Anna Weinbeer is crowned marathon world champion, Luca Schätti and Nicole Koller each win two races at the Swiss Bike Cup, and in Ischgl, more than 1,500 participants compete for e-bike world championship titles. Meanwhile, up-and-coming downhill riders in Winterberg are fine-tuning their careers, while Thomas Genon is already setting his sights on the next Red Bull Rampage.

Biobikes are far from dead! Following the LT with its Sixfinity rear triangle, Yeti is following up with the Trailbike MT, which features the same rear triangle technology. CrossWorx Cycles has also refined its Trailbike and is introducing the “Lite” in the updated and even more versatile MK2 version. And yet another e-bike: Storck is unveiling the new e:Drenalin.3 M2S, which made its debut at the E-Bike World Championships.

Following the announcement that the mountain railways would be shut down, it seemed the bike park's fate was also sealed. Now comes a surprising twist: Starting in 2027, lift operations for mountain bikers will be taken over by a municipal agency.

Over 70 personalities from the bike industry, tourism and the media world came together at the Ride Partner Summit 2025 in Bern on September 18. The event at the "Turbo Lama" in Bern was all about networking and inspiration.

Racers are no longer selected based solely on their results. Because World Cup teams have become too expensive, pros are expected to deliver stories as well as victories. To that end, many of them lead double lives: as athletes for the rankings and as personalities for content.

With the new Spark DC, Scott is expanding the Spark family with a model designed less for chasing best times and more for versatile riding fun. This down-country bike combines the light weight and efficiency of an XC bike with extra reserves of power on technical trails. It’s designed to perform just as well on a quick after-work ride as it does on long tours in the mountains.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Bike Kingdom Testride gave itself a gift: With 6,687 test rides, the anniversary edition in Lenzerheide shattered the previous record. Despite the e-bike boom, classic mountain bikes held their own surprisingly well on the trails of Graubünden.

Nino Schurter has rarely been injured during his career as a top athlete. Now, in his first season away from the racecourse, he ended up in the hospital: a dislocated shoulder and a broken arm after a fall off a scooter during a family outing.

Mountain bikers race right through the heart of Stuttgart, through parks, over stairs, and across cobblestones. Under normal circumstances, this would be unthinkable. But when it’s the Red Bull Cerro Abajo—a spectacle in front of 90,000 spectators—it’s a different story. And as the icing on the cake: Women are competing for the first time. And what a lineup they are.

Sad news from the Aosta Valley: Former Italian Mountain Bike World Cup rider Luca Mauri collapsed and died while on a ride at the well-known Col de l’Invergneux. Hikers discovered the lifeless athlete at an altitude of about 2,700 meters.

Ride aims to reinvent itself in the traditional advertising business and is building a “Commercial Community” for the future. To this end, Ride is creating the position of “Relationship Manager & Commercial Content Creator.” The application window for this unique position is now open.

Scott is positioning its new gravel bike closer to a mountain bike than ever before—without compromising on its commitment to lightweight construction. Vaude is breaking new ground in Zurich. And Crank Brothers has pedals ready for Loic Bruni to try out. 

After 30 editions, the Iron Bike Race will be leaving the racing calendar at the end of September, while riders battle for seconds and victories at the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup at Bike Village Huttwil. Püntener emerges victorious in a thrilling head-to-head duel, and Keller triumphs despite a crash.

British headlight specialist Exposure Lights is bringing a massive burst of light into the darkness with the latest version of its Sixpack bike light. Six LEDs deliver up to 6,000 lumens of light, controlled by artificial intelligence. The AI calculates the ideal illumination based on data from digital 3D accelerometers equipped with a gyroscope and thermistors.

With Cannondale and Lapierre, two big names are disappearing from the Cross-Country World Cup. Lapierre has been brought to its knees by the financial crisis at its parent company, Accell. Cannondale, on the other hand, is voluntarily disbanding its successful factory team and will focus more on content and community in the future. This begs the question: Will “likes” soon count for more than World Cup victories?

A hunter aims his rifle at a mountain biker. Another hits a cyclist in the stomach. A third shoots a horse. An accident, but not a coincidence.

2Rad Produktions GmbH, the legal successor to the insolvent Vorarlberg-based bicycle manufacturer Simplon, has once again filed for restructuring proceedings. This means that the ongoing insolvency proceedings have failed; liabilities total 33.4 million euros, and 54 employees in Hard are affected.

Actually, we’ve already seen just about everything there is to see when it comes to mountain biking—and how riding skills can be showcased in videos. But then along comes Brandon Semenuk with yet another clip that leaves you speechless, at least for a moment.

