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
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 2025
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
Review | Haibike NDURO 6
Mullet-wheeled electric enduro beast with the latest Yamaha motor
Hardcore hardtail head to head: Ragley Mmmbop 1.0 vs Whyte 905
Two UK-designed bikes with no rear suspension battle it out
Review | Maxxis Rekon 3C Maxx Terra EXO+
Maxxis’ long-serving pure trail tyre is available in multiple widths and sizes
Review | Vittoria Syerra 4C tyre
Downcountry-specific tyre that uses four different compounds in the rubber blend
Review | Teravail Ehline Light and Supple tyre
Teravail's fast-rolling, lightweight, aggro XC tyre for intermediate conditions
Review | Specialized Purgatory Grid 2Bliss T7 tyre
Part of Specialized’s overhauled tyre line-up, this Purgatory is the brand’s pure trail offering