ on the front and Minion DHR II with DH
rubber. However, at nearly half the price of a typical Maxxis tyre, casing on the rear. For gravity riding in most conditions, I run
CST targets a wider demographic and user base. They’ve recently 20psi in the front tyre and 25psi in the rear tyre. I applied these
created a modern lineup of trail and gravity orientated tyres, and same pressures to all the CST tyres on test and used Joe’s
we were sent some by Australian distributor KWT Imports to test No-Flats sealant for all tyres.

Photos: Georgina von Marburg

BFT 29 X 2.2” FOLDING TYRES

BFT – Big Fat Tyre. Yes, this is the actual acronym for BFTs felt right at home. Despite the narrower width
this model from CST. Despite the connotations, these compared to my usual 2.4/2.5” combo, the tyres felt
folding tyres were only 2.25” wide. So while they’re stable and grippy. I could comfortably hook into banked
designed for all-mountain and freeride adventures, corners, and straight line down rocky chutes. They did
Fast rolling for a trail tyre they’re still quite a narrow trail tyre. However, they are struggle somewhat on flat, off camber corners compared
also available in a 2.5” wide edition. Each BFT tyre to something with more pronounced cornering knobs,
weighed in at 928g on my personal digital scales. so maybe steer clear of these if you ride Mount Beauty
Excellent in dry conditions Choose the size to fit your frame and fork clearance. a lot!
Installing these tyres was hassle free. Using a But the main advantage of the BFTs is their fast rolling
compressor, they beaded quickly on my Race Face capacity. You instantly feel the efficiency behind these all
Budget friendly Turbine wheels, but like most new tyres, struggled to mountain tyres, similar to that of a Maxxis DHF. For dry,
bead with a regular floor pump. Setting my usual hardpack, and hardpack over loose conditions, I would
pressures, I was ready to hit the trails on my Pivot highly recommend the BFT as an affordable trail tyre. I
Might struggle in the wet Switchblade. One thing I noticed is that CST tyres have a have not tested these in the wet yet, and I presume they
shiny gloss finish to the rubber; they feel quite slick to would struggle due to the close tread pattern and
touch compared to the typically tacky Maxxis tyre, so I low-profile knobs. But for most Australian conditions,
RRP: $64.94 was curious to see how they performed. these are a surprisingly capable tyre.
From: kwtimports.com.au Straight onto the dusty, dry flow trails of Mystic, the Georgina von Marburg

98
 GRAVATEER 29 X 2.5” WIREBEAD TYRES
With a triple compound DH casing and an incredibly However, once we started to point downwards, the
high-profile tread pattern, the Graveteer tyres are Gravateers were at home. They were planted and sticky
aimed squarely at the park and downhill market. These over rocks and roots, and running them both front and
are hefty tyres, weighing in at just over 1500g each rear only increased the grip in the greasy conditions.
Stiff sidewalls - that’s a whole half a kilo heavier than a BFT, and They were excellent through corners, letting me push
around 200g heavier than my Maxxis DHRII DH casing into the rear wheel and get my chin over the handlebars.
tyre. Gravity is the Gravateer’s friend, and they’re not The harder I rode the tyres, the better they performed.
Grippy compound
for the faint hearted - or big pedal days. However as soon as the trail flattened out, the rolling
Being a wirebead, these were really easy to install speed – or lack of – was noticeable again. Unless the
Good in wet and dry and beaded instantly. The tread pattern is extremely trail was fast and steep, the Gravateers were like a dead
conditions aggressive, with some impressive cornering knobs weight, requiring me to really muscle the bike over
similar to that of a Maxxis Assegai. Off the shelf, the sections I would usually pop over easily.
Gravateers look like they can take a beating. So after a By the end of the test, it was clear these tyres were
Budget friendly! significant amount of rain, I installed them on my Pivot unapologetically downhill orientated. I’d keep them away
Firebird and took them on the more steep and technical from pedal days, but happily use them on uplift assisted
trails on offer at Mystic Bike Park. runs. They are stiff and aggressive tyres which perform
Suits park rats As I started to climb, the weight was instantly well in varying conditions. And perhaps the biggest
noticeable. These tyres were an absolute slog to drag selling point is their extremely affordable price point; at
up the hill. They fought against my rolling efficiency at less than half the price of many DH casing tyres, the CST
Heavy
all times and were just begging to be pointed Gravateers are your wallet’s best friend. They’d be an
downhill. To be honest, while they were very grippy excellent choice for a grom’s DH bike, or a handy spare
RRP: $54 over the wet roots, it was not an enjoyable experience for anyone’s Maydena holiday.
From: kwtimports.com.au riding them uphill! Georgina von Marburg
 Photos: Mike Blewitt
FSA
AFTERBURNER I27 MTB
Amazing set
of hubs
DISC WHEEL SET
You have probably heard it a lot, but one of the best the past few years would be the same, potentially with
upgrades you can make on your bike is putting a better 2-2.3kg wheels with fairly basic spokes and hubs and narrow
set of wheels on it. Let’s be a little more accurate and say, rims. As such, the FSA Afterburner i27 wheels may be a
Great build
quality
a better set of wheels that suits your bike and your riding. smart upgrade for those who want the benefits of a wider
These 29” wheels have alloy rims, with an asymmetric rim, less rotating weight and a fantastic set of hubs - while
rim for more even spoke tension. The straight pull spokes not trying to fit a wheel and tyre combination into a frame
join to the hubs that use cartridge bearings, and a 6-pawl that just doesn’t want to accept the girth!
Perfect upgrade freehub on a 54t drive ring for rapid engagement. You can
for a lot of get the wheels with a SRAM XD, HG or Microspline INITIAL SETUP
stock bikes
freehub, as shown here. The rim width is in the product
name, 27mm. This walks the line between 25mm and The rims come without the tubeless tape or valves fitted, but
30mm, but in doing so it also holds off the extra weight they are supplied. It is a great opportunity to see how well
Some may want that a 30mm rim, in alloy, can bring. As such, our set the rims are finished on the inside. It’s a very smooth rim
wider or lighter weighs 1854g, which is pretty good for a set of wheels well, which typically helps the tyres pop up when they are
that could end up on an XC bike, downcountry bike or inflated. The tape is high quality and went on nicely with
even a fast and light trail bike. It’s not uncommon for some tension applied - if you’re not confident doing this and
RRP: $999.95 stock wheels on mid to high spec XC bikes to weigh creating a neat hole for the valve, just ask the FSA dealer
From: Advance Traders around 2kg with a 23mm rim. Plenty of trail bikes from you’re buying the wheels from to assist with the setup.
At 27mm internal, the tyres will suit tyre widths of
around 2.2-2.4”. I planned to fit these wheels to the Trek
Fuel EX long term test bike, so I grabbed a set of Pirelli
Enduro Hardwall 2.4” that Hayden had been testing for a
previous issue and mounted them up to test the wheels.
They inflated easily with a track pump and some Joe’s
NoFlats Elite sealant.
The straight-pull hubs use a 6-bolt rotor fitment, so I
moved the stock rotors from the Bontrager wheels across,
along with the Shimano XT cassette. It’s worth noting that
the hub is very easy to take apart, and I quickly opened it up
before fitting the cassette, and was reassured to see plenty
of nice and clean grease on the 6 hub pawls and drive ring.
This should be easy for most riders to stay on top of as
preventative maintenance.

