Simon Morton might just be the most famous mountain biker you’ve never heard of. The host of Radio NZ National’s weekly This Way Up program, you may also have spotted him on your tv screen a while back presenting Why We Buy. His latest radio doco is Broken… More ›
The third round of the XCO World Cup series was run at Nova Mesto in the Czech Republic on the weekend, with some great results posted by New Zealand riders. In the U23 women’s race, Spoke contributor Samara Sheppard rode to a brilliant 4th place… More ›
When we posted up Dan Barham’s video of Canadian-based all-mountain posse The Nomads last week, it took me a while to work out where I knew one of the guys from. When the name Chris Johnston appeared in the credits, the penny dropped. The mop… More ›
It seems like every time I run into Aidan, he’s either in plaster, has an arm in a sling, or has a fresh new scar to show off. Having known him since 2007, there have been quite a few of these anatomical trophies on display.… More ›
Want to commute by bicycle, but don’t feel confident enough in traffic? Victoria University researcher Kah Chan has collaborated with the New Zealand Transport Authority, the Greater Wellington Regional Council and a group of Wellington cyclists to put together a pilot series of commuter videos. More ›
Southstar Shuttles, in conjunction with the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club, have initiated a women’s-only shuttle evening with the aim of encouraging more women to get on their bikes in the forest. The idea of a Ladies’ Evening Shuttle came to RMBC’s Kim McVicker from “being… More ›
You know when you’re onto a good piece of kit. It’ll be the first thing you look for when you are getting ready to ride, and if you can’t find it you’ll be digging it out of the wash and giving a quick sniff-test to… More ›
Before I even threw a leg over the GT Sensor 9r, I was sceptical. My experience of 29ers was limited to a couple of rides on a rigid singlespeed, and while it was impressive, it was still a rigid singlespeed. It didn’t make me want… More ›
Ay Up has been producing its lighting systems for a few years now, and since we first tried the originals, the Aussie company has been continuously improving its product. They’re probably the most popular lights seen at endurance races and night rides on both sides… More ›
“Nice top!” I could tell by the tone of voice, and because I knew the person it belonged to only too well, that there was more than a hint of sarcasm contained in the remark. “Why are you wearing a purple jersey?” “It’s not purple.… More ›
The hardtail is dead. Long live the hardtail. It’s a line that’s been spouted more and more in the mountain bike world over the last few years, but does it hold true? Well, the short answer is no. The 26-inch-wheel hardtail still dominates the mountain… More ›
While the lock-on style grip has taken a big hold on the market, a new player is set to infiltrate the grip arena. ESI Grips are the latest must-have accessory, and judging by the number already appearing on bikes around the trails and races, they’re… More ›
If there’s one thing surer than death and taxes it’s mountain biking and hurt. Pedalling uphill hurts, falling off hurts, buying top end components hurts. But we love it. Spoke 44, The Hurt Issue, looks at all things pain. Sound gloomy? Fear not, while some… More ›
It’s a high-flying world, this mountain bike business. Schmoozing with celebrities in the plushest venues, getting plied with the finest aperitifs and delicious hors d’ouvres, while getting to see the coolest new products long before the masses do. Well, okay, a couple of Stellas and… More ›
‘Living the dream’ is something we all aspire to, yet few achieve. Riding bikes all day, never training, drinking coffee and beer, eating burgers, not shaving, and picking up a pay cheque for it sounds too good to be true. Most of us will never get… More ›