Latest articles by Guy Kesteven
Bespoken Word – Islabikes - Saying goodbye to a truly iconic, game changing visionary
Opinion Iconic UK brand Islabikes are winding down operations after 18 years. Guy Kesteven explains why they’re one of the few companies that truly deserve the game changer name and why the game they changed mattered more than any other
Santa Cruz Stigmata Force AXS RSV review – this gravel bike goes more MTB than ever
Review Is Santa Crz’s Stigmata Force 1X AXS RSV the new pedigree standard for progressive gravel performance or a drop bar mountain bike mongrel?
Cotic Jeht 2 review – outstanding steel trail bike gets even better
Review Cotic’s Jeht 2 is a superbly sorted, primarily UK-built, steel-framed trail charger that can tackle the toughest trails flat out in a distinctively charismatic, eco-friendly way
Here's why the second generation Cotic Jeht 2 is a steel framed MTB trail charger
News Cotic Jeht 2 gets a Scottish build and paint job, geometry tweaks and improved sizing options
Bespoken Word – Does riding illegal singletrack and unsanctioned trails make you an MTB criminal?
Opinion Guy Kesteven rides illegal trails all the time and he knows he’s not alone. The whole question of unsanctioned trail use is stepping up a level officially though, so what happens next?
Wiggle Chain Reaction Cycles tell suppliers to cancel orders amid financial woes for parent company
News Suppliers told “Cancel any remaining backorders, no one is going to get paid” as key investors pull funding
With teams pulling out and pros going elsewhere, is enduro racing dying?
Opinion The world governing body say enduro participation and viewer numbers are the best ever and independent events are thriving too. So why are pro teams quitting enduro racing and why are top riders diversifying into DH amidst rumors that enduro will be dead as a top level sport within a couple of years?
Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS review – all-round gravel machine
Review Trek’s Checkpoint has unique progressive geometry and scissor frame features and all the mount points you could want. But is it a multi-surface, multi-mission master or a complicated compromise?
Bespoken Word – Are modern, state-of-the-art riding jackets rubbish?
Opinion Guy Kesteven is lucky enough to test the latest mountain bike clothing from the world’s most innovative and well respected brands. Recent experiences have stirred up his long held suspicion that a lot of heavily hyped kit is actually a bit...
Specialized Status 140 review – is this the ultimate good time trail bargain?
Review The shorter travel version of Specialized’s subversive mullet bike is a huge amount of fun, especially for dynamic riders, and it’s a bloody bargain too
Best mountain biking multi-tool 2024 – everything you need for trailside repairs
Buyer's Guide MTB multi-tools should be pocket-sized but yet still pack everything you need to sort trailside repairs. Here's our expert pick of the best around
Bespoken Word – Computer says no
Opinion Guy Kesteven’s memorial thoughts today might be about his laptop, but they parallel the stories worn and scratched into every well loved bike
Full review – 1000 miles on Zipp’s new 1ZERO HITOP SW MTB XC light but trail tough wheelset
Review Zipp have literally crushed the gravel and enduro wheel categories but they’ve taken a different approach to ‘downcountry’. Guy Kesteven and his northern test team have been going flat out for months to see how they compare to the competition
Zipp charges into XC and downcountry with two new 1ZERO HITOP wheelsets
News Zipp’s two new 1ZERO HITOP wheelsets are a completely fresh design for maximum lightweight speed AND smooth control for bikes up to 130mm travel
Bespoken Word – Which is right? Hate or hype?
Opinion Guy’s rave review of SRAM’s Eagle Powertrain Transmission has powered up some strong opinion. Even if you're a hater he’s sticking by his opinion, that their new AXS Auto/Coast Shift is a big deal for mountain biking
"I don't want to ride an e-MTB without it ever again!" SRAM’s new Eagle Powertrain is a revolutionary shift in performance
Review Think the motor and battery are the most important part of e-MTB performance? SRAM’s new Eagle Powertrain will instantly change your mind (and your gears)
Think auto-shifting e-MTB gears aren't for you? SRAM's revolutionary Eagle Powertrain tech will change your mind
News SRAM gatecrashes the e-MTB party with the launch of a brand new motor system complete with AI gear shifting
We test the Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup – the Olympic XCO bike ridden by Victor Koretzky
Review Specialized’s Epic World Cup is a stunningly clean design that revives a radical suspension concept in a state of the art, ultralight chassis, but it’s not without its flaws
Bespoken Word – MTB media meltdown
Opinion It’s not just the bike selling industry having a crisis. The associated magazines, websites and TV channels are having a hard time too. Guy Kesteven has been talking to the editor of one of the latest casualties about the crisis in MTB media
Bespoken Word – The big small things about choosing a bike
Opinion Bear paw and Borealis pictures from a new Alaskan pal get Guy Kesteven thinking about how seemingly small details can make the all-important difference now most bikes are basically excellent
Abus Cliffhanger MIPS helmet review – well specced but a bit bitey for baldies
Review Can Abus’ premium trail/enduro helmet match the established brands for performance protection?
Peaty's X Fidlock Lockin' Bottle review – stylish, secure and easy squeezy drinking
Review Peaty’s updated Fidlock bottle delivers easy drinking in a neat looking, impressively secure cageless format
Scott Patron ST eRIDE 910 review – futuristic 'Super Trail' e-MTB
Review Scott’s internalised e-MTB masterpiece gets extra attitude in the ST spec
