LET’S TECH THIS OUTSIDE
Right, that’s it – you’ve spent the last six months shuffling between TV, kettle, console, microwave and TV again. But spring is here whether you like it or not, and that means time to get out there and do something more exciting (though you’re still allowed to watch TV afterwards). So here are 18 pages packed with gleaming new kit, from bikes to drones, to coax you off the sofa… WHYTE T-140 RS
The Whyte T-140 RS may be a mid-travel trail bike, but this doesn’t limit it one bit. From wild moorlands to trail centres, this 29er is more than capable of brushing off whatever you choose to throw at it. We found it really came alive at trail centres like Dalby Forest with flowing runs, tight berms and a mix of terrain, but it’s equally comfortable if you want to take it on an all-day ride.
It’s even proven in racing thanks to Enduro champ Sam Shucksmith, who has won multiple top-tier races on this very steed. The T-140 RS is a versatile mountain bike with recent updates to the aluminium frame making it more aggressive to increase its stability downhill but without compromising its climbing ability.
For your money you also get SRAM’S 12-speed GX
Eagle groupset, SRAM Guide G2 R hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, and Fox suspension – making this an ideal choice for those who want to ride fast without the extra weight of a longer-travel bike.
Thanks to the clever frame design (and the Shape.it link), you can also adjust the T-140 RS’S geometry to make it more gravity-focused if you start riding more hardcore trails. The bottom bracket height can be reduced by 8mm and the head angle slackened by 0.7°.
For just over £4k, it’s decent value for a mid-range trail bike that can do a lot more than the name suggests.
£4099 / whytebikes.com
Practicality meets excitement with the Canyon Pathlite On, a do-it-all e-bike that you can ride on or off-road. It’s powered by some of the best tech on the market – and is as comfortable as you’d expect from the trusty German brand.
The Bosch Performance Line CX provides smooth assistance without being overbearing, and as it’s paired with a 750Wh battery you’ve got plenty of range for longer rides. Canyon suggests a range of up to 150km, and that’s a reasonable claim. The Pathlite On could easily be used as a commuting, touring or leisure e-bike thanks to the full mudguards, integrated lights (front and rear), kickstand and rear rack. For those who are a bit wary of putting a foot down at traffic lights, Canyon has even included a dropper post.
Although it’s not suitable for dedicated bike trails, those who want to incorporate towpaths or well-kept bridleways will find this bike more than capable – not least due to the MTB tyres and the Suntour forks.
We’ve ridden the step-through model, but the step-over version pictured is the same price. Either way this not the cheapest e-bike in the world, but its high-quality, top-tier groupset and premium Bosch integration make it actually rather good value.
£5249 / canyon.com