Bliss Vertical kneepads

Bliss makes a wide range of protection and these kneepads are a decent choice for all-day trail riding with occasional crashes thrown in.

The protective element is a thin three-piece section of flexible but shock absorbing Armourgel in a Kevlar-reinforced pocket. The twin strap Neoprene sleeve is secure and open behind the knee and mesh above and below for reduced sweating. The result is a light, comfortable pad that fits okay under looser three-quarters. They're CE standard too, but thin protection means we'd choose something sturdier if you're a regular soil sampler.

Good lightweight trail protection, but regular crashers will need more.

PRICE 110$

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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