If you want to stand out from the crowd on the shuttle truck this TSG Advance Carbon is a bit different. The venting system uses channels built in to the EPS liner and 14 intake/exhaust ports for when you get up to running temperature. Magnetically fixed cheek pads can be popped out in the event of a crash to easily remove the helmet, and offer a more sturdy fit than you might think. The visor has no central height adjuster, but where the main visor bolts on there's a slot for positioning the peak where you like. Carbon finish with yellow or silver detail. £279.99
Rose Bikes seem to be increasing their presence in the UK. Rose offer one of the most extensive, online custom build bike services. Choose your bike from their standard builds, then you can pretty much swap out any component to your hearts content. This 160mm, Uncle Jimbo would come in just under the £3000 mark ($4600 USD approx), and we currently have one on test.
The DMR Pumptrack Challenge was also happening, with Brendan, Olly Wilkins and Tom Dowie all putting the laps in
Bolton-based Empire cycles had their MX-6 EVO on display. They are a unique firm who built the first ever fully cast downhill bike, the
AP1. This 150mm hand built frame is constructed from varying methods
The head tube is machined from a chunk of billet then welded to the custom extruded tubes, the seat tower and swingarm are cast alloy. Available in four sizes, black or white frames, then a choice of graphics in six colours. For the Large size, geometry basics are a 66.5 degree head angle, 1170mm wheelbase, 435mm chainstay and a 430mm Reach. Frames start at £1199 and full builds are available
Along with the Orange 322, the VX8 is one of only two downhill bikes built entirely in the UK. Geometry basics are a 63 degree head angle, 444mm chainstay, a 1246mm wheelbase and 435mm Reach for the Long frame. £1399 for a frame with a Vivid Coil, and £1599 with the Cane Creek pictured here, full builds are available
The £5000 price tag gets you a carbon frame, forks and rims and fatty that weighs in at 23.6lbs
All images courtesy of
Aldridge Photographics
MENTIONS @wilderness-trail-bikes @SCOTT-Sports @schwalbe
It has begun. Whether you like it or not, the 'Mid-Fat' 650b+ snowball has started rolling. Or the 27.5" snowball dependant upon your on preference. 
(And yes, the end of that straight on the electric bike test track was a bit mental.... that polished concrete had marginally more grip than ice. I hit it at over 20 mph on a sit up and beg commuter bike and accidentally got it into a full 2 wheel moto drift. I'm pretty sure I pulled it off with style, except for the absolute of 'Ohhhhh shiiiiiit' on my face.)
www.recumbentcyclecon.com
Cheers