Superstar Ryde Edge 28 wheels

At 2112g the Superstars are the heaviest, but then they're also the cheapest by far. Ryde's 32-hole Edge rims are a cheaper evolution of its similarly asymmetric Trace hoops, and while not amazingly light - a claimed 545g - the result offers 3mm extra width over Superstar's identically-hubbed DS25-rimmed set, for no extra weight.

That 3mm might not sound much, but it bolsters high-volume tyres against flopping and rolling under cornering. The extra grip (for little straight-line drag) from any given tyre is noticeable over typical 21-23mm rims.

The hubs are Superstar's excellent Switch Ultras, which convert easily to any axle or

cassette, while spokes are Sapim and bearings are from SKS.

A high-value, versatile entryto wide rims, but heavy.

Inner width 28mm

Tubeless Yes

Sizes 26in, 650b, 29in

Weight 985g (F), 1127g (R)

PRICE 360$

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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COMMENCAL EL CAMINO 3

Commencal are going from strength to strength at the moment and they’ve taken their tough trail hardtail bang up to date with 650b wheels. With its skinny rims, crankset and fork, the El Camino certainly isn’t perfect and it’s the least hardcore bike here. The handling, smoothness, speed and all-round agility of the basic bike still make it a real blast for technical trail riding though, and it’s a great base for upgrading over time.

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Merida Big Seven 100

We've rolled up to our local woods, with a meandering blue trail, some natural wooded tracks and a bit of fire road chucked into the mix to see how the Big Seven 100 tackles trails that entry-level riders are likely to cut their teeth on.

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Gusset Magnum stem

SO GOOD Gusset’s 50mm stem is nicely CNC machined from 7075 alloy and the faceplate and internal steerer clamp are available in a range of five anodised colours to complement the black body. The hidden steerer clamp keeps sharp edges to a minimum and removes stress from the body of the stem. Out on the bike, the stem proved flex free and bombproof.

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Marzocchi 55 CR fork

MARZOCCHI’S 650B/27.5IN fork wasn’t ready for testing, but the 55CR is a hard riding 26in bargain.

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All Arround MTB

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