Sometimes it’s just a small step that changes everything. A detail that makes all the difference. A new adventure that opens up unexpected possibilities. A look back to recognize where you come from. This issue is all about progress – whether on the trail, in the workshop, or in your mind.
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What a year! Looking back, it’s been an incredibly fun yet anything but easy time. The challenges in the bike industry are nothing new – overstock, the pressure to innovate, and unclear prospects. But it’s precisely these challenges that push us to strive for excellence, making our work more exciting than ever. While many bike brands are slowing down, we floored the gas pedal – for you, for the passion, and to deliver the best magazine we can. Often, it’s the small steps that make the biggest difference. That’s why this year, we’ve tested more, researched more deeply, and brought even more ideas to life: more comprehensive buying guides, massive comparison tests, and deeper insights into the industry. Additionally, we wanted to get closer to you – with events like the Bike Festival Freiburg and our first-ever booth at Eurobike, which was incredibly exciting both for you and our entire team.
It’s not just about thinking straight ahead but also about changing perspectives and looking around the corner. That’s exactly what defines our work: inspiring you, challenging you, and helping you take the next step on your own. With over 16,000 participants in our latest reader survey, not only did you show us that we’re on the right track but also took part in the biggest, most representative reader survey in the entire bike industry. For that, a huge thank you! This isn’t just invaluable feedback for us but also a signal to the entire scene. Of course, we don’t want to keep the most exciting insights from you. Because only together with you can we keep pushing forward and driving the industry. Your input motivates us to work even better, more meticulously, and more creatively – for the best magazine and the best community in the world.
But we don’t just want to drive the industry forward – we also want to take your personal biking game to the next level. A key component in this? Your suspension fork! It’s more than just an expensive piece of tech – it plays a crucial role in determining how well you can control your bike. This year has seen significant developments with the introduction of new damper cartridges from industry leaders like FOX and RockShox. That was reason enough for us to put eight of the most exciting suspension forks through their paces in a direct comparison – from trail to enduro models. But what really matters? Here’s a spoiler: in the future, you won’t have free choice of chassis anymore – you’ll need to pay close attention to the inner workings.
The same goes for your tires – especially now that it’s wet and cold. With our winter tire test, we’ll show you how an affordable yet highly effective upgrade can make your rides through the colder months not only more enjoyable but also safer. The differences in control and safety are significant, and with months of dreary weather ahead of us, it’s definitely worth investing in the right tires. We’ve taken a close look at models from three leading manufacturers – Continental, MAXXIS, and Schwalbe – and will reveal what truly matters.
Do you know that feeling when you’re asked to question a long-standing opinion – one you’ve nurtured like your favorite plant? A topic that has polarized for years: eMTBs – the SUVs of the forest. Are they really necessary? E-bikes demonstrate what’s possible, opening up new horizons and pushing boundaries. However, as is often the case in life, this doesn’t come without compromises – and these aren’t always immediately apparent. That’s why we’re asking the crucial question: Which two-wheeled world suits you best?
How much of the tech we see in racing makes its way to our production bikes? And what challenges do developers face in the process? We set out to answer these questions and gained exclusive insights into Orbea’s OOLab research and development department. We were given a behind-the-scenes look at prototype development and experienced it firsthand – together with Orbea team rider Martin Maes and his exciting downhill project. A glimpse that reveals just how much attention to detail, innovation, and passion goes into our bikes.
Since we’re constantly out on the world’s trails for our tests and stories, we’ve once again put products through the wringer for you. Practical, exciting, and sometimes just very bizarre: amongst the products we tested for you is the compact EVOC Hydro Pro backpack, which proved an ideal everyday companion, as well as an outlandish performance boost machine from Sinter that you might soon find in your local bike shop. For transitional weather, vests are all the rage right now, and of course, the stylish Dirtlej vest is a must-have – but does it deliver on its promises? And because comfort is essential on long tours, we’ve also taken a closer look at Prologo’s new MTB saddle. Known for their race bike saddles that make long rides a pleasure, how does their MTB-specific model stack up?
Excited? These (and many more) stories are just a few clicks away. If you’ve already installed our free app, simply open it and download the latest issue right now. If not, first download the free app from the App Store (iPhone / iPad) or the Play Store (Android Smartphones & Tablets) and then download the latest issue in the app. All you’ve got to do then is sit back and enjoy (ideally with a cold beer or a delicious cup of coffee)! #qualitytime
So take that small, seemingly insignificant step – it could change everything. We’re excited to see where the journey takes us – together with you. See you on the trails, at events, races, and trade shows folks! Here’s to a new, exciting, and inspiring riding season! To another year packed with highlights, fresh perspectives, and even more trail adventures!
Cheers
Peter
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Words & Photos: Peter Walker
