James Blackwell
James, aka Jimmer, is a two-wheeled fanatic. With 20 years working on MBUK, he got to ride some amazing places, ride with the world's top pros and of course, test a lot of bikes and kit. Having ridden and tested everything from XC to DH, he now calls the trail/downcountry stable his happy place. Although a self-confessed race-a-phobe, it hasn’t stopped him racing XC, DH, Enduro, Marathon and the notorious Megavalanche. Fast talking, fast riding, he’s still happy to send it, and likes nothing better than putting new kit through the grinder. Usually found bothering the local wildlife around Bath’s trails, he’s in his element whether on a bike, in the mountains, or immersed in the ocean surfing his local breaks around Devon.
Latest articles by James Blackwell
![Shot of glove being worn](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LwxwVr4uRXLA2yg9Ffevgj-320-80.jpg)
Renen GC-2 glove review – high-performance, lightweight gloves handmade in the USA
By James Blackwell published
Review Lightweight and super comfortable gloves that challenge for the top spot
![Shot of jersey being worn](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xX4y8vVAPf4oRsARVtvwxS-320-80.jpg)
Renen Unite MTB long sleeve jersey review – technical riding jersey with unique customization options
By James Blackwell published
Review Renen’s Unite jersey features a clever mix of fabrics to maximise airflow with the option to add your name and race number
![Shot of shorts side on](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YXqtMpx2r67fQtc7KumvrN-320-80.jpg)
Renen Drop MTB Shorts review – hand-crafted, premium, warm weather shorts with unique sizing options
By James Blackwell published
review Super comfortable lightweight short that excel on many levels
![Northwave Corsair 2 shoes shot on a rock](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UQgBYdTrqL2pND5beKfgo4-320-80.jpg)
Northwave Corsair 2 shoes review – clipless trail shoes with high-end tech at an attractive price
By James Blackwell published
review A decent option if you’re on a budget and looking for a good level of performance and comfort
![Renen Flow MTB jersey being worn by a model by a mtb trail](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eyUBujw9ugcksGYu7JZxb7-320-80.jpg)
Renen Flow MTB jersey review – stylish aesthetic with performance to match
By James Blackwell published
Review Renen Flow MTB jersey being worn by a model by a mtb trail
![Race Face SixC 35 handlebar fitted to a mountain bike](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/piuMWCvnhygCoYQgNNaJVe-320-80.jpg)
Race Face SixC 35 handlebar fitted to a mountain bike
By James Blackwell published
Review Compliant, composed, and super-wide. This bar helps reduce hand fatigue but does require rider input to maximise the benefits
![A model wearing the Renen MTB Pant on a trail lined by ferns](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gaiXvnR9XiPHsCRJrGgqM7-320-80.jpg)
Renen MTB Pant review – outstanding fit with style to match
By James Blackwell published
Review A DH-focused pant that transfers well to trail riding, with high levels of comfort and performance and is available in a massive range of sizes to suit most.
![Shot of both DHaRCO Mens Race gloves](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Xbqpkm2NfHXFpbmN4YoMLZ-320-80.jpg)
DHaRCO Mens Race glove review – minimalist, mid-weight option
By James Blackwell published
Review Super-comfy with a fantastic fit and great looks. If you like minimalist design with robust construction, these could be for you.
![Fox Racing Proframe RS Taunt helmet being worn](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JG3GouSLbUmPdXCB6xXmYh-320-80.jpg)
Fox Racing Proframe RS Taunt helmet review – lightweight, high-venting enduro helmet with high-tech protection
By James Blackwell published
Review If you’re after a lightweight, pedal-friendly, highly venting full-face helmet with top levels of protection then the Fox Proframe RS could be for you
![DHaRCO Mens Short sleeve Tech Tee being worn](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iS59XurfAddQrJHdBJE64J-320-80.jpg)
DHaRCO Mens Short Sleeve Tech Tee review – a technical riding jersey masquerading as a T-shirt
By James Blackwell published
Review There’s tons of tech hidden in this casual-styled riding jersey from Australian-style masters DHaRCO
![Deity Skywire 35mm Carbon handlebar seen from above on the floor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NT7Z73Uj55qXa8Sd29zNBE-320-80.jpg)
Deity Skywire 35mm Carbon handlebar review – lightweight burly bars for trail-specific duties
By James Blackwell published
Review If you are after a new handlebar with increased vibration dampening that can also sharpen up handling for enduro and trail bikes, then the Skywire could be for you.
