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 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 bike computers 2026: Expert-rated bike computers for navigation and trainingSix of the best cycling computers selected by our experts to enhance your ride adding you to explore new routes or bringing you pro-level training tools right to your fingertips
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
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Best bike bags and boxes 2026: protect and transport your bike with ease while travellingRest assured your bike is protected when you travel with one of these best bike bags and boxes
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best bike locks 2026: every style extensively tested and rated for security and usabilityOur cycling experts put all the best bike locks through rigorous testing, ensuring you can leave your bike anywhere, secure in the knowledge that it's safe.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best Bike Lights 2026: expert-tested for dark winter commutes and night ridingThe Cycling Weekly experts have tested dozens of the best bike lights this winter, from budget beams to high-power smart systems, to guarantee your visibility and safety this winter, whatever your budget
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best smart indoor trainers 2026: 8 of the best direct-drive smart turbo trainers reviewed and ratedElevate your riding this winter, take a tour of Watopia on Zwift or tackle the Stelvio with Rouvy using one of the best indoor trainers.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best electric gravel bikes 2026: dirt-loving e-bikes with added oomph, all tested and rated by our expertsElectric gravel bikes are one of the most versatile bikes you can buy and can transform your riding, help you explore further afield and help you haul. In this guide are 6 of our experts' top picks
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best Electric Bike Pumps 2026: the time has come to ditch the manual pump - 13 portable electric inflators expert testedThe secret is out; the days of the manual bike pump are numbered. Our experts have tested and rated over a dozen of these portable electric bike pumps to determine which one deserves a spot in your kit.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best budget gravel bikes 2026: Expert tested off-roaders that won't cost the earthWhether you're hitting the gravel for the first time or seeking a rugged winter commuter, our experts have picked the best budget bikes that deliver a premium off-road experience without the premium price tag
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best chain lubes for bikes 2026: save watts and increase drivetrain life, all tested and approved by our expertsDon't waste money or effort on the wrong chain lube. Using a better lubricant is a cost-effective performance gain that everyone should consider. Expert tested and approved, here are our top picks of the best chain lubes
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best budget road bikes 2026: 6 expert-rated and tested road bikes to get more performance for lessTested by experts, our pick of the most affordable and cheap road bikes available, and a guide to how to choose the right one for you
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
