Inside AMB Issue #203

Issue #203 of Australian Mountain Bike is back from the printers, and on sale in all good newsagents and select bike stores from May 8th. This issue has 11 bike tests inside, plus a wrap from behind bars at the Maydena Enduro World Cup, and much more!

Richie Rude graces the cover, from a shot by Nick Waygood at the second round of the Enduro World Cup in Derby, Tasmania. We've also got a few extra brangers from the opening rounds in our Pumped section, thanks to Piper Albrecht. 

Big news is the return of the AMB Photography Awards presented by Shimano Australia. This is the 7th year we have run the Awards, and we have a slightly different take on the four main categories this year. But a few things remain from 2022. Firstly, it is only open to Australian and New Zealand photographers. Any photographer living in either of these two countries can enter, unless they work in a permanent capacity for our publisher (Next Media) or Shimano Australia. 

All the details on categories, how $5500 worth of prize money gets handed out, what photos you can enter, and the entry and judging process is at our Photo Awards microsite. Not a photographer? Well that's fine, as you can be part of the voting to pick who wins the categories – there's even a random prize for voters!

Click here for all the details, terms and conditions, FAQ and to enter.

We've profiled Henty in our Made in Australia piece in this issue, although they haven't been able to manufacture here due to some restraints – instead designing their product in Australia to be tough and long-lasting. We spoke to them about the process, and figuring out what was possible to do on shore.

Sticking with a Tasmanian theme, Imogen Smith checks in after the 2023 Dragon Trail MTB Stage Race. The 3-day mountain bike event enjoyed its third iteration in March this year, running from Branxholm, to Derby, to the Bay of Fires and then a big loop at St Helens. Imogen takes you along for the ride, while meeting a couple of other riders along the way who came to race bikes on some of the best trails in Australia.

Still in Tasmania, our Deputy Editor Georgina von Marburg checks in from racing the opening round of the Enduro World Cup (EDR) in Maydena, Tasmania. She outlines what her path to this point looked like, how the trip panned out for practice and racing, and what she might do differently next time. If you're thinking about qualifying for an Enduro World Cup, this is essential reading!

 Everyone at AMB loves a bike adventure, and there are so many options to explore on two wheels with friends. We reckon this is exactly where gravel fits in, for us. With dirt roads cross-crossing the area, Victoria's High Country offers near limitless options for off-road adventure with some serious opportunity for bulk chats with your mates. We profile just two rides in the region – although there are so many more routes mapped out if you don't feel like planning your own.

A few issues back, Daisy Day put the idea out that mountain biking needed more $1500 mountain bikes, and that in doing so bike brands would help ensure the sport remained sustainable. The point being that if more riders can get onto worthwhile bikes, and stay on them, with less waste, then the industry grows, the sport grows, and there is far less waste as well. So, we took that on board and lined up 8 mountain bikes under $2000, and tested them based on their ergonomics, features and most importantly – their fun factor. Our first look at the 8 bikes on test is right here.

We also went pretty deep with bike tests in this issue, including on the all-new Specialized Levo SL Comp Carbon, which is rewriting what we can expect from a mid-power eMTB. The second generation bike has more travel, a burlier build, more power and more torque.
Ryan's review is already online.

We also had Ben Morrison aboard the Whyte T-160S 29er trail bike. Hitting the dirt at $4999, the big rig is dripping with value and has a very high quality finish – and ride.

Ryan also tested a Mondraker Superfoxy R, which boasts all the tech from Mondraker but with an alloy frame and top shelf Ohlins suspension setup.

Of course there's much more as well, with opinion pieces, product reviews, skills tips from Jared Rando, fitness advice from Anna Beck and much more.

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