From Roots to Rockets – The new ENDURO Issue #064 is here!

Flat tires, broken rims, unreliable brakes – anyone who’s been riding long enough remembers those times. Today, MTBs are more technically advanced than ever – and that creates space for real innovation. Because when the foundation is solid, there’s room to grow – space for fresh ideas and exciting innovations. In this issue, we celebrate the diversity and perfection of our beloved sport, and the courage it takes to push boundaries and explore new directions.

Never before has there been such a wide selection of good MTB tires – but that’s exactly what makes things more complicated than ever. Between confusing compounds, casing designations that sound like something out of a Star Wars movie, and the most varied tread patterns, it’s easy to lose track. That’s why we’re shedding some light on the matter: over 50 models tested in the lab, on the trail, and in long-term use. Big brands, small manufacturers, and a wide range of personalities. Because the tires are the only point of contact between your bike and the ground – making them a key element for control, safety, and riding fun.

And while we’re busy discussing tires, could it be that the future of MTB-drivetrains is quietly being rewritten in the background? Gearbox bikes are currently experiencing a real hype. But is it justified? Can systems like Pinion with a GATES belt deliver not only on World Cup tracks but also in everyday trail scenarios? We wanted to find out what’s really behind the hype, spoke with developers, asked racers, and put the Atherton A.200.G to the test ourselves. Even manufacturers like FOX are getting involved, showing with the new Podium USD fork just how exciting it can be to radically rethink familiar concepts. Because those who truly want to make a difference don’t start with updates – but with conventions.

Because modern bikes perform at such a high level, the focus increasingly shifts to the surrounding elements – clever details, small helpers, and nerdy solutions that make the riding experience even better. Take the hydraulic steering damper from Pademelon, for example: it’s designed to absorb unpleasant trail chatter, and thus to provide more control. That alone was reason enough for us to mount this tech gadget on our bikes for six months and see what the smart component is really capable of. But it’s also the little things that impressed us. Like the OneUp EDC Lite multitool – a practical mini tool that hardly stands out, but is always there when you need it. We wouldn’t want to miss it on any of our bikes anymore – but read for yourself. And then there are the Coast Optics glasses from Whistler: strong performance, cool looks, and a price of just € 70 – stylish eye protection has rarely been this fairly priced, right?

But what good is the best setup if it doesn’t spark adventure in everyday life? That’s why we set the tech aside for a moment, broke out of our usual frame of reference – and dove into adventure with light eMTBs. Lightweight, agile, with just enough support to push yourself further out, higher up, and deeper into the unknown. A plea for all those who love to ride hard but are also ready to take the road less traveled from time to time. Because sometimes, the real highlight isn’t on the trail – but just off to the side.

Whether you’re out exploring on a light eMTB or tackling post-work laps in unfamiliar terrain – the adventure begins where routine ends. But for some, that doesn’t mean going farther, wilder, or off the grid. For others, adventure lies exactly where the lift runs and the camping stove is ready to fire. But who are these people who spend every spare minute at the bike park? Are they still just regular folks – or a breed of their own? They’re often referred to as “park rats.” Always hungry for airtime and big berms. And we know someone who’s in the process of becoming a true park rat. A perfect opportunity to pull him aside – somewhere between a lift ride and a landing – and ask: What’s so fascinating about the same park loop over and over again? And what happens when you don’t look for adventure in the wilderness, but between whip-offs and root carpets?

As you can see, there’s plenty to discover in the new issue of ENDURO – from nerdy tech topics to unexpected adventures. Dive in and get inspired. See you out on the trails!

Cheers
Peter

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Words & Photos: Peter Walker