articles
Anti-Brake-Dive – unknown or unnecessary?
When a two-wheeled vehicle experiences significant deceleration, the axle load shifts forward, typically causing the front suspension to compress (commonly referred to as "brake dive," "diving," or "nosediving"). This results in a change to the head tube geometry—altering the trail, rake, and wheelbase.
This phenomenon is known as "brake dive." It can lead to unwanted instability, as the suspension effectively becomes stiffer, the front end becomes more heavily loaded, and the steering and braking behavior can change unpredictably.
In the 1980s, motorcycle manufacturers like Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Honda introduced anti-dive systems, often in the form of additional mechanical linkages or hydraulic controls. While these classic systems have largely disappeared today, their principles have found a place in modern geometric and electronically controlled solutions. The automotive sector also employs solutions that positively influence handling characteristics and better control unwanted vehicle movement.
Review Banshee Titan – OH my word!
Some brands shout, others whisper—and that's precisely where their strength lies.
No aggressive social media campaigns, no ad banners tracking you across every platform. Instead, hidden almost in plain sight, there’s a bike that doesn’t look mainstream—and doesn’t ride like it either.
Banshee is one of those brands. And what they’ve got in their lineup isn’t just more budget-friendly than much of the competition—it's also a real breath of fresh air in the sea of carbon spaceships.
The name? Titan. A tool. For those bold enough to use it. Enjoy a bike test that breaks free from category thinking.
Podcast: Cam Zink – rider. family man. entrepreneur
Cam Zink. He is an entrepreneur, a family man, and an advocate for pushing the next generation of riders.
He shares insights on the challenges of building a brand—remember Sensus grips and his newest project, ZINK bikes—as well as about how mountain biking pushes limits and how to get better at it.
From Post-Office jumps to Red Bull Rampage. Enjoy the listen, and hopefully we can show you a different perspective on Cam Zink.
e*thirteen Sidekick Longterm review and CoPilot feedback
The e*thirteen Sidekick hub is designed to counteract what's known as pedal kickback. Altogether, we had the chance to ride with ten different testers. The tests took place under real-world conditions across various regions — including Freiburg, Heidelberg, the Palatinate, Saalbach, the Odenwald, and the Spessart. Rider weights ranged from 55 to 105 kg (120 to 230 lbs), and the bikes covered everything from trail and enduro to freeride and full-on DJI-powered e-MTBs. The testing also included blind tests.
Podcast: Matt Wragg: Formula Selva V, all the updates, how it differs from other forks and some sidenotes on mediawork
In this episode of the TESTPILOT Podcast, Matt Wragg from Formula will explain the latest update of their Selva Fork. The Selva V. But we not only talk about the improvement of this product. We also shed some light on the motivation of Formula to make products that differ from what is available in the market.
Factory Tour: Askoll Ultra – Alex builds a 1200w motor by himself
Ascoli, Northern Italy—In a blend of precision engineering and Italian craftsmanship, Askoll reveals how they interpret a cutting-edge e-bike motor. From raw components it will overall take only 10 minutes to build. Join Alex Boyce on his behind the scenes factory tour, where torque, tech, and tradition converge… Head with him on the trails to find out what this motor is able to do in an e-bike and how software affects your riding experience.
E-Bikes Beware – 2strokes are coming!
In a world of Newtonmeters, Watts, battery life, and carbon e-bikes, we might forget there is a contender. A true thread to what the bike industry is considering a good product. The cheap two-stroke build kit is coming, and Joel Anderson shows what it can do.
Eurobike 2025: The E-MTB drive unit overview
Eurobike 2025 has once again demonstrated that the e-bike sector continues to grow stronger. More and more new manufacturers are pushing into the market with their drive systems, all eager to claim their share of the pie. Competition is great for the consumer – we can only hope this eventually has a positive impact on prices as well.This year, the spotlight is on powerful, compact, and efficient motor systems. We’ve taken a look at the most interesting innovations and evaluated what they mean for e-MTB riders.
Stablead - Carbon Suspension, Brian Lopes and new components
Stablead - upside-down carbon suspension fork, a carbon-bodied rear shock and a lugged carbon bike. Stems, pedals, chainrings, cranks and seat clamps made of special aluminum. MTB legend and brand ambassador Brian Lopes talks to us about the brand's portfolio. What is the story behind Stablead? When will the first products be available? Find out everything in the article.
