Yep, today we’re celebrating a quarter of a century of Mountain Biking UK, and we’ve got a whole host of retro goodness to help us do that!

Let’s start with the outside! This month’s mag comes specially packaged in a collector’s edition box, and the cover pays homage to one of mountain biking’s true icons – Jason McRoy. JMC  was responsible for some of the most memorable shots that helped inspire a generation. We asked one of today’s most exciting talents, Josh Bryceland, to give us his take on some classic JMC moves and show how far ahead of his time he was… check out the one that made the cover on the left.

To mark the special occasion, we’re giving away a free 68-book that bring you the 100 Best Bits of Bike Bling Ever  - all the gear that’s shaped the way we ride. It was a real labour of love to put it together, and we’d love to know what you think. Did you own any of the retro products we featured? Have we missed any bit of classic kit? Let us know below, or via Facebook or Twitter.

It’s been a wild 25 years, and as part of the celebrations we’re looking back over the 25 best things we’ve ever done (from the loop of fire to Whistler Bike Park), and rounding up the 25 feats we’d like to do next.

The four biggest legends of mountain biking – Rob Warner, Will Longden, Martyn Ashton and Steve Peat – get together to look back over 25 years of MBUK, and the sport itself. Martyn even writes us a special column to commemorate this milestone!

We also look back at how the bikes we ride, the technology attached to them and the places we ride them have changed in that time (clue, a lot).

The dream bike that YOU helped build over on our Facebook and Twitter pages will be revealed – and we’ll be telling you how YOU can win it!

There’s a super special double-page edition of Mint Sauce, and look back at Steve Peat’s 1993 Kona Hei Hei and how it compares to his current Santa Cruz V10 in Super Bike.

The MBUK team reflect on the best bikes they’ve ‘owned’ in their time with MBUK, plus we test six very different steeds in an attempt to discover the best bike you can buy for £1,000. We also round up 15 sets of all-rounder wheels, try out six of the best trail saddles and review all the latest new MTB gear.

The Wrecking Crew hit the Malverns with Tracy Moseley and Dave Hemming, an area that’s steeped in MTB history, and the Big Ride guide takes us to Exmoor – one of the most underrated riding spots in the country.

And don’t think we’ve forgotten about you! There’s a special Readers’ Rides gallery showing a ton of the retro photos you sent us – and the ones we couldn’t fit in the mag will be featured right here on this blog next week!

Get your copy today, and don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate MBUK’s 25th anniversary!

To read the full First Ride reviews, check out MBUK 291, on sale 31 May.

There’s all sorts of good stuff in MBUK 287. Here’s a few highlights…

Best buy full suspension bikes – which gives you the best performance at a bargain price?

First rides on the Ragley Marley, Scott Gambler 10 and Giant Anthem X 29er 1.

How to stay in control – be a pilot, not a passenger, with these skills and drills to keep you in charge on the trail.

New rides! Big Ride route around the Malvern Hills, and a Wrecking Crew ride around Kinlochleven.

Best holiday ever? Cal Jelley takes the ultimate tour of Northern California to ride the birthplaces of mountain biking!

Snow Patrol! Ric puts fat bikes to the test in the wintry Scottish Highlands.

The Coastal Crew – you’ll want their jobs once you’ve read our feature!

We meet the Coastal Crew – the mountain bikers, film-makers and photographers with the most enviable jobs in the world!

The plans for BikePark Wales are revealed – we’ve spoken to the developers and it’s looking amazing!

Awesome shots of the Athertons going massive on home turf!

15 sets of disc brakes tested – which are the superior stoppers?

Plus you get a free karabiner keyring and pull-out route maps!

MBUK 287 is in the shops now – or why not subscribe so you never miss an issue?

Fat bikes – just another fad? Ric finds out in the Highlands

Hannah Barnes shows the Wrecking Crew around her favourite Kinlochleven trails

First rides: We’re in the saddle of the big-wheeled Scott Genius, Genesis’s first full susser – the Grapil – and Trek’s Cobia to bring you our first impressions

Do materials matter? We consider how what your frame’s made from, whether it’s steel, titanium, aluminium or carbon, affects your ride.

Bike test: We test six 26in-wheeled full sussers that won’t break the bank

Group test: Want to build your own truly custom steed? We test 10 tasty hardtail frames

Ride Guide: We’re discovering the delights of the South Downs on three rides to suit all abilities.

Plus the usual mix of news, reviews, tech advice and loads more… On sale now!

Wales is quickly buliding a reputation as the must-visit place for all serious mountain bikers to head to. In MBUK 278 we celebrate some of the newest and most exciting, along with well-established and varied riding destinations that Wales has to offer

Doddy and co get a sneak preview of of the awesome new downhill and freeride trails at Blaenau Ffestiniog‘s new downhill and freeride centre, Antur Stiniog.

The man behind some of your favourite Welsh trails, Rowan Sorrell reveals what goes into designing and building new trails. Plus! Inside info on Bike Park Wales, and brand new bike park opening in Gethin at the end of 2013.

We show you how to drop off and hop up and over trail obstacles so that your riding never loses its flow, as well as providing training plans, advice and work-outs to help you do that, with the men behind Pro Ride Guides, Joe and Alex Rafferty.

There’s also a ton of new gear tested, including a grouptest of 15 pairs of riding shorts, four alpine-ready all-rounder full sus bikes and six of the best clipless pedals.

We also go on a Big Ride to Arbroath in East Scotland, and the Wrecking Crew visit Reeth in Yorkshire.

All this, and you get a free maintenance DVD and four free pull-out route maps!

MBUK 278 is in the shops now – or why not subscribe and never miss an issue?

Get the lowdown in the video below and in MBUK 276 – on sale now!