Sometimes, hesitation is adventure’s greatest enemy. That moment when you ask yourself: Should I dare? It’s precisely in these moments, when your heart beats faster and doubts arise, that it’s vital to push through. Because the real fun begins when we leave all doubts behind and outgrow ourselves.
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This issue is all about the courage to discover new things, push boundaries, and not second-guess decisions. So, naturally, we stopped hesitating and did just that. Downhill bikes certainly aren’t bestsellers, and there are far more important bikes on the market. But hey, they’re incredibly fun, create unforgettable moments, and take your skills to the next level without completely pushing you to your limits. With that in mind, we all agreed it was high time to conduct the first downhill bike group test in ENDURO’s history. We got a hold of a professional timing system, found an awesome test track, and gathered a bunch of data on six of the hottest gravity-powered bikes. And as if that wasn’t enough, the test field includes a never-before-seen downhill bike! The manufacturer agreed without hesitation, and you’ll be among the first to lay eyes on it.
One of the most important organs in our body is the brain, yet while we spend hours pedaling up mountains or building our muscles in the gym, we often neglect training our minds. So we chatted with experienced sports psychologists Veronika and Caja, and learned what a critical role mental strength plays in our sport, how it’s gained acceptance over the years, and which simple tips and exercises can help us make the most of our time on the bike.
Next up is a crucial yet often overlooked component: the handlebar. In our comprehensive guide, we show you how to find the perfect setup for your body and riding style, from handlebar width to the ideal rise. No more guesswork, just clear guidelines that can significantly improve both comfort and handling. It’s worth giving it a try, and by the way, there are practical solutions that don’t require you to reach for the saw right away.
What do you like most about ENDURO Mag? The style, the lifestyle, and the mindset? Then you’re in for a treat: DOWNTOWN Magazine is like ENDURO Mag, just for everyday life, and we’ve packed two highlights into this issue to give you a taste. If you need a break from biking and enjoy a great espresso, be sure to check out our review of the La Marzocco Linea Mini. It’s every home barista’s dream – but not everything that glitters is gold, as you’ll read in our review, which is part of a larger coffee special by our sister magazine. And if you’re like us and consumed too much caffeine while trying to find the perfect brew, you’ll need to wind down. That brings us to the next DOWNTOWN feature: we originally just wanted to get baked – but discovered a new hobby instead. In “Becoming a cannabis gardener overnight” we explore how something that started as a means to an end turned into a new passion – it was so calming that we no longer needed to smoke the produce ;).
Back to bikes: It was just a few years ago that light eMTBs were all the rage. These lightweight bikes with weaker, more compact motors were an important countertrend to the constant battery and power arms race, significantly advancing the development of smaller drive units. However, this era is coming to an end as the pendulum is swinging back, ushering in a new generation of eMTBs. But read for yourselves!
But that’s not all: The electric STARK Varg is a hot topic of debate in the motocross scene. However, from a mountain biker’s perspective, it’s the perfect tool, offering many advantages for both beginners and pros. Naturally, we jumped at the opportunity to put the 900 Nm beast to the test. The only problem now is that we’ve got a new hobby in mind… braaaaaaap!
Either way, we didn’t overthink it; we just went for it and embraced the unknown. So go ahead, enjoy exploring the unexplored, grab your bike, and let this issue inspire you to embark on new adventures.
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Don’t think twice, it’s good advice.
Cheers
Peter
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Words & Photos: Peter Walker
