MET Veleno helmet

Looking more like a 'normal' off-road helmet, the Veleno isn't as well ventilated as the others here, or as light. The cutaway section at the front is also quite severe, resulting in a slightly cooler forehead, but one that also feels more exposed to impacts.

The retention system is remarkably similar to Giro's Roc Loc, and the cutouts down the centre of the straps expose just a little more skin to that cooling breeze.

What we did like were the gel pads that sit at the front of the helmet, just above your eyebrows. They prevent sweat from running into your eyes, but they don't become smelly sweat sponges, as normal pads have a tendency to do.

Well fitting but doesn’t quite offer the ventilation or coverage we’d hope for.

Weight 305g (M)

Sizes M (54-57cm), L (58-61cm)

Colours Cyan, white, black, yellow, orange

Price 135$

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>