Best Mountain Bike Magazines: MTB, Trail and Bike Tech Picks
The best mountain bike magazine depends on what you want from it. Some publications are strongest for bike and component testing, some focus on riding technique and trail culture, and others are better for race news, photography, or a slower print-reading experience. There is no single winner for every rider.
This guide compares active mountain-bike publications by the job they do best. The descriptions are based on each publication’s current editorial pages and issue information, with reader discussions used only as background context. Check the current issue or subscription page before paying because formats, prices, and availability change.
Quick picks
| Best for | Publication to start with | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Broad mountain-bike coverage | Mountain Biking UK (MBUK) | Current issues combine bikes, kit, skills, maintenance, places to ride, and general MTB culture. |
| News, races, and frequent online updates | Mountain Bike Action | Its active site covers racing, new bikes, gear, riders, and e-bike developments. |
| Long-form stories and visual culture | Freehub | It is a good fit when photography, rider stories, places, and mountain-bike culture matter as much as product news. |
| Wider cycling coverage with an equipment angle | Cycling Weekly | Useful for riders who want mountain-bike equipment coverage alongside broader cycling news and advice. |
| Training, gear, and general cycling reading | Bicycling | Better suited to readers who want MTB-related gear and training content within a wider cycling publication. |
1. Mountain Biking UK: the broadest starting point
MBUK is the most natural first stop for a rider who wants one publication covering several parts of mountain biking. Its current issue pages show a mix of bike and equipment tests, maintenance, riding advice, destinations, and interviews rather than a publication built around only racing or only product launches. That makes it a useful general subscription for trail riders who do not want to follow several specialist outlets.
It is also the better choice when you like a traditional magazine structure: a current issue, a clear set of feature articles, and a blend of practical and entertaining pieces. The trade-off is that any single issue may not go deeply into the exact component or discipline you ride. Look at the latest contents before subscribing if you mainly ride downhill, XC, e-MTB, or enduro.
2. Mountain Bike Action: news, racing, and gear coverage
Mountain Bike Action suits readers who prefer a frequently updated online publication. Its current homepage mixes race coverage, new-bike stories, gear features, rider news, and e-bike content. The site is less about choosing a quiet print read and more about keeping up with what is happening in mountain biking now.
Choose it when fresh news and a steady stream of articles matter more than a single curated monthly issue. For a purchase decision, still separate news coverage from an independent long-term test: a launch story may explain what a manufacturer has introduced, but it does not automatically establish durability or performance.
3. Freehub: stories, photography, and mountain-bike culture
Freehub is aimed at the reader who wants the culture and places around mountain biking, not just a buying guide or race result. Its current site presents long-form stories, rider and place-based features, and a strong visual identity. It is a good choice for inspiration, trip ideas, and a deeper connection with the sport.
It is not the first publication I would choose if your main question is which brake, fork, or wheel to buy. That is not a criticism; it is simply a different editorial job. Freehub is strongest when you want to spend time with a story rather than scan a specification table.
4. Cycling Weekly: useful when your riding is not only MTB
Cycling Weekly covers the wider cycling world, so it makes more sense for riders who move between mountain bikes, road bikes, commuting, training, and equipment. Its value is breadth. You can follow gear and cycling advice without limiting your reading to one discipline.
For a purely mountain-bike reader, a specialist title will usually feel more focused. For a rider with several bikes, the wider coverage can be more useful than paying for a narrow publication that only matches one part of your riding.
5. Bicycling: general cycling, training, and equipment
Bicycling is another broad cycling publication rather than a dedicated MTB title. It is worth considering if you want gear reviews, training ideas, and cycling features in one place, with mountain biking included as part of that wider mix.
It is a better match for a mixed-discipline cyclist than for someone looking only for detailed suspension setup, downhill race coverage, or mountain-bike component fitment. Treat its product coverage as one input, then check the manufacturer documentation and the exact compatibility details before ordering.
How to choose the right mountain-bike magazine
- Choose by your main question. If you want product tests, look for a publication that regularly explains test methods and equipment use. If you want places and stories, choose a title whose current issue pages lead with features and photography.
- Check the current contents. A magazine’s reputation can outlast its editorial direction. The latest issue is a better guide to what you will receive than an old recommendation list.
- Separate editorial types. News, a manufacturer launch, a buyer’s guide, and a long-term test answer different questions. Do not treat them as interchangeable evidence.
- Decide between print and digital. Digital is easier to search and usually gives faster updates. Print is slower, more curated, and often more enjoyable for readers who like a complete issue rather than a stream of links.
- Check access before subscribing. Confirm whether the publication is available in your country, whether the subscription is print or digital, and whether the displayed offer is an introductory price.
Are mountain-bike magazines still useful?
Yes, but they are most useful when you know what kind of evidence you are reading. A magazine can give you context, explain how a product fits into the sport, and point you towards tests or technical issues worth investigating. It may also give you a more considered view than a short social-media post.
For a safety-critical or expensive component, use the magazine as part of the research rather than the final authority. Confirm standards, fitment, service requirements, and installation limits from the manufacturer or a qualified mechanic. Our mountain-bike gear and chain maintenance guide is a useful companion when your reading leads to a practical maintenance job.
What about old magazines?
Older issues can be valuable for history, bike culture, and the development of components. They are much less reliable for current prices, compatibility, suspension standards, and product availability. Treat historical magazine recommendations as period context, then verify any technical or buying detail against a current source.
Final verdict
Start with MBUK if you want the broadest dedicated mountain-bike mix. Choose Mountain Bike Action if fast online news, racing, and gear coverage are more important. Freehub is the stronger fit for long-form culture and photography, while Cycling Weekly and Bicycling make more sense for riders whose interests extend beyond mountain biking.
The right choice is the publication whose current contents match the questions you actually ask about riding. Check the latest issue before subscribing, and use magazine coverage alongside current technical documentation when a purchase or repair depends on exact compatibility.
FAQs
What is the best mountain bike magazine for beginners?
MBUK is the easiest general starting point because it combines riding advice, bikes, gear, maintenance, and places to ride. Read the latest contents first, since the most useful title depends on the kind of riding you are learning.
Which MTB magazine is best for bike and component tests?
Look for the current issue or review archive of MBUK and Mountain Bike Action. Before relying on a test, check whether it describes the setup, conditions, and length of use. A short news item or launch announcement is not the same as a long-term test.
Is a print subscription better than a digital subscription?
Digital is better for quick access and searching. Print is better if you prefer a complete, slower-paced issue with photography and longer features. Compare the current offer, delivery area, and renewal price before choosing.
Can a magazine replace a manufacturer’s manual?
No. Use magazine articles for context and independent observations, but use the current manufacturer manual or compatibility document for torque, fitment, service procedures, fluid, mounting, and safety limits.
Last checked: September 2026. Publication contents, formats, and subscription offers can change.
