FIRST RIDES

Time to ride Canyon’s reworked Spectral trail bike: it’s now longer, more aggro with 150mm travel and 160mm forks, and it comes with 29in wheels. Plus we try the new Ninety-six 8000, the classic Merida XC bike has undergone a down-country makeover, untapping its potential as a race bike you can take to your local trails. And Ragley’s Blue Pig Race gets a workout, with 160mm fork and a steel frame – is this the ultimate hardcore hardtail?

Photo: Roo Fowler

FEBRUARY 2021

Al Muldoon rides the Vitus E-sommet for our big test, p46

E-bike of the year, the direct-sales cut, p46