BBB AquaShield winter gloves

SO GOOD

The theme here is definitely warmth and the BBBs are oven-like in that department. They're extremely waterproof too and the elasticated cuffs further seal in the heat. The AquaShields also walk away with the coveted award for softest snot wipe on test. At this price, they represent great value too.

NO GOOD

As with the Enduras there's an unwelcome gel pad across the top of the palm, but here it's much thinner, so it's easier to grip the bar. The elasticated cuffs are a big chink in the AquaShields' waterproof armour, and the lining is easy to pull out of place when removing the gloves.

PRICE 55$

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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