RockShox Pike RCT3 fork

This year’s lineup of forks is as outstanding as its bikes. Still, our testers found favorites in each, and the RockShox Pike was prevalent on both lists. This 35-millimeter-stanchion darling was introduced last year, and it has become more than just a hot upgrade. Given the range of bikes that come with Pikes nowadays, it may become the new standard across a variety of shred-worthy platforms.

The technology that gives the Pike its remarkable plushness stems from the damping cartridge that reliably carries more of the rider’s weight, requiring less air pressure to achieve proper sag, thus achieving a smoother ride. At barely 4 pounds, the Pike is versatile for 29-inch trail bikes, 650b all-mountain monsters, 26-inch dirt jumpers and even on one cross-country bike at the Bible. The whole package is stiff enough to out-steer any single-crown fork.

The RCT3 offers quick access to a frm pedaling mode or even frmer lock out, but most riders will rarely stray from the silky smooth wide-open setting. The low-speed compression knob does much to keep the Pike from diving under aggressive riders. Those who want more tunability can dial in progressivity with internal volume spacers.

The skin around this impressive fork may be the best part. The all-black, thickboned Pike looks as solid as it feels.

PRICE 980$ - 1085$

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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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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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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All Arround MTB

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