Don’t miss the Cycle show of the year, taking place at Earls Court London from 9-12 October.

Dirt readers will receive a special discount, check out and booking code for Dirt readers.

Head now to www.cycleshow.co.uk/DIRT to book your specially discounted ticket.

Enter the promotional code DIRT when prompted

Here’s some of the highlights:

Mountainbike Test Track: The great out doors, indoors

Since its introduction in 2005 the mountainbike test track has been one
of the most popular features of Cycle each year, attracting hundreds to
take a sneak preview of what they’ll be wanting to hit the trails with
the following year. Having moved indoors in 2006 for the first time,
this years Mountainbike Test Track returns bigger than ever and for the
first time this year will feature it’s very own Swiss mountain!

Also returning for 2008 are Volvo who were a sponsor of the track in
2007 and who will again be offering everyone who visits the test track
the opportunity to win prizes, book a test drive or just check out some
of the cars in the Volvo which are perfect for all the needs of your
average dirt lover.

New sponsor on the block for the 2008 test track is Tyrol, which is
where the Swiss mountain comes into the picture. Whether its receding
glaciers and global warming or just a general realization that
mountainbikers make the place look nice, Tyrol are after your euros and
want you to come and check out their mountains, so they’re building a
little one in Earls Court, and if you like what you see, they’ll tell
you where to go!

Sponsorship aside (and we’re really grateful to Volvo & Tyrol, who are
paying for our fun after all!) it’s the bikes that really get us
interested where the test track is concerned and once again there are
some stunning bits of kit on offer this year.

Shimano Saint Groupset

Introduced recently the Shimano Saint groupset is the set up for
free-ride fans and anyone who is looking for a robust bullet proof
transmission for their bike. Whilst a few items are in the shops already
this will be an early opportunity to see the equipment in its entirety.

Entertainment galore:

The new Cycle 08 Arena brings together the trials feature and the
fashion stage from previous shows to create a single entertainment area
that will be the hub of activity at the show. The creation of this
multipurpose arena has enabled the addition of BMX demonstrations to the
impressive show line-up. The riders who will be wowing the public
throughout the show are:

Martyn Ashton

Ryan Elcock

Bob Manchester

Matt Priest

Chris Smith

Scott the Punk

Additionally, the Cycle Arena will feature appearances by members of the
Atherton family and World Championship winner Gee’s Custom Commencal
bike.

Strong Bike Brand Line-up

As always at Cycle there is a fantastic line-up of bike brands at the
show, this year Canondale will make their first appearance at Earls
Court whilst Scott, Specialized, GT, Mongoose, BMC, and Felt alone would
make this a great value for money day out for any off-road aficionado.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

One of the great reasons for visiting Cycle each year is the array of
brands and the range and depth of product you get to see under one roof.
It’s rare to find a shop that has the space to carry all the products
that the individual brands are exhibiting at the show, making this a
great opportunity to really immerse yourself in some fantastic product.
This years brand line-up once again impresses with the list of apparel
brands including the new range from Mavic, the latest product from Gore
and Endura and also some rare opportunities to see brands such as Ground
Effect from New Zealand who are travelling to exhibit at the show.

On the componentry front Hope, Shimano, Magura and USE are just a few of
the names that will once again bring their latest and best to the show.
At this time of the year it’s always exciting to see just how much
brightness and battery life the likes of USE and Hope have managed to
cram into their latest models as they literally light up the show.

At a time of year when the dark nights have come and armchair cycling
and fantasy bike building are the order of the day, Cycle 08 is a great
place to catch up with old friends, see some of the stars of the sport
and plan for next year in the company of some of the best brands in the
sport.

Cycle Show 2008