Bike enthusiasts rejoicing: Seven compelling reasons why the mountain biking scene is thriving
*Flamin' Hot Mountain Biking Trends in 2025
Top PostWhile the bike manufacturing scene has been scorching hot with brands going up in flames, the thrill of mountain biking is flamin' hotter than ever!
1. Mountain Biking: The Hottest Ride in Town
There's no denying it; the trails are packed, and events like BikePark Wales are lit AF. Mintel's market analysis points to a staggering 6% of the UK population recklessly shredding off-road trails—that's a whopping 4.1 million riders!
While lines at the trailheads might not be ideal, they speak volumes about the boom times for bikers. And the growth rate? MRFR predicts it'll be burning up the tracks at approximately 10% annually until 2027, with XC competitions catching fire particularly.
And here's the crown jewel—mountain bikes are dominating the cycling world, with a solid 33% of bike owners in the UK strapped in for the ride.
2. Ride it Like You Stole it: More Places to Ride, Better Trails
The flames of trail access are spreading, with more opportunities to get airborne popping up. Despite challenges like the shutdown of Coed y Brenin's visitors center and cuts in public spending on trails, Scotland is smoldering with over 5,000km of singletrack (courtesy of UK Trail Project's report on trail access)!
English and Welsh trails are also seeing a boon in construction, as reported by the UK Trail Project Incorporated in Scotland—all thanks to commercial bike parks like BikePark Wales, Dyfi, Revolution Bike Park, B1ke B1keparks, Burlish Bike Park, and more that are riding the coattails of increased trail demand. Catch up on the latest trail news here!
3. Mountain Bikers, Unite! A Voice in the UK
For far too long, mountain bikers have been unearthing their voices, only to find them lost in the wind. But the tables have turned! Introducing the UK MTB Trail Alliance and the UK Trails Project—two vital forces lobbying for closer relationships between riders and landowners (to protect our precious trail networks), as well as pressuring governments and regional authorities for increased access. Fingers crossed we'll soon see open access for Wales!
Plus, the pressure of numbers might lead to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland following Scotland's lead with a unified approach to mountain biking promotion. Last year we reported how England and Wales have been left in the dust in the trail access race.
4. Budget Bikes are Back on the Menu
Good news, riders on a budget! Calibre's Bossnut is back in action for 2025, boasting 29-inch wheels, aggressive geometry, and a mouthwatering price tag of £1,500. And this isn't just a one-trick pony—entry-level bikes are making a comeback, thanks to the current oversupply of complete bicycles.
During the lockdowns, brands quietly dropped their budget offerings in favor of higher-margin models. But with thousands of full-price bikes seeing massive markdowns, the power has shifted to buyers, enabling them to choose from the influx of affordable options. Check out Boardman's new MTR 8.9, or Voodoo Canzo from Halfords—both are impressive entries in the budget bike scene.
5. Electric Euphoria: eMTBs are Revving Up the Racing Scene
DJI Avinox-powered mountain bikes, like the Amflow Carbon Pro bike, are shaking up the market and forcing established brands to up their game. Next on the scene? Brands like Whyte with the full-power ELyte Evo incorporating Bosch's latest CX motor and rumors of Forbidden's eDreadnought e-bike, jumping on the DJI motor bandwagon.
This throwdown between industry titans translates into increased power, lighter batteries, extended range, and better integration—all music to the ears of tech-savvy mountain bikers!
6. Racing Heats Up: World Cup Downhill Season
While racing coverage in the UK and RoI will set you back £30.99 a month (up from just £3.99), those with the cash to spare will be in for a treat. The abolition of the semi-finals, replaced with a two-stage qualifying process, promises a more dramatic, action-packed series.
With a jam-packed calendar including ten downhill races, trail lovers will be in for a wild ride. Hopefully, Fort William will make a comeback soon, but with fan favorites like Les Gets, Andorra, and Val di Sole on the schedule, it's safe to say this season's going to be a scorcher!
7. New-Gen Riders and Manufacturers: Blazing the Trails
Worried the professionalized World Cup would stifle the development of rising talents? Not so fast! The UCI has launched a new World Cup feeder series with the aim of expanding the sport globally.
Keep an eye on the latest crop of impressive riders, like Sacha Earnest, Erice Van Leuven, and Bernard Kerr—they're .finna burn up the trails!
- The trail advocacy from the UK MTB Trail Alliance and UK Trails Project is instrumental in forging closer relationships between riders and landowners, aiming to preserve trail networks and push for increased access, including open access for Wales.
- Trail building is on the rise due to the popularity of commercial bike parks like BikePark Wales, Dyfi, Revolution Bike Park, B1ke B1keparks, Burlish Bike Park, and more, resulting in an influx of English and Welsh singletracks; catch up on the latest trail news here.
