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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I designed 29ers – 32-inch wheels could drive innovation, but the bike industry must learn from the past, and fastThe introduction of 29ers was certainly not smooth, but can we learn from our mistakes and make 32-inch wheels a success? I hope so
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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I cut 5 of the best angle grinder-resistant bike locks in 2026 to find out which was most secureArmed 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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I'm back, covering all the best Amazon Prime Day Cycling Deals 2026 - here are my 23 early deals not to miss ahead of June 23rdAmazon has confirmed that Prime Day 2026 will run from June 23rd to the 26th—but you don’t have to wait! I've tracked down 23 early cycling deals that are already live and too good to miss
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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How the Giro was won: The gear that propelled Jonas Vingegaard into the history books, including those pink tyresA familiar but heavily refined setup for the Giro winner - and you can own pretty much all of it
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best bike mini pump 2026: Is manual still worth it, or just cycling masochism?Electric pumps are smaller and faster, yet the manual pump lives on - Andy and I tested half a dozen of the latest pumps to see if they should be relegated to relics or if they remain a smart and reliable choice for your back pocket
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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'A hippocampus is not just a university for Hippos' – Stolen Tarmac SL8s, Dura-Ace prototypes, and everything you missed from Off The Back in April5 of the biggest tech highlights from April’s episodes of Off The Back, featuring the Tarmac SL8, Shimano Dura Ace Pedals, and more
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Paint the town pink: 12 Giro-inspired products to add to your wardrobe or bike this summerThe Giro d'Italia is synonymous with pink, so why not upgrade this summer or just give an honourable nod to the first Grand Tour of the year with a splash of Rosa?
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Lego has finally created a road bike, and it's made up of 1,015 piecesLego's fully working road bike is everything I'd hoped for
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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The amalgamation I’ve been waiting for: Hutchinson fuses speed with brilliant all-round tread in the Touareg Race tyreHutchinson has brought more speed to one of my all-time favourite gravel tyres
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best waterproof cycling pants 2026: expert tested for breathability, water repellence, 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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Stop, unglove, pull out phone, check map, repeat - I went on a data detox, but wish I'd something for navigation - Now just $99 at Competitive Cyclist, the Beeline Velo 2 is the answerI just got my hands on a Beeline Velo 2, after ditching my computer a year ago - it's rated highly by my colleagues, and it's now under $100 at Competitive Cyclist
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best time trial helmets 2026: TT and Triathlon helmets tested by our expert for much more than just speedFinding extra speed isn't always about aerodynamics; Our experts put six of the world's fastest helmets to the test, focusing on their comfort, fit and usability.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best road bike pedals 2026: our experts' complete guide to the best clipless pedal systemsThe best clipless pedals are essential for road and gravel riding; here we look at some of the pedal systems available for cyclists
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best budget sunglasses 2026: rated and reviewed by our cycling expertsOur experts have tested the best budget sunglasses on the market that prove you don't have to break the bank to get quality eye-protection
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Cash for any bike this Easter weekend with Decathlon! For a limited time only, get an extra 20% BuyBack bonus, and enter into a £1000 voucher drawPresented by Decathlon UK
Promoted This bank holiday weekend, Decathlon is offering not only an extra 20% bonus on their BuyBack Scheme, but you also have the chance to win a £1000 voucher when you trade in any bike.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best energy gels for cycling 2026: all expert taste tested and ratedEnergy gels should be palatable and kind on your stomach - Our experts have tested and rated the best energy gels for flavour, performance and usability
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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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 first wears it, and it fits correctly. Along with our kids, we have tested some of the best kids' bike helmets - helmets to suit babies and toddlers, right through to mini shredders and teens.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Amazon Spring Sale is officially over, but wait... Don't miss these 19 deals I have found that are still live - don't miss out!Deals If the last 7 days of the Amazon Big Spring Sale passed you by, fear not, you haven't totally missed out - check out these 19 deals still live and not to be missed
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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I’m a devoted tubeless rider, but I always have a TPU tube in my pocket - 4 deals to snag before the Amazon Spring Sale ends todayRegardless of whether you believe they perform as a viable alternative to tubeless, TPUs make the perfect emergency tube: light, easy to fold, and easy to carry
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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The most reliable power meter pedals we have ever tested: Save $92 on Favero Assioma Duos in the Amazon Spring Sale – Hurry, sale ends tomorrow!deals Even when Editor Michelle tested the Assiomas back in 2020, she found them incredibly reliable, awarding them 4.5 stars. Fast forward to 2026, Tech Writer Aaron’s pair are still going strong seven years after he first clipped in.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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I think this is the best $8 you will ever spend – get the only tyre levers you will ever need for less than a coffee and cake in the Amazon Spring SaleForgo the coffee stop just once, and get yourself a pair of Muc-Off Rim Stix for under $8 in the Amazon Spring Sale - I guarantee you won't regret it
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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What three months, 500km, and 30+ school runs taught me about ditching the car for a cargo bikeWhen I found myself unexpectedly without a car, I committed to seeing whether a cargo bike could honestly fill the void. This is my report from the road detailing the highs, the lows, and the reality of 500km of cargo bike usage
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Benno RemiDemi XL Review: a cool cargo bike that largely delivers on its core purpose, but can it really replace an SUV?Just as outdoor brands have transformed rugged into high-street fashion, Benno aims to do the same for the school run. I put their 'SUV-inspired' RemiDemi XL to the test to see if its hauling ability matches its hype
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Dislike Garmin? These 9 Wahoo deals are my star find of the Amazon Big Spring Sale so farWahoo has started the Amazon Spring Sale off strong with offers of up to 24% off its range of bike computers, lights and smart trainers
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
