Shimano Deore M610 transmission

IT'S GREAT TO watch technology shunt all the way down a price range over time and the Deore group now delivers all of Shimano's 2x10 durability and chain security features at a pocket money price.

The rear mech comes in the standard Shadow format seen here or a clutch equipped Shadow Plus version for only 7$ more if you're a chain rattling hooligan. While the faceplate and lower knuckle have cosmetic differences, the outer cage, jockey wheels, inner parallelogram/actuator arm and direct mount compatible upper knuckle are all identical to trail-tough SLX.

The light-action trigger levers, lower body and shift throw are identical too, and while SLX feels slightly sharper on the workbench, the difference is barely noticeable out on the trail. The shift windows can't be removed though, which is handy for beginners but makes them look more Early Learning Centre than enduro.

The HG54 chain isn't quite as slick shifting as SLX in grim conditions or over time either, and the non-spider cassette is a big chunk of weight that's worth upgrading to SLX or XT if you can. Overall Deore is only 31g heavier than SLX despite being Ј44 cheaper though, and still definitely the most cost effective gearing here by far.

WEIGHT 1,439g

FORMAT 2x10

PRICE 228$ (w/ Shadow mech)

Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

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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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Chromag HiFi 35 (50mm) stem

This is a seriously solid stem. Chromag use 5mm Allen bolts throughout, which makes it that bit easier to fit because you don’t have to swap tools. Once torqued up to the recommended 6-8Nm, it clamps both steerer and bar solidly, with no appreciable flex. We couldn’t get it to twist on the steerer, either in our static test or when riding. It’s also available in a 35mm length and three other colours. At 204g the HiFi is the heaviest stem on test by some margin, despite being one of the more expensive offerings here. Price $112

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CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

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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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All Arround MTB

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