100
ON THE TRAIL

When I had pulled the wheels out of the box, I was

impressed with how smoothly the hubs spun. And while the
54t drive ring has a nice and fast engagement, I really think
it is worth considering where the balance point of smooth
rolling and engagement is. At a hair under $1000, I think
the FSA wheels find the perfect balance, and they are one
of the better rolling wheels I have ridden.
Taking off out of the driveway, the wheels felt as solid as
what I had replaced, but with a little more pop from
acceleration given the wheel system change dropped about
500g from what had been on the bike. On the dirt, the
wheels hummed along as expected. and on singletrack
climbs to gain the descents, I appreciated the fast
engagement. Yes, there are faster engaging hubs out there
with less than 6 degrees of movement for engagement, but
they will normally come at a very high price, and there are
some suggestions that more points of engagement can play
a role in more pedal kickback in some suspension systems.
Just something to think about!
With the 2.4” tyres fitted, I found the size they inflated to
to be spot on. Yeah, they would have a slightly larger body
if they were fitted to a wider rim. But as it was on the 27mm
internal, the edge knob sat proud from the sidewall, which
doesn’t always happen on 30mm rims and all tyres. Given
it’s been so dry on my local trails for months, I actually
liked the more pronounced edge knobs and the lighter
weight, finding some great handling traits on looser trails
that had plenty of sections erring to off-camber.
While I have spoken to the weight of the wheels, that’s not
to call them ‘light weight’ in a fragile sense. They are
designed for trail use, and even using them in a local fun
enduro (a Rocky Trail Superflow event) which had more
rocks appearing from the dust every run, the rims are A1.
They are a high quality product that excelled during the
approximately 2 months use I gave them. But if you are one
to ding rims a lot - you either need to fit heavier casing
tyres, run higher tyre pressures, fit an insert or maybe all
three. Optimise the wheel system, your riding and wallet
will thank you in the long run. And any ride buddies who
have to listen to your whinging or wait while you fix a flat!