While the mountain bike world champions were being crowned in Val di Sole, one rider—who had once looked forward to her home World Championships with joy and ambition—was missing. Chiara Teocchi suffered a spinal cord injury in a crash at the World Cup in La Thuile. As if that weren’t enough, the 29-year-old went into cardiac arrest during surgery. She survived, but has been in a wheelchair ever since. Now, the Italian’s biggest race is about to begin.

There are wireless dropper posts; the shift cable has long been a thing of the past—but when it comes to brakes, wireless technology has so far been off-limits. That’s changing now: YouTuber Berm Peak has put his wrench to work and, with a spirit of invention, made wireless braking a reality on mountain bikes. 

As a pro, Nino Schurter never had any time. Everything revolved around winning World Cup races and collecting world champion jerseys. Since his retirement in September 2025, his horizons have broadened significantly: Now he can take part in events that have always been on his bucket list—such as the BC Bike Race.

Garmin is opening its first brand store in Switzerland, Focus is updating its e-mountain bike lineup, and THOK is naming four athletes as brand ambassadors. Those who’d rather try out the latest bikes for themselves will soon have the chance: In early September, Bike Kingdom Testride in Lenzerheide is hosting a big test weekend.

European marathon champion Anna Weinbeer and Martin Fanger dominated the 25th National Park Bike Marathon. Also in Scuol, but a week earlier, the first three-day Aventyr enduro race took place: Three days of trail riding and racing fun despite two days of rain! It was all about downhill—but just once—in Illmenau at the iXS Downhill Cup, where the “Absolute Abfahrt” celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The forest where the Emser Bike Park in Rhineland-Palatinate is located has caught fire three times in one week. But the club faces another problem: its own crawler dumper is broken and needs an expensive repair. The trail is open again, but riders will have to bypass the burned-out Northshore section until further notice.

Sina Frei caps off an outstanding season with her first elite world championship title in cross country and leads a Swiss one-two finish on the podium alongside Nicole Koller. In the men’s race, Tom Pidcock charges from the fifth row of the starting grid to claim gold. Silver and bronze go to Charlie Aldridge and Cole Punchard. The Swiss youth also shine: Anina Hutter takes silver behind Italy’s Valentina Corvi, while siblings Nicolas and Monique Halter each claim bronze.

A standardized charging connector for e-bikes has long been established, yet hardly any  manufacturer uses it. Now the industry is even developing a second, common standard—while at the same time ensuring that the battery can still only be charged with the manufacturer’s own charger. This is no coincidence.

The Downhill World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy, delivered spectacular races on the infamous Black Snake course and a men’s final that came down to the wire. Jackson Goldstone defended his title, while Valentina Höll claimed gold for the fifth consecutive time. Lisa Baumann wins silver, and junior Raoul Schneeberger provides the Swiss surprise of the day with his World Championship gold.

The report has generated a great deal of interest and has also sparked protests and objections: Between 2022 and 2026, the number of people who regularly ride mountain bikes in Switzerland has dropped by a quarter. Is that a problem? Does it even matter? To whom? Here are some background details and thoughts on the study’s findings.

The Mountain Bike World Championships in Val di Sole kicked off with an Italian victory on home soil and several standout performances by Swiss athletes. Italy won the team relay, Anja Grossmann became junior world champion, and siblings Nicolas and Monique Halter both took gold in the short track. In the elite short track races, Austria’s Laura Stigger and France’s Adrien Boichis triumphed.

According to a recent study, mountain biking in Switzerland is said to have declined by a quarter. What nonsense. If you look at the numbers more closely, you’ll see that the sport has actually remained very stable. This case clearly illustrates how COVID-19 continues to distort the picture of mountain biking to this day. It’s a kind of COVID-19 myth that we keep falling for.

The wolf fascinates Europe like almost no other animal. Its return is also changing how and where mountain bikers are allowed to ride. 

It’s not just single-track biking that’s facing challenges in Appenzell Innerrhoden. Currently, a paved road near the popular St. Anton hill is the scene of a conflict between cyclists and a farmer. A long-forgotten driving ban has been marked with new signs. Of course, this hasn’t resolved the conflict.

With the Fenix 9, Garmin is introducing the next generation of its premium multisport watches. For mountain bikers, this update brings tangible benefits: For the first time, the Pro version features an ultra-rugged titanium case, while under the hood, a major hardware upgrade ensures significantly smoother map navigation. In addition, inReach technology is integrated for emergency communication without the need for a smartphone.

The good news: Mountain biking remains one of the ten most popular sports among people in Switzerland. The bad news: The number of regular mountain bikers has dropped by 25 percent since 2022. This is shown in the latest edition of the federal government’s sports study on the Swiss population’s sports habits.

