Canyon Sam Soriano Groundwork
Sam Soriano Drops 'Groundwork'
If you’ve ever stared down a feature wondering what the hell you’re doing, Sam Soriano’s latest edit is for you. Groundwork dives into the headspace and hard graft behind freeriding — from digging and shaping to the gut-check moments that happen when it’s time to drop in.
Utah’s own Sam Soriano is one of the standout names in the freeride scene right now. She grew up on BMX, raced downhill as a teen, and eventually found her groove in freeride. Known not just for her riding but for her honesty about the mental side of the sport, Sam has built a reputation for tackling fear head-on and sharing what that journey actually looks like.
In Groundwork, she takes on one of her biggest projects yet: building and riding a full freeride line inspired by Red Bull Rampage — the ultimate proving ground for big mountain riders.
Sam on building her own lines:
“2024 was such a huge year for women’s freeride. The addition of the women’s category in Red Bull Rampage suddenly gave women the global platform they’ve been demanding. Watching from the sidelines I saw the inner workings of what it takes to construct and ride a Rampage line, and instantly knew there was a big hole in my own practice if I wanted to be considered as a Rampage contender.
“I needed to be able to build and guinea pig my own features. Building is a physical and mental challenge but guinea pigging is one of the most overlooked aspects about Rampage while also being the most emotionally challenging part of the event. I’ve usually ridden other people’s builds, so this was a big step for me.
“I wanted to build features that would push me as a rider while also being smart about what we built. With my amazing team of digging mentors, we settled on a double drop followed by a flat drop that would be at the end of my favorite ridgeline, or “Powerline” as it’s come to be known.
“Even though I didn’t make it into Rampage this year (I was on the alternate list), this project felt like the next best thing. It taught me so much about what it takes to show up as a freerider, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we built.”
Ancient Paths of the Pyrenees
Ride the Ancient Paths of the Pyrenees with H+I Adventures
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding between Spain and France on ancient mountain trails once used by shepherds, pilgrims, and traders, this is your moment. The new Ancient Paths of the Pyrenees tour from H+I Adventures is now live — and it’s pure mountain biking magic.
A Journey Through Time and Terrain
Over eight unforgettable days, you’ll ride across the Pyrenees from Cataluña to Aragón, with a quick dip into France, crossing landscapes that have shaped centuries of human history. Think rugged ridge lines, hidden valleys, medieval villages, and high mountain passes surrounded by vultures, wild horses, and waterfalls.
It’s a journey through Europe’s geological and cultural heart. Expect 13,000 metres of descent, natural trails shaped by millennia, and the perfect blend of shuttle support, pedalling, and hike-a-bike adventure.
Each day brings something new:
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Flowing singletrack through beech forests
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Epic descents from 2,000m peaks
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Hidden alpine plateaus and abandoned villages
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Warm local hospitality, mountain cuisine, and a well-earned beer at day’s end
Who’s It For?
The Ancient Paths of the Pyrenees tour is built for experienced riders (H+I Adventures position this tour as Intermediate+) who love long descents, technical trails, and adventure. You’ll need solid bike fitness, confidence on loose and rocky terrain, and a healthy dose of curiosity.
This is not a race, it’s an experience. You’ll push yourself at times, but the reward is pure, unfiltered mountain joy.
Why Ride with H+I Adventures?
H+I Adventures are world-renowned for creating truly immersive MTB trips combining expert local guides, authentic local food and stays, and a strong focus on sustainability.
With every booking:
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1% of your tour price supports global environmental organisations via 1% for the Planet
And to keep you safe while you chase those descents, every rider is covered by Global Rescue emergency evacuation services — a partner also featured in the Mountain Bike United app.
Ready to Ride the Pyrenees?
If your idea of a perfect week includes steep singletrack, mountain air, local wine, and discovering ancient paths few have ridden, this is your next adventure.
Learn more or book your spot now on the Ancient Paths of the Pyrenees with H+I Adventures.
Kilian Bron MANDALA - The Documentary
Alexi Hall
Read the story below
For over an hour, Kilian Bron takes you far off the beaten track with his crew of filmmakers and photographer. Together, they capture not just the ride, but an authentic and truly human journey in one of the most remote places on Earth.
MANDALA – The Film is part of a trilogy that began with DOLOMITES, the first chapter that revealed both Kilian’s vision of alpine mountain biking and the story of a territory. MANDALA continues this journey, exploring isolation, the place of human connection, and the challenges linked to mass tourism in Nepal.
The trilogy will conclude in spring 2026 with a final film dedicated to an initiatory road trip and the conquest of an iconic South American peak. While each chapter shares a common structure, every film carries a distinct message, a sensitive variation on the relationship between performance, nature, and culture.
