Mike Blewitt

2 months ago | ambmag.com.au | Mike Blewitt

Just ahead of Red Bull Hardline Maydena, SRAM upped the ante in the brake game, releasing the Maven – the new expert of brakes. SRAM’s new 4-piston brake is touted to the most powerful brake that SRAM have made, with 50% more power than SRAM’s own Code, which is already a very capable brake. But that’s not to say it’s all power without control. They also state that modulation is impressive as well.

2 months ago | ambmag.com.au | Mike Blewitt

Merida completely overhauled their Silex gravel bike in late 2023, with the new model even winning the 2023 men’s Gravel World Championships, just days before it was launched. While pro riders can win on a range of equipment, Merida did a lot of work on the Silex. By all accounts, the original Silex rode well, but it had copped a flogging with the ugly stick. The new Merida Silex 700 is sleeker and a whole lot more capable both between the tape – and loaded up.

Jan 23, 2025 | marathonmtb.com | Mike Blewitt

Rapid Ascent’s off-road weekend in Forrest, Victoria, is back again in 2025. With the Otway Odyssey taking centre stage on Saturday 22nd February, the following Sunday is all about gravel. The Great Otway Gravel Grind (GOGG) was launched in 2017, with two event distances on the gravelled forest roads between Forrest and the Great Ocean Road… and back again. Since the first event, the GOGG has continued to grow.

Jan 19, 2025 | ambmag.com.au | Mike Blewitt

While social media can be awash of people getting ‘out there’ and pushing their limits when bikepacking, having minimal sleep in uncomfortable settings – for the vast majority of us getting a good night’s sleep is the main ingredient to have a great ride the following day.

Jan 15, 2025 | ambmag.com.au | Mike Blewitt

When we spoke to Bontrager about sourcing some tyres for our trail and enduro mountain bike tyre test, they did tell us some new tyres were on the way. But as you may have noticed, it’s not just one or two new treads, it is a ground up redesign of the range with new treads and casings. I was sent a Gunnison PRO XR in 29×2.4” to test. This is billed as a trail tyre and Bontrager also sell this tread in 2.6” and 27.5 x x2.4”.