Articles by Steve Williams, Freelance writer

Steve is a highly experienced journalist and rider who's been involved with bikes of all kinds for more years than he would care to remember. Based in South Wales, he has mile upon mile of swooping singletrack, an array of plummet and winch descents and everything in between right on his doorstep.

Articles by: Steve Williams

A mountain bike rider on mountainous singletrack wearing an Osprey Raptor 14 hydration pack

Best hydration packs 2023 – comfortable ways to carry water on your bike

By Colin Levitch last updated 21 July 23

Buyer's Guide The best hydration packs, on top of carrying water, should fit comfortably, have room for essentials, and be rugged enough for all trail usage

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 review – a confident, capable gravel bike

By Steve Williams published 2 September 22

Review Trek's updated aluminum Checkpoint is a surefooted, confidence-inspiring ride that's perfect for ruined back lanes, byways and well-laden travels

Gore Explore Shorts review – light, stretchy and perfect for fast trails or gravel

By Steve Williams published 10 August 22

Review Gore's Explore shorts are on the short and slim side for baggies, but they're perfect for long, fast trips

USWE Outlander 2 Hydration Pack review – minimalist bag for gravel and trail adventures

By Steve Williams published 28 July 22

Review The USWE Outlander 2 is small, light and secure enough to stay unobtrusive even on very hot rides

DMR Vault Mag SL pedals review – the lightest, fanciest, and spendiest version of a classic pedal

By Steve Williams published 27 July 22

Review The DMR Vault Mag SL combines titanium axles with a magnesium body for serious weight saving over any other version

Best mountain bike shorts 2023 – sorted baggy options for riding the trails

By Richard Owen last updated 5 September 23

Buyer's Guide Comfy, practical and stylish, the best mountain bike shorts should almost go unnoticed, leaving you to focus on your riding

Giro Fixture MIPS helmet review: comfort, protection and a ton of colors for a bargain price

By Steve Williams last updated 15 March 22

Review Everything most riders need from a helmet, if not quite everything you might want

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

By Jim Bland last updated 11 March 22

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

Industry Nine Best rear mountain bike hub

Boost spacing: what is it and should you invest in Boost-equipped bike?

By Dean Hersey last updated 10 March 22

Feature What is Boost spacing – and what does it mean for your bike and its wheels?

How much is a mountain bike? Here's what to pay and what you'll get for your cash in 2022

By Steve Williams published 24 February 22

Feature You don't have to spend a fortune to get a properly capable bike – but spending too little may come back and bite you

The Fizik Terra Atlas shoe in white on a gravel bike

Relax, Fizik's new Terra Atlas is the mellow Terra X5 shoe you need for graveling

By Steve Williams last updated 13 June 22

News Fizik reworks its popular XC mountain bike shoe for adventure and endurance riders

Best MTB handlebars: our expert guide to upgrading your bars

By Colin Levitch last updated 22 February 22

Buyer's Guide MTB handlebar shape and construction has a massive effect on ride quality – and these are the best out there

Specialized announces helmet amnesty – and offers big price drops on 10 new models

By Steve Williams last updated 14 February 22

News Trade in your old lid for 30 to 50 percent off a shiny new Specialized helmet

Nino Schurter and Lars Forster cornering on dust

Nino Schurter looking for a third Cape Epic victory in 2022

By Steve Williams published 1 February 22

News Swiss legend Schurter says he hated missing 2021, and is back with Lars Foster aiming for this year's overall

Giant updates alloy Trance X E+ with new motor and bigger battery for 2022

By Steve Williams last updated 27 January 22

News The 2022 Giant Trance X E+ also gets redesigned controls and adjustable geometry for even better trail manners

Rapha pads up! These new Rapha Trail Kneepads mark the company's debut in impact protection

By Steve Williams published 25 January 22

News Crash in style and comfort with Rapha's sleek new pedal-friendly knee protection

Bryton Rider S500 is the first GPS of a new high-tech, range-topping Sport series

By Steve Williams published 25 January 22

News The new Rider S500 is rammed with high-end features and set to take on the big guns from Garmin and Wahoo

Two mountain bikers ride a trail through the woods

Best mountain bike helmet under $100: affordable MTB helmets for trail riding

By Steve Williams last updated 15 March 22

Buyer's Guide Safety can be affordable. These are the best mountain bike helmets under $100 that give you protection and style at a fantastic price

Mountain bike rider wearing Sweet Protection's Trailblazer helmet

Best MIPS mountain bike helmets: rotational protection makes for the safest helmets

By Steve Williams last updated 11 March 22

Buyer's Guide Regardless of what or where you’re riding, these are the best MIPS mountain bike helmets currently available

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