Articles by Paul Burwell, Freelance writer

Paul has been testing mountain bikes and products for the best part of 30 years, he’s passed comment on thousands of components and bikes, from the very first 29ers and dropper posts to latest e-MTBs and electronic drivetrains. He first put pen to paper for Mountain Bike International magazine but then contributed to What Mountain Bike, Cycling Today and Cycling Weekly magazines before a 20 year stint at MBR magazine. An ex-elite level XC racer, he’s broken more bones than records but is now sustained on a diet of trail building, skills coaching and e-bike trail shredding.

Articles by: Paul Burwell

Renthal Apex 35 stem review – lightweight trail option with downhill DNA

By Paul Burwell published 8 August 23

Review One of the lightest mountain bike stems around with a unique faceplate clamping system

Shimano Saint PD-M821 review – flagship trail SPD with gravity DNA

By Paul Burwell published 13 June 23

Review Divine gravity/enduro pedal from the original SPD benefactors

Deity Copperhead stem review – brass-necked steering control

By Paul Burwell published 7 June 23

Review An oversized version of Deity’s award-winning mountain bike stem

The Shimano EP801 motor and e-MTB groupset

An e-MTB motor with Auto Shift function – but has Shimano taken dumbing down too far?

By Paul Burwell published 14 April 23

News With some Shimano electronic wizardry both EP8 and EP6 e-MTB motors can now shift under their own steam

Dainese HGL Pants review – top-quality, lightweight trail pants

By Paul Burwell published 15 February 23

Review A lightweight, high-quality trail trouser for changeable conditions

Madison Flux pants being worn in a garden

Madison Flux pants review – clean, simple, great value trail trouser

By Paul Burwell published 27 January 23

Review Can this budget pant handle challenging trail conditions or is it just too flimsy?

Leatt 7.0 HydraDri review – cold weather boot for flat pedal MTB use

By Paul Burwell published 19 January 23

Review Leatt’s new 7.0 HydraDri boot adds winter warmth and waterproofness for flat-pedal riders

Northwave Kingrock Plus GTX review – aggressive soled, cold weather biking boots

By Paul Burwell published 16 December 22

Review With its Gore-Tex and fleece-backed liner and meaty Vibram sole, the Northwave Kingrock Plus GTX is the perfect boot for cold weather biking but can it cut it when things start to melt?

Shimano MW7 XC 2023 review – a warm and waterproof XC winter wellie

By Paul Burwell published 14 December 22

Review Lightweight and resilient cross-country focused clip-in with branded Gore-Tex membrane and BOA fit system

Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex MTB shoes review – waterproof winter boots for flat pedal riders

By Paul Burwell published 9 December 22

Review One of the only flat pedal winter boots on the market with Gore-Tex waterproofness, high-top cuff and proper sticky rubber sole

Cane Creek ViscoSet review – damped headset for enhanced steering control

By Paul Burwell published 7 December 22

Review Unique headset with reconfigurable shims and viscous damping for improved steering control

Scott Genius ST 900 Tuned review – a redefined 29er trail bike with an in-frame rear shock

By Paul Burwell published 3 November 22

Review It’s not cheap but the Scott Genius ST 900 Tuned is an amazing piece of engineering with its own unique aesthetic

Torque Covert 7 Multi Tool – a plug-and-play tool with built-in magnetism

By Paul Burwell published 13 October 22

Review Stealthily conceals seven essential tools in your bottom bracket, including a sturdy chain breaker, for trail-side tweaks and repairs

BikeYoke Revive 2.0 160 dropper post review – highly engineered German dropper post

By Paul Burwell last updated 6 October 22

BikeYoke Revive 2.0 dropper post has an incredibly low ride-height, a precise action and superb build quality

USWE Zulo 2 Hydration Hip Pack – a quick shot on a short hop

By Paul Burwell published 8 September 22

Review Classed as a race pack, this lightweight 1 liter hipster is perfect for a quick blast where you only need minimal tools and the occasional H2O top up

POC VPD Air Legs review – pull-on knee pad with full-on protection

By Paul Burwell published 1 September 22

Review Contoured knee sleeve for all day riding comfort but can the slim construction and lightweight protection be enough to save you if things go pear-shaped?

Scott Soldier 2 knee guard review – a lightweight, pull-on sleeve with smart tech insert

By Paul Burwell last updated 30 August 22

Review Mid-weight knee sleeve with a wraparound insert built from D3O. Utilizes smart technology that automatically molds to your knee contours and stiffens on landing, providing enhanced impact protection and abrasion resistance

7 Protection Sam Hill Lite knee pad review – featherweight knee preservation

By Paul Burwell last updated 1 September 22

Review Lightweight and cool running, 7 Protection’s knee sleeve is perfect for an all-day pedal when only minimal protection is required

Troy Lee Designs A3 helmet review – top end trail lid with extended rear bumper

By Paul Burwell published 3 August 22

Review Refined helmet shape with dual density foam core, brain-saving MIPS liner, magnetic visor and clasp, with a new skull-hugging rear profile

WTB Verdict TCS Light High Grip review – awesome grip levels

By Paul Burwell published 8 July 22

Review Built using WTB's Tritec triple-compound, this is a tacky trail tire with real bite on all surfaces

Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip EXO+ review – consistent all-rounder with superb grip

By Paul Burwell published 7 July 22

Review Originally designed as a gravity tire, the Maxxis Assegai doesn’t disappoint on the trail

Kenda HellKat Pro ATC review – a well-priced twin compound all-rounder

By Paul Burwell published 22 June 22

Review The ambidextrous HellKat Pro ATC is Kenda’s flagship tire that works well front or back. It gets a supple ATC casing, low rebound rubber compound and is tubeless ready

Specialized Eliminator T7 Grid Trail review – fleet footed rear tire with a bargain price tag

By Paul Burwell last updated 21 June 22

Review A high-tech/low-price tire with a reinforced build and versatile tread pattern. Recommended rear only, but tubeless ready and fat and thin options for both wheel sizes

Best MTB trail tires 2023 – ultimate grip and fast rolling for fun on the trail

By Paul Burwell last updated 11 January 23

Buyer's Guide Our pick of the best MTB tires for trail riding, blending weight, braking traction, and directional control

Best mountain bike stems 2023 – the best stems to sharpen up your steering

By Guy Kesteven last updated 30 August 23

Buyer's Guide We steer you in the right direction with our pick of the best mountain bike stems whatever your budget and biking style

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