Bontrager RXL Convertible 180 jacket

THE FIRST IMPRESSION of the Bontrager softshell is that it’s cut for movement – it’s longer at the back, with a gripper to keep it all in place, and the generously long sleeves ensure that when you shift back, the jacket doesn’t shift up.

Off the bike the front looks short, but ignore this, because once riding the cut is perfect and, combined with the other features, underlines the long-ride comfort of the RXL. Soft inner cuffs feel that bit nicer against your skin and if you’re a thumb loops fan it has those too.

The real bonus, though, is sleeves that zip off, giving you a gilet too. These are easily stuffed into one of the three back pockets. These are open, not zipped, so splash warnings apply, but we’d live with that for the versatility of this jacket.

Price 180$

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

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SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

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