In the new MBUK we catch up with the golden girl of UK XC racing, Evie Richards, to find out about her shock World Champs win, “bizarre” Olympics experience and what you can learn from her success. We test a similarly-priced hardtail and full-suspension bike head-to-head to find out if rear suspension is worth it on a limited budget, along with 12 tyres and six pairs of women’s shorts. There’s expert advice on controlling your e-bike, replacing bearings and boosting your braking, plus a ‘build it and ride it’ challenge in the Brecon Beacons, a bikepacking adventure on Dartmoor and a Trail Crew visit to Wales’s Mountain View Bike Park. All this plus a free Mint Sauce air freshener – grab your copy now!
All about Evie
Last year, Evie Richards became the first British Elite XC world champion. But how did this bubbly ‘girl next door’ from Worcestershire end up topping the podium, aged just 24? We get the full lowdown on Evie's life and road to victory.
Hardtail versus full-suspension
In this month's biketest, we take two one-grand-ish bikes from Boardman – one a hardtail, the other a full-susser – and see how they stand up to one another on the trails. Does a rear shock outgun the hardtail's superior kit spec for the price?
Scouting for parts
Our staff writer Will attends a bike launch with a difference! Riders testing the new Nukeproof Scout have to fit their own parts, building up the frame their way to see what it can do. How does Will's build fare on some seriously technical trails?
Evolve to fly
Check out the best things we saw at the Project Evolve women's gravity jam – an awesome showcase of homegrown female riding talent.
How to build upper body strength for e-biking
Electric mountain bikes may make light work of punishing climbs, but all that extra weight can really do a number on your upper body. With the help of Vitus ambassador and strength coach Ben Plenge, we show you some simple routines to help you make the most of your motor-assisted machine.
Tour of the tors
Our map man Max Darkins heads down to Dartmoor National Park in Devon for a bigger-than-usual Big Ride. With the help of his trusty bivvy bag, Max sets out on an epic overnighter through this rugged and beautiful landscape. Plus, don't miss two more bikepacking routes in our Maps section.
And that's not all…
This issue of MBUK is jam-packed with all the latest and greatest bikes, product reviews and news stories from the mountain biking world. We've got new bikes and kit from RockShox and Cotic, along with pages of product reviews that include Roval's Traverse Alloy 29 wheelset. Plus, check out our Trail Crew report from Mountain View Bike Park in South Wales.
Free gift
Every print copy of MBUK 409 comes with a Mint Sauce air freshener, with an exclusive design of everyone's favourite sheep. Don't worry – it's not mint sauce flavoured! With a refreshing sandalwood scent, you won't have to worry about that post-ride pong.
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