The Flare 27.5" trail bike finally joins the Cotic Longshot crew, the steel Droplink full suspension bike gets longer slacker geometry and is ready to get rowdy on the trails from today!

Two thousand pounds is a decent amount of money to spend on a new mountain bike, making it essential you buy the best one for you. We've tested a range of full suspension and hardtail bikes all costing under 2k, the ones listed below have all scores over four out of five stars in review making them well worth a look when you purchase your next new bike. 

New for 2019 the Lumicycle Apogee Extender pack front mountain bike light produces a massive 4500 lumens in a sturdy handlebar package with an easy to reach switch. It does need an external battery though and the light beam forms more of a ‘spotlight’ than competitors.

Today SRAM launches the second generation of Guide brakes, with the G2 Ultimate and G2 RSC's the first on the list for a makeover. Toting brake power increase by 7%, a new calliper and mini-Code power, the brakes are aimed at anything from light trail bikes to race ready enduro bikes. 

OK, hands up we confess, we did miss a week of cool stuff last week. No excuses, we let the ball drop momentarily! We are back this week with a good looking helmet from Lazer, a unique frame strap from Louri, pedals from Bontrager, nifty valve caps with a superb name from Granite Design and gravel shoes from Quoc. 

April Fools, the day the internet explodes with a bunch of questionable tech that may or may not be real, more likely the latter. It's also the day that brands and manufacturers attempt to bring out their humorous sides in a bid to win the internet and produce the best and funniest April Fools cycling product. Not the day for reading news really, well aside from our five things that actually aren't April Fools, but at first glance are a little suspect.

Our Bike Live demo day at Cannock Chase went off with a bang this weekend just gone with lots of new bikes tested and trails shredded! If you came along, we hope you had a great day! Back to the office this week, we have some new kit from dhb, a gravel bike from Saracen, a kids seat that allows them to ride shotgun, Thule backpacks and sunnies from Smith Optics. 

We took part in the Yorkshire True Grit event in 2017 and loved every second of it, it popped our Jon's gravel cherry and he's not been quite the same since. We are glad to see the race return at a brand new location in June 2019 and entries are now open. 

Perfect for cold winter days on the bike, the Gore C5 Womens Windstopper Trail Camo Hooded Jacket is warm, comfortable and stylish on and off the bike. The hood flaps around somewhat though but it’s a small moan about what is otherwise a superb outer layer.