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$

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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Chromag HiFi 35 (50mm) stem

This is a seriously solid stem. Chromag use 5mm Allen bolts throughout, which makes it that bit easier to fit because you don’t have to swap tools. Once torqued up to the recommended 6-8Nm, it clamps both steerer and bar solidly, with no appreciable flex. We couldn’t get it to twist on the steerer, either in our static test or when riding. It’s also available in a 35mm length and three other colours. At 204g the HiFi is the heaviest stem on test by some margin, despite being one of the more expensive offerings here. Price $112

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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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All Arround MTB

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