Shimano Deore XT M780 transmission

XT M780 IS now Shimano's oldest serving MTB gearset but it's still delivering shifting in a light, smooth and ultra durable format.

The rear mech comes in the regular Shadow version seen here or in Shadow Plus format with a chain-taming clutch for an extra tenner. Either way, the 3D formed SGS parallelograms give excellent stiffness and durability. The cartridge bearing jockey wheels last for ages too and the alloy cages can often be bent back after being mangled (unlike composite ones) yet the mech is still almost 50g lighter than the SLX equivalent.

The slick shifting 10-speed cassette carries most of the cogs on a lightweight alloy spider, saving 32g for only 12$, and the HG95 chain is a longevity benchmark. Shifting is sharper and faster than with SLX, with an extra gear (four, rather than three) per downshift too. Shifting can feel slightly indistinct compared to SRAM on rough trails but XT tolerates age and cable contamination much better.

The front trigger is dual directional, the shift indicator windows are removable and more kit is appearing that's compatible with Shimano's I-Spec combined clamps too. Shifters are available separately if you're planning on going 1x10.

WEIGHT 1,302g

FORMAT 2x10

PRICE 368$ (w/ Shadow mech)

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 >>

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.

READ MORE >>

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.

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 >>

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 >>

All Arround MTB

Search This Blog