At this year’s Swiss Epic in Graubünden, two athletes from the host canton—Andrin Beeli and Fadri Barandun—took the top spots for the first time. In the women’s race, the Italian-Swiss duo Claudia Peretti and Anna Weinbeer claimed victory. Stamina was also key at the Grand Raid. The legendary race from Verbier to Grimentz was won by Paula Gorycka-Kurmann and Martin Fanger.

For years, Bosch had enjoyed a phenomenal run of success in the bicycle industry with its mid-drive motor system. With Chinese competitors on the rise, the Swabian company is now facing noticeable headwinds—and Bosch itself is asking the question: “Why ride Bosch?” And: Rose is introducing an affordable hardtail. Vaude has coined a new term, “Enduro Bikepacking,” and released a video report on the topic.

Sina Frei and Adrien Boichis win the Short Track World Cup in Les Gets. The Swiss European champion extends her overall lead with her third victory of the season. In the men’s race, Boichis secures a French victory on home soil, while Mathieu van der Poel advances from 41st on the starting grid to 10th place in his comeback.

Max Alran and Harriet Harnden celebrate their first elite victories at the Downhill World Cup in Les Gets. The 19-year-old Frenchman triumphed in front of his home crowd, while Harnden took home not only the victory but also the 100,000-euro prize for winning the race. Third place was enough for Valentina Höll to secure her fifth overall World Cup title ahead of schedule.

Bosch helped the e-bike market take off and, for years, defined what a modern drive system is. But suddenly, Bosch is no longer the one setting the pace. Avinox is setting new standards for power, torque, and weight—and Bosch is responding. The intriguing question isn’t whether Avinox is better. Rather, is Bosch in the process of going from technology leader to yesterday’s market leader?

For decades, Shimano has been introducing its latest MTB technologies through its top-of-the-line XTR groupset. Twelve months later, these innovations were incorporated into the Deore and XT groupsets. During the last component update, it took just two weeks for the XT to be brought up to the latest technical standards. Is that a good thing or a bit strange?

There were three separate fires at the Emser Bikepark near Bad Ems, close to Koblenz. Among other things, large sections of the Northshores were destroyed by the fire. The operator is collecting donations for the reconstruction.

Illegally built trails have no operator whom the court can sue in the event of an accident. On the other hand, anyone who does everything right—registering, securing, and monitoring the trails—voluntarily puts themselves in the crosshairs of a court ruling.

The UCI and Warner Bros. Discovery have unexpectedly announced the end of the Enduro World Cup after the current 2026 season. While the regular race series will be canceled, the World Championships are set to continue.

The Red Bull Rampage is fast approaching, and the list of participants has now been announced. The 25th edition of the National Park Bike Marathon is also fast approaching. Adrien Dailly and Morgane Charre triumphed at the Enduro World Cup. While Gloria Scarsi and Loris Revelli were crowned the new European Downhill Champions, the next generation of downhill riders delivered in Kopřivná. Last but not least: Melisa Rollins and Keegan Swenson won the legendary Leadville 100 marathon races.

Some well-known mountain bike trails in Switzerland pass through cultural monuments of national significance, which the federal government is required to preserve intact. When it comes to cycling on these trails, the government contradicts itself: one information sheet describes it as desirable, while an enforcement guideline considers a ban on cycling to be a possibility.

With the new Blur, Santa Cruz once again underscores that it is more than just a gravity brand. Meanwhile, Scott is positioning itself in the trail segment with the Strike, an e-mountain bike. It is precisely this segment that Muc-Off aims to protect, and to that end, it has partnered with Forestry England. Not forming an alliance, but rather bringing things together—that’s what Trek is doing with its history, presenting a book to mark its 50th anniversary. 

Boutique brand Intend is building its first dropper post—and it’s not just about lowering the saddle. What makes this dropper post unique is the final section of the stroke—the part where other posts simply lock into place.

A water bottle that doesn't smell like stale water or the dishwasher—even after months of use? With the Gripper V2, Fabric introduces a water bottle designed to keep things clean thanks to its built-in antimicrobial protection.

Mountain bikers often rely on GPS tracks created by others. In doing so, they trust someone who has already ridden the trail before them. With AI, a new track is added—one that isn’t created by a human. Sometimes it leads nowhere.

Cube is revamping its 2027 mountain bike lineup, focusing on greater adjustability, integration, and versatility. The trail and enduro models, the Stereo and Fritzz, are getting completely new frame platforms; the Two15 downhill bike has also been redesigned, while updates to the Stereo Hybrid One44 e-mountain bike focus on components and additional variants. 

