|
|
Examples:
Mags
There are two major mags on
the UK scene MBUK and Dirt. MBUK out-sells Dirt but Dirts following is
dedicated and growing. Heres the lowdown on the contenders.
MBUK
Popular with the
kids this mag cover all aspects of Mountain biking, particually the "cool"
aspects. XC takes a bit of a back seat to trials and dirt jumping. There
are a hordcore of pros "attached" to MBUK that appear in it
often, these include their team, Will Longden and Dave Wardell, Rob Warner,
Steve Peat and the Martins. They feature in most aricals and even write
pieces an coloums. The writing in MBUK is increasinlg cringe making, riddled
with puns and aimed at younger, begginer riders. Their race reports are
short and infrequent, featuring only the biggest UK races.
I am left in no doubt as to the technical or riding abilitys of the writers
but articals on microwave cookery, a bin, how to wear T shirts and the
pantomime leave me thinking there must be somthing better out there.
|
A good mag for
beginers to the sport and those seeking technical
help.
|
6/10
|
Dirt
Dirt mag hasn't been around
for as long as MBUK but it has made an impression already. Published by
4130, the same company as Ride (BMX) and Document (skateboard), it carrys
on the "arty" look with all the pages expertly layed out and
exiting to see. Dirt has few riders assosiated with it beonde the writers
and Factory Dirt Team and it regualarly features, intelligent, chatty,
interesting and funny interviews with everyone from world champions to
young up-and-commers.
Dirt's writing staff are all
racers and write about races from the perspective of a racer, these well
written articals are acompanyed by expertly taken photos. Technical articals
(how to mend .....) are few and far between as are unrelated articals
(like ones about bins) but the odd BMX or MX artical adds to the mag overall.
Their road trips are brilliant articals covering sick riding from riders
like Donny, Titley , Page, Jarman and Cunny as well as all the night time
deborchery.
Written by some core members of the UK mountain bike scene it covers racing
from the inside and interveiws have an "over a pint" feel. Looks
brilliant and is well written.
| This is
UK mountain biking as it sould be shown, Written by riders for riders.
Only losses marks for lack of technical instruction. |
9/10 |
On reflection both mags have
an important part to play. MBUK is good for beginners and those seeking
instruction. Dirt is for racers and "hardcore". If you buy
MBUK your mate should get Dirt, then you can read both.
|