OUR TAKE

Here at AMB we get to review a lot of wheels, and a lot of

them are high zoot carbon wheels that cost more than
plenty of very nice bikes. But let me be clear - a wheel
upgrade does not need to be to a carbon wheel set with
boutique hubs to be worthwhile. It just needs to be an
upgrade from what you have, improving on what you don’t
like with your current wheels. And if that’s material - go
and spoil yourself. From experience testing a whole lot of
bikes, a lot of very good bikes come with wheels more
basic than they should. From rim quality, to hub and
spoke quality and of course overall weight. Heavy, stock
wheels can still have soft rims and may have a poor build
quality, hampering not just the ride feel of your bike, but
your time on the trails as well.
If you’re looking for a greater rim width than stock, and
you aren’t likely to need tyres wider than 2.4”, then the FSA
Afterburner i27 is a very well-built, fast rolling wheel to
look at. It would be an ideal way to drop weight from
anything from some stock hardtails I have ridden, through
to top XC bikes we have tested and some fast trail bikes as
well. Think about what you want in a new set of wheels,
and if the FSA wheels tick some boxes, then they will be a
great choice.
Mike Blewitt

101
 FUNN
RIPPER PEDALS
FUNN have been producing mountain bike components While other brands such as DMR also use this system,
Wide platform since the mid-90s, so despite their size, they have nearly the Funn pedals use a spring-loaded angular engage-
two decades of experience to draw from. They even had ment system to allow to easy clip-in. The SPD unit is
riders such as Sam Hill and Greg Minnaar riding for them tilted upwards while not engaged, but then returns to a
in their early years, a testament to their racing roots. horizontal position in line with the cage when under load.
Angular
Their pedals in particular having been catching eyes with
engagement
system their glossy finish and wide platforms, so I was very ON THE TRAIL
eager to get my hands on a set from Aussie distributor
KWT Imports. I’ve used a host of SPD pedals in the past, Pedals are one of the most important touch points on a
but never found one that I really love. Whether it is lack bike, alongside handlebar grips. These connect you to a
Extremely of float or durability, I’ve always had some minor gripe bike, providing trail feedback and determining how you
durable
with various pedals in the past. ride. So it’s essential that features such as grip, float, and
Out of the box, the FUNN Rippers have a high-quality spring tension are totally in-sync with the rider’s needs.
finish and feel to them, as you would expect for $229.95. My first time on these pedals was non-other than race
Serviceable They tipped the scales at 572g without pins. The day at the Mount Beauty round of the Victorian Enduro
removable pins come with their own socket tool in the Series. Those who know, know: this round is as sketchy
Photos: Georgina von Marburg

box, with eight pins for each pedal. The pins were and steep as they get on mainland Australia. It had rained
extremely pronounced when installed, so much so that the night before the race, and there was still plenty of
Pins are too long there was zero float when I eventually got my Ride moisture in the air. I was apprehensive about trying new
for most shoes Concept Hellions to clip in over the pins. This might work pedals on the day, but I was desperate for a bigger
for different shoes or when a spacer is used under the platform than the Shimano M9120 pedals I had been
cleat, but it was not the kind of grip I wanted. So I running on practice day.
RRP: $229.95 removed the pins and ran the pedals without them for the Despite leaving the pins out, my confidence was
From: kwtimports.com.au duration of the test. inspired with the amount of grip with the pedals. I never

102
felt like my foot was sliding across the platform unless Enduro World Cup itself in Maydena. The pedals
I intentionally directed it. Which brings me to float: performed consistently across all locations. However,
there’s an impressive amount of float on these pedals, I am yet to test these pedals in extremely muddy
enough to turn your knees adequately for awkward conditions, so I will be curious to see their mud-shed-
corners. Of course, there will never be as much float ding capabilities.
as flat pedals. However, I’d conclude there is definitely
more float than Shimano pedals. Some riders may OUR TAKE
hate this, others will embrace it. It depends on your
technique and riding style, but these provided the After weeks of heavy-duty testing, it’s hard for me to
perfect amount of float for me. fault these pedals. No play has formed in the axle, and
On trails that constantly demand a foot-out, the while there are plenty of cosmetic scratches from
spring tension and general quality of the SPD system hard hits, the Ripper pedals have withstood an
is integral to riding performance. Despite riding clips, I absolute beating. I did notice some slight resistance
naturally put a foot out though many flat corners, and and a very quiet creak forming where the axle meets
Mount Beauty is full of these. The FUNN spring the angular engagement system; however I’m not
tension works exactly the same as Shimano, and it surprised with this given the conditions the pedals
took 4-5 turns clockwise before I found the perfect have been subject to. These pedals are also fully
tension. The Ride Concepts Hellion shoes clipped in serviceable with KWT selling spare pins, clip
and out quickly, utilising the same knee sweep and mechanisms, and axle kits for all FUNN SPD pedals.
foot action I used for years on Shimano pedals. It was And last but not least, these pedals are available in a
easy to get used to the new Ripper pedals straight out beautiful array of different colours. You can stick with
of the box. conservative black, or match and offset the colours of
Even in those sketchy moments where I could not you bike with green, red, blue, orange, or silver.
clip back in in time, the platform was wide and grippy If you’re not quite happy with your current gravity
enough to be ridden for a couple seconds without pedal setup, I’d highly recommend trying the FUNN
clipping in. This is exactly what I was looking for in a Ripper pedals. They’re incredibly durable and provide
set of gravity pedals, and the Rippers delivered. I the perfect amount of float and grip on the gnarliest of
continued to test the pedals at enduro races in Mount trails.
Buller, the dust pit that is Mansfield High Line, and the Georgina von Marburg

