SRAM X7 transmission

X7 IS THE cheapest way to get most of SRAM's latest 10-speed mech and shifter updates and it's a positive, secure set-up for fans of double or triple chainrings.

The 89$ Type 2 rear mech costs 22$ more than a standard X7 mech. That gets you a tension-increasing clutch spring to tame the chain on rough descents though. You also get SRAM's cunning Cage Lock latch, which takes the clutch out of the equation for easy wheel removal/insertion. The steel inner cage and linkages make it tougher than more expensive semi-composite SRAM mechs too.

The front mech works OK and comes in a full range of formats, and the PG-1050 cassette is reasonably robust and clean shifting. The PC-1050 chain comes with a handy PowerLink for easy joining too.

The twin-position shifter mount is compatible with all the usual SRAM MatchMaker combo mounts for fork, shock and dropper seatpost remotes. The metal thumb lever drives a solid downshift that helps overcome the extra clutch resistance too.

Unfortunately, the pivots and jockey wheels wear more quickly and overall shifting degrades significantly faster in filthy conditions than with Shimano's XT transmission kit, which is the closest match for X7 in terms of both weight and price.

WEIGHT 1,300g

FORMAT 2x10

PRICE 344$ (w/ Type 2 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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