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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Woom Ready Kids’ Bike Helmet Review: a clever design that puts many adult helmets to shame
Comfortable, well designed and functional with several features I’d like to see more regularly on adult helmets
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Over £170,000 in bike parts up for auction with current bid just £2600 after bike company restructuring
German mountain bike brand YT Industries, after closing the UK-based YT Mill, is now selling off all its assets, including the kitchen sink
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Amazon Prime Day Cycling Deals 2025: Prime Big Deal Days are over - don't panic, these 46 deals are still live
Prime Big Deal Days may be over for another year, but there are still a ton of deals to be had. Check out these 46 deals still live today
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Stop Scrolling: 7 deals from real bike shops that Jeff can't touch with his 'Big Deals'
Feeling like you are getting the best cycling deals is important, but shopping around is hard work. While Amazon makes shopping simple, there are better deals to be had elsewhere from real bike shops
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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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 2025: 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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A ticket to freedom: avert the tube strikes with these top-rated commuter and folding bike deals
For commuters there is never a more stressful time than a tube strike; so, grab a bike and take a chance to enjoy the last of the summer
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Best energy gels for cycling 2025: all taste tested and rated
Energy gels shouldn't just be for a quick boost, they should be palatable and kind on your stomach - tested and rated, the best energy gels for flavour, performance and usability
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Best lightweight bike locks 2025: highly transportable and wearable locks
Don't let your bike lock weigh you down. We have tested and rated all the lightest bike locks
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Could this be the world's cheapest cargo bike? For under $500, I think this Target compact cargo bike could help you haul more for less
In a world where car replacement cargo bikes cost as much as a car, it is refreshing to see something that looks genuinely affordable
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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The tyre that changed my opinion on semi-slick gravel tyres, but not in the way you might think - The Pirelli P-Zero Race TLR 40, finally reviewed
I thought the Pirelli P-Zero 40mm might be a game-changer for gravel bikes; however, it quickly highlighted the limitations of gravel bike geometry when it comes to fast road riding.
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Spot the difference: I refused to pay $60 for a bike bell, so I brought this $13 one, and you can barely tell
We all like nice things, and the Spurcycle bell definitely fits that description, but $60 is a lot for a bike bell. So, I found this RockBros vintage style one on Amazon, and it is hard to spot the difference
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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If you buy nothing else this Amazon Prime Day, consider buying this very affordable $15 tool, which could, in the long run, save you hundreds of dollars
Keeping an eye on how worn your chain is and replacing it regularly could save you hundreds of dollars in expensive cassettes
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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While my pick for the best angle grinder-resistant lock didn't win our test, it is now cheaper than the best on test, OnGuard RockSolid, in the Amazon Prime Day Sale
While I only awarded the ABUS Granit Super Extreme 2500 4 stars, it is the one I would buy with my own money, and here is why you should take advantage of this 19% discount
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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"It has genuinely changed how much I use an action camera" - Cycling Weekly Tech Writer Joe Baker on why you must consider buying an Insta360 X4 this Amazon Prime Day
Joe named the Insta360 X4 as one of his Products of the Year 2024. He was impressed with several features, but more so by just how much he found himself using it
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Bike Check: Jack Thompson's Project 1903 custom 2-speed Specialized Roubaix
Fresh from tackling Europe’s 10 highest paved roads, Jack is keeping it authentic with his latest project, taking on the whole 1903 Tour De France route, on a custom-built two-speed Specialized Roubaix SL8
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Last-minute cycling gifts for Father's Day, recommendations from a cycling dad
With Father's Day just two days away, here are my last-minute gift ideas for the cycling dads in your life
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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I have tested over a dozen locks in the last year, and I ended up actually buying this one, which is now over 30% off at Amazon US
The OnGuard Pitbull Mini is a brilliant little lock that balances a high-security level with a low weight, and with this Amazon US discount, it's yours for under $40
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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The best flat pedals for cycling 2025: great options for gravel and urban use
A 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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Save £42 on the same tyres that Mathieu Van de Poel won Paris-Roubaix on, this Easter weekend
Deals Its rare that Pirelli P-Zero Race TLR RS can be found on sale, and certainly not with a whopping 25% discount, grab a pair this weekend before they go...
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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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