103
 SPECIALIZED
S-WORKS RECON SHOES
In March, Specialized released the new S-Works Recon feet or high arches. The S-Works Recon comes with very
mountain bike and gravel shoe, moving to the top of the light inner soles, so I fitted my own green ones. These cost
Super light, food chain for the endurance mountain biking footwear $55, and I think it would be nice to have them included in a
stiff and from Specialized. For years Specialized have lead the way $650 shoe, if there was a way to work with dealers and
well-made
on fit and performance with their footwear, and not just on direct to consumer sales on this.
the top rung S-Works equipment. For over two decades, The upper is nearly seamless, with a reinforced toe
Specialized have used their Body Geometry fit system, bumper, plus an area of reinforcing just above the sole on
which in a nutshell is fit based on body scan data. As such the outer edge, and through the inner above the instep. This
Body Geometry their shoe lasts and fit have been designed to fit the runs up to where the BOA laces loop around, to assist with a
at its best averages. But that said, I still find that with a 4E forefoot firm hold over the upper and onto the sole. Specialized have
and a high arch, I get a great fit from Specialized footwear offset the BOA cables so they don’t run straight across the
with their green (more support) innersoles. With the new top of your foot, but move on a slight angle from the inside to
S-Works Recon, Specialized have levelled up their top XC the outside. Some riders did find straight across was too
and gravel shoe with updated fit data, with over 100,000 restrictive, and this does feel like a far more natural fit. With
Customisable foot scans from RETÜL fit data analysed to make a better the two BOA dials, Specialized have done away with the little
pedal interface
fit for everyone. velcro strap above the toes - and to me the fit doesn’t suffer
The look and design has been directly influenced by for it.
Specialized’s top road shoes, with input from their The upper has a plethora of small vent holes, and the heel
multi-discipline athletes. The result of the redesign and cup is more pronounced on the inside and drops away to the
Fast drying with updated fit is a high performance, light weight shoe outside, working to add stability but minimise weight. The
with a wider last to serve more foot shapes. The premium same mentality goes to the carbon midsole and outer sole.
shoes will sell for $650, and the new Recon ADV lace up The midsole has an I-beam design of sorts, with most of the
shoe will sell for $350. material through the centre for rigidity with less weight. My
EU44 test shoes weighed 300g each without cleats, but with
High price A CLOSER LOOK the cleat plates. That’s about 30g per shoe lighter than a
Shimano XC903, which is also very light!
The S-Works Recon carries all historical learnings of The rubber on the outsole is minimal. These are a high
Specialized’s Body Geometry which has a number of performance XC and gravel shoe, not something for hiking
known features to aid comfort and fit. They all add up to up to scope lines. There's a very open heel tread with 3 lugs
Should include helping your foot stay in the best position for pedalling - if you have to scramble down a chute, two pontoons either
matching
footbeds maintaining a vertical plane and avoiding having your side of the cleat, creating the cleat pocket, and three lugs at
knees move in towards the top tube, and avoiding the front under the toe. Save for a small section of inlaid rub-
excessive movement which needs additional stabilisation ber in the instep, the rest is carbon fibre.
through the pedal stroke. All this assists efficiency but can The shoes do come with a nice shoe bag for travel and one
also help eliminate knee pain and hotspots - and injury. set of shims, or pontoon stackers. These can be fitted
RRP: $650 Specialized have 3 different inner soles for different arch underneath the pontoons (or tread) either side of the cleat
Specialized.com/au/en support - it really makes a difference for those with flat for a firmer interface with the pedal. Even if you like how the

104
 shoes and pedals work together now, after some wear on hike a bike, this will help. Obviously the sole gets scratched
the rubber you can update this essential contact patch. up pretty easily being bare carbon, but it has no impact on
Specialized even sell thicker shims to suit those who work the performance of the shoe.
with their physio on cleat shims for leg length differences. In my mind, one important aspect for a race-oriented shoe
Very few shoe or pedal companies offer a way to tune the is how well it works day in, day out. They were the only
interface between the shoe and pedal, but many riders will shoes I used on XC and gravel rides for about 6 weeks, and
find this is an essential part of their fit, and feedback with they did not miss a beat. I did one muddy ride in death mud
pedals. Crank Brothers have their cleat shims, as do Look, (I regret everything) in these shoes and given there is so
and these help tune how free the float is with your pedals, little tread, plugging with mud to gum up clipping in just
based on how firm the contact is with the shoe. Using these wasn’t an issue. They also drained very quickly after any
shims you should be able to have the contact feel firm like a creek crossings, and dried quite quickly on my feet. Given
road shoe and pedal, or with more free float like most the shoes got the inevitable jetwash after the death mud
cross-country setups. ride, I was impressed that I was able to use them the next
I fitted my Shimano SPD cleats easily enough with the grid day, after placing them in the sun available and having the
on the sole, and was ready to rock in the olive green shoes. innersoles removed. For anyone tackling stage races this is
They do also come in black or white. important - pulling on wet shoes the day after a miserable
day on the bike does not feel like a good start to the day. The
ON THE TRAIL AND FEET only real padding that can hold water is around the top of
the cuff, and even that dried. Good stuff Specialized!
I have mostly used Shimano and Specialized footwear for I found the pedal security excellent, but wanted to play
the past decade. I know that they fit my feet and I tend to get with the pontoon shims. Visually, it is difficult to see the
about 2-3 years use out of their top footwear, with a fairly access, but once the innersoles are out, and you pull the
heavy load on them in terms of hours of use. However, tongue back, there are small cuts to access the tool head for
having a 4E wide foot does mean that I can get hotspots on a Philips head screwdriver. It’s not the easiest task as you
long, hot days, especially when those days are back to back, sort of do it blind, but it is not complex. The stacker sits very
like at a stage race. So the 4mm wider forefoot than most neatly under the tread lug, and the screws get tightened up
Specialized shoes was very much welcome. And they’re a again.
whopping 8mm wider than the previous Recon!
Given all the security in holding your foot, I really doubt OUR TAKE
anyone with a narrow foot would find these feel too roomy.
If in doubt - visit your local Specialized dealer to try a pair Specialized are the masters at offering continual refinement
on. For me, they fit like a normal Specialized shoe, but of their products, especially at the S-Works level where no
better. stone is left unturned in the pursuit of greater performance.
The S-Works Recon are very direct when on the pedals, as As a top tier gravel and cross-country shoe, the new
much as any top spec shoe like this one is. I’m not equipped S-Works Recon is incredible. At a glance it’s a deceptively
to evaluate how stiff they are over other stiff carbon soled pared back shoe, which still packs some very useful
shoes - they feel just as stiff to me to shoes like the Shimano features and a precise fit. If you like to leave nothing to
Photos: Mike Blewitt

