Hope Crankset

Hope Technology has been working its “eternal crank project” for years. Not content with the conventional system of a tapered spindle to hold the crank arm in place, Hope engineers developed an expanding spline axle/arm interface intended to improve longevity and stiffness. Their use of Finite Element Analysis during development claims to ensure long-term durability and minimal weight – our sample weighed 587g with no chainring or bottom bracket versus Shimano M9000 XTR at 472g.

The 30mm axle works with Hope’s range of bottom brackets, enabling compatibility most standards. Axle options are available for downhill and fat bikes too. The splined mounting system accommodates direct mount chainrings, as well as traditional single or multi-ring setups via an adaptor. Tough and versatile, they should keep you going for years.

PRICE 322$

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.

READ MORE >>

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.

READ MORE >>

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

READ MORE >>