![The ODI Vanquish grip fitted to a bike](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cGCFPne3dk3QVorLFdBQbK-320-80.jpg)
ODI Vanquish Lock-On Grips review – grips with inbuilt D3O vibration dampening tech
By James Blackwell published
Review Does the originator of the lock-on grip nail it with its new Vanquish model? ODI's latest grip features a hi-tech D3O compound that promises exceptional levels of comfort and control
![Man on bike wearing DHaRCO Mens Gravity pants](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TTrrhQk2GSvLqzCJ9GmcMg-320-80.jpg)
DHaRCO Mens Gravity Pants review – a slim fitting, good looking MTB trouser with all-year riding potential
By James Blackwell published
Review Great fitting pants that can take on enduro and DH racing to long days out, they’ll also fend off trail debris and a bit of rubbish weather
![DHaRCO Mens Gravity shorts being worn](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SKoYALGMPppfwPAJT97ZVJ-320-80.jpg)
DHaRCO Mens Gravity Short review – tough trail riding shorts with eco credentials that work well in warm or cool weather
By James Blackwell published
review A great option if you wear shorts year round or are looking for larger sizing
![Photo of DHaRCO Mens Race jersey being worn](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/m4P6oYMKLk2wbg5S8AiSaV-320-80.jpg)
DHaRCO Mens Race jersey review – bold-looking lightweight riding top from the Aussie style masters
By James Blackwell published
Review The DHaRCHO Race jersey is available in long and short-sleeve options with an insane amount of colors and designs
![A pair of Race Face Aeffect R wheels](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pJaz25zEJcoVivSs2JsgQ4-320-80.jpg)
Race Face Aeffect R 30mm wheelset review – tough, trail-taming wheels that go hard on the trails but easy-ish on the wallet
By James Blackwell published
Review Burley budget workhorse-wheelset with a lively yet compliant ride feel
![Rapha Trail Lightweight jacket being worn by model](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BzyUmkh5BvyHFdsmwXiSEP-320-80.jpg)
Rapha Trail Lightweight jacket review – packable lightweight weather-resistant workhorse
By James Blackwell published
Review Is Rapha’s Trail Lightweight jacket worth the asking price when the weather turns nasty?
![Rider wearing DHaRCO Short Sleeve Jersey](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/z98qL4oHSosnqjYdJstiZU-320-80.jpg)
DHaRCO Short Sleeve Jersey review – sun’s out, so it’s guns-out with this cool-looking, high performing jersey
By James Blackwell published
review If you’re looking to emulate your favorite pro or just stand out on the trails, this jersey provides high performance with tons of style
![Shot of the pack being worn](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c8ygD6P5CBMA6LGBss2V8L-320-80.jpg)
I tested the 2.2-liter Oglah hip pack from Wizard Works – but was it a spellbinding experience?
By James Blackwell published
Review With 2.2 liters of cargo space and clever water bottle storage, does this great-looking hip pack from London-based Wizard Works enchant or cast a hex on your wallet?
![side on shot of the helmet](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vavRQfQWVXaRgvLMfQcgBU-320-80.jpg)
100% Altis gravel helmet – MTB levels of protection for drop bar riders
By James Blackwell published
Review An attractively priced gravel specific helmet that packs in a lot of features, a good level of airflow with tons of protection, but fit and looks may not suit all.
![Side on shot of the Fox Speedframe helmet being worn](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nh2tdoPmabhbknCsLQpcva-320-80.jpg)
Fox Speedframe Pro Kilf helmet review – duking it out for trail lid supremacy
By James Blackwell published
Review In a market saturated with quality trail helmets, can the Fox Speedframe Pro cut it with the best out there?
![Leatt Velocity 4.0 MTB X-Flow Goggles sitting on mossy rock](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FEQXvuVsgo9u3auhThaLoK-320-80.jpg)
Leatt Velocity 4.0 MTB X-Flow Goggles review – excellent venting and airflow
By James Blackwell published
review Premium performance eye protection that will appeal to the enduro and DH crowd and may even convert some google skeptics
![Side on shot of Leatt Impact Shorts 3DF 4.0](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6Xo899npABRe4fXw464RNo-320-80.jpg)
Leatt Impact Shorts 3DF 4.0 review – pedal-friendly and highly breathable protective shorts
By James Blackwell published
Review Perfect for riders who want a good level of hip and thigh protection without sacrificing comfort