When there are “lots and lots” of mountain biking magazines out there, you people surely can get confused about where to begin. Especially if you are a first-timer or looking for a change, it can be tough to figure out which one is the best magazine for you. You want something that speaks to your interests. 

Sure, Singletracks online and Pinkbike forums are great for info, and connecting with other riders on YouTube for specific information is the thing of today. No matter what, the fresh feeling you get holding a magazine in your hands, the actual print version has no match. 

So, today let’s talk about some of the favorite magazines of our MTB riders. 

1. Bike Magazine: (bikemagazine.co.uk) 

Bike Magazine UK is a featured magazine especially for mountain bike users since 1994. It is arguably one of the best choices for mountain bikers, which has a plus deal with its high-quality photography and in-depth articles. Let’s explore the website to discover its key features. A monthly bike subscription offering six issues costs just £19.99—what a fun way to ride!

The December 2024 issue features the intriguing question, “Can two wrongs make a right?” and also delves into topics such as screw threads. MBUK is a premier publication for mountain bikers and a valuable resource for 2025. It covers all disciplines, including trail riding, downhill, cross-country, and even dirt jumping.

The magazine provides easy-to-follow technique guides and maintenance tips, fostering a strong sense of community among mountain biking enthusiasts. Through its “Subs Zone,” MBUK offers exclusive competitions and subscriber-only content. The magazine’s “Wrecking Crew,” which rigorously tests bikes and gear to provide honest and detailed reviews, is also one to look for. 

On the bottom line, it has 

• Credible content 
• Visually stunning 
• Annual Gear Guide (Best Issue)
• Great reputation among hardcore MTB riders

MBUK is certainly worth considering. However, given its focus on paid subscriptions rather than free content, potential subscribers might wonder if it’s the right choice or if they should continue searching for other top-tier bike magazines online.

2. Mountain Bike Action 

Mountain Bike Action (MBA) provides news about major XC races, including the World Championships, and features articles such as SOUTHRIDGE U.S.A.’s 2025 Race Schedule. What more could you want?

MBA features the most loved “Bike Test Issue,” providing comprehensive information about various bike types, including downhill, e-bikes, enduro, fat bikes, hardtails, and trail bikes. 

There are also numerous product reviews, such as stand reviews, pedal shoe evaluations, and tests of windstoppers. jackets for riders. You can explore these in more detail on the website. Currently, a special holiday subscription is available for $24.99 per month.

MBA also offers the “Ask MBA” series, designed to answer questions from both new and experienced mountain bikers. Furthermore, you can find insights on Road 2 Recovery, “Bike Check” features with experts, and engaging articles. 

The magazine provides the latest updates on the Enduro challenge and elite mountain biking events, often featuring motocross professionals. It covers their injuries, wins, and series titles, accompanied by high-quality photographs and well-documented articles.

However, some users may find the website’s layout less intuitive, making locating specific articles or categories difficult. Additionally, excessive advertisements may interrupt user engagement. 

While the technical details are generally well covered in clearly written articles, the content could be more extensive and often requires a subscription and payment, which could be a negative experience for some. It does offer standard articles suitable for beginner mountain bikers.

3. Mountain Biking UK (MBUK)

MBUK is Britain’s best-selling mountain biking magazine with good photographic content. It covers bizarre issues with the most interesting topics and crackers, all set for the 2025 edition, which is a must to grab. 

• Skill-building content: It also guides MTB riders to improve their skills with its insightful podcast series and videos. 
• Celebrating greatness: When you purchase the latest issue or all subscriptions, you get to have a look at the incredible riding histories of the 2024 Rider of the Year winners.
• Trend-spotting: Get the inside scoop on the latest trends—and learn which ones to avoid! You can also get videos and ideas on the trends that NEED to stop.
• Exclusive benefits: MBUK readers can also get 10% off. All of the issues are on sale now. 
• Unforgettable issues: Past issues explored important topics like concussion awareness and paid homage to session winners.
• What to expect in 2025: Prepare for a year of unique and thought-provoking content, from bizarre and intriguing features to essential trail guides.
• Explore and engage: Find articles that pique your interest, shop for your favorite gear, subscribe to MBUK, and discover amazing trails with their comprehensive guides.

You can find catchy headlines here like Save Your Brain, Trail Bike Shootout, and A Historic Epic. From here only we can see efforts, how they cover top bike specialists and winners, and get the frame from the best angle to lure the users. They have thousands of live subscribers to their magazine’s monthly issue, and the number of podcast listeners is slightly more than that. 

4. Mountain Flyer Magazine 

It’s a mountain bike journal that you might get addicted to if you are a hardcore reader. You can get racing news here, with the message from the publisher. You can also get digital access to the latest issue of this magazine via email or web access.  

They also curate an experience for regular listeners via the medium of regular podcast series. You can also get access to one-time, monthly, and annual packages for your magazine and podcasts, where you directly get interviews and interesting stories from climbing life. 

