We've been razzing hardtails this week after receiving tow new Vitus Sentiers ahead of the launch. Jon has been preparing to do an audax on the Ribble CGR he's got on test and we've generally been geeking out on new Specialized tyres, a huge Scott race day bag and humorously named Crankalicious cleaning products - enjoy!

More winter worthy gear arriving at the off-road HQ this week with top dollar waterproofs from Gore and snazzy cold weather boots from Bontrager. There is also another set of reasonably priced wheels and that tool you weren't sure you needed..... 

Specialized has just launched a new saddle with memory foam technology, it's called the Women's Power with MIMIC technology and its goal is to relieve pressure when riding for women cyclists. The saddle aims to mimic the soft tissue, supporting the rider and alleviating pressure, numbness and discomfort for mountain bikers, road riders and gravel cyclists we take a closer look here.

The Shand Shug is a stunner of a steel hardtail, born from Shand Cycles partnership with Trillion, the Shug is a gravity fed 130mm trail bike ripe for a long winter's shredding. We've got one for test and took a first look on video below. 

Not long launched, we’ve had a new 2019 Vitus Sentier 27 VRS for test as the first of a long list of winter hardtails to review. This one proved to be a fun trail bike at a very reasonable price, it’s not the most aggressive bike you’ll ever sit on but it's an entertaining ride and the spec updates for this year are great upgrades.

In the midst of Black Friday deals we thought we'd take a look at the best 'money no object' cycling gifts for the mountain biker and gravel rider. Here are ten expensive but not totally outrageous presents (well, ok one is a little outrageous) that will be sure to surprise any cyclist this Christmas. 

We first saw the Identiti Bikes AKA at the Core Bike Show earlier this year and have been eagerly awaiting its release ever since.

The KS Lev Ci 175mm carbon dropper post is a long drop option for the weight weeny enduro riders. It has a smooth action and has shed a few grams against its competitors but the price is hard to stomach when there are other long posts available.