Most magazines do manufacturer influenced reviews with loads of genuine feedback. Some have sections/playlists/channels for technical stuff and skills too. Independent reviewers vary but some are just too good while others are noisy. Almost all of the independents and magazines are often very oriented to big/powerful, sporty bikes and for advanced riding skills. Very few cover stuff that noobies need to learn. A few do feature channels/playlists on skills and technical stuff. As someone who started riding more seriously 4 years ago, I found a lot of these helpful in building my skills and learning about the machines.
If there are channels you really like, please share them in the comments.
Vloggers/YoutTubers
- FortNine - One of the best, very fun, channels from an independent reviewer (who works for a Canadian gear seller) overing accessories, (sometimes) bikes and lots of topics around biking. Ryan does lots of nearly scientific tests covering tires, helmets, engine oil, chains etc. And the snark is good enough to attract even non-riders; proper Canadian without the “aye”.
- MCrider - a little pedantic in style but good to learn some of the fundamental skills
- YammieNoob - flashy, busy, noisy videos but sometimes does cover good fundamentals
- Itchy Boots - Dutch girl on a bike travels around the world
- English Biker Dan - name says it all... trying to get his name out there
- Ride & Roll - German lady, balanced, not noisy
Magazines
- Bike World - Brits who love everything Triumph, big bikes and other things. Chris Northcut is the star.
- Motorcyclist Magazine - has a nice “MC Garage” section for a lot of technical bike things... but the chap who did them has moved over to Revzilla?
- Brake Magazine - off roading focussed but loads of good basic skills even for roads
- Cycle World - Americano with a very nice older series (Ask Kevin) about the machines themselves. Also run most review bikes on their dynamometers (dyno’s) for power and torque curve tests.
- Revzilla - gear seller is now also featuring video reviews
