Legendary performance refined with modern durability, smoother shifting, and rider-focused design. Shimano continues its mechanical mountain bike legacy with the introduction of the new Deore XT M8200 mechanical drivetrain components, delivering advanced performance, proven durability, and modern trail technology for riders who demand more from every ride. Grupa osprzętu Shimano Deore XT M8200 Building on decades of trail-proven reliability, the new Deore XT mechanical rear derailleur and shifter deliver improved ergonomics and enhanced shifting performance, bringing flagship-level innovation to one of mountain biking’s most trusted component families, regardless of riding style. Shimano Deore XT M8200 Mechanical Drivetrain Key Features Derailleur…
Author: Tomasz Profic
The biggest Swatch Nines Bike course build to date is primed and ready for a week of unforgettable action on the slopes of Sölden. As an elite crew of mountain bikers and BMXers from around the globe converge on the Austrian Alps, it’s finally time to reveal the Swatch Nines Bike 2026 course layout. Key facts: A boundary-expanding new playground: The Swatch Nines BMX Plaza A custom BMX plaza is the standout addition to Swatch Nines Bike. Covering 800 square meters at the bottom of the setup, the park includes a variety of quarterpipes, rails, ledges and transfer options. There’s…
Increased control, improved heat management, and added durability for aggressive riding. SHIMANO raises the bar on braking performance with the introduction of its new 2.2mm thick disc brake rotors, engineered to deliver greater control and increased durability for the demands of downhill, freeride, and long-travel enduro and e-MTB. On steep descents, blown-out corners, and through technical rock gardens, braking isn’t just about slowing down, it’s about staying in control. SHIMANO’s latest rotor design is built to give riders the confidence to push deeper into lines and brake later when it matters most. Rooted in Shimano’s gravity-driven heritage, the new 6-Bolt…
Shimano continues to refine the connection between rider and trail with the introduction of the new Deore XT PD-M8220 pedals. Engineered to deliver greater stability and traction, the new pedals feature a wider platform, enhanced grip, and faster engagement for confident riding on technical terrain. Shimano SPD Pedals: Deore XT PD-M8220 & PD-MT520 Built for riders who demand control when trails get steep, loose, and unpredictable, the PD-M8220 pedals combine a robust SPD design with a wider contact platform to create a more stable interface between shoe and pedal. The result is a pedal that feels planted through rough sections…
An infusion of high-performance technology and sleek finish elevates the new DEORE components to an upgrade-worthy groupset. With options for all categories of riding, built to the standard of SHIMANO MTB groups and matching the sleek black and grey finish of DEORE Di2, SHIMANO presents an expanded and elevated DEORE family. All the hallmarks of a true MTB group are delivered with high-power consistent brakes, lightning-fast mechanical shifting under load, a derailleur designed to survive big hits, and superior cockpit ergonomics. Built for riders who value durability, quick shifting, mechanical simplicity, and consistent braking, the new DEORE lineup brings advanced…
This year’s May long weekend was exceptionally short, lasting only three days, but the weather was exceptionally good. As a result, numerous bike parks were opening in Poland and the Czech Republic, attracting crowds of riders eager for their first bike park rides. We chose the German direction, heading to Winterberg Bike Park, and also stopping by the neighboring Green Hill Bikepark. Green Hill Bikepark Green Hill Bikepark was only established in 2022, but has been considered Germany’s number one bike park since its inception. It is located in Schmalleneberg, in the Sauerland highlands of Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia and…
New season, new challenges: the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series kicked off its 2026 campaign on 1 May in South Korea, and plenty has already changed. But some things remain constant – including the iconic Triple Header in Saalfelden Leogang from 11–14 June. Once again, bike fans can look forward not only to world-class Cross-country, Downhill and Enduro racing, but also to a packed side program in Austria’s largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. New track, new stages, new schedule The action gets underway on Friday with the Cross-country Short Track (XCC) Elite races on the intense 1.1-kilometre…
For the 2026 season, Bike Republic Sölden is expanding its trail network with purpose, making it even more attractive for beginners and pros alike. With the new Jump Line, the Drimmle Line as a smart connection between Gaislachkogl and Giggijoch, a new pump track at the Gaislachkogl mid-station, the extended Traien Trail, new Bike Hubs for “Bike & Hike”, and several upgrades across the existing trail network, Bike Republic Sölden heads into summer with tangible new highlights. Bike Republic Sölden is not just expanding its trail network for 2026 – it is noticeably taking the riding experience to the next…
From June 15–20, 2026, Swatch Nines Bike is back in Sölden, Austria for another year of jaw-dropping action on two wheels. For the first time, the longstanding mountain bike event will welcome BMX athletes on an equal footing to their MTB counterparts. With two iconic bike sports joining forces, a massive course and lots of opportunities for fans to come and watch, it’s shaping up to be a memorable week in Bike Republic Sölden. Key facts: Welcome BMX: The newest Swatch Nines discipline While individual riders have been part of past Nines events, BMX has never been fully represented—until now.…
Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is making the leap to the big screen at the start of the 2026 bike season. Featuring local heroes Vali Höll, Stevie Schneider and Fabio Wibmer, the community will decide from May 5th which trailer takes the lead and gets the chance to be produced as a full movie. 3 trailers – 3 genres – 1 community Austria’s largest bike region is something you simply have to experience – just like the acting performances of Vali Höll, Fabio Wibmer, Stevie Schneider, and many other local heroes. The three trailers “Vali –Mit Vollgas durch’s Idyll”, “Trail Rush…
ABUS is expanding its mountain bike line-up with the new Targon, a convertible mountain bike helmet with a removable chin guard. One helmet with two distinct personalities: as a full-face helmet, it delivers maximum protection on singletracks and bike park laps, while with just a few quick moves, it transforms into an open-face helmet for more freedom on easy rides or everyday use. This latest addition to the portfolio marks a first for ABUS, as it is the brand’s first mountain bike helmet to be manufactured at its own production facility in Italy. Both sides of this 2-in-1 setup –…
The Bike Kingdom kicks off the 2026 season on 14 May, once again delivering the full package for mountain bikers: an endless trail network, perfectly shaped park lines, top-tier events like the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, and forward-looking projects such as Mountain Bike Signage 2.0 and the Bike Kingdom Learning Lab. From the first early-season laps to golden autumn rides, everything is set for a long and diverse bike summer. Season start and operating times The 2026 bike season in Lenzerheide gets underway on 14 May in the Bike Kingdom Park, marking the start of the pre-season. Following the…
Last fall, jack-of-all-trades in mountain biking Joe Barnes teamed up with fellow Scotsman and veteran rider Pete Scullion to explore the high-alpine singletracks of Bike Kingdom. Touching down by plane and van, they almost jumped straight on their bikes and made every moment count – on and off the trails. Long days, epic lines, plenty of laughs, hearty local food, and a shared passion for riding defined the trip. Filmed in Joe’s unmistakable creative style, “Cheesy Dreams” captures two unique riders pushing trails, having fun, and fully embracing one of Switzerland’s most diverse mountain bike destinations. Not to mention the…
SHIMANO expands its flat pedal lineup with the launch of the new SAINT PD-G8040 and DEORE XT PD-M8240 flats. Designed to meet the demands of aggressive trail, enduro, and gravity riders, both models deliver confident grip, excellent stability, and long-lasting durability, bringing SHIMANO’s legendary pedal engineering to riders who prefer flats. For more than three decades, SHIMANO SPD mountain bike pedals have set the standard for performance and reliability. The new SAINT and DEORE XT flat pedals carry that same proven approach into a new generation of wide-platform flat pedals built for modern mountain biking, from bike-park laps to long…