Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 214 - Spring 2025 i Australian Mountain Bike

JUDGES CHOICE "This image has so many layers for me. Afternoon sessions on the jumps with the sun setting, media capturing the shot and steeze for days – coming from the man himself, Dan Booker. Booker blurs the lines of what kind of rider he is – he just loves having fun on his bike. From putting on a clinic riding Hardline, Tasmania, stunts in Queenstown, NZ, or standing on the top step of an Enduro World Cup Podium! Any day on 2 wheels is a good day in my books and this is exactly what Michael Blowers has captured in this photo." – Gerard Lagana “I was a big fan of Fiona Glennie’s photos, I feel she was a solid 2nd or 3rd in the overall 2025 Photographer of…

We’ve all seen the headlines. Warburton’s epic scale. Eden and Narooma’s coastal gravity playgrounds. Finch Hatton’s tropical trail gold. Australia is riding a wave of investment in mountain bike tourism, with large scale trail destinations being promoted as regional game changers. While the spotlight shines on the big builds, it’s the quieter, often overlooked trail networks tucked behind suburbs and schoolyards that are quietly doing the heavy lifting. Lysterfield, Sugarbag Road, Mount Coot-tha and Majura Pines. These local trails are the real engine room of mountain biking in Australia. They’re where riders begin, where skills are forged, and where communities are built. The Starting Line for Every Rider For most of us, mountain biking didn’t begin with a shuttle in Derby or a guided ride in Rotorua. It began five…

There’s something special about a great mountain bike photo. It’s more than just a rider in the air or dust trailing off a tyre. It's a split second that captures the grit, the speed, the silence of wild places, or the loud celebration of a hard-earned finish line. In 2025 the Australian Mountain Bike Photography Awards presented by Shimano are back to shine a light on the photographers and filmmakers who tell those stories best. Open to photographers across Australia and New Zealand, the awards are a showcase of the incredible diversity in mountain biking today. From between the race tape to remote ridgelines, from high-speed sends to slow-rolling overnighters, this year’s categories reflect that scope, each one representing a different viewpoint of the sport. There’s the raw, explosive energy…

Silverback is a relative newcomer to the Australian bicycle market with the brand landing in the country at 99Bikes amid the Covid bike craze. The brand started in Australia as a great alternative for reasonably priced kids bikes and hardtails, and has solidified their position comfortably within franchised bike shops and other independent retailers. If you’ve shopped for a kids bike or a young teenager’s hardtail in the last few years, it’s likely you have come across the brand. Silverback is the love project of Dion Retief, a South African born bicycle wholesaler that immigrated to Germany in the early noughties, who aimed to create a brand with the “mission to do good and show love for humanity” and “to pedal in life with purpose”. Can’t argue with that passion,…

DEORE XT BRAKES: ONE LEVER, TWO OPTIONS When Shimano released their new XTR brakes, their key takeaways from the development was consistency and ergonomics – both upgrades which are shared with the new Deore XT brakes. A bit more weight, a little less carbon and a whole lot less money, I installed and rode the new XT enduro brakes and I have to say straight up – I am a fan. Key changes for the brakes include a move to mineral oil for consistency across temperatures and conditions, and the development of a more natural alloy lever, reach adjustment and a closer pivot point (using ‘Ergo Flow’ technology) to combine for a more ergonomic feel under finger. Shimano brakes are renowned for their bite, and are available in both a…

Jumping is by far at the top of the list when it comes to the skills most riders are looking to improve. The reality is that jumping with confidence takes a long time to learn and even longer to master. The basics are relatively straight forward but there is no end to how far you can progress and how good you can get. Once you have the basics down, there are some great techniques you can use to improve your confidence. Jumping confidently involves being able to control your bike in the air and have the correct input regardless of the jump size or even your speed to a degree. To gain confidence, a great start is to find a jump you are super comfortable with. This could be as…

The AMB 2025 Photographer of the Year, Jasper da Seymour, isn’t just about photo projects – the arrival of his young son sparked a passion for a different kind of creative venture. Here, he shares the story behind his ‘Antihero’ project. The ‘Antihero’ was born from a shared love of riding with my 3.5-year-old son. He had well and truly ridden his Dirt Hero balance bike into the ground, and it sat unused far too often while his pedal bike took centre stage. I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to his balance bike days just yet, so I asked him, “What if we painted your jump bike?” His reply was instant: “Flames – red, yellow, orange and black.” And so began our six-month project, working together in small bursts…

Born in the misty mountains and deep loam of America’s Pacific Northwest, PNW Components has earned a reputation for building no-nonsense bike parts that thrive in real-world conditions. While the brand is new to Australian shores, its focus on durable, well-priced, and thoughtfully designed components makes it a natural fit for our punishing terrain – from the wet, rooty descents of Tassie to the dry and dusty mainland. We checked out their Loam range, which is now available in Australia. LOAM STEM PNW isn’t here for the weight-weenies. The Loam Stem skips over cross country-style 100mm, -17° options and instead comes in 32mm and 40mm lengths – ideal for trail, enduro, and downhill riders. Crafted from CNC’d 6061 alloy and certified for Category 5 riding, the Loam Stem is ready…

