Azonic Wicked pedals

SO GOOD

At just 324g, the Wickeds are the lightest pedals on test. The 95mm wide platform offers a decent amount of support, while the shallow 9mm depth helps with ground clearance on bikes with low bottom brackets.

NO GOOD

The short, stout pins don’t do the best job of digging into the soles of your shoes. Add the fact that the centre of the pedal is higher than the outer edge of the platform, and it can be a struggle to keep your feet on when the trail gets rough. We also found that our sole rubbed against the stationary end cap of the pedal axle while riding, causing an annoying squeak.

PRICE 130$

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 >>