Welcome to the latest issue. This month we bring you a mix of new bikes, race season updates, travel ideas and a few proper gear highlights. Whether you ride trails, road or commute through the week, there is something here to keep you connected to the wider cycling scene.

In this issue:

Velduro Rogue R 2026, full suspension, full power, gravity focused e-MTB arriving this spring.
The 2026 MTB Race Calendar, key UK National rounds and the WHOOP UCI World Series dates.
Loïc Bruni and the chase for five, a short watch on downhill legacy and pressure at the top.
Trek Rail 9.9 CX Race Gen 4, a serious e-MTB now at a serious price.
Places to ride in 2026, from UK trail centres to European road climbs and global MTB destinations.

A recurring feature we will bring you is the Tea Break section which will be our pic of something to watch in 30mins, we will have bike highlights, components, offers and other interesting things from the world of cycling. Look out for the YouTube links in the Dig Deeper sections if you want to sit back and watch a little more.

Lets Go!

Velduro Rogue R 2026

Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bike

The Rogue R is a full-power, gravity-led e-MTB built around the Avinox M1 system and an 800 Wh integrated battery. On the Sprockets build, the key kit is hard to ignore, Fox 38 Factory 170 mm fork, Fox Float X2 custom tuned shock, SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission 12 speed (10 to 52T), plus SRAM Maven Silver four piston brakes with 220 mm front, 200 mm rear rotors.

Power is the headline. Avinox is commonly quoted at up to 120 Nm torque and 1,000 W peak, and it has been tested and discussed as one of the most powerful systems currently in the category.

How it rides

This bike leans heavily towards descending. It stays stable, planted, and very composed at speed, especially when the trail gets steep and broken. Several independent tests describe it as close to a downhill bike in an enduro package, with a calm, glued-to-the-ground attitude that rewards committing to rough lines.

Climbing is still a factor. Reports highlight a comfortable seated position and strong traction, with smooth and quiet power delivery from the Avinox system and a tidy, usable control setup.

Things to know

Weight depends on build. Sprockets list 23 kg.
The idler based layout improves composure, but it adds complexity compared with simpler rear ends.

Price point context

At this price point the Rogue R sits against established premium brands at a similar price. The specification matches that bracket, and the descending performance places it firmly in the gravity end of the market.

Pre-orders are now open for April and May delivery. If you want a full power enduro e-MTB built for steep terrain, this is worth a closer look.

Our Velduro Rogue R demo bike is now built and ready to ride (pedals not included). Demo bookings are now open. Call or email to secure your slot.

Check it out and secure a build before the first shipment lands.

What’s On in Mountain Biking 2026

The 2026 season is shaping up to be busy for British and international mountain bike fans, with national series kicking off in the UK and a full WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series spanning the globe.

UK National Series
Lloyds National Cross-Country Series

Round 1: Newnham Park, Plymouth – 28–29 Mar
Round 2: Cannock Chase, Staffordshire – 11–12 Apr
Round 3: Tong, Bradford – 9–10 May
Round 4: Pippingford Park, East Sussex – 13–14 June
Round 5: Margam Park, Port Talbot – 4–5 July

WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series

The global series covers 14 weekends across three continents from May to October 2026. It includes cross-country Olympic (XCO), short track (XCC) and downhill (DHI) formats with established venues like Nové Město, Leogang and Lenzerheide plus key international stops including MONA YongPyong in South Korea and Whistler Bike Park in Canada.

Watch live on YouTube.

British National Championships

The British National XCO/XCC Championships are scheduled for mid-July at Glentress Forest, a classic venue with varied terrain and a strong rider field competing for national titles.

This season offers plenty to watch whether you follow the domestic ranks or the global series. Plan your calendar around the key dates above, tune into TNT Sports or discovery+ for live coverage in the UK, or check official YouTube feeds for highlights and selected free streams.

Tea Break Time ☕️

Grab a brew and give yourself half and hour of escapism.

Super Bruni and the Chase for Five

Only 12 riders have won a Downhill World Cup Overall in more than 30 years. Loïc Bruni has four titles, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024, and a fifth would place him alongside Nico Vouilloz and Aaron Gwin on the all time list.

The film follows that pursuit. Bruni talks about watching Vouilloz as a young rider and measuring himself against that standard. He focuses on consistency, preparation and staying competitive over multiple seasons rather than chasing single race wins.

The 2025 season tightened the picture. Bruni arrived at the final rounds in form, but Jackson Goldstone, 21, secured both the Overall World Cup and the World Championships at Mont Sainte Anne. The points gap was small and the standings were final.

It is worth watching because it shows how close the margins are at this level and how quickly a season can shift. Bruni remains on four titles, and the fifth is still there to be taken.

Trek Rail 9.9 CX Race Gen 4

Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bike 2023

Was £12,950. Now £7,000

Medium only, Lava red orange. Last one in stock

The Rail 9.9 CX Race was one of the highest performing bikes in Trek’s range when it launched in 2023, and it still stands up as a serious full power e-MTB today. It helped set the benchmark for long travel Bosch bikes and this version sits at the sharp end of the line up.

It pairs Trek’s OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with the Bosch Performance Line CX Race Edition motor and a 750 Wh PowerTube battery. The Race motor delivers strong, direct acceleration and holds power through rough sections where pedalling is limited. The Bosch Smart System, Mini Remote and integrated System Controller keep the cockpit tidy while allowing assist tuning and ride tracking through the Flow app.

Suspension is handled by a RockShox ZEB Ultimate 160 mm fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate Thru Shaft shock. The Rail built its reputation on balanced handling and suspension control, and earlier tests consistently praised its composure and traction on technical terrain. The ABP four bar layout keeps the rear active under braking, and the updated geometry brings a steeper seat angle and longer reach for improved climbing position and stability at speed.

Top tier kit finishes it off:

Shimano XTR 12 speed drivetrain
Bontrager carbon wheels, tubeless ready
Bontrager Line Elite dropper post
TyreWiz and AirWiz pressure monitoring

This is a race ready, long travel Bosch e-MTB with proven handling and high end specification. At its current price, the performance and equipment still place it firmly in the premium category, which makes it a strong option for riders who want flagship level kit without paying current launch pricing.

www.sprocketscycles.com/collections/sale/products/trek-rail-99-cx-race-2023

Places to ride in 2026

Tweed Valley, Scotland, MTB
Glentress and Innerleithen, and the Golfie trail centre laps plus off piste lines.
Mallorca, Spain, Road ride
Smooth roads, long climbs, simple logistics for a week away.
BikePark Wales, South Wales, MTB
All-weather bike park with uplift, ideal for high volume descending days.
Girona, Spain, Road ride
A proper base for big days, climbs, and steady training loops.
Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Canada, MTB
Lift-served riding with huge vertical and a proper trail network.
Finale Ligure, Italy, MTB
The Dolomites, Italy, Road ride
Canyonlands area, Utah, USA, Adventure MTB
Nevis Range, Fort William, Scotland, MTB
7stanes network, South of Scotland, MTB