The mountain bike scene is heating up. Downhill is progressing at a skyrocketing rate – from the most nail-biting qualifying battles at the Downhill World Cups, to Louise Ferguson making history as the first woman to complete a full run – and race – at Red Bull Hardline Wales. Mountain biking is evolving, entering a whole new depth of talent, progression and pure chaos. Women’s mountain biking is going from strength to strength. The gentle, bubbly Louise Ferguson transforms into a calculated and aggressive rider once on the bike, leading the charge as the first woman to complete a full top-to-bottom run of the infamous Hardline course in Wales. The nerves on the morning of the race were at an all time high, overnight rain adding another level of insanity…

Gravity Enduro is undoubtedly the darling of modern mountain bike racing. With the focus on casually riding uphill, then hammering down to try and beat your mates, Enduro racing resonates with a huge part of the mountain biking community. As bikes become more capable, trails get rowdier and bikes built for ultra-technical terrain perform at the cost of climbing efficiency. Anyone who has raced a hilly enduro on a 160mm+ trail bike can attest to that! It’s no wonder then that eBike Enduro racing (or E-Enduro) is having a moment. As eBikes become more powerful, the capacity for off-piste adventures intensifies and more riders can make it all the way up those impossible climbs, rewarded with sweet technical descents. For the Beyond the Bike Park with Bosch this issue, I…

The latest crop of platform pedals has hit AMB with brands big and small wanting to peddle their wears on our platform. From mainstream giants to niche mountain biking specialists, there’s something for every foot – and every budget – in this group test. After years of playing second fiddle to clipless systems, platform pedals are finally having their moment. The modern flat pedal has evolved into a high-performing, highly customisable component that’s as much about function as it is about flair. So, if you’re ready to put your mettle to the pedal, it’s time to dive into this group test (that’s enough puns – for now.) Pedals are one of the three contact points between rider and bike, and perhaps the most personal. What works for one rider may…

When it comes to mountain biking eBike systems, Bosch is one of the first names that comes to mind. Widely regarded as a benchmark in the category, Bosch has built a strong reputation for reliability, performance, and intelligent design in a no-nonsense package. The brand is renowned for powerful motor support, intuitive assistance modes, a robust ecosystem of components and a Flow app that works seamlessly – traits that have made Bosch systems a go-to choice for both recreational riders and serious trail enthusiasts alike. With a raft of new competitors on the market, it became apparent that Bosch had to lift their game to remain competitive in the e-Bike market segment. Their new raft of backwards-compatible performance upgrades for the powerful fifth generation Performance Line CX system means that…

Shimano’s recent launch of their new range of cross country shoes saw the release of the XC703 and XC703W Women's models – premium offerings that sit just below their flagship S-Phyre XC903 offerings. At $369.95, the XC703 range slices over $100 off Shimano’s S-Phyre model, while retaining many of the key features of the S-Phyre range. INITIAL THOUGHTS With a stiffness index of 9, the XC703 remains an extremely stiff offering for those who benefit from a snappy, fast shoe – namely dedicated cross country, gravel and marathon racers or those who toe the metaphorical line chasing Strava segments. A carbon-reinforced base and low stack height means that the XC703 shoes aren’t optimised for walking trails – though they do feature an Ultread XC rubber sole and lug pattern for…

When work, family, and life collide, nutrition often takes a backseat. But for those serious about riding – whether that means weekend trail missions or local enduro podiums – good choices matter. Fueling for performance doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or tracking every macro. These fast, effective nutrition hacks help keep energy high and recovery on point, even during the busiest weeks. PROTEIN AT EVERY MEAL Protein powers recovery and curbs hunger. Add high-quality sources like eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, chicken, beef, or beans to every meal. Protein powders are fine and make a convenient option if really short on time, but aren’t a necessity. PRO TIP: For a quick fix, keep pre-portioned pre-cooked meat, or hard-boiled eggs in the fridge, or canned tuna, beans, and lentils in the…

SILENCING THE TRAIL Whether you're blazing fresh lines through unfamiliar terrain or hanging on down your well-worn local track that’s seen more rubber than Wakefield Park in the '90s*, there’s nothing worse than your bike sounding like a coffee tin full of bickies. With bikes often built in a rush – whether by busy shops or shipped direct-to-door – it's common for things to loosen up or start rattling after a few rides. Even small oversights during assembly can lead to annoying creaks and clatter on the trail. Here’s how to make your bike ride as quietly as it looks fast. START WITH A DROP TEST Before every ride, I run through a quick and simple check: the drop test. The Drop Test: Lift your bike about a foot (30cm)…

