Practical. Understandable. Honest.

Our mission

Mountain bikes have evolved significantly. Technological innovations multiplied their performance off-road. With more technology, however, came more complexity for the users. Not everything became easier, and there is a greater need for explanation and context.

We believe it is important to understand the bike and the components, how they work and how you should use them. Not every product offers a performance benefit to every user. A product that costs twice as much doesn’t necessarily mean it’s twice as good. A realistic evaluation based on the intended use and the rider's needs is not just important, but essential. In the end, you simply have more fun on the trail with the right product, properly set up.

This is our mission.

Background

At Testpilot, the team collectively shares over 80 years of experience in testing bikes and working within the bike industry. We've worked with the media, on the industry side, bike shops, and with tourism regions. Our attention to detail is sharp, and we have an in-depth understanding of what truly matters on the trail.

We have always been, and continue to be, curious to a degree that can be exhausting. Our motto: "Those who don’t ask, stay ignorant." We constantly put every product and ourselves to the test.

We don’t just test for ourselves. We test for you. We believe it’s essential to understand a product to decide whether it’s the right choice for you. You need to understand it to set it up properly and unlock the full potential of the bike or component on the trail.

There is no single "best" product. Depending on the trail, riding style, and intended use, the requirements for stability, weight, and cost vary. Our goal is to provide our readers with clear, understandable guidance on the intended use of a product. We aim to explain who the ideal user is or what the ideal application would be.

 FAQ

  • Work is not for free. Manufacturers pay us for the time we spend testing their products.

  • No, our test results are not for sale. Unlike other magazines, we provide context. There is no single "best" product that outshines everything else on the market. For a downhill racer, the best suspension fork is a double crown, while for a cross-country racer, it’s the lightest and most efficient option. Or in other words: Just because a product offers more adjustability doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for every user, as those adjustments might not even be needed. A less complex product might offer greater durability, which in turn keeps ongoing costs low. We take all of this into account in our tests.

  • We don’t test alone and involve people with different skill levels in our testing. Our experience helps us assess which features of a product are important for which type of rider. This context is included in our tests.

  • We are always open to new ideas. Just send us a message here. We read all DMs and comments on our Instagram channel.

  • You can contact us here anytime.

  • Our focus is on testing and carefully preparing the reports. This is where we want to invest the most time. If you have feedback or questions, you can write to us here. If you need advice, you can book it here.

  • If the usage period is long enough, every product will eventually break. Nothing is infinitely durable. You can also consciously choose to use a product with a lower weight, which may not necessarily be designed for tougher use cases. You benefit from a more agile ride, but you literally pay for shorter durability, or you risk damaging the product.