You can hear episodes like Prime Time with the famous Alex Clark, founder of Prime Ability, a bike-based nonprofit organization. Others are on the list, like Riding with Gratitude with Abby Long, the executive director of Vermont’s Kingdom Trail Association.  

5. Dirt Rag 

Fun stories and community focus loved for more engagement and adventure stories Issue, Dirt Rag is one of the best mountain bike magazines. It was beloved because it came with a sense of belonging to the users. 

Dirt Rag had a quirky style of featuring stories; it was more like a conversation among friends rather than a traditional publication, though it dates way back. It comes with a DIY ethos and is more about biking rather than some corporate sponsorship.  

Dirt Rag had distinctive cover art, original illustrations, graphics, and not just glossy photographs. The magazine is more about creativity and independent self-expression. It also advocated for trail access and environmental stewardship and motivated local bike communities to give back to the sport. 

Sorry guys, this magazine is not available at the current date as it ceased its publication in 2020, after an amazing 30-year legacy. But since we discussed the best of all time, this is the most nostalgic one for mountain bikers and has a decent mark in honest representation of riders’ expression, advocacy effort, and growing together with bikers. 

The Dirt Rag is Dead, but its long-live do-it-yourself attitude is still users’ favorite. It used to conduct Dirt Fest too (a weekend of camaraderie, riding, and fun), and some of the memorable issues featured in Dirt Rag are, 

• Disc Brakes for Every Budget 
• Dirt Rag: Backyard Bikepacking 
• Dirt Rag: Great Rag Vacations and More 

6. Freehub Magazine 

Freehub Magazine is a preloved mountain bike magazine for “Behind the Shovel” stories. It has amazing contributions from award-winning photographers like Paris Gore and striking cover art by Jeff Boyes. 

It featured a range of topics, like adventure stories, profiles of influential riders, gear reviews, and all. One of the users also reviewed it like, “a coffee table book,” for its amicable addition to any living space. It has technical insights and something for everyone, even if you look for inspirational tales of adventure. 

Freehub Magazine has a quarterly publication; it felt timeless rather than rushed content. Readers are huge fans of such comprehensive explorations of a subject and always appreciate the depth of the research. 

Users also rave about the magazine’s visual quality and how it is an art piece; it has been a connection to the community. It majorly highlighted local trail builders and riders, which is why the reviews are brutally honest and unbiased. It promoted a broader mountain bike culture, and some users trusted Freehub’s thoughtful recommendations more than other publications.

Many users have even mentioned how positively Freehub’s approach has inspired them to set their own biking goals. They explain how it is relatable as it shares celebrity riders’ struggles, setbacks, and even success stories of our favorite riders. We tried and failed with them, basically growing with them. How the users waited for the next issue and still reread the earlier one. 

7. Cycling Weekly 

Cycling Weekly is a prominent cycling publication based in the UK, renowned as the oldest cycling magazine since January 24, 1891. Founded by Edmund Dangerfield, his legacy is continued in the growing cycling community with expert tips on improving cycling skills and techniques. 

We can find equipment evaluations, reviews, and comparisons of bikes and cycling gear at all times. It’s such a vintage collection, and it still competes with new modern bike trends and industry developments. It has an online presence and also a print edition. It has some free content, whereas full access requires a subscription. Some of its popular articles in history include, 

• The British Best All-Rounder (BBAR) Competition
• The Golden Book of Cycling

However, the magazine faced backlash for its September 2017 mistake, where a female cyclist was captioned as a “token attractive woman.” They sparked discussion about gender roles in sports media and accordingly issued an apology. Its extensive coverage network includes significant races such as the Tour de France, local biking events, and lifestyle.

8. Bicycling Magazine

Bicycling magazines published by Hearst in Easton, Pennsylvania, in 1961, are a leading voice in the cycling community. The magazines are best known for their exclusive training tips, gear reviews, nutrition guidance, and inspiring narratives. 

The magazine annually publishes 10 different issues, with regular updates and with readership exceeding 2 million. They have a YouTube channel that complements written articles with visual guidance. There are exclusive perks of their subscription with detailed gear reviews and expert advice. 

• They also have informative pieces about tax credits for e-bikes. 
• Recognize and review outstanding bikes and gear each year. 
• Also talks about bamboo bikes and innovative engineering solutions 

What are the perks of subscribing to mountain bike magazines? 

The subscription can be either monthly, biweekly, annually, or a bonanza offer like a one-time payment. By subscribing, you help the research work and even motivate the magazine owners to put more on the table. 

You can access all news covered on the latest bike events, get ideas on biking techniques and modern insights into mountain bike technology, evolving trends, and stories to inspire, which are unavailable elsewhere on the internet for free. For example, you will get a close follow-up on the current 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Champions, like 

Exclusive discount on subscription: Users can get an exclusive discount of over 50% off the shop price if they avail themselves of subscription discounts on the monthly issue of a magazine. 