XC903 or Fizik Vento Ferox, however they are a bit lighter. chance and want the best equipment, you should go and try
When off the bike, they are obviously not as sure-footed as these on. Similarly, if you want more options at tuning the
a trail shoe - and no one looking at these shoes should shoe and pedal interface, you should visit your Specialized
expect them to be. The very tip of the toe has some flex built dealer and take a closer look.
in, so if you’re stuck with a section that needs some serious Mike Blewitt

105
 Photos: Gerard Lagana
LEATT
GRAVITY 4.0 HELMET
After watching a close friend pass away from a spinal incorporate it from the beginning. What this gives you is a
Competitive cord injury in 2001, Dr Chris Leatt set out to find a way to succinct product which does not creak, grab your hair, or
price point
minimise neck injuries in motocross. Some three years leave any hotspots. This is a godsend, particularly if you’re
later, the first Leatt neck brace was sold in South Africa. someone who takes their helmet on and off regularly.
These devices shot from obscurity into the mainstream Through testing, I didn’t experience any of the above, which
through the mid 2000s, bringing with it the most cannot be said for some of the nine other full faces I have
Two cheek transformative change to safety in action sports since tested this past year. Comfort wise, this helmet stands out
pad options
the advent of full face helmets. Fast forward a decade for me. While entirely personal, I found the fit of this helmet
and you can now dress yourself in Leatt kit from head to struck a really nice balance between snug security while
toe regardless of if you’re riding motocross or going still being light and having an unobscured field of vision,
mountain biking. similar to how a Troy Lee Designs helmet fits my head. The
Highly vented The Gravity 4.0 is Leatt’s mid range full face offering, Fidlock buckle is a nice touch at this price point, and is
with the 1.0 and 2.0 sitting below it and the 8.0 above it. always a welcome addition over the traditional D-buckle
With a focus on downhill, park and enduro use, this system. For the sake of this test I wore the Gravity 4.0 on
helmet packs in a long list of features given the sub-$500 the climbs and descents, to see how it would really go as
Matte finish price point. Available in four sizes across two shell sizes, an Enduro race lid. I can happily report that it was perfectly
marks easily
the Gravity 4.0 has interchangeable cheek pads, a Fidlock forgettable in both scenarios, allowing me to get on with
buckle, removable liner, breakaway visor and features the job at hand.
Leatt’s own 360° Turbine Technology to boot. Is it a featherweight, airy piece of kit? No, but in my mind
you can’t expect that to be delivered in a helmet that also
RRP: $499.95
bikecorp.com.au WHAT IS 360° TURBINE TECHNOLOGY feels safe and secure when you’re pinning it downhill, and
there are still 20+ vents which do a great job of keeping
Since the introduction of MIPS some two decades ago it your head from overheating. The two large forehead vents
is now an industry expectation that any mid to high end in particular do a great job of porting air in over your skull
full face helmet should include some form of additional when moving at speed. My only real complaint was that the
rotational impact system. Rather than licensing another matte finish of this helmet seemed to scuff quite easily,
technology, Leatt decided to go their own way and something I noticed after taking my goggles on and off a
develop a system that was entirely their own. Founded few dozen times during a test ride. While this is easily fixed
on Dr Leatt’s desire to increase rider’s safety, and backed with some helmet cleaner and a quick polish, it’s worth
by publicly available laboratory testing, what they came noting.
up with is the 360° Turbine system. Put simply, the
helmet has small blue modules within it which increase VERDICT
low energy impact absorption, along with low to high
velocity rotational impact absorption. Under load, these The Leatt Gravity 4.0 strikes the perfect balance of cost,
modules can twist and compress, taking loads away from performance and features in my mind. While also available
your head and transferring them into the helmet’s EPS in an Enduro variant, I would say this helmet is best suited
layer. This is proven to decrease the likelihood of a to anyone who enjoys downhill runs, park laps, extreme
traumatic brain injury in the event of a crash. E-bike missions and everything in between. While there are
models available at lower and higher price points, this 4.0
ON THE TRAIL is right on the money and proves to be a very competitive
offering against its contemporaries such as the 7idp Project
While some rotational impact systems are an addition to 23, Troy Lee Designs D3 and Lazer Cage Kineticore.
the helmet structure, Leatt designs their helmets to Hayden Wright

