Articles by: Jim Bland

Jim Bland is a product tester and World Cup downhill mechanic based in North Yorkshire, England, but working Worldwide. Jim’s chosen riding genre is hard to pinpoint and regularly varies from e-bike-assisted shuttle runs one day to cutting downcountry laps the next. Always on the hunt for the perfect setup, Jim will always be found comprehensively testing kit with World Cup racing levels of detail. His ultimate day out includes an alpine loam trail, blazing sunshine, and some fresh kit to test.

Rides: Santa Cruz Hightower, Santa Cruz v10, Specialized Kenevo.

Height: 170cm

Weight: 64kg

Cannondale launches the Neo1 – an all-new EMTB featuring the latest Bosch motor and a large 750wh battery

By Jim Bland published 27 September 22

News An intelligent motor system and long-lasting 750wh battery gives the Neo1 big distance potential

Best waterproof MTB pants 2022 – waterproof riding trousers to keep the dirt and grime at bay

By Jim Bland published 26 September 22

Buyer's Guide The best waterproof MTB pants are packed full of modern weather-resisting technologies so you can focus on riding and the trail ahead

Sweet Protection Firewall MTB goggle review – specifically designed with MTB in mind

By Jim Bland published 23 September 22

Review Sweet Protection’s Firewall goggle is made for mountain biking, and its performance is noteworthy on the trail

TRP DH-R Evo brake review – big power that’s good enough for Aaron Gwin

By Jim Bland published 21 September 22

Review TRP’s DH-R Evo brake brings serious power and great modulation into a superbly reliable package

Etnies Camber CL Shoe review – a good-looking shoe with a well-stacked feature list

By Jim Bland published 17 September 22

Review The Camber CL sports a new-age mountain bike aesthetic with a quality construction and great on-trail performance

Maxxis Forekaster 2022 tire review – now wider and with a new tread

By Jim Bland published 13 September 22

Review Maxxis has redesigned its Forekaster tire from the ground up, but does the totally new downcountry and everyday trail riding tread pattern leave anything to be desired on the trail?

Crank Brothers Mallet DH pedal review – the best pedal available for gravity MTB

By Jim Bland published 13 September 22

Review Incredible feel and performance make the Crank Brothers Mallet DH a genuine standout piece of kit

Pro Bike – Jackson Goldstone’s Red Bull Hardline 2022 winning Santa Cruz V10

By Jim Bland published 12 September 22

Pro Bike We take a look at the Santa Cruz V10 that took Jackson Goldstone to victory at this year's Red Bull Hardline

A flat shoe and pedal near a bramble thicket

Best MTB flat pedal shoes 2022 – our expert pick for trail and gravity riding

By Jim Bland published 1 September 22

Buyer's Guide The best MTB flat pedal shoes can help you build confidence and develop technique when you’re out on the trails

Andreane Lanthier racing Vittoria EWS Pietra Ligure 2020

Best enduro helmets 2022 – head protection for enduro bike riding and racing

By Jim Bland published 11 May 22

Buyer's Guide The best enduro helmets offer good ventilation and high levels of protection for riding fast on technical, DH-graded terrain

Best budget MTB wheelsets: Get the biggest bang for your buck with a high-performance upgrade

By Jim Bland published 10 March 22

Buyer's Guide The best budget MTB wheelsets will make your bike faster and more responsive – whatever your style of riding

Hope F20 flat pedal review: pedals from the CNC-machining specialists

By Jim Bland published 15 February 22

Review The Hope F20 flat pedal is exceptionally well made with superb weather sealing but its blunt pins and almost flat profile means outright grip isn’t top level

Specialized 2FO Roost flat shoe review

By Jim Bland published 7 December 21

Review Specialized has reformulated its SlipNot ST rubber, but is it enough for the Roost to stick with the best flat pedal shoes

Race Face Ambush knee pad review

By Jim Bland published 11 November 21

Review The Race Face Ambush knee pad uses a classic design that offers good protection, but the bulky construction and complex strap system won’t be for everyone

Crankbrothers Stamp 3 flat pedal review

By Jim Bland published 5 November 21

Review It’s awesome that Crankbrothers offers the Stamp in two sizes to suit the full shoe size spectrum, but do the grip levels compete with the current class leaders?

Etnies Culvert flat pedal shoe review

By Jim Bland published 1 November 21

Review The Culvert shoe from Etnies looks amazing and the sticky rubber sole means pedal traction is good, but several flaws stop them from being our absolute favorites

Alpinestars Paragon Plus knee pad review

By Jim Bland published 6 October 21

Review The Paragon Plus knee protectors from Alpinestars have plenty of potential but unwanted movement and slippage while pedaling prevent them from competing with our current favorite knee protectors

7 Protection Sam Hill Knee Pad review

By Jim Bland published 26 September 21

Review The 7 Protection Sam Hill Knee Pad from 7 Protection is one of our favorite knee protectors, offering a secure fit, generous coverage, and a proven SAS-TEC insert for added safety

IXS Flow Evo+ Knee Guard review

By Jim Bland published 15 September 21

Review The Flow Evo+ from Swiss brand IXS packs an impressive punch into a rather compact design, but a shorter-than-average overall height limits protection and all-important aesthetic appearance

Sweet Protection Knee Pad with a five star review badge

Sweet Protection Knee Pad review

By Jim Bland published 8 September 21

Review With incredible levels of comfort, protection and security, the Sweet Protection Knee Pad has quickly become our go-to option for everything from aggressive trail riding to gravity-fuelled shuttle days

The best trail bike under £500: hit the trails for less than £500

By Jim Bland published 6 January 21

Buyer's Guide Bike Perfect’s guide to the best sub £500 trail bikes that provide tons of confidence-inspiring control at a very affordable price point

Best fat bike tires: a guide to our favorite fat mountain bike tires

By Jim Bland published 22 December 20

Buyer's Guides This year’s best fat bike tires that’ll boost your fat bike's performance on the trails

Best 24-inch mountain bikes: Top bikes for young shredders looking to hit the trails

By Jim Bland published 21 December 20

Buyer's Guide What are the best 24-inch mountain bikes for today’s youth riders? Bike Perfect lists the hottest 24-inch wheeled trail-ready rigs

Best helmets for BMX: how to choose the best BMX helmet for you

By Jim Bland published 19 October 20

Buyer's Guide Bike Perfect's roundup of the best BMX helmets you can buy

Best BMX shoes: the best looking and performing BMX shoes

By Jim Bland published 22 September 20

Buyer's Guide The best BMX shoes increase grip and comfort for the most control for skatepark sessions or lapping the pumptrack

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