Matt Ischt-Barnard
Like many others, Matt began his journey in the bicycle industry, wielding Allen keys and the occasional hammer at his local bike shop. Growing up mountain biking in the flint-strewn hills of the North Downs, he was persuaded during his time with Evans Cycles' in-house brands Pinnacle and Hoy Bikes to embrace gravel cycling and bikepacking. Recognising the evolving industry, Matt eagerly seized the chance to become an E-bike designer and garnered several awards with Cairn Cycles and their range of gravel E-bikes.
These days, Matt is likely to have a toddler sitting shotgun and a balance bike secured to his back somewhere on the South Downs. When he manages to find time to ride for himself, he opts to take his Sonder Camino to nearly any quiet spot, off the beaten track, or somewhere with a historical point of interest.
Latest articles by Matt Ischt-Barnard
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Best kids’ bikes 2026: all wheel sizes reviewed and rated by our mini testersFind the perfect bike for your budding young bike rider, with reviews that cover all ages and wheel sizes, from 12 to 24 inches and 2 to 11 years old
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best hybrid bikes 2026: the best models for leisure and commutingHow to find the best hybrid bike that suits both your riding and your budget
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best lightweight bike locks 2026: 6 highly transportable and wearable locks, all expert-testedDon't let your bike lock weigh you down. Our experts have tested and rated 6 of the best lightweight and wearable bike locks for security and usability
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Declutter your cockpit with 2026’s sleekest new bike-light trend – 10 out-front mount bike lightsDeals Clean, clutter-free, and integrated bike tech is taking over, and lights have officially joined the trend for 2026
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Early Rider Seeker 16 review: about as good as kids' bikes can get, and excellent value, if you've got hand-me-down potentialMy son and I put the Early Rider Seeker 16 to the test on the pump tracks, seafronts, forests, and old railway trails of South-East England
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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I cut 5 of the best angle grinder-resistant bike locks to find out which was most secure in 2026Armed with an angle grinder and just five minutes, I wanted to see which of these five best angle grinder-resistant locks would crack first!
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Amazon Prime Big Deal Days cycling deals 2026: Our experts' top picks, from day 2, including Wahoo, Cycplus, the Lego bike and more...Prime Big Deal Days, which runs for 48 hours, ends tonight at midnight – our dealhunters are back for day 2 of the event to bring you all the best offers for cyclists
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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It's dropped in price again! When will it stop? The LEGO Icons Road Bike is at a new low of just £78Deals The LEGO Road Bike is brilliant for any LEGO lover or cycling enthusiast, and it is at a new, very low price! This LEGO Prime Day deal is one you won't want to miss!
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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‘The TPU film isn't melting, it’s the tiny joint between plastic and metal that is deforming’: How to avoid electric pump and TPU tube incompatibility leaving you strandedThey’re two of cycling’s biggest tech trends, but reports of electric pumps damaging TPU tubes – or even melting their delicate valves – raise concerns
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Amazon Prime Big Deals are just days away, but you needn't wait – my top 31 early cycling deals available right now!Amazon's 48-hour Prime Big Deal Days will return October 6-7th for Prime Members
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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'It should be cycling’s sixth monument': Nine unmissable International Coffee Day Deals for cyclistsDeals International Coffee Day feels like it should be the sixth monument in the cycling calendar, but until it is officially ordained, here is my pick of the best deals that will land on your doormat tomorrow morning
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best kids' bike helmets 2026: quality, safe, tested by kids, and (crucially) loved by kids!A helmet is only safe if your child wears it and it fits correctly. We've tested helmets for babies and toddlers, right through to mini shredders and teens.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Mathieu van der Poel rides 13-speed Dura Ace prototype at UCI World ChampionshipsStill without an official launch date, we are clearly moving closer to the release of the new, 13-speed, Shimano Dura Ace R9300
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
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Best bike mini pump 2026: Is manual still worth it, or just cycling masochism?E-pumps are smaller and faster, yet manual pumps live on - we tested 6 to see if they should be relegated to relics or if they remain a smart and reliable choice
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best bike storage solutions 2026: hooks, racks, and sheds for storage and security – expert-tested and approvedOur experts round up the 6 best bike storage solutions from testing to help you find the right way to keep your bikes tidy and secure
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Thank goodness for TPU inner tubes, yet again saving me from a ride-ending tyre slashDeals Much more than just a lightweight spare – 19 best deals on TPU inner tubes I found today
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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A perfect dozen: Every five-star product tested by our experts so far in 2026Deals Of the 150+ products tested in 2026, only 12 have earned flawless five-star ratings. Here is the rare bike gear that has truly stood out so far in 2026
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best waterproof cycling pants 2026: expert-tested for breathability, water repellency, and overall comfortOur pick of the best waterproof and breathable cycling trousers to protect your lower half when commuting and riding in wet weather
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best rim brake pads for road bikes: expert-rated braking performance for all-weather and rim typesLooking for better braking performance no matter whether it’s wet or dry? We’ve rounded up the best rim brake pads for road bikes
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best puncture-proof tyres for cycling 2026: add peace of mind with some puncture protectionTyre reliability can have a massive impact on your enjoyment of cycling, so fit one of these expert-approved best puncture-proof tyres and worry no more
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Sponsored rider leaks video of unreleased Canyon aero gravel bike on InstagramWith the trend toward ever-wider tyres and increased aero performance in gravel, is Canyon about to join the party?
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best gravel bike tyres 2026: tested and rated by our gravel experts for every terrainOur gravel cycling experts are here to help you cut through the jargon of an increasingly complex subject – having tested the best gravel bike tyres for every terrain, frame clearance, and budget
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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From race-ready to all-day adventure: Our editors' top gravel bike picks from Competitive CyclistSponsor Content Created With Competitive Cyclist
Competitive Cyclist offers a broad range of gravel bikes from brands such as Cervelo and Pinarello, including the highly rated Aspero-5 and Grevil F3
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best electric bike conversion kits 2026: 6 expert-approved kits to electrify a bikeWith one of the best electric bike conversion kits you can add power to your own bike at a fraction of the cost of a full machine
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