With MANDALA, Kilian and his team give equal importance to the gesture and the image, celebrating both the raw beauty of the world and the richness of human bonds, from extreme landscapes to everyday life. The film also shines a light on the often-staggering realities of Nepal and the current challenges faced by valleys like Dolpo. Isolated, yes – but for how much longer?
A Team Effort
MANDALA is the result of collaboration between Kilian, his team of filmmakers and photographer, friends and partners, and musicians.
A passionate team of image-makers followed him on this extraordinary journey, each expressing themselves through the film: Valentin Birant for his documentary work, Pierre Henni for action cinematography, and Pierre Vieira for photography.
The project came to life thanks to the support of Commencal Bikes and Altaï Travel. Their contribution went far beyond financial backing – it was human support, with time and energy dedicated to making the film a success. Not to mention the local teams from Epic Mountain Bike, along with porters and a cook.
The artistic dimension is further enriched by an original soundtrack created with Orage Musique, available in full on Spotify.
As with his previous films, Kilian’s goal was not only to showcase stunning landscapes through an artistic lens. He and his team met children, discovered their daily lives, and reflected on the meaning of their presence there.
How can they engage in a way that is fair and useful? How can they faithfully convey the intensity of this adventure and share its essence with the world?
MANDALA stands as both a sporting and visual adventure while rooting itself in a solidarity-based approach in Nepal. Following the shoot, Kilian and his partners carried out several concrete initiatives to support local communities through a dedicated endowment fund (created by the Altaï group), in which he is personally involved.
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Kathmandu initiative: They brought bikes to Kathmandu so that local children could use them. In return, the children commit to maintaining the bikes at the Epic Mountain Bike shop.
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Education support: They are supporting young Arun by covering his school fees, with the help of a local tutor.
The next step is to expand access to bikes and education to at least five children, and to assist a young adult in training for his future career as an MTB guide. Kilian and his team’s next trip to Nepal is scheduled for October 12.
Featured rider
Kilian Bron
Kilian Bron is a professional enduro/freeride mountain biker for the Intense Mavic Collective and acts as media manager for his own team and some partners. Bron spends his seasons focusing on media projects and enduro-downhill races.
Draw Your Lines Kilian Bron Adventures in Cape Verde
Alexi Hall
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After the first episode filmed in the heart of the Lofoten Islands in Norway with Ludo May (watch or rewatch it here), we’re excited to share the second episode, shot on the incredible island of Fogo in Cape Verde.
Lost in the middle of the Atlantic, Fogo feels like a place outside of time, with endless lunar landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
Kilian and his crew set up our base camp inside the crater for the whole trip, the perfect spot to disconnect and feel like we had landed on another planet. Both the landscapes and the culture added to this feeling, with unforgettable moments spent alongside the locals.
When it comes to riding, the area is like an infinite freeride playground, lines running across the sides of the crater and even all the way from the summit of Fogo, which they attempted to ride straight from the top! We won’t spoil any more, the video says it all much better than words.
And that’s without mentioning the final descent of the trip, where they left the arid desert of volcanic zones behind and dropped into lush jungle all the way down to the coastline.
Another truly unforgettable adventure, this time shared with Mathieu Ruffray.
It’s a lighter vlog compared to our usual documentaries, but it perfectly captures the kind of rides I love most. And honestly, “love” doesn’t even cover it, I dream about these rides every single day.
Rider : Kilian Bron and Mathieu Ruffray
Directed by : Julien Raison and Justin Vicat-Blanc
Produced by : Lumento
Featured rider
Kilian Bron
Kilian Bron is a professional enduro/freeride mountain biker for the Intense Mavic Collective and acts as media manager for his own team and some partners. Bron spends his seasons focusing on media projects and enduro-downhill races.
The Yeti LTe has arrived and it has no speed limit
Limits will be stretched. Records will be set, broken, decimated. The LTe is here to expose fears, test wheels, blur trails, and boil brakes. The LTe is unapologetic about the only thing it cares about.
The new Yeti LTe is ready for faster. Are you?
Built for Full Power
The LTe has no speed limit. It’s a full-power monster with bottomless more. Designed on the shoulders of a single-focused race-winning heritage, fast is its comfort zone. You don’t have to race it, but you’ll probably think about it.
160mm of rear travel, 170mm up front, and a 64º head angle give the LTe its backbone. Add Bosch CX and CX-Race drive units delivering 100Nm of torque and 750W, and you’ve got one of the most aggressive eMTBs ever made.
