Aerozine X-ONE crankset

AEROZINE’S SINGLE-RING set-up is great for lightweight riders looking for a cost-effective upgrade.

The X-ONE uses the same arms as their X12SL but with a single-piece spider/chainring (32 or 34t) mounted on the SRAM style splines. The broad forged crank arms get scooped backs and faceted outside faces with a durable red or black finish (the lettering rubs off quickly though). Reversible pedal inserts let you choose 170 or 175mm effective crank lengths (or 172.5mm if you buy extra inserts).

Concerns about creaking or loosening proved unfounded. Peak power flex from the narrow armed ‘spider’ undermines the adequately stiff arms though, and impacts are best avoided. The narrow-wide teeth also grind at cassette extremes.

Chainring 32t

Weight 555g

Options 24mm only, 68-73mm only, 1x/2x/3x, red/black

PRICE 223$

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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