The harder the climb, the sweeter the descent. This rule may not apply to everyone. For me and anyone else who enjoys a good hard ride, here are a few thoughts on a tour in Liguria that was far too grueling.

Sure, dropper posts dominate the trails, but simple aluminum seatposts are still around. Schwalbe is rolling out a new electric pump. And Julbo shows how to keep a clear view of the trail.

With their victories at the Eiger Bike Challenge, Martin Fanger and Alessia Nay have taken the lead in the Bike Marathon Classics, while the favorites claimed spots on the podium at the Ischgl Ironbike. And Monique Halter has made the leap from the Thömus Akros Youngstars to the pro ranks. 

The acquisition has fallen through, and Accell is filing for bankruptcy. Now the future of Haibike, Ghost, Winora, Lapierre, and other well-known brands hangs in the balance.

The debate over 32-inch wheels is gaining new momentum. For the first time, this large wheel size is breaking out of its traditional mountain bike niche and entering a segment where it has played a barely noticeable role until now. But there, 32-inch wheels could really take off.

With the new Brandolin Kids’ and Beginners’ Bike Park, Brandnertal is expanding its offerings for families and beginners. Four practice trails, a conveyor belt, and a bag jump make it easier to get started with mountain biking. At the same time, visitors benefit from the investments the bike park has already made for the 2026 season, including a new mountain railway and renovated trails.

After the COVID-19 boom, mountain bike brands went under one after another. Yet many of them are back on store shelves today, unchanged, as if nothing had happened. The name on the frame remains the same, but everything behind it can change: the owner, the manufacturer, the quality. If you trust blindly, you might end up buying nothing more than a deceptively authentic label. So what are you actually paying for when you buy a new mountain bike?

The dispute over the flagship trail at Blindsee in Tyrol appears to be resolving itself amicably. The trail will remain open in 2027 with largely no changes. Only in the lower section along the lake shore will the hiking trail and the mountain trail be physically separated.

The future of the Swiss bicycle manufacturer Transalpes is uncertain for the time being. After a planned acquisition fell through, operations are being shut down. At the same time, the owner is looking for an entrepreneur to carry on the long-established brand.

Camelbak develops a variety of back systems for mountain biking, gravel riding, and cross-country that fit snugly against the back while also providing good ventilation. Northwave’s new “Striker” off-road performance shoe is also well-ventilated. Adidas Eyewear takes the opposite approach, offering the Alkator and Kentro, which offer strong eye protection while still providing a clear view.

At the European Mountain Bike Championships in Monteceneri, Sina Frei won both the short-track and cross-country races. Alessandra Keller took silver, and Fabio Püntener won bronze in the men’s competition. In the U23 division, Anina Hutter, Fiona Schibler, and Elina Benoit celebrated a clean sweep, while Anja Grossmann won the U19 title. France, meanwhile, was the dominant nation in the men’s junior categories.

Mountain bikers have been optimizing their gear for years: lighter frames, carbon parts, spending a lot of money for just a few grams. Now there’s a spray that helps shed kilos—for a fraction of the price. Why would a biker still pay for carbon?

Anyone who’s ever tried to remove an SRAM Dub crank knows the problem: Insert the Allen key, pull with all your might—and nothing happens; the bolt doesn’t budge a millimeter. Anyone who then resorts to tube extensions or other makeshift solutions risks not only damage but also painful slips. Bearing specialist Ceramicspeed now promises a solution that’s as simple as it is elegant.

Sina Frei, Lea Huber, and the Swiss mixed relay team won gold in short track and cross country on the first two days of the European Championships held on home soil in Ticino. Germany celebrated the U23 men’s title thanks to Paul Schehl and a bronze medal in the junior division thanks to Elias Hückmann. Austria impresses with several top-ten finishes. In the elite men’s short track race, Charlie Aldridge brings the title home to England.

Want to do something with mobility? Then just add an "E-" to the front of something that already moves. For example, a handcart. And there are also bike trailers with motors—and what a variety there is.

As is well known, the Western Alps in France are a vast masterpiece for mountain biking. In July, Ride expanded its tour database to include additional fantastic tours in the Western Alps, with a focus on Haute Provence.

With the slogan “Carbon Instead of Stamina,” Graubünden’s promotional mascots Gian and Giachen became famous throughout the German-speaking world. The slogan became a cult classic. Now the two comical ibexes are celebrating their comeback, a touch more cheeky and perfectly adapted to the times.

Gee Atherton took a hard fall while filming his latest movie in the “Ridgeline” series. It’s not the first time. The Brit isn’t revealing exactly what happened, but it seems he may have been lucky again despite the accident. Hardly any other mountain biker has suffered more broken bones than he has and is still riding.

