Sneak Peek Inside AMB's Latest Issue 217

The latest issue of Australian Mountain Bike has landed, and Issue #217 is packed with everything from national championship racing and bikepacking adventures through to new bike tests, technical skills and gear reviews.

AMB #217 OUT NOW

Leading the feature lineup is Breaking Horizons, a look at the journeys of Annie Ford and Ellie Smith. Both riders have built reputations for pushing their limits, but this story goes beyond race results and social media highlights to explore the realities of overcoming fear, injury and self-doubt in the pursuit of progression.

Fresh from Mt Buller, we’ve also wrapped up all the action from the 2026 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships. From hard-fought cross-country battles through to downhill racing on one of Australia’s most iconic mountains, we break down the key moments and results from the biggest domestic event of the year.

For those who prefer adventure over race tape, Bikepacking Tasmania follows Lucie, Zoe and Lily as they set out across Tasmania on a journey that’s part bikepacking trip, part survival story and part role-playing adventure.

Issue #217 also dives into one of mountain biking’s most unique subcultures with coverage from the 2026 Australian Singlespeed National Championships. Equal parts racing and community gathering, singlespeeding remains one of the sport’s most entertaining disciplines, and Newcastle delivered another memorable championship.

One of the most important stories in the issue is The Road Back To Riding, an honest and insightful look at the physical and mental challenges many women face returning to mountain biking after childbirth. It’s a topic rarely discussed in depth, but one that resonates with more riders than many realise.

On the test bench, we’ve been busy putting some of the latest bikes and components through their paces. This issue includes in-depth reviews of the Specialized Turbo Levo R Expert (see our first look here), Trek Roscoe 7 (see our first look here) and Superior XF 9.6 DC, alongside testing of the new RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, SRAM Motive Ultimate brakes and the latest additions to the Maxxis MaxTerra range.

If you’re shopping for a new helmet, our team has also put 15 trail helmets head-to-head, evaluating everything from fit and comfort through to ventilation and the latest safety technologies.

As always, there are plenty of practical skills and workshop tips throughout the issue. Learn how to confidently tackle steep chutes, discover what’s involved in converting your bike to singlespeed, and check out a range of innovative 3D-printed workshop tools that could make life easier in the shed.

You’ll also find the latest industry news, upcoming event calendar, reader survey insights and a look at Thredbo’s newest double-black downhill trail development.

Finally, Issue #217 marks the last issue of AMB under the editorship of Anna Beck. Over the past few years, Anna has played a huge role in shaping the magazine, bringing thoughtful storytelling, strong journalism and more passion for mountain biking to every issue. On behalf of the Adventure Entertainment team and our readers, we’d like to thank Anna for her contribution to Australian Mountain Bike and wish her all the very best for whatever comes next. We know she’ll continue to make a positive impact wherever the trail leads.

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