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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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
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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
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We've found all the best Cyber Monday cycling shoe deals for 2024: Massive discounts on Shimano, Specialized and Giro
There are some huge savings available with discounts on the best cycling shoes and clothing during Cyber Monday
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Cyber Monday cycling smartwatch deals: We've found the biggest savings from Garmin, Apple, Fitbit and more
Smartwatches make great riding partners, they track speed and distance, show you the way, record your heart rate, monitor your sleep and help you recover
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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Fancy saving over $300 on a Cervélo Áspero GRX 610 gravel bike that is higher spec than stock and for less than $2900 this Cyber Monday?
Okay there is a catch, you have to build it yourself and shop around to get the best deals but it features some of our highest-rated products from brands like Hunt Bike Wheels, Ergon, WTB & Lizard Skins
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
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Stainless steel bottles are a steal this Cyber Monday - Get up to 26% off Camelback's metal bidon
The idea of insulated bottles is appealing, so with 26% off at Amazon, I thought I'd give them a try
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Last updated
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This Black Friday, exercise bike discounts are super low, so don't delay because these prices won't last forever - here are some of the very best deals we've found
A roundup of all the best exercise bike deals to be had this Black Friday
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
