SQlab 611 active TiTube saddle

By far the longest in the test, the Active MTB allows plenty of real estate to move around on–something that might come in handy for some riders on longer slogs. The Active MTB also incorporates a very aggressive down step from back to front, which is meant to relieve pressure as well as provide a sort of buttress to push against on steep climbs.

At first, I found the step-down awkward and had a difficult time settling into a comfortable spot, but after some time I grew to really like the feel and added pressure relief the step-down provided. In addition to the step-down, the tail sways side to side a bit in order to follow the rocking of the hips while pedaling. I’m not sure how much this added to the overall comfort, but it was detectable. Most importantly, this flex didn’t make any noise. Its long length can make it tough to maneuver the bike around underneath you, so I’d recommend this saddle for riders who would rather go out on all-day epics than launch their nearest road gap. The Active MTB is available in 130, 140 and 150 millimeter widths.

PRICE 189$

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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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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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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