VALENCIA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Following Jim “Mac” McIlvain’s announcement last week that he was stepping down as editor of Mountain Bike Action magazine, publisher Hi-Torque Publications has promoted MBA assistant editor Mike Wirth to the editor’s chair at the title.
Wirth is a 16-year veteran in the cycling industry. He joined MBA four years ago after working for Fox Racing Shox and Titus Cycles, where he served as a key account manager and field technician. He has also run the service departments for several retailers in Boulder, Colorado.
“I am very excited to take over the reins of this great title,” said Wirth. “MBA has always been the ‘rider’s magazine,’ giving readers the most comprehensive reviews and information on the products they’re looking to buy. We’re riders here, too, and we want our readers to understand what works well on the trail. I am very proud to have been given this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to utilizing my blend of retail, product, technical andriding expertise to continue to deliver the very best content to our readers.”
McIlvain posted on his Facebook page Friday, July 18, that he was leaving Hi-Torque — where he had worked for 20 years, including 13 as editor of MBA — over the publisher’s decision to include coverage of electric bikes in the mountain bike title. Hi-Torque also publishes a separate e-bike consumer title, Electric Bike Action.
In addition to Wirth’s new role, Hi-Torque also announced Wednesday that Road Bike Action editor and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame inductee Zapata Espinoza has been promoted to oversee all three of the company’s bicycle titles.