GEAR UP FOR QUAD CROWN'S WILD PENGUIN Quad Crown are gearing up for their Wild Penguin event in Mersey, Tas on October 31–October 2nd. Quad Crown are renowned for their weekend stage race events, featuring an optional prelude Friday afternoon, followed by 30–40km stages on Saturday and Sunday – meaning there is plenty of time left to relax or explore. Wild Mersey trails feature several interconnected networks, and at the Wild Penguin riders will sample trails from the Latrobe and Railton networks, located under an hour from Launceston Airport. The best part? Stage 2 starts and finishes at the Seven Sheds Brewery in Railton – the perfect opportunity to share tails from the trail over a brew or three! quadcrownmtb.com.au FRESH NORCO REVOLVER LAUNCHED The Norco Revolver has long been…

Mountain biking is a sport built on progression and personal evolution. We chase cleaner lines, tougher trails and longer rides. We upgrade our bikes, dial in our skills, and learn to land jumps and rail corners. But somewhere along the way, whether we’re aware of it or not, we’re also getting better at managing fear. Fear is a funny thing. It’s our invisible riding companion. Not always vocal, or visible, but it’s never too far behind us. When I first started riding, fear showed up loudly and often. Panic dismounts, walking features. Feeling terrified to not be able to clip in and out of my newly fitted clip-in pedals. At the time, I thought I wasn’t cut out for this sport. I thought that the riders we see on TV,…

We’ve all experienced it: that eagerly anticipated ride where your body doesn’t come to the party. Pedalling feels effortful, bike handling feels sludgy, heart rate and breathing feel off, flow is nowhere to be seen. It’s so frustrating that all you can think about is how to turn this tired, struggling body feeling around. The flipside of these rubbish feeling rides is that sometimes they’re the kick we need to get our health and daily habits back on track. A kick our brains can’t ignore, because if we do, those good ride feelings are going to take a lot longer to return. I normally use this column to write about the ways our mental skills help to extend our physical skills on the trails. This issue I want to write…

It was never the lack of human interaction, but the lack of connection that was the issue. Growing up, I would often feel invisible or marginalised, lacking the social skills that seemed to come easily to those around me. School grades varied significantly across subjects, and I had immense difficulty grasping certain concepts. A tumultuous mind often felt awkward and incapable, and it was a constant battle trying to find a version of myself that fitted in. Finding mountain biking in my mid-teens had a transformative effect on how I interacted with myself and the world. Discovering that I’m AuADHD very late in life connected all the dots. Realising just two years ago that I’m autistic with significant ADHD, life suddenly made sense – all the struggles I had faced…

Transition Bikes are based in Bellingham, Washington, a mountain biking hub nestled near the Pacific Northwest’s epic trails in the US. Transition’s ethos is all about having fun on bikes – and as a result their bikes prioritise playfulness, progression, and community over race results. The recently released Transition Regulator breaks from the e-bike norm. While most brands separate mid-powered and full-powered models, the Regulator offers both options in a single platform. Using Bosch’s Performance Line CX and SX systems, riders can choose the level of motor support that best suits their style – whether it’s all-day efficiency or hard-charging descents. Transition has built the Regulator to deliver performance, whichever way you lean. We had a rare opportunity to conduct a direct comparison between two nearly identical e-bikes from the…

The Shimano Deore XT groupset has earned its place as a cornerstone in the brand’s mountain bike component lineup. Positioned just below the top-tier XTR and above the more affordable SLX, XT (as it's casually referred to) is widely recognised as the sweet spot in Shimano’s MTB range, delivering a blend of high-performance shifting, long-lasting durability, and refined engineering, all at a more accessible price than XTR. Popular with trail riders, enduro racers, and cross-country athletes who want nice gear without a top-tier pricetag, XT is also a favourite among everyday mountain bikers who want reliable gear without sacrificing performance – especially those of us who juggle the expenses of kids’ soccer alongside our own mountain biking pursuits. A CLOSER LOOK AT SHIMANO XT DI2 You’ll be hard pressed to…

After our time on the Amflow PL Pro earlier this year, we were excited to test out the PL Pro again. The PL pro is equipped with the Avinox M1 motor – the motor that shook up the e-bike world with its massive power and feature set. Now, a few months on, Avinox has released a significant update for their M1 motor. In response to tightening regulations in the US and EU, Avinox is pushing the envelope with its latest 2025 firmware (v00.11.03.04) and Avinox Ride App (v1.3.3). Riders can now access a full 1000W of continuous peak power in Turbo, Trail, and Auto modes – a truly wild number, with no more short bursts or capped output. This update marks a 17.6% increase over the previous maximum peak power…

The battle over the merits of zone two (Z2) training has been raging for a couple of years now! It’s been a clickbait debate between esteemed coaches, physiologists and bro-science influencers trying to prove whether or not Z2 training is the one size fits all training zone that is key to high performance as well as health and longevity. Thankfully, this year a couple of key scientific papers have dropped to calm the farm and update the endurance training community with rigorous insight into Z2 training. This article examines those papers in order to highlight three very different viewpoints on Z2 training before suggesting what might work best for you, the highly esteemed AMB reader and mountain bike rider/racer. The first article, What is “Zone 2 training”?: Experts viewpoint on…