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)

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

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DRC X-Monitor SP1 lap timer

While smartphone apps such as Strava can be a useful way to keep tabs on your mountain bike rides, sometimes you just can’t beat the simplicity and instant feedback that a good old-fashioned stopwatch style lap timer provides.

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Scott Stego MIPS helmet

Scott’s top-end aggressive trail helmet is only available with MIPS, as the Swiss brand were early adopters of the system. The EPS extends low at the rear without clashing with the retention system and the strap attachment points are external to the liner, maximising the amount of material around the temples. This is the closest-fitting helmet on test, with very little clearance inside the liner. Despite this, and although the Stego has fewer vents than some other lids here, we never felt too hot-headed. Scott spent time developing the ventilation system using a wind tunnel and it seems to have paid off. The thin pads don’t offer quite as much comfort as some competitors’, and while the short peak is removable, it doesn’t offer any height adjustment. Weight 340g Sizing S, M, L Price $180

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SANTA CRUZ NOMAD

Santa Cruz’s new enduro focused dream bike While the Santa Cruz Bronson has been causing a commotion on the enduro scene as one of the lighter and more capable bikes, the Californian company have been working on something better suited to the more gravity orientated courses.

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Fulcrum Red Power XL wheels

THESE WHEELS CERTAINLY don't look like some of the cheapest on test, and the adjustable-preload bearings are some of the smoothest and longest lived at any price.

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All Arround MTB

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