Raymon with ZF Centrix Motor: A Game-Changer for E-MTBs?
Discover why the ZF motor is redefining e-MTB performance! Our first ride review reveals its game-changing traction, ultra-smooth power delivery, and why 90Nm beats brute force. Is this the best e-bike motor yet?
Review: NEW Formula Selva V Fork
The new Formula Selva V – proven performance with smart updates. Torsional stiffness, friction reduction, updated geometry, and more. The new Formula Selva V aims to strike a balance between sensitivity, control, and long-term reliability. Curious what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how’s the ride feel? Read our test here.
Podcast: Claus Fleischer from Bosch on E-Bike Power
In this episode of the TESTPILOT Podcast, Claus Fleischer, CEO at Bosch eBike Systems, unpacked the evolution of e-bike technology, regulatory challenges, and the delicate balance between innovation and preserving the "bicycle" status. Let’s explore the core concepts driving this revolution—and the physics behind the ride. The podcast and article below will go hand in hand to give you the perfect insight.
Enjoy 47 minutes of insights and thoughts on a topic that is hotter than ever in a challenging time in the bike industry.
Atherton A.150 versus S.150 – Differences. Which bike is better?
In this article, we will provide you with insights on how the Atherton S.150 versus the A.150 feel on the trail and help you get an idea of which one would fit your riding style.
E-Bikes and the race for power. Did dji avinox start the needed conversation?
Discover how DJI's Avinox motor is shaking up the e-MTB world with unmatched power and agility. Compare top systems like Bosch, TQ, and Specialized—and explore what rising power means for trails, riders, and regulations.
Podcast: MTB Media is biased because brands pay advertisement?
Mountainbike media is weird. The new bike or product is launched; the review of it is on all the major news sites, and the ad is placed bold around it. This means the review is bought, right? The editors are biased, right? – But are they? There is an interaction between bike brands and component manufacturers, and yes, money is involved in different forms of advertisements. Banners, affiliate links, ambassadors, influencers and YouTubers.
In this podcast, I will try together with Gjulio and Simon from Bike connection agency to shed some light on the interaction of the media and the bike industry. How the media earns money to keep their outlets running and pay editors to do their work, how new forms of media arise, how we consume content, and how the landscape changes.
The story behind the photo: A kickstarting shot
Everyone of us carries a powerful camera in their pockets. A camera which puts early digital cameras to shame in its ability to stack pixels and capture photos in low light situations. Most of these utilities even have multiple focal lengths to choose from. An enthusiast may forget that these cameras are a bonus on a carry on telephone.
Podcast: 25 years of history in bike media. A retrospective with James Huang and Jens Staudt
Print was king regarding MTB media and our main source of information. There are only a handful of editors or writers out there which experienced this transformation to the media as we know it today. James Huang and Jens Staudt are two of these dinosaurs. In over 100 minutes of history in the development of bike media. Covering the rise of online reviews and online race coverage. The influence of people like Alex Rankin and Clay Porter, the rise of Pinkbike, centralization of power under media houses and some ideas on how bike people would like to consume information in the future.
Steel. Printed. Welded and unique. Thadeus Tisch
Thadeus is a passionate frame builder, and has been for many years. Steel was his gateway material, allowing him to create a wide variety of bikes. He doesn't limit himself to just one category – from dirt jump bikes, mountain bikes, and hardtails, to downhillers and even four-wheeled children's bikes, he's worked on it all.
What is coming 2025?
65 % discount on new bikes and novelties in e-bikes. An outlook on what bikers can expect in 2025: What will be relevant in the bike industry? What will be new for us bikers? How can innovation look like? Things have gone wild in the bike industry in recent years. Jens takes you with him and shares his thoughts.
Podcast: Paul Aston – Pushing Geometry and reliability of bikes
A good ol’ Mountainbike ramble. Paul Aston is not an unknown person in the bike media world. In this Testpilot Podcast we talk about, what he calls his „light bulb moment“ he had with a bike he first couldn’t really ride but made some geometry changes on to transform it to what he Called back then „the best bike ever“. A second light bulb moment with GEometron Bikes from Chris Porter. A little bit about his crowd funded testing of bikes and components on his website AstonMTB.bike.