We headed down to Stainburn Forest for Stif‘s 2013 annual mountain bike demonstration day. Packed with loads of brand new bikes to try out, refreshments, mechanics on hand and fellow bikers, we were in mountain biking heaven.

Stif’s Facebook call to arms
How the Stif Cycles demo day works
With demo days, you can’t book slots for bikes. You just turn up, queue for the bike you want and ride when the last guy returns it after his run. In addition to bringing a helmet (no helmet-no ride), you’ll need to bring photo ID and a matching bank card. These are held as insurance so you don’t cycle away should you love your demo model.
Stif usually have their demo days at the forest commission run Stainburn Forest in North Yorkshire. It’s a great place to test a new all mountain bike with some of the most demanding single track in the UK. You’ll definitely be able to put your demo through its paces.
Thanks to the short, technical nature of the trails there’s plenty of time to try out different bikes throughout the day. With 26, 27.5 and 29ers on offer it’s a great opportunity to see which size wheel is suited to your riding style.

Mechanics on hand

Queuing to ride one of the Santa Cruz bikes
Manufacturers and bike models available:
Santa Cruz
• Nomad 27.5
• Bronson 27.5
• Heckler 27.5
• Tallboy 29
Banshee
• Rune 26
• Prime 29
Orange
• Five 29
• Five AM 29
Juliana
• Furtado 27.5
• Joplin 29
Trek
• Remedy 29
Cube
• AMS 100 29
Support from:
• Halo Wheels
• One Industries

Free, delicious burgers
Our Final Thoughts
If you haven’t been to a demo day before, you are missing out. You’ll get the chance to test ride some of the newest (and most expensive) bikes available each year. Even if you’re not planning on buying one, it’s great to get a feel for different types of bike and riding disciplines. Thanks again guys, looking forward to see you all next year!
We leave you with some photos from the day.

Trek Remedy 29

Stif flying the flag

Orange Five 29

Juliana Furtado 27.5 and Joplin 29

Juliana Bicycles Tent

Banshee Rune

A selection of Cube 100 AMS 29s
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