We’re about to turn 20! Thanks to all our readers and Members, the next issue of Singletrack Magazine will mark 20 years of independent mountain bike publishing. We think that’s worth celebrating, so we’ve got an extra special edition magazine coming your way.
Countdown to membership cut off for the next print issue of Singletrack World Magazine
To mark the occasion we’ve got an illustrated cover by artist Isaac Orloff. His bold but detailed illustrations caught Amanda’s eye as she was looking for a style that could bring the cover concept to life. You can check out how it was made here in this video:
For this issue, we wanted to acknowledge the past, but look forward to the future. So there’s not much in this issue by way of retro bikes and ‘ahh look wasn’t it all golden in the 90s’. Instead, we’ve asked out writers to look at where they think mountain biking is heading. What will we be riding, who will be riding, and where will we be riding? Informed by history, we’re looking at where we’re going. It’s not all birthday themed though – we’ve got all your usual favourite features like the Classic Ride, Bike Test, and adventure features.
To reflect the past and future theme, we’ve got a magazine of two halves, and a cover that reflects that. There are two fronts to this issue, and how you choose to read it is up to you! Get to the middle, flip the mag over, and start all over again – think of it as party laps on your favourite trail.
On one cover we have our retro rider, kitted up in all the gear and surrounded by the influences and events of the past. On the other, we have today’s rider, with a background showing some of the latest technology and innovation. Take a moment and spot the items you’ve owned, the gear you’re riding now, the components you wish you had, and the things you’re glad you missed out on.
Just as that first issue of Singletrack Magazine was the distillation of everything we wanted to see in a mountain bike magazine – but which no one else was writing – so every issue since has been a celebration of mountain biking in all its many forms.
We’ve always made the magazine for riders like ourselves, who want to read about where mountain bikes can take us, the people and places we can discover and what experiences those bikes can deliver. This still continues, every issue, and we’re so grateful that you, the readers, have joined us for the ride for these past 20 years.
20 years!
Chipps Chippendale, Editor and plain and simple mountain bike rider.
As the resident, often rash, early adopter of technology and Singletrack’s biggest Star Trek fan boi I’m obviously really excited about where we are going next with both Singletrack and the mountain biking world in general. But that doesn’t mean I’m at all dismissive of the past as it’s that which guides the progress we make today and in the future.
I’m really proud of what we’ve put together with this anniversary issue and I think it perfectly sums up the character of SIngletrack. It doesn’t have a back cover so it symbolises that relationship with the past, present and future perfectly.
I think there’s something in there for everyone. I hope you enjoy looking back and forwards in a single issue as much we did in putting it together.
Mark – Publisher, futurist, proud geek.
The sharp eyed among you will notice that the present day side contains a nod to the future too – our future. For the first time in 20 years we’re changing our masthead – to Singletrack World. This brings together our magazine and website branding – we’ve always been Singletrackworld on the web.
Like it? We do, and we hope you do too! We’ll be bringing out a range of merchandise celebrating our birthday and mountain biking past and present – because whatever you’re riding, the mud is just as sloppy, the rain is just as wet, and the sun on your skin as you emerge from a forest trail is always warming. The joy of riding remains, whatever the technology.
How will you read yours? Past first, or dive straight into the now? Whatever your plan, make sure your copy is scheduled to arrive with you. Members should check their delivery address details are up to date – have you moved house recently? Any renewals or new Members should make sure you’re signed up by 25th February. Digital only memberships start at just £20 per year – choose the option that suits you now:
Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 20 years, and thank you for continuing to help us bring mountain bike news and inspiration to you long into the future.
What’s coming first, the next jigsaw or the end of lockdown?
Congratulations on (finally) producing an interesting and exciting cover! It’s only taken 20 years (sorry – I do love Singletrack, but the covers needed a hot poker)