The Hell Yes of Sixfinity
Of course the LTe is an “e” MTB. But it’s been designed to be a killer MTB first. And you can tell. Built around the World Cup-winning suspension that athletes and editors around the globe are calling “one of the best-performing mountain bike suspensions they’ve ever ridden.”
Sixfinity is how the LTe makes speed.
Tuned to Race. Racing Optional.
Winning the E-EDR World Cup taught Yeti a lot. And all that experience has been poured into the Sixfinity tune—optimised for Bosch’s power delivery and the weight demands of a full-power eMTB. It allows for unique suspension characteristics, balancing acceleration, deceleration, and traction.
So what if most riders won’t race the LTe? You’ll know it’s built to win.
Get It Like You Like It
With the flip of a chip, you can set the leverage progression:
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Racy & Consistent – 25%
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Balanced Ride – 30%
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Plush Then Poppy – 35%
Every setting keeps the suspension linear and confidence-inspiring. Predictable when you need it most.
The Faster You Go, The Better It Works
Yeti increased reach by 5mm per size, slackened the head angle to match the SB160, and raised the stack for a more upright position. The result: stability when you choose to go through the chunder, rather than around.
The LTe’s geometry is a work of wonder, whether full 29 or MX setup. And here’s the secret: the faster you go, the better it works.
Ready for the Long Haul
Vectran-reinforced carbon. Rattle-free cable routing. Perfect shock alignment. Integrated fenders and guards. A custom chain guide. Bosch’s Kiox full-color display with wireless remote and optional range extender.
Every detail screams performance, but more importantly: durability. The LTe is built to survive years of hard riding.
Builds & Pricing
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C2 E90 Transmission – $10,300 / €9,900
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T3 XO Transmission – $12,900 / €12,900
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T4 XX Transmission – $14,900 / €14,500
Colors: Turquoise / Raw Carbon / Manjo
Sorry (Not Sorry)
The new LTe is made to be ridden faster than you may be able to handle. It doesn’t care. It was built this way.
The LTe is sorry (not sorry).
Available Now
The Yeti LTe is available today through Yeti dealers in the USA, Europe, and the rest of the world.
Strathpuffer 2025: Aidan Webster’s U23 Victory
Alexi Hall
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The Strathpuffer is not your ordinary race. Held in January in the Scottish Highlands, riders face freezing temperatures, darkness, and terrain that tests every ounce of skill and endurance.
In this video, experience the highs, lows, and grit behind his 24-hour race. Hear from Aidan himself, and from the pit crew who kept him fueled, focused, and ready for the toughest 24-hour mountain bike race in the world.
Featured rider
Aidan Webster
Aidan Webster is a Scottish endurance mountain biker who races for Dundee University Mountain Bike Racing Club (DUMRCC), with notable achievements including winning the Under-23 Strathpuffer 24 in 2025 and a top-10 finish at the 2024 Scottish National MTB XC Championships.
Canyon launches special edition Neuron:ON CLLCTV
Alexi Hall
Canyon’s most versatile e-MTB gets a potent capability upgrade with the introduction of this special edition Neuron:ON CLLCTV model.
Take a ride on the wild side: With more travel and a dream-spec build kit, this gravity-oriented e-MTB sets a new bar for both performance and value.
The Neuron:ON rolled into existence with the promise of amplified adventure and democratized performance: a bike that could explore gentle countryside or rail alpine singletrack with equal ease. The Neuron:ON offers the power and range to take its riders wherever their aspirations lead them. The thing about stretching horizons, though, is that someone is always going to want to take things that extra step further.
For those riders who want to push their boundaries, Canyon has developed the Neuron:ON CLLCTV edition. This new, more aggressive CLLCTV variant takes everything riders love about the versatile, award-winning Neuron:ON, and ramps the performance up for a more hard-charging set of adventurers, inviting them to get in touch with their wild side.
Appearances can be deceiving. While the new Neuron:ON CLLCTV looks outwardly similar to the Neuron:ON, there’s a whole lot of geometry magic at work: An all-new rocker linkage facilitates a mullet setup on the M through XL sizes of the new bike (and dedicated 27.5” wheels at both ends on the XS and S sizes), deviating from the double 29” wheels of the existing Neuron:ON. There’s also an extra 10mm of front suspension. You get 160mm of terrain-flattening plushness delivered through the massive 38mm stanchions of a RockShox Zeb fork. That extra front suspension travel slackens the head angle by half a degree, so that it now rests at a decidedly downhill-oriented 64 degrees.
