Liam Mercer
Articles by Liam Mercer
Mons Royale Tarn Merino Shift t-shirt review
The Tarn Merino Shift t-shirt from Mons Royale takes the cool features of the Tarn Merino Shift Wind jersey but boils it down into a more summer-friendly top. The jersey’s premium price is well-justified thanks to its impressive moisture-wicking and beautifully soft fabric. Though some seams can be felt and this colourway isn’t for everyone.
Topeak Ninja Master+ Toolbox PT30
Topeak’s Ninja Master+ Toolbox PT30 makes for an excellent way of carrying some of the best multitools on your bike at all times. Coming with a range of mounting options, it offers excellent versatility and the included multitool, while fiddly to a point, is a bit of a belter. Though storage for tubeless plugs would make this more useful and fitment is limited in full-suspension bike frames.
Ohlins introduces cross-country-specific forks and shocks
Swedish brand Ohlins is now offering a selection of cross-country-specific suspension components with the aim of taking riders to the top of podiums on the XCO and marathon circuit.
Topeak Mountain 2Stage mini pump review
The Mountain 2Stage Digital takes its place as the mountain bike-specific mini pump in Topeak’s 2Stage range. What makes this pump special is that it combines high-volume and high-pressure air delivery to offer inflation of both tyres and air suspension components. The 2Stage Digital is definitely a jack of all trades and a master of both, however, for the cash, its build quality is lacking, its size limits its carrying potential and the high volume function takes some effort.
Saracen Mantra LSL updated for 2023
Saracen reckons that its Mantra LSL hardtail is one that's been keeping the hardtail ethos alive in a world where full-suspension bikes rule the roost. The Mantra LSL is the brand's rowdy, full-aggro hardtail that pushes boundaries and is designed for nothing but fun. For 2023, it gets a fresh update.
Lapierre redefines its e-MTB vision with the latest E-Zesty
Back in 2019, Lapierre brought the first lightweight e-mountain bike to the market and now, in a bid to be the benchmark all light e-MTBs aspire to be, the brand has launched a completely overhauled E-Zesty. This time around, the Fazua-equipped bike gets a new suspension kinematic, geometry, and frame.
Commencal says the new 365 isn't just another gravel bike
Commencal is best known for its aggro, super-progressive full-suspension mountain bikes but today, like many others, the brand has looked to occupy the burgeoning gravel bike space. With the new 365, Commencel stays well away from carbon in a bid to remain environmentally friendly, while offering a versatile and racey platform.
Raleigh Chopper now available in 70s-inspired colourways
The iconic Raleigh Chopper has been remastered, re-released and reissued a number of times since the first edition rolled off the assembly line back in 1967. Once again, the Chopper has been hauled out of retirement, ready to blast you in the face with nostalgia, this time with two limited-edition colourways.
G-Form MX360 Impact Shirt review
The MX360 Impact Shirt from G-Form uses the brand’s interesting SmartFlex impact-resistant tech to create a flexible and slimline body protector. The result is an upper body armour that is among the most comfortable and breathable around. That said, it could benefit from more time in the oven, as the pad placements and back protector could do with refinement.
Berria's Bravo XC softtail MTB gets vibration-damping tech
Berria's latest iteration of the Bravo is a cross-country mountain bike that utilises a host of smart and flexible tech with the aim of giving the riders the lightweight, efficiency, and mechanical simplicity of a hardtail mountain biking but with the vibration-damping qualities of a full susser.