Mick Kirkman
Contributor
Mick Kirkman is a bike and product tester for BikeRadar and MBUK magazine. A childhood spent messing about on, and then racing, BMXs eventually led to downhill and four-cross as an adult. Mick peaked at elite level in DH and was a dual slalom nationals medallist back when that was even a thing. As well as tinkering in bike development, he’s ridden, raced and documented mountain biking non-stop for two decades, and is one of only a handful of bike testers experienced enough to have hundreds of reviews in print and on the web. Mick is also a talented photographer, taking images for BikeRadar and MBUK magazine among others.
Recent articles by Mick Kirkman
25 of the best trail bikes ridden and reviewed
Top trail bikes as rated by our expert reviewers, plus our buyer's guide for everything you need to know
Best mountain bike tyres in 2026: top-rated tyres for XC, downcountry, trail and enduro riding
Our pick of the best mountain bike tyres and our comprehensive buyer's guide
Anti-lock brakes could revolutionise mountain biking – but they need to improve if they're to go mainstream
Do mountain bikers want ABS taking control of their braking?
Review | The Canyon Neuron 6 is the best budget trail bike I've ever tested – but I'd make one upgrade
Very quick over the ground, the Neuron 6 crams lots of versatility into its 130mm-travel package
Review | The Saracen Ariel 30 is a perfect short-travel trail bike for downhillers, but the fork lets it down
Fun and feisty, the Ariel 30 is a budget trail weapon
Review | Boardman MTR 9.0 is a class act, but there's better value on offer elsewhere
Boardman’s 130mm-travel trail machine is calm, composed and fully dialled
Why a steel hardtail beats an aluminium one | Cotic Solaris Bronze vs Saracen Mantra Race LSL
With no rear suspension to soak up the bumps, do frame materials, geometry or parts spec have the biggest impact on a bike's ride?
I tested two speedy boutique trail bikes to crown a winner | Ibis Ripley XT vs Last ASCO
Which of these short-travel MTBs with similar intentions comes out on top?
9 best waterproof MTB trousers to keep you dry in 2026
Top trail pants to keep you warm, dry and clean in the slop
Review | Altura Ridge Tier waterproof trousers
Affordably priced MTB trousers with a modern tapered cut
Review | Fox Defend 3-Layer Water Pants
Do Fox’s latest Defend waterproof pants live up to their name and keep you dry in winter conditions?
Review | Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof pants
Rab’s new waterproof cycling trousers, featuring the brand’s own outdoor fabric technology
Review | 7mesh Grit Pants
The Grit Pants are among the most expensive winter riding trousers on the market, so how do they perform?
Review | Polygon Siskiu T8
Budget all-rounder with formidable spec list
Review | Cannondale Habit 4
With great looks to match its great performance, Cannondale’s Habit 4 is a true all-rounder with a balanced, smooth riding package
Review | Canyon Neuron 5
Fast across the ground and very supple, Canyon’s bargain Neuron 5 offers a lot of versatility for the asking price
DMR Wingbar Mk4 35mm review
DMR's latest Wingbar is available in many rises and clamp diameters, making it a versatile option
ENVE M7 35mm carbon bar review
High-cost carbon fibre performance
Nukeproof Horizon V2 Carbon Riser Bar 35mm review
Affordable carbon bar from bike-manufacturing giant Nukeproof
Santa Cruz Riser Carbon Bar review
Santa Cruz’s Riser Carbon Bar comes with a lifetime warranty and will be a great upgrade for brand loyalists
Hope Carbon Handlebar 35mm review
UK-made carbon bar with impressive performance
Review | Pivot Switchblade 29 Pro
Pivot’s lightweight trail bike with enduro attitude
Intense Primer S review
An aggro trail bike with heavy-duty kit and supremely composed Öhlins suspension
Yeti SB140 T-Series LR review
Yeti’s attractive new SB140 uses the brand's unique Switch Infinity and refined full-carbon chassis