Lazer Z1 helmet

Lazer's Zl is the lightest helmet here. It's also, by a fair margin, the most expensive, at just a penny under 300$.

Aimed at focused racers, it includes a clear, aerodynamic plastic cover for when every fraction of a second counts. The seemingly complex cradle gives a good, wrap-around fit that changes size at the sides as well as at the back of the head, and avoids uncomfortable pressure points.

With such a minimalist design, the ventilation was almost too effective for a chilly British February test period, but overall the Zl had little to offer that the cheaper Giro and MET helmets couldn't match, unless aerodynamics are a deal breaker.

Lightest and most aerodynamic on test, but still pricey.

Weight 225g

Sizes S, M, L

Colours White/red, black, black/blue, blue/silver, vanilla/grey, gold/white, orange/blue, black/silver, white/silver, flash black

Price 300$

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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