Mavic Crossmax Enduro shoes

MAVIC’S BRIGHT YELLOW Crossmax is certainly the most recognisable boot available but it’s also seriously aspirational.

The Contragrip sole is grippy and surefooted on all terrain without catching on bigger caged pedals. The dual-density insole keeps you feeling connected but boosts comfort on otherwise foot-bruising rocky descents. Serious pedal stiffness means you can snap up to speed and the sole doesn’t flop over the pedals even when you’re grinding uphill.

The toe bumper, firm heel cup and carefully constructed upper give a super-secure but never numb fit even before you tighten the lace lock under the tongue and crank up the Ergo Lite ratchet. The raised cuff boosts protection from flying rocks and crank/stay clouts and the shoe lasts well too.

Weight 940g

Sizes 36-48

PRICE: 233$

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>