The Specialized Status first emerged in 2021 as a low-frills full suspension bike that was designed to provide maximum fun at a minimum price. Available in two different travel options, the Status 140 and Status 160, these price-conscious trail bikes were effectively budget versions of the Stumpjumper and Enduro. We reviewed the Specialized Status 160 last year and loved its smooth suspension and hooligan-inspired handling. While it wasn’t exactly the lightest or sprightliest bike in the world, there were no doubts that it delivered a solid level of spec in a refreshingly simple and well-price ..read more

Giant’s latest generation Revolt gravel bike broke cover last month when local legend Brendan ‘Trekky’ Johnston and Cole Patton took on Unbound Gravel on a prototype version of the bike. That same bike just won a sack of potatoes and a green and gold jersey at the Devil’s Cardigan, which doubled as the Gravl National Champs a few weekends ago, with Trekky putting in a dominant performance. According to Giant, Trekky played a role in the development and testing of this new bike. Related: Racing Garmin Unbound 200 | They say you shouldn’t meet your hero Gravel Roos | The trio of Aussies taking ..read more

The Merida Big Trail first arrived in 2021 as a fun-focussed hardtail designed for all-round riding. Combining a 140mm travel fork with progressive geometry, 29er wheels and chunky tyres, the Big Trail packed a load of capability into a simple and easy-to-maintain package. This kind of UK-style hardtail is especially popular as a winter mud-plugger since they’re typically a lot cheaper to maintain than a full suspension mountain bike. They’re also a lot cheaper to buy in the first place, making them a great option for new riders. And if they’re done right, they can be an absolute hoot for more ..read more

Hailing from Spain, GasGas is a moto brand that comes under the same umbrella as KTM and Husqvarna. While best known for its petrol-powered dirt bikes that are raced at the pointy end in motocross and enduro competition, GasGas leapt into the electric mountain bike world back in 2021 with a comprehensive range of full-suspension e-MTBs. The range has evolved over the past few years with the most recent arrivals being the MXC and ECC. The latter has been making considerable noise in the e-Enduro World Cup, with its distinctive profile and bright red paint job making it hard to miss. Far from be ..read more

SRAM Transmission launched over a year ago, ruffling feathers with its unique direct-mount derailleur that waved goodbye to the traditional hanger. Built around a stronger interface that makes use of the UDH dropout standard, we’ve found Transmission to deliver incredibly positive shift performance with mostly rock-solid reliability. See our SRAM Transmission review for the lowdown. Initially SRAM launched Transmission for its XX SL, XX and X0 groupsets, which made it a very expensive proposition. That was followed by the GX Eagle AXS Transmission a few months later that lowered the price of e ..read more

It still feels like yesterday that the 2024 Quad Crown began, but it is already time for round three of the four-series event. The Crown steamed through the Wild Penguin of Tasmania and the Sunny 80 of the Sunshine Coast, placing us at the doorstep of The Orca. It also has a very nice doorstep—located on the Sapphire Coast. The destination is known for the trail networks of Gravity Eden and Tathra MTB Park, its picturesque ocean views, and its warm and welcoming community. Last year, the Sapphire Coast added to these charming traits with a whole bunch of new trails in Eden. The Orca event mark ..read more

Cape to Cape is back again, ready and raring to go for yet another year of bikes, social events and adrenaline. Last year, we were praising its 15th year around the sun, but time doesn’t stop, not even for the infamous Cape to Cape. Come October this year, the race will not only be old enough to celebrate its ‘sweet 16th,’ but also arriving with some fresh new faces behind the wheel. Last year, something big happened: Ironman sold the event to EventMatrix Pty Ltd, which is delivering the 2024 edition. The new team has really pulled out the stops for their debut. 2024 will see an already all-in ..read more

Having first launched back in 2021, RockShox Flight Attendant was updated this year with the arrival of a brand new XC variant. Built around the latest SID fork and SIDLuxe shock, the second-generation Flight Attendant brings a whole new level of intelligence thanks to its powermeter integration. The electronic suspension system continues to feature a clean wireless setup, but the automation has stepped up with an improved algorithm and more customisation options. We reviewed RockShox Flight Attendant XC and were blown away at how intuitive the system is thanks to its ability to learn your rid ..read more

Earlier this year saw the arrival of the new Specialized Epic 8. Thanks to its in-frame storage, progressive geometry and 120mm of active suspension, the Epic 8 has proven to be one of the best XC bikes we’ve ever tested. It’s of course very lightweight thanks to its sleek carbon fibre frame, but it’s also very expensive with the cheapest model starting at $7,500 AUD. To provide a more attainable option, Specialized has just released the all-new Chisel. It joins the existing Chisel HT as a full suspension XC bike that’s made from alloy instead of carbon. That makes it significantly cheaper tha ..read more

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