The “make it rowdy” theme, however, doesn’t stop at geometry. The acclaimed smoothness and reliability of Bosch’s Gen 5 CX motor has been juiced up to punch out an eye-popping 100nm of torque and 750w of peak power. The big 800wh battery allows riders to session big lines all day long with nary a shuttle rig in sight, and the Kiox head unit provides easy visibility of all metrics and seamless transmission of data to and from the Bosch eBike Flow app via the Bosch Connect Module. This is big power intended for big rides in big terrain; no chairlifts required.
More travel and more power call for upgraded hardware to realize full performance. Accordingly, the Neuron:ON CLLCTV’s suspension pivots on bigger bearings – all serviceable with a single 8mm allen key – and is designed for plush, reliable performance. The stout RockShox Zeb fork is matched with a super-plush Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock; together they offer unbeatable traction, comfort and control over the roughest tracks and sketchiest lines.
All that travel and power has the potential to generate some serious speed. Slowing everything down are the most powerful brakes on the market; SRAM Mavens. Shifting is handled by the precise and incredibly durable SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission.
And all this potential for mayhem is fed through wheels and tires built for a life of abuse. DT Swiss H1900 wheels can take the big hits and keep rolling true, and they are shod with game-changing Schwalbe Magic Mary radial gravity tires. And while some variants of the Neuron:ON AL are rated 3E due to differing components and test requirements, this CLLCTV build has passed full 4E testing and is certified accordingly.
“The Neuron:ON CLLCTV is a real passion project at Canyon. It’s built for the kind of riding we love, shaped by the terrain we ride and inspired by what we see on the trails.
“It’s similar to our Neuron:ON AL but with a spec designed for anyone who likes to get loose and wild. The Neuron:ON frame is engineered to be so capable, and now with this burlier build kit, we’ve been able to dial up the riding capability and bring in an exciting new addition to the Neuron:ON family,” Tobias Morgelin, Canyon Design Engineer.
Far more than just a spec-sheet exercise, the Neuron:ON CLLCTV is the result of Canyon engineers burning plenty of R&D time to create the bike that they wanted to realize their own hard-charging ambitions.
Priced at €5499, the Neuron:ON CLLCTV will be available in sizes XS to XL starting on Tuesday 29th July. Find it exclusively at Canyon.com or via the Canyon App, where you can also find geometry charts, service information and instructional videos to support your bike buying experience.
David Cachon rides the Yesa Reservoir Ghost Trails
Alexi Hall
Riding through Ruesta felt like rolling through a movie set – ancient stone houses, a castle on a hill, empty windows watching you pass. In Tiermas, the lake hides Roman hot springs beneath the surface, only revealing them when the water drops low enough.
With his unique mix of storytelling, technical riding, and visual impact, David brings this forgotten corner of Spain back to life.
Featured rider
David Cachon
David Cachón is a Spanish MTB rider and adventurer, twice World Champion and three‑time Guinness World Record holder. Known for riding El Caminito del Rey and the Great Wall of China, he fuses trial, enduro, and freeride to craft cinematic adventures and inspire riders worldwide.
New Shimano DEORE and XT Groupsets
Alexi Hall
SHIMANO Brings Wireless Shifting to More Riders with New DEORE XT M8200 & DEORE M6200 Di2 Groupsets.
Hot on the heels of SHIMANO’s race-bred XTR Di2 M9200 launch, the legendary DEORE XT line just got a serious tech injection and wireless shifting just became more accessible than ever.
With the introduction of the new DEORE XT M8200 Di2 and DEORE M6200 updates, SHIMANO is making sure that cutting-edge performance doesn’t just belong to elite World Cup racers. Whether you’re smashing enduro stages, climbing remote singletrack, or just chasing golden hour laps at your local spot, the new XT lineup is engineered to handle the real-world riding we all love. All with the precision, durability, and control SHIMANO’s Di2 platform is becoming known for.
Wireless Shifting, Trail-Proven Strength
The biggest headline? Fully wireless Di2 shifting is now available in the DEORE XT M8250 rear derailleur. It’s got the same ultra-fast, precise shifting DNA from the flagship XTR series, but with a beefier alloy cage and a price tag that won’t make your wallet cry.
New SHIMANO SHADOW ES tech gives the derailleur a low-profile wedge-shaped design that shrugs off rock strikes, while automatic impact recovery means you’ll keep riding even after taking a hit. Toss in a sealed battery and a reinforced pulley structure, and you’ve got a system that’s ready for aggressive trail riding and keeps your drivetrain humming along, even when the trail’s trying to rip it off.