Regular updates: You are regularly updated about the latest trends, gears, and innovations, without having to do much research on your own. With a subscription, magazines are auto-delivered without having to seek out individual issues. 

Expert reviews and recommendations: Magazines offer top expert reviews and recommendations that readers are keenly looking for. You can also get a first-hand review of products you intend to buy and make purchase decisions accordingly. 

Exclusive content delivery: Users get access to exclusive content like special content, interviews with professional riders, and even behind-the-scenes content of your interest. 

A thoughtful gift for loved ones: This can be quite a Christmas gift for your mountain bike-loving friends or else a present. Those fascinated with the sport will surely find it engaging and are passionate enough to love your gift. 

Some Reddit Responses on the Best Mountain Bike Magazines for Newbies

User 1: An anonymous user cited this in a query response to the husband-wife duo that they have a look at some of the resources and issues that are worth it. 

Freehub, imho, is the best mountain biking mag. A coffee table-quality magazine that I think, but am not sure, was started by the same people who do The Ski Journal, Frequency, and The Flyfish Journal. In either case, they’re all based out of Bellingham, WA.

Dirt Rag is the other one I subscribe to. It’s a small, fun rag that’s good for a few good stories, editorials, and adventures, with a few product reviews thrown in for good measure.

For websites, I like this sub, Singletracks, Pinkbike, mtbr, vitalmtb, and enduro-mtb.

User 2: Single Tracks Canada BC has commended their personal experience too. Let’s see what it is all about. 

Last time I opened a print magazine, it was 90 percent ads. For online sites, Pinkbike, NSMB, and Loam Wolf.

For more magazine-style, enduro-mtb.com has a phone or tablet app with a pretty neat online magazine.

Best Mountain Bike Magazines as per Bike Forums

Is there a decent magazine out there? asks a member from Seattle. On their response comes some real-time users with their responses. Let’s see what the bike forums tell us: Is it a different angle on the best mountain bike magazines of all time? 

User 1: I think there was another thread about this at one point, but my recommendation would be Mountain Bike Action. If you’re interested in learning about other aspects of the sport as well, such as road biking, Bicycling is looking better lately with its new format. I subscribe to both of them.

-Moab

User 2: “Ya man, mountain bike action is the best one out there. Also, mountain biking is coming along, and BIKE is alright. But far and above is mbaction,”

adds Cdude, a senior member on the platform. 

User 3: Sscyco user who calls himself as Fool O’Carp adds,

“I guess I like the alternative side of mountain bike riding—Dirt Rag would be my #1 choice.”

User 4: Another senior member adds, 

#1 = Dirt Rag

#2 = Bike

That’s it. The rest aren’t worth the paper they are printed on, althought Singletrack Magazine from the UK looks promising. Haven’t been able to get my hands on one though.

User 5: If that’s not enough, we also look for a Florida personnel senior mountain bike subscriber who could not agree more to these. 

No. 1: Dirt Rag

No. 2: Bike

No. 3: Mountain Bike Action

I’ve read a couple of the latest issues of Mountain Bike and Bicycling and have been disappointed with both of these!

If you’re interested in Race Coverage (either road or mtn) check out VeloNews.

Well, the reviews might be quite old, but the vibe remains the same: the users are still connected to the biking news at its core. 

Conclusion 

Since the user’s interests are changing, they are evolving; they might be more interested in video content and podcasts with expert professional riders. But the magazines and websites we discussed have come up with a solution with an aspiring history. Their services and subscriptions are also evolving, and we cherish a wonderful past with them. 

Once you are done shortlisting, you can directly order your favorite mountain bike gear, essentials, and accessories from the trusted MTB partner, The LBS. We are just a call or email away. No matter how far you are from the States or the United Kingdom, we avail easy shipment. 

FAQs

Are there any MTB magazines in print that are worth the subscription? 

Time has digitalized, and people scroll through websites or hover on social media for specific knowledge. Print readers have been limited, but the good thing is that people get a wholesome package of exclusive content, podcasts, printed issues, and overall exclusive content access through subscriptions. 

Some of the good MTB magazines with such wholesome content include Bicycling Magazine, Cyclist, and Mountain Bike Action. 

How can I stay updated with mountain biking trends and news? 

If you are an MTB lover, you can simply get handy magazines to begin with or look for YouTube recommendations. For trends, you can also get comprehensive resources on Pinkbike, BikeRadar’s exclusive newsletter, and other good sources like ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine. 

You can stay updated about trends by leveraging these resources—news sites, social media influencers, podcasts, forums, and events. 

Can I get access to past issues of these MTB magazines? 

Once you have a full-access subscription, you can also request past issues of your favorite magazines. They will inform you about the additional charges if needed and enable you to access your favorite issue from the past. Many digital platforms now have now these services where subscribers can access an archive of previous editions hassle-free, so you do not have to worry much.