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$

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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Nukeproof Vector AM Comp Cro-Mo saddle

The Vector AM is pretty race focused, with minimal padding. There’s a deep (if narrow) pressurerelief channel to keep the blood flowing where it’s meant to. Used with bib shorts, we found it pretty comfortable for shorter rides and suffered no pain or discomfort in the central region. On steep climbs the slightly downturned nose provides a reasonable forward perch, while the svelte profile and smooth edges make it particularly unobtrusive when moving about on the descents. It’s quite stiff though, and can feel harsh on long rides or bumpy ground. We definitely wouldn’t want to spend much time on it without a chamois. It’s heavier than we’d expect for such a lightly padded perch too. There’s a lighter Pro version with titanium rails for $105, but at 241g it’s only 10g lighter. Weight 251g Price $67

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GT Zaskar Evolution

While some bike models last just a couple of years, others change with the times to stay at the top of riders’ wishlists. In the second part of this series looking at the evolution of bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders, we turn to the GT Zaskar – a bike that was at the forefront of our sport for a long time and still has plenty of appeal today.

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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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All Arround MTB

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