Smooth Shifts Under Load – New Cassette + Crank Options
The new CS-M8200-12 cassettes keep your gear changes smooth even when you’re grinding uphill or sprinting flat out. Thanks to HYPERGLIDE+ tech, shifting under load feels effortless, while the mix of lightweight alloy and steel construction balances weight and durability.
You’ll also find a revamped FC-M8200 crankset built around HOLLOWTECH II construction, optimised for a wide range of disciplines. Whether you’re racing XC or rallying enduro, crank arm lengths from 160–175mm and chainrings from 28T–36T give you plenty of flexibility.
Intuitive Di2 Shifter Feel
Don’t worry, SHIMANO didn’t forget the all-important human connection. The new SW-M8250 Di2 shifters borrow their feel from mechanical RAPIDFIRE, giving each shift that tactile, satisfying click. You also get multiple shift modes (hold, click-through), adjustable paddles, and even a programmable third button to control your head unit or FREE/AUTO SHIFT features via the E-TUBE app.
Refined Braking Power for Every Rider
Whether you want 4-piston enduro stopping power or a lighter 2-piston setup for XC, the new DEORE XT M8200 brakes have you covered. They use the same pivot position as XTR for a more natural lever feel, plus SHIMANO ERGO FLOW and an updated SERVOWAVE cam for better power modulation.
BL-M8220 brake levers: Smooth action with new reach adjustment
4-piston BR-M8220: Trail/enduro braking with anti-rattle pads
2-piston BR-M8200 / BR-MT805: Lighter options for XC (post or flat mount)
All calipers use the low-viscosity mineral oil introduced with XTR, giving consistent power across changing conditions.
Stronger Wheels. Smarter Hubs.
SHIMANO wraps up the M8200 family with new WH-M8200 alloy wheels, designed to hit that sweet spot between lightweight performance and trail durability. They’re available in 27.5” or 29”, and run tubeless-ready 30mm internal width rims, stainless J-bend spokes, and a tough 28-hole layout.
Meanwhile, the M8210 hubs offer a buttery-smooth 3.5-degree engagement, updated seals, and lower drag while coasting, all with easy serviceability for those winter rebuilds.
What It Means for Riders
This isn’t just trickle-down tech. It’s SHIMANO bringing next-gen performance to the rest of us – riders who don’t necessarily race World Cups but still demand performance that holds up over time, on real trails, under real conditions.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to go Di2, this is it.
Shimano’s New XTR M9200 Di2
Alexi Hall
Shimano just released their latest top-tier XTR M9200 Di2 mountain bike drivetrain and it’s kind of a beast.
It’s fully wireless. It shifts super fast. And it’s built tough enough to survive all kinds of riding.
No Wires, No Worries
The big headline is that this setup is now fully wireless. That means a cleaner cockpit, fewer cables to mess with, and shifting that just… works. It’s quick, it’s smooth, and you don’t have to think about it.
Shimano’s been known for reliable shifting for years, and now they’ve taken that to another level with this Di2 system.
Tough Where It Matters
We’ve all clipped a derailleur on a rock or snagged it on a root. Shimano clearly had that in mind when they built the new RD-M9250. It’s super low-profile, and if it does take a hit, it literally resets itself. No trailside wrenching, no swearing. Just keep riding.
There’s even an e-MTB version that pulls power from your bike’s battery and can automatically shift while you’re pedalling or coasting. It’s smart, but it doesn’t get in the way.
Smooth Gears, Solid Cranks
The new cassettes come in two options—10-51T or 9-45T—and shift clean under load, even when you’re grinding up something steep.
Cranksets are made for either trail/enduro or XC, depending on how (and where) you ride. They’re stiff, light, and ready for some abuse.
Brakes That Just Feel Right
Shimano also gave the brakes a solid refresh. More control, better feel, and consistent power even when things heat up.
Whether you want the full punch of a 4-piston trail setup or the lightweight feel of a 2-piston XC version, they’ve got you covered.
Controls Made for Real Hands
The new shifter is super adjustable and gives a nice, tactile click with each shift. You can even program an extra button to control your bike computer or tweak your ride settings.
It’s all about getting your setup exactly how you like it without needing a degree in electronics.
Lighter, Stronger Wheels Too
Shimano didn’t forget about the wheels. There’s a new carbon set for enduro/trail riding (wide, strong, and hookless), and a lightweight one for XC with titanium spokes.
They also reworked the hubs to make them smoother, better sealed, and easier to service.
This new XTR M9200 Di2 setup is clean, tough, and designed to help you ride further, smoother, and more confidently.
What a nice way to wrap that up! Because at the end of the day, that’s what we’re all about at Mountain Bike United – tools that helps you enjoy your MTB experience.