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.

Latest articles by Shim Slade

A male mountain standing while wearing 100% Airmatic pants one of the best mtb pants

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

By Rich Owen last updated 16 December 24

Buyer's Guide MTB pants have radically improved over the past few years, making full-leg coverage a popular option all year round. Our experts review and rank the best models available

Buyer's Guide

Endura Women's SingleTrack Liner Short review – a great wardrobe essential

By Shim Slade published 3 October 24

Review A very well designed and made MTB-specific liner, and at a decent price too

Review

Endura Women’s SingleTrack Lite shorts review – superb baggies for warmer days

By Shim Slade published 11 September 24

Review Lightweight, comfortable and well-featured, Endura’s SingleTrack Lite shorts are spot on for warm weather riding and come in both men and women’s versions

Review

Front full-length view of blue Rab women's Crank riding trousers

Rab Cinder Crank Pants review – extremely comfortable, lightweight riding trousers

By Shim Slade published 19 July 24

Review Rab's quality biking pants are well designed and made, with plenty of features

Review

Endura Women's SingleTrack S/S jersey being worn by a rider in a field

Endura Women's SingleTrack S/S jersey review – a Scottish take on a technical tee

By Shim Slade published 10 July 24

Review In a crowded market, what sets Endura's SingleTrack short-sleeve top apart?

Review

Endura Women's Hummvee shorts review – classic baggies still going strong

By Shim Slade published 9 July 24

Review These great-value shorts with an old-school design include a quality liner and will last a lifetime

Review

Endura Women's SingleTrack Tank Top being worn outside near a trail

Endura Women's SingleTrack Tank Top review – perfect for those hot sunny days

By Shim Slade published 1 July 24

review Endura's sleeveless jersey is super-comfortable and cool with a spot-on design

review

Woman in waterproof jacket by gate with field of sheep behind

Rab Cinder Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket review – a super summer shell

By Shim Slade published 6 June 24

Review Waterproof, breathable, packable and well-featured, Rab's lightweight Cinder Downpour jacket ticks all the boxes

Review

Rapha Women's Trail Gore-Tex Pants review – properly waterproof trousers built for abuse

By Shim Slade published 29 May 24

Review Rapha's wet-weather pants are spendy but super-breathable as well as waterproof and versatile

Review

Endura Women's SingleTrack Leggings review – versatile, compressive and flattering tights

By Shim Slade published 24 May 24

Review Designed for multiple uses, Endura's new SingleTrack leggings are for ladies only and boast pockets galore

Review