Brodie Bikes has been around since 1986, when Canadian Paul Brodie started custom-building steel frames, pausing only to pioneer the sloping top tube design now found on, ooh, everything. These days the Brodie range is a sizable one, covering hardtails and full suspension bikes for racing, marathons, freeride, DH, general tootling about, going to the shops and all sorts.

Canadian bikes are popular in the UK, and for good reason - both countries experience considerable quantities of wetness, and bikes that work well in Canada tend to work well here too. It's good news, then, that Brodie bikes will now be available in the UK through Progressive Bikes.

Progressive's Simon Wilson says: "Brodie are little known in the UK, having spent most of the time hidden away on the demanding trails and bike parks of Canada and the US, but that's about to change. I think their bikes are ideally suited to the UK, with an eye on good design, reliability in the most extreme of riding situations and above all fun to ride."

The full range will be available, although prices are to be confirmed. Progressive has a demo fleet available for test rides, too. With any luck we'll get our own sticky mitts on one of those soon... In the meantime, have a look at www.progressive-bikes.co.uk.