Forcefield EX-K elbow pads

FORCEFIELD’S EX-K PADS are CE level 2 certified, making them some of the toughest arm defenders you can buy. They’re pre-curved, have two robust retaining straps and a mesh sock over the lower arm to hold them in place. Protection is provided by Forcefield’s heat-activated Evo Nitrex armour (think a stiffer version of D3O) and the foam backing is perforated for improved breathability.

In theory the pads sound great, but in practice, things aren’t so clear cut. The EX-Ks look pretty dated and they’re so big that we struggled to get them under our jersey sleeves. While the armour itself provides decent protection, glancing blows made the pads move around our arms, despite the substantial straps and slightly baggy mesh sock. They’re also so rigid that they’re not that comfortable to wear, and they’re expensive too.

Price 105$

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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