Right, that’s it – you’ve spent the last six months shuffling between TV, kettle, console, microwave and TV again. But spring is here whether you like it or not, and that means time to get out there and do something more exciting (though you’re still allowed to watch TV afterwards). So here are 18 pages packed with gleaming new kit, from bikes to drones, to coax you off the sofa…

[ Words Rebecca Bland, Sam Kieldsen, Rachael Sharpe, Fiona Russell ]

Alloy’s on my mind The lightweight alloy frame has some unique weather-sealing features. It comes with a four-year frame warranty and a lifetime warranty on bearings.

Tall shook up With 140mm front travel and 135mm on the rear, the T-140 RS is highly capable no matter what kind of unfriendly surface you choose to ride it on.

Turning love The 29er wheels paired with Race Face rims and Maxxis tyres make for a formidable combination, and represent good value for money.

WHYTE T-140 RS

T he Whyte T-140 RS may be a mid-travel trail bike, but this doesn’t limit it one bit. From wild moorlands to trail centres, this 29er is more than capable of brushing off whatever you choose to throw at it. We found it really came alive at trail centres like Dalby Forest with flowing runs, tight berms and a mix of terrain, but it’s equally comfortable if you want to take it on an all-day ride.

It’s even proven in racing thanks to Enduro champ Sam Shucksmith, who has won multiple top-tier races on this very steed. The T-140 RS is a versatile mountain bike with recent updates to the aluminium frame making it more aggressive to increase its stability downhill but without compromising its climbing ability.

For your money you also get SRAM’s 12-speed GX Eagle groupset, SRAM Guide G2 R hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, and Fox suspension – making this an ideal choice for those who want to ride fast without the extra weight of a longer-travel bike.

Thanks to the clever frame design (and the Shape.it link), you can also adjust the T-140 RS’s geometry to make it more gravity-focused if you start riding more hardcore trails. The bottom bracket height can be reduced by 8mm and the head angle slackened by 0.7°.

For just over £4k, it’s decent value for a mid-range trail bike that can do a lot more than the name suggests. £4099 / whytebikes.com

BIKING

From electric-assisted commuter rides to gnarly mountain conquerors, pick one of these to supercharge your riding

Brake like the wind Worried you might find yourself needing to stop fast? The Magura MT C ABS hydraulic brakes will make sure you don’t skid or fly over the handlebars.

CANYON PATHLITE ON 9 LTD SUV

Practicality meets excitement with the Canyon Pathlite On, a do-it-all e-bike that you can ride on or off-road. It’s powered by some of the best tech on the market – and is as comfortable as you’d expect from the trusty German brand.

The Bosch Performance Line CX provides smooth assistance without being overbearing, and as it’s paired with a 750Wh battery you’ve got plenty of range for longer rides. Canyon suggests a range of up to 150km, and that’s a reasonable claim.

The Pathlite On could easily be used as a commuting, touring or leisure e-bike thanks to the full mudguards, integrated lights (front and rear), kickstand and rear rack. For those who are a bit wary of putting a foot down at traffic lights, Canyon has even included a dropper post.

Although it’s not suitable for dedicated bike trails, those who

Silent but readily The Bosch Smart System and Kiox 300 display make it nice and easy to have a peek at every bit of data from battery level to braking distance.

want to incorporate towpaths or well-kept bridleways will find this bike more than capable – not least due to the MTB tyres and the Suntour forks.

We’ve ridden the step-through model, but the step-over version pictured is the same price. Either way this not the cheapest e-bike in the world, but its high-quality, top-tier groupset and premium Bosch integration make it actually rather good value. £5249 / canyon.com

NOW ADD THIS…

GIRO ESCAPE MIPS URBAN HELMET Urban style meets ultimate protection with the Giro Escape MIPS helmet. It includes front and rear LED lights for extra visibility, and offers a comfortable fit. £130 / giro.co.uk

E-BIKES

More options for riders who want a little push

Scott Solace eRide 20

Electric road bikes have come a long way in the last few years, and the Solace eRide 20 is a shining example of this. It features a sleek design with an electrical system that’s barely detectable at first glance. Beyond the Shimano Ultegra 24-speed groupset, the bike’s biggest feature is the TQ mid-drive motor, offering up to 50Nm of torque to really shove you up the hills. £7299 / scott-sports.com

Trek Fuel EXe 9.5

The 9.5 is the cheapest Fuel EXe model in the range but still comes with an excellent TQ mid-drive motor and a Shimano Deore groupset to help you power through the trails. With 150mm travel up front and 140mm on the rear, it’s a playful and agile ride with the feel of a traditional mountain bike when you’re riding unassisted; but the real focal point is the lifelike feel of that motor. £6400 / trekbikes.com

Dallingridge Malvern

An entry-level price and smooth hub motor make the Dallingridge Malvern an attractive option for commuters and urban wanderers alike. It comes with a Suntour suspension fork to take the sting out of potholes, and mechanical disc brakes for decent stopping power. A six-speed drivetrain gives options over hilly terrain, with three power assist modes for when you need more. £1349 / dallingridgebikes.co.uk

Cairn E-Adventure 1.0 Rambler Edition

Cairn has outdone itself with the Sussex-designed E-Adventure 1.0 Rambler Edition. Adorned with a Campagnolo Ekar 13-speed groupset and powered by a Fazua mid-drive motor, this is the ultimate e-gravel beast. It’s designed to tackle the South Downs Way, so you can be confident it’ll thrive on the UK’s roughest bridleways. £4289 / cairncycles.com

WHEE BIKES

Cannondale Synapse Carbon LTD RLE Cannondale shook the world of road cycling with the Synapse Carbon LTD RLE, whose SmartSense system includes built-in front and rear lights plus radar. £6750 / cannondale.com

Grizl CF SLX 8 eTap Suspension After a high-end gravel bike with plenty of capability over rougher ground? This one has suspension forks, which genuinely enhance its powers off-road. £4799 / canyon.com

Nukeproof Scout 290 RS Aggressive yet agile, the Scout 290 is a proven 29er hardtail that’s here to stay. The RS model comes with a 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle groupset and a dropper post. £3000 / nukeproof.com