Avid Code R brakes

AVID’S COMBINATION OF XC lever and DH brake has become a cult hero among gravity addicts, and for good reason. The pivot geometry of the Elixir lever gives it great feel and communication, as well as a genuine boost in perceived power. There’s no bite point adjust but reach adjust is tool-free and shared mount syncing with shifters/remotes is seamless.

Despite the bulky looking calliper, actual power isn’t massive, but the long pads and twin cylinders either side give great control and suck up serious heat without a problem. It’s surprisingly light, given its chunky looks, and the hose exit rose is sandwiched inside the calliper for complete crash-proofing.

The brake-only option is reasonable at 187S, but rotors and mounts cost a ton so shop around.

WEIGHT 429g

POWER 100Nm

PRICE: 272$

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.

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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.

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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

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