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 can't stand seatpacks - it's time to make pannier racks cool again
Who'd want a wagging tail when you can have sturdy pannier bags?
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Be seen all year round with 35% off Magicshine bike lights in the Amazon Big Spring Sale
This is your last chance to seize a deal on some of the best bike lights with daylight running features. Act fast, as the sale ends at midnight tonight
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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I have combed the Amazon Big Spring Sale so you can save big with these 3 sports nutrition deals
Stock up and prepare for the season ahead with the best deals I have found on energy bars, hydration, and gels
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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The future of bicycle pumps is electric, and I am jumping on the bandwagon with this Cycplus AS2 electric pump deal in the Amazon Big Spring Sale
Cycplus has established a reputation for producing high-quality mini electric tyre inflators, and the compact AS2 is swiftly emerging as the market leader
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best puncture proof tyres for cycling 2025: add some peace of mind to your commute or road riding with some additional protection against punctures
Need a reliable tire? We’ve selected the best puncture-proof tires for commuting and road riding
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best gravel bikes 2025: extensively ridden and rated
The best gravel bikes to suit all styles, terrain and budgets from bikepacking to gravel racing
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best chain lubes for bikes 2025: Wet, dry and all-round lubricants for every condition
We round up the best chain lube for your bike and get to grips with the slippery subject of choosing a wet or dry chain lube
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best road bike pedals 2025: our complete guide to the best clipless pedal systems
The 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 mudguards/fenders for gravel bikes: Reviewed and rated our recommendations for protection against muck and spray for you and your bike
Want to extend the life of your components and ride in greater comfort? We’ve rounded up the best fenders / mudguards to protect both you and your gravel bike
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best bike cleaning kits 2025: for a faster and shinier bike
The best bike cleaning kits will keep your steed clean, well oiled and in perfect working order
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Hiplok DX1000 bike lock review: one of the most secure bike locks I have ever tested
While the DX1000 impressed in our angle grinder test, this high level of security comes at quite a price
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Abus Granit Super Extreme 2500 bike lock review: the most easily transportable angle grinder-resistant lock on the market
Abus is highly regarded for creating some of the world's best bike locks, and the Granit Super Extreme showcases its remarkable attention to detail
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Litelok X3 bike lock review: an exceptionally well-rounded angle grinder-resistant lock that perfectly balances weight, reach and security
Boasting additional reach and features over its main rival, the OnGuard RockSolid, the X3 presents superb value
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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OnGuard RockSolid 8950 review: finally, the bike lock to stop opportunistic thefts?
This is the lock that defeated our brutal angle grinder test with barely a scratch. Rated Sold Secure Diamond, I rate and recommend it too
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Squire Straplok 35/850 wearable bike lock review: lightweight, comfortable, and so simple to use
This has my vote for best wearable bike lock because it's a breeze to use, incredibly comfy to wear and let down only by its slightly inferior Sold Secure Silver rating
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Litelok Core Plus 75cm wearable lock review: A Sold Secure diamond-rated bike lock for those travelling light
The Litlok Core Plus performs admirably at the bike rack; however, the wearability of this very secure lock is questionable
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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My son just got his first pedal bike - and I hope it doesn’t spell the end of our Shotgun adventures
Regardless if we’re on one bike or two, my one hope is that bikes help us adventure long into the future
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best rim brake pads for road bikes 2025: better braking performance no matter the weather for carbon and alloy rims
Looking 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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All the best January bike deals: our deal-hunting elves are here delivering all the best offers from brands like Van Rysel, Garmin and Rapha
Hit the ground running in the New Year and kickstart your resolutions with these amazing deals from the likes of Sigma Sports, Competitive Cyclist & REI
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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2024's most hyped bike, the Van Rysel RCR is going out with a bang, discounted by up to £1001 in the Decathlon after-Christmas sale
The WorldTour's most affordable bike has attracted more interest than any other in 2024 and now you can get it for even less
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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The HoverAir X1 drone is at its lowest price ever and you can still get it before Christmas with Amazon Prime
Amazon UK has 24% off the HoverAir X1, a jersey pocket-sized drone that will capture stunning images as you pedal away below
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Prevelo Alpha Zero balance bike review: A little red rocket that will help build confidence and inspire kids to ride
A well-thought-out balance bike that offers value far beyond the specification sheet
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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I am a cyclist and this is what I actually want for Christmas
Take the Campagnolo corkscrew, the novelty socks and the 100 greatest climbs book out of your basket. This is my guide to what cyclists actually want this Christmas.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Christmas gifts for cyclists 2025: With Christmas rapidly approaching here are some last-minute gift ideas for the bike-obsessed
Here's our handy guide to the best Christmas gifts for the bike-obsessed, and where to buy them
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated