Airace Infinity ST Track Pump

SO GOOD…
There’s no harm in having a long hose, and the Infinity’s is the longest in this test. It leads to a ‘smart’ head that automatically adjusts to work with either valve type. The head is big and easy to grip, with a decent length lever that provides a secure grip on valves. There’s a bleed nipple for easy pressure regulation.

NO GOOD…
Despite a large body, the Infinity ST doesn’t pump out huge volumes of air. The base’s flat bottom means that any lumps in the floor reduce stability. With the gauge going up to 240psi, it’s tricky to get an accurate reading – you have to aim for a segment of the dial about 20 degrees wide.

25 strokes to 30psi

PRICE: 84$

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

READ MORE >>

SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

The alloy Airbuster has a large knob so you can regulate the flow of gas, a mechanical stop to prevent the cartridge being pierced in transit and a dust cap to keep the valve free of debris. While it works with Presta and Schrader valves, switching between them requires a fiddly change of the valve head. The thin rubber sleeve doesn’t provide much protection from cold spent canisters. You can’t insert much of the valve into the inflator head, so you have to be careful to avoid leaks. Price $33 w/16g cartridge

READ MORE >>

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>