Podcast: Paul Aston – Pushing Geometry and reliability of bikes

In the Testpilot-Podcast, we would like to provide insights into the bike industry. Not only the technical part, but also the people which shape trends and push innovation forward: Paul Aston is a mountain biking enthusiast and industry figure who formerly worked for Pinkbike before starting his own MTB-review platform, Aston MTB. Known for his in-depth knowledge of the sport, Paul shares his passion through his website, offering insights, bike reviews and content focused on promoting innovation and quality in mountainbikes and parts. He is educating riders of all levels. In this episode of the podcast, we take a little ramble through the last couple of decades on mountain bike history, changes in geometry and how the industry is adapting slowly towards what, we think, might be the better solution.

If Paul Aston doesn't ring a bell for you, here is a little introduction. He built himself a reputation for in-depth bike reviews and technical content, which gave him broad exposure within the MTB community. In addition to his writing, Paul's background in racing adds depth to his work. He competed, not only in enduro and the British series, and also raced at the 2008 Downhill World Cup. While he wasn’t a World Cup podium finisher, his experience at such a high level provided him with valuable insights into bike setups, gear performance, and technical skills. This first-hand knowledge informs his reviews, helping him become a respected figure in the mountain biking community.

Paul's product reviews are grounded in his real-world experiences, especially under the demanding conditions of racing and every day proper enduro riding. His reviews emphasize performance and durability, offering feedback on how gear holds up during intense rides in the intended use brands claim reliability in. Paul's technical background allows him to assess products with a critical eye, ensuring they meet or exceed manufacturer claims.

A 200 mm front/rear Enduro with double crown to pedal all day? Paul won’t do compromises.

His writing is known for being honest and rider-focused, making technical details accessible to all riders. He avoids overly complex jargon and instead offers practical advice that helps readers understand how different products affect their riding experience. For example, he might explain how a specific suspension setup handles rough, technical trails, or how a new tire performs in ever-changing conditions. This approach makes his reviews stand out in a crowded space, as he always considers what will actually make a difference for real-world riders.

In addition to gear reviews, Paul’s expertise extends to bike setups and tuning. Utilizing brands like Rulezman, Nicolai and Geometron to push forward his knowledge and learn more about products. 

Overall, Paul’s combination of racing experience and hands-on product testing has earned him a reputation as a trusted voice in the mountain biking community. Whether back in the days on Pinkbike or now on Aston MTB, Paul provides valuable insights that help riders make informed decisions, ultimately improving their riding experience.

Paul built even some replicas of famous bikes of the past, adapting the geometry to new/his standards.

To finance his work, Paul uses an innovative approach: raffles. Rather than relying on traditional ads or sponsorships, he buys bikes from brands to offer high-value gear—such as bikes, components, and accessories—through raffles. Participants can buy tickets for a chance to win these prizes, and the proceeds go toward supporting Paul's content creation, including product reviews, website maintenance, and event travel costs. This model allows Paul to maintain financial independence, ensuring his content remains unbiased and honest, while also keeping his community engaged by offering exciting prizes relevant to their interests.

CAUTION: This podcast may change your view on how you interpret numbers for kinematics and geometry of a bike. You may become a handful in after-ride-discussions with your buddies about which bike performs how and why. Welcome to the nerd side of bikes.