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This issue is special in many ways, both for me personally and for ENDURO Magazine as a whole. Because it’s not just an issue full of exciting stories, but also a handover, full of anticipation for the future.
Since its inception, ENDURO Magazine has been a platform that brings people together and unites passions. We never wanted to just report on what was happening in the scene. We’ve always wanted to do our own thing, shaping our own lives while shaping the world of bikes. All the while growing in our roles and responsibilities. Oh yes, and also while travelling the world – completely selflessly – riding the best trails, while testing exciting products, meeting interesting personalities and eating great food, of course.
In this sense, ENDURO is more than a magazine. It is a dream factory that allows us to live our ideals. That takes a lot of hard work, which you don’t get to see. But ENDURO has shown us that we’re capable of so much more than we and others think. Who would have thought that two students with an idea, two laptops, and a € 6,000 loan from Grandma Schmitt would result in a globally renowned magazine? Or even an entire publishing house with 4 magazines and a team of over 40 passionate people who share this dream? They’re incredibly keen to set trends, inspiring and shaping the bike world with unique stories, while always learning new things and pushing their limits.
For me, there is nothing better than watching people grow. On the one hand, because I’ve had the privilege of accompanying many people in their development during 12 years of ENDURO Magazine and 41 Publishing and, on the other hand, because I have also experienced it first hand, and know that personal growth gives your life and your attitude towards it a massive boost: the joy of having mastered something, having learned new skills, or learning new things about yourself and suddenly bearing yourself differently, handling situations differently, and gaining clarity. The wrong environment fosters doubts and insecurities, whereas the right environment lets you grow roots and wings, making dreams come true. In this sense, ENDURO Magazine is also a school of life that allows us to develop ourselves and our skills – whether on the bike, while travelling, working alone, or spending time together. But it goes without saying that growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. So all the work we put into this has a much deeper meaning for us, challenging us and thereby allowing us to grow.
Skills cannot be bought; they must be earned. And depending on your aspirations, this can mean very different things. We never aimed to be better than others. We always set our own benchmarks: we want to inspire ourselves and others, be proud of what we achieve and create, and free ourselves of other people’s opinions and views. Move away from sameness, and towards uniqueness. Craft stories with character, adventures, and personal experiences instead of blandly reporting about something in a way that’s distant and interchangeable. Doing that takes courage and confidence, which happen to be the same ingredients for personal growth!
I am more than happy to hand over the reins to Peter Walker with this issue, making him the new editor-in-chief of ENDURO Magazine. Peter is someone who lets his actions speak louder than words, providing valuable input, significantly shaping the content of ENDURO, and pulling off monster projects with his organisational skills. In addition to many years of riding experience – including more than 150 days in Whistler Bike Park – he enriches our team with a high level of technical know-how, and a pragmatic approach to work. After successfully managing ENDURO’s day-to-day business as deputy editor-in-chief in recent years, it’s now time for him to go all in. I look forward to a bright future, and now officially hand the mic over to Peter: Peter, crank it up to 11!
We all need dreams. At first glance, dreams often seem far away and out of reach, but they show where you want to go – they provide orientation.
The “how” is usually unclear at first, but also irrelevant, as long as you decide to take the first step, putting one foot in front of the other in that general direction. That’s how it was for me. My first step at the time was to quit my regular job as a paramedic, pack my things, and buy a one-way ticket to Whistler. What I experienced there is a story for another day, but the most important thing at that time was that I figured out where I wanted to go, and found a way to get closer to that place.
Anyone who has ever been to Whistler knows how quickly you get caught in the Whistler bubble. Those who haven’t yet experienced it should change that as soon as possible. And maybe then you will remember my words. Either way, it eventually dawned on me: I had to get out of there, back to reality – away from the bike park, the crazy camping trips, and the wild nights – and dare to take the next step.
But how could I keep doing awesome shit, ride amazing trails, learn even more about bikes, and pursue the best sport in the world with new friends? The answer: be in the right place at the right time. Because while I was looking for the next step, ENDURO Magazine was also looking for someone who would take the risk and make the leap. We met during a more or less classic job interview, which, in the bike industry, means hitting the local trails. A common step towards an even better time, only that it’s no longer a temporary trip to Whistler, but a regular job. And I look forward to sharing this amazing time with you in the future, because that is the essence of why most of us love to ride.
Where you are today is the result of all the decisions and steps you’ve taken in the past, and what you do today determines where you’ll be in the future.
ENDURO is one of only a few globally relevant bike magazines, setting the worldwide standards for group tests and buyer’s guides. We also love reporting on trends, writing opinion pieces, providing inspiring trips, and sharing once-in-a-lifetime experiences. However, we’re always looking for ways to improve and go even bigger!
We have a lot of wild ideas and untapped potential, and we will continue to look outside the box. But I don’t want to spill the beans just yet, because where is the surprise in that? Let’s just say: It’s gonna be epic!
See you on the trail!
There are lots of exciting things to discover! Flick through our digital magazine, dig deeper and let us know what you think about it! We look forward to your feedback!
The highlights of this issue
- Trail-Bike ≠ Trail-Bike – 15 trail bikes in our big comparison test
- Big bike, bigger balls? – In search of airtime, adrenaline, and the best line in Whistler Bike Park.
- A critical moment for professional enduro racing? – Bad timing or misjudged development?
- How to: Whistler – Everything you need to know for a perfect trip to MTB mecca
- As good as new – What to look for when buying a used mountain bike
The latest ENDURO issue is available now in our free magazine app. If you haven’t installed our app yet, now’s your chance to download it for free in the App Store (iPhone / iPad), in the Play Store (Android smartphones & tablets) or on Amazon (Kindle). Our free, digital magazine is the centrepiece of our work and without a doubt the best way to experience our content, with interactive features as well as beautiful photography and videos all packed into a unique design. If you like our website, we’re sure you’ll love our magazine app.
By the way: the app even gives you access to all ENDURO back issues – hours upon hours of first-class content!
Below, we’ve put together a small selection of articles that you’ll find in the current issue.
Trail-Bike ≠ Trail-Bike
In our big 2024 trail bike group test, we crowned an unexpected winner, had a few pleasant surprises and also spotted a few lemons, which we would never recommend you buy! Our test field includes 15 of the most exciting trail bikes of the season – but what does it take to be the best and worst trail bike of the year?
Big bike, bigger balls?
How do you respond in critical situations? What life lessons can we learn from riding downhill? And what do a beer-fuelled idea and aliens have to do with Whistler Bike Park? We travelled to Canada with ROSE ambassador Bella Chen and the new ROSE SCRUB to hit big jumps and make big progress – risks and side effects included!
A critical moment for professional enduro racing?
What’s going on in the enduro scene? After a frustrating EDR racing season, factory teams are throwing in the towel, resulting in several pros ending up on the streets. The heavy atmosphere hanging over the sport is accompanied by rumours that the EDR will soon be coming to an end, at least as we know it. We spoke to team managers, racers and organisers to understand what’s really going on, and to find out whether enduro racing has had its day.
How to: Whistler
A trip to the iconic Whistler bike park is on the bucket list for most mountain bikers. After a few years living in the mountain bike mecca, and countless trips back since, our Whistler MTB Guide will give you practical tips, as well as insider knowledge that will help you plan and make the most of your trip.
As good as new
A Ferrari for the price of a Fiat Panda? That might be pushing it a bit. But if you want a lot of mountain bike for as little money as possible, the second-hand market is your best bet, though finding the right used bike can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. We hope that our guide to buying used bicycles will help you find the pre-loved bike of your dreams.
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words & Photos: Peter Walker
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