Deputy Editor's Picks: Georgina von Marburg's favourite things from 2022
The year is almost over - here's Georgina's take on the best bits.
2022 is drawing to a close, and it's been a pretty big year here at AMB. Our Deputy Editor Georgina von Marburg pulled a list together of her highlights for the year.
Fox Women’s Ranger 3.0L Water Jacket
Just as 2021 was characterised by COVID-19, 2022 has been characterised by La Nina. The wet deluge of misery has engulfed the entire continent this year with record rainfalls. Australian riders have transitioned from masters of the dust, to seasoned experts of mud. But if it weren’t for the Fox Ranger Water jacket, I may have missed this transition altogether.
This trusty jacket from Fox has seen plenty of wear and tear this year. Its heavy-duty exterior combined with rider-specific fit and features has kept me dry and shredding in the worst conditions. And because of its sleek and minimalist design, it’s even seen a few outings to the pub.
RRP: $169.95
Our full waterproof jacket group test is right here.
Shingleback Off Road Sport Rack
Shingleback has been dominating the market of vertical bike racks since the inception of its tried and tested Classic rack. But with advancements in rack technology and know-how, combined with various new competitors, the Classic was in desperate need of an update.
2022 heralded the Boost and Sport racks, and these new additions had very little in common with their old sibling save the iconic orange bungees. The Sport rack is the more affordable of the pair, offering every upgrade imaginable save the Boost's gas strut. With improved cradles and adjustability to suit nearly every bike or car imaginable, it’s safe to say the SPORT rack has revolutionised the vertical rack game.
RRP: From $2190
Looking for a rack? Don't miss our 8-rack Vertical Bike Rack Group Test
Mt Buller, Victoria
Let’s be honest: in recent years, Mt Buller has been sidelined in conversations around alpine resorts. For some years, its trail network remained stuck in time, while other resorts grew alongside new technology and styles of mountain bikes. But in 2022, Buller has lifted its game in a bid to become a serious rival to its big mountain siblings.
With the help of the esteemed Contour Works and TrailScapes, Mt Buller’s entire network has been revitalised. The tracks are wider, the berms are higher, and the gravity pulls harder in this new and modern bike park. While still retaining its raw wilderness and alpine awe, Buller 2.0 will be making new fans and drawing back old ones.
Planning a trip to Victoria's high country? We put together the 5 best descents you must ride.
Crankbrothers F15 TLD Edition Multitool
AMB’s Multitool Group Test was one of the largest group tests and the most interesting to date. I had never paid much thought to multitools, but when given this task, I realised there were so many fine details which could make or break these humble companions. Across 15 different multitools of various brands, shapes, and sizes, I finally decided upon one which stood above the rest.
Crankbrothers have long been renowned for their multitools, but the F15’s sleek design and satisfying ‘clunk’ as it slipped into the magnetic holster made it a pleasure to use. It was the perfect size for any pocket, and the in-built leverage meant the chain breaker worked each and every time. If I was stuck on an MTB desert island, this is the tool I would take with me.
We the Riders Slayer Pants
While it was released well after our AMB Trail Pants Group Test, We the Rider’s Slayer Pants would have been a force for competitors to contend with. Pants are definitely in vogue this year, with riders preferencing the protection and steez they offer, even in the hotter months.
The Slayer pants are Aussie brand’s We the Riders first attempt at pants, and they knocked this product out of the bike park. With a tapered fit, zippered pockets, reinforced panels, elastic cuffs, and ratchet closure – all for just $149.95 – we are going to be seeing these pants everywhere in the months to come.
Piper Albrecht – 2022 AMB Photographer of the Year
Mountain bike photography is an incredibly niche and highly competitive industry. Being a magazine, we get to select numerous images every issue amongst a sea of options. As our sport draws more and more viewers, every angle and scene has been captured time and time again, and it’s increasingly difficult to come across photos which feel original. The AMB Photography Awards presented by Shimano are a way to celebrate photography in mountain biking, with a number of categories to enter and an overall winner each year.
This year, Piper gifted us a visual breath of fresh air. His unique style, founded upon a sophisticated use of light and shade, deservedly won him Photographer of the Year. From World Cups to Crankworx, Piper’s dedication to his craft is unquestionable and the results are beautiful. If you haven’t come across his work yet, you soon will!
