When I first got into mountain biking/trail riding I picked up the first issue of Bike and thought it was great. I got a subscription for a few years and read every issue front to back. Eventually I just stopped riding and life, work and other hobbies took over, but now I am getting back into it so I figured I would check out the magazine selection. I just bought my first issue of Bike this past month and feel its alright, good photography but the articles leave something to be desired. I did like the MBA copy I got and would probably subscribe to it if I decide to subscribe to one. It seemed to have more info packed into it. I Also picked up a copy of Dirt Rag which needs more content.
One thing I can't get over is the price of the bikes being reviewed. Since 1995 or so it seems like they jumped quite a bit, also have more technology built into them. I still love my 1995 Stumpjumper, but those full suspension rigs put it to shame.