Author James Costley-White
James Costley-White

James Costley-White

Group editor, Mountain Biking UK and Cycling Plus

James is the group editor of the best-selling magazines Mountain Biking UK and Cycling Plus, and their associated digital editions and websites. He has worked on MBUK since 2013, became editor in 2019 and took over at Cycling Plus in 2024. An NCTJ-qualified senior journalist with a postgraduate diploma from Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture, JCW joined the cycling media world in 2012. Previously, he’d worked as a reporter and sub-editor on daily newspapers. After a stint as operations editor on BikeRadar, he worked for Triathlon Plus and the ahead-of-its-time ChopMTB. JCW has been an avid cyclist his whole life, progressing from a Chopper-style Raleigh Commando to a Raleigh Sprint road bike before discovering mountain biking in 1992. Since then, he’s amassed a huge amount of knowledge and riding experience, in the UK and abroad. He can often be found riding the trails of South Wales on his latest long-term test bike or custom-built RAAW Jibb, hitting North Somerset cycle paths with his kids, scything down the Cheddar Gorge on his road bike or heading to work on his mutant e-commuter. As well as editing MBUK and Cycling Plus, JCW contributes regular product reviews and other articles.

  • Height: 6ft 2in (188cm)
  • Bike size: XL

Recent articles by James Costley-White

MBUK Rider of the Year 2024 – the wait is nearly over

A look at the incredible riders shortlisted for our coveted awards
more

Stanley FatMax Walltech Pro air compressor

Pricey but powerful tyre inflator that makes tubeless seating struggles a thing of the past
more

The anatomy of an electric mountain bike explained

Check out our eMTB jargon buster with all the key components and terminology explained
more

10 stand-out downhill bikes from the World Championship

We take a look at some of the most striking tech and paint schemes from Fort William
more

Stashed SpaceRail bike storage system review

A space-saving solution for storing your bikes
more

Amazfit GTR 4 smartwatch

Smart-priced cycling watch from Hong Kong brand
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Orbea Rise H10

Stripped-back electric bike that doesn’t sacrifice any of the fun factor
more

Amazfit GTR 3 Pro

Can this budget-friendly cycling watch compete with the big brands?
more

How to turn an old hardtail into a super commuter

Breathe new life into your old mountain bike with our handy guide
more

Specialized Gambit helmet

The big S isn’t playing games with its debut full-face enduro helmet
more

Brand-X Ascend XL dropper seatpost

Smooth, reliable and long dropper
more

Syncros Tailor IS 2.0HV storage cage

A complete on-bike tool storage solution for the backpack-averse
more

Exposure Diablo MK11 helmet light

One of the best helmet lights and mounts out there
more

OneUp Components V1 dropper post

Long-travel dropper for those short on frame space
more

Lezyne Mini GPS review

Small but with plenty of features
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Best cheap mountain bike upgrades

Updated: Small upgrades that make a big improvement to your riding
more

Fort William World Cup – New bikes and kit

Nukeproof Pulse, Orange 324 and Intense M16, plus Ohlins fork and more
more

Alpinestars Paragon knee pads review

Impressive budget protection
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OneUp RADr rear derailleur cage review

Novel solution to crawler cog blues
more

Race Face Turbine Cinch crankset review

Impressive new XC/trail cranks on the block
more

AbsoluteBlack 40t sprocket and lockring review

Crawler cog takes a different tack from the competition
more

Keela Stashaway Pro waterproof jacket review

Multipurpose outerwear
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OneUp Components 42t sprocket review

Give your legs a break on brutal climbs
more

Ergon BA3 Super Enduro backpack review

Enduro-focused pack
more