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1 week ago | 
singletrackworld.com | Ben Haworth |Hannah Dobson |Ross Demain |Aran Francis
Happily, in a forest east of Wrexham, the spirit of enduro was still very much alive. Aran’s first report of the race season. Growing up in West Yorkshire, my time spent racing the under 21 categories was focussed mainly on the PMBA Enduro Series. As a result, for myself and many others, the end of PMBA last season marked the end of an era and a huge blow for the UK enduro scene in general.
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1 month ago | 
singletrackworld.com | Aran Francis |Hannah Dobson |Ben Haworth |Ross Demain
The latest generation Merida Big Trail takes the previous incarnation and runs with it. It runs all the way to ther top of the hardcore hardtail heap.
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Jan 19, 2025 | 
singletrackworld.com | Aran Francis |Hannah Dobson |Ben Haworth |Rhys Wainwright
The HT Talon pedal seems to be at a glance a no nonsense metal flat pedal for a decent price and after a few months of use I’d say this pretty much mirrors my opinion of them. Simple is as simple does. Brand: HT ComponentsProduct: AN-71 Talon MTB PedalPrice: £74.99From: Ison DistributionTested by: Aran Francis for 4 monthsFor £75 the Talon flattiees outcompete most other alloy body options when it comes to price. And it’s a struggle to work out where HT have cut corners to achieve this.
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Jan 8, 2025 | 
singletrackworld.com | Aran Francis |Ben Haworth |Hannah Dobson |Rhys Wainwright
This is the first part of a longer-term review of the Fox Defend 3L Water Pant. The second part will be coming in spring, where we’ll have a better idea about the garment’s durability. Brand: Fox RacingProduct: Defend 3L Water PantPrice: £179.99From: Fox RacingTested by: Aran Francis for 2 monthsA good set of waterproof trousers is really an essential for winter riding, especially here in the UK.
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Nov 17, 2024 | 
singletrackworld.com | Aran Francis |Hannah Dobson |Ben Haworth
The full name of these is 7iDP Sam Hill Knee Pad Holographic LTD Edition Series 1. That is quite the mouthful. Not that you should put knee pads in your mouth.
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Nov 10, 2024 | 
singletrackworld.com | Ben Haworth |Hannah Dobson |Aran Francis
Although fairly budget friendly, the ABUS HiDrop helmet is not just an entry level lid designed to get you by, it’s been used in multiple UCI World Series events. Brand: AbusProduct: HiDrop HelmetPrice: £175.00From: Upgrade BikesTested by: Aran Francis for 3 months (and two cents from Fahzure Freeride)ABUS is a brand that in the past has pleasantly surprised when it comes to helmets.
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Oct 6, 2024 | 
singletrackworld.com | Aran Francis |Hannah Dobson |Ben Haworth
This Clarks CRS C4 Brakeset has been one of the products I have been most excited to test for a while. Did they disappoint?
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Oct 2, 2024 | 
singletrackworld.com | Aran Francis |Hannah Dobson |Ben Haworth
Marketed as “aggressive trail” which, in our eyes, is just another word for enduro and this Sonder Evol is as enduro as any. Brand: SonderProduct: Evol GX Eagle TransmissionPrice: £4,198.98 (inc. RockShox Ultimate suspension upgrade)From: AlpkitTested by: Aran Francis for 2 monthsDecent priceGood frame feelWireless drivetrain is flawlessDelicate paintjobWireless drivetrain means mediocre build kitTyres not as capable as the bikeSome modern bikes have been getting pretty complicated.
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Sep 4, 2024 | 
singletrackworld.com | Aran Francis |Hannah Dobson |Mark Alker |Ben Haworth
The Saracen Mantra Race LSL sports some typical Saracen geometry: it is long AF. The reach on this L is 490mm, which will ride longer when sagged. Brand: SaracenProduct: Mantra Race LSLPrice: £2,799.99 £1,999.99From: Tested by: Aran Francis for 3 monthsDescent focussed geometryExcellent build kitGood pricing in the salesRelatively short chain stays (for its long reach)150mm dropper is limitingThe cheaper Mantra Elite LSL is potentially even betterI grew up on hardtails.
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Sep 1, 2024 | 
singletrackworld.com | Aran Francis |Hannah Dobson |Mark Alker |Ben Haworth
The Lazer Chase KinetiCore is a downhill rated helmet with a comparatively reasonable price tag (well, it’s under £200). Brand: LazerProduct: Chase KinetiCore HelmetFrom: FreewheelPrice: £179.99Tested by: Aran for 3 monthsBreezyComfyStylish (well, in Black at least)Double-D ring won’t please Fidlock-ersThe non-Black colourways are… an acquired tasteThe Lazer Chase KinetiCore is a downhill rated helmet with a comparatively reasonable price tag (well, it’s under £200).