Since 2026, the canton of Zug has had an official mountain bike network. Mountain bikers have had to give up some of their favorite trails. This makes it all the more shocking to see what has become of the Felsentrail, which is part of the network. The canton is now retroactively conducting a building permit process. But the damage has already been done.

After seven years of planning, construction is set to begin on the Julier Pass on a continuous trail for mountain bikers and hikers. The 16.5-kilometer-long Julier Trail will close an important gap between the Surses region, including Bivio, and the Upper Engadine, including Silvaplana. Approximately 2.3 million Swiss francs are being invested in the project, which is scheduled to open in the spring of 2028.

A floating obstacle course—one mistake means a dip in cold water—and two of the world’s best bike artists. Danny MacAskill and Kriss Kyle deliver a show full of spectacular rescues, crashes, and impressive bike control.

The Heilbronn Regional Court has ruled that the hunter, who repeatedly strung wires and eventually even steel cables across trails in his hunting grounds, is guilty of attempted aggravated assault. He has been sentenced to one year and three months, suspended. He may still appeal the verdict.

Uber offers a ride-sharing service in the Lugano area for people with mountain bikes. Rides depart from three starting points to the trails in the region and back to Lugano; two bikes can be loaded onto the bike rack per car. 

Anna Weinbeer and Wout Alleman won the Black Forest Ultra Bike Marathon in Kirchzarten, which is part of the Marathon World Cup. Weinbeer secured the overall victory before the final race. A special spectacle took place in Groningen with the Red Bull District Ride. Tim Bringer and Alma Wiggberg won the slopestyle event in the Dutch city. And on August 8, 2026, teams of adults and children will ride for victory in the FlumsiTeamRace.

Orbea will be consolidating its social initiatives under the newly established Orbea Foundation. Classified, the hub gear specialist, is introducing a new format that goes beyond just bicycle technology. And Adidas has released a new line of sports sunglasses that are sure to turn heads.

Heat maps are all the rage: Anyone planning a mountain bike tour these days tends to stick to trails that are frequently ridden. But blindly following the crowd only reinforces a vicious cycle. Then the heat map quickly turns into a “luck map.”

It used to be said: If Hans No Way Rey can't ride it, nobody can. At 60 years old, the MTB trial pioneer is still tackling tough terrain on his e-MTB. And as he demonstrates in a post, he doesn't always succeed.

Unfortunately, finding the right pair of cycling glasses isn’t all that easy. After all, just because a pair fits well in the store doesn’t automatically mean it will perform well on the trail or in the wind. Also, you can’t always tell a pair of glasses’ quality just by looking at them. It’s often only when you use them that you discover what a model is capable of and where its strengths lie. Among the huge selection of sports glasses, there are a few that stand out from the masses – not visually, but in terms of performance.

Waterbury, a town of 5,000 residents in the U.S. state of Vermont, is known for its renowned trail network on Perry Hill. This reputation generates approximately one million dollars in revenue each year for this small community from mountain bike tourists. However, the example of Waterbury demonstrates more than just economic benefits. The trails are a major reason why many residents choose to live there in the first place.

Issue 104 of Ride explores the fascination of narrow trails and tackles the sport’s tough questions. From the endangered Blindsee Trail to the wild Doubs River in the Jura Mountains to the historic Tracciolino on Lake Como, this issue offers gripping stories, in-depth analyses of the World Cup, and a psychological profile of an entire sport.

A network of trails is set to be built on the Lindenberg, a range of hills on the border between the cantons of Aargau and Lucerne. Mountain bikers initiated the project, which is now supported by the federal government and the municipalities. Opposition is coming from elsewhere.

18.8 kilograms, 111 Nm of torque, and 850 watts of peak power: With the new S-Works Turbo Levo R Ultralight, Specialized aims to show that full-power e-mountain bikes no longer have to be heavyweights. The goal seems clear: to redefine the premier class of e-mountain bikes.

Every mountain biker is familiar with the deer that barely lift their heads when someone rides by. A good sign, you might think. Yet it is precisely this calmness that can cost the animal its life in the fall. On the trail, we fall into the same trap: When we learn that something is harmless, we lose our fear of it when it becomes dangerous. What if skill and a fatal mistake feel exactly the same?

The Enduro World Cup made a stop at the Aletsch Arena and delivered plenty of excitement. Against the backdrop of the vast Aletsch Glacier, Ella Conolly and Ryan Gilchrist won the elite races, while Elena Frei secured a home victory in the U19 category. Also included are a report on the Swiss Short Track Championships and an update on the European Marathon Championships.