Mick Kirkman

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Freelance writer

An ex-elite downhill racer, Mick's been mucking about and occasionally racing mountain bikes for over twenty years. Racing led to photo modelling and testing kit for magazines back in the day, and, nowadays, he's mostly riding enduro-style terrain on conventional and electric bikes. As curious as ever about products and tech, he's as likely to be on the other side of the lens or computer screen rating, reviewing and shooting all the latest gear. Mick's list of regular clients includes Bike Perfect, MBR, MBUK, and most of the leading UK MTB publications at one point or another.

Latest articles by Mick Kirkman

Best MTB hip packs 2024 – ditch the bag and travel lighter on the trails

By Graham Cottingham last updated 9 January 24

Buyer's Guide Whether you call them MTB hip packs, bum bags or fanny packs, they all offer a little extra storage for those who want to ride bag-free without sacrificing storage for essential items

Buyer's Guide

Detail of rear of man wearing a hip pack

Fox 5L Lumbar Hydration Pack review – tough, large capacity hip pack

By Mick Kirkman published 20 December 23

Review With five liters of overall cargo space and a two-liter HydraPak reservoir, Fox’s biggest hip pack is a great carry-it-all solution

Review

Fox Flexair Pro LS Jersey review – perforated option with abrasion resistance

By Mick Kirkman published 19 December 23

Review Fox’s Flexair Pro is a highly technical riding top with multiple fabric zones and abrasion resistant shoulder and sleeve panels

Review

Nukeproof Horizon Pro wheels review – the poshest and lightest Horizon wheelset

By Mick Kirkman published 14 December 23

Review With a fast-engaging ratchet hub and 28 straight pull spokes, the Pros save around 10 percent weight over regular Nukeproof V2 Horizon wheels

Review

Fox Defend Gloves worn with leafy trail backdrop

Fox Defend Gloves review – do-it-all, three-season riding glove

By Mick Kirkman published 20 November 23

Review Fox’s Defend is a mid-weight riding glove with plastic ridges for knuckle protection

Review

Fox Ranger Pants review – Fox’s latest generation everyday riding pants

By Mick Kirkman published 17 November 23

Review Lightweight and pared-back, Fox’s Rangers are stretchy trail riding trousers

Review

Norco Optic C2 SRAM review – short travel trail ripper with enduro geometry

By Mick Kirkman published 30 October 23

Review Does Norco’s slacked-out Optic with a DH-spec rear shock and longer fork bring the trails into sharp focus?

Review

Burgtec Penthouse Flat MK5 review – big grippy platform pedal designed in the UK

By Mick Kirkman published 16 October 23

Review Now on its fifth generation, Burgtec’s latest aluminum flat pedal has seen over fifteen years of refinement

Review

Hope Fortus 30 SC Pro 5 wheels outside a rusty shipping container

Hope Fortus 30 SC Pro 5 review – Hope’s latest hubs laced into lighter rims

By Mick Kirkman published 16 October 23

Review Hope’s much refined Pro 5 hubs are now available in an MTB wheelset using lighter single-cavity 30mm inside rims

Review

Bluegrass Seamless Lite D3O Back Protector review – excellent, unobtrusive rear protection

By Mick Kirkman published 21 November 22

Review This lightweight protection vest from Bluegrass uses a fast-drying mesh material to support an impact-hardening back panel

Review

Dainese Trail Skins Air Vest review – keenly priced MTB protection

By Mick Kirkman published 18 November 22

Review High-quality, affordable and lightweight front and rear protection that also doubles up as a spine protector with the chest guard removed.

Review

Fox Racing Baseframe Pro D3O review – MTB armor with serious protection, comfortable and freedom of movement

By Mick Kirkman published 17 November 22

Review Impact-hardening D3O panels resist impacts and a clever ‘spacer mesh’ keeps the vest just off the skin to greatly aid in cooling and airflow

Review

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