James Blackwell
James, aka Jimmer, is a two-wheeled fanatic. With 20 years working on MBUK, he got to ride some amazing places, ride with the world's top pros and of course, test a lot of bikes and kit. Having ridden and tested everything from XC to DH, he now calls the trail/downcountry stable his happy place. Although a self-confessed race-a-phobe, it hasn’t stopped him racing XC, DH, Enduro, Marathon and the notorious Megavalanche. Fast talking, fast riding, he’s still happy to send it, and likes nothing better than putting new kit through the grinder. Usually found bothering the local wildlife around Bath’s trails, he’s in his element whether on a bike, in the mountains, or immersed in the ocean surfing his local breaks around Devon.
Latest articles by James Blackwell
DHaRCO Short Sleeve Jersey review – sun’s out, so it’s guns-out with this cool-looking, high performing jersey
By James Blackwell published
review If you’re looking to emulate your favorite pro or just stand out on the trails, this jersey provides high performance with tons of style
I tested the 2.2-liter Oglah hip pack from Wizard Works – but was it a spellbinding experience?
By James Blackwell published
Review With 2.2 liters of cargo space and clever water bottle storage, does this great-looking hip pack from London-based Wizard Works enchant or cast a hex on your wallet?
100% Altis gravel helmet – MTB levels of protection for drop bar riders
By James Blackwell published
Review An attractively priced gravel specific helmet that packs in a lot of features, a good level of airflow with tons of protection, but fit and looks may not suit all.
Fox Speedframe Pro Kilf helmet review – duking it out for trail lid supremacy
By James Blackwell published
Review In a market saturated with quality trail helmets, can the Fox Speedframe Pro cut it with the best out there?
Leatt Velocity 4.0 MTB X-Flow Goggles review – excellent venting and airflow
By James Blackwell published
review Premium performance eye protection that will appeal to the enduro and DH crowd and may even convert some google skeptics
Leatt Impact Shorts 3DF 4.0 review – pedal-friendly and highly breathable protective shorts
By James Blackwell published
Review Perfect for riders who want a good level of hip and thigh protection without sacrificing comfort
Rapha Explore Zip Neck technical T-shirt review – versatile, lightweight gravel and adventure jersey
By James Blackwell published
Review A great option for gravel and adventure riders looking for a blend of casual styling and high performance
Wolf Tooth Encase System Bar Kit review – stealth storage multi-tool that’ll fit both your MTB and drop bar bike
By James Blackwell published
Review These multi-tools cover all emergencies, hide in your handlebars and keep your bike looking uncluttered
Restrap Utility Hip Pack review – a hip pack or a bar bag? Well both actually
By James Blackwell published
review Designed and made in Yorkshire in the UK, bikepacking specialist Restrap has created an excellent multi-use bikepacking bag that’s not afraid to mix it up on the mountain bike trails too
ABUS Airdrop MIPS Helmet review – is it form over function for this cool-looking enduro full-face helmet?
By James Blackwell published
Review The Airdrop is ABUS first full-face helmet aimed at the enduro and DH racer. Jimmer takes to this enduro rig to find out if it’s up there with the established big hitters.
Leatt MTB Enduro 3.0 Helmet review – high-performance, 3-in-1 convertible
By James Blackwell published
Review A great option for those who want more for their money, versatility and killer looks in a high-performance package
Rapha Explore Shorts review – versatile gravel/MTB baggies
By James Blackwell published
Review If gravel or adventure riding is your thing but the all-out Lycra look isn’t, then these shorts could be what you’ve been looking for
Eclipse Off-Road Inner Tube review – featherweight and tiny, is this the ultimate inner tube?
By James Blackwell published
Review The Eclipse is claimed to be the lightest inner tube in the world – does it survive when I put it through its paces?
Melon Optics Diablo Goggle review – fully customizable googles at an affordable price
By James Blackwell published
Review Performance-focused goggles with a unique customization option at a bargain price, but are they style over substance?
Renthal Lock-On Grip Ultratacky review – superlative levels of grip and comfort
By James Blackwell published
Review The Ultratacky offers outstanding levels of grip and control for all conditions
Rapha Trail Hip Pack review – does Rapha’s styling and performance transfer well from Tarmac to the trails?
By James Blackwell published
Review With three liters of cargo space and room for two water bottles Rapha’s mountain bike-specific pack ticks all the right boxes
Crankbrothers Synthesis XCT 11 29 Carbon Wheelset review – do these high-end wheels set the trail alight or just burn a hole in your wallet?
By James Blackwell published
review Grip, control and comfort are the ingredients that make these front and rear-specific tuned wheels an absolute blast