Mavic Crossmax LS jersey

OUT OF THE box (or off the hanger), the Crossmax looks fairly basic in terms of styling and the relatively thick fabric feels like it’ll be hot to wear.We mentally tagged it as one to keep for cooler days. But out on the bike on the warmest day of the year so far, it slurped up moisture like a dream.

That means that although you get the more protective feel of a heavier weight fabric, you don’t get the associated heat build-up. Or the smell. Lighter weight mesh panels under the arms add to the cooling effect, as does a relaxed (but not sloppy) fit.

Finally – and yes, we know it’s a small detail – the Crossmax has cuffs that actually stay up when you push them up. You’d be surprised how often they don’t...

PRICE 84$

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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