Spiuk UHRA-M shoes

SHOES DON’T GET much simpler than Spiuk’s Uhra-M but what there is of it is really well done. The rounded-edge sole gets moulded-in toe studs for extra grip and the compound is soft enough not to skate around on rocks. Stiffness is OK for power pedalling without making you walk like a penguin too.

Plasticky toe and heel bumpers protect your feet from flying rocks. The same tough material is used for the two generous Velcro straps that control fit, and the patent leather effect finish transfers pedalling torque OK and cleans up like new.

Big mesh toe panels mean the shoes are cold and wet in winter but dry and cool in summer. You get thick winter insoles and thinner summer ones included though, which is a nice touch given the affordable price.

Weight 838g

Sizes 37-47

PRICE: 114$

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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