Benji brings you the details of his hard worn – and almost worn out – bike testing set-up. What’s he using and why?
Singletrack Magazine Issue 148
All the features from issue 148, published April 2023. These features can only be accessed by our full members.
Issue 148 Editorial: Every ride is like an individual snowflake
What is it that sets our sport apart from most of the other sports/hobbies/lifestyles out there? After all, some people don’t even think that mountain biking is a sport anyway. While the cross-country tip of it has some Olympic cred, it doesn’t pop into your…
Issue 148: Looking The Other Way
How can a failed attempt at a record be considered a success? Steve Bate shows how a struggle can offer an alternative perspective. Who is Steve Bate? After being diagnosed with the degenerative eye condition retinitis pigmentosis, Steve Bate MBE, to give him his proper…
Issue 148 Old Trails, New Tools
Sanny and Mark revisit a trail of previous misadventure and hope for a very different big day out. Words & Photography Sanny It is fair to say that when it comes to friendships, there are perhaps some shared experiences best forgotten. Case in point: a…
Issue 148 Classic Ride: Children Of The Dammed
Barney takes in some venerable Peak District trails that are anything but old and past it. Words & Photography Barney Marsh In many ways this ride might be seen as a sequel to the Classic Ride I wrote back in issue 138 – it essentially…
Issue 148 – Interview: Who Is Dylan?
Words Fahzure Freeride Photography JP Gendron Competing in his first Red Bull Rampage at 30 years old made Dylan Stark something of a veteran rookie. What took him so long to get there? You’re on the hill the day before your first-ever appearance at Red…
Issue 148 Kit Essentials: Sleeping Out
Words Amanda, Hannah and as credited Photography as credited Let us try to persuade you that a night outdoors can be a life-affirming experience, rather than one that has you questioning your life choices. While it’s not technically legal to sleep outside in most places…
160mm Bike Test: Brit Boxed Burly Bikes
What do you do with three bikes that are hard to pigeonhole? You ride them, a lot, and enjoy it.
Issue 148 Purposeful Adventure – Beyond The Blues
Trash Free Trails A-Teamers Pete Scullion and Ali Hair give a cold ride a warm glow by adding purpose to their adventure. What if our adventures not only sustained us and our connection to nature, but they actually contributed towards making a positive impact on…
Issue 148 Last Word: Pizza Tokens
Amanda discovers that engineers don’t necessarily make great meal planners. Words & doodles Amanda When you think of bikepacking, you may imagine adventurous riders following their noses, taking the turn that suits them in the moment, and following a vague plan to ultimately arrive at…
Sleeping Out: Bonus Content | Charlotte Inman
Charlotte Inman: In it for the breakfast views Charlotte co-founded Sisters in the Wild, which organises community-focused bikepacking and gravel riding experiences for women, non-binary and trans people. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? Lightweight stuff that leaves plenty of space…
Sleeping Out: Bonus Content | Chris Hinds
Chris Hinds: Fast doesn’t mean uncomfortable Chris won the Great British Divide, so knows a thing or two about sleeping out. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? If it comes down to a decision between comfort and weight I’ll usually choose…
Sleeping Out: Bonus Content | Emma Osenton
Emma Osenton: Dialled in traveller Looking for Emma? You’ll find her in the bushes cuddled up to a titanium bike. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? Not sure there is one thing. It’s entirely dependent on what it is. Mostly light…
Sleeping Out: Bonus Content | Kitty Dennis
Kitty Dennis: Overpacker to ride for longer Co-founder of the Steezy Collective, we’re not sure when she’s ever indoors. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? Whether it’ll keep me out longer, both in terms of times of the year and length…
Sleeping Out: Bonus Content | Sam Jones
Sam Jones: Dirtbag camper who doesn’t mind a touch of luxury Sam has been championing Cycling UK’s ongoing bikepacking/camping challenge of #12nightsoutin1year. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? Durability – the last thing you want is for your shelter or sleep…
Sleeping Out: Bonus Content | Sanny
Sanny: Like a veritable Scottish Mr T, I ain’t camping in no rain, fool! There can be few as enthusiastic about a night outdoors than our Sanny. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? At the risk of sounding like a bit…
Sleeping Out: Bonus Content | Stu Taylor
Stu Taylor: Racing Dirtbagger Stu is another long-distance racer, who also enjoys a night out on his local hills. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? How packable the kit is and if it isn’t, do I really need it? A kettle…
Sleeping Out: Bonus Content | Vedangi Kulkarni
Vedangi Kulkarni: All-weather bivvy freak As the youngest woman to cycle around the globe, Vedangi has plenty of experience of sleeping outdoors. What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? Waterproofness and sturdiness of the material. Regardless of where you’re camping or what…
Sleeping Out: Bonus Content | Amanda
What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit?I mostly care about how small it packs, with comfort and durability as a joint second priority. I generally go by the rule that you ‘buy once, buy well’, so the fact my kit ends up…
Sleeping Out: Bonus Content | Hannah
What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit? I look for budget options that will also be useful for family camping trips, sleeping in my car, trips to the beach, etc. I’ve never had the opportunity or need for multi-night bikepacking trips, so…