Jim's 5 best bits from 2021

Here are Jim's 5 favourite bits from this year

Jim Clarkson

Dec 31 2021

This year I have mostly been using mountain bikes as a way to deal with the rest of the world; it’s worked pretty well. I’ve been exploring the area I live in and its massive potential of riding - mostly the Cumbrian mountains, South Lakes and into the Central Lakes, and linking up the trail options from the front door.

Like everyone, it’s been a few months of cautiously getting back out riding and hoping we can continue to do so. The last year has made me even more glad to be getting out on bikes. The next year I’m just looking at continuing that! My list is all products; these are the things that have made my riding easy, no-fuss and/or just fun to ride.

PipeDream Full Moxie Longterm review

The PipeDream Full Moxie was my long-termer for half of this year. It has a strong frame coupled with contemporary geometry provides a super-capable and enjoyable ride. I love the steel frame feel; it felt so utterly planted and reliable riding.

With its great value and build options, plus its very UK-friendly features of external cables and easy bearing replacements, it survived a lot of hard riding and is capable way beyond my skills.

PipeDream Cycles Full Moxie review

Hunt Trail Wide Boost 29 Wheelset review

Hunt's Trail Wide Wheelset shone out this year for value and performance. They have decent hubs, great wheel build quality, and good rim design, which puts them at the top of the list for trail wheels. And if you need something tougher, the Enduro Wides are currently on test and performing well.

Hunt Trail Wide Boost 29 wheelset review

Mason RAW - Mason's first-ever mountain bike

Mason launched their new hardtail mountain bike this winter, the RAW, and it didn't fail to impress. Its superior build quality, attention to detail and intended off-road geometry keeps the Mason DNA 'fast and far'. The RAW can handle fast trail rides just as well as slower, loaded, off-road riding - I'm looking forward to a longer, full-term test in January.

First ride review: Mason RAW

Smith Engage Helmet Review

With great looks, a reasonable price, MIPS and a wide range of fit, the Smith Engage MIPS is my favourite helmet of the last few years.

Smith Engage helmet review

KS LEV-Si 150mm dropper post review

I've ridden a fair few droppers over the last few years, and the KS LEV Si has been super reliable, with plenty of drop at a good price. It's easy to pull apart and is available in several sizes and lengths, so it should fit many bikes. It's light enough, and the bar remote is a nice shape and works well also.

KS LEV-Si 150mm dropper post review

For 2022, I’m mainly looking forward to just riding bikes for fun. I’ve got a couple of goals in mind, but they are personal ones and no specific races or challenges. I’m currently putting together trail guides to The Lake District - for beginners to seasoned riders, with plenty of resources and knowledge to help. I’m also looking to increase my understanding of trail rights and access and how we can encourage that for everyone. Nothing specific yet, but wheels are in action.

Author block

Jim Clarkson

Lakes based mostly mountain biking type, with the odd foray into gravel, 'cross and even road. Fuelled by coffee and porridge. Driver of Van. Known to race at times. Happy place being out the door and in the hills - local or further afield, all is good with two wheels in the dirt.