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James Blackwell

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James, aka Jimmer, is a two-wheeled fanatic. With 20 years working on MBUK, he got to ride some amazing places, ride with the world's top pros and, of course, test a lot of bikes and kit. Having ridden and tested everything from XC to DH, he now calls the trail/downcountry stable his happy place and has also embraced the world of gravel riding. Although a self-confessed race-a-phobe, it hasn’t stopped him from racing XC, DH, Enduro, Marathon and the notorious Megavalanche. Fast talking, fast riding, he’s happy to send it, and likes nothing better than putting new kit through the grinder. Usually found bothering the wildlife around his local trails in the Southwest, he’s in his element whether on a bike, up a mountain, or in the ocean surfing his favourite breaks around Devon.

Articles by James Blackwell

Madison DTE Men's 4-season DWR trouser review

The Madison DTE Men’s 4-Season DWR Trouser is a multi-season trail riding trouser. Engineered to offer high levels of ventilation and comfort, with a fully waterproof rear panel to protect you from trail spray in wet conditions. The tailored cut is well-considered – pre-curved at the knees to accommodate pads, with a high waistband for comfort. These pants boast many great design features, especially at a good price, and have quickly become a go-to for mixed weather and muddy riding conditions.

Madison DTE 3-layer Men’s Waterproof Jacket review

Madison’s DTE 3-Layer Waterproof jacket is the brand's flagship offering, retailing at £200. It's designed to tackle the nastiest weather and the harshest, filthiest riding conditions. It boasts 20k waterproofing and a whopping 40k breathability, with a great performance-oriented cut and massive pockets to aid airflow. Everything points to an extremely durable jacket that should survive hard riding and even harder conditions. 

Madison DTE 4 Season DWR Gloves review

Cold hands are never fun when riding, so investing in a good pair of winter-specific gloves will pay dividends. The Madison DTE 4 Season DWR gloves hit a great price point at £25, which won’t break the bank. Performance and bar feel are right up there with some leading brands, and the fit is excellent.

Madison Flux Men's Long Sleeve Trail Jersey review

The Madison Flux Men’s Long Sleeve Trail Jersey is designed for increased durability out on the trail with high levels of moisture management. But has the brand nailed both fit and performance?

Madison Roam Men's 2-layer waterproof Jacket review

Madison’s Roam jacket has been around for a few years now. The latest model, the Roam Men's 2-Layer waterproof jacket, gets the ‘gravel’ tag to add to its mountain bike roots. Its casual styling and adventure-ready attributes make it a packable, versatile all-rounder designed to take on the worst the weather can throw at it. The casual styling is great, but I found the cut overly generous, and moisture management was problematic on higher-intensity and warmer rides.

POC Men’s Coalesce Jacket review

With POC’s roots in snowsports, it’s no surprise that an insulated jacket is featured in its lineup. Bordering both cycling and snowsports, its casual styling and cut may not make it a bike-packing must-have, but it’s become a mainstay pre and post-ride and is perfect for any outdoor adventures worn as an outer or mid-layer.

POC Men’s Thermal Jacket review

POC’s Thermal Jacket is a close-fitting softshell with a waterproof and breathable membrane, making it capable of handling severe winter conditions. Having been very impressed with POC’s other off-road gear, I was itching to get out in the elements to try this out.

POC Thermal Lite Glove review

As you may have worked out from the name, POC’s Thermal Lite gloves combine a lightweight build with windproofing and insulation properties for use in cooler temperatures. They’ll appeal to riders after some thermal protection without sacrificing bar feel.