Spoke strives to bring a fresh and innovative look at mountain biking through original content, bold design and high quality production values. It provides an unbiased look at the lives and activities of mountain bikers in Aotearoa, consistently pushing the boundaries of mountain bike photography and graphic design. Spoke is published four times a year
GALLERY • A series of photographs we have selected from New Zealand’s best photographers.
Gallery Ⓖ 02
Gallery Ⓖ 03
Gallery Ⓖ 04
Gallery Ⓖ 05
Gallery Ⓖ 06
More than the machines • No ingenuity without risk, no risk without bravery
Buyers' Delight
Exorcising the Old Ghost Road • Mountain Safety Council's new video guide dispels the “unknown unknowns” of a backcountry adventure
Open for fizz-ness • A new trail has opened on Mt Herbert and more could follow
Box-Fresh • How Ride Concepts got a toehold in the tough MTB footwear market
Cult classic reborn • Inside the development of Zerode’s new downhill bike
Toddler in tow • Putting the next generation first on the Moerangi Trail
RideWrap has you covered • A bicycle protection film company with an innovative production model
Chasing lifestyle dreams • A look at Sam Shaw’s unique blend of riding, racing and exploring
High pivot head-turner • Spoke rides a distinctive Christchurch-made prototype trail bike
Flying high under the radar • A candid catch-up with one of our highest-profile female riders, Ellie Chew
DIRT & DETERMINATION D&D • HOW TWO FRIENDS CRAFTED THEIR OWN RIDING NIRVANA
TO The VALe • Bowenvale guardian, ANDREW COSTAIN selects his favourite images from the late, great, Bowenvale jumps
RIDING THE BETWEEN • Giving illness the middle finger with an adventure into the unknown
UNREALITY • THE FIVE RIDERS SEEMED TO DEFY GRAVITY, AS IF THEY WERE STANDING ON A WALL. FROM WHERE I STOOD—ON AN OPPOSING RIDGELINE A COUPLE HUNDRED METRES AWAY—THE CHUTE LOOKED DOWNRIGHT IMPOSSIBLE. BUT PERCEPTIONS CAN BE DECEPTIVE IN THIS VAST ALASKAN LANDSCAPE
CLIMATE NOMAD • Annie Ford is ticking off some serious feats for both herself and to raise awareness of climate change’s impact on our oceans and forests.
AT THE COALFACE • Exploring the Denniston Plateau
Spoke
Radic Kaha brake set • Aotearoa-built brake delivers intuitive power
Microshift Advent X drivetrain • A low cost alternative that poses a troubling question
We Are One Convergence Wheelset • Canada’s carbon afi cionados deliver wheels with next-level ride feel
EXT e-Storia Shock • Next-level custom tuned, Italian suspension for your electric steed
Pivot Shuttle SL • A lightweight, rocket ship that blends aggression with agility
Norco Fluid FS A1 • Lizard-brain fun at an incredible price point
Progression is bollocks • Is it time to change our mindsets from constantly improving to constantly having fun?