106
 HOW TO SIDE HOP INTO CORNERS
WORDS JARED RANDO PHOTOS NICK WAYGOOD

T
he key to getting around tight switchbacks and corners quickly pop up on to the high line and get you back on track.
always starts with a wide setup to help open up the turn It’s a technique which is best utilised on tighter corners and
and maintain a smooth arc throughout the turn. Every now switch backs but it can also be handy in other situations
and then though, getting onto the optimal line to enter can be a bit where you need to get up onto a higher line and don’t have
of a challenge due to the nature of the trail or maybe you’ve just much room to move. In essence, it’s effectively a bunny hop
come in a little too hot and ended up on the lower side of the trail. to the side and is a bread and butter trials move. Here’s how
A great technique to use in this situation is the “side-hop” to to go about it.

LOOK WHERE
YOU WANT TO GO
Although it seems
pretty obvious, this
really is the key part
of setting up for a
side hop into a
corner. Here I’m on
the low side of the
trail and looking to
pop up high to set up
for the switchback
ahead. Focus on
where you want to
end up and imagine
putting your front
wheel right on that
spot.

LEAD WITH YOUR

FRONT WHEEL
Once you have your
landing spotted, you
effectively want to bunny
hop with a sideways
motion to that spot. Don’t
worry too much about
your back wheel as it will
follow the front. Pull up
like you normally would
fur a bunny hop but pull
to the side to push your
bike across to where you
want to go. Think of it as
a two part movement
with your front wheel
going first and your rear
wheel following.

108
LAND SMOOTHLY
AND LEANING IN
As you touch down you
need to think about
starting the turn as soon
as you make contact with
the ground. By the time
you touch down your bike
should already be leaning
into the turn with your
body getting ready to
follow. Look to land as
smoothly as possible – if
you pull it off right it
should feel like you
barely leave the ground
and the aim is for it all to
happen in one smooth,
flowing motion.

FOCUS ON THE
REST OF THE TURN
Once you’ve touched
down you should
ideally be focusing well
ahead in the turn and
looking to finish up with
a smooth line out.
Generally with this
technique you’ll be
coming into the turn a
little slower than you
would if you were on
the right line to begin
with so I always look to
let the brakes off as
soon as possible to
help carry speed
through the turn.

KEEP LOW AND

LET OFF THE
BRAKES
As you finish up the
turn, look to keep
your weight low and
the suspension
loaded through the
turn. On tighter turns
exaggerating this
motion can really
help to generate
some traction and
speed out of the
corner. Aim to dig
deep, let your tyres
do the work, let off
the brakes and rail
the rest of the turn to
get back on track.

109
 CARBOHYDRATES YOU SHOULD
BE EATING TO FUEL YOUR RIDE
Fuelling you riding well with adequate carbohydrates helps get the most out of
your time on the bike. But you don’t have to rely on pasta, bread, and rice to get
what you need. Try these other great sources of carbohydrates, too!

WORDS ZOE WILSON, APD PHOTOS MIKE BLEWITT

Most of us know the main types of carbohydrates: starchy Dietary Guidelines found eating 3 serves of whole grain foods a
foods like pasta, bread and rice, and sugary foods like sweets, day is linked to a 20-30% reduction in risk of total mortality,
biscuits, cakes, and pastries. However, carbohydrates are heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.
found in many more foods than just those. For athletes, the Do try this at home: Swap your regular white bread and pasta
type of carbohydrate to choose depends on the timing of for the whole grain options and choose brown rice over basmati
meals and snacks around training, and the amount of or jasmine as the base of stir-fries or curries.
carbohydrates to eat depends on various factors, too.
Everyday carbohydrate choices should also maximise other PSEUDOGRAINS
essential nutrients to ensure the body functions at its best. Pseudo-grains like amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa are so
Read on to find out more about the carbs you didn’t realise named as they look and act like grains but are actually seeds
you should be adding to the shopping list! from a number of different plant species. Nutritionally,
pseudo-grains are similar to ‘true’ grains, too. Pseudo-grains
GREAT CARBOHYDRATE OPTIONS have similar amounts of carbohydrates (approximately 50-60g
FOR THE BASE TRAINING DIET per 100g), protein (13g per 100g), and fat to ‘true’ and are also
rich in many minerals and antioxidants. A bonus is that quinoa
The following is a list of nutrient-dense carbohydrate foods and buckwheat are also gluten-free – great for those with
that make a great addition to the everyday training diet as Coeliac Disease or food intolerances that require limiting
they also provide other nutrients to support the body with gluten.
training demands. The amount of carbohydrates Do try this at home: Use quinoa or buckwheat as a base for
recommended per day varies depending on age, size, and salads at lunchtime or swap them into your nightly meals as
training load. If you’d like some more personalised direction, you would normally eat rice. You can even buy some
book in to see a Sports Dietitian. microwavable sachets to make life super easy.

