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$

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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