EDITOR’S CHOICE
CALIBRE BOSSNUT
£1,200 / 27.5in /calibrebicycles.com
This year the Bossnut built on its strengths while eliminating any weaknesses. In fact, every component other than the rear tyre, seatpost and grips were improved upon. By far the biggest update to the specification was the addition of a 12-speed SRAM Eagle drivetrain which opened up the possibility of climbing higher and riding further on the Bossnut than ever before.
But it wasn’t just the big-ticket items that Calibre sweated. At first glance the WTB Vigilante front tyre looks just like the previous version, but on closer inspection you’ll see that Calibre switched to the High Grip compound with its softer rubber – a subtle change that could prevent you from ending up on the floor when traversing wet roots and rocks.
By far the biggest improvements though were to the Bossnut frame itself. The old boxy tubing profiles that served the Bossnut so well for so long were replaced by sleek hydroformed designs that simultaneously gave the bike a modern look, while improving standover clearance, increasing cockpit space and adding more stable steering geometry. Taken together, these changes nudged the Bossnut even further ahead of its rivals.
There were improvements to the rear triangle too, the addition of 142x12mm bolt-thru dropouts adding additional stiffness and security, which are both good things given how hard you can ride the Bossnut. Up, down or around, the Calibre Bossnut excels and offers the highest level of performance at this price point. It’s the budget baller with an unbroken track record for good reason. n Issue tested Summer 2020
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2021
Not one jot. And when the bike is as accomplished as the 2020 Calibre Bossnut, nothing needs to change, right? The price, however, has increased. When we tested the Bossnut in the summer issue you could pick one up for £1,099 with a GoOutdoors discount card. Six months later the price is £1,200. Is it still worth the money? You bet it is. But getting hold of a Bossnut isn’t straightforward, as demand continues to outstrip supply. And now, with this, its third Editor’s Choice award in a row, getting hold of one is going to be harder than ever. Sorry!
ROCKSHOX REVERB AXS SEATPOST
£700 / zyrofisher.co.uk
Wireless technology is everywhere, and now thanks to SRAM it’s on your mountain bike too. The suite of AXS components brings cable-free shifting and dropper post activation, along with all the benefits of simplified set-up and installation, reduced maintenance and a cleaner frame and cockpit. Yes, you pay a premium for the technology, but it works beautifully, with an effortless response, and swapping the Reverb AXS between bikes is child’s play too, which helps to justify the extra expense. At around 40 hours, the battery life is impressive, and they weigh so little that it’s hardly a chore to carry around a spare. n Issue tested May 2020
MUCKY NUTZ MUGGUARD
£24.99 /ison-distribution.com
For a few pennies less than the Proguard Max, there’s the equally extensive coverage of the Mucky Nutz MugGuard. It installs either with zip-ties March 2020