WHOLEGRAINS LEGUMES
There is nothing wrong with bread, rice, and pasta – they are Legumes are nutrition powerhouses that are well worth adding
staples for a reason. But if you can, make them more nutritious to your week. Legumes like beans, peas, and lentils contain
by choosing the wholegrain version. Wholegrain options will around 20-25g of carbohydrates per 100g. You don’t just get
typically contain about the same amount of carbohydrates but carbohydrates though, legumes are also high in protein and
be lower in calories and higher in fibre, and other nutrients like fibre, and a good source of many vitamins, minerals and
manganese, selenium, copper, and phosphorous. In fact, a antioxidants such as B-group vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium and
review of the scientific evidence conducted for the Australian magnesium. In fact, legumes are higher in protein than most

110
other plant foods and have about twice the protein content of increase blood flow and therefore enhance the flow of oxygen
grains. Research suggests that regularly eating legumes to the muscles.
regularly can help improve blood sugar regulation and Do try this at home: Next time you roast potato, roast
improve gut health due to their high fibre content. beetroot as well. Use roast beetroot as a base for salads at
Do try this at home: throw a rinsed and drained tin of beans, lunchtime or throw some raw beetroot into a smoothie in the
chickpeas, or lentils into your favourite spaghetti Bolognese, morning.
soups, or casseroles. Or cook a big batch of dried beans or
lentils to form the base of salads for the week. BANANAS
Bananas are one of the highest-carbohydrate fruit and they’re
OATS perfectly wrapped for a jersey pocket or backpack. One large
Oats are a healthy whole grain and a great source of banana contains about 30g of carbohydrates. Bananas are
vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, as well as the fibre and good for more than just a carbohydrate though – they are
carbohydrates they’re known for. Oats also contain a also a good source of potassium, which is an electrolyte
particularly heart-healthy type of fibre called beta-glucan, linked to good heart health and lower blood pressure.
making regular old rolled oats a great option for breakfast or Do try this at home: Use ripe bananas as a pre- or
snacks between meals. Due to their high-fibre nature, oats during-ride option, or snack at any time of day. Throw one in
also help keep appetite at bay which can help when trying to your bag for situations when time is tight.
manage weight for performance, too.
Do try this at home: Make your own muesli, Bircher or DAIRY
porridge combos. Some favourites are an ABC nutty muesli Most of us know that dairy is a good source of calcium, but
with raw oats, almonds, brazil and cashew nuts. Or make did you know dairy is also a great source of carbohydrates
meal prep a breeze by batch preparing Bircher with rolled and other essential nutrients? Research suggests that
oats, milk, yoghurt, grated apple and cinnamon for easy regularly having milk, yoghurt, and cheese can protect
mornings. against heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and some
cancers. Milk also makes a great recovery food for after a
BEETROOT hard ride - it’s the perfect combination of carbohydrates,
Beetroot is not technically a starchy vegetable but still protein, and liquid helping to refuel, repair and rehydrate.
contains around 10g of carbohydrates per 100g. It’s also Do try this at home: Get three to four servings of dairy a
packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals and special little day by adding yoghurt to cereal in the morning, cheese into a
compounds for athletes called nitrates. Nitrates are salad or sandwich at lunchtime, and using milk as the base
converted to nitric oxide in the body and nitric oxide helps to for a post-ride smoothie or latte.

111
 SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS:
TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE YOUR
WEEKEND RIDE WORTH IT!
WORDS ANNA BECK P H O T O S T I M B A R D S L E Y- S M I T H

