CamelBak Rogue hydration pack

SO GOOD... The Rogue represents a brilliant middle ground between trail and race packs. Built around one of CamelBak’s brilliant (2l) bladders, it’s minimal in size but still offers two external pockets and a larger stowage space, which can be tightened down. The result is a pack that can handle all but the longest excursions.

NO GOOD...We liked the lightweight, breathable straps but they can’t compete with the security of a full harness – though they do make the Rogue more comfortable on longer rides.

Price 90$

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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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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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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