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![A bike coach and a rider](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/t9Wcm7A9B6AMKLDKHC3Q94-320-80.jpg)
I didn’t realize I’d been making these three common MTB riding mistakes for 25 years, but here's how I fixed them
By Sean Fishpool published
Feature Coaching from Katy Curd started to fix my dorky cornering, out of control drops and weird body position
![Tom Pidcock jumping the Pinarello Dogma XC](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/M25c3964FKgb5kqcaa5dPb-320-80.jpg)
Why are the fastest MTB race bikes in the world so different from what we mere mortals ride?
By Guy Kesteven published
Opinion
![A disc brake caliper on a mountain bike](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xW6uWkxYGnEZvekLfuBtpa-320-80.jpg)
Types of bike brakes – understanding the differences between common bike brakes
By Zach Nehr last updated
Feature Explaining one of the most important parts of the bicycle, and how to choose between the most popular styles
![Calibre Line 27 T3](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YGEJq4xJrZV2Qq7YDcAwPg-320-80.jpg)
I've been testing MTBs for over 30 years, here's the 5 must-have features I look for on a budget mountain bike
By Guy Kesteven last updated
Feature Our expert tester Guy Kesteven reviews mountain bikes of all prices and knows exactly what makes a big difference to your ride now and upgrade potential in the future. Here are his five essential items to look for when buying a budget mountain bike
![Ticks on leaf](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5sbnDDVeRJ2HEV8PkYj5DM-320-80.jpg)
How to defend against ticks while mountain biking and what to do if you find a tick on your body
By Guy Kesteven published
Opinion Riding down the woods with your mates is ace, but it's time to start watching out for vampire hitchhikers and the infections they can carry says Guy Kesteven in this week's Bespoken Word column
![Epic 8 Evo being ridden through the air](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f2EjUCdmPJ62bczaBMFvHW-320-80.jpg)
Sticks and stones may hurt my bones but mountain bike pronouns just confuse me
By Guy Kesteven published
Opinion Mountain biking has been surrounded by naming controversy literally since it started, But as we head into another season of working out what different race and bike categories actually mean. In this week's Bespoken Word column, Guy Kesteven reckons it’s time to get the Harry Potter Sorting Hat out again
![Three sets of MTB handlebars with different rises](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WFpSfobD4d9i69ixFcxuf3-320-80.jpg)
How to get big performance returns by making small changes to your mountain bike's handlebars
By Neal Hunt published
Feature Often overlooked, a simple change in bar height can be a cost-effective way of altering your position or the feel of your bike, but how much difference does it actually make? I decided to find out...
![No Limits Bike Shop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UF9jXNnzqiUoSSZkpJ2NbE-320-80.jpg)
6 crucial signs you definitely need a new mountain bike
By Guy Kesteven published
Feature Expert bike tester and tech editor, Guy Kesteven, reveals his 6 big ‘cease and desist’ bike check indicators that confirm it’s time to stop riding and start shopping
![Rider after a muddy crash](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/g6aKPhumhzsZFU66PFAFZ3-320-80.jpg)
Bespoken Word – surely this sodden winter of MTB discontent can’t last much longer?
By Guy Kesteven published
Opinion Guy Kesteven has had enough of the endless filthy trails and cleaning aftermath of the last few months in the UK. But surely it’ll get better soon?
![Bike shop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GvupQWZGwgmi7XMn8dpjgH-320-80.jpeg)
Could the fall and rise of vinyl and record shops show us the future for bikes and bike shops?
By Guy Kesteven published
Opinion In this week's Bespoken Word column, Guy Kesteven looks sideways into the music industry to see if there are some interesting parallels for where bike shops might be heading