F
or many of us, the weekend is the time where we can get out level when just riding. For more nuanced fueling advice or race
and take some time for ourselves, hitting the trails or gravel nutrition plan please see a sports dietician.
and catching up with friends. With our busy lives and families, it
can be hard to spend time getting ready for these rides, and who 2. PRE-HYDRATE AND REHYDRATE
hasn’t been out on the weekend feeling flat and weak, or turned up to
a ride with only one sock? Though we are headed into cooler months, much of Australia is still
Here we will go through some small life hacks to ensure you get the reasonably warm through autumn and even into winter. Poor
most out of your weekend time on the bike. hydration is similar to poor nutrition: it impedes performance and can
make you feel like a bag of rubbish.
1. FUEL WELL In the days leading into your weekend rides, focus on hydrating
well, ensuring your urine is light, or ‘straw coloured’. This is only one
The old saying was ‘eating is cheating’, but food is totally legal part of a hydration assessment, but the easiest one for you to do at
according to the UCI, and can make a miserable ride turn into a pretty home! During your weekend rides, ensure you’re drinking throughout,
awesome one, so let’s prioritise good nutrition! with electrolyte as well recommended for longer, hotter or more
While it’s not necessary to do a full carbohydrate load for a 90 intense rides. For most rides, however, water is fine.
minute thrash on the trails, nutrition is key for those looking to ride You can work out your fluid loss by weighing yourself naked prior to
further or harder. For longer or more intense rides, a steak and beer your ride, then naked after towelling down after your ride, and
at the pub the night before is probably not your best option. If you’re working out the deficit. Don’t forget also add the weight of water
headed out for a hard or epic ride, choose a meal the night prior with consumed (1ml=1g) to this deficit as well, and this will be your sweat
some hearty good quality carbohydrates: pasta, rice or potatoes. This rate. Aim to gradually replenish 125-150% of your sweat loss over 4-6
ensures your glycogen stores are topped up and will help avoid the hours after your ride.1
dreaded ‘bonk’. Sweat rate is handy in knowing what you’re losing when training on
The morning of your ride, have a breakfast a few hours before and the bike, but be careful and compare like for like: for example, if
take some snacks if it is long and/or intense. A good rule of thumb is you’re making a race plan a hot and humid climate can elicit a very
for longer easier rides over 2hrs (or rides 1-2hrs but more intense!) different rate to hot and dry or cool climates! For the rest of us,
you’re looking at a minimum of around 40g of carbohydrate an hour.
While World Tour riders will at times ingest up to 120g carbohydrate
per hour (a truly wild amount to eat!), most of us aren’t needing that 1. https://www.sportsdietitians.com.au/factsheets/fuelling-recovery/fluids-in-sport/

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hydrating and rehydrating well allows us to get to work on Monday that delicious warm cocoon is by creating extra barriers in the
feeling a little less destroyed after a weekend slaying on the bike. morning, like sifting through washing to find your bike gear, loading
Also, excessive alcohol or caffeine can also adversely affect your the car, finding riding food and lights in the depths of the garage. Get
fluid balance so best to minimise if possible. You don’t have to take it all sorted Friday night and getting out the door on Saturday will be
this advice, but you’ll probably be better hydrated and feel better much easier!
during your ride if you do!
6. MID-WEEK STRETCH/MOBILITY/STRENGTH
3. THE FRIDAY ROLL
As we get older (and spend more time in cars and at desks) we tend
I’ve never met an athlete that voluntarily takes a day off prior to their to lose mobility and strength. In order to ride longer and without
key event. Sure, your Saturday shred may not be the Olympics, but injury, some midweek strength and mobility can be a great way to
the same principles apply. If you have the means to do an easy ride support your weekend sporting pursuits. Even if it’s a simple yoga
the day prior to your weekend shred, take it! Whether it’s a commute routine with some core stability, at-home circuit or actually heading
to work or a short stint turning the legs over on the trainer, a short to the gym to lift heavy, strength and mobility will support your body
ride can work as an ‘activation’ to have you feeling better for that and your riding now and into the future.
Saturday group ride.
7. ORGANISE YOUR CREW
4. PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Accountability is another effective tool in getting us out the door and
For the more adventurous amongst us, planning a route is a great onto the bike, and as they say cycling is better with friends! Send a
way to not be wandering, lost, around a forest for many hours. Don’t shout out to those with similar vibes to tee up a social ride on
ask me how I know. In order to venture further, have a plan and a occasion. For those with heavy training loads, cycling can become a
means to track your location. Be wary of apps like ridewithgps.com; bit of a solo pursuit, but it’s important to
while they’re useful for finding routes and can be a lot of fun, they weave in fun rides with mates, shreds
also feature a lot of roads that simply don’t exist. Once again, don’t on new terrain and the odd social ride to
ask me how I know. keep the enjoyment and stoke high!
There’s nothing more soul destroying than being stranded in a
paddock full of cattle in the middle of nowhere and having run out of 8. ORGANISE YOUR BREWS!
hydration, and longingly gazing at fetid cattle creeks because you’re
so parched. Cross check your route planning with google maps (drag It’s the reason many of us ride: the
the man onto the road to check it’s a road!) and/or Strava heat maps. coffee (and/or beer!). While both of Anna Beck
these can affect your hydration status Anna Beck is a
5. GET YOUR GEAR SORTED and it’s probably best not to go too hard Level 2 cycling
on either—especially leading up to a big coach and 2018 XCM
As the temperatures do eventually get cooler, the pull of a warm bed ride or race—the social benefits of a post National Champion,
gets more difficult to resist. A sure-fire way to actually start your ride ride beverage or meal and catch up and coaches a
is to have everything ready to go: kit, hydration packs, bottles, maps cannot be discounted. In our post- range of athletes.
loaded, computer charged, lights charged and on the bike, helmet and pandemic world we know that gritcoaching.com.au
shoes and bike prepped and ready to go. A guaranteed way to stay in connection is so important.

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