Nukeproof Electron Evo pedals

Our editor, Jon, is a big fan of these pedals. The high traction, wide platform and low price make it hard to argue with him on this particular occasion. The plastic body (technically a nylon reinforced composite) is not the biggest, but it’s set out from the crank by 15mm effectively widening the pedal, providing a broad and sure-footed platform. It houses 3 fixed plastic pins, along with 7 adjustable bottom-loading alloy ones per side. This allows you to tailor the level of grip to your needs.

We chose to run the adjustable pins at almost full extension for this test. When combined with the knurled outer edges of the axle housing, this adds up to a superb level of traction. Indeed, the grip provided by the Electron Evo was at least comparable with the far pricier Raceface Aeffect, but the broader platform made them feel a little more secure under back to back comparison. Despite this, they allowed the foot to be shifted around the pedal without issue. They spin on twin cartridge bearings, with a DU bushing sandwiched in between to help spread the load. A rubber seal keeps dirt and water getting in, and our set has lasted well over our extended test period. Available in six colour options, the price cements them as a test-winning bargain.

Grippy, broad and cheap: they may be plastic, but their performance is a class act

Weight 350g

Price 52$

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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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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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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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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All Arround MTB

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