A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow trail through a lush green forest, surrounded by wildflowers and trees. The rider is wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and biking gear, appearing focused as they navigate the terrain.

'It's not about the gear,' and 5 more things I've learned from 20 years of mountain biking

From philosophical musings to controversial hot takes, here are the 6 most important things that Greg has learned from 20 years of mountain biking.

by Greg Heil

Lights

The Diablo 2,000-lumen helmet light has a hidden feature

by Jeff Barber

Hardtail bikes

I'm done with my full-suspension mountain bike... until spring

by Jeff Barber

A gray mountain bike parked on forest floor, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Trail Bikes

This is the 2025 Trail Bike of the Year, but not without controversy

by Jeff Barber

Latest News

A person wearing a helmet and sunglasses holds up a lightweight, mesh bike protector against a clear blue sky, showcasing its unique design with honeycomb patterns. In the background, a bicycle and greenery are visible.

Body Protection

7 broken ribs later, I found a body armor vest with a "climb switch"

Close-up view of a worn shoe sole with a hexagonal tread pattern, showing dirt and debris, held up against a blurred natural background.

Flat Pedal Shoes

I spent a year trying to find something wrong with these Shimano bike shoes

A person in a black riding outfit and helmet performs a jump on a mountain bike off a wooden ramp in a forested area. Tall evergreen trees surround the scene, and the sky is clear in the background.

Idaho

They're suing an Idaho county so they can run a $4 million bike park

A collage of mountain bike gifts priced at $100 or less, featuring a tire, a multi-tool, gloves, a coffee tube, a storage bag, a flashlight, and a pump. The background is light purple and prominently displays the text “MOUNTAIN BIKE GIFTS $100 OR LESS.”

Mountain Bikes and Gear

Mountain bikers will love these affordable gear picks

Trail Bikes

This is the 2025 Trail Bike of the Year, but not without controversy

A cyclist wearing a red shirt and helmet rides along a green field, passing orange traffic cones on a dirt path. In the foreground, there is a smooth, wavy concrete structure, under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds. Trees line the background, providing a natural setting.

Community

Do you practice MTB skills when you're not on the trail?

Hardtail bikes

I'm done with my full-suspension mountain bike... until spring

A mountain biker skillfully navigating rocky terrain in a lush, green forest. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, leans forward on the bike, and maneuvers over large rocks and dirt paths surrounded by trees.

Ontario

In less than a decade, this Ontario town went from zero MTB trails to a riding destination

A person dressed in a full-body costume performing a bike jump above two individuals seated on a bench, both wearing gray wigs and old-fashioned clothing. The scene is set in a park on a sunny day with trees in the background. One of the seated individuals is knitting while the other is looking down.

Czech Republic

Freerider's little bro drops the best MTB chase video we've seen this year

Today’s Best MTB Deals

New MTB Trail Builds & Developments

A young person riding a mountain bike on a wooden ramp in a park, surrounded by trees with autumn-colored leaves. The rider is wearing a helmet and is positioned mid-action, leaning into the curve of the ramp.

Nebraska

The Tranquility Park MTB Trails in Omaha, Nebraska, are closing until July 2027

Omaha, NE, is digging up Tranquility Park to bury two different pipelines and closing the MTB trails until July 2027. But it's not all bad news, as the trails will come back refreshed and better than ever.

A person riding a mountain bike along a narrow, winding trail in a forest setting, surrounded by tall trees and autumn-colored foliage. The scene showcases a mix of green coniferous trees and patches of orange and yellow leaves, with sunlight filtering through the branches.

California

Connected Communities completes first town-to-town singletrack link in California's Sierra Nevada

California's ambitious Connected Communities project has completed its first town-to-town singletrack connection, linking Quincy and Taylorsville with 13.5 miles of trail.

A mountain biker navigates a twisting trail through a lush, green forest, surrounded by trees and wildflowers. Dust flies up behind the bike as the rider leans into a turn, showcasing an action-packed moment in nature. The rider is wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and protective gear, emphasizing the excitement and thrill of mountain biking.

Victoria

For the first time in 7 years, Mt Buller, Australia, will spin its lifts for mountain bikers

Mt. Buller, Australia, is re-opening its lifts to downhill mountain bikers and adding 10km of new trails during the 2025/26 season.

Two small excavators are working in a grassy area beneath large trees, with one operator in each machine. The ground shows signs of recent digging, and orange markers are placed along the newly disturbed soil. The surroundings are lush with greenery, creating a natural backdrop.

California

Lookout Peak in Ukiah, CA, will soon boast 22 miles of MTB trails

After 20 years of building trails and earning community trust, the Ukiah Valley Trail Group has finally secured approval to construct 22 miles of mountain bike trails climbing 2,000 feet up Lookout Peak.

A mountain biker in a helmet jumps off a dirt slope in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery.

North Carolina

Foothills Watershed in Old Fort, NC, is expanding with 5 miles of new jump lines and tech trails

Foothills Watershed in Old Fort, NC, is adding 5 miles of jump lines and tech trails on 525 vertical feet of terrain.

A winding dirt path through a forest, flanked by tall trees and greenery, with soft sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Ohio

Cincinnati is building a 934-mile network of MTB trails and greenways

Cincinnati plans to build 255 miles of singletrack MTB trails by 2030.

A scenic view of a mountainous landscape at sunset, featuring rocky terrain, a meandering dirt path, and a mix of green foliage. The background showcases rolling hills and trees, illuminated by the warm light of the setting sun.

Oregon

At Anthony Lakes in eastern Oregon, a mountaintop yurt provides front-door access to purpose-built MTB trails

A small but growing network of purpose-built trails and backcountry singletrack is putting Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort on the map — and a mountaintop yurt makes it possible to roll out of bed and straight onto the trail.