MAGAZIN
Review: Push Industries Nine.One V2
The Nine.One V2 upside-down suspension fork combines not only a special approach from a small company in Colorado, but also a completely different philosophy to what you would normally expect from off-the-shelf competitors. Steel spring, custom setup for each customer, and two ways to influence the spring characteristic curve... We tested the Push Nine.One V2 and were taken by surprise. Different = better?
Review: Marzocchi Z1 Coil GRIP
In the third article of our suspension fork test, we take a look at the Marzocchi Z1 Coil GRIP 2022. This fork offers a genuine steel spring feel and just a few adjustment options. Can it score points on the trail and give its high-end competitors a run for their money with its simplicity? We wanted to find out.
Review: SR Suntour DUROLUX38 X EVO
In the second article of our big suspension fork test, we take a look at the SR Suntour DUROLUX38 X EVO. This suspension fork has fewer adjustment knobs but still features sophisticated technology. Can it compete with its more expensive rivals? How does it perform on the trail and which riders is this fork best suitable for? We’ve tested it for you.
Review: FOX PODIUM FACTORY
The first article in our big suspension fork fieldtest. Is the FOX Podium Factory suspension fork worth the hype? How does it perform on the trail? Who is it really suitable for – everyone? What do you need to consider when setting it up? We've ridden it extensively and will answer all your questions in our detailed FOX Podium test report.
Field Test 170 mm Enduro Forks
Welcome to the test that gives you answers, and welcome to the intro to our 170mm fork test. What makes a good 170mm fork? How did we test? Which forks did we test? What can you expect from the TESTPILOT fork test? Here at TESTPILOT, we've made it our mission to test products for and with you, and to describe them in a way that helps you know if they're right for you—not just whether they meet our personal preferences.
What’s different between 36 and 38 mm stanchions?
When do I need 36 mm and when do I need 38 mm suspension fork stanchions? Is a stiffer suspension fork better? Or is flex actually a good thing? Flex is not a simple topic. In our field test, we explain the advantages and disadvantages of 36 mm and 38 mm stanchions, stiffness, and flex in mountain bike suspension forks. SR Suntour provided us with two almost identical suspension forks, the AURON36 and DUROLUX38 X – the only difference between them is the stanchion diameter.
Podcast: Keith Scott: Banshee Bikes. Engineering Over Hype.
If you follow the mountain bike world, you know the story. Every year there's a new standard, a new "game-changing" innovation, and a marketing blitz telling us what we need to buy to be faster. But what if you're a brand that just... doesn't play that game? What's it like to build bikes on a completely different set of rules?
In this episode, we're sitting down with Keith Scott, the co-owner and chief engineer of Banshee Bikes. Keith is a fascinating voice in the industry—a self-described engineer first, who's built his company on the principle of "physics, not gimmicks."
We’re going to dig into why he thinks the pursuit of ultimate stiffness might be wrong, why he's skeptical of lab tests versus real-world mud and rocks, and how his small, non-mainstream-brand survives—and thrives—by deliberately ignoring the hype cycle. It's a candid look at the business of bikes from the inside, the value of being different, and what it really takes to build a machine that's just pure fun to ride.
Formula Compression Tuning System – Suspension-Voodoo at your home
A suspension setup perfectly matching your riding style? Imagine one that is even adaptable to different trails and different bikes. Normally, that can require tinkering, shim-stack knowledge, or sending your suspension to a tuning service. For many riders, that’s either intimidating or simply too costly. Exactly here Formula steps in, making suspension tuning accessible to everyone. The Compression Tuning System (CTS) has actually been around since 2017.
Different valves with completely distinct damping characteristics that you can swap from the outside—without taking the suspension apart. Available for both forks and shocks. How the system works and who it’s best suited for, you’ll find out in this article.
Podcast: Joe McEwan – Starling Cycles. 10 years. new ways and staying true.
While the podcast will give you an insight to Starling Cycles the company itself is about to change – but not like you might think it will. There won’t be carbon frames anytime soon. Joe and his team will still provide you with the frames made out of Reynolds 853 the steel lover is a fan of. But they will get help.
Shortening lead times to serve customers quicker, providing demo rides and teaming up with bikeshops to have the bikes on the floor will mark a huge step forward for the brand. While starting literally in the shed behind the house Joe now teamed up with Fort Frames in the Czech Republic to be able to fulfill demand. A couple of years back Starling started to source the rear triangles of their core models out of ORA in Taiwan.
Unchained Bicycles – Enduro. The Future. Made in Switzerland.
Bonding lugs and tubes is making a comeback and is now considered an established manufacturing method. Numerous manufacturers use it both for prototyping and for production frames. The technique offers several advantages over welding but is more expensive.
Unchained 1.0 is not yet a production model and continues to be refined. Axel and Laurent are committed to uncompromising development and their own hands-on riding impressions, since they are already riding the frame themselves. With 7075-T6 tubes at a wall thickness of 2 mm, the frame shrugs off even the worst abuse. This wall thickness is unusual for production bikes, which means there is still significant potential for weight savings in a future production model. They designed the lugs to their own specifications and had them custom-made. Currently, the entire frame is “Made in Switzerland.”
Test Kavenz VHP16 G2 – planted. confidence. Gearbox.
No more bent derailleurs? Less unsprung mass for better suspension performance? There are smaller companies that already have a large fan base and are on the verge of an international breakthrough. The people behind these brands love pushing innovation and constantly striving to optimize – the Kavenz VHP16 is already in its seventh evolution stage. Particularly exciting here is the option to do away with the derailleur. A Virtual High Pivot rear end with a gearbox and chain instead of a belt. Sounds like absolute traction and the perfect solution for a hassle-free bike? We tested it.
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.