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 flat pedals for cycling 2026: 6 great options for gravel and urban use, tested by our expertsA pair of best flat pedals can be a very handy option whether you are commuting in work shoes or just looking for extra confidence on your bike
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Is this the beginning of the end for the Garmin Edge 540 & 840 bike computers? Both are now heavily discounted in the early Amazon Big Spring Sale dealsIt should be no suprise to see the outgoing Garmin Edge 540 & 840 with well over 20% off in the early Amazon Big Spring Sale; however, could this be the final call for these now much-loved bike computers?
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best lightweight bike locks 2026: 6 highly transportable and wearable locks, all expert tested and ratedDon't let your bike lock weigh you down. We have tested all the lightest bike locks for security, useability and transportation. The result is 6 lightweight expert-tested recommendations
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best fenders for gravel bikes 2026: 5 expert-approved mudguards that protect you and your bike from the muckWe’ve rounded up 5 of the best mudguards for gravel from our gravel bike experts, which do much more than just protect the rider
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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We rate the Cycplus AS2 as one of the best electric pumps, but... this £33 Amazon Spring Sale deal is just as good and 35% cheaperAlthough the Cycplus AS2 is currently one of our top-rated electric pumps, it’s hard to ignore that the Airbank Mini offers 90% of the functionality for over a third less. Now it's just £33 in the Amazon Spring Sale
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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I’ve been a bike product expert for over 15 years, and now a cycling deals hunter; you'd better 'bolt' over to the Amazon Spring Sale for some record-low Wahoo Elemnt bike computer pricesWahoo has discounted its entire range of Elemnt bike computers in the Amazon Spring Deal Days 2026 sale, with the Bolt V3 now at its lowest ever price
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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It's no secret you can restore that new bike feel and save £££ with a bit of spring cleaning, but... did you know you can get everything you need in the Amazon Spring Sale?With up to 33% off a range of cleaning and lubrication products, the Amazon Spring Deal Days is a great place to start for all your bike spring cleaning needs
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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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 winter bib tights 2026: reviewed and rated for both men and womenOwning a set of the best bib tights is vital for keeping you warm and helping you get out the door when the temperature drops. Our experts have rated these 11 tights for both men and women as their top picks
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best winter tyres for road cycling 2026: an essential seasonal upgrade, tested and rated by our expertsThe best winter tyres for your road bike are an essential seasonal upgrade, tested and rated by our experts for durability, rolling resistance, and puncture protection
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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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 puncture-proof tyres for cycling 2026: add peace of mind to your riding 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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Best cycling water bottles 2026: expert-tested bidons and how to choose the ideal hydration receptacleHighly rated by our experts, here are six of the best cycling water bottles to keep your fluid intake up, as well as guiding you through how to pick your ideal hydration station
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best bike and helmet cameras 2026 expert-reviewed: capture epic rides or footage for insurance purposesFilming a great ride, or adding an extra layer of personal protection, we help you find your perfect bike or helmet camera
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best mudguards & fenders for road bikes 2026: Expert tested for keeping your bottom dry and bike protectedIt's time to stop shunning mudguards and fenders. These six expert-rated strips of plastic and metal protect far more than just your chamois
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best road bikes 2026: the absolute best reviewed and rated by our road cycling expertsOur expert testers have selected 9 of the absolute best road bikes, from budget models to grand tour-proven race machines
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best indoor smart bikes 2026: for year-round riders dedicated to their training, all tested by expertsThe best smart bikes keep your training on track regardless of the weather. After rigorous testing, our indoor cycling experts have picked the 6 top-rated options for you
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best gravel bike pedals 2026: the best clipless, power, and flat pedals, all expert-rated for off-road ridingWith terrain somewhere between MTB and road, the best gravel bike pedals for you very much depend on your preference. In this guide, our experts have selected their 6 top picks.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best bike storage solutions 2026: hooks, racks and sheds for storage and security, all expert-tested and approvedWe've rounded up the 6 best bike storage solutions our experts have tested to help you find the best way to keep your bikes tidy and secure at home
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best bike cleaning kits 2026: for a faster and shinier bikeThe 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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Best cycling shoes 2026: Our top 6 expert-rated shoes for road cycling based on thier comfort, efficiency and styleThe best cycling shoes will make your rides more comfortable, more efficient and more enjoyable
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best winter cycling gloves 2026: stop the sufferfest, expert-tested gloves for beating the chillDon’t let frozen fingers or a loss of control ruin your ride this winter. Our experts have tested the latest winter gloves, which strike a better balance between warmth and safety.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best bike saddles 2026: Sit more comfortably with these 9 expert-rated bike seatsChoosing a saddle is no easy task, so we have taken the pain out of it by bringing you 9 of the best bike saddles rated and reviewed by our experts
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best power meters 2026: 6 pedal and crank-based systems our experts tested and would actually buyThe best power meters for cycling are an essential tool for precision training; we run through their key features, how to use them and highlight the 6 best from our experts, whether you're riding road, gravel, or Zwift
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
