Articles by Shim Slade, Freelance writer

Shim first discovered MTBs when she moved to Bath in the mid-nineties and has been making up for lost time ever since. She started working on Mountain Biking UK nearly 20 years ago and also counts What Mountain Bike, Cycling Plus, Off-road.cc and Bikeradar among the bike-related magazines and websites she's written for. She loves exploring technical singletrack, has ridden England, Wales and Scotland C2Cs and gets out in the Quantocks and the Black Mountains as often as possible. Other regular riding destinations are the Lake and the Peak Districts, and an MTB holiday in India is her most memorable, partly for its uber-steep tech. The odd trip to the Forest of Dean and Bike Park Wales inspires her to get wheels off the ground, but that’s a work in progress, helped by coaching with Rach at Pro Ride and formerly Pedal Progression.

Articles by: Shim Slade

A female tester wearing the Rab Ascendor Light Hoody

Rab Ascendor Light Hoody review – the perfect layer for year-round riding

By Shim Slade published 28 March 24

Review Need a warm yet lightweight technical top that’s fast-wicking and breathable? Look no further than Rab’s Ascendor Light Hoody

Endura SingleTrack Jacket II review – a properly protective waterproof

By Shim Slade published 26 March 24

review If you need a winter waterproof you can depend on to keep you dry, check out Endura’s SingleTrack Jacket II

Endura MT500 Freezing Point Trousers review – superb cold weather leg protection

By Shim Slade published 25 March 24

review If you frequently ride in below-freezing temperatures, Endura’s brilliantly designed Freezing Point pants are a worthwhile investment

Endura MT500 Freezing Point waterproof gloves

Endura MT500 Freezing Point gloves review – waterproof gloves for winter riding

By Shim Slade published 27 February 24

Review Endura's MT500 Freezing Point waterproof excellent gloves live up to their name

Osprey Seral 7 hip pack review – MTB-specific and backed up by a superb warranty

By Shim Slade published 2 October 23

Review The generously sized Seral 7 is ideal for riders who want to keep their back pack-free but need enough water and kit for long rides

female mountain biker in the countryside wearing a black Giro Montara helmet

Giro Montara MIPS helmet review – the women’s version of the ever popular Montaro

By Shim Slade published 2 October 23

review The Giro Montara is a comfortable, well-designed trail helmet with some extra nifty features

Best women's padded underwear for cycling 2024 – top options to keep you riding in comfort

By Shim Slade last updated 23 August 23

Buyer's Guide Our expert pick of ladies’ padded biking liner shorts for all seasons

Rapha Women’s Trail Pants review – well-designed premium cool-weather riding trousers

By Shim Slade published 9 February 23

Review Does Rapha’s reputation for quality clothing justify the high price tag here?

Ion Shelter Jacket 4W Softshell being worn by a woman

ION Shelter Jacket 4W Softshell review – a versatile midweight jacket, both on and off the bike

By Shim Slade published 3 February 23

Review ION’s description says the Shelter is “perfect for all those rainy, windy and cold days” so how does it measure up?

ION Shelter Pants 4W Softshell review – a sturdy midweight trail pant with plenty of features

By Shim Slade published 2 February 23

Review Comfortable and well-made riding pant for fall through to spring, designed to withstand dirty trail conditions, and the odd crash, but they are pricey

Best MTB pants 2024 – we test top mountain bike trousers for full length trail and gravity protection

By Richard Owen last updated 6 March 24

Buyer's Guide MTB pants have radically improved over the past few years, making full leg coverage a much more popular option. Our experts review and rank the best options available

Rapha Women’s Trail Windblock Jersey review – an MTB-specific cool-weather top

By Shim Slade published 7 October 22

Review A well-made casual-looking jersey that lives up to Rapha’s reputation for quality

Smith Session MIPS helmet review – well priced and comfortable trail lid

By Shim Slade published 3 October 22

Review Koroyd technology plus MIPS makes the Smith Session helmet super-protective

Rapha Women's Trail Lightweight Pants – supremely comfortable and well-made riding trousers for mild weather

By Shim Slade published 22 September 22

Review Excellent cut and quality make Rapha’s Women's Trail Lightweight Pants stand out

POC Kortal Race MIPS helmet review – a top quality enduro/trail lid

By Shim Slade last updated 27 September 22

Review The Kortal Race MIPS is protective yet cool and comfortable, and also offers POC’s extra safety features

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